Union govt talking to Meitei, Kuki communities for 'permanent' peace in Manipur: Amit Shah
NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday said the government is talking to both the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur to ensure lasting peace and has begun fencing the country's border with Myanmar to check infiltration. Addressing a press conference on the achievements of the 100 days of the Modi 3.0 government, Shah said barring three days of violence last week, the overall situation in Manipur has been calm and the government has been working to restore peace in the restive Northeastern state. We are talking to both the communities for maintaining peace. We are also preparing a roadmap for a permanent peace in Manipur, he said. Manipur CM meets Governor again, demands control of unified command amid fresh violence The home minister said fencing of 30 km of the international border with Myanmar has been completed while funds have been approved for a total of 1,500 km and the work will start soon. He said that the government has already scrapped the India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allows people residing close to the India-Myanmar border to venture 16 km into each other's territory without any documents. Now people will be able to enter each other's territory only with a visa, he said. The 1,643 km long India-Myanmar border, which passes through Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, had the FMR. It was implemented in 2018 as part of India's Act East policy. Home ministry asks Manipur, Arunachal govt to expedite DPRs for fencing along India-Myanmar border Ethnic violence has been going on in Manipur since May 3 last year after a tribal solidarity march in the hill districts of the state to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Since then, over 220 people belonging to both the Kuki and Meitei communities and security personnel have been killed in the continuing violence.
Govt talking to Meitei, Kuki communities for 'permanent' peace in Manipur: Shah
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday said the government is talking to both the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur to ensure lasting peace and has begun fencing the country's border with Myanmar to check infiltration.Addressing a press conference on the achievements of the 100 days of the Modi 3.0 government, Shah said barring three days of violence last week, the overall situation in Manipur has been calm and the government has been working to restore peace in the restive Northeastern state. We are talking to both the communities for maintaining peace. We are also preparing a roadmap for a permanent peace in Manipur, he said. The home minister said fencing of 30 km of the international border with Myanmar has been completed while funds have been approved for a total of 1,500 km and the work will start soon. He said that the government has already scrapped the India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allows people residing close to the India-Myanmar border to venture 16 km into each other's territory without any documents. Now people will be able to enter each other's territory only with a visa, he said. The 1,643 km long India-Myanmar border, which passes through Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, had the FMR. It was implemented in 2018 as part of India's Act East policy. Ethnic violence has been going on in Manipur since May 3 last year after a tribal solidarity march in the hill districts of the state to protest against the majority Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status. Since then, over 220 people belonging to both the Kuki and Meitei communities and security personnel have been killed in the continuing violence.
Arunachal Cabinet approves amendments to benefit ex-servicemen, healthcare workers
Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu chaired the state cabinet meeting on Monday, where several significant decisions were made. One of the key approvals was an amendment to the minimum qualifying marks for recruitment to Group A, B, and C posts, as well as the Common Examination Scheme (for Group C Posts) Rules, 2023. [] The post Arunachal Cabinet approves amendments to benefit ex-servicemen, healthcare workers appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
Arunachal Cabinet reviews progress in implementation of 24 action points
The Arunachal Pradesh cabinet on Monday reviewed the progress made in the implementation of the 24 action points that focus on governance reforms, enhancing the quality of life, meeting aspirations of the youth, and investments for development, an official statement said. The government remains resolute in its mission to bring transformative change and ensure holistic development of the state and its citizens, it said. The cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, re-emphasised the need for a whole-of-government approach for the successful and smooth implementation of these 24 action points, and directed departments concerned to work with rigorous convergence and leverage technological interventions to ensure saturation of all flagship central and state schemes among eligible beneficiaries, it said. The cabinet further directed the departments to identify scope for modification in scheme guidelines for ensuring wider coverage of beneficiaries, and to ensure that benefits of all
APSSB CHSL 2024 admit card released: Check direct link here
The Arunachal Pradesh Staff Selection Board has released the Combined Higher Secondary Level Examination (CHSL) 2024 admit cards. Registered candidates can visit the official website of the board, i.e., apssb.nic.in, to check and download their admit card. The board has scheduled the APSSB CHSL 2024 exam for October 6, 2024.
81 years later, US Air Forces Assam Draggins return to Arunachal to pay homage
Pasighat: In a poignant tribute to their fallen comrades, officials and members of the 25th Fighter Squadron of the US Air Force, known as the Assam Draggins, visited the Hump Museum at Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh. The squadron, which played a key role in World War II operations over the Himalayan mountains, returned to the [] The post 81 years later, US Air Forces Assam Draggins return to Arunachal to pay homage appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
Duyir Ete seals third place at Miss Global World 2024
HT Bureau GUWAHATI, Sept 15: In an enchanting event that brought laurels to the state of Arunachal Pradesh, Duyir Ete, a 29-year-old legal professional hailing from Darka village, secured the 2nd Runner-up position at the Miss Global World 2024. She also secured the title of Miss Super Model. The grand finale was held in Dubai []
CM Khandu assures quality healthcare to netizens
HT Bureau GUWAHATI, Sept 15: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu reiterated his commitment to providing quality healthcare services to even the most remotest residents of the state through the eSanjeevani telemedicine services. Taking to the microblogging site X, Khandu said that with this new initiative, netizens can receive best-in-class medical facilities without any complications. He []
Arunachal strengthens remote healthcare with eSanjeevani telemedicine
HT Digital GUWAHATI, Sept 15: The Arunachal Pradesh Government has delivered quality healthcare to even the most remote regions through the eSanjeevani telemedicine initiative, Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced on Sunday. Taking to the micro-blogging platform X, CM Khandu outlined how the eSanjeevani platform is transforming healthcare delivery across the state, making it easier for []
Camera traps reveal Hidden cat world in Arunachal Pradesh
A new study offers glimpses into the habitat preferences, activity patterns and threats faced by the small cat population in the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) in Arunachal Pradesh using camera traps. These small cats were documented via camera traps for the first time in the sanctuary, in the Lower Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, as [] The post Camera traps reveal Hidden cat world in Arunachal Pradesh appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
Arunachal: IRB officer killed after train hits his car, minor child survive
Guwahati:A man was killed and his grandchild injured after a passenger train collided with their car as it drove onto the track in Lower Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The accident took place around 4 pm in the districts Dimow Pale village. The52-year-olddeceased Rigo Riba was a sub-inspector of the Indian Reserve Battalion [] The post Arunachal: IRB officer killed after train hits his car, minor child survive appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
Arunachal delivers 12000 medical supplies through air
HT Bureau GUWAHATI, Sept 14: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu took to X to announce that the state has delivered over 12,000 medical supplies across the region under the Medicine from the Sky initiative on Saturday. Expressing his delight over the achievement, Khandu wrote, In line with the vision of Honourable PM Shri @narendramodi Ji []
Need technology to monitor infrastructure projects: Arunachal Governor
ITANAGAR, Sept 14: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (retd) KT Parnaik has stressed the need to imbibe technology for monitoring infrastructure projects, vibrant border village programs, anti-drug operations, disaster management and parameters related to health, education and tourism departments in the frontier state. The governor made the comment when deputy chief minister Chowna Mein called []
Man killed, grandchild injured in Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Sept 14: A 52-year-old man was killed and his grandchild injured after their car was hit by a train while crossing the tracks in Arunachal Pradeshs Lower Siang district, an official said on Saturday. The accident happened at Pale near Dimow around 3.50 pm on Friday, GRP assistant sub-inspector Ganesh Hazarika told PTI. The []
Arunachal Pradesh to commission 12,500 MW hydropower projects
Guwahati:Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has said that hydropower projects with a total installed capacity of 12,500 megawatts will become operational in the state in the next two years. These projects have been undertaken by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC),North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited(NEEPCO), Tehri Hydro Development Corporation Limited (THDC) and [] The post Arunachal Pradesh to commission 12,500 MW hydropower projects appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
Major bureaucratic reshuffle: MHA transfers 33 IAS, 45 IPS officers
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Home Affairs, in a major bureaucratic reshuffle, on Thursday transferred 33 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and 45 Indian Police Service (IPS) officers of the AGMUT cadre. Joint Commissioner in the Delhi Police, Meenu Chaudhary, was among the seniormost IPS officers transferred from Delhi to Mizoram. Chaudhary is an IPS officer of the 2000 batch. Senior IPS officer Veenu Bansal has been brought back to Delhi from Mizoram. Tusar Taba, a 2002-batch IPS officer currently posted as Joint Commissioner in the Delhi Police, was sent to Arunachal Pradesh, while 2004-batch officers Hibu Tamang and PN Khrimey were also transferred to Arunachal Pradesh. Both Khrimey and Tamang are IPS officers of the 2004 batch. Another 2004-batch IPS officer, Mahendra Nath Tiwari, currently posted as Inspector General of Police, Armed, Jammu, has been transferred to Delhi. Interestingly, the long list of transfers includes five district heads: DCP (Southwest) Rohit Meena, who was shifted to Mizoram; DCP (North) Manoj Kumar Meena, who was shifted to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands; DCP (North-East) Dr Joy Tirkey, who was shifted to Arunachal Pradesh; DCP (North West) Jitendra Kumar Meena, who was shifted to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands; and DCP (South-East) Rajesh Deo, who was shifted to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Among the IAS officers, Prerna Puri, who is currently posted as Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, IT Department in Jammu and Kashmir, has been transferred to Chandigarh. As many as 10 IAS officers have been transferred to the national capital, while 11 IAS officers have been shifted from Delhi to different states.
Centre has made three-fold increase in budget for northeast: Kamlesh Paswan
Union Minister Kamlesh Paswan on Thursday said that the Centre has made a three-fold increase in the budget for the northeastern states to help the region catch up with the development in other parts of the country. Paswan, the minister of state for rural development, participated in the Solung festival at Ruksin in East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh and said the central government is committed to fast-track development projects in the northeastern states. Visible changes are taking place in areas of power, education, healthcare, agriculture, tourism, road and air connectivity, infrastructure, etc. We must make efforts to take central and state-sponsored schemes to poor people and deliver services to them, Paswan said. The minister also said Arunachal Pradesh is a special place for him and joining the festival has allowed him to experience the rich culture and traditions of the Adi community. Paswan urged the people to share their unique culture through the promotion of ...
