NCPCR rescued 2,300 children across India in six months: Official
Itanagar: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has said that in the past six months, it disposed of around 26,000 cases and rescued more than 2,300 children across the country. Division head for Juvenile Justice, POCSO and special cells of NCPCR, Paresh Shah, however, said that child rights violations are not mere Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
NCPCR rescues over 2,300 children in six months, calls for stronger monitoring and awareness
ITANAGAR: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has said that in the past six months, it disposed of around 26,000 cases and rescued more than 2,300 children across the country. Division head for Juvenile Justice, POCSO and special cells of NCPCR, Paresh Shah, however, said that child rights violations are not mere statistics and each case represents a story of a child and a family. Effective action by officials determines not only the lives of children but the future of the country, he said. Shah stated that both the Central and state governments are committed to safeguarding every child in Arunachal Pradesh, but stressed that strong laws alone are not enough without robust monitoring, awareness and coordinated enforcement. The assertion came during a state-level conference on gaps and challenges in the implementation of key child rights legislations held here recently. Child rights violations are not mere statistics, and each case represents a story of a child and a family. Effective action by officials determines not only the lives of children but the future of the country, a statement quoted him as saying in the conference. Shah noted that the Commission had, in the past six months, disposed of around 26,000 cases, rescued over 2,300 children and repatriated more than 1,000 children to their home districts, supported by new technology-driven systems introduced at NCPCR. He said the focus ahead includes mental health support for children, AI tools to combat Child Sexual Abuse Material and new strategies to address ground-level challenges in implementing key child protection laws. Shah emphasised that the responsibility for realising the governments child rights commitments rests on all stakeholders, from officials and school authorities to law-enforcement agencies and civil society. He underlined the need for continuous capacity building and awareness generation, stating that officials must be trained, citizens sensitised through multiple platforms, and frontline workers supported through regular workshops. Arunachal Pradesh SCPCR chairperson Ratan Anya presented a situational analysis of the states child protection systems, flagging multiple gaps in safety, monitoring and reporting. Citing recent incidents in the state, she said they expose critical weaknesses in existing mechanisms despite strong legal frameworks. She also highlighted challenges in investigating POCSO cases, lack of awareness among stakeholders, inadequate systems to combat child trafficking and child labour, poor implementation of anti-tobacco provisions under COTPA and insufficient monitoring of residential schools. Anya recommended more awareness campaigns by NCPCR and requested the Education Department to initiate sustained audits of schools. State Education Commissioner Amzad Tatak urged district officials to take school safety requirements seriously and conduct audits as mandated under the NCPCR manual on safety and security of children in schools. He said a task force headed by the Chief Minister Pema Khandu had been formed to strengthen child rights mechanisms within the school system and described the conference as an important intervention at a critical time.
Maithili Thakur Alinagar Elections 2025: Bihar's election sees folk singer Maithili Thakur, 25, emerge as a strong contender from Alinagar on a BJP ticket. Early trends show her leading RJD's Binod Mishra, potentially becoming the state's youngest MLA. Thakur, a popular cultural icon, has blended musical outreach with promises like renaming Alinagar to Sitanagar.
Maithili Thakur, folk singer-turned-politician set to becomeBihars youngest MLA
BJPs surprise pickforAlinagar 25-year-old MaithiliThakur,has vowedto renameher constituency asSitanagar
Folk singer Maithili Thakur is leading in Bihar's Alinagar seat and has reiterated her promise to rename the constituency Sitanagar, reflecting local cultural sentiments. Meanwhile, the NDA is performing strongly in the Bihar elections, leading in 167 out of 229 seats, well past the majority mark.
ITANAGAR: Fresh allegations have surfaced over the death of a 12-year-old class 7 student of Sainik School in Arunachal Pradesh's East Siang district, after his sister accused senior students of subjecting him to severe bullying and torture before his death. The victim was found dead within the school premises at Niglok on November 1. In a video posted on Instagram on Wednesday, the victim's sister, Miss Arunachal 2024, Tadu Lunia, claimed the family was informed that the boy had died by suicide. However, she alleged that dormitory mates revealed a disturbing sequence of events that might have driven him to take the extreme step. According to Lunia, the family learned from fellow cadets that on October 31 night, a group of eight class 10 students and three from class 8 allegedly entered the class 7 dormitory after 11 pm in the absence of any supervising authority. The senior boys reportedly forced the juniors to cover their heads with blankets and singled out her brother, taking him to the class 10 dormitory. No one knows what happened behind that closed door, Lunia said, claiming eyewitnesses told the family that the boy was harassed mentally and physically throughout the night. She further alleged that he was branded a hief over a missing book and threatened with being publicly humiliated during assembly through a video recording. In her statement, Lunia said CCTV camera footage reviewed by the investigating officer showed her brother pacing anxiously around the dormitory around 5.45 am, before entering a classroom to write what appeared to be his final note. His last words were, 'Seniors tortured me a lot, and I don't know what I will do now,' she said. She expressed anguish that her own identity may have been used against her brother, stating, I never thought my name could become a burden in the final hours of his life. The grieving sister also raised concerns over the delayed post-mortem examination report and alleged slow progress in the investigation. We know the names of those involved. I fear external interference may affect justice, she said, urging public support so that o other family suffers the same fate. Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh Police has said eight students have been detained in connection with the case and produced before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) in Pasighat on Tuesday. The board, led by the principal magistrate, sent them into the custody of the school's vice-principal for seven days, with guardians required to furnish undertakings under the Juvenile Justice Rules. Police said the case, initially registered as Ruksin police station under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), was upgraded after the cadet's father filed an additional FIR on November 3, alleging ragging by senior students. Authorities assured that the probe is underway to determine the complete circumstances leading to the death and to ensure a fair and logical conclusion.
