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"India successfully launched Chandrayaan-4, aiming to study the lunar surface and uncover its secrets.","India launched Chandrayaan-4 to study the moon’s surface, marking another milestone in space exploration."
The Prime Minister unveiled the Digital India 2.0 initiative to promote innovation and technology adoption.,"PM launched Digital India 2.0, focusing on technological growth and innovation in India."
"India's GDP showed a rebound in the first quarter of 2021, signaling recovery from the pandemic-induced recession.","India's Q1 2021 GDP rebounded, indicating a recovery from the economic challenges of the pandemic."
"Cyclone Yaas wreaked havoc in Odisha and West Bengal, causing floods and massive displacement.","Cyclone Yaas caused severe damage in Eastern India, displacing thousands and disrupting daily life."
"Hyderabad became a central hub for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing, supplying doses to various countries.",Hyderabad gained recognition as the COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing hub of India.
"India clinched the Test series against Australia 3-1, showcasing stellar performances by young players.",India won the Test series against Australia with young players contributing immensely.
The government announced a significant allocation for infrastructure projects in the upcoming budget.,The 2022 budget aims to enhance infrastructure through increased spending.
"The Assam Tribune celebrated its 80th anniversary, highlighting its journey as a credible news source.",Assam Tribune marked 80 years of credible journalism in Northeast India.
The COP27 summit saw global leaders deliberating on actionable steps to combat climate change.,"COP27 summit emphasized urgent action against climate change, with global leaders collaborating."
"Despite global economic challenges, India’s IT industry continues to grow, driven by digital transformation and innovation.","India’s IT sector is thriving, with strong growth despite global economic challenges."
"Invitees to the “Pran Pratishtha” consecration ceremony at the Ram temple started arriving on January 21 in Ayodhya — once a sleepy town now resplendent with new infrastructure and gripped by heightened religious fervour on the eve of a seminal event in India’s political and religious history. A multi-layer security cover is in place in Ayodhya for the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple, with 10,000 CCTVs keeping an eye on the movement of people and police personnel in plain clothes deployed at the venue. From Dharampath and Rampath in Ayodhya, which are witnessing a huge influx of devotees, to bylanes of the Hanumangarhi area and Asharfi Bhavan road, policemen can be seen patrolling the streets.Critical clinical services will remain open on January 22 at Delhi’s All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the premier hospital said on Sunday. The clarification was issued a day after a circular said that AIIMS would observe a half-day closure of its offices and institutions on January 22, in view of the consecration ceremony of the idol at Ayodhya’s Ram temple. The clarification came after a severe public backlash against the decision to close hospital services for a half day. Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, which is also run by the Union government, had also announced a half day closure on January 22.","The consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is taking place on January 22. Thousands of devotees are arriving in the town, which has been transformed with new infrastructure. A massive security operation is in place to ensure the safety of the event. The AIIMS hospital in Delhi initially announced a half-day closure for January 22 but later clarified that critical clinical services would remain open due to public backlash."
"The sixth edition of The Hindu businessline Changemaker Awards, which celebrates individuals and organisations that have brought change in society, will be held in New Delhi on Friday (September 13, 2024).
Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, will give away the awards to the winners. The awards will be given across six categories: Social Transformation; Digital Transformation; Financial Transformation; Young Changemaker; Iconic Changemaker; and Changemaker of the Year. There is a new awards category this year called the Chairperson’s Award. This award is not part of the jury process that other awards have gone through and is given to an achiever in the field of education.

Over 950 nominations were received from the public and readers. They were evaluated by The Hindu businessline along with knowledge partners Deloitte and Ashoka. The shortlisted nominations were then independently validated by Niiti Consulting, the validation partner
The winners from among the validated nominees were chosen by an independent jury headed by R. Seshasayee, Chairman, Asian Paints. Other members of the jury were Lakshmi Narayanan, former Vice-Chairman, Cognizant; Suchitra Ella, co-founder and Managing Director, Bharat Biotech International; N.S. Nappinai, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court; Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu; Poonam Natarajan, founder, Vidyasagar; and Jayen Mehta, Managing Director, GCMMF. The jury met in Chennai on August 13 to choose the winners.

The ceremony on Friday will feature a musical performance as well as a presentation prior to the awards event. At last year’s ceremony, the Reserve Bank of India received the Changemaker of the Year award while GCMMF (Amul) was named Iconic Changemaker of the Year.

The Hindu businessline Changemaker Awards are presented by SASTRA University as the presenting partner and powered by SBI (State Bank of India). The event is also supported by associate partners: LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India), J&K Bank, NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation), Union Bank of India, NMDC (National Mineral Development Corporation), ESSAR, Punjab & Sind Bank, Swelect Energy, and Indian Bank. Casagrand is the realty partner, while Fortinet is the cyber security partner. NDTV 24x7 is the TV partner. Anand Prakash is the gift partner. The event will be held at ITC Maurya, New Delhi. Entry is by invitation. The awards ceremony can be viewed live from 5.30 p.m. on thbl.news/BCLM2024LS","The sixth edition of The Hindu Businessline Changemaker Awards will be held in New Delhi on September 13, 2024, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting awards across six categories, including a new Chairperson's Award for education. Over 950 nominations were evaluated by Deloitte, Ashoka, and Niiti Consulting, with an independent jury chaired by R. Seshasayee selecting the winners. Supported by SASTRA University and SBI, the event will feature a musical performance and live-streaming at 5:30 p.m. on thbl.news/BCLM2024LS. The ceremony takes place at ITC Maurya, New Delhi."
"ITANAGAR, Jan 02: In a tragic incident, at least six army jawans of 11th Garhwal Regiment of Gajraj Corps were killed and two others injured when their convoy truck was reportedly plunged into deep gorge near Sessa in West Kameng yesterday. Sources from Bhalukpong informed this daily over the telephone that the incident occurred when the convoy was moving from Sessa base camp to Bhalukpong.  One of the convoy truck carrying eight jawans was hit by shooting stone, plunged into deep gorge after veered off the road, source added.  

The jawans who killed were identified as Rajendra Singh, Sandeep Singh, Arvind Singh, Bather Rajesh, Deep Chand, R. Ram Prasad and injured jawans were identified as Kuldeep Singh and Kundun, both were rushed to Army Hospital at Tezpur (Assam)","Six army jawans from the 11th Garhwal Regiment were killed, and two were injured when their convoy truck veered off the road and plunged into a gorge near Sessa in West Kameng. The truck, hit by a falling rock, was en route from Sessa to Bhalukpong. Injured jawans were hospitalized."
"The Gujarat Police files First Information Report under IPC Sections 304 and 308 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) in the bridge collapse tragedy.
About 141 people have died, while more than a 100 other have been admitted and are under treatment after a colonial-era cable bridge collapsed in Gujarat’s Morbi town on Sunday evening, plunging over 350 people into the river. Nine persons of the Oreva group, involved in the maintenance and management of the bridge, were arrested on October 31 in connection with the collapse of the cable suspension bridge on the Machchhu river. Police have registered an FIR on charges of culpable homicide against agencies given the task of maintenance and operation of the bridge in Morbi city which collapsed on Sunday evening.Several teams of NDRF and personnel of Navy and Air Force have been ordered to be airlifted to the site to help in the rescue efforts and comb the river bed as many people are feared drowned in the 10 feet deep water. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on November 1 afternoon visit Gujarat’s Morbi, Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office announced. Earlier in the day, PM Modi, who is in Kevadia, stated that rescue opeations were under way and there would be no laxity in rescue and relief efforts.","The Gujarat Police filed an FIR under IPC Sections 304 and 308 for culpable homicide in the Morbi bridge collapse, which claimed 141 lives and injured over 100. Nine members of the Oreva group, responsible for the bridge's maintenance, were arrested. Rescue operations are ongoing, with NDRF, Navy, and Air Force teams deployed. PM Modi will visit the site on November 1 to oversee relief efforts and ensure no laxity in rescue operations."
"Bonus shares in October 2022: After the arrival of October month, we have finished half of the financial year 2022-23 and now we have ushered into the Q3FY23. However, this month would be the beginning of result seasons as well because after the end of Q2FY23, listed companies are expected to make its quarterly numbers public. So, stock investors are expected to remain vigilant about the company results as good results lead to announcement of dividend, bonus shares, etc. However, some companies have already announced reward for their long term investors from their reserves.

Here we list out 5 companies that are going to issue bonus shares this month:1] Jonjua Overseas: BSE listed small-cap stock has fixed 3rd October 2022 as record date for bonus share issue and the stock will trade ex-bonus on the same date i.e. 3rd October 2022. The BSE listed company with a market cap of ₹6 crore has already announced bonus shares in 4:23 ratio that means 4 bonus share for each 23 stocks held by its shareholders.

