Manipur: Army honours newly commissioned Armed Forces officers

Guwahati:The Indian Army on Thursday honoured five newly commissioned officers from Manipur who joined the Indian Armed Forces. Kohima-based Defence PRO Lt Col Amit Shukla said the young officers from the Northeastern state were honoured during a special ceremony held in Bishnupur district. The event was organised by the Indian Army to celebrate a momentous [] The post Manipur: Army honours newly commissioned Armed Forces officers appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Hornbill: Nagalands vibrant festival that sparked worldwide attention

Nagaland, known as the Land of Festivals, comes alive every December with its most iconic event-the Hornbill Festival. Held annually in the picturesque village of Kisama, near the state capital Kohima, this 10-day cultural extravaganza showcases the rich heritage, traditions, and artistic expressions of Nagalands 17 major tribes. Fondly called the Festival of Festivals, Hornbill [] The post Hornbill: Nagalands vibrant festival that sparked worldwide attention appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Manipur youth commissioned as Flying Officer in Indian Air Force

Guwahati:A youth from Manipur was commissioned as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force (IAF)after passing out from the Air Force Academy(AFA) in Telanganaon Saturday. Kohima-based Defence PRO Lt Col Amit Shukla said Flying Officer Indhish Huidrom, an alumnus of Imphals Sainik School, was commissioned into the IAF during an impressive passing-out parade held [] The post Manipur youth commissioned as Flying Officer in Indian Air Force appeared first on NorthEast Now .

BRO steps up India-Myanmar border fencing work near Manipur's Moreh: PRO Defence

Imphal: Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has stepped up India-Myanmar border fencing work near Moreh town in Manipur's Tengnoupal district, an official said on Saturday. India shares a 1,643 km border with Myanmar of which 398 km is in Manipur. BRO has commenced work of erecting the border fencing along the India-Myanmar border in the general area of Moreh in Tengnoupal district, PRO Defence Kohima told PTI over the phone. Work has just commenced... Things are being done a phase-wise. Only when the project reaches a substantial length, we will be able to give more details on the project the PRO said. The work is undertaken by Project Sewak which is looking after road construction in Nagaland and Manipur. Its headquarters is based in Dimapur, the officer said. Only 10 km of the international border with Myanmar is fenced near Moreh in Manipur. The entire 1,643 km porous India-Myanmar border, known for the smuggling of arms, ammunition, and narcotics, will be fenced at a cost of Rs 31,000 crore.

Nagaland receives award for reduced disaster risk

KOHIMA, Dec 13: TheInternational Institute of Security and Safety Management (IISSM),a renowned not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing education, training, and capacity-building in security, safety, and disaster management, has accorded an Award of Excellence and Innovation to the State of Nagaland for its outstanding achievements in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), an official statement said. Nagaland has []

Nagalands reputation elevated on global stage by Hornbill Festival

KOHIMA, Dec 12: Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio recently said that the Hornbill Festival had elevated Nagaland states reputation on a global stage. Rio expressed this while congratulating on the successful completion of the 25th Edition of the Hornbill Festival which concluded a day ago. Speaking on the occasion, Rio said that this year []

Nagaland tribes shine at Hornbill Festival

Dimapur: The penultimate day of the 10-day Hornbill festival witnessed an array of lively cultural performances by the tribes of Nagaland at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, in Kohima district on Monday. The programme began with a special performance by Imna Yaden, a folk fusion singer-songwriter from Dimapur, who performed the song Call of Hornbill, [] The post Nagaland tribes shine at Hornbill Festival appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Hornbill Festival: UK tourist dies of heart attack in Nagaland

Hornbill Festival: UK tourist dies of heart attack in Nagaland Kohima: A 67-year-old tourist from the U.K., who attended the Hornbill Festival in Naga heritage village Kisama, died of a heart attack, police said on Sunday. Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Kohima, Sheta Lohe said that sexagenarian Nigel Richard from Bradford, U.K., breathed his last at [] The post Hornbill Festival: UK tourist dies of heart attack in Nagaland appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Hornbill Festival in Nagaland: 18 cultural troupes rapt spectators with diverse acts

Hornbill Festival in Nagaland: 18 cultural troupes rapt spectators with diverse acts Kohima: The eighth day of the 25th Hornbill Festival celebrated the vibrant cultural heritage of Nagaland, with 18 cultural troupes presenting diverse traditional performances at the main arena in the picturesque Naga heritage village Kisama on Sunday. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and [] The post Hornbill Festival in Nagaland: 18 cultural troupes rapt spectators with diverse acts appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Nagaland: Kohimas vibrant Hornbill carnival parade celebrates diversity

Kohima: Kohima city was abuzz with excitement on Saturday as a spectacular Carnival Parade titled, Hornbill Carnival Parade 2024 was taken out in Nagalands capital city. Themed Heralding Diversity, the parade showcased the rich cultural tapestry of Nagaland and beyond. A dazzling array of participants took to the streets, including cosplay enthusiasts, Miss Nagaland 2024 [] The post Nagaland: Kohimas vibrant Hornbill carnival parade celebrates diversity appeared first on NorthEast Now .