Govt asks coal block holders to start production in auctioned mines
The Centre on Thursday said that it has asked the coal block allottees to take necessary steps to put to production mines that were auctioned recently. The coal ministry on Wednesday reviewed the status of coal mines that were auctioned and are in different stages of process completion. The 71 coal blocks are in various stages of obtaining regulatory clearances. These blocks are distributed across nine states Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and West Bengal, the Coal Ministry said in a statement. The meeting was chaired by Coal Additional Secretary Rupinder Brar. The comprehensive review focused on highlighting the government's commitment to ramp up domestic coal production. This strategic review underscores the Ministry's proactive approach to addressing hurdles in coal blocks operationalisation in order to meet India's growing energy needs, the statement said. By focusing on these mines, the government aims to maximise
12,500 MW hydropower units in 2 years: Arunachal Dy CM
ITANAGAR, Sept 11: Arunachal Pradesh deputy chief minister Chowna Mein said hydropower projects with a combined installed capacity of 12,500 MW in the state will commence operations in the next two years, according to a statement issued on Wednesday. The projects will be taken up by CPSUs, including NHPC, NEEPCO, THDC and SJVN, he said []
We are taking consistent steps to make J&K tourist hotspot: Rajnath
New Delhi: The government is aiming to transform the villages along the frontier with China in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh into model villages, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday. In an address at a conclave, Singh said New Delhi is fully committed to the holistic development of border villages and described them []
Govt aiming to transform villages along Chinese border: Defence minister
The government is aiming to transform the villages along the frontier with China in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh into model villages, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday. In an address at a conclave, Singh said New Delhi is fully committed to the holistic development of border villages and described them as India's first villages and not remote areas. His comments came amid the government's increasing focus on boosting infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China following the eastern Ladakh row. The civil-military collaboration in border areas is leading to reverse migration to the frontier areas, Singh said at the 'Border Area Development Conclave'. The defence minister pointed out that India's geo-strategic position is such that it is exposed to different kinds of challenges and the best way to deal with them is to ensure border area development. Our objective is to transform the villages along the Northern borders, .
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu hails Vibrant Village Programme
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu highlighted the success of the Vibrant Village Programme at the Border Area Development Conclave. He emphasized the significant infrastructure improvements in border regions, including 1,022 km of new roads. The event also featured Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and focused on enhancing development and national security in border areas.
Border area development is best way to deal with geo-strategic challenges, says Rajnath
NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said the development of border areas was a strategic imperative. India's geo-strategic position is such that it is exposed to different kinds of challenges and the best way to deal with them is to ensure border area development, as border villages are the country's first villages and not remote areas, he said. Our objective is to transform the villages along the Northern borders, especially in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh, which are suffering from limited connectivity and infrastructure, into model villages. We aim to connect them to the mainstream of development, he said. He was addressing the Border Area Development Conclave in New Delhi, which was jointly organised by the Indian Army and Centre for Land Warfare and Studies. China on its side has fervently been sprucing up infrastructure including the well organised 'Xiaokang' villages all along the 3,488 km long Line of Actual Control. Singh said, The government, along with the Indian Army, is ensuring the participation of people residing in border areas in their development. We are encouraging the youth to enroll in NCC. Many government schemes are being run with the sole aim of development. He said the focused development of infrastructure along the borders has helped in multiple ways. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed over 8,500 km of roads and more than 400 permanent bridges. Atal Tunnel, Sela Tunnel & Shikun-La Tunnel, which is going to be the world's highest tunnel, will prove to be milestones in border area development. Our government has started the 220 Kilo-Volt Srinagar-Leh Electricity Line to connect the border areas of Ladakh with the National Electricity Grid. In addition, the transmission and distribution infrastructure of north-eastern states is being strengthened. High-speed internet has been provided to over 1,500 villages through the Bharat-Net broadband project. In the last four years alone, more than 7,000 border villages have been connected with internet connection, and our focus has been Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, he said. Rajnath said infrastructure development has not only ensured prompt military deployments in sensitive regions, but have also connected the people residing in border areas with the rest of the country. He underlined the fact that while building roads, bridges and tunnels in border areas is imperative for national security, it is also important in making the lives of the people in these regions better, in collaboration with the state governments. From 2020 to 2023, the footfall of tourists in Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh increased by 30%. Similarly, there has been a significant increase in Kashmir as compared to the last few years. This has resulted in job creation and strengthening of the local economy. We are taking consistent steps to make J&K a tourist hotspot, he said. Further, the minister threw light on reverse migration, which he said was one of the positive outcomes of economic development in border areas. He made special mention of Huri village in Arunachal Pradesh, a unique example of development through civil-military collaboration. He stated that while the central and state governments focused on economic progress, BRO & Indian Army laid emphasis on infrastructure development, which resulted in reverse migration. Army Chief General (Gen) Upendra Dwivedi described border area development as a core component of national security. Infrastructure development; smart borders comprising communication networks and power supply; economic development with employment generation; border area tourism and empowerment of next generation by providing skill enhancement and creating education opportunities are the key pillars of the vision of border area development, he said. Pointing to the important aspect of countering the Chinese claims over areas along the Line of Actual Control, the Army Chief said, Developed areas with a strong economic and tourist activity act also as a deterrence to the adversary. It basically discredits adversary claims. People are there on the ground to confirm what is correct and what is not. As per an earlier report in TNIE, more than 600 Chinese villages are being built to create a buffer. These will have multiple uses including facilitation of movement along the borders, a means of surveillance on forces and strengthening territorial claims.
Arunachal: Four killed in road mishap in Changlang
Dibrugarh: At least four persons, including the driver of a truck, were killed during a road accident in Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday. Changlang Superintendent of Police Kirli Padu informed that the accident took place in the 18-mile area under the Manmao police station of the district. He said that the truck was loaded with [] The post Arunachal: Four killed in road mishap in Changlang appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
NEW DELHI: Amidst reports of incursion by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Arunachal Pradesh, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday said the mere painting of marks in undemarcated locations doesn't mean the areas have been encroached upon. Rijiju, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh, also said that overlapping of patrolling by Indian and Chinese forces does take place in the undemarcated areas along the Sino-Indian border but that does not lead to encroachment of Indian territory. Rijiju's comments came amidst reports that the PLA allegedly entered Indian territory in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh last week, and they were camping in the Kapapu area of the district for some time. Pictures of bonfires, painting of rocks and Chinese food materials found at the site have been shared on social media, the reports said. China can't take our land. Overlapping of patrolling does take place in the undemarcated areas. They are not allowed to construct anything permanent. There is strict vigil from our side. Mere painting of marks in undemarcated locations doesn't mean the areas have been encroached on, Rijiju told PTI here. The union minister said India has been building infrastructure along the border and that will continue. But we will not allow anyone to come near the Line of Actual Control, he said. The latest incident came at a time when the Indian army continues to engage in a stand-off with the PLA in Ladakh. The stand-off has been going on since April 2020. India shares a 3,400 km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. China continues to claim that Arunachal Pradesh has always been its territory, a claim India termed absurd and ludicrous. China, which terms Arunachal Pradesh as South Tibet, routinely objects to Indian leaders' visits to the state to highlight its claims. Beijing has also named the area as Zangnan. India has repeatedly rejected China's territorial claims over Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state is an integral part of the country. New Delhi has also dismissed Beijing's move to assign invented names to the area, saying it did not alter the reality.
Mere painting of marks does not mean China encroached our land: Rijiju
Amidst reports of incursion by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Arunachal Pradesh, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday said the mere painting of marks in undemarcated locations doesn't mean the areas have been encroached upon. Rijiju, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh, also said that overlapping of patrolling by Indian and Chinese forces does take place in the undemarcated areas along the Sino-Indian border but that does not lead to encroachment of Indian territory. The union minister's comments came amidst reports that the PLA allegedly entered inside Indian territory in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh last week and they were camping in the Kapapu area of the district for some time. Pictures of bonfires, painting of rocks and Chinese food materials found at the site have been shared on social media, the reports said. China can't take our land. Overlapping of patrolling does take place in the undemarcated areas. They are not allowed to construct anything permanen
Painting Of Marks Does Not Mean China Encroached Our Land: Kiren Rijiju
Amidst reports of incursion by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Arunachal Pradesh, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday said the mere painting of marks in undemarcated locations doesn't mean the areas have been encroached upon.
Arunachal Deputy CM seeks GST exemption for research grants
Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has requested that research grants received by universities and institutions be exempted from GST. The state also endorsed various proposals at the 54th GST Council Meeting, including adjustments to GST rates, enhanced data sharing, and exemptions for individual health insurance premiums.
The Gauhati High Court issued notice on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed challenging the Notification issued by Principal Secretary (Home), Government of Arunachal Pradesh whereby the Special Investigation Cell under the Vigilance Department, Government of Arunachal Pradesh has been created for investigation of all the cases against public servants involving offence punishable under the [] The post Gauhati High Court issues notice on PIL against Special Investigation Cell in Arunachal Pradesh for corruption cases appeared first on India Legal .
The biggest challenge in manning LAC is not China but the remote, rugged terrain and one of the most unpredictable weather situations of Arunachal Pradesh.
