The Sub Divisional Officer of Wangoi M Suranjoy Singh has informed that a joint field survey in connection with land acquisition for construction of 6 lane approach road from NH 2 to New Integrated Terminal Building at Imphal International Airport will be conducted on January 29 from 10 30 am onwards In this connection, the SDO has instructed all pattadars of the lands situated at Revenue Village No 45 Sangaiprou and 77 Mongsangei located on the eastern side of the airport to be present at the spot on the mentioned date and time Source The Sangai Express
IE to hold Meeyamgi Numit on Jan 30
The District Administration Imphal East is set to organise the District Level Meeyamgi Numit on January 30 from 10 am to 3 pm at Panchayat Bhavan Hall, DC Office Complex, Porompat A notification issued by Deputy Commissioner of Imphal East Khumanthem Diana Devi has urged all public leaders, civil society philanthropic organisations, presidents secretaries of clubs, NGOs and the general public to submit their grievances to the District Level Officers or their representatives for swift redressal Source The Sangai Express
The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences RIMS , Imphal has been included in the list of Centres of Excellence CoEs for rare diseases which will be a premier Government Hospital with facilities for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of rare diseases RIMS is the first CoE in the entire North East India and the 13th in India, said a statement issued by the media cell of the institute Saying that patients seeking treatment for rare diseases can approach these centres and avail financial support of up to Rs 50 lakh per patient under the National Policy for Rare Diseases, it added 63 rare diseases are approved for treatment under CoEs Source The Sangai Express
Indigenous push: Contract inked to procure bridge laying tanks for Indian Army
In a step to add speed to the armoured elements of the Indian Army, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has inked a deal to buy Bridge Laying Tanks (BLT). The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday signed a contract with Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), a unit of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited (AVNL), for the procurement of 47 Tank-72 Bridge Laying Tanks (BLT) for the Indian Army at a total cost of Rs 1,560.52 crore. The contract was inked by the senior officials of MoD and HVF/AVNL in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi. The BLT is critical equipment that is employed to launch bridges during offensive/defensive operations by Mechanised Forces. The acquisition of this equipment will enhance mobility adding to the offensive capability in the battlefield. It provides integral bridging capability to the Tank and Armoured Vehicle fleet enhancing the battlefield mobility and offensive capability, the MoD said. Indian Army's armoured Regiments are operating in extreme conditions including the hot deserts of the Western Borders with Pakistan and the freezing temperatures of the mountainous terrain of the Northern Borders with China. The present case being a Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) will give impetus to the Make-in-India initiative in defence. This project will also play a pivotal role in boosting the overall economy and increasing employment avenues in the country. In another important move to strengthen the armoured capabilities in the mountains, as reported earlier by TNIE, India is working to manufacture 'Zorawar,' India's ambitious indigenous project to design and develop Light Weight Tanks (LWT) for sector-specific operational requirements. The tank is named after Zorawar Singh Kahluria, the famed Military General of Dogra King Gulab Singh who was adept at mountain warfare. The prototypes' firing performance was tested successfully in September last year. The Indian Army is known to have employed tanks in unexpected areas even while road communication was limited. Army's armoured Regiments have served in 1962 war in the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, Haji Pir Pass and Zojila Pass. The Tanks, including the T-72, are deployed in the Eastern Ladakh where the tensions prevail with more than a lakh combined troops of India and China positioned astride the 832 km long LAC in Eastern Ladakh.
Vantara Offers Chain-Free Haven for 20 Rescued Elephants | Vantara Animal Kingdom | Animal Rescue
| 20 rescued elephants, freed from exploitative logging industry in Arunachal Pradesh, to find forever home at Vantara Rescue founded by Anant Ambani Vantara, a renowned rescue center founded by Anant Ambani, is preparing to welcome 20 rescued elephants freed from the exploitative logging industry in Arunachal Pradesh. This rescue operation was carried out with the approval of the High Powered Committee and the Supreme Court of India. The elephants will find their permanent home at Vantara, where they will live chain-free and never be forced into labor. At Vantara, they will have the opportunity to rejuvenate and live as elephants should, free from exploitation and mistreatment.They'll live chain-free, with dignity & well-being restored @Arunima24 with latest updates. n18oc_india
Arunachal students body seeks re-suspension of officials implicated in APPSC leak
Itanagar: The All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union (AAPSU) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the state government, demanding action against the reinstatement of six education department officials implicated in the APPSC question paper leak scam. These officials, including Block Education Officers (BEOs) and teachers, were arrested and suspended following their alleged involvement in the scandal [] The post Arunachal students body seeks re-suspension of officials implicated in APPSC leak appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Assam activists question official silence on mysterious transfer of 21 elephants to Vantara
Guwahati: The transportation of 21 elephants through Assam from Arunachal Pradeshs Namsai to Vantara, a private zoo owned by Reliance at Jamnagar in Gujarat, has sparked controversy and raised several unanswered questions. While the Assam government has denied involvement, environmental activists and journalists have expressed concerns over the secrecy surrounding the transfer and the apparent [] The post Assam activists question official silence on mysterious transfer of 21 elephants to Vantara appeared first on NorthEast Now .
The organization has secured all required documentation under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, including obtaining an NOC from the Gujarat Forest Department and a Transport Permit from the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department.
Historic: NIMAS team completes Arunachal leg of Brahmaputra rafting expedition
GUWAHATI: A team of the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS) has achieved a milestone by completing the Arunachal Pradesh leg of the Brahmaputra River Rafting Expedition. The sheer power and scariness of the currents had deterred all previous attempts to navigate this route. Out of the 916-km journey planned, the team navigated 240 km of the river, rafting through one of the most dangerous stretches in the world. This section, from Gellingthe first Indian village where the river enters India from Chinas Tibet region where it is called Yarlung Tsangpoto Tuting is renowned for its Grade 4 and 5 rapids. Known as Siang in Arunachal, the Brahmaputra is revered for its ferocity and unpredictability. A defence statement said this expedition also marked the first attempt to raft the entire Brahmaputra stretch spanning Arunachal and Assam. The NIMAS team was warmly received at Pasighat by the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police of East Siang district, along with members of the Water Sports Association. They extended their heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to the team for undertaking such a daring and historical expedition, showcasing the spirit of adventure and resilience, the statement said. Col RS Jamwal, Director of NIMAS, expressed gratitude for the support from local authorities and communities. This expedition is not just about adventure; its about pushing boundaries, overcoming fear, and setting a new benchmark for exploration in India. The teams resilience through the life-threatening rapids of Siang reflects the true spirit of NIMAS, he said. The NIMAS team is now gearing up for the Assam stretch of the Brahmaputra. The team is expected to face new challenges in navigating the vast, powerful river system with its colossal eddies and intricate pathways. This historic expedition is a testament to human determination and a celebration of the unexplored beauty and power of Indias rivers, the statement added.
Arunachal Pradesh to boost tourism by restoring World War II remnants in Nampong
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced efforts to restore World War II remnants in Nampong for tourism, aiming to boost the region's connectivity and economic growth. Khandu emphasized the importance of the Pangsau Pass International Festival in promoting cultural heritage and economic opportunities, while also highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects in the state.
Union minister calls for collective action to address women, children issues
ITANAGAR, Jan 19: Union minister Savitri Thakur on Sunday called for collective action and continued collaboration among stakeholders to address the challenges faced by women and children, and to ensure holistic development for all sections of society. The Union minister of state for women and child development, who is in Arunachal Pradesh on a three-day []
Assam launches drive to seal illegal rat-hole mines
GUWAHATI: The Assam government has initiated a drive to shut down all rat-hole coal mines following a tragic incident on January 6 at a 300-ft-deep mine in the Umrangso area of Dima Hasao district. Rescue teams recovered the bodies of four miners, while five others remain trapped, with little hope of survival. The disaster was triggered by flooding, which could not be fully drained as the mine is linked to nearby water sources. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently stated that 220 rat-hole mines had been identified in the area. He directed the Mines and Minerals Department to close all such mines in consultation with central agencies. Dima Hasao Superintendent of Police Mayank Kumar Jha confirmed that a massive operation is underway to seal the mines on the instructions of the Director General of Police. We are restricting access, dismantling, and seizing equipment, though the process will take time due to logistical challenges, Jha said. Dima Hasao Superintendent of Police Mayank Kumar Jha confirmed that a massive operation is underway to seal the mines on the instructions of the Director General of Police. We are restricting access, dismantling, and seizing equipment, though the process will take time due to logistical challenges, Jha said. Meanwhile, 13 illegal rat-hole mines were sealed in the Margherita area of Tinsukia district bordering Arunachal Pradesh. Authorities also arrested four workers and seized equipment, including an excavator. It was revealed that illegal miners had been using an abandoned Coal India Limited office and had secured electricity connections. Rat-hole mining tragedies are a recurring issue in the Northeast, where high daily wages of Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 attract impoverished workers despite the dangers.
Assam: 33 elephants transferred to Vantara from Arunachal, activists raise concerns
Guwahati: At least 33 elephants are being transported from Arunachal Pradesh to Vantara, a private zoo at Jamnagar in Gujarat owned by Anant Ambani. The elephants, reportedly purchased from private owners in Lohit district, are being transported in 16 animal ambulances with Gujarat registration. Vantara, an initiative of Anant Ambani, the younger son of Reliance [] The post Assam: 33 elephants transferred to Vantara from Arunachal, activists raise concerns appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Kaling Moyong elected as Arunachal BJP president
Itanagar: Former Pasighat East MLA Kaling Moyong has been unanimously elected as the new president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s Arunachal Pradesh unit, succeeding Biyuram Waghe, who currently serves as the states health minister. The 54-year-old leader, a native of Mirku village in East Siang districts Pasighat, began his political journey in 2003 as [] The post Kaling Moyong elected as Arunachal BJP president appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Pakke Pagafestival held at Seijosa
HT Correspondent BISWANATH CHARIALI, Jan 18: The Pakke Paga Festival has been held in Seijosa in Pakke Kessang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The festival is celebrated every year in Seijosa in Pakke Kessang district of Arunachal Pradesh to raise awareness among the tribal people. The Pakke Paga Festival is celebrated every year with various activities []
Remains of a War: American planes lost in WWII are still being found in Arunachal Pradesh
Eight decades after World War II, the icy peaks of the Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh still hold secrets of wartime catastrophes. Explorers continue to look for the wreckage of hundreds of American planesas well as the remains of thousands of crew members that went missing in the war years in the dangerous trans-Himalayan route known as the Hump.
Arunachal: Singpho tribe outraged over omission from Pangsau Pass festival
Digboi: The Singpho Youth Organization (SYO) of India has expressed deep disappointment and outrage over the exclusion of the Singpho Tribe from the Pangsau Pass International Festival in Arunachal Pradesh. The tribe was notably absent from both the cultural events and the mural art displayed at the festival venue in Nampong, Changlang district. The Pangsau [] The post Arunachal: Singpho tribe outraged over omission from Pangsau Pass festival appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Modi govt invested more than Rs 5 trillion in the Northeast: Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced Kaling Moyong as the new BJP state president for Arunachal Pradesh, emphasizing his role in expanding the party's influence. Sonowal highlighted significant developments in the Northeast over the past decade and encouraged BJP workers to strengthen organizational efforts in support of Modi's vision.