Maithili Thakur thanks American singer Mary Millben for her wishes ahead of Bihar elections
PATNA: Maithili Thakur, noted folk singer and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominee from Alinagar assembly constituency in Bihars Darbhanga district, on Monday thanked American singer Mary Jorie Millben for extending her wishes ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. Responding to Millbens message, Maithili wrote on X, We had a conversation around two years ago. I am not using social media much right now (obviously due to busy schedule of election). I thank her for her wishes and support. Maithili said that she has been devoting much of her time to the people of the constituency from where she is contesting election for the first time. But it gives me immense pleasure to know that people from abroad, including the USA, are lending their support to me, she added. Recalling her last conversation with Millben, Maithili said, She appreciated my style of singing and expressed her good wishes. It was encouraging to hear from a world-famous singer like Millben. But right now, my focus is election. Maithili, however, courted a controversy when she was spotted eating Makhana (fox nut) in Pag (headgear). Her political rival and RJD candidate Vinod Mishra grabbed the opportunity to attack her rival in the fray. This is an insult to Mithila Pag, he said. As the issue snowballed into a major political controversy, Union Minister and the partys Bihar election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan issued a public apology to the people of Mithilanchal. Acknowledging the cultural importance of the traditional Pag (headgear), Pradhan called the incident a misunderstanding. Pradhan said that the Mithila Pag deserves the utmost respect. It symbolises honour and heritage, and I deeply regret any hurt caused, he added. Maithili also faced flak from her political opponents when she promised to rename Alignagar as Sitanagar if she won the election from the seat. She joined BJP recently and was fielded from Alinagar in the election. Assembly elections in Bihar are scheduled to be held on November 6 and 11. Alinagar goes to the polls in the first phase on November 6.
Maithili Thakur thanks American singer Marry Millben for her wishes ahead of Bihar elections
PATNA: Maithili Thakur, noted folk singer and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominee from Alinagar assembly constituency in Bihars Darbhanga district, on Monday thanked American singer Mary Jorie Millben for extending her wishes ahead of the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. Responding to Millbens message, Maithili wrote on X, We had a conversation around two years ago. I am not using social media much right now (obviously due to busy schedule of election). I thank her for her wishes and support. Maithili said that she has been devoting much of her time to the people of the constituency from where she is contesting election for the first time. But it gives me immense pleasure to know that people from abroad, including the USA, are lending their support to me, she added. Recalling her last conversation with Millben, Maithili said, She appreciated my style of singing and expressed her good wishes. It was encouraging to hear from a world-famous singer like Millben. But right now, my focus is election. Maithili, however, courted a controversy when she was spotted eating Makhana (fox nut) in Pag (headgear). Her political rival and RJD candidate Vinod Mishra grabbed the opportunity to attack her rival in the fray. This is an insult to Mithila Pag, he said. As the issue snowballed into a major political controversy, Union Minister and the partys Bihar election in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan issued a public apology to the people of Mithilanchal. Acknowledging the cultural importance of the traditional Pag (headgear), Pradhan called the incident a misunderstanding. Pradhan said that the Mithila Pag deserves the utmost respect. It symbolises honour and heritage, and I deeply regret any hurt caused, he added. Maithili also faced flak from her political opponents when she promised to rename Alignagar as Sitanagar if she won the election from the seat. She joined BJP recently and was fielded from Alinagar in the election. Assembly elections in Bihar are scheduled to be held on November 6 and 11. Alinagar goes to the polls in the first phase on November 6.
Arunachal IAS officer named in teen's suicide note arrested, refutes charges of sexual abuse
GUWAHATI: Arunachal Pradesh IAS officer Talo Potom was arrested by the police on Monday after being named in a teen's suicide note for alleged sexual harassment. Potom, currently serving as Secretary, Public Works Department, Government of Delhi, surrendered to the Arunachal Pradesh Police early Monday morning after a lookout notice was issued against him. He will be produced before a magistrate today, a senior police official told TNIE . 19-year-old Gomchu Yekar was found dead at his rented accommodation at Lekhi village in Papum Pare district on October 23. The police registered an unnatural death case after the father of the deceased had lodged an FIR. Yekar's father claimed that the deceased held two senior officials responsible for his death in the multiple handwritten suicide notes that were recovered from his house. Yekar accused IAS officer Potom and senior engineer Likwang Lowang of sexually exploiting and harassing him for a long time. He wrote that the prolonged humiliation, coercion and threats made him take the extreme step. Likwang Lowang, who worked at the state's Rural Works Department, shot himself dead at his Khonsa residence in Tirap district hours after the suicide of the teenager. The FIR accused the two officials of abetment of suicide, sexual exploitation, mental harassment, and corruption. Potom refuted the charges made against him in a video statement that he issued before surrendering. He claimed that he did not have any personal relations with the deceased. Potom had appointed the deceased as a contractual multi-tasking staff during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner (District Magistrate) in Itanagar.