Arunachal: Congress seeks JPC probe into alleged Adani scam
Changlang: The Changlang District Congress Committee (DCC) and Changlang District Youth Congress in Arunachal Pradesh staged a protest rally at the Moh-Mol festival ground on Saturday, demanding a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) investigation into the alleged Adani mega scam. In addition to the JPC, the Congress party also reiterated its call for a caste census [] The post Arunachal: Congress seeks JPC probe into alleged Adani scam appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
EAST OR WEST, EAST IS THE BEST
By Shreyash Nair Class XI, Army Public School, Shillong Starting from the narrow stretch of land known as the Chickens Neck and extending to the easternmost part of Arunachal Pradesh, lies a hidden gem in Indiathe enchanting North East (NE). With its lush green forests, breathtaking valleys, and majestic mountains, it is a slice of [] The post EAST OR WEST, EAST IS THE BEST appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Itanagar: Over two thousand individuals from the Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh, primarily from the Monpa community, congregated at the Tsuglagkhang Tibetan temple in Dharamshala on Saturday to offer long-life prayers for the 14th Dalai Lama. The event saw the Dalai Lama in attendance, alongside members of the Tibetan community in exile and several prominent leaders from Arunachal Pradesh, including Chief Minister Pema Khandu, MP Tapir Gao, Education and Tourism Minister Pasang Dorjee, and MLA Zingnu Namchoom. Tsering Dicky, a follower from Tawang, expressed the significance of the occasion, stating, We have come here to offer long-life prayers for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Our Chief Minister and other leaders are also here as it's an important event for all of us. Following the prayer ceremony, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) organized a felicitation event to welcome the Arunachal Pradesh leaders. Sikyong Pempa Tsering, President of the CTA, extended his gratitude to the leaders and people of Arunachal Pradesh for their support and organization of the long-life prayer event. During his address, CM Pema Khandu shared his experience of meeting the Dalai Lama and praised the CTA for their commitment to the Tibetan cause, highlighting the deep bond between the people of Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh. Heavy Rainfall Alert: What Coastal Andhra and Yanam Can Expect This Sunday This Weekend Special: 1965 Indo-Pak War History, Indias Near Capture of Lahore and Its Impact Rahul Gandhi Marks 2nd Anniversary of Bharat Jodo Yatra: Mission to Amplify Love Across India
Building Collapse in Lucknows Transport Nagar Claims One Life, Several Trapped
Lucknow: A three-story building collapsed in Lucknows Transport Nagar area on Saturday, resulting in one fatality. Approximately ten people are feared trapped inside the wreckage. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. at the Harmilap Building, which was used as a godown for a pharmaceutical business. Officials reported that construction work in the buildings basement was underway when the collapse happened. Thirteen people sustained injuries and have been hospitalized. Local police, fire personnel, and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are on the scene working to rescue those trapped. Relief Commissioner GS Naveen Kumar confirmed that the rescue operations are in full swing. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed district officials to expedite relief efforts and ensure prompt medical care for the injured. His office also announced on X that the Chief Minister is closely monitoring the situation and wishes for the swift recovery of the injured. NCRTC Unveils Advanced Features of Meerut Metro at Duhai Depot Arunachal Pradesh Leaders and Monpa Community Gather for Dalai Lama's Long-Life Prayers in Dharamshala Heavy Rainfall Alert: What Coastal Andhra and Yanam Can Expect This Sunday
Haryana BJP Responds to Wrestlers' Shift to Congress
Chandigarh: In reaction to Olympian wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Vinesh Phogat joining the Congress party, Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli stated on Saturday that athletes are the nation's pride and emphasized that the BJP does not engage in politics using them. Players are the pride of our country, we dont do politics on them. They will work as a member of Congress after joining, Badoli told media. The Congress party welcomed the wrestlers on Friday, marking a significant boost for the party. Bajrang Punia was quickly appointed as the working president of the All India Kisan Congress, while Vinesh Phogat was nominated as a candidate for the Haryana assembly elections from Julana. The announcement came in the presence of Congress leaders, including general secretary KC Venugopal and party leader Pawan Khera. Vinesh Phogat highlighted the ongoing legal battle related to sexual harassment allegations against former BJP MP and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, stating that their fight is continuing. She expressed optimism about using the new platform to contribute to the nations service. The wrestlers' political shift occurs just a month before the Haryana assembly elections, scheduled for October 5, with the last date for filing nominations set for September 12. The results will be announced on October 8. NCRTC Unveils Advanced Features of Meerut Metro at Duhai Depot Arunachal Pradesh Leaders and Monpa Community Gather for Dalai Lama's Long-Life Prayers in Dharamshala Heavy Rainfall Alert: What Coastal Andhra and Yanam Can Expect This Sunday
All states, UTs achieve over 50% tap water coverage in rural areas: Data
All states and Union territories have more than 50 per cent coverage of tap water connections in rural households, according to official data. Under the Har Ghar Jal scheme, all rural households will be provided with tap water connections by the year-end. As of now, all states and Union territories (UTs) have more than 50 per cent coverage of tap water connections in rural households with 11 states and UTs having 100 per cent coverage. The states and UTs with 100 per cent coverage of tap water connections in rural households are Goa; Andaman & Nicobar Islands; Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu; Haryana; Telangana; Puducherry; Gujarat; Punjab; Himachal Pradesh; Arunachal Pradesh; and Mizoram. The least coverage has been recorded in West Bengal at 52.30 per cent, Rajasthan at 52.91 per cent, Kerala at 53.62 per cent, Jharkhand at 54.26 per cent, and Madhya Pradesh at 64.84 per cent, according to the data. Out of a total of 19,33,38,234 (19.33 crore) rural households, ...
Arunachal govt serves notices on employees, gaon burahs for protest
Several government employees and 'gaon burahs' or village heads in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Siang have been served notices by the district administration for allegedly joining protests against the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP) and supporting the anti-dam movement. Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Hage Lailang had earlier this week served notices on several government employees and 'gaon burahs', asking them to show cause why they should not face disciplinary action for insubordination and misconduct under the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964. Under the CSC Rules, government employees are barred from going on strike or criticising policies of the government. Several anti-dam groups staged a protest rally in Dite Dime in Siang district on August 31, protesting against the proposed SUMP, a massive hydropower project to be executed by power giant, National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). The district administration has served notices a few days ago to man
New chief secretary appointed in Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Sept 6: Senior IAS officer Manish Kumar Gupta has been appointed as the new chief secretary of Arunachal Pradesh, an official notification said. The union home affairs ministry on Thursday issued a notification appointing Gupta, a 1991 batch IAS officer, as the new chief secretary of Arunachal Pradesh with immediate effect, replacing incumbent chief []
West Bengal Guv Refers Aparajita Bill to President
KOLKATA: West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose has referred Aparajita Women Child (West Bengal Criminal Law Amendment) Bill 2024, passed in the state Assembly a few days ago, to President Draupadi Murmu for consideration after getting the technical report from the Mamata Banerjee government. The Raj Bhavan stated on X-handle on Friday evening, On receipt of mandatory technical report from the Govt. of West Bengal, Governor has referred the Aparajita Bill for consideration of President of India. But the Raj Bhavan expressed its displeasure over the failure of the Assembly secretariat in providing the text of the debates and its translation as required under the rules. It elaborated, At the end of acrimonious debates, mutual accusations, political threats and ultimatum, the Chief Minister had threatened dharna outside of Raj Bhavan if the Bill is not assented to by the Governor. The Governor took umbrage at the intimidatory stance of the CM and admonished government for their failure in observing legal and constitutional proprieties. The Raj Bhavan said, Today the Chief Secretary called on the Governor in the forenoon. In the afternoon the mandatory technical report was made available to the Governor by the Government. Governor has reserved the Bill for consideration of the President of India. Now West Bengal Bill will join the lot of similar other Bills pending with the President from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh. It added, Governor has pointed out the omissions and commissions in the hurriedly passed Bill. He warned the Govt. Dont act in haste and repent at leisure. The Governor said that people can not wait till the Bill is implemented. They want justice and justice should be given to them within the framework of the existing law. Government should act effectively, people should get justice. It is govts duty to wipe the tears of the bereaved mother who lost her dear daughter. Governor pointed out the glaring defects and lapses in the Bill and advised govt to do their homework instead of going in for knee jerk responses.
Manish Kumar Gupta appointed new chief secretary of Arunachal Pradesh
Mr. Gupta served as the principal secretary (Home) and as the additional chief secretary in the Delhi administration.
Bengal governor slams CM Mamata for failing to send technical report along with anti-rape Bill
KOLKATA: West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose criticised the Mamata Banerjee administration for failing to send the technical report along with a recently passed anti-rape Bill which is necessary for giving assent to it, an official said. Bose was very disappointed as it has been a regular practice of the state not to send technical reports along with Bills and then blaming the governor's office for not clearing them, he claimed. The governor criticised the state administration for failing to attach the technical report along with the Aparajita Bill. As per rule, it is mandatory for the state government to send the technical report before a decision is taken on giving assent to the Bill, the Raj Bhavan official told PTI on Thursday. This is not the first time that the government has withheld technical reports and blamed the Raj Bhavan for not clearing Bills, he added. Mamata's Aparajita bill: Another emotionally charged but ultimately superficial solution The governor also admonished the state government for failing to do homework on important matters such as this. Bose has pointed out that the (Aparajita) Bill appears to be a copy-paste of similar Bills passed by Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Arunachal Pradesh, he said. The source said that the governor expressed his opinion that Banerjee was threatening a dharna only to hoodwink the people of West Bengal as she is also fully well aware that similar Bills are pending with the President of India. The West Bengal Assembly on September 3 unanimously passed the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024' that seeks capital punishment for rape convicts if their actions result in the victim's death or leave her in a vegetative state and life sentence without parole for other perpetrators. Other significant features of the proposed legislation include the completion of probes into rape cases within 21 days of the initial report, a reduction from the previous two-month deadline, and a special task force where women officers will lead investigations. Kolkata rape-murder: Victim's parents say cops offered money but they declined
Indian Army celebrates Teachers Day in Assam, Arunachal toinspire younger generation
Guwahati:In recognition of the pivotal role the teachers play in shaping the future of youth by imparting knowledge and values, the Indian Army on Thursday (September 5, 2024) organised interactive events in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh on the occasion of Teachers Day. The events, held in Assams Kakopathar and Tinsukia, and South Arunachal Pradeshs Bordumsa [] The post Indian Army celebrates Teachers Day in Assam, Arunachal toinspire younger generation appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
Bengal Governor dubs Aparajita Bill a political gimmick, seeks technical report
A Raj Bhavan source said the Governor has pointed out that the Bill appears a copy paste of similar Bills passed by Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Arunachal Pradesh legislatures
The court of District and Sessions Judge, Bomdila in Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday sentenced a man from Bana in East Kameng district to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) along with a fine of Rs 10,000 after finding him guilty of raping a young ...