2] Yug Decor: As per the information available on BSE website, the BSE listed small-cap stock is going to trade ex-bonus on 3rd October 2022. The company has revised its record date to 3rd October 2022. As per the information available on BSE website, ""Company has revised the 'Record Date' i.e., Monday, October 3, 2022 (instead of Friday, September 30, 2022) to determine eligible shareholders entitled to receive Bonus shares as approved in the 19th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company held on September 20, 2022."" The company has declared bonus shares in the ratio of 1:2 i.e. one bonus shares for each two stocks held by its shareholders.

3] Asian Hotels (East): The small-cap stock with a market cap of ₹397 crore is going to trade ex-bonus on 6th October 2022. The board of directors of the company has fixed 7th October 2022 as record date for issuance of bonus shares in the ratio of 1:2.
As per the information available on BSE website, ""The Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting of even date has inter-alia, fixed the Record Date as Friday, 7th October, 2022 for determining the names of the equity shareholders of the Company who shall be entitled to be allotted: a) bonus equity shares of the Company in the ratio 1:2 i.e. one fully paid up bonus equity share for every two equity shares held in the Company (as of the Record Date).""

4] Ruchira Papers: Small-cap stock is going to trade ex-bonus on 7th October 2022 as board of directors of the company has fixed 10th October 2022 as record date for issuance of bonus shares. The paper company has already declared bonus shares in the ratio of 1:10 that means one bonus share for every 10 shares held by the shareholders.
5] Kaarya Facilities and Services: The company has fixed Wednesday, October 12, 2022 as the record date for the purpose of ascertaining the eligibility of shareholders for issuance of bonus shares in the ratio of 1:1 i.e. 1 (One) bonus equity shares of ₹10.00 each fully paid-up for every 1 (One) existing equity shares of INR 10.00 each fully paid-up (i.e. in the ration of 1:1) held by shareholders.","In October 2022, five companies will issue bonus shares: Jonjua Overseas (4:23 ratio, ex-bonus on October 3), Yug Decor (1:2 ratio, ex-bonus on October 3), Asian Hotels (East) (1:2 ratio, ex-bonus on October 6), Ruchira Papers (1:10 ratio, ex-bonus on October 7), and Kaarya Facilities (1:1 ratio, ex-bonus on October 12)."
"The CBI summoned five doctors and some junior doctors of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital (RGKMCH) for questioning in the case of rape and murder of an on-duty doctor early on August 9. Of these, three were grilled on Thursday. A CBI team went to Sodepur area in North 24 Parganas and spoke to the family members of the victim. According to sources, the central agency has prepared a list of persons to be questioned in the coming days, including former principal Dr Sandip Ghosh who was accused by the junior doctors of trying to shelter the accused.

Those questioned on Thursday were former medical superintendent-cum-vice principal Dr Sanjay Vashisth, head of the pulmonary medicine department Dr Arunabha Dutta Choudhury and a professor of forensic medicine department. They appeared at the CBI office in CGO Complex of Salt Lake after getting the summons. They were allowed to go after their statements were recorded. Similarly, the junior doctors also faced questions of the investigators. All of them were allowed to go later. The CBI also questioned a cop during the day in the same case: Abhijit Mondal, officer-in-charge of the Tala police station which covers the RGKMCH. Mondal handed over some documents to the CBI.

","The CBI summoned five doctors and junior doctors from RG Kar Medical College in connection with the rape and murder of an on-duty doctor on August 9. Three doctors, including former medical superintendent Dr. Sanjay Vashisth, were questioned, and further questioning is planned. The CBI also questioned a local police officer involved in the case."
"The special POCSO court here in East Siang district has sentenced one Kalen Apang (33) to 20 years of imprisonment, plus life imprisonment, for sexually assaulting and impregnating his minor stepdaughter twice.

The accused was found guilty of committing the offence of penetrative sexual assault on his stepdaughter, and has been sentenced under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Earlier, on 23 March, 2022, the Jenging police station received a written complaint from the district child protection unit to the effect that Apang, who had sexually assaulted his minor stepdaughter in 2019 and was out on bail, reportedly committed the same offence on his stepdaughter, who was about 13 years old.

Following this, a case [u/s 376 (2) (F) (n) IPC r/w 6/16 of POCSO Act] was registered.

The child had been staying with Apang since she was about 11 years old, after her mother, who works at a tea garden in Ramsing, married Apang. He started sexually abusing the child immediately after the marriage and ultimately impregnated her.

The incident came to light when the child’s aunt found out that she was pregnant and brought her to Yingkiong for medical examination. Subsequently, an FIR was lodged against the convict and he was arrested and later enlarged on bail.

But after his release from jail, Apang returned, stayed with the child and her mother, committed sexual assault on the minor, and impregnated her again.

While sentencing, the special judge said, “The convict has shown no remorse for his action and he has utter disregard for law and order, and, despite being enlarged on bail, committed the same offence twice.”

The special judge therefore pronounced a double sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment for the first offence, and life imprisonment for the subsequent offence. (DIPRO)","Kalen Apang, 33, from East Siang district, India, was sentenced to 20 years and life imprisonment for sexually assaulting and impregnating his minor stepdaughter twice. He was found guilty under POCSO and IPC. The incident came to light when the child's aunt discovered her pregnancy. Despite being released on bail, Apang continued to abuse the child. The judge sentenced him to a double sentence due to his lack of remorse."
"GUWAHATI, 27 Aug: Restless victims of Manipur’s three-month-long ethnic strife housed in cramped makeshift relief camps are demanding the state government solves the imbroglio so that they can go back home.

Some victims also do not want to shift to the temporary accommodation that the government has offered, saying that they will never be able to return to their homes if they move to these new prefabricated dwelling units.

At the Thongju Kendra Relief Camp set up at Ideal Girls College in Akampat of Imphal East district, some inmates from Tengnoupal and Churachandpur districts told PTI that they “do not have faith in the state government’s assurance on rebuilding their homes.”

“It has been more than three months we are living in relief camps. How long are we going to stay here? We need our home back. Our people were murdered, now we need justice,” said Sanatambi, who hails from the India-Myanmar border town of Moreh.

Nganthoibi (24) and her family from Churachandpur also want to go back to their home now as they do not want to stay at the relief camp in “inhuman conditions.”

“I have a six-member family — husband, 7-month-old baby, father-in-law, mother-in-law and sister-in-law — all are here in the relief camp. On May 3, our house was burnt and we could collect nothing while fleeing from the place. We have lost everything in this clash,” she told PTI over the phone.

She claimed that many inmates in the relief camp are willing to move to the temporary houses that the government has constructed at different locations despite assurances from the administration of shifting them to their respective homes in future when the situation normalises.

“We don’t trust the government, we don’t know for how long it will be in those temporary locations. We want to go back to our own houses. We are tired of the government’s assurances and don’t see any hope from them,” Nganthoibi said.

“We want to go back to Moreh to our homes. This town was the No. 2 in revenue collection for Manipur after Imphal. If this violence continues, India is going to lose heavily. The BJP is responsible for the situation that Manipur is witnessing today. In the case of Moreh, there has been no town committee election for the last 10 years. All the Marwaris and Punjabis have fled the town, and the Tamilian people left after this present violence began,” Ingobi Singh (75) from Moreh said.

Moreh, one of the fastest growing towns in Manipur, in Tengnoupal district, is predominantly a Kuki town with a sizeable number of Tamils and other communities like Punjabis. It’s a multi-religious town with Christians being the majority, followed by Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains.

“How long are we going to suffer like this? We appeal to the government to bring peace as soon as possible. We want to go back to our homes at Churachandpur,” said Rajen Huiram (37) from the hill district.

On August 23, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh had said that the prefabricated houses built for those affected by violence are not a permanent arrangement and were constructed to ease the hardship faced by those living in relief camps.

He had handed over the temporary shelter homes to over 300 families at Sajiwa Jail Complex in Imphal East district. The victims were staying at various relief camps in the same area.

The prefabricated houses, being built at eight sites, are ready-made structures that are constructed off-site and assembled at the place where the homes will be set up.

Singh had said that 320 houses have been built at Kwakta in Bishnupur district, 400 at Sajiwa and 200 at Sawombung in Imphal East, while 400 such houses were constructed at Yaithibi Loukol in Thoubal district.

The chief minister had also said there would be a little delay in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts.

Two sites have been considered for 700 families in Kangpokpi district. For Churachandpur too, a site for construction is identified, he had added.