BJP leader Prakash Reddy lauded the Election Commission's plan for a Special Intensive Revision in Tamil Nadu. He believes this will improve voter lists nationwide. Reddy also backed the proposal to rename Alinagar to Sitanagar, citing cultural heritage. He noted similar name changes in other Indian cities. Bihar elections are approaching with key alliances contesting.
BJPs Maithili Thakur stirs controversy with promise to rename Alinagar as Sitanagar
NEW HEADLINE: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominee and folk singer Maithili Thakur has courted a controversy after she promised people of her constituency Alinagar to rename it as Sitanagar. Alinagar will become Sitanagar if I win the election from the seat, the 25-year-old BJP candidate told people during her election campaign. As the video of Maithili Thakurs promise to the electorate of Alinagar constituency in Darbhanga district went viral on social media, she, in a damage control exercise, said that the idea to rename Alinagar was shared by union minister of state for home and senior BJP leader Nityanand Rai recently. It was not my idea. The suggestion came from the union minister Nityanand Rai, who shared it with me during the filing of nomination in Darbhanga. I agreed with his suggestion as I thought the name should have its connection with Mithilanchal, said Maithili, one of the youngest contestants in the state. Political observers view the idea to rename Alinagar as BJPs manoeuvring to polarise votes of a particular community ahead of assembly elections to be held on the seat in the first phase on November 6. This will benefit BJP candidate in the election, they said. In the 2020 assembly election, Alinagar seat was allotted to Vikassheel Insaan Party led by Mukesh Sahani. VIP candidate Mishri Lal Yadav won the election. He joined BJP after VIP parted ways with NDA. Mishri Lal was disqualified after he was convicted in a criminal case. Mishri Lals membership was restored a few weeks before the election. BJP fielded Maithili Thakur, a new face, from the seat to counter anti-incumbency and resentment against the sitting MLA. Maithili has her roots in Darbhanga. Maithili is pitted against RJDs Vinod Mishra. The constituency is dominated by Brahmins, Yadavs, and Muslims. BJP candidates meetings drew huge crowds; she sang devotional songs, especially to woo women electorate in the constituency. She recently released her new album, Chhath Ki Mahima. RJD took a potshot at BJP nominees controversial statement. People are aware of gameplan of BJP. Change of name will not serve any purpose. People want jobs, employment and development, RJD candidate Mishra said.
LG flags off Ladakh U-17 Boxing Team for NSG
* Asks officials to identify, nurture young sporting talent across Ladakh Excelsior Sports Correspondent KARGIL, Oct 23: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, has called upon the youth of the Union Territory to inculcate a passion for sports and embrace discipline in all aspects of life. The Lieutenant Governor was speaking after flagging off the Ladakh Under-17 Boxing Team for the National School Games 2025, to be held at Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, from October 28 to November 3. He also [] The post LG flags off Ladakh U-17 Boxing Team for NSG appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
A call for Padora Music Festival Where Meadows Meet Melody
Apoorv Sharma apoorv2395@gmail.com. Not long ago, I journeyed to Arunachal Pradesh, where a music festival unfolded like a dream before me-the Ziro Music Festival in the Ziro Valley. The spark lit long before the first notes of music reached my ears. As the plane descended toward Itanagar, the mountains lay like ancient scrolls brushed with the ochre of dawn and the jade of forests. It seemed the sky had stooped to kiss the mountains, composing a quiet serenade that whispered [] The post A call for Padora Music Festival Where Meadows Meet Melody appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Arunachal govt announces 3 pc hike in DA for employees, pensioners
Itanagar, Oct 10 (PTI) The Arunachal Pradesh government announced a three per cent hike in DA (dearness allowance) from the existing 55 per cent to 58 per cent for its employees and pensioners. The increase will be effective from July 1. In a post on social media, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the enhancement will benefit state government employees, pensioners, and AIS officers serving in the state. He said the arrears for three months July to September will be paid in cash, and the revised DA/DR (dearness relief) will be included in October salaries and pensions. This decision
Indian Army conducts exercise Drone Kavach in Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Sept 30: The Indian Armys Spear Corps under Eastern Command successfully conducted Exercise Drone Kavach in the forward areas of eastern Arunachal Pradesh from September 25 to 28. The exercise showcased the Indian Armys combat readiness for next-generation drone warfare while validating state-of-the-art drone technologies and counter-drone systems, a Defence spokesman said today. Spanning four days, the exercise was also attended by personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) deployed in forward areas. As part of the exercise, a [] The post Indian Army conducts exercise Drone Kavach in Arunachal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Buy & sell swadeshi for self-reliant India: Modi
GUWAHATI: PM Narendra Modi on Monday made a strong appeal to the people from Itanagar to buy Swadeshi and sell Swadeshi, underlining that self-reliance was the only way to make India a developed nation. At a public meeting in the Arunachal Pradesh capital after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of development projects worth over Rs 5,100 crore, the prime minister said the nation had entered a decisive phase. India will become developed only when it is self-dependent. For India to become self-dependent, the Swadeshi mantra is imperative. It is the call of time that we embrace Swadeshi. Buy and sell only that which is manufactured in the country. Garv se kahen, yeh swadeshi hai, he told the crowd. He said adopting this path would not only strengthen the nation but also accelerate the growth of Arunachal Pradesh and the entire Northeast. As part of his visit, Modi interacted with local taxpayers, traders and industry representatives to hear their views on the impact of GST rate rationalisation. He described the reforms as next generation, saying they were designed to ease lives and reduce financial burdens on families. Essential items, such as kitchen supplies, educational materials for children, and footwear and clothing, have become more affordable, he said. Modi said that despite challenges over the years, his government had consistently lowered income tax rates and expanded the range of goods exempted from taxation. Many items have become tax-free, and taxes on other goods have been significantly reduced, he said. He pointed out that building a home, purchasing a scooter or bike, eating out, and travelling had all become more affordable. He added that the GST Savings Festival will be a memorable milestone for the people. Turning to politics, the prime minister accused the Congress of having neglected Arunachal and the Northeast for decades. The longstanding tendency of Congress was to avoid difficult development tasks. This adversely impacted Arunachal and the entire region, he said. He added that terrains once written off as backward had been denied opportunities and resources, leaving tribal and remote areas to suffer. He said Congress governments had labelled villages near the international border as last villages in order to shirk responsibility and cover up failures. This neglect led to continuous migration from tribal and border areas, he said. In contrast, Modi said, the BJP-led government had reversed the approach. Districts once branded backward were now called aspirational districts and placed at the top of the development agenda.