Indias new mega-dam will roil lives downstream with wild swings in water flow every day
Hey Rupam, open the door. Take this fish, a woman yelled from outside. I was sitting in the kitchen at my friend Rupams house in rural northeast India. It was the heart of monsoon season, and rain had been falling since morning. The woman must have been shouting because the noise of the rain on the tin roof muted everything else. The aunty who lived next door stood outside with a large bowl of Boriala fish. Her husband had gone fishing on the Subansiri River, which flows next to the village, and he had fished all evening. My husband cannot stay indoors in this weather, she said in Assamese, the local language. You can catch a lot of fish during this time. The monsoon season has long brought a bounty of fish from May to September for people living downstream. However, this is likely to change once the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, one of the largest hydropower dams in India, is completed upstream. Expected to be fully operational in 2026, the dam will change the natural flow of the river. For most of the day, the dam will hold back water, letting only a small amount through, roughly equivalent to the regions dry season. But for about four hours each night, it will release water to generate power, sending a raging river downstream almost like during monsoon season. The dam will not only block the movement of fish, but also change the way people living downstream experience the rivers flows. In a 2010 report on the likely impact of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project on downstream populations, experts from three premier institutes of Assam the central state of northeast India identified several concerns for downstream communities, including flood and erosion risk, earthquake risk, the loss of water flow for fishing and groundwater recharge, and the survival of species including river dolphins. Now, a decade later, as the dam is nearing completion, the central question remains: What will happen to people like Rupams neighbor, whose lives and livelihoods depend on the river? In 2023, I lived in a village next to the Subansiri River. My dissertation research brought me there to study how this hydroelectric dam, under construction since 2005, is affecting communities downstream. Small displacement by benign dams Northeast India has been the focus of hydropower dam construction since the beginning of this century. In order to secure the countrys energy future, Central Electricity Authority of India in 2001 identified the Brahmaputra River basin as having the highest hydropower potential 63,328 megawatts. It proposed constructing a whopping 168 hydropower dams in the region. This earned the region the nickname Indias Future Powerhouse. The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project was the first project. The government sees the mega-hydro dam initiative as a win-win. It expects the dams to increase Indias energy security while also developing large infrastructure networks in one of Indias contentious borderland regions. About 80% of the power for Indias Future Powerhouse is proposed to be generated in Arunachal Pradesh, the largest state of northeast India. China has repeatedly challenged Indias sovereignty over Arunachal since the latters independence in 1947. Building dams in Arunachal Pradesh has another advantage: very low population density. It has about 17 people per square kilometer, and over 80% of Arunachals total territory is forest. That helped the government of India to argue that there is relatively small displacement by submergence as compared to that in other parts of the country and therefore these projects are benign. However, these projects are in no way benign to the people who live downstream. The disruption to lives downstream The flood plains of the Subansiri are home to people belonging to indigenous communities and lower castes of Hindu caste hierarchy. Mising the largest indigenous community in the downstream region call the river Awanori, which means mother river. As part of my long-term ethnographic fieldwork, I observed how a range of livelihoods in the downstream region fishing, agriculture, livestock grazing, recovering driftwood and transporting people by boat in remote areas are all dependent on the 79-mile Subansiri River. I interviewed people who live there and attended community events to understand how the river plays a big role in everyday life. Their reliance on the river has been based on natural, uncontrolled flows. Once the dam is completed, the river flows will be controlled by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation. Once in operation, the dam will block most of the rivers flow for 20 hours of the day, and then release that water about 2,560 cubic meters per second to power turbines that can meet peak electricity demand between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. every night. During the 20 nonpeak hours, the dam would release less than a tenth as much water. What happens when the river flow changes? When the dam was first proposed, there was no plan to release water during the nonpeak 20 hours. Activists argued that cutting the waters flow would have made it impossible for any aquatic animal to survive downstream. In 2017, the nonpeak-hour flow proposal was increased to a range of 225 to 250 cubic meters per second. That year, the National Green Tribunal, which resolves civil cases related to the environment, asked the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation to ensure a minimum level of water for the survival of Gangetic dolphin, Indias national aquatic animal. This judgment helped pave the way for restarting the construction after an eight-year delay. However, the tribunal did not address how people living downstream would be affected by the changes. The calculation of minimum flow only for the survival of one aquatic mammal leaves out numerous ways the flows of the Subansiri matter to people and other animals. The dam itself threatens the downstream existence of many fish varieties, including the golden mahseer. It will also alter the flow and sediment supply in the river, and the abrupt and powerful flow for four hours each night will have greater scouring capacity and risks eroding the riverbed and banks. Traditionally, from October to April, the dry riverbed and sandbar islands have been used to grow early-maturing ahu rice and mustard before the monsoon flood waters arrive. People also graze their livestock in the islands and in the fields after crops are harvested. Once the dam begins flooding the river for four hours a night, however, the riverbed and sand-bar islands will be largely unusable. The rainy season when the river floods is the most productive time for fishing and collecting driftwood. However the dam will obstruct the movement of fish and trap wood behind the dam. So, even though there will be flood waters every day in the river, fishermen and wood collectors may not benefit from it. For people like Rupams neighbor, the Subansiri River they know will change. They will have to navigate the river more cautiously, and every evening there will be monsoon-season water levels. Will they be able to catch enough fish to share with their neighbors? Only time will tell.
Arunachal Pradesh personnel get Governors Gold and Silver medals
ITANAGAR, Sept 4: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) KT Parnaik conferred the Governors Gold and Silver medals to Assam Rifles personnel during a prestigious investiture ceremony held at the Raj Bhavans Durbar Hall here on Wednesday. A total of 23 personnel were honoured with these awards for exceptional bravery, resourcefulness, and leadership in both []
Arunachal: Steering committee meets for enhanced Hydroelectric power
Guwahati: To enhance the hydroelectric power capacity of Arunachal Pradesh, the 6th Steering Committee Meeting was held on September 3, 2024, at the Chief Ministers Residential Office in Itanagar. The meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Pema Khandu brought together key stakeholders to review and monitor the progress of 13 hydroelectric projects allotted to various [] The post Arunachal: Steering committee meets for enhanced Hydroelectric power appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
Arunchal Pradesh CM reviews status of hydropower projects in state
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu reviewed the status of hydropower projects in the state, focusing on clearances and land acquisition. The meeting, attended by top officials and heads of CPSUs, discussed 13 projects with a combined investment exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore. The Centre's recent financial assistance approval was also highlighted.
Arunachal: CBI chargesheets IAS officer for misappropriation of govt funds
New Delhi: The CBI has filed a chargesheet against IAS officer Padma Jaiswal for allegedly misappropriating government funds to purchase property in the name of her relatives while he was posted in Arunachal Pradesh. Jaiswal, a 2003-batch IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre, is currently posted in Pondicherry. Jaiswal allegedly committed gross procedural lapses when [] The post Arunachal: CBI chargesheets IAS officer for misappropriation of govt funds appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
CBI files charge sheet against former DC of West Kameng district in Arunachal
ITANAGAR, Sept 2: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Monday filed a charge sheet against a former deputy commissioner of West Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh and two others in a case related to misappropriation of public funds, an official statement said. The charge sheet was filed against Padma Jaishwa, a 2003-batch IAS officer of []
ITANAGAR, Sep 2: Retired Major General Jarken Gamlin on Monday took oath as the chief information commissioner of Arunachal Pradesh. Governor Lt Gen (retd) K T Parnaik administered the oath of office and secrecy to Gamlin in a programme at the Darbar Hall of the Raj Bhavan here. Chief Minister Pema Khandu and his cabinet []
Northeast teams among the goals on day-1 of junior boys Subroto Cup
Guwahati: Schools from the Northeast scored goals in plenty to start day-one of the 63rd Subroto Cup Junior Boys International Football Tournament played across various venues of New Delhi and the National Capital region (NCR). Assams Numaligarh Higher Secondary School started off the high-scoring day with a 6-1 victory against Arunachal Pradeshs Sainik School in [] The post Northeast teams among the goals on day-1 of junior boys Subroto Cup appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
CBI files charge sheet against IAS officer for graft in Arunachal Pradesh
Padma Jaishwal was the Deputy Commissioner of the West Kameng district when government funds were allegedly withdrawn for personal use
Arunachal Jobs : CAU Pasighat Recruitment 2024
Applications are invited for recruitment of various technical positions or jobs in CAU Pasighat Arunachal Pradesh. Central Agricultural University (CAU) Pasighat is inviting applications from eligible candidates for recruitment to the posts or jobs of one unskilled and one semi skilled under the project entitled Towards, Development of Model Village for Beekeeping in Arunachal Pradesh. [] The post Arunachal Jobs : CAU Pasighat Recruitment 2024 appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
India Boosts Border Infrastructure with Key Projects on China and Pakistan Fronts
Leh: I ndia is actively strengthening its infrastructure along its borders with Pakistan and China, particularly in the Union Territory of Ladakh, to address ongoing security challenges. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) is focusing on several critical projects to improve connectivity and defense readiness. The BRO plans to complete the construction of special infrastructure on the China border in the coming weeks, including an all-season alternative route to Leh. This development is part of the India-China Border Roads Program, which prioritizes enhancing road connectivity in the region. Currently, there are three main routes to Leh: The Srinagar-Zojila-Kargil route through Jammu and Kashmir. The Manali-Rohtang route in Himachal Pradesh, which splits at Darcha. One branch goes to Leh via Padam and Nimu, while the other passes through Baralacha La and Tanglang La. The existing road connectivity includes the 255 km Durbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi (DS-DBO) road, alongside two parallel roads running near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. The BRO is working on a crucial project involving the 4 km long cut section of the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road. This section is nearing completion, with most of the road now paved. Additionally, the construction of the 4.1 km Shinku La tunnel on the Manali-Darcha-Padam-Nimu axis is set to begin soon. This tunnel, which will be the highest in the world at 15,800 feet, is expected to reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 60 km and provide an all-weather route. The BRO's priorities also include completing the Leh-Demchok road and establishing connectivity to several other roads running parallel to the LAC in eastern Ladakh. The organization is working on four key roads under the India-China Border Roads (ICBR) project, including routes in Arunachal Pradesh.Plans are underway for the 1,800 km Frontier Highway in Arunachal Pradesh, which will connect Bomdila, Nafra, Huri, and Vijaynagar near the Myanmar border. The project, with an allocated budget of Rs 6,000 crore for some sections, is expected to enhance regional connectivity significantly. The BRO's efforts are reflected in the increased budget for the current financial year, which has risen by 30 percent to Rs 6,500 crore. This funding supports ongoing projects related to roads, bridges, tunnels, and other infrastructure necessary for rapid troop and goods movement in strategically important areas. Trinamool Chhatra Parishad Allegedly Locks Students in Bathroom Over Rally Attendance Election Commission Reschedules Polling Dates for Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir Assemblies Seven Foreign Nationals Arrested in Tripura for Illegal Entry