More than 160 people lost their lives and several hundreds were injured since ethnic clashes broke out in Manipur on May 3, after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals — Nagas and Kukis — constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts. (PTI)","Victims of ethnic strife in Manipur, housed in makeshift relief camps for over three months, are urging the state government to resolve the conflict so they can return home. Many are skeptical of the government’s temporary accommodation solutions and prefer returning to their original homes. Some, like Nganthoibi from Churachandpur, are living in poor conditions and have lost everything during the violence. Moreh town, a significant revenue contributor to Manipur, has been severely affected, with many communities fleeing due to the unrest. Over 160 people have died since the clashes began in May 2023, following protests against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe status."
"ITANAGAR, 19 Jan: Arunachal Pradesh Congress president Nabam Tuki on Friday appealed to the people of the state to join the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (BJNY) led by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.

The yatra will reach Arunachal on Saturday afternoon from Lakhimpur in neighbouring Assam.

“Become a ‘nyay yodha’ and carry the message of love and harmony and awaken the nation’s conscience to crippling inequality, brutal social polarisation and violent authoritaria-nism. Let’s walk together to fight hatred and fear!” said Tuki, a former chief minister.


He alleged that the last 10 years of “grave injustice” by the BJP government has severely hurt people, democracy and the Constitution.

“Unprecedented unemployment has shattered the dreams and future of our youth,” he said, claiming that poor and middle-class people lost their savings due to the price rise.

“Income inequality is at its peak,” Tuki alleged in a statement.

While the SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities and poor people have been deceived, autonomous institutions have been subjugated, the Congress leader claimed.

Central agencies such as the ED, the CBI, and the income tax department are being used against the opposition, Tuki alleged.

Gandhi along with party leaders and workers will arrive at Doimukh in Papum Pare district from Lakhimpur at around 2 pm on Saturday, and will interact with the public at the SDO ground.

From Doimukh, Gandhi is scheduled to reach Naharlagun by bus and interact with the street vendors at 6 Km, sources said.

The Congress leader would then move towards Nyokum Lapang, from where he would embark on a foot march to Malo Tarin Govt Higher Secondary School ground to address a public rally.


Gandhi would also address a press conference in Itanagar on the same day.

He will leave the state capital on Sunday morning via Hollongi. (PTI)","Arunachal Pradesh Congress president Nabam Tuki urged state residents to join Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, criticizing the BJP government for alleged injustices, rising unemployment, and income inequality. Gandhi’s visit includes public rallies and interactions in Arunachal Pradesh on January 20."
" Putting the ball in the Centre’s court, the Supreme Court on Friday asked it to come out with a “comprehensive” plan to save the critically-endangered great Indian bustard while simultaneously keeping in mind India’s international commitment on solar power.

The great Indian bustard (GIB) is especially found in Rajasthan and Gujarat, and, according to the 2021 report of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the species are on the verge of extinction with hardly 50 to 249 of them alive.

“We want the Centre to tell us about the way forward. Otherwise, we will be groping in dark,” said the bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

The top court also sought to know from the Centre as to whether there is any data based on scientific studies that these birds die of collision with the “overhead power transmission line.”

“Do we have any authentic data from a government-monitored study on the efficacy of the bird diverters in saving the GIBs from collision-related deaths?” the CJI asked, adding that now the Centre will have to decide the way forward as the apex court has already come out with its judgment.

“I am not sanguine about the bird diverters. What is the data with the Centre on the efficacy of bird diverters? We are asking the AG (attorney general) about the way forward. Tell us what can be done,” the bench observed.

“Let the government just tell us about the way forward. Let a comprehensive status report be filed, showing both the need for preservation of GIB and also the need of the solar power plants operating keeping in mind India’s commitment at the international level,” the bench said.

It referred to twin rival aspects of the matter, saying that one pertains to saving these birds and the other is related to setting up solar power plants which can be set up in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, the key habitats of this endangered species.

The bench asked the Centre to file a comprehensive status report dealing with the twin aspects of the matter and the way forward, and fixed the PIL for further hearing on 9 February. The government has been asked to share the report with the parties concerned three days before the next date of hearing.

 The bench took note of the submissions of senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for PIL petitioner MK Ranjitsinh and others, that the great Indian bustard is on the verge of extinction and the court’s 2021 judgment has not been complied with.

Besides seeking a status report from a court-appointed expert committee, the bench also directed the chief secretaries of Rajasthan and Gujarat to file the latest report on the steps taken in the case. The CJI asked Attorney General R Venkataramani to take personal efforts in getting the issues resolved.

The top court in its 2021 judgment on the PIL had passed a slew of directions to save the great Indian bustard. It had earlier directed the governments of Gujarat and Rajasthan to replace overhead electric cables with underground power cables, wherever feasible, and install bird diverters in priority areas where the birds live.

It had also set up a three-member committee, comprising scientists Rahul Rawat, Sutirtha Dutta and Devesh Gadhavi, to assess the feasibility for laying of high-voltage underground power lines. However, the experts and others objected to the underground laying of high-power transmission lines on the grounds of its feasibility.

It had also sought reports from the chief secretaries of Rajasthan and Gujarat on installation of bird diverters in priority areas and assess the total length of transmission lines in the two states where under-grounding of electric wires have to be done to ensure the birds do not die of electrocution.

The PIL has sought the court’s directions for an urgent emergency response plan to protect and ensure the recovery of the numbers of the endangered great Indian bustard and the lesser florican. (PTI)"," The Supreme Court directed the Indian government to devise a comprehensive plan to protect the critically endangered great Indian bustard while balancing the need for solar power development. The court asked for data on bird diverters' effectiveness and a detailed status report, considering both conservation and renewable energy commitments."
"Longding-Pumao MLA Tanpho Wangnaw on Tuesday inaugurated a water supply project in Niausa village in Longding district, under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

The project will cover 175 households of Niausa village.

Addressing the gathering, Wangnaw commended “the efforts of the PHE department towards addressing the issue of water scarcity.”

He said that the inauguration of the water supply project was “one of the cherished dreams of the villagers, which was long overdue.”

“The present government is endeavouring hard and is committed to ensure that the issue of water scarcity in the district is resolved soon,” Wangnaw said.

DC Bani Lego said that, “with the inauguration of the project, it will not just add to the convenience of the people but also lead to saving of time, and thereby will have a multiplier effect in the development process of the area.”


He added that such developmental activities and initiatives should be appreciated and celebrated by all.

“Entire Niausa village will be covered under the JJM scheme in a phase-wise manner,” he added.

PHED EE Tage Nipa informed that “it was a humongous task as the length of the pumping main is 2.10 kilometres and the water had to be lifted to the height of 503 metres vertically.”

He added that this was one of the three projects under the JJM which has been completed, and that “the works on the other two projects to provide water supply to Zatting and Taying Zong are ongoing and will be completed in the days to come.”

Nipa said that, “as there is no land compensation under the JJM, getting land for projects is often challenging.” He commended the people of Niausa for donating land for the project, “which helped in completion of the project successfully.”

The EE informed that “one of the major components of the project is installation of solar water pumping system, which includes automation for auto pump on/off, depending on water level for dry run protection of intake pumps and overflow control.”

“The system will also provide a total water delivery report on a daily basis,” he added.


The programme was attended by HoDs, PRI leaders, officers and the people of Niausa village. (DIPRO)",Longding-Pumao MLA Tanpho Wangnaw inaugurated a water supply project in Niausa village under the Jal Jeevan Mission. The project will benefit 175 households and includes a solar water pumping system. Officials highlighted the project's role in addressing water scarcity and improving local development.
"Chief Minister Pema Khandu has taken serious note of the slow pace of work on the Potin to Pagin (Package 5) stretch of the Trans-Arunachal Highway (TAH).

Expressing dissatisfaction over the slow speed of the work, the CM directed the principal secretary to discuss the matter with the executing agency to expedite the work.

The chief minister had during a public meeting here in Upper Subansiri district on Thursday admitted that the construction of the highway is progressing at a slow pace.

A couple of months ago, Khandu had said that construction work under Package 5 would be completed by November this year.","Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress on the Potin to Pagin stretch of the Trans-Arunachal Highway. He directed the principal secretary to expedite the work with the executing agency, acknowledging the delay during a recent public meeting."
"The Supreme Court on Monday heard the writ petition filed by the villagers of Durpai in Lower Siang district, opposing the MoU signed on 20 April this year by the governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, in which both the states agreed to looping of the land in certain villages.

The court ordered that the writ petition be tagged with the original suit (No 2) of 1988 (State of Assam vs Union of India).

The people (of the affected villages) are strongly opposed to the looping of the land in respect of Durpai, Champak Chojo and Sogum villages of Arunachal and Pasoni Camp, Kailaspur, Rasbongsi, Modonpur and Jengrai villages of Assam.

The matter was heard by a three-judge bench led by the CJI. It has been listed next for 3 November.