Nagaland State Export Summit lays stress on states export potential

KOHIMA, Dec 7: The Nagaland State Export Summit 2024 organised by the department of industries & commerce was convened at the Bamboo Hall, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Kohima on Saturday. P Tokugha Sema, director of industries & commerce, emphasised the summits significance for entrepreneurs, particularly during the Hornbill Festival. Sema asserted that attendees would glean []

Drugs worth Rs 34 crore destroyed in Nagaland

Kohima: The Nagaland Police has destroyed drugs worth over Rs 34 crore at Dimapur, an official said on Friday. The Drugs Disposal Committee (DDC) carried out the destruction of seized narcotic and psychotropic substances at the Dimapur Municipal Council dumping ground on Thursday, he said. The destroyed drugs include brown sugar and heroin, crystal meth and opium straw. Methamphetamine or meth is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. These banned drugs were seized in 79 cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 across police stations under CP Dimapur, the official said. The destruction was carried out in the presence of senior officials, he added.

Nagaland delegation attends NITI Aayog workshop in Arunachal

KOHIMA, Dec 5: A high level delegation from Nagaland actively participated in the regional workshop on improving education key Performance Indicators (KPIs) under the NeVolution initiative by NITI Aayog was held in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, on December 3, 2024. This workshop aimed to address critical challenges in education across Aspirational Districts and Blocks, fostering []

Situation in NE changed after PM Modi assumed office: Minister

KOHIMA, Dec 4: Union tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Wednesday said the entire northeastern part of the country was neglected for several years, but the scenario changed after Narendra Modi became the prime minister. Shekhawat, during an address at the Hornbill Festival, said the nation is celebrating the 75th year of adapting the Constitution, []

Cultural, biz exchange in focus through Wales- Hornbill fest partnership

KOHIMA, Dec 3: Wales, which is part of the United Kingdom, has taken part in Nagalands Hornbill Festival this year with a focus on cultural and business exchanges, according to a senior diplomat of that country. Mitchell Theaker, India head of the Wales government, said his countrys delegation engaged was in discussions with state officers []

Army recruitment scheduled in Kohima fromDecember 16-19

HT Bureau GUWAHATI, Dec 3:Indian Army is going to hold the Agniveer Recuitment Rally in Nagaland from December 16-19 at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima. Earlier, the 2nd phase of the Agniveer recruitment process has commenced from June in several parts of the country. The phase marked a significant milestone in the effort of Army []

25th Hornbill Festival Kicks Off in Nagaland, With Japan as Country Partner

Kohima: The 25th edition of the renowned Hornbill Festival is set to begin on Sunday at the picturesque Kisama Heritage Village in Nagaland, offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture and rich traditions of the region. The festival, which spans over 10 days, celebrates the diverse culture of Nagaland and is named after the majestic hornbill bird, a symbol deeply embedded in the folklore of the Naga tribes. This year, Japan will join as the country partner for the event, bringing a unique international touch to the festival. The Japan delegation will participate in various activities, including cultural performances, workshops, and capacity-building sessions focused on handicrafts and bamboo products. Japanese master craftspersons and renowned musicians will also be featured. Veyielo Doulo, Director of Nagaland Tourism, said that last year's festival attracted 1.54 lakh visitors, including many foreign tourists. We are expecting double the number of visitors this year, both domestic and international, he added. The festival is known for offering a diverse array of experiences, including cultural exchanges, adventure sports, art displays, music, literature, and more. Celebrated as the Festival of Festivals, the Hornbill Festival brings together the various tribes of Nagaland, showcasing their colorful traditions through music, dance, and traditional attire. Since its inception in December 2000, the festival has become a major cultural event, held annually at Kisama Heritage Village, located just 12 km from Kohima. Nagaland is home to 17 distinct tribes, each with its own unique customs and celebrations. With a population of around two million people, the state is known for its rich cultural diversity, as nearly 87% of its population is tribal. The Hornbill Festival provides a platform for visitors to witness the state's vibrant traditions, including indigenous games, craft exhibitions, and traditional performances. Nagalands Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who inaugurated new facilities at Kisama village earlier this week, emphasized the festivals global appeal. The Hornbill Festival has evolved into an international event, drawing visitors from around the world, he said. The new facilities are expected to enhance the experience for both local and international tourists. 30th Kolkata International Film Festival: A Cinematic Extravaganza Awaits

Women vital to Nagalands growth: Governor

KOHIMA, Nov 28: Nagaland Governor La Ganesan on Thursday said women make vital contributions to the socio-economic development of the country. Women play vital roles in the socio-economic development of our country but are usually the unsung heroines, said Ganesan while addressing a one-day seminar on Women Working in the Unorganised Sector in Nagaland: Challenges []