Former Arunachal Minister Medi Ram Dodum passes away
Former Arunachal Pradesh Minister Medi Ram Dodum, known for impactful leadership, dies at 69 after prolonged illness
IMD predicts above-normal rainfall in September
NEW DELHI: Like in August, the country is likely to experience above normal rainfall in September with heavy to very heavy precipitation expected in the northwest and surrounding areas, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday. Most parts of the country will also record above normal temperature in September. There is an indication of delay in monsoon retreat as multiple systems are likely to emerge which will cause heavy rainfall, the IMD said. The met department predicted September rainfall at 109% of the long-period average. However, below-normal rainfall is likely in some parts of extreme northwest India, south peninsula, north Bihar, northeast UP and most parts of northeast. India received 7% above normal rainfall between June and August. Except for the east and northeast, the rest of the country received above normal rainfall in the three months. IMD said neutral conditions of El Nino and emergence of La Nina conditions are possible reasons behind the above normal rainfall. In India, El Nino is synonymous with poor monsoon whereas La Nina symbolises bountiful rain. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in the northwest region, including Uttarakhand, parts of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and the adjoining areas of Madhya Pradesh. There could be episodes of extremely heavy rainfall in these areas, potentially leading to floods. We should remain cautious of landslides, mudslides, and landslips, IMD said. We anticipate a low-pressure system developing over the Bay of Bengal each week of the month, which will result in significant rainfall across the country, it added. In addition to the expected rainfall, September is likely to bring warmer-than-usual temperatures to most regions of India. Maximum temperatures are predicted to remain above normal across much of the country. However, some areas, including northwest India, the southern peninsular region, and parts of east-central India, might experience temperatures that are closer to or slightly below normal. Minimum temperatures are also anticipated to stay above normal in most parts of the country, indicating warmer nights. Exceptions include isolated areas in northwest India, the Himalayan foothills, and southern Peninsular regions, where temperatures may remain normal to below-normal. Analysing the August rainfall, IMD said the country received second highest extremely heavy rainfall events in the past five years. These events mostly took place in Gujarat, western coasts, eastern India and in east Rajasthan. IMD recorded some exceptionally heavy rainfall in Karauli in Rajasthan (380 mm), Bagafa in Tripura (494 mm), Khambhalia (430 mm) and Jamnagar (380 mm) in Gujarat. IMDs subdivision map shows that except Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and J&K , the rest of the country received normal to excess rainfall.
Monsoon Brings Smart Solutions to KK Line's Challenges
Visakhapatnam : The Waltair division introduced specialized Hill Gangs to manage the rocky terrain and boulders in Ananthagiri Hills. These teams, equipped with safety gear and advanced equipment, are tasked with handling track and tunnel maintenance on the KK line. To effectively manage the rocky landscape, Waltair division has deployed specialized Hill Gangs, supported by drone surveys for precise monitoring. Over 20 staff who underwent training this summer at the National Institute of Mountaineering in Arunachal Pradesh, focusing on techniques for navigating challenging terrains were deployed. An additional 30 personnel from the engineering, traction, and accident relief departments are scheduled for similar training in October, further enhancing the division's preparedness for emergencies. To address potential disruptions caused by boulders blocking the tracks, a new track material relief train has been stationed at Shrungaravarapukota station. This train complements an existing unit at Araku and is equipped with essential tools such as proclain, compressors, and pneumatic breakers, which are vital for clearing boulders and maintaining track integrity. Additionally, a newly established flying squad, equipped with hydraulic rerailing equipment and specialized materials, was deployed at Araku. This team will be on standby to respond swiftly to any incidents, ensuring that operations can resume with minimal delay. In a bid to bolster safety and communication, emergency communication sockets have been installed at both ends of all tunnels along the KK line. Retroreflective indicator boards have also been placed in trolley and man refuges within the tunnels to assist patrolling trackmen during adverse weather conditions. DRM Saurabh Prasad underlined that these measures are crucial for minimizing disruptions and expediting the restoration of services in the KK line which is vital for the transportation of iron ores and other essential goods.
Arunachal locals oppose NHPC survey for mega dam project
GUWAHATI: Protests erupted in the Dite Dime area of Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh on Saturday against the proposed 12,500 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). The locals are opposing the mega hydropower project on river Siang citing that it is a threat to their land, livelihood, environment and way of life. Dite Dime, Parong and Uggeng are the three proposed sites of the project. Over 600 locals staged the protests against the forceful survey-cum-pre-feasibility report (PFR). They shouted slogans against the government and the NHPC. The protests were organised by All Adi Welfare Society, Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum and Banggo Students Union. The Parong village committee had on Friday lodged a complaint with the Siang superintendent of police against the NHPC for forceful implementation of the PFR, which is seen as a prelude to the dams construction. The committee said the survey was against the consent of the people who would be affected by the project. The committee pointed out to meetings that the gram sabha members, villager chiefs, Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum and the general public had with the deputy commissioners of Siang and Upper Siang districts on June 22 and June 24 and said the public had unanimously rejected the PFR of the project. The committee urged the SP to lodge an FIR against the NHPC and the executing agencies for forcibly conducting the survey against our constitutional and legal rights. As the conflict deepened, the NHPC had on July 20 written to the state government seeking round-the-clock security at the proposed sites for core drilling works and geophysical studies. On Friday, Siang deputy commissioner PN Thungon had issued an order directing people to refrain from taking part in Saturdays gathering against the government and developmental activities. all the HGBs (head gaonburas), GBs (gaonburas), PRI (Panchayati Raj Institution) leaders and government servants are directed to desist from participating in the meeting which is anti-government and anti-development in nature, the order stated.
Centre appoints senior IAS officer Dharmendra as Delhi chief secretary
The Centre on Saturday appointed senior IAS officer Dharmendra as the new Delhi government chief secretary. Dharmendra, a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the AGMUT cadre, was Arunachal Pradesh chief secretary before being transferred to Delhi. He is among the senior-most Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre officers and is taking charge as the Delhi chief secretary ahead of the assembly polls due in February. With the approval of the competent authority, Dharmendra, IAS (AGMUT 1989), is hereby transferred from Arunachal Pradesh to Delhi and posted as chief secretary, GNCTD, wef 01.09.2024 or with effect from the date of joining, whichever is later, according to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs order issued on Saturday. Incumbent Naresh Kumar, a 1987-batch officer, who was given two extensions in the past, completes his tenure on August 31. Dharmendra's appointment came on the day his predecessor's three-month extended tenure
Who is Dharmendra, IAS officer to replace Naresh Kumar as Delhi's Chief Secretary?
Dharmendra, a 1989-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the AGMUT cadre, was Arunachal Pradesh chief secretary before being transferred to Delhi.
IAS officer Dharmendra appointed new chief secretary of Delhi government
NEW DELHI: Senior IAS officer Dharmendra of the 1989-batch AGMUT cadre was on Saturday appointed as the new chief secretary of the Delhi government. According to an order issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Dharmendra, currently posted as the chief secretary of Arunachal Pradesh, will take over the new charge with effect from September 1 or from the date of his joining, whichever is later. Incumbent Naresh Kumar, who was given two extensions in the past by the central government, completes his tenure on August 31.
Arunachal education minister urges journalists to embrace reading habit
ITANAGAR, Aug 30: Arunachal Pradesh Education and Libraries Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona called upon journalists to inculcate the habit of reading books to enhance their professional expertise on Friday. Speaking at the inauguration of a new library block at the Arunachal Press Club (APC) here, Sona, an avid reader himself, stressed that the habit of []
Arunachal CM slams Mamata Banerjee for irresponsible remarks on northeast
Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday claimed that his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjees recent comment on the northeast region was irresponsible and went against the spirit of unity of the country. He also alleged that the TMC supremos comment exposed her politics of anarchy. Addressing a TMC students wing rally in Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Arunachal CM Khandu slams Mamata for 'irresponsible' remarks on northeast
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday claimed that his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee's recent comment on the northeast region was irresponsible and went against the spirit of unity of the country. He also alleged that the TMC supremo's comment exposed her politics of anarchy. Addressing a TMC students' wing rally in Kolkata on Wednesday, Banerjee said, If Bengal is set on fire, Assam, northeast, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and Delhi will also be affected. Her comment came in the backdrop of widespread protests against the alleged rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor in Kolkata. The unsavoury remarks on the northeast by the West Bengal CM are highly irresponsible and show her desperation. It exposes her politics of anarchy and goes against the spirit of unity in our country. I strongly condemn this, Khandu posted on X. He said people of the northeast region are peace-loving and strongly deplore those who foment hostilities a
Arunachal team warns about Dungchhen Tso
An expert team in Arunachal Pradesh has determined that Dungchhen Tso, a high-altitude lake near Bhaggajang pilgrimage site, isn't a glacial lake and has only one outlet. Water flows from the lake to Tombi Pho and then to Tawangchu river, potentially posing risks to settlements if blocked or in case of cloudbursts.