The petition was filed by one Reli Kena and 12 others. Reportedly, the legal representatives of the Assam and the Arunachal governments did not turn up during the hearing. They have been directed to attend the next hearing.

The MoU was signed to settle the interstate boundary disputes between Assam and Arunachal in respect of 123 villages placed before the local commission by the state government [vide Letter No HMB (B)-69/2006 Vol-I, dated 26 December, 2007].

Earlier, the people of Durpai, under the aegis of the Durpai Development Committee, had written to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, opposing the looping system. They went to the SC in August and filed a writ petition, opposing the looping system.

“First of all, the MoU was signed without even consulting affected people like us. Secondly, there is no clarity in the MoU. We oppose it and therefore we had to knock on the door of the SC after the state government failed to address our grievances,” said Reli Kena.

He alleged that “the looping system is an attempt to take away the land of the people of Durpai and deprive them of their rightful ownership of the land.”

“Durpai is the oldest village in Kangku circle of Lower Siang district. We have been paying revenues to various government departments of the state since ages. How can suddenly we accept this decision to loop our village with those of Assam?” he said.

Meanwhile, the people of Durpai have appealed to the state government to support them in the court.

In July 2022, Arunachal and Assam signed the Namsai Declaration with the aim of resolving the boundary disputes between the two states. The declaration was signed after the chief ministers of both the states – Khandu and Himanta Biswa Sarma – held a crucial meeting with the cabinet ministers of the two states in Namsai to “restrict or minimise the boundary disputes between the two states in respect of 123 villages placed before the local commission by Arunachal in 2007,” the declaration read.

The two states share a nearly 800-kilometre-long boundary.","The Supreme Court heard a petition from Durpai villagers opposing the MoU signed by Assam and Arunachal Pradesh regarding land looping. The court has tagged this case with an earlier suit and directed the states' representatives to attend the next hearing. The villagers argue the MoU, signed without their consultation, threatens their land rights."
"Host Arunachal’s dismal run continued as they suffered a disappointing 0-2 loss to Kerala in a Group ‘A’ match of the 77th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy at Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia on Wednesday.

Muhammed Ashiq Shoukathali and Arjun V scored the goals for Kerala in the 35th and 52nd minutes, respectively.


It was Arunachal’s third straight defeat in the ongoing tournament. It had drawn 3-3 with Goa in the opener, lost 0-4 to Services in the second match and 0-2 to Assam in the third match.

The hosts were languishing at the rock bottom of the point table with only one point.

The hosts, who are already out of the title contention, will play their last match against Meghalaya on 1 March.

In other group B matches played on Wednesday, Services beat Assam 2-0 and Goa held Meghalaya to a goalless draw.

Thingnam Bidhyasagar Singh and P Christopher Kamei scored the goals in the 44th and 50th minutes, respectively.

After the end of the fourth round, Services were atop the point table in group B, followed by Goa and Kerala in the second and third places, respectively. Assam and Meghalaya were at the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.

In Group B, Manipur climbed to the top of the point table after defeating defending champions Karnataka 1-0 on 26 February.

Manipur has now collected seven points from three games and is three points clear atop the Group B.


Mizoram produced a near-flawless performance against Delhi in their third Santosh Trophy game on Monday, registering a 5-1 victory. This result means that Mizoram draw level with Delhi, both of whom are on four points from three matches.

Railways, who began the day at the bottom of Group B, managed to get themselves back into contention for knockout qualification with a slender 2-1 victory against Maharashtra on Monday.

Railways, after this win, also moved to four points from three matches while, Maharashtra remained on three points from as many games.","Arunachal Pradesh's disappointing run continued with a 0-2 loss to Kerala in the Santosh Trophy, marking their third straight defeat. Kerala's goals were scored by Muhammed Ashiq Shoukathali and Arjun V. Arunachal, now out of title contention, will play their final match against Meghalaya. Other results include Services beating Assam 2-0 and Manipur leading Group B after a win over Karnataka."
"Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that the Ram temple consecration event in Ayodhya has been made into a “Narendra Modi and RSS-BJP function” with an “election flavour,” as he strongly defended the decision of his party’s top leaders to decline the invite to the ceremony.

Gandhi’s remarks at a press conference during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra here in Nagaland came days after the Congress top brass declined the invitation to the event at the Ram temple in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.

“The RSS and the BJP have made the 22 January function a completely political, Narendra Modi function.

It has become an RSS-BJP function. I think that is why the Congress president (Mallikarjun Kharge) said he will not go to the function. We are open to all religions, all practices. Even the biggest authorities of the Hindu religion have made their views public on what they think about the 22 January event – that it is a political function,” Gandhi said.

“It is difficult for us to go to a political function, which is designed around the prime minister of India and the RSS. We have made it clear that whoever among our partners or our party would like to visit the Ram temple is welcome to do it. It is difficult for us to visit (the temple) on 22 January. That this is a prime minister’s function and an RSS function and we are going to attend it… it is not possible,” he added.

“We cannot be a party to a political function. It is very difficult for us when the prime minister of India and the RSS, our principal opponents, have captured a function and turned it into an election function. The BJP and the RSS have given an election flavour to the event,” the former Congress chief said.

On the opposition INDIA bloc, he asserted that the alliance is strong and will defeat the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

“There is mutual respect and affection between the leaders in the INDIA formation. The INDIA formation is an ideological formation that is placing itself in opposition to the idea of the RSS and the BJP. I am very confident that small problems in the alliance will be resolved. We will fight together and defeat them,” Gandhi said.

Replying to a question on the status of the alliance with the Trinamool Congress, he said, “The status of the INDIA alliance is very good. We are in conversation with our partners, the issue of seat sharing is being taken up, and I think it is going quite well. A lot of those are quite simple, I am quite confident that they will be resolved.”

Gandhi asserted that the opposition alliance would win the Lok Sabha polls expected to be held in April-May.

“I see the INDIA bloc placed very well in taking on the BJP in 2024,” he said. (PTI)","Rahul Gandhi criticized the Ram temple consecration event in Ayodhya, alleging it was politicized by the BJP and RSS. He defended Congress's decision to decline the invitation, labeling the event as an ""election function."" Gandhi expressed confidence in the INDIA bloc’s ability to defeat the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, highlighting good relations within the alliance and ongoing seat-sharing discussions."
"Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that the BJP and the RSS are attacking the foundations of the country, while asserting that the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is being undertaken to protect the idea of India.

“The idea that people of all faiths should live harmoniously in India, and that all communities, languages and traditions should be respected is under attack,” Gandhi said at a public rally here after the yatra entered Meghalaya from Assam.

“To protect the idea of India, we walked from the sea in Kanyakumari to the mountains of Kashmir (in 2022-’23). We listened to the voices of farmers, labourers and young people,” he said.

“After that Bharat Jodo Yatra, many people wanted us to listen to the voices of the people living in Northeast, Odisha, Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. So we decided to go ahead with another yatra from Manipur to Maharashtra,” he said.

The former Congress president said that “many people

wondered why the yatra began in Manipur, and the reason is that the ideology of the RSS and the BJP has destroyed the idea of Manipur.”

“The politics of hatred and violence have torn the state apart, causing hundreds of deaths and thousands of people to lose their property. It’s a complete tragedy. That’s why we wanted to send a message to the rest of India about the pain the people of Manipur are feeling,” he said.

“It is astonishing to me that the prime minister of India has not visited Manipur yet. Is Manipur not an Indian state? Are the people of Manipur not part of India?” he said.

If the PM wanted to stop the violence in Manipur, he could have done it in three days, Gandhi claimed.

“If he had told the Indian Army that the violence in Manipur should be stopped, I am confident that the Indian Army would have stopped it within days. The truth is, he is not interested in putting an end to the violence in Manipur. The government of India is happy to let Manipur burn and its people suffer,” he said.

The prime minister has visited so many states but he refuses to go to Manipur, he added.

The yatra went from Manipur to Nagaland, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, and has now come to Meghalaya.

“We respect your culture, language and traditions and we believe fundamentally that Meghalaya should be ruled from Meghalaya,” the Congress leader told the gathering.

“The voices of Meghalaya, Manipur and Arunachal are now being attacked. Your tradition, history and way of life are being attacked by the RSS,” he said.

Shah himself had called the Meghalaya government the most corrupt in the country, and shortly after making this statement partnered with the ruling National People’s Party for the 2023 assembly elections, he said.

Gandhi said that the Khasi and Garo languages of Meghalaya are not included in the 8th Schedule while the power of the autonomous councils has been snatched away and decentralisation of power is being reversed slowly.

“These are some of the issues we want to raise in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, but the most important thing is that it is aimed at talking and listening to you. I am not here to tell my ‘mann ki baat’ but listen to your ‘mann ki baat’,” he said, with a veiled reference to Modi’s monthly radio programme.