Collaborative initiatives to boost renewable energy, geosciences research in Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Jan 17: The Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS), Arunachal Pradesh in collaboration with Oil India Limited (OIL) and the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE) on Friday launched initiatives to advance renewable energy and geosciences research in the state. Arunachal Pradesh science and technology minister Dasanglu Pul, who is also []
DCs play vital role in grassroots development: Arunachal CM Pema Khandu
ITANAGAR, Jan 17: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday emphasised the vital role of Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to drive the development process in the state. Addressing the DCs conference here, Khandu said deputy commissioners are pivotal in driving development at the grassroots. The two-day DC conference was held for detailed discussions on the []
Bisa Nong Singpho cremated with dignity
HT Correspondent MARGHERITA, Jan 17: General Administrative Department and state protocol officer on Friday cremated Singphou King Bisa Nong Singpho with state honour(without guns) at Bisa Gaon, Ledo under Margherita Co-District. Thousands of people from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh attended the funeral of Bisa Nong Singpho as his was cremated with state dignity. Bisa Nong []
Arunachal Pradesh police appeal to armed group members to return, key recruiter held
GUWAHATI: Arunachal Pradesh police on Friday appealed to the members of a newly-floated armed group to return to mainstream. It also assured that no legal action will be taken against them if they do so on their own accord. The police also arrested the key recruiter, Tana Hasi, and established the identities of several youths recruited by the group, United Tani Army (UTA). Return voluntarily to your families and communities. No legal action will be taken against you if you come forward on your own, the police said in a statement. We understand that many of you may have been misled or pressured into joining. If you step back now, we will provide you with support to reintegrate into society and pursue a better future, the statement further stated. The police said the investigation revealed that Hasi was in direct contact with senior members of UTA and Naga Insurgent groups and that he acted as a link between the group and vulnerable youth. He was the main recruiter who facilitated the transportation of the youth to the camps associated with banned organizations. He has been actively scouting for new recruits, the police said, adding that they foiled the attempt of a youth to join the outfit. Stating that social media platforms and local networks were used to persuade youth to join UTA, the police said the case highlights the dangerous activities of the organisation that seeks to destabilise peace and exploit the potential of youth for violent purposes. The police advised parents to remain vigilant and guide their children away from harmful influences. The police are committed to dismantling recruitment networks like those operated by UTA and ensuring peace in the state. We urge the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities. Together, we can prevent these harmful ideologies from spreading and protect the future of our youth, the police said. One Anthony Doke is the UTA chief. Recently, the outfit issued a statement opposing the construction of mega dams, issuance of ST certificates to non-native tribals and seeking the relocation of Chakma-Hajong refugees. Later, it also released a few videos of its training camps.
Arunachal Guv presents Bharat Scouts & Guides Rajya Puraskar
ITANAGAR, Jan 15: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (retd) on Wednesday presented the Bharat Scouts and Guides Rajya Puraskar to 69 scouts and 92 guides during a function at Raj Bhavan here. Congratulating the awardees, Parnaik, the chief patron of Bharat Scouts and Guides State Association, said the award reflects their dedication, hard []
Arunachal Jobs : NIT Arunachal Pradesh Recruitment 2025
Applications are invited for recruitment of various project based positions or jobs in NIT Arunachal Pradesh. National Institute of Technology (NIT) Arunachal Pradesh is inviting applications from eligible candidates for recruitment to the posts or jobs of Project Assistant and Field Worker under DST CEST Project entitled Demonstration and Development of an Edge-of-grid Micro-hydro power [] The post Arunachal Jobs : NIT Arunachal Pradesh Recruitment 2025 appeared first on NorthEast Now .
113 roads along China border okayed
113 road projects worth 2,420.97 crore were sanctioned in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand for 2023-24. This is under the Vibrant Village Programme along the India-China border. Additionally, the third phase of the India-China Border Roads project began in Ladakh. The Union government approved the VVP scheme for selected villages in various border districts.
Meghalayas groundwater less contaminated: Ministry report
From Our Special Correspondent NEW DELHI, Jan 13: The quality of groundwater in Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Jammu and Kashmir meets the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) compared to other states some in the Northeast which have widespread contamination, a report released recently by the Ministry of Jal Shakti shows. Elevated arsenic [] The post Meghalayas groundwater less contaminated: Ministry report appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Arunachal: CM inaugurates 10-day SARAS Fair
Arunachal : Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized that the Northeast will progress when Arunachal progresses, Arunachal will progress when villages progress, and villages will progress when women progress. He made these comments during the inauguration of the 10-day Arunachal SARAS Fair 2025 on Monday held at states capital. He also announced a Rs [] The post Arunachal: CM inaugurates 10-day SARAS Fair appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Migratory birds missing from Arunachal wildlife sanctuary
Pasighat: A concerning absence of winter migratory birds has been observed in the Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary and surrounding rivers of Arunachal Pradesh. Forest officials said the usual influx of birds, typically seen arriving in December and early January, has not materialized this year in the wildlife sanctuary. Species such as the great cormorant, ruddy [] The post Migratory birds missing from Arunachal wildlife sanctuary appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Arunachal deputy CM Chowna Mein takes stock of Dibang power project
ITANAGAR, Jan 12: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein took stock of the 2880-MW Dibang power project and said it would enhance the states energy infrastructure and push economic growth, an official said on Sunday. The project is a testament to what can be achieved through perseverance and collaboration, Mein said. During a visit []
Assam: NEEPCOs dam repair work turns Ranganadi turbid again
North Lakhimpur: The waters of Ranganadi river in Lakhimpur district has once again turned turbid following the release of industrial sediments of the dam of 405 MW Panyor (Ranganadi) Hydro Electrical Project (PHEP) plant by the North East Electrical Power Corporation (NEEPCO) on its upstream at Yazali in Arunachal Pradesh. The river has been seen [] The post Assam: NEEPCOs dam repair work turns Ranganadi turbid again appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Arunachal Governor stresses on real-time monitoring of development projects
ITANAGAR, Jan 11: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik on Friday emphasised the need for real-time monitoring of developmental works in the state. During a meeting with chief secretary Manish Kumar Gupta at Raj Bhawan here, Parnaik stressed on timely implementation and quality work of the projects. The governor said that regular []
Arunachal CM Pema Khandu interacts with participants of Brahmaputra river rafting team
ITANAGAR, Jan 11: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu Saturday interacted with a team which will raft the entire length of the Brahmaputra River within Indian borders, a defence statement said. The expedition, undertaken by the Dirang-based National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), will commence from Gelling in Upper Siang district of Arunachal []
Arunachal Pradesh dam can save North East from China hydrocracy: Ojing Tasing
Arunachal Pradesh water transport minister Ojing Tasing defended the decision to build an 11,000 MW hydroelectric project on the Siang river. The dam aims to protect North-East India from potential water threats if China releases excess water from its planned 60,000 MW dam in Tibet. Tasing emphasized that the primary goals are national security and protection.
Arunachal dam can save North-East from China hydrocracy: Minister Ojing Tasing
Arunachal Pradesh Minister Ojing Tasing defends the 11,000 MW hydroelectric project on the Siang river, stating its primary objective is safeguarding against China's potential water-related threats. The dam aims to protect northeastern states from excess water release from China's proposed 60,000 MW dam in Tibet.
Arunachal: Man arrested for duping shops with fake PhonePe app in Doimukh
Guwahati: The police in Papum Pare, Arunachal Pradesh have arrested a 33-year-old man for allegedly attempting to defraud a local shopkeeper using a counterfeit PhonePe payment application. The accused has been identified as Biren Nayak, a resident of Dhekiajulia in Assams Lakhimpur district. He had visited a grocery store in Gumto village claiming to have [] The post Arunachal: Man arrested for duping shops with fake PhonePe app in Doimukh appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Ahead of Bigg Boss 18 finale, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Pema Khandu has come forward to extend his support to Chum Darang and urged the citizens to vote for her.
Raise mega dam project concerns with China: Ex-Arunachal CM Nabam Tuki to Centre
Former Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Nabam Tuki urges the Indian government to address concerns with China regarding its mega hydel project on the Yarlung Tsangpo near the state border, ensuring India's territorial and water-sharing interests, as well as the safety of Arunachal Pradesh's residents, are protected.
Arunachal: Heavy gunbattle erupts between security forces and NSCN(K-YA) in Changlang
Dibrugarh: A heavy gun battle erupted between security forces and NSCN(K-YA) militants at Longka village in Arunachal Pradeshs Changlang district on Thursday morning. The encounter began around 9:30 AM. Security forces had launched a massive search operation in the area following the abduction of two workers from an illegal timber camp in Longvi village on [] The post Arunachal: Heavy gunbattle erupts between security forces and NSCN(K-YA) in Changlang appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Locals stage road blockade at Assam-Arunachal border
HT Correspondent MARGHERITA, Jan 8: Residents of Margherita town and nearby areas staged a road blockade on the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border road on Tuesday night, demanding urgent repairs to the severely dilapidated route connecting Margherita in Assam to Changlang in Arunachal Pradesh. The road which falls under ward number 10 of Margherita Municipal Board serves []
Enrollment rate in elementary education increases, dropouts reduce in Arunachal Pradesh: CM Khandu
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said on Wednesday that the enrollment rate in elementary education has significantly increased and the average annual school dropout numbers at the secondary level have reduced.
NSUI aims to strengthen presence in Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Jobs : Rajiv Gandhi University Recruitment 2025
Applications are invited for recruitment of various teaching positions or jobs in Rajiv Gandhi University Arunachal Pradesh. Rajiv Gandhi University Arunachal Pradesh is inviting applications from eligible candidates for recruitment to the posts or jobs of Teaching Assistant in the Department of National Securities Studies. Rajiv Gandhi University (formerly Arunachal University) is the premier institution [] The post Arunachal Jobs : Rajiv Gandhi University Recruitment 2025 appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Add these 15 enchanting experiences to your bucket list in 2025, that are worth a lifetime!