PMLA case: ED attaches fresh assets in India, Dubai including of Chinese linked entities

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday said it has attached fresh assets in India and Dubai, including those belonging to some Chinese-linked shell companies, in its money laundering probe in the 'HPZ Token' case in which numerous investors were allegedly duped through an investment fraud. The properties are valued at Rs 106.20 crore, the federal agency said in a statement. It had attached assets in this case earlier too. The assets belong to various persons and companies, including Chinese-linked shell (paper companies) entities, which were found to be involved in duping investors for hundreds of crores of rupees on the pretext of doubling their investment through the app 'HPZ Token' and online gaming and betting websites, it said. A total of 299 entities, which includes 76 Chinese-controlled entities in which 10 directors are of Chinese origin while two entities are controlled by other foreign nationals, have been named as accused in the chargesheet filed by the ED in this case in March. The money laundering case stems from an FIR of the cyber crimes unit of Kohima Police that booked various accused under sections of the IPC, the IT Act for allegedly duping gullible investors by promising astronomical returns by mining Bitcoins and other cryptocurrencies. The police said a mobile phone application named 'HPZ Token' was used by the accused to cheat the investors. The agency said bank accounts and merchant IDs were opened by various shell entities having dummy directors for the purpose of layering the proceeds of crime. These funds were fraudulently received for illegal online gaming and betting and investment for Bitcoin mining, it claimed. For an investment of Rs 57,000, returns of Rs 4,000 per day for three months were promised but money was paid only once and thereafter fresh funds were sought by the accused from the investors, the ED had said. Country-wide searches were undertaken by the ED in this case leading to the seizure of immovable assets and deposits worth Rs 603 crore till now, including the fresh attachment.

Nagaland CM launches several economic empowerment initiatives

KOHIMA, Nov 27: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday launched several economic empowerment initiatives here to improve the states tourism, transport, agriculture and entrepreneurial sectors. The CM launched Ura Cabs, a homegrown taxi aggregation platform designed to offer seamless travel experiences for tourists and stable income opportunities for local taxi operators. He also flagged []

Manipur: Intense search on for missing man, drones, tracker dogs deployed

Imphal: A massive search operation was underway by the Army for the man who went missing from the fringe areas of the Imphal Valley two days ago, a defence spokesperson said. Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, a native of Assam's Cachar district who lived in Khukrul in Imphal West, left home on Monday afternoon to report for work at the Leimakhong Military Station in Kangpokpi. He has been missing since then, officials said. He was a works supervisor for a contractor working with the Military Engineering Services (MES) in Leimakhong Military Station, the defence spokesperson said. After his family reported that Singh did not return home on the evening of November 25, the Army sprung into action, immediately activating all its resources, he said. CCTV feeds are being carefully scanned, his co-workers are being spoken to and intense search operation, including the tracker dogs, has been launched. Despite a thorough search of the areas, neither the individual nor his two-wheeler has been located, the Kohima-based spokesperson said. The combing operation has been further intensified, spreading across the military station and adjoining villages. Drones and other aerial platforms have also been integrated, he said. Army authorities have also interacted with the region's CSOs (civil society organisations) to trace the missing individual, he said, adding that the family has been assured of all efforts being undertaken for an early and safe return of Singh. The state police have also started an investigation, the spokesperson said. The incident led to tensions in the fringe areas of the Imphal Valley on Tuesday with hundreds of people from the Meitei community beginning a march to the military station to know Singh's whereabouts. However, they were stopped midway near Kanto Sabal to prevent an escalation of the situation. After being stopped, the mob blocked the road with rocks. Army has requested the Meitei CSOs to remove blockades for a free and swift movement of the armed forces and police, the defence official said. The protesters claimed it was likely that Singh was kidnapped by militants, and urged the state government to send additional forces for his rescue. The military camp of the Army's 57 Mountain Division is some 16 km from the state capital Imphal and is surrounded by the hills where the Kuki people live. Meiteis who lived near Leimakhong fled after the ethnic violence began in May last year, claiming over 250 lives so far.

Meghalaya gears up for table tennis cships in Kohima

By Our Reporter Shillong, Nov 26: Meghalaya is all set to showcase its table tennis prowess in the 3rd North East Circle Masters Table Tennis Championships, scheduled to take place in Kohima, Nagaland, from November 28 to 30, 2024. This prestigious tournament will see the regions top players from various states competing across multiple age []

Language convention to preserve cultural traditions of Naga languages

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, Nov 25: A two-day language convention of Naga languages got underway at Ura Academy, Kohima, on Monday, aiming to celebrate the rich oral traditions of the Naga people by providing a platform for all Naga languages from different districts of Nagaland to showcase their diverse and ancient cultural heritage. The convention has []