Viksit Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat: PM calls for adopting swadeshi at GST Utsav from Itanagar
PM Modi hails GST reforms, slams Congress for ignoring Northeast
GUWAHATI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the next-generation GST reforms, stating that the benefits will significantly impact the lives of people. PM slammed the Congress for ignoring the Northeast when it was in power. Addressing a crowd in Arunachal Pradesh's capital, Itanagar, after laying the foundation stone and inaugurating various development works worth over Rs 5,100 crore, Modi said families would now experience substantial relief in their monthly budgets. Essential items, such as kitchen supplies, educational materials for children, and footwear and clothing, have become more affordable, he said. The PM said that despite facing major challenges over the years, his government consistently reduced income tax rates. He announced that GST had been simplified to just two slabs5 per cent and 18 per cent. He emphasised that many items have become tax-free, and taxes on other goods have been significantly reduced. He highlighted that building a home, purchasing a scooter or bike, dining out, and travelling have all become more affordable. He affirmed that the GST ' Savings Festival' would be a memorable milestone for the people. The PM criticised the Congress for its longstanding tendency to avoid difficult development tasks, stating that it adversely impacted Arunachal and the rest of the Northeast. He said challenging terrainsmountainous regions, forested areaswere often declared backwards and neglected by the Congress, and the tribal regions and districts in the Northeast suffered the most. He said the Congress had dismissed the villages near the international border as last villages to evade responsibility and conceal its failures. He said this neglect led to continuous migration from tribal and border areas. The PM said the BJP-led government at the Centre transformed the earlier approach towards regional development. He mentioned that districts previously labelled as backward had been redefined as aspirational districts and prioritised for growth. Border villages once dismissed as last villages have now been recognised as the nations first villages, Modi said, highlighting the positive outcomes of this shift, such as the accelerated pace of development in border areas. He said the success of the Vibrant Villages Programme had significantly improved the quality of life. In Arunachal, he said, over 450 border villages have witnessed rapid progress, with essential infrastructure like roads, electricity, and internet now reaching these regions. While migration from border areas to cities was once common, these villages are now emerging as new hubs of tourism, he added. He expressed satisfaction that the number of tourists visiting Arunachal has doubled over the past decade. He emphasised that Arunachals tourism strength goes beyond nature and culture, pointing to the global rise of conference and concert tourism. In this context, he announced that the upcoming modern convention centre in Tawang will add a new dimension to the states tourism landscape.
Itanagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived on a day-long visit to Arunachal Pradesh on Monday morning. He landed at the Donyi Polo Airport in Hollongi and flew to the Raj Bhavan in Itanagar on a helicopter, officials said. Governor KT Parnaik and Chief Minister Pema Khandu received him at the Raj Bhavan helipad. Also ReadA Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Inherent Habit Of Congress To Abandon Any Development Work Thats Difficult: Modi
Itanagar, Sep 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday alleged that the Congress has an inherent habit of abandoning any development work that is difficult, and this caused significant harm to the Northeast. Addressing a rally at the Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar after unveiling development projects worth over Rs 5,100 crore, Modi said he knew that the Northeast couldnt be developed from Delhi, and so, he sent ministers and officers more frequently to the region, and he himself came [] The post Inherent Habit Of Congress To Abandon Any Development Work Thats Difficult: Modi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
'Congress Mindset Caused Harm To Arunachal': PM Modi Attacks Oppn In Itanagar
PM Modi laid the foundation stone of two major hydropower projects worth over Rs 3,700 crore in Itanagar today.