Let the feeling of the New Year sink in, it is time to get on to some new experiences. Those that you shall add to your already pending bucket list, those that you will just feel like hopping on to right now. Here are some, right in India. You know the destinations, but the glory of the place is worth to be experienced at a certain point of time. Thus, we have got it prepared for you. The long weekends in 2025 shall be utilized well. Come, check it- Kumbh Mela The first event that you got to experience at the beginning of the year is to visit the Mahakumbh. After a gap of 12 years, in 2025 the Mahakumbh is going to take place at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This religious event is the largest human gathering on the planet. Take a dip on the day of the Shahi snan in the Ganges, visit the camps of various spiritual leaders and be a part of the once in 12- year experience at the Mahakumbh 2025. It will begin on Jan 13 th 2025 and will continue till Feb 26, 2025. Do not miss the event of the year! Rann Mahotsav The ongoing Rann Mahotsav will continue till March 15, 2025. Celebrate the natural bliss of the White desert with the vivid cultural heritage of Gujarat. You can enjoy a comfortable stay at the Tent city and enjoy various activities and adventures, the music and folk dance performances of the local artists, the traditional crafts of artisans, and relaxation with meditation at spa. During the Rann Mahotsav, the beauty of Kutch is a splendid experience. You should go for it now, before the festival ends! Attractive packages are available for an amazing visit. Experience Holi as a local India is on a festival spree every year. Apart from all the festivals, the Holi fervor is always on a high. Why not celebrate the best of Holi at the most known places of the country? Be one with the local community and enjoy the festival of colors like never before. You can head out for- the Bra ki Holi in Mathura, around the Banke Bihari and Gopinath temple in Vrindavan, the Barsane ki Holi near Mathura, the ultimate experience of Holi in the Pink city of Jaipur, the best eve of Holi, i.e. Holika dahan in Udaipur, on the shores of Lake Pichola in Pushkar, in the idyllic spot Varanasi and near the Golden temple of Goddess Durga in Amritsar. Plus, it is a long weekend at the time of Holi this year. So you just cannot miss at any cost. The Taj Mahal at sunrise or on full moon Its a spectacular experience to visit the Taj Mahal. But have you ever imagined the beauty of the monument at sunrise and on a full moon night? It would be one of a kind. For a breathtaking sight where the rays of the sun fall on the white marble structure, when there is no flock of visitors seen, get out early and gaze at the Taj Mahal. And if you want to see it in the moonlight, then also you have got a chance. For, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) keeps the Taj Mahal open for visitors five days a month after sunset. Go for it to witness the magical hues right in front of your eyes. Spot the Bengal tiger The big roaring cat is a sight to behold. And the Indian subcontinent has a significant number to its tiger population. Add the unique thrilling safari experience to your bucket list now. Well, the best place to spot the Bengal tiger would be the Sunderbans in West Bengal. Get on the boat safari to look out for the Bengal tiger that lives in the semi-aquatic lifestyle in the Sundarbans, the Worlds largest Mangroves. Yet you can look out for other wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and tiger reserves in India. These include the Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Ranthambore, Tadoba, Pench and the Jim Corbett. At the Golden temple One of the most serene places you will ever be at, the Golden temple. Visit the Golden temple to attend the Palki ceremony and be a part of the Langar for lunch. The Palki ceremony is commenced at pre-dawn when the Sikh holy book is carried in a palanquin from the Alakh takht inner chamber (where it rests at night) to the main sanctum of the temple. The devotees sing bugles and devotional songs. The practice is reversed at night. It will be the best sacred visit of your life. Every day, a langar is organized for the worshippers and pilgrims at the Golden temple. Go out to help in the kitchen preparing the meals, and in the end seat in the lines to experience the most beautiful meal for the day. Serving at the Golden temple is the ultimate human experience one can ever have. Ganga Aarti at Haridwar On the banks of the river Ganges, the evening prayer is the most blissful religious ritual to be a part of. Thousands of pilgrims assemble to witness the Ganga Aarti at the Har-ki Pauri Ghat. It is organized every morning and evening by the Ganga Sabha. Offering of Panchamrut and flowers is made to Ganga while chanting the Ganga Lahari Mantra. Lastly, a special song for Ganga can be heard in the speakers when Aarti is offered by lighting the copper diya. It can be the most overwhelming experience of your lifetime. Night Kayaking in Andaman The Bioluminescence effect of the Andaman Islands is surreal. And it is only experienced at night by Kayaking in the calm waters with dense mangroves around. The best time to go for Kayaking is during no-moon or full moon phase. It also takes place on other days, only the bioluminescence effect is reduced by 20-30% in comparison to the dark days. The luminescent plankton glows blue in the depths of the waters of Andaman sea. You can even stargaze on the Kayak, at the best adventure of your life. The best places to opt for Night Kayaking include Port Blair, Havelock, Baratang, Neil Island and the Ross Island. Get onto the Kayak to immerse yourself in the spell-bounding luminescent night! Stay in the traditional homestays Homestays are quite in trend these days, with visitors looking for that home feeling while travelling. There are many traditional homestays in various parts of India offering the most comfortable, cozy, homely experience. They serve you with the best local cuisine with a unique cultural experience. You can also look for some homestays that are reviving the rich heritage of India. The best traditional homestays of India date back to five decades and more. Ones you can experience include- Slow Garden (Ladakh), Krishnayan Heritage (Gwalior), Shahpura Bagh (Shahpura), Ranjit Svasa (Amritsar), Philipkuttys farm, Kumarakom (Kerala), Premkunj (Udaipur), Jungle Lodge (Shimla) and many more homestays that are being opened by people in their old homes for visitors. An Ayurvedic retreat The land of Rishi Patanjali, yoga and Ayurveda, India has a variety of hosts offering you the ultimate Ayurvedic wellness. There is a long list of Ayurvedic rejuvenation centers and resorts in the country. Why not try something new and go for an Ayurvedic holiday for a therapeutic experience. The experts and doctors treat you with therapies even for some acute medical conditions, with meditation and yoga and the best from Ayurveda. So, basically it will be a peaceful, healthy and healing trip. The best in India are- Ananda in Himalayas (Uttarakhand), Ashok Country Resort (New Delhi), The Leela (Udaipur), Devaaya, The Ayurvedic and Nature Cure Center (Goa), Somatheeram Ayurveda resort and Kairali Ayurvedic Health Village, both in Kerala. Explore famous food streets Well, who doesnt love the Indian street food. Say the name of the dish and everyone is up for it. You might always go down the street in your city, but have you ever experienced the delight of eating at some of the famous Indian streets? Its so deliciously amazingyou should try visiting these food streets for a real good culinary experience of your lifetime. Know the delicacies, culture and cuisine of India through its street food. Sarafa bazaar (Indore), Chowk and Aminabad (Lucknow), Old city and Majithia road (Amritsar), Paranthevali gali (Delhi), Gol Park (Kolkata), VV Puram, Mosque road, Avenue road and Church street (Bengaluru), Muhammad Ali road (Mumbai), Manek chowk (Ahmedabad) and Chartori gali (Bhopal) are some of the famous food streets of India that are a heaven for a food lover. Encounter the elusive Snow leopard In the high altitude mountains of the Himalayas, you can track down the striking beauty of the Snow leopard. It can camouflage easily in the snow, with patterned spots and thick fur, often called as mountain ghosts by the locals. An estimated 718 snow leopards are left in the Himalayan region. Watching the big cat is the most thrilling experience to have. Coming month of February is the best month to spot them, when they come out to lower regions in search of prey. Visit the Himalayan states of Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Sikkim to catch the sight of the elusive cat species. Explore the stars, sky and space Get a step ahead of star gazing, know more about the stars, the sky and the space. You will know space exploration, astronomy and associated technologies, and you will be surprised to know Indias advancement. Visit the biggest planetariums in the country, even the best in Asia for an educational and entertainment treat. Delve into one of a kind experience that you will have at- The Birla Planetarium in Kolkata (also known as Taramandal which is the largest in Asia and 2 nd largest in the world), Hyderabad and Chennai are the top most. Others include the Nehru Planetarium (Mumbai), Guwahati Planetarium (Assam) and the Ahmedabad Planetarium (Gujarat). Celebrate Cinema at the iconic Raj Mandir All things glamour and iconic at the Raj Mandir cinema of Jaipur. The Raj Mandir Cinema has become symbolic with time. It is often called as Cinema ka Mandir. The meringue shaped auditorium is in business since 1976. Movie premieres are a different feel at Raj Mandir, which is well equipped with the latest sound and technology. Designed in the art moderne style, it has art deco chandeliers and velvet drapes adding to the charm of the interiors here. Not to forget the jasmine scented air conditioning of the cinema theatre. Thus, experience the best of cinema at the Raj Mandir! Ride Kettuvallam in Kerala To those who dont know the Kettuvallam is a traditional houseboat in Kerala. It is made up of bamboo, coir and wood, that reflects Keralas authentic craftsmanship. Basically, it is now a cruise that sails in the backwaters of Kerala. With lagoons, lakes and canals forming the network of water channels in Kerala, the Kettuvallam is worth the ride. You can also watch out the sunset and enjoy a delicious supper that is rich in Kerala cuisine. Do not miss your leisurely Kettuvallam cruise in Kerala. Thus, with this you can experience the best of India in 2025, that you will remember for a lifetime. And when you are done, you can tick this off your bucket list. Happy travelling and Happy experiences!
Indias first organic aquaculture cluster launched in Sikkim
After achieving the tag of the countrys first organic farming state, now Sikkim is moving towards another feat the countrys first organic aquaculture cluster. The Union Minister Husbandary and Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched Indias first organic fisheries cluster in Sikkim and laid the foundation stone of projects worth Rs. 50 crores in Guwahati on Tuesday. The cluster will be antibiotic, chemical and pesticide-free which would help Sikkim to position itself as a pioneer in sustainable aquaculture. Organic fisheries cluster focuses on an ecologically healthy fish farming system avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, antibiotics and pesticides will tap into global Eco-conscious markets with support of financial and technical assistance from NABARD, said Singh in a statement. He further explains that the consumers get aware of the environmental impact of the products they regularly use, they will soon shun it. Hon'ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, in presence of Honble MoS, MoFAH&D, GoI, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, and Honble MoS, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs, Shri George Kurian and other dignitaries, pic.twitter.com/6yP1sOzXhu Department of Fisheries, Min of FAH&D (@FisheriesGoI) January 6, 2025 He further said that organic products typically attract a premium in both domestic and international markets. According to different estimates, the eco-conscious market size is valued at around USD 30 billion in 2024 to USD 105.26 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 22.4% during the forecast period. By establishing an organic aquaculture cluster, Sikkim could tap into this growing market and export of organic fish and fish products. The Government of Sikkim has already embraced organic farming, which has helped in building a strong reputation for sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices. Introducing organic fisheries and aquaculture will align with the states broader vision of promoting organic, sustainable, and environmentally friendly practices across all sectors. Organic clusters will ensure minimal environmental pollution and prevent damage to aquatic ecosystems, contributing to sustainable fish production practices. In addition to it, Singh has also inaugurated and laid the foundation for 50 key projects worth Rs. 50 crores under Pradhan Mantri MatsyaSampada Yojana (PMMSY) covering all North East Region States except Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. The fisheries and aquaculture sector plays a critical role in Indias economy, providing livelihoods to approximately 3 crore fishers and fish farmers. India is the worlds second-largest fish producer, contributing 8% to global output, ranks second in aquaculture production, leads in shrimp production and export, and is the third-largest producer in capture fisheries.
China reasserts plans for worlds largest dam on Brahmaputra river amidst Indian concerns
New Delhi: China has reiterated its plans to construct the worlds largest dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet, despite concerns raised by India and Bangladesh. Yarlung Zangbo River is known as the Brahmaputra in Assam. The project, located near the Arunachal Pradesh border in a seismically active region, has been approved after rigorous [] The post China reasserts plans for worlds largest dam on Brahmaputra river amidst Indian concerns appeared first on NorthEast Now .
Siang Dam Will Counter Chinese Dam In Tibet: Arunachal Deputy Chief Minister
China has approved the construction of the world's largest hydropower dam in Tibet on the Yarlung Tsangbo River which turns left and flows through Arunachal Pradesh and is called Siang in the state, then Brahmaputra in Assam.
Arunachal Pradesh: 4 Tourists Fall In Frozen Sela Lake While Attempting To Walk, Rescued
The incident took place at the scenic lake, located at an altitude of 14,000 feet on Sunday, when the four tourists from Assam, including one woman, ventured onto the frozen surface
World's biggest dam over Brahmaputra will not impact water flows to India: China
Beijing: China on Monday reiterated its plan to build the world's biggest dam over the Brahmaputra River in Tibet near the Indian border, saying the planned project has gone through rigorous scientific verification and will not have any negative impact on downstream countries India and Bangladesh. The project, estimated to cost around USD 137 billion, is located in the ecologically fragile Himalayan region along a tectonic plate boundary where earthquakes occur frequently. China's construction of the hydropower project over in the Yarlung Tsangpo River (the Tibetan name for Brahmaputra River) downstream has gone through rigorous scientific verification and will not have any negative impact on the ecological environment, geology and water resources of the downstream countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry's new spokesman Guo Jiakun told a media briefing here. On the contrary, it will be conducive to downstream disaster prevention and mitigation and response to climate change to a certain extent, he said, replying to a question that India has expressed its concerns over the dam and the issue figured in the Indian officials talks with the visiting and US National Security Advisor Sullivan. Sullivan, currently visiting Delhi, held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday broadly reviewing the trajectory of the India-US global strategic partnership in the last four years under the Biden administration. Sullivan is on a visit to India two weeks ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th president of the US. Last month, China approved plans to build a dam over the Brahmaputra River called Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet close to the Indian border. As per the plan, the massive dam will be built at a huge gorge in the Himalayan reaches where the Brahmaputra makes a huge U-turn to flow into Arunachal Pradesh and then to Bangladesh. In its first reaction to the proposed dam on Jan 3, India urged China to ensure that the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not harmed by activities in upstream areas. We will continue to monitor and take necessary measures to protect our interests, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told media in Delhi. As a lower riparian state with established user rights to the waters of the river, we have consistently expressed, through expert-level as well as diplomatic channels, our views and concerns to the Chinese side over mega projects on rivers in their territory, Jaiswal said. These have been reiterated, along with the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries, following the latest report, he said. The Chinese side has been urged to ensure that the interests of downstream states of the Brahmaputra are not harmed by activities in upstream areas, he added. On Dec 27, another Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, defended China's plan to build the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, saying the project will not negatively affect lower riparian states and that safety issues have been addressed through decades of studies. The project will not negatively affect the lower reaches, she said, referring to the concerns in India and Bangladesh, which are the lower riparian states. China will continue to maintain communication with countries at the lower reaches through existing channels and step up cooperation on disaster prevention and relief for the benefit of the people by the river, she said. She said China's hydropower development in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River aims to speed up the development of clean energy and respond to climate change and extreme hydrological disasters.