Mann Ki Baat screening marks felicitation of Naga Paralympics hero

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, Nov 24: The screening of the 116th episode of Mann Ki Baat, the monthly radio programme of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at Raj Bhavan Kohima on Sunday marked withthe felicitation of Naik Subedar Hokato Hotzhe Sema for his bronze medal achievement in the recently held Summer Paris Paralympics 2024 and Team Better []

Indigenous games, cultural confluence in Dimapur

HT Correspondent DIMAPUR, Nov 24: As a prelude to the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the upcoming 10-day Hornbill Festival at Kisama, near Kohima, from December 1, Forerunners Nagaland, in collaboration with the Nagaland tourism department, organised indigenous games competitions, cultural confluence and extravaganza at the Agri Expo site in Dimapur on Saturday. Forerunners []

Army major saves 2 boys from drowning in Nagaland

GUWAHATI: An Army major is being hailed for rescuing two children from drowning in the Dhansiri River in Nagaland. Two boys, aged 5 and 6 years, were playing near the riverbank when they accidentally fell into the deep and muddy water. They attempted to stay afloat but the currents swept them downstream. Incidentally, Major Vishavdeep Singh Attri was passing by the area when he heard the cries of a woman and the two boys for help. Disregarding his personal safety, the officer sprang into action. Being a trained swimmer, he dove into the river and fought against the currents, slush and vegetation to reach the struggling children and managed to bring both boys safely to the shore by displaying extraordinary bravery and determination, a defence statement said. The officer is posted at the Rangapahar Military Station, the armys 3 Corps headquarters, in the Dimapur district. The statement said the boys suffered no serious injuries and were reunited with their grateful families. Local residents and eyewitnesses lauded Major Attri for his heroism and presence of mind, which prevented a potential tragedy, the statement further stated. The officer could not be reached for comment. The army hailed his courageous and selfless act. Heroism knows no bounds! Kudos to the brave #IndianArmy officer, Major Vishavdeep Singh Attri, of @Spearcorps, who selflessly saved 2 boys from drowning in the Dhansiri river, Dimapur, #Nagaland, disregarding his personal safety, PRO Defence, Manipur, Nagaland and South Arunachal posted on X. Heroism knows no bounds! Kudos to the brave #IndianArmy officer, Major Vishavdeep Singh Attri, of @Spearcorps , who selflessly saved 2 boys from drowning in the Dhansari river, Dimapur, #Nagaland today, disregarding his personal safety. @SpokespersonMoD @adgpi @easterncomd pic.twitter.com/zSzCMX2xNY PRO Defence, Manipur, Nagaland & South Arunachal (@prodefkohima) October 27, 2024

Indian Navy launches Motorcycle Expedition across northeastern states

Visakhapatnam: The Indian Navy has officially launched a Motorcycle Expedition across the northeastern states, running from October 14 to 30, 2024. This initiative, organized by the Eastern Naval Command, aims to enhance maritime awareness and engage with local youth and civil society in the region. The expedition follows previous successful outreach efforts in the Northeast in 2022 and in Leh/Ladakh in 2023. The current expedition will traverse approximately 2,500 kilometers, covering key cities in Meghalaya, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh. A total of 40 personnel from the Indian Navy, including officers, sailors, and their family members, are participating in this 15-day journey. The route includes notable stops in cities such as Guwahati, Shillong, Aizawl, Imphal, and Kohima, with riders navigating through high-altitude passes like Sela and BumLa. Key objectives of the expedition include showcasing the Indian Navy's capabilities, conducting awareness drives at schools and colleges about career opportunities within the Navy, particularly highlighting the Agnipath Scheme, promoting Nari Shakti by involving women officers and spouses in the initiative and engaging with naval veterans and Veer Naris (widows of soldiers) in the region.

Talks between NSCN-IM and Centre likely to take place in October 1st week

Talks between the Centre and NSCN-IM are expected to resume in early October in New Delhi. A consultative meeting in Kohima urged Naga groups to unite and present a single document for an early solution. The stalemate persists over NSCN-IM's demand for a separate flag and constitution.

AFSPA extended in parts of Arunachal, Nagaland for 6 more months

Itanagar/Kohima: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in certain districts of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland for another six months with effect from October 1, officials said on Thursday, September 26. An MHA notification said that the AFSPA has been extended for another six months in Tirap, 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 .