Gandhi further said that he is their “soldier in Delhi.”

“Whatever you need from me in Delhi, I will always try and deliver to you,” he said. (PTI)","Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP and RSS for undermining India's foundational values and condemned their handling of violence in Manipur. Speaking during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Meghalaya, Gandhi expressed concern over the attack on multiculturalism and regional traditions. He accused the Prime Minister of neglecting Manipur and claimed that violence could have been swiftly addressed. Gandhi emphasized the yatra's goal of protecting diverse Indian identities and listening to regional voices."
"The second edition of the common university entrance test (CUET) began on Sunday, with over 14 lakh candidates set to appear for the crucial exam for undergraduate admissions.

Unlike last year, the exam is being conducted in three shifts this time. Earlier, the exam was scheduled to be held from 21 to 31 May, but the

National Testing Agency (NTA) decided to extend the schedule by at least four days to accommodate the higher number of candidates.

University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar advised the students to answer questions only if they are confident about the correct answer.

“Read the questions carefully. Answer the questions only if you are confident about their correctness, as there will be negative marking. Remain calm and focus on your efforts without worrying about the outcome. Even if you cannot do the test well, remember there is always a tomorrow and another opportunity to do well,” he said.

Over 14 lakh applications have been received for the CUET-UG this year, registering a 41 percent increase from the debut edition last year.

The CUET-UG remains the second-largest entrance exam in the country in terms of applicants. In the debut edition of CUET-UG, 12.5 lakh students registered themselves and 9.9 lakhs of them submitted their applications.

“About 8 lakh students are appearing in the first phase 21 to 25 May. Almost equal number of boys and girls will be writing. Nearly 750 centres spread in all states and UTs are being used. Exams are being conducted in this phase in nearly 200 paper combinations,” Kumar said.

The UGC had in March last year announced that undergraduate admissions will be conducted in all central universities through a common entrance test and not based on Class 12 marks.

The debut edition of the CUET-UG was conducted in July last year and was marred by glitches, prompting the NTA to cancel the exam at multiple centres.

While several students were informed about the cancellation a night before the exam, many of them were turned away from centres.

The UGC chairman had then said that the exam at certain centres had been cancelled following reports of “sabotage.”

“NTA has taken all measures to test the readiness of all centres regarding computers, network infrastructure, and security. SoPs are given to observers and invigilators for all centres. Dummy tests have been conducted to check for any possible issues.

“Extra computers have been arranged at each centre. In case of any unforeseen problems with computers, students can be quickly shifted to these computers,” he said. (PTI)","The second edition of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate admissions began on Sunday, with over 14 lakh candidates participating. This year, the exam is conducted in three shifts due to the increased number of applicants, a 41% rise from last year. UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar advised students to be cautious with their answers, given the negative marking system. The test will run from May 21 to 31, with extra days added to accommodate the large number of candidates. Stringent measures have been taken to prevent glitches that marred last year’s debut edition."
"An operative of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror outfit, who was allegedly passing secret information about the movement of security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, has been arrested, an NIA official said on Sunday.
The arrest of Mohd Ubaid Malik of north Kashmir’s Kupwara came amid a crackdown against conspiracies being hatched by terrorist organisations based across the border to destabilise India through terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, a spokesperson of the federal agency said. (PTI)
“Malik was in constant touch with a Pakistan-based JeM commander.
Investigations have revealed that he was passing on secret information, especially regarding the movement of troops and security forces, to the Pakistan-based commander,” the spokesperson said.
The official said various incriminating documents showing his involvement in the furtherance of terror activities were recovered from his possession at the time of his arrest.
The National Investigation Agency registered the terror conspiracy case suo motu on June 21 last year to unearth the conspiracies hatched by cadres and overground workers of various terrorist organisations on the directions of their commanders based in Pakistan, the spokesperson said. (PTI)","Mohd Ubaid Malik, an operative of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), has been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for allegedly passing secret information about security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. Malik, from Kupwara in north Kashmir, was in contact with a JeM commander in Pakistan and was found to have incriminating documents related to his terror activities. This arrest is part of a broader crackdown on conspiracies by terrorist organizations aiming to destabilize India. The NIA has been investigating such activities since June 21 of the previous year."
"Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said there is a “massive undercurrent” in the country against the BJP and if the opposition stands effectively against it with an alternative vision, it will be very difficult for the saffron party to win the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters here, Gandhi said the opposition has to present a national ideology before people, which regional outfits do not have and only the Congress has.
He also said there is a need for the opposition parties to have “mutual respect” for each other.
Gandhi noted that the Bharat Jodo Yatra is a framework and a way of thinking of the Congress on bringing people together.
This was Gandhi’s ninth press conference ever since he started the foot march on September 7.
The Congress leader also spoke about a clear foreign policy, unlike a “confused” policy pursued by the BJP-led government, and greater economic equality.
Gandhi alleged that China and Pakistan have come together and it is a dangerous development because the government “mishandled” the foreign policy. He called upon the government to admit its mistakes, take corrective measures and tell the country what happened at the border with China, adding that the opposition will extend its full support to it.
The Congress leader said he considers the RSS-BJP as his “guru” as they constantly show him the path that should not be taken. “The more they attack us, the more it gives us the opportunity to improve ourselves,” he said.
Gandhi claimed that all the opposition parties are with the Bharat Jodo Yatra but in today’s atmosphere, they have political and other compulsions that are keeping them away from joining it. He, however, said the doors of the yatra are open to anyone who wants a united India, free from violence and hatred.
“I think if the opposition stands effectively with a vision, what I am hearing and seeing from the ground, it will be very difficult for the BJP to win. But the opposition has to coordinate properly and it has to go to the people of India with an alternative vision. There is a huge undercurrent against the BJP, a massive undercurrent,” he said.
Gandhi asserted that this is no longer a tactical fight, where one party joins hands with another and defeats the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“This is so as the entire institutional framework of the country is in the hands of one ideology and it dominates the country’s political space completely. To defeat them now, there is a need for an alternative ideology,” he said.
Noting that he respects the other opposition parties and their leaders, Gandhi said if one looks at the Samajwadi Party (SP), it does not have a national ideology.
“They do have a positioning in Uttar Pradesh…. But they do not have a national ideology. The SP’s idea will not work in Kerala, Karnataka or Bihar. So there is a need for a central ideological framework, which only the Congress can provide and that is our role.
“But our role is also to make the opposition people feel comfortable and that they are respected,” he said, adding that there should be mutual respect for each other.
“The idea of Bharat Jodo is a framework. It is a way of working, a way of thinking. Of course, I am not the Congress president and a lot of work in that direction will probably be done by the Congress president. But it is about bringing people together and making them feel comfortable,” Gandhi said on opposition unity.
Spelling out his vision for the country, he said India should emerge as a “production nation”, instead of a “rent-seeking” nation. It should have an education policy that allows children to give wings to their imagination and look beyond careers in medicine, engineering, civil services and law, the Congress leader added.
“My focus is on the idea that India should be united and that we fight hatred and anger with love, affection and harmony. We are providing an alternative vision for the country and that is what I have to focus on,” he said.
Gandhi said he is in favour of large businesses as they play a central role in the economy, but the same should not be controlled by “two-three people”.
“I absolutely agree that there is a place for large businesses and they have a central role to play in India’s future. But it cannot be that two or three business people run this country. It cannot be,” he stressed.
The Congress MP said there are talks of another East-West Yatra, but the Bharat Jodo Yatra is trying to say something and if that message is ignored, “then in a way, it will be an insult to the voice of India”.
He said there are similarities in the ideologies of the opposition parties and there are many like SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati who want an India of love and do not want an India of hatred.
Gandhi accused the Centre of using different security protocols for BJP leaders and for him, noting that the current regime wants him to undertake the “Bharat Jodo Yatra” in a bulletproof vehicle, which is not acceptable to him. He alleged that the government is trying to make a case against him that he does not follow security protocols. (PTI)
“I am undertaking the Bharat Jodo Yatra and the government wants me to do it in a bulletproof vehicle. They say it is protocol and I should not trouble them. They want me to travel from Kanyakumari to Kashmir in a bulletproof car, which is not acceptable to me. How can I sit in a bulletproof vehicle in this yatra� he asked and alleged that when BJP leaders violate security protocols, it is not talked about. (PTI)","Rahul Gandhi, former Congress chief, asserted that there is a significant undercurrent against the BJP and claimed that if the opposition presents a united and effective alternative, it will be challenging for the BJP to win the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters, Gandhi emphasized the need for a national ideology, which he believes only the Congress can provide, unlike regional parties. He criticized the BJP-led government’s foreign policy and economic practices, calling for greater transparency and corrective measures. Gandhi also discussed the Bharat Jodo Yatra, stating it represents a framework for unity and respect among opposition parties. He argued against using bulletproof vehicles for the yatra, citing a desire to connect with people directly. Gandhi highlighted that the opposition's unity and alternative vision are crucial to countering the BJP's dominance and proposed a focus on creating a production-oriented economy and expanding educational opportunities."
"West Siang secured a quarterfinals berth from Group C in the 19th Tadar Tang State Level Football Tournament, after edging past Papum Pare 1-0 in a Group C match here in Lower Subansiri district on Monday.