4 tourists fall in frozen Sela Lake in Arunachal while attempting to walk
Itanagar: Four tourists fell into the frozen Sela Lake in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, while attempting to walk on its icy surface, an official said on Monday. However, they were safely pulled out of the icy water, the district official said. At Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh. My advice to tourists: Walk on the Frozen Lakes with experienced people, drive carefully on slippery snow roads and be aware of snow avalanche. Temperatures is freezing so wear warm clothes and enjoy. Your safety is important. pic.twitter.com/UWz8xOzd57 Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) January 5, 2025 The incident took place at the scenic lake, located at an altitude of 14,000 feet on Sunday, when the four tourists from Assam, including one woman, ventured onto the frozen surface despite clear risks. Fortunately, their companions acted quickly, pulling them out of the icy water and preventing a tragedy, the official said. The incident occurred around 10 am when the tourists ventured onto the frozen surface of the lake. There was no casualty reported and all of them are fit and fine, additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Hakraso Kri said. Local authorities had previously issued warnings against such activities. In December last year, Tawang Deputy Commissioner Kanki Darang had advised visitors to avoid walking on high-altitude frozen lakes, including Sela Lake, Shongetser Lake, PT Tso Lake, and the lakes around Bumla Pass. For the local community, these lakes hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. According to tradition, tampering with or polluting these sacred water bodies is believed to invite misfortune. Meanwhile, Union Parliamentary Affairs minister Kiren Rijiju who hails from the state has cautioned tourists to remain careful while walking in such frozen lakes. Enjoy mountains but be careful of snow avalance, icy roads and ice lakes, Rijiju said in a post on X. At Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh. My advice to tourists: Walk on the frozen lakes with experienced people, drive carefully on slippery snow roads and be aware of snow avalanche. Temperatures is freezing so wear warm clothes and enjoy. Your safety is important, he added.
'Be cautious': Kiren Rijiju shares video of tourists stuck in frozen Arunachal lake
Tourists at Sela Pass in Arunachal Pradesh had a close call when a frozen lake they were on collapsed. Quick-thinking bystanders rescued them. Union minister Kiren Rijiju warned travelers of such dangers and urged precautions. The incident, caught on video, underscores the importance of proper preparation and experienced guides in winter tourism.
Tourists at Sela Pass, Arunachal Pradesh, fell into freezing waters after ice on a frozen lake cracked. Bystanders quickly rescued them using bamboo sticks. A video of the incident has gone viral, highlighting the dangers of winter tourism. Authorities have advised visitors to follow safety rules. Union minister Kiren Rijiju urged caution and preparedness when visiting such dangerous terrains.
Highest altitude firing range in Sikkim gets Green Ministry nod
India's forest advisory committee has approved the construction of a 2,000 m firing range in Sikkim and a 16 MW hydroelectric plant in Arunachal Pradesh. The firing range will be located near the India-China border and will impact 87 hectares of forest area. The hydroelectric plant in Arunachal Pradesh will utilize the Halai river to generate electricity.
Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu praises efforts to increase forest cover in Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Jan 3: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday commended the state forest department and stakeholders for their collective efforts in preserving and expanding the states forest cover. This initiative is critical for maintaining ecological balance and sustaining life on Earth, he said. Khandus reaction came after the India State of Forest Report []
Will protect our interests: Indian on China's mega dam
India has expressed concerns over China's plan to build a mega dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, stating that it will continue to monitor and take necessary measures to protect its interests. New Delhi has urged Beijing to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not harmed by activities in upstream areas. The dam, estimated to cost USD 137 billion, has raised apprehensions about its impact on the ecological balance of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, through which the Brahmaputra flows. India has repeatedly expressed its concerns to China through diplomatic channels, highlighting the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries.
Modi government should be asked hard questions on Christian minorities: TMC's Derek O'Brien
NEW DELHI: TMC leader Derek O'Brien on Friday said the Narendra Modi government must be asked 'hard questions' about the Christian community, including why the FCRA had been 'weaponised' and the people of Manipur 'ignored'. He also sought to corner the church on the issue, days after Prime Minister Modi attended a Christmas celebration hosted by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) in Delhi. In a blog post on Friday, O'Brien said voices were coming up from the Christian community that should be raised to the Union government. These are the hard questions that must be asked of the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi. Many Christmases have gone by, now answers have to be demanded, said the Trinamool Congress' (TMC) leader in the Rajya Sabha. Why did you attempt to turn Christmas Day into 'Good Governance Day'? Why are you weaponising the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) to specifically target institutions run by the Christian community?, O'Brien asked. Why have you totally ignored the people of Manipur? Why are you encouraging and passing anti-conversion laws that violate fundamental rights under Article(s) 14, 15 and 25 of the Constitution? Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan. O'Brien also asked why the government was pushing the Waqf bill and 'playing minority versus minority', especially in Kerala. Why don't you ever say a word condemning hate speeches and crude communal slurs? he further questioned. The TMC leader alleged that attacks on institutions run by minorities were on the rise and asked why incidents of violence against Christians were increasing. Why did India's National Human Rights Commission lose its United Nations accreditation twice since 2014? Do you remember Father Stan Swamy? Sipper? Straw? Death? he added. Swamy, an 84-year-old tribal rights activist and Jesuit priest, died in custody in July 2021 from cardiac arrest after contracting COVID-19. He was arrested in October 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and spent eight months in a Mumbai prison. He was denied bail on medical grounds several times. In my two decades in public life, including three terms in Parliament, I have written columns on a range of subjects but never one on the church in India. This is a first. It needed to be written. More silence on the subject would make me complicit, O'Brien said. Modi had attended a celebration hosted by the CBCI in the national capital ahead of Christmas. Earlier in December, several Christian MPs, in a meeting with the organisation, had raised concerns over the state of affairs concerning minorities. O'Brien said several issues were raised by the Christian MPs at the meeting called by the CBCI, during which they urged the church body to 'stop photo-ops'. The Christian leadership should take a stand to call out those who are not protecting the Constitution, the TMC leader added.
Union ministers to oversee BJP state chief polls
NEW DELHI: The BJP on Thursday appointed senior leaders, including key Union ministers, as election officers for the selection of state presidents and members of the national council. In a strategy to align state presidential polls with the national president election, the BJP assigned Union ministers to oversee elections in 29 states and UTs. Union minister Bhupendra Yadav has been appointed as the election officer for Gujarat, Shivraj Singh Chouhan for Karnataka, Piyush Goyal for Uttar Pradesh, Manohar Lal Khattar for Bihar and Dharmendra Pradhan for MP. Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat overseeing elections in Assam, Jitendra Singh in Himachal Pradesh, Prahlad Joshi, in Kerala, and George Kurian in Meghalaya. Other appointments include Kiren Rijiju for Sikkim, G Kishen Reddy for Tamil Nadu, Kumari Shobha Karandlaje for Telangana, Juel Oram for Tripura, and Sarbananda Sonowal for Arunachal Pradesh. According to the BJPs constitution, the election process for the national president will progress after at least 50% of state presidents and other office-bearers are elected.
'The Indian Army, despite facing extreme weather conditions -- from searing heat in the summer in Rajasthan to bone-chilling cold in the winter in Ladakh, J and amp;K, Himachal, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim -- remains steadfast in its duty.'
New Delhi [India] : India has completed a 9.214 km-long border fencing project at Manipur's Moreh along the India-Myanmar border and work on constructing a road parallel to the fence is currently in progress, a project aimed at enhancing security and curbing illegal cross-border activities as well as improve accessibility and strengthen patrolling in the region, the MHA report said. The information mentioned in the Ministry of Home Affairs Annual Report 2023-2024 stated that The construction of fencing for a border length of 9.214 km at Moreh awarded to Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has been completed and work on the road along the fence is in progress. The India-Myanmar border stretches over 1,600 km and traverses four northeastern states, including Manipur. This porous border has been a hotspot for smuggling, illegal migration, and insurgent activities. The fencing project at Moreh, a key border town and a significant trade hub, is part of India's broader effort to secure its borders and promote infrastructural development in the northeast. India shares a 1,643 km long border with Myanmar which passes through the States of Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km) and Mizoram (510 km). Out of the 1,643 km border, the demarcation of the 1,472 km border has been completed. Construction work on two pilot projects of a Hybrid surveillance system, one km each in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur has been awarded to Assam Rifles and work is in progress The construction of 20.862 km fence and road was awarded to BRO in February, 2024 for which the work is in progress, added the MHA report.
Arunachal Pradesh CM announces university for indigenous culture in collaboration with ICCS
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday announced that a university-level institute would be established in the state in collaboration with the US-based International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS) for promotion, documentation, research and education on indigenous culture, faith and languages of the state.
This is the 'poorest' CM of India, ruling state since 2011, holds assets worth just Rs...
As per the report, Andhra Pradesh's N Chandrababu Naidu is the richest chief minister with assets worth over Rs 931 crore, followed by Arunachal Pradesh's Pema Khandu at over Rs 332 crore, while Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is ranked third with assets worth more than Rs 51 crore.
Billed as the super year of elections, 2024 saw 64 nations across the world going to polls. In India, there were the Lok Sabha election, eight assembly elections and several bypolls. The general elections held in April-May saw Narendra Modi-led BJP segueing into a third consecutive term, albeit with lesser numbers. For the first time, the saffron party, which wielded an undisputed majority in the last two terms, had to onboard two coalition partners Chandrababu-led TDP and Nitish Kumar-led JD(U). The mandate also proved to be a leveller in the countrys politics, maintaining the BJPs dominance while giving more teeth to the Opposition. The BJP secured 240 seats and the main Opposition Congress one seat short of 100. Among the assembly elections, the verdicts cemented the positions of incumbent governments in five states Maharashtra, Haryana, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Curiously, the November verdict in Maharashtra saw Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his deputy Devendra Fadnavis switch roles, but not without high drama. In Jharkhand, Hemant Soren consolidated his image as the states true tribal leader despite the rival camps outsider taunts during election campaigns. In October, Nayab Singh Saini too proved his mettle in Haryana. The same month saw Jammu and Kashmir where all elections were suspended since the scrapping of Article 370 in August 2019 going to polls once again after the hiatus, catapulting an initially hesitant Omar Abdullah to the chief ministers chair. In Odisha, the regional superpower BJD faced a crushing defeat under the BJP juggernaut. The five-time CM Naveen Patnaik was ousted after an uninterrupted 24-year rule. The Congress camp saw two firsts Rahul Gandhi, who won the Wayanad and Rae Bareli seats, assumed the role of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha. The ensuing bypoll in Wayanad marked Priyanka Gandhi Vadras entry in electoral politics. Uttar Pradesh Ram temple consecration, mandir-masjid rows The year opened on a religious note with the consecration of Ram Lalla in the Ayodhya temple in January. Later, an ASI report established the presence of a pre-existing Hindu temple under the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, and the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah dispute cropped up as well. Mid-February saw massive student protests over paper leak during the constable recruitment exam. In March, the death of jailed gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari due to cardiac arrest grabbed the headlines. Two communal flare-ups, one at Bahraich in October and another at Sambhal in November shook the state. In the last leg, a sitting HC judge caused flutter with his political speech. Maharashtra A complete political turnaround The highlight of the year was the MahaYuti alliances landslide victory in the assembly elections, just six months after a drubbing in the Lok Sabha polls. The Opposition Maha Vikas Agadi (MVA) had won 30 out of the 48 parliamentary seats during the general elections. But in a complete turnaround during the Assembly polls, the MahaYuti consisting of the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawars NCP faction secured 230 out of the 281 seats. In contrast, the MVA comprising the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT) and the NCP (SP), could garner only 46 seats. Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as CM for a third. time. Jharkhand Champais fallout, Kalpanas rise Jharkhand plunged into a political crisis when CM Hemant Soren was jailed in a graft case. Two results ensued: Champai Soren, who held the fort, was disenchanted when Hemant wrested back power after his release, and joined BJP. Two, the state saw the rise of a new woman tribal leader in Hemants wife Kalpana Soren. The year also saw the launch of Mukhyamantri Maiyan Samman Yojana, under which all women aged 21-50 years receive an aid of Rs 2,500 a month. West Bengal Where the mind is without fear At the stroke of the midnight hour on August 15, thousands of people thronged the streets of West Bengal, with songs of resistance and calls for justice for the trainee doctor of RG Kar Hospital, who was raped and murdered while on duty. The brutal murder at a government hospital finally restored the voice of a population that had for long remained complicit to enduring violence. An entire generation of disenfranchised people stormed into the streets yearning for a life without fear. What came about was a watershed, surrounding the question of women and workplace security, exposing the rot proliferating the system. As the year turns to a close, much of that zeal has dissipated into the monotony of injustice. The CBI, the flag-bearers of justice, is yet to chargesheet some of the key accused in the RG Kar rape-murder. Jammu and kashmir High poll percentage amid dip in militancy The first assembly election after the abrogation of Article 370 saw an unprecedented poll percentage of 63.9%, as people overwhelmingly came out to vote without fear. This was also the first election since 1990, that was bereft of boycott calls from militants or separatists. The Valley also saw further decline in militancy compared to the previous years, though two major militant attacks on civilians took place: In June, militants attacked a pilgrim bus in Reasi, killing nine persons. In October, terrorists stormed into a construction site of AFCO Infra in Ganderbal, killing seven people. The security forces killed one militant in an encounter. Stone peltings have dropped significantly. As 2024 draws to a close, the Valley is facing a severe power crisis in the bone-chilling cold of Chilai Kalan, the 40-day harsh winter period. Punjab Setbacks mark political landscape, SAD story Punjabs political landscape was marked by an upheaval, with the Aam Aadmi Party facing setbacks in Lok Sabha and civic polls despite key bypoll victories. Congress dominated, winning seven of 13 LS seats, while AAP secured three. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) faced internal rebellion, with leader Sukhbir Singh Badal undergoing religious penance mandated by the Akal Takht, and narrowly missing the bullet shot by a former militant. Farmers intensified protests demanding a legal guarantee for the minimum support price on crops, with marches blocked at state borders. Tardy paddy procurement further fuelled discontent among farmers. BJP remained ineffective, with state chief Sunil Jakhar stepping back post-poll losses. Uttarakhand Impending UCC, forest fires, drop in tiger deaths In 2024, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to pass the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, with implementation expected in January 2025. Apart from this major development, the hill state also faced a staggering rise in forest fire incidents, reporting over 21,000 cases across its 13 districts a 293% increase compared to 2023. However, this surge in forest fires had no noticeable impact on the scenic states tourism sector, which attracted 6.5 crore visitors to its hill stations and religious sites. The Himalayan state is also known for its wildlife. Uttarakhand saw a significant decline in tiger mortality in 2024, with only eight deaths reported during the year, marking a remarkable 62% drop from the 21 deaths recorded in 2023. Northeast Ganges river dolphin, Bryan Adams concert The gun did not fall silent in Manipur in 2024, even 18 months after the ethnic violence broke out. In sharp contrast, there was absolute peace elsewhere in the Northeast. The first serious effort to restore peace was initiated in Jiribam on August 1, when Meitei and Hmar leaders met at a CRPF facility, though the agreement was short-lived. What followed was a series of civilian killings and arson attacks, and irate mob attacks on homes of Imphal Valley-based legislators. There are no signs of reconciliation yet and the wounds still remain deep. Other headlines from the Northeast included the first-geotagging of a Ganges river dolphin in Assam, a Bryan Adams concert in Meghalaya, and protests against a proposed hydro-power project in Arunachal Pradesh. Himachal Of cross-votes, jungli murga, samosas & toilet tax The Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government survived a BJP bid to topple it by engineering cross-voting during the February Rajya Sabha polls. This led to the disqualification of six Congress MLAs, who later fought bypolls on BJP ticket. While Congress managed to win six of the nine seats in the bypolls, the simultaneous general elections saw BJP sweeping all four seats, and mark the political entry of Kangana Ranaut from Mandi seat. The state was hit by a financial crisis, delaying payments for 2.15 lakh employees and 90,000 pensioners in September. Some unsavoury controversies cropped up over claims of the CM prompting aides to eat the endangered jungli murga, a CID probe into the missing samosas at an official event and reports of a `25 toilet tax. Chhattisgarh A final solution to Maoist menace in Bastar Every now and then, a dozen odd bodies are recovered from the forest, riddled with bullets. The uniforms identify them as left wing extremists, unearthing their weapons, propaganda. Zero tolerance towards Maoists, the home minister declares, The country will be free from the Maoist problem by March 2026. In the remote tribal belt of Bastar, 219 Maoists were neutralised by security forces in separate encounters this year, a staggering spike from the mere 50 eliminated in 2022 and 2023 combined. Parallelly, the Nagarnar steel plant in Bastar produces over 2 MT of hot metal, in the name of sustainable industrial development. Rajasthan BJP comeback amid Gehlot-Pilot divide Rajasthan was turbulent with major political shifts. The BJP rode on its December 2023 state polls victory, but the euphoria faded by summer. Despite dominating the states 25 LS seats in the past two general elections, BJP lost 11 seats this time. Controversies plagued the government one after another. First, agriculture minister Kirori Lal Meena criticised own government, reportedly after denied a prominent cabinet position. Then, education minister Madan Dilawar drew ire for seeking DNA tests of tribals and demanding curriculum changes. In Congress camp, besides the Gehlot-Pilot divide, new factions sprang up. Haryana BJP beats anti-incumbency, creates history The BJP created history when it aced the Haryana assembly election this year and secured a third consecutive term, defeating the Congress and other regional parties. Months before, the party replaced Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar with Nayab Singh Saini, a move that helped the BJP clinch 48 seats, while Congress won 37. The election was marred by internal strife within Congress, with several senior leaders defecting to the BJP, including Kiran Choudhry and her daughter Shruti. The election also saw the political entry of wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia on Congress tickets. Bihar Nitish somersault, emergence of a new party Bihar witnessed several twists and turns in 2024. It began with Nitish Kumar taking oath as the Chief Minister for a ninth time on January 28. He snapped ties with Lalu Prasads RJD, and drifted away from the INDIA bloc, to form the government with new ally BJP. The somersault left the top Opposition leaders flummoxed ahead of Lok Sabha polls. However, NDAs tally from Bihar reduced from 39 to 30 in the LS. With the double-engine government back in power, Bihars expectations on development front ran high. The year also saw the formation of a new political entity, Jan Suraaj Party, led by former analyst Prashant Kishor. Gujarat Major tragedies, Congs Banaskantha moment Gujarat began 2024 with two tragic incidents. On January 18, a boat tragedy on Vadodaras Harni Lake claimed 14 lives including 12 schoolchildren and two teachers during a picnic. Four months later, a deadly fire at the TRP Game Zone in Rajkot on May 25 killed 28 people, mostly youths. On the political front, the BJP saw its unmistakable dominance in Gujarats 26 Lok Sabha seats crumble, with the Congress wresting the Banaskantha seat. This marked the end of its clean sweep streak in the state since 2014. The loss came after a fiercely contested election, marked by internal turbulence and strategic defections. Madhya Pradesh Factory fire, jumbo deaths amid BJP comeback The first half of the year saw the BJP achieving its long-standing goal of winning all the 29 Lok Sabha seats in Madhya Pradesh. And understandably, the Congress faced its worst-ever defeat, failing to secure even a single seat. Additionally, a major accident at a firecracker factory in Harda resulted in 11 fatalities and injured 200 others. Other significant events during the course of the year included the deaths of 10 wild elephants in Bandhavgarh national park, possibly due to Kodo millet crop mycotoxin poisoning. The year also saw the dismantling of several major crime rings, an impact likely to be felt in 2025 as well. Longest Bridge Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, the longest bridge in India that connects Mumbai with Navi Mumbai, on January 12 . Missile test The Defence Research and Development Organisation conducted a successful flight-trial of Indias first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha on November 16 Chalo india Chalo India, a global campaign that seeks to make Indian diaspora members ambassadors of Incredible India, was announced in September. Under this, 1 lakh foreign tourists will be exempted from visa fee in the coming times World heritage Moidams the mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty in Assam in Charaideo district was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in July Classical Language In October, the Union government granted classical language status to five languages Bengali, Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, and Assamese taking the number of classical languages to 11 River-linking On December 25, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation for the ambitious Ken-Betwa river linking project, which plans to transfer excess water from the Ken river to the Betwa river to address concerns of irrigation in arid Bundelkhand of Madhya Pradesh Solar mission Indias solar mission, Aditya-L1, was inserted into its orbit on January 6. On July 2, the Aditya-L1 spacecraft completed its first halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point. It takes 178 days to complete a revolution around the L1 point. Narendra Modi , Prime Minister The Lok Sabha election was projected as a referendum on Modis popularity. And he strode into a third term, becoming the third longest serving Prime Minister. Rahul Gandhi , Leader of Opposition The yatras paid off. Congress improved its tally substantially in the general election, and Rahul Gandhi assumed the role of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha for the first time. Priyanka Gandhi , Congress MP When brother Rahul relinquished his Wayanad seat to retain his mothers bastion Rae Bareli, it paved the way for Priyanka Gandhi Vadras debut in electoral politics. Devendra Fadnavis , Maharashtra CM Rivals trolled him for his Mee Punha Yein refrain in 2019. In 2022 MahaYuti govt, he had to stoop to conquer. But he emerged brighter and stronger in the November polls. Hemant Soren , Jharkhand CM Incarcerated in a graft case, fallout with a close aide who had held the fort for him, and storming back to power the 2024 chapter of his career is straight out of a story book. Omar Abdullah , J&K CM After his Lok Sabha poll debacle, when the first election in the UT was held, Omar was quite resigned, until Congress came to prod. A huge victory seated him in the CMs chair. Nayab Singh Saini , Haryana CM Anti-incumbency, farmers ire, a resurgent Congress hurdles were aplenty before the CM. Despite all, he steered the BJP into a third consecutive term, proving himself to be a worthy substitute for the veteran ML Khattar. Mamata Banerjee , Chief Minister Facing a high-octane BJP campaign in the Lok Sabha elections, the fiesty and formidable Didi proved all pollsters wrong by bettering her partys performance. She managed to retain TMCs complete dominance in Bengal polity. Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party chief Out of power for two consecutive terms, Akhilesh Yadavs Samajwadi Party clinched 37 out of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, proving that it is still a formidable force in the crucial Hindi heartland state. Eknath shinde , Duputy Chief Minister As CM, he remained the most accessible leader to public. His Ladki Bahin scheme was widely credited for the MahaYutis landslide victory in assembly polls. The win also corroborated him as the true inheritor of Balasaheb Thackerays Shiv Sena.
Chandrababu Naidu Richest CM in Country With Assets Worth Rs 931 Cr
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has been ranked as the richest Chief Minister in India, with total assets worth Rs 931 crore, according to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The report highlights that Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu holds the second position with assets amounting to Rs 332 crore, followed by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the third spot with assets worth Rs 51 crore. The ADR report analyzed the total assets declared by 31 Chief Ministers across the country, revealing a combined value of Rs 1,630 crore. Notably, two of these leaders, including Naidu and Khandu, are billionaires. The wealth disparities among the Chief Ministers underscore the diverse financial standings of political leaders in India. Chandrababu Naidu's extensive wealth can be attributed to family-owned businesses and investments, setting him apart in terms of financial resources. Meanwhile, the report has drawn attention to the financial transparency and accountability of political leaders, as wealth declarations are a key aspect of promoting ethical governance. The findings have sparked discussions about the role of wealth in Indian politics and the socio-economic responsibilities of leaders managing significant public wealth.
India's Richest CM Chandrababu Naidu; Mamata Banerjee Poorest: ADR Study
Arunachal Pradesh's Pema Khandu is the second richest chief minister with total assets worth over Rs 332 crore.
ADR analysis reveals Andhra CM Naidu richest, West Bengals Mamata Banerjee poorest
NEW DELHI: With assets worth little over Rs 15 lakh and Rs 55 lakh respectively West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah are the poorest among 31 incumbents in states and barring these two all are crorepatis, as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is the richest with assets of worth over Rs 931 crore, find ADR and National Election Watch (NEW), which analysed their self-sworn affidavits. More to these, the election-watch bodies have also found that Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has the highest number of criminal cases filed against him with around 89 cases, 72 of which are serious IPC counts. The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister has just Rs 10 crore of liabilities, and Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah with Rs 51 crore assets stood third among the chief ministers with the highest assets. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prema Khandu is the second richest with assets worth over Rs 332 crore. But he topped the list of chief ministers with the highest liabilities, valued at Rs 180 crore. Siddaramaiah has liabilities valued at Rs 23 crore. West Bengal chief minister Mamta Banerjee has the lowest assets of Rs 15 lakh followed by Jammu and Kashmirs Omar Abdullah with Rs 55 lakh and Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan with Rs 1 crore. The total assets of 31 chief ministers are Rs. 1,630 crore. In the findings, the gender ratio appeared skewed, as only two out of the 31 Chief Ministers are women. Out of all 31 Chief Ministers analysed in state assemblies and Union Territories, 13 (42 per cent) have declared criminal cases against themselves. Around 10 (32 per cent) chief ministers have declared serious criminal cases, including those related to attempted murder, kidnapping, bribery and criminal intimidation. Revanth Reddy is facing 34 charges related to criminal intimidation (IPC Section-506), 22 charges related to Section 505(2) (IPC Section-505(2)), and three charges related to statements leading to public mischief (IPC Section-505). Two charges pertain to cheating and dishonestly inducing the delivery of property (IPC Section 420). One charge pertains to the falsification of accounts, as outlined in IPC Section 477A. There is one charge under IPC Section 295A, which pertains to deliberate malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings or any class by insulting their religion or religious beliefs. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has the second highest number of cases, 47 in number, against him with a maximum of 11 cases under provisions of the IPC.