MHA extends AFSPA in parts of Nagaland, Arunachal by six months

NEW DELHI: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, under which an area is declared as disturbed for the convenience of security forces, has been extended in eight districts in Nagaland, three districts in Arunachal Pradesh, and some other areas for six more months after a review of the law and order situation in the two northeastern states. An area or district is notified as a disturbed area under the AFSPA to facilitate the operations of the armed forces. The AFSPA gives armed forces operating in disturbed areas sweeping powers to search, arrest and open fire if they deem it necessary for the maintenance of public order. In a notification, the Union Home Ministry said the central government, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (28 of 1958), had declared eight districts and 21 police stations in five other districts of Nagaland as 'disturbed area' for a period of six months with effect from April 1, 2024. The home ministry said a further review of the law and order situation in Nagaland has been undertaken. The districts and police stations areas have been declared as 'disturbed area' again under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 for a period of six months with effect from October 1, 2024, unless withdrawn earlier, the notification issued on Wednesday night said. The districts in Nagaland where the AFSPA was reimposed are Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima, Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek and Peren. The areas in Nagaland falling within the jurisdiction of Khuzama, Kohima North, Kohima South, Zubza and Kezocha police stations in Kohima District; Mangkolemba, Mokokchung-I, Longtho, Tuli, Longchem and Anaki 'C' police stations in Mokokchung District; Yanglok police station in Longleng District are also declared 'disturbed'. In addition, Bhandari, Champang and Ralan police stations in Wokha District; and Ghatashi, Pughoboto, Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto and Aghunato police stations in Zunheboto District of Nagaland are also declared 'disturbed' under the AFSPA. In a separate notification, the home ministry said under the AFSPA, the central government had declared Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering Assam, as 'disturbed area' with effect from April 1, 2024. A further review of the law and order situation in Arunachal Pradesh has been undertaken, it said. Now, therefore, Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh and the areas falling within the jurisdiction of Namsai, Mahadevpur and Chowkham police stations in Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, bordering the state of Assam, are declared as 'disturbed area' under Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, for a period of six months with effect from October 1, 2024, unless withdrawn earlier, the notification said. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier said the AFSPA has been removed in 70 per cent areas in the northeastern states, even though it is in force in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah had also said that the central government would consider revoking AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir. There have been demands from various organisations and individuals in Jammu and Kashmir and northeastern states to revoke the AFSPA. AFSPA debate: What could be a possible solution?

India conducts successful field firing trials of its new indigenous light tank 'Zorawar'

NEW DELHI: India's ambitious project to manufacture indigenous light tanks achieved a milestone on Friday with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), successfully conducting the preliminary automotive trials of the Indian light Tank, Zorawar. In the initial phase, the tank's firing performance was rigorously evaluated and it achieved the required accuracy on designated targets, said the Ministry of Defence. Describing it a highly versatile platform capable of deployment in high-altitude areas, the MoD added, During the field trials conducted in the desert terrain, the Light Tank demonstrated exceptional performance, efficiently meeting all the intended objectives. As per the sources accuracy is the most significant parameter for the modern tanks which in technical terms is also described as the FRHP (First Round Hit Probability) to suit the modern battles, requiring to hit the enemy first. Zorawar has been successfully developed by the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), a unit of the DRDO, in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro Ltd. Numerous Indian industries, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), contributed to the development of various sub-systems, showcasing the strength of indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities within the country. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded DRDO, the Indian Army, and all associated industry partners for the successful trials of the Indian Light Tank. He described the achievement as a significant milestone towards India's goal of self-reliance in critical defence systems and technologies. As reported earlier by TNIE, 'Zorawar,' India's ambitious indigenous project to design and develop Light Weight Tanks (LWT) for sector-specific operational requirements is expected to be ready for deployment in about four years, from the start of its design phase. The tank is named after Zorawar Singh Kahluria, the famed Military General of Dogra King Gulab Singh who was adept at mountain warfare. The prototype of the tank underwent trials in July this year. After that, as per the sources, the development phase will take 18 months to two years. The production will take another year. A total of 354 light tanks are to be produced of which the DRDO will manufacture 59. The rest will be manufactured under the Make 1 Category. Zorawar will weigh around 25 tonnes, armed with niche technologies to include Artificial Intelligence, drone integration, active protection system and a high degree of situational awareness, a source said. The Defence Acquisition Council accorded its approval for the Rs 16,000 crore project for lightweight tanks in December 2022. The Projects under the 'Make-I' category will involve government funding of up to 90 per cent under the Defence Procurement Policy (2016). With this, the aim of the government is to push the Make in India initiative. This will foster indigenous capabilities through the design and development of required defence equipment/products/systems by the both public and private sectors. A lightweight agile platform with a high power-to-weight ratio with substantial firepower, protection, and surveillance-and-communication capabilities is essential to provide the Indian Army with the versatility to execute operations in varying terrain against diverse threats and equipment profiles of adversaries. An Armoured Fighting Vehicle-Indian Light Tank offering capability for multiple employment options along with niche technologies is, therefore, an operational imperative, said the source. Indian Light Tank is required to address sector-specific operational requirements. The Indigenous Indian Light Tank aptly named 'Zorawar' will be designed to operate from High Altitude Area, the marginal terrain to the Island territories and will be highly transportable for rapid deployment to meet any operational situation, said the defence source. The need for light tanks was felt during the standoff in Eastern Ladakh where the Chinese PLA was able to induct a large number of technologically modern tanks which were a mix of medium and light tanks with a high-power-to-weight ratio. Commonly there are three categories of tanks: Light, medium and heavy tanks. The Army's MBT Arjun weighs around 60 tons, T-90 around 48 tons and T-70 around 45 tons. The Indian Army had to induct a considerable number of T-72 and T-90 tanks in operational areas, gaining tactical surprise over the adversary and thereby forcing the adversary on the back foot. The Army has experience of successfully employing Light Tanks as Force Multipliers in all previous battle engagements in the past viz. Stuart Tanks of 254 Indian Tank Brigade in Battle of Kohima in World War II, at Naushera, Jhangar, Rajauri and most successfully at Zojila in the Indo-Pak war 1947-48.