Momik Ada scored the goal in the additional time (95th minute).

Tawang and Papum Pare will lock horns with each other the day after tomorrow.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout round.

Host Lower Subansiri, who were handed a 1-4 defeat by Kra Daadi in the tournament opener, came back strong and registered a convincing 3-0 win over Shi-Yomi in a Group A match in Hapoli.

All goals came in the second half. Taug Sera scored a brace (51st & 78th min), while Kon Tolu netted the third goal in the 85th minute.

Defending champion Kurung Kumey, who suffered a shock 0-1 defeat against Namsai in their first match on Sunday, beat Upper Subansiri 2-0 in Group B on Monday.

Tamchi Tassung and Tarh Dolu scored one goal each in the 36th and the 50th minute, respectively.

Earlier, East Kameng clinched a thumping 5-0 victory over Namsai in Group B.

Karan Tallang scored a hat-trick of goals (14th, 30th and 81st min), while Karling Paffa (45th min) and June Dodum (79th min) scored the other goals.

Today’s matches

At Hapoli: East Siang vs Changlang (10 am); Kra Daadi vs Shi-Yomi (1:15 pm).

At Ziro: Namsai vs Upper Subansiri (10 am); Lower Subansiri vs Siang (1:15 pm).","West Siang secured a quarterfinal spot from Group C in the 19th Tadar Tang State Level Football Tournament by narrowly defeating Papum Pare 1-0. The decisive goal came in the 95th minute from Momik Ada. In Group A, host Lower Subansiri bounced back from a 1-4 defeat in the opener to beat Shi-Yomi 3-0, with Taug Sera scoring twice and Kon Tolu adding a third goal. Defending champions Kurung Kumey redeemed themselves with a 2-0 victory over Upper Subansiri in Group B. East Kameng dominated Namsai with a 5-0 win, featuring a hat-trick by Karan Tallang. Upcoming matches include East Siang vs Changlang and Kra Daadi vs Shi-Yomi in Hapoli, as well as Namsai vs Upper Subansiri and Lower Subansiri vs Siang in Ziro."
"With the onset of winter, migratory birds, including the ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea), the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), the common merganser, the Indian skimmer, the white-winged wood duck, and many other colourful water birds have started flocking to the water bodies of the Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary (DEWS) in East Siang district since the second week of November, attracting special attention of the wildlife officials and nature lovers.

Though wildlife officials used to witness the arrival of the avian visitors to the area during December, January or early February each year, the winged guests have arrived early this year. Several flocks of birds, most of which have migrated from Siberia and Mongolia, were seen in various water bodies of the sanctuary from the second week of November.


Apart from migratory birds, a large number of grassland-dependent bird species, such as the swamp francolin (Francolinus gularis), the Jerdon’s babbler (Chryssoma altirostre), the swamp prinia, and the black-breasted parrotbill (Paradoxornis flavirostris) are also found in the sanctuary’s grassland.

As per record, over 150 bird species have been reported, including endangered birds like the Bengal florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis). The most recent estimate is of 60-70 pairs, as per the BNHS.

The DEWS is located near Pasighat, the headquarters of East Siang district, and covers an area of approximately 190 square kms. It is sandwiched between the Siang and the Sibya rivers in East Siang district. The sanctuary lies in the low-altitude floodplains on the boundary of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

The sanctuary has extensive floodplain grasslands (about 80 percent). Saccharum spontaneum, S arundinaceum and Neyraudia reynaudina are the main grass species, and sedges such as cyperus sp also occur. Other habitat types include riverine forests with tree species such as Terminalia myriocarpa, Bombax ceiba and Dillenia indica.

The sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and has been regaining its past glory in the last four years, thanks to the intensified round-the-clock patrolling and intensive action against hunters and poachers, including timber mafias, by the present sanctuary authority.


The sanctuary authority has a limited number of staffers, most of whom are in casual/contingency positions and have been serving at the sanctuary for the last 30 years, besides other recently recruited ones.

In our committed effort to secure the sanctuary from hunting and other illegal activities to revive the sanctuary in the real sense, we have seized more than 20 guns, and around 30 hunters/poachers have been arrested in the last four years.

In the process of protecting the sanctuary in the true sense, some serious actions were needed, despite public opposition and reaction (mostly from those who sympathise with hunters and support hunting), but we did it even by banning fishing activities of the public and fishermen engaged by local fish mahaldars deep inside the sanctuary, as many people were found laying cable traps and even hunting on the pretext of fishing in the sanctuary’s rivers in the past.

Apart from intensified patrolling, our field staff and officials, and the Eco-Development Committee members, are constantly mobilising the people of the fringe areas to protect the flora and fauna of this riverine island sanctuary, which is necessary for maintaining the ecology of the region for larger human interest. (Tasang Taga is DFO, DEWS, Pasighat.)","Migratory birds have begun arriving early this year at the Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary (DEWS) in East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, attracting nature enthusiasts and wildlife officials. Species like the ruddy shelduck, great cormorant, common merganser, and Indian skimmer are among the early visitors, most migrating from Siberia and Mongolia. The sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity, also supports grassland species such as the swamp francolin and Jerdon’s babbler, with over 150 bird species recorded, including the endangered Bengal florican.

Located near Pasighat, the sanctuary spans 190 square kilometers between the Siang and Sibya rivers. Its habitats include extensive floodplain grasslands and riverine forests, housing tree species such as Terminalia myriocarpa and Bombax ceiba.

Over the past four years, the sanctuary has seen significant conservation efforts, including increased patrolling and anti-poaching measures. More than 20 guns have been seized, and 30 poachers arrested, despite public opposition to some measures, such as banning fishing. The sanctuary’s authorities, along with Eco-Development Committee members, are working to protect the wildlife and maintain the ecological balance of the region."
"The decision on phased withdrawal of Indian and Chinese troops from one of the friction areas in the Ladakh region is a positive development, but there is no reason to drop the guard as Beijing refuses to recognise the status quo as it existed in April 2020, when the current military standoff began. China also continues to behave belligerently. The recent act of carrying out construction activities inside Indian territory at Chaglagam in Anjaw district shows that China is still aggressively behaving along the line of actual control (LAC).

The agreement on disengagement of frontline troops in the Hot Springs area along the LAC came after months of protracted negotiations between the military commanders of the two countries. The Chinese created many obstacles in the talks.

While the move is the right step towards restoration of peace, there is a need to resolve all pending border disputes once and for all, as suggested by the Indian side. China continues to complicate the matters by claiming that the status quo was created by “illegal trespassing on the Indian side” – a contention that goes against the ground realities. Restoration of the status quo and the violation of agreements and protocols for border management through China’s action of amassing troops along the LAC are among the key issues raised by New Delhi. Hot Springs is only the third friction point where the two countries have agreed on the disengagement of troops during the 16th round of corps commander level meeting, but the bigger problems at the friction points of Depsang and Demchok remain to be addressed, largely due to the intransigence of the Chinese side.

China has persistently refused to accept these two locations as friction points, contending that they are not part of the current face-off. The site of the latest disengagement is near the area where at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers were killed in the June 2020 clash. With the PLA trying to shift the LAC westwards, the unresolved areas could turn into new flashpoints. A new crisis in eastern Ladakh or elsewhere along the LAC would undo the gains made in the form of disengagement over the last two years.","The phased withdrawal of Indian and Chinese troops from the Hot Springs area in Ladakh is a positive step towards de-escalation, but India remains cautious as China refuses to recognize the pre-April 2020 status quo. Despite negotiations, China continues aggressive actions, including construction inside Indian territory in Anjaw district, indicating ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

While the disengagement in Hot Springs marks progress, larger unresolved issues at key friction points like Depsang and Demchok remain due to China's refusal to acknowledge them as part of the current standoff. India's focus is on restoring the status quo and addressing China's military build-up along the LAC, which could trigger new flashpoints if left unresolved. The disengagement efforts must be consolidated, but ongoing tensions require vigilance to prevent future crises."
"China on Friday announced plans to permit the return of “some” Indian students stranded in India for over two years following the visa and flight restrictions imposed by Beijing due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here that China attaches high importance to Indian students’ concerns about returning to China for studies.