Arunachal team warns about Dungchhen Tso
An expert team in Arunachal Pradesh has determined that Dungchhen Tso, a high-altitude lake near Bhaggajang pilgrimage site, isn't a glacial lake and has only one outlet. Water flows from the lake to Tombi Pho and then to Tawangchu river, potentially posing risks to settlements if blocked or in case of cloudbursts.
Centre asks states to ensure safety of doctors, suggests security measures
NEW DELHI: Hospitals with high footfall to install CCTV cameras in blind spots, security audits to be carried out with the District Collector and DSP, mock drills for security to be regularly conducted like safety drills for the fire and safety committee to be institutionalized and involve resident and junior doctors are among the string of security measures the centre on Wednesday asked the states to undertake to ensure enhanced security and safer working environment for healthcare workers. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, who co-chaired the second meeting of the National Task Force (NGT) of chief secretaries and the Director General of Police (DGPs), with Union Health Secretary Apruva Chandra, also requested the officials to ensure that the 112 helpline number is integrated for health care workers; access control of large hospitals and the revamped position under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) is shared with the healthcare workers. Chandra encouraged the states to develop innovative ideas and emphasized some of the immediate measures that can be considered to enhance security and provide a safer working environment for healthcare workers. He suggested that the states carry out a joint security audit with the District Collector and DSP. They should also review any shortfall in existing infrastructure and security arrangements and take remedial measures. They were asked to carry out security checks of all hired security and other services staff regularly; State Security Corporation to provide security personnel; Control Room, especially in large set-ups, with duty roaster of staff that periodically monitor CCTV and securely store the data; distress call to be attended to by control rooms; and training of hired security personnel to upgrade their capacity as in many establishments they are observed to be found wanting in discharging their duties due to poor capacities. Also, patient facilitators/trolley men/MTS in large hospitals to ferry patients on wheelchairs/stretchers are required to reduce the number of patient attendants and lessen the load and stress on security and other healthcare professionals. The other suggested steps included capacity building and training doctors and other healthcare workers in bereavement protocols, especially in emergency/casualty wards, and institutionalizing a security and safety committee involving seniors. Junior residents and students are to monitor the situation and status of emergency response preparedness continuously; routine security patrolling will be done on all the hospital/medical college premises during nighttime. The meeting with the chief secretaries and DGPs came following the order of the Supreme Court on August 22 to ensure that specific basic minimum measures are put in place by the states pending the report of NTF, which was set up by the apex court to address the concerns of the doctors over their safety at their workplaces. The SC took suo moto cognizance of the nationwide protest by resident and junior doctors demanding justice for the 31-year-old trainee doctor who was brutally raped and murdered in a state-run hospital in Kolkata. The meeting also came following a letter to all chief secretaries and DGPs on August 23 by the Union Health Secretary, which took cognizance of the rising violent incidents in medical institutions and the recent protest of resident doctors across the country following the alleged rape and murder of a woman doctor. The states were told to implement immediate security measures pending the NTF report and to discuss their implementation on August 28. In the meeting, states apprised the centre about the various steps they have undertaken to enhance security and provide a safer working environment for healthcare workers across public and private hospitals, medical colleges, and other healthcare institutions. Some of the immediate and short-term measures taken by the states included regular drills for handling security threats and episodes at hospitals with health care workers, on a similar line as fire safety drills; audit of spaces/rooms in hospitals and medical colleges to ensure undesirable elements do not misuse unutilized rooms/spaces; regulating the number of duty hours of resident doctors; security escorts for women doctors, Senior Residents etc., in some states during late night duty hours from hostel to place of work. The other steps were proper implementation of state legislation, which is already in place in 26 states and UTs (Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal) to safeguard healthcare professionals. States without similar Acts were urged to frame the required legislation, officials said. The states also informed that they have enhanced awareness through the display of provisions of BNS to protect health care professionals in hospital and medical college premises; have made provision of Chief Security Officers in Hospitals and Medical Colleges; carrying out police verification of contractual/ outsourced employees working in government hospitals; and conducting joint security audits at Government District Hospitals (DH) and Medical Colleges (MCs) by District Magistrates and Superintendent of Police along with Deans/Directors of DHs and MCs. The states informed that police chowki/police are available on the premises of many large medical colleges/district hospitals and have increased patrolling by police at night. Also, a sexual complaint/harassment committee to be in place and active and the CCTV network to be reviewed and further strengthened through additional CCTVs in hospital premises, especially covering dark zones, alleys, etc, were the other steps to be taken up by the states.
3 Army men killed, several others injured as truck falls into gorge in Arunachal
Itanagar: Three Army personnel died and several others were injured when their truck skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Subansiri district, police said on Wednesday. The accident happened around 6 am on Tuesday on the Trans Arunachal Highway near Tapi village, they said. The deceased were identified as Havildar Nakhat Singh, Naik Mukesh Kumar and Grenadier Ashish Kumar, according to Army sources. The Army truck that met with the accident was part of a convoy transporting personnel. The convoy was heading to Basar in Leparada district from Daporijo, the district headquarters town of Upper Subansiri, when the accident happened, a police officer said. Locals immediately rushed to the spot and helped in rescuing the injured persons and retrieving the bodies of the deceased. In a post on X, the Army's Eastern Command said, Lt Gen RC Tiwari, #ArmyCdrEC & All Ranks express deepest condolences on the sad demise of Bravehearts Hav Nakhat Singh, Nk Mukesh Kumar and Gdr Ashish who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in #ArunachalPradesh. Indian Army stands firmly with the bereaved families. Chief Minister Pema Khandu mourned the death of the three personnel. I am deeply pained by loss of lives of three @adgpi personnel - Havildar Nakhat Singh, Naik Mukesh Kumar and Grenadier Ashish Kumar - in a tragic accident near Tapi in Upper Subansiri district. Their service to the nation and supreme sacrifice will be remembered with the highest regards, he posted in X. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray to Lord Buddha for the peace of brave souls. Om Mani Padme Hum, he added.
Army truck falls into gorge, 3 soldiers dead
Three Army personnel died and several others were injured when their truck skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Subansiri district, police said on Wednesday.
3 Army personnel killed, several others injured as their vehicle falls into gorge in Arunachal
ITANAGAR: Three Army personnel died and several others were injured when their truck skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Subansiri district, police said on Wednesday. The accident happened around 6 am on Tuesday on the Trans Arunachal Highway near Tapi village, they said. The deceased were identified as Havildar Nakhat Singh, Naik Mukesh Kumar and Grenadier Ashish Kumar, according to Army sources. The Army truck that met with the accident was part of a convoy transporting personnel. The convoy was heading to Basar in Leparada district from Daporijo, the district headquarters town of Upper Subansiri, when the accident happened, a police officer said. Locals immediately rushed to the spot and helped in rescuing the injured persons and retrieving the bodies of the deceased. In a post on X, the Army's Eastern Command said, Lt Gen RC Tiwari, #ArmyCdrEC & All Ranks express deepest condolences on the sad demise of Bravehearts Hav Nakhat Singh, Nk Mukesh Kumar and Gdr Ashish who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty in #ArunachalPradesh. Indian Army stands firmly with the bereaved families. Chief Minister Pema Khandu mourned the death of the three personnel. I am deeply pained by loss of lives of three @adgpi personnel - Havildar Nakhat Singh, Naik Mukesh Kumar and Grenadier Ashish Kumar - in a tragic accident near Tapi in Upper Subansiri district. Their service to the nation and supreme sacrifice will be remembered with the highest regards, he posted in X. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray to Lord Buddha for the peace of brave souls. Om Mani Padme Hum, he added.
3 Army personnel killed as their vehicle falls into gorge in Arunachal
Itanagar: Three Army personnel died and several others were injured when their truck skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in Arunachal Pradeshs Upper Subansiri district, police said on Wednesday. The accident happened around 6 am on Tuesday on the Trans Arunachal Highway near Tapi village, they said. The deceased were identified Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Three Soldiers Lose Their Lives in Tragic Accident in Arunachal Pradesh
HT Digital August 28, Wednesday: In a tragic incident, three Indian Army soldiers lost their lives in a road accident in Arunachal Pradesh. The accident occurred while the soldiers were on duty, highlighting the dangers faced by military personnel operating in challenging terrains. The details surrounding the accident are still emerging, but initial reports suggest []
3 soldiers killed, 4 injured in Arunachal road accident
Three Army personnel lost their lives and four others were injured after their truck fell into a deep gorge in Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday. The deceased soldiers have been identified as Havaldar Nakhat Singh, Naik Mukesh Kumar, and Grenadier Ashish. The Army's Eastern Command extended condolences to their families.