Nagaland: Permission denied for proposed Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra in Kohima

The Nagaland cabinet has denied permission for the Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra in Kohima, citing public order concerns. The decision was influenced by opposition from civil society organizations and political parties, as well as Article 371A, which protects Naga religious and social practices. The Yatra aimed to promote a nationwide ban on cow slaughter.

Nagaland govt decides to enforce ILP in Dimapur

Kohima: The Nagaland government on Wednesday decided to enforce the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland districts of the state. The decision was taken at the state cabinet meeting held here during the day under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, state government spokesperson and minister Temjen Imna Along told newsmen here. ILP was not applicable to Dimapur district which was bifurcated into three districts - Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland in 2021. Dimapur and Niuland districts share an inter-state border with Assam. To visit Nagaland ILP is required by those people who are not indigenous people of the state. In Dimapur district, there will be three categories of non-Naga residents under which no ILP will be required for categories I and II, he said. Informing that Category-I relates to those individuals who were settled in Dimapur prior to the December 1, 1963, formation of Nagaland, he said that the department would work towards providing these individuals with smart card facility with the option to avail permanent residence certificate (PRC) and domicile certificate. Category II relates to those individuals who were settled in Dimapur between December 1, 1963, and November 21, 1979, and these individuals will be provided permanent residence certificates with the option to avail of domicile certificates, he said. Category III relates to those individuals who were settled in Dimapur on and beyond November 22, 1979, he said. Along informed that the government would strengthen the digital system for issuance of ILP so that people requiring the permit will not have to come through middle-man or go to offices. Certain categories such as students, teachers, technical personnel, and businessmen who are investing in the state should be provided ILP for a longer duration of 2-5 years at a time, the minister said. Nagaland restricts the entry of non-Nagas into the state under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act of 1873, which aims to protect the identity and existence of the indigenous people. The Inner Line Permit (ILP) makes it obligatory for anyone, both an Indian citizen and a foreigner, who is not an indigenous inhabitant of Nagaland, to obtain an ILP to enter the state of Nagaland for a limited period. However, following the political crisis in neighbouring Bangladesh, various tribal bodies and civil society organizations in the state are demanding an extension of the ILP in the three districts to restrain the influx of illegal immigrants into the state. The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) on September 4 had set a deadline of 14 days for the government to enforce ILP in the three districts while cautioning that any delay in enforcing these measures would be seen as a failure to protect the Naga people and an abdication of the government's duty.

21-cities-see-40-reduction-in-major-pollutants-which-are-they

By Mohit Sharma A reduction of 40 per cent in PM 10 pollutants has been witnessed in 21 cities, including Varanasi, as per the latest environment ministry data. Particulate Matter (PM 10), a major air pollutant, are particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less which are small enough to pass through the throat and nose and enter the lungs and can cause various illnesses. While reviewing the Clean Air Action Plans being implemented in 131 cities, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said that 21 cities have shown a 40 per cent reduction in PM 10 levels as compared to 2017-18 and 51 cities have achieved 20 per cent reduction in the proliferation of harmful pollutant into the air. Major causes of PM 10 are dust from unsealed roads, smoke from fires, sea salt, vehicular exhausts, pollution from industries, incomplete combustion, cooking and chemical reactions in the atmosphere. According to the data, the cities that performed better and achieved 40 per cent reduction include Varanasi, Dehradun, Dhanbad, Firozabad, Moradabad, Kohima, Kanpur, Greater Mumbai, Rishikesh, Kadapa etc. The cities that fared worst in terms of achieving the targets include Meerut, Hubli-Dharwad, Ujjain, Nagpur, Madurai, Chennai, Ludhiana, Pune etc. that saw recorded an improvement up to only 10 percent in the PM 10 levels. In Delhi, where the annual concentrations of PM10 have increased significantly over the last two decades making the national capital the second-most polluted capital city in the world, the reduction in PM 10 levels was between 10 to 20 per cent as per the data revealed by the Centre. Other cities that fall in this category include Thane, Howrah, Jhansi, Devanagree, Patiala, Jaipur, Alwar, Latur etc. This comes a week after the Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai in a letter to the presidents of Delhi units of the BJP and Congress, requested for positive suggestions to help reduce the citys pollution for incorporation into the Winter Action Plan. Rai cited a report of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and claimed that only 31 per cent of the pollution in the capital is caused locally while the rest comes from NCR, referring to stubble burning in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Air pollution in Delhi, especially in the months of October-November, has long been a point of contention between the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government and the opposition parties, especially the BJP. Yadav who chaired the 4th meeting of the Apex Committee of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) on the occasion of Swachh Vayu Diwas (International Day of Clean Air for blue skies) on Sunday said that a performance-based grant of Rs. 19,612 crore has been allocated to 131 cities for implementation of city action plans from 2019-20 to 2025-26. Out of this, Rs. 11,211 crore has been provided so far to achieve the targets of 40 reduction and National Ambient Air Quality Standards by 2025-26. The minister also highlighted the creation of 3776 hectares of Nagar Van/Vatikas under Nagar Van Yojana in 64 cities. He also commended the extensive tree plantation drives conducted in 131 cities under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, a global campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