“We have shared with the Indian sides the procedures and experience of other countries’ students returning to China. Actually, the work for Indian students’ return has already been started.

All that remains to be done is for the Indian side to provide the list of students who really need to come back to China,” he said.

As per earlier reports, over 23,000 Indian students, mostly studying medicine in Chinese colleges, are stuck in India after they returned home as the coronavirus broke out in China in December 2019. They could not return to China due to the restrictions imposed by the Chinese government to arrest the spread of the contagion.

Since then, they made desperate attempts to return to China to rejoin their classes but had to confine to online classes as Beijing cancelled all flights and visas for Indians.

Besides the students, hundreds of families of Indians working in China too were stuck back home in view of China cancelling visas and flights from India.

“We understand that there is a large number of Indian students studying in China. India may need some time to collect the names. China is ready to receive some of Indian students under the current complicated severe epidemic situation. In handling foreign students returning to China for studies, we need to take into consideration the international epidemic situation, the evolving circumstances, and their majors. This principle applies equally to all foreign students,” Lijian said.

Asked about the timeline to permit the return of Indian students, Lijian said that the Chinese embassy in India and existing channels will work to facilitate and offer convenience to the students.

To a question whether China has provided any criteria to India to select students to return, Lijian said: “I don’t have the information about the specifics you asked, but I am sure these details will be sorted out through communication through existing channels, including the embassy, so that we will actually deliver the good news.”

Following the Chinese announcement, the Indian embassy here sought the details of the students intending to return.

Following the meeting of India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on 25 March, 2022, the Chinese side has expressed its willingness to consider facilitating the return of Indian students to China on a need-assessed basis, the Indian embassy here said in a statement.

“In order to facilitate this (return), the Indian embassy intends to prepare a list of such students which will be shared with the Chinese side for their consideration. Therefore, Indian students are requested to provide necessary information by filling up the Google form at this link (https://forms.gle/MJmgByc7BrJj9MPv7), latest by 8 May, 2022,” it said.

Once the collated information is shared with the Chinese side, they would consult relevant Chinese departments to verify the list and indicate whether the identified students can travel to China to complete the course, the statement said.

This coordination process would be carried out in a time-bound manner, it said.

The Chinese side has also conveyed that eligible students should unconditionally abide by the Covid-19 prevention measures, and agree to bear all expenses related to Covid-19 prevention measures by themselves, it said.

In recent months, China has been permitting students from some friendly countries like Pakistan, Thailand, the Solomon Islands and recently Sri Lanka to return but remained silent about allowing Indian students as well as hundreds of family members of Indians working in China to travel back. (PTI)","China has announced plans to allow the return of some Indian students who have been stranded in India for over two years due to Covid-19 restrictions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian stated that the process for Indian students’ return has begun, and China is awaiting a list of students from India who need to return. Over 23,000 Indian students, mainly studying medicine in China, have been stuck since 2019.

China had previously permitted students from friendly nations to return but had not addressed Indian students' concerns until now. Indian authorities have been asked to submit the necessary details to facilitate their return. Students will need to follow China’s Covid-19 prevention measures and bear related costs."
"PASIGHAT, 31 Jan: Thirteen stolen bikes and other properties like camera, laptop, gas cylinder, etc, were recovered during an intensive investigation carried out by the police over the last 10 days in connection with Case No 08/22 of the police station here in East Siang district.

The initial breakthrough was made with the recovery of a stolen motorcycle from Ruksin. From there, other persons involved were traced, and


the stolen items were recovered from them. The majority of the bikes were recovered from Pasighat area and other districts of Arunachal and Assam.

Ten persons have been arrested in this case, including three persons who were receivers of stolen bikes.

The case was cracked by a police team led by SIs Rotom Echu and Aditya Chandra, under the supervision of DSP Tapang Tatak","In Pasighat, police have recovered 13 stolen bikes and various other stolen items, such as a camera, laptop, and gas cylinder, over a 10-day investigation related to Case No 08/22 in East Siang district. The breakthrough came when a stolen motorcycle was found in Ruksin, leading to the identification of others involved. Most of the stolen items were recovered from Pasighat and neighboring districts in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Ten individuals, including three receivers of stolen bikes, have been arrested. The case was handled by a police team led by SIs Rotom Echu and Aditya Chandra, under DSP Tapang Tatak's supervision."
" A 79-year-old Covid-19 positive man from Lohit district died at the DCHC in Tezu late night on Monday, which was reflected in the Covid bulletin on Tuesday. With this, the state’s death toll has reached 284.

As per the DHS report, the patient had comorbidity and had tested Covid-19 positive through RAT at the zonal hospital in Tezu on 22 January. He had then been admitted to the DCHC on the same day.

The antecedent cause of death was cerebrovascular accident and the immediate cause of death was acute respiratory distress syndrome along with unconsciousness.

The patient was fully vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the state on Tuesday reported 526 Covid-19 positive cases, of whom 278 are symptomatic.

The ICR reported the highest 225 Covid-19 cases, followed by 42 cases in Lower Subansiri and 38 cases in Namsai.

With 70 percent, Shi-Yomi reported the highest positivity rate in the state.

A total of 375 patients were declared recovered or discharged on Tuesday.","A 79-year-old man from Lohit district died due to Covid-19 complications in Arunachal Pradesh. He had tested positive on January 22 and was admitted to the DCHC in Tezu. The state's death toll has now reached 284. On Tuesday, Arunachal Pradesh reported 526 new Covid-19 cases, bringing the total number of active cases to 4,290."
"After rubber and oil palm cultivation, the farmers here in East Siang district are eyeing mahogany tree farming.

About 20 farmers of Ngorlung village have started mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni) plantation in 30 hectares of land at Ngorlung Moruk, near the Industrial Growth Centre in Ngorluk.

One of the farmers, Ajom Tarang (50), of Ngorlung village, said that an Itanagar-based NGO inspired him to adopt mahogany cultivation on a commercial basis. The NGO also conducted a training programme on mahogany tree farming at Ruksin and supervised the plantation activities at the initial stage.

Tarang said that he has successfully grown 5,000 trees in his farmland and the saplings are now four years old.

 The farmers urged the state government to prepare a scheme to help the mahogany planters, considering the importance of the tree species.

Mahogany is considered one of the most priced timber trees in India. It grows to 60 metres in height and can have a trunk diameter measuring up to 4 to 5 metres. One thousand plants can fetch an income of about Rs 1 crore in 10 years.

The seeds are also sold at a high price as these are used to produce medicines and cosmetics.

Swietenia mahagoni, commonly known as American mahogany or small-leaved mahogany, belongs to the meliaceae family and is native to the tropical areas of south Florida in the United States and the islands of the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola. It is commercially imported for its best quality timber with high durability and water resistance property.","Farmers in East Siang district are turning to mahogany tree farming, following rubber and oil palm cultivation. Around 20 farmers from Ngorlung village have planted mahogany on 30 hectares of land, inspired by an Itanagar-based NGO that provided training and supervision. One farmer, Ajom Tarang, has successfully grown 5,000 trees, now four years old. They are seeking state support for mahogany cultivation, as the tree is highly valued for its durable timber and seeds used in medicine and cosmetics. Mahogany can grow up to 60 meters tall and is expected to yield around Rs 1 crore from 1,000 plants in 10 years."
"Releasing its report, ‘India: The status of refugees – 2021’, the Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) stated that in 2021, about 20,000 refugees, including 18,000 from Myanmar, mostly Chins, took shelter in India and 4,557 Afghan refugees were in India on long-term visas (LTV) as on December 2021.

“There is no accurate data on the number of refugees, but India has about 4,00,000 refugees, including 2,38,222 recognized and documented refugees, ie, Sri Lankan refugees, Tibetan refugees and refugees recognized by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), about 31,313 refugees belonging to minority communities from neighbouring countries who have been given LTVs on the basis of their claims of religious persecution and want Indian citizenship, and about 1,23,000 unregistered Chin and Rohingya refugees,” said RRAG director Suhas Chakma in a release.

In 2021, at least 414 refugees, mainly from Myanmar, ie, about 354 Rohingyas and 60 Chins and other ethnic Myanmarese nationals, were arrested by police in various states of India. The highest number of arrests was reported from Jammu & Kashmir with 174, followed by Delhi (95), Assam (55), Manipur (30), Uttar Pradesh and Haryana (19 each), West Bengal (13), Telangana (6) and Tripura (3). “Non-Myanmarese refugees like the Tibetans and Sri Lankan Tamils do not face such arrest and detention for illegal entry into India,” Chakma said.

“Given that no refugee law exists in India, the treatment of refugees is guided by geo-political interest and vote bank politics,” he said.