Arunachal aims to host Intl Rafting Championships to boost tourism
HT Digital GUWAHATI, Aug 27: Arunachal Pradesh is poised to make waves in the world of water sports as Chief Minister Pema Khandu engages in discussions to bring major rafting championships to the state, a press release announced on Tuesday. In a recent meeting with World Rafting Federation President Danilo Barmaz and Indian Rafting Federation []
Arunachal unveils biodiversity map showcasing rich ecological heritage
HT Digital GUWAHATI, Aug 27: The Department of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change of Arunachal Pradesh has released a comprehensive biodiversity map of the state, highlighting its extraordinary ecological heritage, Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced on Tuesday. The vibrant and informative illustration captures the states diverse flora, fauna, and cultural elements, highlighting the states status []
PM Modi Urges Youth Without Political Background to Join Politics
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reiterated his Independence Day call for one lakh youth without any political background to join politics. Urging the youngsters to enter public life to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat, Mr Modi said that the country needs to rekindle the spirit of countless people from all walks of life, sans political background, had shown during the freedom movement once again. The Prime Minister said that his Independence Day call to youth to join politics has evoked wide reactions, with some stating that dynastic politics crushes new talent. Referring to his address from the Red Fort on August 15, he said, This year from Red Fort, I urged youth who are not from a political background to connect with the political system. This point of mine has garnered tremendous response. We thus come to know that a large number of our youth are eagerly ready to enter politics. All they are looking for is the right opportunity and apt guidance. I have also received letters from youth across the country on this subject. An enormous response is being received on social media as well. People have sent me many suggestions. Some youth have written in their letters that it is truly inconceivable for them. On account of the absence of a political legacy... Mr Modi said, adding that some youth have written that dynastic politics crushes new talent. Some youth have mentioned that such efforts will lend more strength to our democracy. I thank each and everyone for sending in suggestions on the subject. I hope that now, with our collective efforts, youth who do not possess a political background will also be able to come forward in politics; their experience and their fervour will prove useful for the country, he said. Even during the freedom struggle, many such people had come forward, who did not have any political background. They took the plunge for the sake of Indias Freedom. Once again, we require the same spirit to attain the goal of Vikasit Bharat, the Prime Minister said and urged youth to positively join this campaign as this step of theirs will be transformative in terms of the countrys future. In the 113th Mann ki Baat episode, Mr Modi noted that the Har Ghar Tiranga and Poora Desh Tiranga campaigns were a resounding success. We saw the Tricolour fluttering atop houses, as well as at schools, colleges and universities. Some people had the Tricolour adorn their shops, offices... People also did the same on their desktops, mobiles and even vehicles. When people join hands to express a sentiment, it lends unparalleled glory to any campaign, he said. Mentioning that five crore selfies were posted on the Har Ghar Tiranga website, the Prime Minister said that this campaign wove the entire country into a thread of togetherness and this is exactly what Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat is. In his address, the Prime Minister stated that the nation has benefited a lot from the reforms in the space sector and noted that India celebrated its first National Space Day on August 23 to mark the first anniversary of the successful landing of its spacecraft on the moon. Citing examples of human-animal bonds, Mr Modi spoke about Barekuri village in Assam, where people of the Moran community have a deep bond with hoolock gibbons. He also cited the Arunachal Pradesh case, where young people have started using 3-D printing technology to protect wild animals from being hunted for their horns and tusks. The Prime Minister also lauded the efforts of people behind a park in Madhya Pradesh's Jhabua where wonderful artworks out of waste have been created. Batting for toy recycling, he said this is another such field where we can work together. The Prime Minister said that while many children get bored of their toys within no time, there are children for whom such toys are a pipedream. Toys that your children no longer play with...you can give them away to places where they continue being useful, he said Urged people to connect with campaigns pertaining to awareness about nutrition, he said, A small effort on your part will help a lot in the fight against malnutrition. The Prime Minister also noted that August 29 is Telugu Bhasha Diwas. It's truly an amazing language. I extend good wishes to Telugu speakers across the world on Telugu Bhasha Diwas, he said. Mr Modi also urged people to be a part of the Catch the Rain movement.
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi highlights Moran community's bond with Hoolock Gibbons in Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the unique relationship between the Moran community and Hoolock Gibbons in Assam's Barekuri village. He noted how villagers have integrated gibbons into their traditions, even naming community members after them. Modi also praised Arunachal Pradesh's use of 3D printing technology to create animal horn replicas to protect wildlife.
The Adi community, which dominates central Arunachal Pradesh, fears that big dams across the river it considers sacred and calls Aane (mother) will violate her. Over the past 15 years, governments at the Centre and the State have pushed for construction in the name of national interest, while those who will be most impacted by the damming are pushing back
Probe begins into illegal elephant transfers from northeast States to Kerala
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau asks Forest depts of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura to provide information on registered captive elephants and the number of transit permits issued for moving them within and outside the State. Inquiry will examine claims of a criminal nexus involving elephant procurement agents
Mithun officially recorded for first time in Assam but was reared in remote villages for generations
GUWAHATI: Assam has recorded the mithun (Bos frontalis) for the first time, generations after the semi-wild gaur-like animal began to be reared by tribals in the states hill district of Dima Hasao. During past livestock censuses, the enumerators recorded the animal in the column of others and the government had no idea about its presence. Mithun is the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland and found also in the hills of Mizoram and Manipur. It is primarily reared for its meat. Bhairab K Kakati, Additional Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department (Hills), told The New Indian Express that a team had spotted the animal during a visit to the three remote villages of Laisong, Langting and Thaijuwari in Dima Hasao on August 21. Scientists from the Nagaland-based ICAR-National Research Centre on the mithun were part of the team. The villages that the team visited are inhabited by Zeme Nagas and located 70-80 km from district headquarters Haflong. We saw 35-40 mithuns. During past livestock censuses, the enumerators would record cattle, pigs, buffalos and goats. They recorded mithuns as others. They were perhaps not properly trained and mithun was never reported, Kakati said. Quoting villagers, he said the villages had a large population of the animal but their numbers declined with time. The geographical diversions are such that it will take time for us to estimate their population. We also lack manpower. The next livestock census is starting on September 1. We thought if we can lay focus on the animal during the census, people will come forward with details, Kakati said. He said inbreeding would remain a challenge but the discovery might boost eco-tourism as people visit Dima Hasao during the summer months to get respite from heat. The Assam mithun appears not similar to the Nagaland mithun. When it is established, we can give it a nomenclature, he added. Dr Girish Patil, Director of ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, termed the discovery as a historic moment for Assam. The presence of mithun in Dima Hasao opens up new avenues for sustainable agriculture and rural development, he said. According to the last census carried out in 2019, India has a mithun population of 3,86,311. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India recognized mithun as a meat animal on September 1 last year. The day will be celebrated as Mithun Day in the Northeast.
Reared for centuries, semi-wild bovine recorded for the first time in Assam
Also known as gayal, the mithun is the State animal of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland
Claude Arpi | Chinas salami warfare big danger to Himalayas
The planet is being churned; and wherever one looks, one sees natural and unnatural (mostly man-made) disasters. It is not only the multiple landslides that occurred in six villages of Wayanad district of Kerala on July 30, but the entire Himalayan belt is disturbed. In Wayanad, heavy rains triggered the collapse of hillsides, resulting in torrents of mud, water and boulders cascading down into the valley. Similarly in the Himalayas, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand or Arunachal Pradesh, tragic incidents such as these are taking place. In most of the cases, wild development activities have resulted in these mishaps. For example, in Himachal Pradesh, some environmental activists told the Down To Earth magazine that most incidents of natural disasters that occurred in Himachal Pradesh during the last one year happened around some power (dams) or national highway project. In Uttarakhand, wild construction, not taking into account the capacity of the mountains to sustain new roads, new hotels and millions of tourists, has been one of the factors triggering one tragedy after another. One basic fact has been forgotten: that mountains are fragile. Flying over the Himalayan range, one has the impression that the snow-covered ranges and high peaks are massive and seemingly-impenetrable mountains; however, on the ground, the Himalayas are in grave danger. For millennia the Himalayan passes have been criss-crossed by adventurers, pilgrims, traders, monks or holy men looking for a mythic paradise upon earth, or simply good business; however, through all that time the environment was not disturbed. Another factor has to be taken into consideration is the militarisation of the Himalayan range, and for this India cannot be held responsible. The finger must be pointed clearly at our northern neighbour. For centuries, life went on as usual, but in 1950 the troops of Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) marched into Tibet. The military balance of the peaceful plateau as well as the ecological equilibrium quickly started to change. During the following years, thousands of Tibetans managed to escape their colonised land and take refuge to India; it included the Dalai Lama, Tibets religious and temporal leader, who arrived in India in 1959. Then came October 1962, when Chinese troops attacked India on the Himalayan slopes; from the arid Ladakh region in the west to the dense forests in the north-west, the PLA marched into Indian territory. The conflict was short, just one month, but violent. More than 60 years after the event, it is still deeply engraved in the Indian psyche. It had incalculable consequences for the mountains and though the passes were closed, trade and pilgrimage routes stopped and communications were cut between northern India and the Tibetan plateau. India now had a bully instead of a friend as a neighbour. At the beginning, very few worried about the environment and even less about climate change. But the Chinese occupation slowly started to have disastrous consequences for the Himalayan ecology. Today, it is not only India who is under threat of the Chinese salami tactics (taking over a few kilometres of territory at a time). On August 23, 2023, China released a new standard map. The map included Taiwan and parts of the maritime zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It added the tenth dash to its existing nine-dash line claim in the South China Sea and of course Arunachal Pradesh and the Aksai Chin area. Interestingly, the map included the small Bolshoy Ussuriysky island, though in 2005, Russia and China had agreed that the island would be split in half and the border would run in its centre. On May 17, 2024, the South China Morning Post in an opinion piece said that China must act fast to reclaim lost territories from Russia. A hundred years ago, a treaty between the then USSR and China had abolished the so-called Czarist unequal treaties, it noted, and said: Now, with Russian President Vladimir Putin bogged down in the Ukraine war, it may be the best time for Beijing. Another recent example of Chinese aggressiveness, from August 2 to 4, some Japanese fighter planes had to scramble to cope with a intrusion into Japanese airspace over the Sea of Okhotsk, the Sea of Japan, the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Examples could be multiplied. India, like several other countries, has no alternative but to defend itself. As a result, the Himalayas have become one of the most militarised regions in the world. Despite several bilateral agreements between India and China, in May 2020, China started practicing salami slicing in five different areas of Ladakh, the high plateau in north-western India. Why open new fronts in that arid mountain desert? Many believe that one general, in search of promotion, had suggested some small operation to President Xi Jinping. These few kilometres here and there would give strategic depth to the PLA. India reacted swiftly, at the cost of spending four winters at 15,000 feet, often with temperatures at minus 40 degrees Celsius. Each army has today between 60,000 and 70,000 troops posted at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). China and India then began to frenetically develop the infrastructure on their respective sides. The immediate collateral damage was to the environment; this is compounded by climate change and wild tourism development. On July 25, Indias external affairs minister S. Jaishankar met Chinas foreign minister Wang Yi. Mr Jaishankar underlined the need for full respect of the LAC; ultimately, both sides agreed on giving strong guidance for disengagement. It is, however, doubtful that it will translate in troops reduction on the ground. The degradation of the Himalayan environment is obviously due to several other factors too, but the militarisation triggered by Chinas hegemonic tendencies has brought incalculable harm to the fragile eco-system. A solution had been proposed by the Dalai Lama in 1989 in his Five-Point Peace Plan: the whole of Tibet, including the eastern provinces of Kham and Amdo, should be transformed into a zone of Ahimsa, meaning a state of peace and non-violence. Unfortunately, this dream seems much more distant today than 35 years ago; when the Dalai Lama had explained: The establishment of a peace zone in Tibet would require the withdrawal of Chinese troops and military installations from the country, which would enable India also to withdraw troops and military installations from the Himalayan regions bordering Tibet. A Zone of Ahimsa would be a great boon for the Himalayan environment, but for the time being, it may remain a dream.