Will focus on youth empowerment, overhauling education in 2025: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu
Our government will lay emphasis on skill development programmes to equip the youth with the tools needed to embark on entrepreneurial ventures, Pema Khandu said
Siang project to mitigate flood risks posed by China: Arunachal CM Pema Khandu
ITANAGAR, Dec 29: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), estimated to cost Rs 1.13 lakh crore, was being planned by the Centre not just for generating electricity but to maintain the natural flow of the river all year round and mitigate risks of flooding if China released excess []
Arunachal CM: Siang project aims to curb China flood risks
Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu highlighted the importance of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), costing Rs 1.13 lakh crore, to generate electricity, maintain the natural flow of the river, and prevent flooding from potential excess water release by China. He warned of severe consequences if China's Brahmaputra dam project proceeds without safeguards.
Arunachal to frame rules to implement the Act to curbs religious conversion
Mr Khandu made this announcement recently in a programme organised by the Indigenous Faith and Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh (IFCSAP) in Itanagar on Friday, Mr Khandu said that the Act would play a significant role in preserving Arunachals indigenous faith and cultures
New criminal laws, migrant issues topped MHA's 2024 reform roster; census remained 'overlooked'
NEW DELHI: Replacing the century-old criminal laws with a new set of legislations for introducing a modern and technology-driven criminal justice system, rolling out the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act and fire-fighting to check unabated violence in Manipur kept the Union home ministry busy in 2024. Assisting the Election Commission in holding the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir without major incidents and bringing down the violence in Naxal-affected states and northeastern region are the other key highlights of the country's crucial ministry. While the population enumeration exercise Census continues to be on hold for past four years as no decision has been taken by the ministry as to when it will be carried out, the ministry created five districts in Ladakh and renamed Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands as Sri Vijaya Puram during the year. The three new criminal laws -- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam -- replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872 respectively. The new laws came into effect from July 1. Home Minister Amit Shah, who piloted the legislations, said the new laws would give priority to providing justice, unlike the colonial-era laws that gave primacy to penal action. These laws are made by Indians, for Indians and by an Indian Parliament and marks the end of colonial criminal justice laws, he said. Shah said the laws were not just about changing the nomenclature but bringing about a complete overhaul. Soul, body and spirit of the new laws are Indian, he said. The new laws brought in a modern justice system, incorporating provisions such as Zero FIR, online registration of police complaints, summonses through electronic modes such as SMS and mandatory videography of crime scenes for all heinous crimes. According to home ministry officials, the new laws have tried to address some of the current social realities and crimes and are going to provide a mechanism to effectively deal with these, keeping in view the ideals enshrined in the Constitution. CAA not discriminatory, claims ministry The CAA, which was enacted in December 2019 for granting Indian nationality to persecuted Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi and Christian migrants from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan who came to India on or before December 31, 2014, was rolled out in March and the first set of 14 people were granted Indian citizenship under the law in May. Shah termed the occasion of granting Indian citizenship under the CAA as a historic day, saying the decades-long wait of those who faced religious persecution in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan is over. After the enactment in 2019, the CAA got the president's assent a few days later but the rules under which the Indian citizenship were supposed to be granted were issued only on March 11 after over a delay of four years. The passing of the CAA in 2019 sparked protests in different parts of the country with agitators terming it discriminatory. Over a hundred people had lost their lives during the anti-CAA protests or police action in various parts of the country. To allay the fears of a section of Muslims and students regarding the CAA, the home ministry, a day after the CAA rules were issued, asserted that the Indian Muslims need not worry as the new legislation would not impact their citizenship and has nothing to do with the community which enjoys equal rights as their Hindu brethren. The ministry made it clear that o Indian citizen would be asked to produce any document to prove his citizenship after this Act. Conflict in Manipur, Jammu and Kashmir Intermittent violence continues to rock Manipur , where the first bout of ethnic clash between majority Meiteis and tribal Kukis was witnessed in May 2023. Even after the death of about 260 people, injury to hundreds and displacement of thousands of people, peace continues to be elusive in the northeastern state. Though there have been efforts from the central government to bring the warring communities into negotiating table, sporadic violence continues there. Mobs set fire to the residences of several BJP legislators , one of whom is a senior minister, and a Congress MLA in various districts of Imphal Valley in November besides making a foiled attempt to storm the ancestral house of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Seeing the fragile situation, the Centre in November reimposed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur's six police station areas , including the violence-hit Jiribam. On December 24, the Centre appointed former union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla as new Manipur governor , in an apparent bid to help itself find a lasting peace. However, it is to be seen how Bhalla will walk through the difficult terrain of the sensitive state. Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a relatively peaceful assembly elections, which was held after a gap of 10 years . According to a presentation given by the home ministry to a parliamentary panel, there has been over 70 per cent decline in terror-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, when Article 370 was scrapped and the erstwhile state was bifurcated into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The ministry said in 2019, as many as 286 terror-related incidents were reported in Jammu Kashmir and the number came down to just 40 in 2024 (till first week of November). In 2019, as many as 50 civilians were killed in terror-related incidents and the casualty figure came down to 14 so far this year. On attacks on security forces, the home ministry said a total of 96 such incidents were reported in 2019 and it went up to 111 in 2020 but since then there has been a steady decline and the number of such attacks came down to 95 in 2021, 65 in 2022 and 15 in 2023 and five so far in 2024. About casualties of security forces, the ministry said altogether 77 security personnel were killed in various incidents in 2019. In 2020, 58 personnel were killed, 29 in 2021, 26 in 2022, 11 in 2023 and seven so far in 2024. 'Working towards a Naxal-free India' Violence perpetrated by Naxals also witnessed a decline. There has been 72 per cent less violence by Maoists while the country has seen an 86 per cent decline in deaths by Naxals in 2023 as compared to 2010. In a recent visit to Naxal-affected Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, Shah appealed to the Naxals to give up the arms and join the mainstream and said otherwise they will have to face the strong action of security forces. He said the rehabilitation of the surrendered Naxals is the responsibility of the government. Shah said the government is committed to make India Naxal-free by March 31, 2026 as a comprehensive three-pronged strategy is being adopted to free all affected areas in the country from the menace. Census not yet scheduled The work for India's much-delayed decadal census and the exercise to update the National Population Register (NPR) has not started yet, thus changing the future census cycle completely. Since 1951, the country's census was conducted at a gap of every 10 years but the census work in 2021 could not be carried out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So far no formal announcement has been made on its next schedule. Tribal development schemes Last month, the Home Ministry made it clear that any NGO involved in anti-developmental activities, religious conversion, inciting protests with malicious intentions, linked with terrorist or radical organisations, will face cancellation of its Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA) registration. According to the law, all NGOs receiving foreign contributions have to be registered under the FCRA or else is not allowed to accept foreign funding. The home minister last week started the process of rehabilitation of Bru tribal community members in Tripura following a quadripartite agreement signed on January 16, 2020. The pact was signed among the governments of India, Tripura, Mizoram and representatives of Bru organisations for the permanent rehabilitation of Bru migrants in Tripura. As many as 6,935 families with a population of 37,584 are being rehabilitated in 12 villages in Tripura. The Bru tribals were displaced from Mizoram following ethnic violence in lst 1990s and early 2000s. Continuing its thrust on comprehensive development of villages located in remote areas along the border with China, the government allocated Rs 1,050 crore for 2024-25 under the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) that will benefit select villages in 19 districts in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. The central government has approved the VVP as a centrally sponsored scheme on February 15, 2023, with financial outlay of Rs 4,800 crore for the financial year 2022-23 to 2025-26 for comprehensive development of the select villages in 46 blocks in 19 districts abutting the northern border.
ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), estimated to cost Rs 1.13 lakh crore, was being planned by the Centre not just for generating electricity but to maintain the natural flow of the river all year round and mitigate risks of flooding if China released excess water. Khandu's remarks came in the wake of China approving the construction of the world's largest dam , at a cost of USD 137 billion, on the Brahmaputra river in Tibet close to the Indian border. The dam is to be built at a huge gorge in the Himalayan reaches where the Brahmaputra river makes a huge U-turn to flow into Arunachal Pradesh and then to Bangladesh. The SUMP, with an estimated installed capacity of 11,000 mw, is not just about generating power, but also about maintaining the natural flow of the Siang river and mitigating potential flood risks from water releases by China, Khandu told PTI in an interview. Describing SUMP as a project of national importance, he said hydropower generation is only the secondary goal of it. The real objective of the project is to save the Siang river and the communities that have depended on it for generations, he said. The survey for preparing the pre-feasibility report of the projects is yet to be done amid stiff opposition from locals who are concerned about displacement, loss of livelihoods, and environmental impact of the mega dam. Warning of severe consequences if China's project moves ahead without safeguards, Khandu said the neighbouring country's plans to divert water from the Brahmaputra into its arid regions could drastically reduce the flow of the Siang river during winters. In such a scenario, the volume of water could decrease so much that one might be able to cross the mighty river on foot, he claimed. The proposed Siang project would create a reservoir capable of storing 9 billion cubic meters of water. This would ensure the river maintains a consistent flow, even during dry seasons. Additionally, the reservoir would act as a buffer in case of sudden water releases from upstream Chinese dams, potentially averting catastrophic flooding in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Bangladesh, he said. Acknowledging the ongoing bilateral discussions between India and China, the CM cautioned against complacency. China is unpredictable and can do anything, Khandu said, underscoring the need for India to remain vigilant. We cannot take chances when it comes to national security and the welfare of our people, he said. The Chinese government approved the construction of the hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo river, the Tibetan name for the Brahmaputra. It is expected to generate more than 300 billion kWh of electricity each year enough to meet the annual needs of over 300 million people. The total investment in the dam could exceed one trillion yuan (USD 137 billion), which would dwarf any other single infrastructure project on the planet, including China's own Three Gorges Dam, regarded as the largest in the world. On the concerns of the locals, Khandu said the government would conduct extensive surveys before finalising the plans. Only after these studies, we will know the exact location of the dam, its height, and the submergence area, he said, adding that a public hearing will be held to listen to people's concerns . The CM said India was a democratic country, and it does not believe in forcing things on its people. However, he criticised activists, accusing them of spreading misinformation among villagers about the project . He claimed that these activists were instigating people without providing accurate information about the project's benefits. I urge people to come forward and get their confusions addressed through dialogue, he said. Khandu also spoke about the state's broader hydropower development plans. He said the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) recently sanctioned Rs 1,750 crore for the 186 mw Tato-I Hydro Electric Project and Rs 1,939 crore for the 240 mw Heo Hydro Electric Project in the Shi Yomi district. The CM said the state has signed agreements with NHPC, NEEPCO, THDCIL, and SJVN to develop 13 hydropower projects with a combined capacity of over 11,000 mw. Once completed, these projects are expected to generate substantial revenue for the state. The Centre has also approved a significant equity support scheme to boost hydropower development in the Northeast, he said. Under this initiative, Rs 4,136 crore has been allocated to northeastern states to develop hydroelectric projects with a cumulative capacity of 15,000 mw by 2032. This initiative will transform the hydroelectric landscape of Arunachal Pradesh and the northeast region, Khandu said, adding the Centre has also agreed to increase the Local Area Development Fund (LADF) contribution from power projects to over 2 per cent. We are taking steps to ensure that Arunachal Pradesh becomes a powerhouse for the nation while protecting the interests of our people and environment, he added.