PM Modi unveils infra projects worth over Rs 5,100 crore in Arunachal Pradesh
ITANAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled infrastructure projects worth Rs 5,125. 37 crore in Arunachal Pradesh on Monday. From a function at the Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar, he virtually laid the foundation stones for two major hydropower projects in Shi Yomi district, and a convention centre in Tawang. The Tato-I project, with a capacity of 186 mw, will be developed jointly by the Arunachal Pradesh government and the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO) at Rs 1,750 crore. It is expected to generate around 802 million units of electricity annually. The 240-mw Heo project will also be developed by the state government and NEEPCO at Rs 1,939 crore. It is expected to produce 1,000 million units of electricity each year. These projects, to be developed on the Yarjep river, are part of a larger effort to expand Arunachal Pradesh's hydroelectric capacity, contributing significantly to regional energy security, officials said. Modi also laid the foundation stone for a convention centre in Tawang, to be built under the PM-DevINE scheme at Rs 145.37 crore. With a capacity to host over 1,500 people, it will meet global standards and support the tourism and cultural potential of the region, they said. The PM also launched several other infrastructure projects worth over Rs 1,290 crore, catering to various sectors, including connectivity, health and fire safety, they said. Governor KT Parnaik, Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju were present at the programme.
Modi to launch 5,100 cr projects in Arunachal, Tripura
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura on Monday, where he will lay the foundation stones for 13 development projects in Itanagar, totaling over Rs 5,127 crore. He will also virtually inaugurate the Tato-I and Heo hydroelectric projects, along with a convention center in Tawang.
PM to visit Arunachal on Monday, unveil infra projects worth Rs 5,000cr
ITANAGAR, Sep 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Arunachal Pradesh on Monday, during which he will unveil infrastructure projects worth nearly Rs 5,000 crore. The PM is scheduled to arrive at the Donyi Polo Airport in Hollongi around 9 am, after which he will fly to the Raj Bhavan in Itanagar on a helicopter, officials said. He will then travel to Indira Gandhi Park, where he will unveil the development projects and address a rally. Modi will lay the [] The post PM to visit Arunachal on Monday, unveil infra projects worth Rs 5,000cr appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
PM Modi to visit Arunachal, Tripura on September 22; launch projects worth over Rs 5,100 crore
Harnessing the vast hydroelectric potential and promoting sustainable energy generation in the region, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of two major hydropower projects worth over Rs 3,700 crore in Itanagar.
Narendra Modi will visit Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura. He will inaugurate development projects worth over Rs 5,100 crore in Itanagar. Modi will lay foundation stones for hydropower projects. He will also lay the foundation for a convention center at Tawang. The PM will inaugurate the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple Complex development work.
PM Modi To Visit Arunachal, Tripura Tomorrow, Launch Projects Worth Over Rs 5,100 Crore
PM Narendra Modi will visit Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura on Monday and lay foundation stones of multiple development projects worth over Rs 5,100 crore in Itanagar and inaugurate the development work of Mata Tripura Sundari Temple Complex.
PM Modi will visit Tripura and perform a puja and 'darshan', and inaugurate the development work of 'Mata Tripura Sundari Temple Complex' at Matabari
Jain appointed ARC Chairman in Arunachal
Excelsior Correspondent Itanagar/ Jammu, Sept 6: Pramod Jain, former senior IAS Officer of Jammu and Kashmir cadre has been appointed as Chairman of the Arunanchal Pradesh Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC). Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp A son of the soil, he has earlier held several important positions in J&K as well as at the Centre. Post-retirement, he worked also as Chairman of the J&K Water Resources Regulatory Authority. Till recently, he was Chairman of the high-powered New Districts [] The post Jain appointed ARC Chairman in Arunachal appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
AIZAWL : With the completion of the 51.38-km broad-gauge line from Bairabi to Sairang, Mizoram becomes the fourth Northeastern state to gain direct train connectivity to its capital. This marks a milestone in Indian Railways ambitious plan to link the capitals of all eight Northeastern states with the national rail network. The line, to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, connects Bairabi on the AssamMizoram border to Sairang, located 20 km from Aizawl and 12 km from Lengpui Airport. The new Sairang railway station will serve as the key railhead for Aizawl. The project, for which approval was granted in 2008 and construction began in November 2014, has been built at a cost of 8,071 crore. Engineering feat The 51.38-km line, passing through the Kolasib and Aizawl districts, is an engineering feat, with over half its length running through tunnels and bridges. It includes 48 tunnels spanning 12.85 km, 55 major and 87 minor bridges, five road overbridges, and six road underbridges. The line has three intermediate stations at Hortoki, Kawnpui, and Mualkhang. Among the bridges, Bridge No. 144 over the Kurung River near Sairang has earned the distinction of being the worlds second-tallest pier bridge, rising 114 metres above the ground. The tallest is the Noney Bridge in neighbouring Manipur, standing 141 metres tall, which is being built as part of the under-construction 111-km JiribamImphal railway line. World's second tallest pier bridge over Kurung river at Sairang station Challenges faced The railways faced huge challenges in building the BairabiSairang line due to its rugged Indo-Burmese tectonic terrain, marked by steep slopes, deep valleys, and fragile, clay-like soil prone to erosion. Northeast Frontier Railway (Construction), the agency which executed the project, with design and safety aspects reviewed by IIT Guwahati and IIT Roorkee, had to build 223 km of approach roads as well. Reaching construction sites for hill excavation and pier construction was extremely difficult, as there was no road access. NFR (Construction) built 223 km of approach roads, which have since benefitted several villages in Kolasib and Aizawl districts, a railway official explained. In addition to the topographical challenges, the project encountered other obstacles as well, including opposition to workers brought in from other states and the non-availability of construction materials in Mizoram, which meant they had to be transported from Bihar and Jharkhand. To address local resistance, the Railways eventually engaged local people from Mizoram