Long-delayed population census may start in September, likely to take 18 months to finish: Report
India is likely to commence its long-pending population census in September, according to a report by Reuters , citing official government sources. Originally scheduled for completion in 2021, the decennial census had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was further pushed back due to technical and logistical hurdles. The new survey is expected to take around 18 months to finish once it starts next month, officials directly involved in the mattertold Reuters. The process is awaiting final approval from Prime Minister Narendra Modis office, as per the report citing official sources. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), responsible for overseeing the census, along with the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), has established a timeline with the goal of releasing the results by March 2026. This timeline will encompass data spanning a 15-year period, according to the officials. Both the MHA and MoSPI have not responded to Reuters' requests for comment on the matter. India's population was 121.1 crore based on the last census held in 2011. Between then and now, the United Nations projected in an April 2023 report that India had surpassed China for the first time to become the world's most populous country, with an estimated population of over 142 crore (1,425,775,850). The decanial census is a critical tool for collecting detailed population data, including demographics, economic activities, literacy, and housing. This data is essential for government planning, policymaking, and ensuring the equitable distribution of resources and services across the country. The census also sheds light on regional disparities and tracks development progress, making it vital for effective governance and equitable growth. The delay in the latest census has drawn criticism, with concerns that it undermines the accuracy of important statistical surveys on economic data, inflation, and employment. And with the census long overdue, the Union government has had to rely on outdated 2011 data, weakening the quality of key economic indicators and hindering informed decision-making. Meanwhile, the potential census announcement comes amid increasing demands for a caste-based census, with the Opposition highlighting the issue as a key poll promise in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Notably, a caste-economic survey report released by the former grand alliance government in Bihar in November 2023 revealed that 34.13% of the state's families had a monthly income of only Rs 6,000. Going by the World Bank's median poverty line last updated in September 2022, drawn as being under USD 2.15 (Rs 176) per person per day, all these families will be classified as extremely poor. And on Thursday, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh criticised the Union government for delaying the 2021 census, stating that the postponement has prevented the collection of crucial information needed for economic planning and social justice programmes. The Congress leader shared on X a report in The Hindu that said the Union government is yet to take a call on conducting the next census exercise, but active discussion is on to expand the data collection to include caste enumeration. India has been conducting a census regularly every ten years. The last such census was due in 2021. The continuing failure to conduct this 2021 census has meant that vital information necessary for economic planning and for social justice programmes has not been collected. As a result, for instance, over 12 crore Indians have been denied due benefits under the National Food Security Act, 2013/PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Ramesh posted on X. Now there are reports that the Union Government may conduct this long-overdue and unacceptably delayed census over the next few months. Every census since 1951 has been collecting data caste-wise on the population of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Without any difficulty, just by adding an extra column, the census questionnaire can also collect caste-wise data of the OBC population as well. This will fulfil the widespread demand for a caste census and will give more solid foundations to affirmative action programmes, he added. The 2011 census data According to the 2011 Census of India, the total population was 1.21 billion or 121.1 crore, with males constituting 51.5% (623.2 million or 62.32 crore) and females 48.5% (587.7 million or 58.77 crore). Uttar Pradesh, with a population of 199.5 million (19.95 crore), was the most populous state, followed by Maharashtra with 112 million (11.2 crore). Sikkim, with a population of 610,577 (6.11 lakh), was the least populous state. Bihar had the highest population density, while Arunachal Pradesh had the lowest. Lakshadweep had the smallest population among union territories. Kerala had the highest sex ratio and literacy rate, whereas Haryana had the lowest sex ratio and Bihar had the lowest literacy rate. India's population increased by over 181 million (18.1 crore) from 2001 to 2011, representing a growth rate of 17.64%. Males grew by 17.19%, and females by 18.12%. In the 2011 census, 31.2% of the population lived in urban areas (377.1 million or 37.71 crore), and 68.8% resided in rural areas (833.8 million or 83.38 crore). Additionally, 453.6 million (45.36 crore) people, or 37.8% of the total population, were classified as migrants. The religious composition in 2011 was as follows: Hindus made up 79.8% (964.6 million or 96.46 crore), Muslims 14.2% (172.2 million or 17.22 crore), Christians 2.3% (27.8 million or 2.78 crore), Sikhs 1.7% (20.8 million or 2.08 crore), Buddhists 0.7% (8.4 million or 84 lakh), Jains 0.4% (4.5 million or 45 lakh), and other religions 0.9% (10.9 million or 1.09 crore). The percentage decadal growth rates for the six most populous states declined from 1991-2001 to 2001-2011: Uttar Pradesh fell from 25.85% to 20.09%, Maharashtra from 22.73% to 15.99%, Bihar from 28.62% to 25.07%, West Bengal from 17.77% to 13.93%, Andhra Pradesh from 14.59% to 11.10%, and Madhya Pradesh from 24.26% to 20.30%.
Government Launches Rs 150 Crore Initiative To Tackle Glacial Lake Flood Risks In Himalayas
The programme is to be implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
Government experts to study 6 glacial lakes in Tawang, Dibang Valley
Expert teams have begun a critical survey of six high-risk glacial lakes in Arunachal Pradesh, part of India's GLOF Mission by the NDMA. This first survey in the border state aims to assess flood risks and potential mitigation measures. The strategic importance of these lakes, near China's border, heightens the study's significance.
Experts Assess GLOF Risks at 6 Glacial Lakes in Arunachal Pradesh
Crowsfoot Glacier and many others are dotted with ice blue glacial lakes on the way to Jasper Crowsfoot Glacier and many others are dotted with ice blue glacial lakes on the way to Jasper New Delhi: For the first time, two teams of experts have been deployed to evaluate the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) in six high-risk glacial lakes across Arunachal Pradesh, official sources reported. This initiative aims to assess the potential for GLOFs and explore mitigation strategies for these water bodies. The teams are focusing on two high-altitude regions: Tawang and Dibang Valley, where the lakes are situated more than 11,000 feet above sea level. Out of 27 high-risk lakes identified by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) across five districts, the teams will examine three in each of Tawang and Dibang Valley. In Tawang, the team led by deputy commissioner Kanki Darang commenced their expedition on August 19. They will study the glacial lake in the Mago area of Thingbu circle, along with two additional lakes in Jang and Zemithang sub-divisions. Meanwhile, the team in Dibang Valley, directed by District Disaster Management Officer Kabang Lego, departed from Anini to assess two glacial lakes in Mipi circle. Although these lakes have been categorised as 'C' (low risk) by the NDMA, they possess the potential to cause GLOF events. The initial phase of the study, which involves two lakes, is expected to take approximately 12 days. Following this, the teams will move on to a high-risk lake classified as 'A' (high risk) in the Etalin circle. The experts, affiliated with the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure, will conduct comprehensive studies including accessibility, geo-coordinates, lake boundaries, area, elevation, local habitations, and specific locations. They will also assess the land cover of these lakes to support the installation of early warning systems by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and automatic weather stations by the Indian Meteorological Department. The initiative is part of a broader effort by the NDMA in response to the catastrophic GLOF event at South Lhonak lake in Sikkim in October 2023. The NDMA, in collaboration with technical and research institutions, has identified 27 high-risk glacial lakes in Arunachal Pradesh across the districts of Tawang (6), Kurung Kumey (1), Shi Yomi (1), Dibang Valley (16), and Anjaw (3). The NDMA has emphasised the urgent need for mitigation measures, including the installation of early warning systems and automatic weather stations, to prevent potential damage from GLOFs. C-DAC has been appointed as the lead technical agency for this critical project.
Why Experts Have Been Sent To 6 High-Risk Glacial Lakes In Arunachal Pradesh
Two teams of experts have been sent to six high-risk glacial lakes in Arunachal for the first time to assess the possibility of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) and ways to access these water bodies for mitigation measures, official sources said.
Experts Sent To Six High-Risk Glacial Lakes In Arunachal To Assess GLOF Risk
NEW DELHI, Aug 21: Two teams of experts have been sent to six high-risk glacial lakes in Arunachal Pradesh for the first time to assess the possibility of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) and the ways to access these water bodies for mitigation measures, official sources said. Follow The Daily Excelsior Channel On WhatsApp The two lakes are located in the high altitude areas of Tawang and Dibang Valley districts more than 11,000 feet above sea level, they [] The post Experts Sent To Six High-Risk Glacial Lakes In Arunachal To Assess GLOF Risk appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Signify Illuminates 25 Rural Border Villages in Arunachal Pradesh with Support from the Indian Army
Arunachal Pradesh [India], August 21: Signify, the world leader in lighting, has illuminated 25 villages in the Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh, with energy-efficient LED street lighting to enhance the safety of local citizens. The project was executed in partnership with the Indian Army and grassroot NGO, BharatCares, as part of the company's 'Har Gaon Roshan' CSR program, which focuses on sustainable rural development and women's safety across India, through lighting.