Govt cancels auction of 11 critical mineral blocks
New Delhi: The government has cancelled the auction of 11 critical mineral blocks in the fourth round due to poor response. While no bids were received for four blocks, the remaining seven mines got less than three technically qualified bidders, according to the annulment notice. The four blocks which include tungsten and glauconite, are located in the states of Chhattisgarh and Arunachal Pradesh. Since there were nil bids received....the auction process for four mineral blocks stands annulled, the notice said. Critical minerals, such as cobalt, copper, lithium, nickel and rare earths, play crucial roles in the production of clean energy technologies, ranging from wind turbines to electric vehicles. Since there were less than three technically qualified bidders...the auction process of these seven mineral blocks stands annulled, the notice said. The government had earlier cancelled the auction of three critical mineral blocks in the third round, 14 blocks in the second round, and 14 in the first tranche of critical minerals as the response was lukewarm. The government had earlier said that 24 critical and strategic mineral blocks have been sold in four rounds of auction. Out of 48 blocks put to e-auction, 24 have been successfully auctioned, including four mining lease (ML) and 20 composite licenses (CL) blocks, the mines ministry had said. India is all set to launch a Critical Mineral Mission in the upcoming year to secure vital resources for green energy and technology. The initiative involves government, industry, and research collaboration, focusing on acquiring overseas assets like lithium and cobalt, particularly in Australia, and boosting domestic mining through auctions and roadshows. With a series of high-profile roadshows abroad along with plans to acquire critical mineral assets in Australia, India is set to woo international investors and make its mark on the global mining map. The countries are now racing in a bid to secure these vital resources, which include lithium and cobalt, through a complex web of policies and alliances, realising that critical minerals are the new lifeblood of the 21st-century economy. According to an estimate by the World Bank, by 2050, the production of minerals, including lithium and cobalt, will need to increase by nearly 500 per cent in a bid to meet the growing demand for clean energy technologies. At the same time, the International Energy Agency foresees that the rise in electric vehicles and battery storage will speed up the demand for these minerals at least 30 times by 2040. Critical minerals are also the backbone of the semiconductor industry. As the country pushes to become a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing -- a sector that is likely to reach one trillion dollars globally by 2030 -- the need for a stable supply of critical minerals becomes even more urgent. Semiconductors, tiny chips that power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles, depend heavily on materials like silicon, cobalt, and rare earth elements, in addition to access to technology.
Siang Project Not Just For Generating Power But Mitigating Flood Risks Posed By China: Arunachal CM
ITANAGAR, Dec 29: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP), estimated to cost Rs 1.13 lakh crore, was being planned by the Centre not just for generating electricity but to maintain the natural flow of the river all year round and mitigate risks of flooding if China released excess water. Khandus remarks came in the wake of China approving the construction of the worlds largest dam, at a cost of USD 137 billion, on [] The post Siang Project Not Just For Generating Power But Mitigating Flood Risks Posed By China: Arunachal CM appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Huge cache of weapons recovered in Arunachals Changlang
HT Correspondent DIBRUGARH, Dec 28: Security forces recoveredhuge cache of weapons near MS 27 along Miao-Vijaynagar axis in Arunachal Pradeshs Changlang district. The joint operation was carried out under Spear Corpsby Assam Rifles, Army and local police involved extensive search efforts by specialized teams, supported by advanced technology such as high technology drones, tracker dogs []
Two NSCN(IM) cadres nabbed in joint operation in Arunachal Pradesh
DIBRUGARH, Dec 26: In a joint operation, two NSCN (IM) cadres were apprehended from Rima area in Arunachal Pradeshs Changlang district on Thursday. The cadres have been identified as SS Lt. Roney Rai alias Tutu (31), resident of Jairampur, Changlang and SS Sgt Major Anong Singpho (30 ), resident of Pengri, Tinsukia. One .32 pistol []
China approves worlds largest, $137-billion dam over the Brahmaputra close to the Indian border
The dam is to be built at a huge gorge in the Himalayan reaches where the Brahmaputra river makes a huge U-turn to flow into Arunachal Pradesh and then to Bangladesh
Arunachal Dy CM inaugurates first-ever Tai Khamti Sauna Bath
HT Digital GUWAHATI, Dec 26: Marking a milestone in traditional practices, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein inaugurated the states first-ever Tai Khamti Aromatic Herbal Sauna Bath at Kongmu Kham (Golden Pagoda), the Deputy Chief Minister announced on Thursday. Developed by Ven Bhikkhu Vimala Tissa, the Abbot of Kongmu Kham Monastery, the initiative blends []
China approves world's largest dam over Brahmaputra river close to Indian border
Beijing: China has approved the construction of the world's largest dam, stated to be the planet's biggest infra project costing USD 137 billion, on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet close to the Indian border, raising concerns in riparian states - India and Bangladesh. The Chinese government has approved the construction of a hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River, the Tibetan name for the Brahmaputra, according to an official statement quoted by state-run Xinhua news agency on Wednesday. The dam is to be built at a huge gorge in the Himalayan reaches where the Brahmaputra river makes a huge U-turn to flow into Arunachal Pradesh and then to Bangladesh. The total investment in the dam could exceed one trillion yuan (USD 137 billion), which would dwarf any other single infrastructure project on the planet including China's own Three Gorges Dam, regarded as the largest in the world, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on Thursday. China has already Operationalised the USD 1.5 billion Zam Hydropower Station, the largest in Tibet in 2015. The Brahmaputra dam was part of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035 adopted by Plenum, a key policy body of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2020. Concerns arose in India as the dam besides empowering China to control the water flow, the size and scale of it could also enable Beijing to release large amounts of water flooding border areas in times of hostilities. India too is building a dam over Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh. India and China established the Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) in 2006 to discuss various issues related to trans-border rivers under which China provides India with hydrological information on the Brahmaputra river and Sutlej river during the flood seasons. Data sharing of trans-border rivers figured in the talks between India, China Special Representatives (SRs) for border questions, NSA Ajit Doval, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, held here on December 18. The SRs provided positive directions for cross-border cooperation and exchanges including data sharing on trans-border rivers, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said. The Brahmaputra Dam presents enormous engineering challenges as the project site is located along a tectonic plate boundary where earthquakes occur. The Tibetan plateau, regarded as the roof of the world, frequently experiences earthquakes as it is located over the tectonic plates. The official statement on Wednesday sought to allay concerns about earthquakes, saying that the hydropower project is safe and prioritises ecological protection. Through extensive geological explorations and technical advancements, a solid foundation has been laid for the science-based, secure, and high-quality development of the project, it said. The Brahmaputra flows across the Tibetan Plateau, carving out the deepest canyon on Earth and covering a staggering vertical difference of 25,154 feet before reaching India, the Post report said. The dam will be built in one of the rainiest parts of mainland China bringing bountiful flows of water. According to a 2023 report, the hydropower station is expected to generate more than 300 billion kWh of electricity each year - enough to meet the annual needs of over 300 million people. In 2020, Yan Zhiyong, then chairman of the state-owned Power Construction Corporation of China, was quoted in the media as saying the location on the Yarlung Tsangpo was one of the most hydropower-rich areas in the world. The lower reaches area features a vertical drop of 2,000 metres over a 50km distance, representing nearly 70 million kilowatts of resources that could be developed - that is more than three Three Gorges Dams with an installed capacity of 22.5 million kilowatts, the Post quoted him as saying. To harness the hydropower potential of the river, four to six 20km-long tunnels must be drilled through the Namcha Barwa mountain to divert half of the river's flow at about 2,000 cubic metres per second, according to the report. Yan said that the hydropower exploitation of the Yarlung Zangbo River downstream is more than a hydropower project. It is also meaningful for the environment, national security, living standards, energy, and international cooperation. It is a project for national security, including water resources and domestic security, he said, noting that the project will also smooth cooperation with South Asia. The hydropower station could generate income of 20 billion yuan (USD three billion) annually for the Tibet Autonomous Region, he said. An official statement on Wednesday defended the project, saying it will play a positive role in accelerating the country's efforts to create a new development pattern and pursue high-quality development. It is also of great importance to advancing the country's strategy for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality and to coping with global climate change, it said. The hydropower project is a green project aimed at promoting low-carbon development. By harnessing the abundant hydropower resources of the Yarlung Zangbo River, the project will also spur the development of solar and wind energy resources in surrounding areas, thus creating a clean energy base featuring a complementary mix of hydro, wind, and solar power, it said. It will directly stimulate the rapid growth of such industries as engineering, logistics, and trade services, and create new jobs, it said. Once completed, the project will further improve infrastructures of electricity, water conservancy, and transportation. It will strengthen the synergy of development between Tibet and other regions, it said.
ITANAGAR, Dec 25: The Yuletide spirit gripped Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday with prayers for peace and prosperity held in churches across the state on the occasion of Christmas. Churches in the state capital Itanagar were decorated with lights and scenes depicting the birth of Jesus. People thronged various churches in the state capital on Tuesday []
India reports zero malaria cases in 122 districts in 2023: Centre
India is taking steady strides towards a malaria-free nation with as many as 122 districts reporting zero malaria cases in 2023, according to Union Health Ministry officials on Wednesday. In another milestone for India, the country has exited the World Health Organization's (WHO) high burden to high impact group in 2024, marking a significant turning point in its fight against malaria. With over 97% reduction, the number of annual malaria cases declined from 7.5 crore at the time of independence in 1947 to 20 lakhs by 2023. The number of malaria-related deaths also fell from eight lakhs to 83, the officials said. In 2023, zero malaria cases were reported in 122 districts across various states, said the ministry officials. With comprehensive and multi-pronged strategies like the National Framework for Malaria Elimination and the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2023-2027), the government is working with the vision of achieving Malaria-free status by 2030, they added. At the time of independence, malaria was one of the most pressing public health challenges, with an estimated 7.5 crore cases annually and 800,000 deaths. Over the decades, relentless efforts have drastically reduced these numbers by over 97%, with cases declining to just 2 million and deaths plummeting to just 83 by 2023. This historic achievement underscores Indias commitment to eliminating malaria and improving public health for its citizens, the ministry said in a statement. The latest World Malaria Report 2024, released by the WHO, celebrates Indias significant progress, officials added. Indias achievements include a significant reduction in malaria cases and malaria-related deaths between 2017 and 2023. This success is further highlighted by Indias exit from the WHOs High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024, signifying a turning point in its fight against malaria. These achievements reflect the nations robust public health interventions and its vision to achieve malaria-free status by 2030, the ministry said. Indias epidemiological progress is particularly evident in the movement of states to lower disease burden categories. From 2015 to 2023, numerous states have transitioned from the higher-burden category to the significantly lower or zero-burden category. In 2015, 10 states and Union Territories were classified as high burden (Category 3), of these, in 2023 only two states (Mizoram and Tripura) remain in Category 3, whereas 4 states such as Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Meghalaya, have reduced the case-load and moved to Category 2. Also, the other four states - Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli have significantly reduced the caseload and moved to Category 1 in 2023. In 2015 only 15 states were in Category 1, whereas in 2023, 24 states and UTs (progressed from high/medium-burden categories to Category 1, reporting an API of less than 1 case per 1000 population). As of 2023, Ladakh, Lakshadweep and Puducherry are in Category 0 i.e. zero indigenous Malaria cases. These areas are now eligible for subnational verification of malaria elimination. Both malaria cases and deaths have dropped by around 80% from 2015-2023, with cases going down from 11,69,261 in 2015 to 2,27,564 in 2023, while deaths falling from 384 to just 83. Simultaneously, intensified surveillance efforts have led to a significant rise in the Annual Blood Examination Rate (ABER), increasing from 9.58 (2015) to 11.62 (2023). This strengthened surveillance has ensured early detection, timely intervention, and more effective treatment. The National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME), launched in 2016, provided a roadmap for achieving zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027. Building on this framework, the National Strategic Plan for Malaria Elimination (2023-2027) introduced enhanced surveillance, prompt case management through a esting, treating, and tracking approach, and the development of real-time data tracking through the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). Integrated Vector Management (IVM) has been at the core of Indias malaria control efforts. Strategies such as Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and the distribution of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) have significantly curtailed mosquito populations and disrupted the transmission cycle. The targeted management of the invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquito has further bolstered urban malaria control efforts. The government has also focused on strengthening surveillance and diagnostic capacities. The establishment of National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) at the National Centre of Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) has ensured high-quality diagnostic services, while localized action plans for high-endemic districts have enabled tailored interventions. District-specific strategies, particularly for tribal and forested areas, have been instrumental in addressing the unique challenges of these regions. Community integration has played a vital role in Indias malaria elimination journey. The inclusion of malaria prevention and treatment services in Ayushman Bharat health packages has ensured that even the most vulnerable populations have access to essential healthcare. Community Health Officers and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have been pivotal in delivering these services at the grassroots level. Indias commitment to capacity building and research has also been a cornerstone of its success. In 2024 alone, over 850 health professionals were trained through National Refresher Trainings, equipping them with the skills needed for effective malaria control. Research initiatives, including studies on insecticide resistance and therapeutic efficacy, have provided critical data to refine intervention strategies. Collaborations and funding mechanisms have significantly contributed to Indias progress. The Intensified Malaria Elimination Project-3 (IMEP-3) targets 159 districts across 12 states, focusing on vulnerable populations. Resources are allocated for LLIN distribution, entomological studies, and surveillance systems, enhancing the impact and sustenance of Malaria elimination activities. The government is committed to achieving zero Indigenous cases by 2027 and ensuring prevention of malaria re-establishment. By combining strategic frameworks, robust interventions, and community engagement, India is setting a global benchmark in malaria elimination and reaffirming its commitment to public health excellence, the statement said.