in the construction work. The project progressed at a slow pace due to the regions short working season of just 67 months a year. Despite higher wages, many labourers left the project because of the remote location and lack of internet connectivity at worksites, the official added. Tunnel in BairabiSairang line Expectations Locals in Dawrpui told TNIE that the railway line will help tackle the high cost of road travel from Silchar to Aizawl, which currently costs between Rs 1,200 and Rs 2,000 along the hilly two-lane highway. During the monsoon season, which lasts for more than five months, landslides frequently cut off road access. Flights, too, are unreliable as they often get cancelled due to bad weather, and there are no departures after 4 pm, said Anthony Zohmingliana, a resident. M. Sathish Kumar, a project associate at Mizoram Central University and a resident of Aizawl for 15 years, noted that over 8 lakh of Mizorams 14 lakh population live in and around Aizawl. This project will benefit a large section of the population, reducing dependence on flights and cabs, he said. Joel Lalengmawii of Lengpui said, My family often travels via Silchar to reach Manipur, Punjab, and Kerala. But the 154-km journey to Silchar takes 910 hours by road. We have been told train fares will be cheaper, but only when services begin will we know how much difference it really makes. S. S. Ajin, a PhD student at Mizoram University, said, We mostly rely on flights or road transport. There are times when vegetables and other essentials do not reach the city for a few days due to landslides on the national highways, and there are no other public transport options. Train connectivity will greatly benefit people from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and other states traveling to Mizoram. Once the line becomes operational, the Food Corporation of India (FCI) will be able to transport freight for the public distribution system by train, significantly reducing the cost of transporting goods, vegetables, and other items from other states. Initially, passenger services may run between Sairang and Silchar, the railway official added. Rail connectivity to northeast At present, the railway line through Assam's capital, Guwahati, serves as a gateway to the seven other Northeastern states. From Guwahati, branch lines extend to Bairabia station just 7 km inside Mizoram on the SilcharBairabi sectionwhere a passenger train currently runs daily between Bairabi and Silchar. This link to Silchar connects Mizoram with northern and southern states via Guwahati. Additionally, it provides connectivity to Manipur and Nagaland. Guwahati (Assam), Agartala (Tripura), and Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) are the other state capitals with rail connectivity. Work is under way to connect the capitals of Meghalaya, Manipur, Sikkim, and Nagaland. NFR officials said they expect these works to be completed by December 2029. It may be noted that Sikkim remains the only Northeastern state without rail connectivity, mainly due to local opposition. Extending to Myanmar Highlighting plans to develop Sairang station with state-of-the-art facilities, the railway official said the government is also exploring the feasibility of extending the line from Sairang to Myanmar. The proposed route would cover 230 km within Mizoram and the remainder in Myanmar. If realized, this would reduce freight transport from South India to Mizoram via Visakhapatnam and Kolkata ports from 2,000 km to just 500 km, the official explained. Fact File: BairabiSairang Broad Gauge Line New Line: BairabiSairang (51.38 km) Key Locations: Bairabi: Border station on AssamMizoram border Sairang: 20 km from Aizawl, Mizoram Project Cost: Rs 8,071 crore Railway Connectivity in the Northeast Guwahati (Assam): Only railway gateway for all eight Northeastern states Line from Guwahati runs to Bairabi (7 km from Assam border via Silchar) BairabiSilchar (105 km): Daily passenger train operational New Line: SairangSilchar (155 km), passenger services to be introduced Road Access Two-lane National Highway is the only mode of access to Aizawl Travel Cost: Rs 1,000Rs 1,600 per person (Silchar Aizawl) Travel Time: 89 hours by road; train will reduce it to 3 hours States with railway connectivity to capitals Assam Guwahati Tripura Agartala Arunachal Pradesh Itanagar Mizoram Sairang (to be inaugurated)
Schoolgirl on China border in Arunachal excels, thanks to Indian Army initiative
GUWAHATI: The Indian Army has emerged as a beacon of hope for the schoolchildren of the remote Sarli tribal village on the China border. This village in Arunachal Pradesh is located about 350 km from the state capital of Itanagar. Given its remoteness, schoolchildren always struggled with limited resources, infrastructure and educational opportunities. The Army came to their rescue last year by launching a mentorship programme. The initiative by the Armys 4 Corps headquarters has yielded results, transforming aspirations into achievements. Milli Yabi (12), daughter of a farmer and a homemaker, has become the first child from Sarli to secure admission into the Sainik School, East Siang. Her success a result of perseverance and Army mentorship serves as an inspiration for the border villagers. The Army had launched the programme, recognising the motivation of local children influenced by its personnel. Thirty-three students from Classes 5 and 8 across remote villages were identified and given structured support that included 88 classes, 18 mock tests, and extensive counselling between September 2024 and April 2025.Students also benefitted from an Integration & Motivational Tour, where they interacted with Governor KT Parnaik and visited key institutions. One day, Milli may go on to qualify for the prestigious NDA Khadakwasla and proudly serve the nation in uniform, a defence ministry statement said. The Army further assisted the students in documentation and escorted them to Itanagar for the entrance examination held in April 2025.The results were unprecedented: 32 of the 33 children qualified at the national level. With counselling still underway, Milli Yabi emerged as the first candidate to secure admission, achieving final selection to the Sainik School in August. The Army is hopeful that four to six others will gain admission in the upcoming rounds. The Indian Army takes immense pride in Milli Yabis achievement that symbolises the aspirations of border communities and the resilience of Arunachals youth. Her journey demonstrates that with mentorship and opportunity, even the most remote villages can produce future leaders. One day, Milli may go on to qualify for the prestigious NDA Khadakwasla and proudly serve the nation in uniform, a defence ministry statement said. It further stated that the programme not only helped children academically but also instilled discipline, confidence, and national pride among them.Milli Yabis success is more than personal triumphit is a symbol of resilience and a powerful reminder that with guidance and opportunity, even the most remote corners of India can nurture future leaders, the statement added.