21 Cities Under NCAP Cut PM10 Pollution by Over 40 pc Since 2017-18, Shows CPCB Data

New Delhi: Ninety-five of the 131 cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme have shown an improvement in air quality, with 21 reducing PM10 pollution by more than 40 per cent compared to 2017-18 levels, CPCB data shows.The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) also said that only 18 of the 131 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities adhered to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM10, set at 60 micrograms per cubic metre. The 21 cities and urban agglomerations that achieved more than 40 per cent reduction in PM10 pollution are Varanasi, Dhanbad, Byrnihat, Bareilly, Firozabad, Dehradun, Tuticorin, Nalagarh, Moradabad, Khurja, Trichy, Kohima, Lucknow, Kanpur, Kadapa, Sivasagar, Sunder Nagar, Agra, Greater Mumbai, Rishikesh and Parwanoo. Fourteen cities, -- Ahmedabad, Ghaziabad, Rajkot, Jalandhar, Raebareli, Amritsar, Kolkata, Jammu, Silchar, Vijayawada, Naya Nangal, Dimapur, Baddi and Jodhpur -- reduced PM10 pollution by 30-40 per cent, compared to 2017-18 levels. Khanna, Durgapur, Kurnool, Dera Baba Nanak, Vadodara, Allahabad, Asansol, Hyderabad, Gorakhpur, Ranchi, Bengaluru, Akola, Ananthapur, Durg Bhilainagar, Surat and Noida recorded a 20-30 per cent reduction in PM10 levels during the same period, the data showed. A 10-20 per cent reduction in PM10 pollution was recorded in 21 cities -- Delhi, Howrah, Thane, Latur, Nellore, Gajraula, Alwar, Chittur, Kala Amb, Mandi Gobindgarh, Amravati, Patiala, Jaipur, Ongole, Chandrapur, Nashik, Jhansi, Sangli, Kota, Devanagere and Rajahmundry. India launched the NCAP in 2019 with a target to reduce particulate pollution by 20-30 per cent by 2024, using 2017 as the base year. The target was later revised to a 40 per cent reduction by 2026, using 2019-20 as the base year. In practice, only PM10 concentration is being considered for performance assessment. Surat was on Saturday ranked as the top major city in India for air quality improvements, followed by Jabalpur and Agra. The Union environment ministry presented the National Clean Air City Awards during the Swachh Vayu Survekshan - 2024, held at a national workshop celebrating the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies in Jaipur. While Surat, Jabalpur and Agra secured the top three positions among cities with populations of more than 10 lakh, Firozabad (Uttar Pradesh), Amravati (Maharashtra) and Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) were recognised as the best among cities with populations between three and 10 lakh. Raebareli (Uttar Pradesh), Nalgonda (Telangana) and Nalagarh (Himachal Pradesh) topped the list among cities with populations under three lakh. Swachh Vayu Survekshan is an initiative by the environment ministry to rank cities based on the implementation of activities approved under the city action plan and air quality in cities covered under NCAP. These cities were awarded for significant improvements in air quality through various best practices to reduce air pollution. Key activities included paving roads, promoting mechanical sweeping, bioremediation of legacy waste, solid waste management, converting reclaimed land from dump sites into green spaces, greenbelt development, intelligent traffic management systems, and Miyawaki afforestation.

21 cities under NCAP cut PM10 pollution by over 40% since 2017-18: CPCB

Ninety-five of the 131 cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme have shown an improvement in air quality, with 21 reducing PM10 pollution by more than 40 per cent compared to 2017-18 levels, CPCB data shows. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) also said that only 18 of the 131 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities adhered to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for PM10, set at 60 micrograms per cubic metre. The 21 cities and urban agglomerations that achieved more than 40 per cent reduction in PM10 pollution are Varanasi, Dhanbad, Byrnihat, Bareilly, Firozabad, Dehradun, Tuticorin, Nalagarh, Moradabad, Khurja, Trichy, Kohima, Lucknow, Kanpur, Kadapa, Sivasagar, Sunder Nagar, Agra, Greater Mumbai, Rishikesh and Parwanoo. Fourteen cities, -- Ahmedabad, Ghaziabad, Rajkot, Jalandhar, Raebareli, Amritsar, Kolkata, Jammu, Silchar, Vijayawada, Naya Nangal, Dimapur, Baddi and Jodhpur -- reduced PM10 pollution by 30-40 per cent, compared to 2017-18 ...