Three arrested for killing sambar deer in Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Dec 24: Three poachers were held for killing a sambar deer recently inside the Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary (DEMWS) in Arunachal Pradeshs East Siang district, an official said. Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Borguli range forest officer CK Chowpoo arrested the poachers, the Divisional Forest Officer of DEMWS, Kenpi Ete, []
UP govt invites Arunachal Guv, CM to Maha Kumbh mela
ITANAGAR, Dec 23: The Uttar Pradesh government has extended an invitation to Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K T Parnaik (Retd) and Chief Minister Pema Khandu to the Maha Kumbh mela at Prayagraj scheduled to be held early next year. Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture minister Jayveer Singh along with Minister of State for Environment, []
Shah advises Northeast police to 'work for citizens' as insurgency is 'solved'
Guwahati: With the insurgency problem in the Northeast more or less solved, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday advised the police in the region to change their approach and work to ensure that people get their rights, including the rights to life and property. For four decades, the focus of the police in the Northeast was on fighting insurgency. Now that insurgency is gone, it will work to protect the rights of citizens as guaranteed by the Constitution. We have to change the focus and training of police, Shah said addressing the 72nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council in the Tripura capital Agartala. Governors and Chief Ministers of the Northeast were among dignitaries who attended the session. Referring to Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), Shah said these three new criminal laws would help citizens get justice within three years of lodging FIRs. We kept fighting terrorism and violence. The goal of the police was to get rid of violence. That task has been almost accomplished. As there is peace now in the Northeast, the police will have to change its culture and direction, he reiterated. He said a multi-dimensional approach with a different strategy for each state helped curb the incidents of violence. He said there was a 31 per cent drop in violent incidents and 86 per cent drop in civilian killings in the region in the last 10 years. The home minister said peace accords were signed with various insurgent groups and 10,574 rebels surrendered. He cited the agreements signed between Assam and Meghalaya, and Assam and Arunachal Pradesh for solving border disputes. He said these agreements also helped establish peace. We have initiated the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. The Northeast has a special responsibility. The region is a transit route for narcotic-smuggling. I appeal to all Governors and Chief Ministers to help remove the blemish. We have to work very hard to make Bharat nasha-mukt. The Northeast can contribute tremendously towards this end, Shah further stated.
Anmolpreet smashes fastest List A hundred by an Indian
Ahmedabad: Anmolpreet Singh smashed the quickest List A hundred by an Indian, a 35-ball effort, to guide Punjab to an easy nine-wicket win over Arunachal Pradesh in a Group C Vijay Hazare match here on Saturday. Anmolpreet, who went unsold in the recent IPL auction, broke the record of former India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan, who had scored a hundred off 40 balls for Baroda against Maharashtra in 2009-10. This knock is also the third fastest List A hundred behind Aussie Jake-Fraser McGurk, who smashed a 29-ball ton for South Australia against Tasmania in 2023-24, and South African AB de Villiers' 31-ball hundred against the West Indies at Johannesburg in 2014-15. The right-handed Anmolpreet made 115 off 45 balls (12x4, 9x6) as Punjab chased down a target of 165 in just 12.5 overs, reaching 167 for one. Record Alert Anmolpreet Singh smashed the fastest List A by an Indian, reaching the milestone in just 35 balls He achieved this feat playing for Punjab against Arunachal Pradesh in the #VijayHazareTrophy in Ahmedabad Watch snippets of his knock @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/SKzDrgNQAO BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 21, 2024 After the early fall of skipper Abhishek Sharma (10), Anmolpreet and Prabhsimran Singh (35 not out, 25b) milked 153 runs for the unbroken second wicket alliance to guide Punjab home. Earlier, Arunachal were bowled out for 164 with pacer Ashwani Kumar and leg-spinner Mayank Markande taking three wickets apiece. Brief scores: Arunachal Pradesh: 164 all out in 48.4 overs (Tech Neri 42, Hardik Varma 38; Ashwani Kumar 3/37, Mayank Markande 3/31) lost to Punjab: 167/1 in 12.5 overs (Anmolpreet Singh 115 not out) by 9 wickets.
Unsold at IPL 2025 auction, Anmolpreet Singh creates history, becomes fastest Indian to...
Anmolpreet Singh, a formidable Punjab batter and former Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad star made history with his exceptional performance against Arunachal Pradesh.
Shah: Northeast police must shift focus to ensure speedy justice
Agartala: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the time has come for a change in approach of the police force with the end of insurgency in the northeast, in order to ensure that people get speedy justice. Shah, addressing the 72nd plenary of the North Eastern Council (NEC) here, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought peace in the region by inking 20 peace accords in 10 years, leading to the surrender of 9,000 armed militants. The police fought insurgency in the northeast for the past four decades. As insurgency has now ended, we need to change the approach of the force to ensure people get justice within three years of lodging FIRs, he said. The home minister also said connectivity is no longer a problem in the region, as the Centre has spent Rs 81,000 crore for rail connectivity and Rs 41,000 crore for road network in the northeastern states. Asserting that PM Modi expedited development activities in the northeast, Shah said Union ministers spent 700 nights in states of the region since the BJP-led NDA assumed power at the Centre. After the exchange of enclaves (land boundary agreements) with Bangladesh, the whole world will open for the northeast. This will change the investment ecosystem in the region, he said. The senior BJP leader also laid emphasis on the upliftment of people in rural areas by promoting vegetable cultivation, production of milk, eggs and meat. Only a hike in the GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) is not enough for overall development. There is a need to attain self-sufficiency in vegetables, milk, eggs and meat, he said. Besides, the central government has been focusing on organic cultivation in the region, said Shah. The Centre has already constituted the National Organic Corporation Ltd to boost the sector. I urge all the CMs (in the northeast) to sign agreements with NOCL for packaging, marketing and exporting of organic products, he said. The home minister, however, said more efforts were needed to tackle narcotics smuggling in the region. Earlier in the day, Shah inaugurated the 72nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) at Prajna Bhavan here. Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, along with governors, chief ministers of all the eight northeastern states, and senior officials, were also present at the event. The council is the nodal agency for the economic and social development of the northeastern region, consisting of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
India's green cover increased by 1,445 sq km from 2021 to 2023: Government report
Madhya Pradesh continues to lead in total forest and tree cover, followed by Arunachal Pradesh and Maharashtra, according to the India State of Forest Report 2023
Civil society outfits urge President to withdraw central forces from Siang Hydropower project survey
Hundreds of environmentalists, civil society organizations urged the President of India Droupdi Murmu to withdraw paramilitary forces deployed to quell indigenous peoples protest against proposed 11000 MW hydropower dam surveys in Siang valley of Arunachal. They said the proposed dam will cause disasters and loss of biodiversity and indigenous habitats. According to the letter written to the Murmu, over 351 concerned citizens activists, researchers, lawyers, scientists, journalists, experts, community representatives and 109 peoples organisations and environmental groups, especially from the Himalayan region appealed for immediate withdrawal of paramilitary troops in the Siang valley in Arunachal Pradesh. The Central government has made a paramilitary force deployment meant to facilitate a pre-feasibility survey for the 11000 MW Siang Upper Valley Multipurpose Project (SUMP). The project will cause the submergence of dozens of indigenous Adi tribe villages. So far villagers are protesting peacefully in their villages andno untoward incidents have been reported. Expressing solidarity with the indigenous populations of the region, the submission to the President draws attention to the fact that this will be Indias largest hydropower project. The letter goes on to highlight recent unprecedented rise in catastrophic disasters, events like cloud bursts, floods, glacial lake outbursts in Himalayan region caused thousands of deaths and massive destruction of infrastructure. Arunachal CM Khandu cites China's dam construction, bats for Siang Upper Multipurpose Project The 2013 Uttarakhand floods led to deaths of over 5000 people officially and damage to multiple hydro projects. In 2021 an avalanche in Chamoli caused catastrophic floods that destroyed hydropower infrastructure and claimed over 200 lives. In 2023, the Teesta III Dam was destroyed by a Glacial lake outburst in Sikkim. And this year in Himachal Pradesh the Malana Dam burst as it was hit by a sudden flood from upstream. The letter further highlights the proposed survey violates constitutional statutes, especially Section 5 of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006. These survey is being done without the consent of the local village councils and is also a violation of constitutional statutes, states the letter. Experts say the Siang region is a global biodiversity hotspot particularly within the Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve which spans across West Siang, Upper Siang, and Dibang Valley. It has one of the most biodiverse areas in the state with a wide variety of flora and fauna, including many endemic species.
Centre reimposes Protected Area Regime in NE states
GUWAHATI: The Manipur government said the Centre reimposed the Protected Area Regime in Manipur as well as Mizoram and Nagaland. In light of growing security concerns arising out of influx from neighbouring countries, the Ministry of Home Affairs has reimposed the Protected Area Regime in the states of Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland, a Manipur government statement said. With this reimposition, the movement of foreigners visiting Manipur will be closely monitored, and they are required to obtain the necessary Protected Area Permits (PAP) in accordance with the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, the statement added. PAP is an official document that a foreign national is required to carry while visiting the protected states of Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and also Arunachal Pradesh. Likewise, Indian citizens from outside these states are required to carry Inner Line Permit (ILP). Both PAP and ILP are issued for inward travel into these states for a limited period. The Manipur government issued the statement in response to certain claims made by an organization identifying itself as the Kuki-Zo Council. The government said upon investigation, it was found that no such organization existed in the state. The government remained committed to maintaining peace and harmony in the state and advised the citizens to remain vigilant and trust only credible sources of information, the statement said.
Arunachal CM Khandu cites China's dam construction, bats for Siang Upper Multipurpose Project
GUWAHATI: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has strongly advocated for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, citing concerns over China's plans on the river Siang. Amid protests from locals in the Siang and Upper Siang districts, where the project is slated to be implemented, Khandu pointed out that China has already approved the construction of a project capable of generating approximately 60,000 MW of power on the Siang River known as Yarlung Tsangpo in the Tibet region before it enters India through Tuting in Upper Siang. According to Khandu, China, which is not a signatory to the International Water Conventions, intends to divert water from the multiple reservoirs that will be created under its project to dry regions of Tibet and other parts of the country. In such a scenario, it is inevitable that the volume of water in Siang will drastically get reduced so much so that during winters one will be able to cross the mighty river on foot, Khandu stated. He emphasised another pressing reason for India to proceed with the Siang project: the potential devastation if China were to release water from its dams suddenly. Such an action, he warned, could lead to widespread destruction downstream in the Siang belt, Assam, and even Bangladesh. While acknowledging ongoing bilateral talks aimed at improving Indias relationship with China, Khandu urged caution. We cannot remain complacent, he said. Khandu explained that the Centre proposed the Siang project to maintain the rivers natural flow throughout the year and to manage floods in the event of sudden water release by China. Addressing concerns of locals, Khandu dismissed rumours that the government would forcibly implement the project using armed police forces. We are a democratic country. We do not believe in forcing projects on our own people. We believe in taking into confidence the last man in the queue, he said. He called for clarity and dialogue, urging people to come forward and address their confusions. Only after survey and investigation, we will know where the dam will come up, what will be its height, and how much will be the submergence area. Then will come the public hearing stage, where everyone will be consulted, he added.