Landslides in Arunachal's Tawang, BRO clears roads
ITANAGAR: Heavy rain-triggered landslides were reported near Jang town in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang district, blocking key stretches of the strategic Balipara-Charduar-Tawang (BCT) road, a critical supply line to the frontier areas. However, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) restored traffic movement by Wednesday midnight, ensuring uninterrupted movement of military convoys and essential supplies, a Defence spokesperson said on Thursday. The landslides took place on Wednesday evening, blocking key stretches of the strategic road. Personnel of the 42 Border Roads Task Force (BRTF) launched clearance operations. Working under difficult conditions amid continuous rainfall, the teams cleared the stretches and traffic flow was restored within a short span of time, Guwahati-based Defence spokesperson Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said in a statement. The BRO personnel also reached out to the stranded tourists, providing them with food and drinking water until the roads were declared safe. The BCT road is of immense military significance, serving as the lifeline for troops deployed in the strategically sensitive Tawang sector and adjoining border areas. Quick restoration of this axis not only brought relief to civilians but also ensured operational preparedness of security forces guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC), he said.
Indian Army exercise in Arunachal to assess combat readiness in harsh climatic conditions
ITANAGAR, Aug 31: The Indian Army conducted an exercise in Arunachal Pradeshs Kameng region to assess its combat readiness in high-altitude and harsh climatic conditions, a defence spokesperson said on Sunday. The exercise, which concluded on Saturday, reaffirmed the Armys commitment to embracing emerging technologies, such as unmanned systems and precision weaponry, and multi-domain operational concepts, Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said. The Yudh Kaushal 3.0 exercise displayed a remarkable synergy of advanced technology, operational innovation, and professional excellence by the [] The post Indian Army exercise in Arunachal to assess combat readiness in harsh climatic conditions appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Womens Safety Report : Fear runs deeper than nos
NEW DELHI: The NARI 2025 National Annual Report and Index on Womens Safety, released by the National Commission for Women, offers the telling reality of the urban safety landscape. The survey covered 12,770 women across 31 cities and yielded a national safety score of 65%, which implies that four in 10 women (40%) consider themselves unsafe despite government assurances. Around 60% of women reported feeling safe, while 40% admitted they felt not-so-safe or outright unsafe. The anxieties deepen among younger women: while public harassment was reported by 7% of all respondents in 2024, the figure rose to 14% for those under 24, indicating that students and young professionals are disproportionately targeted in educational and recreational spaces. The report shows low levels of faith in redressal mechanism. Only one in three victims of harassment filed a formal complaint, and confidence in the system is strikingly weak: 75% of women said they did not believe authorities would resolve their complaints. Even when incidents are reported, only 22% are formally registered, and action is taken in a mere 16% of those cases, highlighting a pervasive cycle of silence. Harassment hotspots reveal vulnerabilities, with 38% of cases occurring within neighbourhoods and 29% in public transport systems. Workplace safety presents a paradoxical picture. A large majority91%described their office environment as safe, but nearly half of the respondents admitted they were unaware whether their organisation had implemented the mandated Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) mechanism. Among those who were aware, most found it effective, suggesting that awareness is as critical as legislation itself. The report stresses that womens safety cannot be reduced to physical protection alone but must include psychological, financial, and digital security that collectively shape womens access to mobility, opportunity, and dignity. It frames safety as a developmental issue rather than a law-and-order question. The sense of safety also varies with time and place. Women reported relative comfort in offices and campuses during the day, but confidence collapsed after dark, where poor street lighting and unreliable public transport left them exposed. City-level disparities are equally stark: Kohima, Visakhapatnam, and Bhubaneswar topped the index, followed closely by Aizawl, Gangtok, Itanagar, and Mumbai, where women expressed relatively higher perceptions of safety. In contrast, Patna, Jaipur, Faridabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Srinagar, and Ranchi occupied the bottom ranks. Ranchi recorded 44% feeling unsafe, while in Delhi and Faridabad the figure was around 42%. The numbers show a fractured urban landscape where geography shapes womens fears as much as governance.