Naga students ask state govt to implement Inner Line Permit in 3 districts within 14 days

Kohima: The Naga Students' Federation (NSF) has asked the state government to implement an Inner Line Permit (ILP) in three districts of Nagaland Dimapur, Chmoukedima, and Niuland within 14 days. The federation is deeply anguished to note that despite having submitted several representations to the state government, the last communique having been made on February 28, no decisive action has been taken, NSF president Medovi Rhi and assistant general secretary Kenilo Kent said in a statement here on Thursday. This demand was made in response to what the NSF described as a 'grave alarm' over the worsening crisis in Bangladesh, which has led to regional unrest and represents a threat to the Naga homeland. The demographic shift we are witnessing is not merely a number on a chart; it represents the dilution of Naga culture, our way of life, and our future as an indigenous people. We will not stand idle as our homeland is turned into a refuge for illegal immigrants, NSF said. The NSF maintained that any delay in enforcing ILP would be seen as a failure to protect the Naga people and an abdication of the government's duty. Reiterating that the Naga homeland must be safeguarded from illegal immigration at all costs, the NSF asserted to continue to monitor the situation closely and that it is prepared to take up any course of action if the government fails to implement ILP in the three districts. Nagaland restricts the entry of non-Nagas into the state under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act of 1873, which aims to protect the identity and existence of the indigenous people. According to this Regulation, anyone who is not an indigenous inhabitant of Nagaland must obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP) from the Government of Nagaland to enter the state for a limited period. ILP was not applicable for the Dimapur district which was bifurcated into three districts Dimapur, Chumoukedima, and Niuland in 2021. Dimapur and Niuland districts share an inter-state border with Assam.

6 dead, 3 injured due to heavy rain, landslides on Nagaland's NH-29

The Nagaland government has announced an ex gratia of four lakh each for the families of six people who were killed on National Highway-29 (Dimapur-Kohima) due to large scale destruction caused by incessant rainfall and landslides.Sixteen thousand will be given to the three injured persons as per the norms of the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Deputy Chief Minister Zeliang said.After the casualties on Wednesday, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio took stock of the situation and urged people to heed official advisories.Convened a meeting and took stock of the disaster situation on NH-29, which resulted in 6 casualties. I urge citizens to heed to official advisories. The Govt. is providing emergency services and ex-gratia. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, the CM posted on X.I'm deeply concerned by large scale destruction on NH-29 caused by incessant rainfall. Authorities are on-site assessing the situation & helping those

Casualties feared as massive mudslides, landslides hit Nagaland

GUWAHATI: Route connectivity between Nagalands Dimapur and Kohima via National Highway 29 has been snapped following major mudslides and landslides which were triggered by incessant rainfall. While there are no official figures so far on casualties if any, the local media reported that one to five persons were killed. The incidents occurred on Tuesday night and in the wee hours of Wednesday at multiple places. In viral videos, large stretches of the highway were seen blocked. A number of vehicles were stranded. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the authorities were assessing the situation. Im deeply concerned by large-scale destruction on NH-29 caused by incessant rainfall. Authorities are on-site assessing the situation & helping those affected. The State Govt will continue to pursue with the GoI & @nhidcl for immediate measures & restore normalcy at the earliest, he posted on X. I'm deeply concerned by large scale destruction on NH-29 caused by incessant rainfall. Authorities are on-site assessing the situation & helping those affected. The State Govt will continue to pursue with the GoI & @nhidcl for immediate measures & restore normalcy at the earliest Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) September 4, 2024 The office of the commissioner of police, Dimapur issued an advisory for commuters. In view of the massive mudslide at Pherima, landslide at Tseipama/ Piphema and another major landslide on NH 29 (Pagala Pahar/New Chumoukedima) which has washed away an entire section of the road, all vehicular traffic between Kohima and Dimapur on NH-29 is blocked as it is not possible to ply on this stretch of road, the advisory said. It added, Alternate route via Pimla-Mhainamtsi for commuting between Kohima and Dimapur is also not advised due to the above mud slide/landslides. The Niuland-Kohima via Zhadima road can be used by light motor vehicles only. No heavy vehicles shall be allowed to ply on this route. It requested citizens to take extreme precautions during this weather condition and plan their travels accordingly. National Highway 29 leads up to Manipur and the state depends heavily on this arterial road for supplies.

National Highway-29 cut off as heavy rain pounds Nagaland

The massive landslide on the national highway has cut off the link to the States capital Kohima, officials said.