NEW DELHI: Kohima, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Aizawl, Gangtok, Itanagar and Mumbai have emerged as the safest cities in the country for women, while Patna, Jaipur, Faridabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Srinagar and Ranchi were ranked the lowest, according to the National Annual Report & Index on Women's Safety (NARI) 2025. The nationwide index released on Thursday, based on a survey of 12,770 women across 31 cities, placed the national safety score at 65 per cent, categorising cities as much above, above, at, elow or much below this benchmark. Kohima and other top-ranked cities were associated with stronger gender equity, civic participation, policing and women-friendly infrastructure. At the other end of the spectrum, cities like Patna and Jaipur fared poorly due to weak institutional responsiveness, patriarchal norms and gaps in urban infrastructure. Kohima, Vishakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Aizawl, Gangtok, Itanagar, Mumbai lead national safety rankings, often correlating with higher gender equity, infrastructure, policing, or civic participation while Ranchi, Srinagar, Kolkata, Delhi, Faridabad, Patna, and Jaipur scored lowest, correlating with poorer infrastructure, patriarchal norms, or weaker institutional responsiveness, the report said. Overall, six in ten women surveyed felt safe in their city, but 40 per cent still considered themselves ot so safe or unsafe. The study revealed sharp drops in perceptions of safety at night, particularly in public transport and recreational spaces. Educational institutions (86 per cent safe) especially in daylight, but safety perceptions fall sharply at night or off-campus. About 91 per cent of women reported safety, yet about half were unclear if their workplace had a POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) policy; those with such policies generally rated them as effective. Only one-fourth of women said they trusted authorities to act effectively on safety complaints. While 69 per cent said current safety efforts were somewhat adequate, over 30 per cent noted significant gaps or failures; only 65 per cent perceived real improvement over the years 2023-2024. Seven per cent of women said they experienced harassment in public spaces in 2024, with the figure doubling to 14 per cent among those under 24. Neighbourhoods (38 per cent) and public transport (29 per cent) were most often flagged as harassment hotspots. Yet, only one in three victims came forward to report the incidents. The report stressed that official crime data alone cannot reflect women's lived reality. Two out of three women do not report harassment, meaning NCRB misses the bulk of incidents, the study said, calling for integration of crime data with perception-based surveys like NARI. Launching the report, National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said safety cannot be seen merely as a law-and-order issue but as one that affects every aspect of a woman's life whether it is her education, health, work opportunities and freedom of movement. She added that when women feel unsafe, hey limit themselves, and women limiting themselves is not only for their own development, but also for the development of the country. She emphasised that a safe environment was crucial for building a developed and inclusive India, pointing to four dimensions of women's security of physical, psychological, financial and digital nature. It is our responsibility to protect women not just from crimes on the streets but also from cybercrimes, economic discrimination and mental harassment, Rahatkar noted. Highlighting positive measures, she praised the growing presence of women police officers and female drivers in public transport as effective confidence-building steps. In many Union Territories, 33 per cent of police personnel are now women, and this has made a decisive difference in building trust, she said. She also lauded initiatives such as women's helplines, CCTV coverage in smart cities, and improved safety networks at railway stations and bus depots. At the same time, Rahatkar urged society at large to share responsibility. We often blame the system, but we must also ask what we have done. Whether it is using helplines, supporting awareness drives, or simply keeping public toilets clean, society's role is equally important, she said. The NARI index has been conceived by The NorthCap University and Jindal Global Law School and is published by the Group of Intellectuals and Academicians (GIA).
CBSE to establish six new regional, sub-regional offices to enhance governance
NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the establishment of six new Regional Offices, Centres of Excellence (CoEs), and Sub-Regional Offices to streamline its operations and improve governance of affiliated schools across the country. According to a notification issued by CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta, the decision was taken following the approval of the Finance Committee in December 2024, which was later ratified by the Governing Body and cleared by the Ministry of Education. The new offices are being set up in Gurugram, Lucknow, Raipur, Ranchi, Agartala, Itanagar and Gangtok. These will become fully functional between August and September 2025. Gurugram (Haryana) will cover 12 southern districts of Haryana, including Faridabad, Gurugram, Palwal and Sonipat, and is expected to function from 1 September 2025. Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) will oversee 30 districts, including Ayodhya, Etawah, Kanpur, Rae Bareli and Unnao, and will also become functional from 1 September 2025. Raipur (Chhattisgarh) will have jurisdiction across Chhattisgarh and became functional on 22 August 2025. Ranchi (Jharkhand) will cover Jharkhand and also became functional on 22 August 2025. Among the Sub-Regional Offices, Agartala (Tripura) will begin functioning from 15 September 2025. Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) became functional on 22 August 2025, along with Gangtok (Sikkim), which also started operations on the same date. The notification stated that all schools affiliated with CBSE will now fall under the jurisdictions of these newly established offices. This move will help strengthen administrative reach, ensure better coordination with schools, and enhance educational support services across these regions, the CBSE said.
Judiciary, legislature, executive united for speedy, affordable justice: CJI BR Gavai
CJI B.R. Gavai emphasized the judiciary, legislature, and executive's commitment to serving the people with speedy and affordable justice at the inauguration of the Gauhati High Court's Itanagar bench. He highlighted India's unity in diversity and the importance of preserving cultural traditions alongside progress.
CJI inaugurates new Gauhati High Court Itanagar Bench building in Arunachal Pradesh
Chief Justice of India inaugurated the new Gauhati High Court's Itanagar Permanent Bench building in Arunachal Pradesh, marking a significant advancement for the state's judicial infrastructure. The state-of-the-art facility, completed in under four years despite challenges, symbolizes hope and accessibility to justice. Arunachal Pradesh has significantly expanded its judicial presence, increasing the number of functional courts and implementing welfare measures.