“While India extends full support to the Tibetan refugees and the Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, including welfare measures worth Rs 317.40 crores announced by the Tamil Nadu government in August 2021, India targets refugees from other countries, in particular the Rohingyas. While Chin refugees from Myanmar received modicum of protection including non-refoulement, at least 1,177 Rohingya immigrants were arrested/detained or rescued from trafficking by police in different states during 2017-2021. These arrests included 386 in West Bengal, 187 in Jammu & Kashmir, 141 in Telangana, 123 in Tripura, 98 Rohingyas in Delhi, 98 in Assam, 53 in Manipur, 35 in Mizoram, 19 each in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, seven in Karnataka, eight in Kerala, and three in Rajasthan,” he said.

“The response of the Supreme Court of India on the Rohingya refugees remained wanting. On 8 April, 2021, the Supreme Court in a departure declined to issue direction to the union of India and Jammu & Kashmir administration to release the 168 Rohingya refugees detained at a sub-jail in Jammu. It merely directed not to deport any of them to Myanmar without the procedure prescribed for such deportation, despite the risks of torture and non-acceptance by Myanmar itself. The question remains as Myanmar does not accept the Rohingyas, will India detain the refugees forever waiting deportation with the sanction of the Supreme Court?” Chakma said.

He said that the Covid-19 pandemic had a ravaging impact on different refugee communities in India. “The UNHCR’s ‘cash-based assistance’ has been found to be highly inadequate both in scale and coverage. Nearly 56 percent Rohingya refugees living across India lost employment due to the pandemic. As many as six Chin refugees succumbed to Covid-19 infection during the second wave of the pandemic, often without any medical care in government hospitals because they lacked the documentation or money required for private hospitalization. For vaccination against Covid-19, registration with CoWin platform requires use of the government-approved identity card such as an Aadhaar card, passport, permanent account number, etc. The refugees, especially the unrecognized and undocumented ones, are not eligible for these documents and further, private healthcare services are inaccessible due to high costs.

“The taking over of Afghanistan by the Taliban on 15 August, 2021 exposed inadequacy of India’s controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to protect any asylum seeker belonging to minority communities from the war ravaged nation. The Afghan Sikh and Hindu minorities, including lawmakers Anarkali Kaur Honaryar and Narender Singh Khalsa, are not eligible for protection under the CAA applicable as they have not entered India on or before 31.12.2014, the date set by the CAA.

“Further, dozens of lawmakers from Afghanistan and Myanmar have taken shelter in India during 2021 and they remain excluded from any protection measure.

“The refugees shall continue to flee to India. Unless India adopts a refugee law, the asylum seekers shall not register with the government of India for mere deportation. This will not address the security concerns and will close the possibility for any repatriation. The absence of any refugee law is counter-productive. India needs to enact a refugee law,” said Chakma.","According to the Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) report, ""India: The Status of Refugees – 2021,"" around 20,000 refugees, primarily from Myanmar, and 4,557 Afghan refugees were in India by December 2021. The total number of refugees in India is estimated at 400,000, including recognized and unregistered individuals. The report highlights that while Tibetan and Sri Lankan Tamil refugees receive support, Rohingyas face arrests and detention. The Supreme Court has been criticized for its handling of Rohingya cases. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated refugee hardships, revealing gaps in assistance and access to healthcare. The report calls for India to enact a refugee law to better address and protect asylum seekers."
"China is all set to operationalize the first electric train in the remote Himalayan region of Tibet, connecting the provincial capital Lhasa with Nyingchi – a strategically located Tibetan border town close to Arunachal.

The 435.5-km Lhasa-Nyingchi section of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway is expected to be inaugurated ahead of the centenary celebrations of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) on 1 July, according to official media reports.

The electricity transmission process has been completed and tested, Liu Yuxiang, Chief Engineer of the Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway, was quoted as saying by the state-run CCTV earlier.

The Sichuan-Tibet Railway will be the second railway into Tibet after the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. It will go through the southeast of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, one of the world’s most geologically active areas.

In November, Chinese President Xi Jinping had instructed officials to expedite construction of the new railway project, connecting Sichuan province and Nyingchi in Tibet, saying the new rail line would play a key role in safeguarding the border stability.

The Sichuan-Tibet Railway starts from Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, and travels through Ya’an and enters Tibet via Qamdo, shortening the journey from Chengdu to Lhasa from 48 hours to 13 hours.

Nyingchi is a prefecture-level city of Medog, which is adjacent to the Arunachal border.

China claims Arunachal as part of South Tibet, which is firmly rejected by India. The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long line of actual control (LAC).

Qian Feng, director of the research department at the National Strategy Institute at Tsinghua University, told the official daily Global Times earlier that “If a scenario of a crisis happens at the China-India border, the railway will provide a great convenience for China’s delivery of strategic materials.” (PTI)","China is set to launch its first electric train in Tibet, connecting Lhasa with Nyingchi, a border town near Arunachal Pradesh. The 435.5-km Lhasa-Nyingchi section of the Sichuan-Tibet Railway is expected to be operational by July 1, ahead of the Communist Party of China’s centenary celebrations. The railway will reduce travel time from Chengdu to Lhasa from 48 to 13 hours and is intended to bolster border stability. Nyingchi, close to Arunachal Pradesh—which China claims as part of South Tibet—will be strategically important for China. The new rail link is expected to enhance China's ability to deliver strategic materials in case of a border crisis with India."
"Governor BD Mishra met a team of Idu Mishmi youths from Dibang Valley district, which is promoting tourism and visits to the Emudu Seven Lakes in Dibang Valley, at the Raj Bhavan here on Monday.

The governor commended the youths, led by Jimu Mele, for their spirit of entrepreneurship, and said that the tourism sector in Arunachal Pradesh has huge scope for startup projects.

“If properly taken up, such enterprises have great potential for public employment and work,” he said.

Impressed by the “self-employment and job providing spirit of the team,” the governor said that other youths of the state should emulate the young team.

Mishra advised the youths to “identify attractive destinations to further develop the amenities and logistic arrangements for tourists.” He also suggested creating publicity around the venture through various platforms to attract adventure seekers and trekkers from different parts of the world.

“As service providers, the entrepreneurs must take full care of the necessities of the clients,” he said.

Mele, along with senior journalist and trekking enthusiast Taba Ajum briefed the governor on the Emudu Seven Lakes Trekkers’ activities, and informed that their trekking season starts in July and ends in October. (Raj Bhavan)",Governor BD Mishra met with Idu Mishmi youths from Dibang Valley who are promoting tourism to the Emudu Seven Lakes. He praised their entrepreneurial spirit and highlighted the tourism sector's potential for job creation in Arunachal Pradesh. Mishra encouraged the team to enhance amenities and logistics for tourists and to use various platforms for publicity. The trekking season for the Emudu Seven Lakes starts in July and ends in October.
"China's President Xi Jinping on Saturday sent a message of condolence to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in the wake of the death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Mr. Xi “pointed out that former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made efforts to improve China-Japan relations when he was in office and contributed positively to this endeavour”, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, adding that he “noted that he had reached important common understanding with Abe on building a China-Japan relationship that meets the need of the new era”.

“Xi also noted that he deeply regrets Abe’s sudden passing and stands ready to work with Prime Minister Kishida to continue to develop a China-Japan relationship of good-neighbourliness, friendshipand cooperation in accordance with the principles of the four China-Japan political documents,” the MFA said, adding that Mr. Xi and First Lady Peng Liyuan sent a message of condolences to Akie Abe, wife of the former Prime Minister.

Mr. Xi’s message on Saturday followed a day of wide attention on Chinese social media on Mr. Abe’s death. Thousands of messages posted by Chinese social media users celebrated the assassination, while one essay that expressed alarm and revulsion at those messages, and pointed to the impact of decades of anti-Japanese state propaganda, went viral before being censored on WeChat.

“The radical nationalism on show has damaged China’s image internationally and may complicate Beijing’s efforts to improve relations with other countries,” the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post quoted commentators as saying, noting that many on Chinese social media saw Mr. Abe “as representative of a Japanese right-wing in denial about the country’s war crimes” and hit out at his visits to the Yasukuni shrine that includes honours for war criminals.

Chinese commentators were divided on the reaction with some defending the messages. Nationalist commentator Sima Nan who has a wide following online said, “If we express happiness, foreigners might say we are ruthless and lack humanitarian spirit… but we should do whatever we want.”

Others criticised the responses and said they had damaged China’s image abroad. “Hatred of the West and polarisation among Chinese over certain issues have existed in China for a long time, but the hostile comments over Abe’s death have greatly damaged China’s image,” one political scientist who did not want to be named told The Post. “It is very nasty. The whole world is grieving the death of the assassinated politician.”","Chinese President Xi Jinping sent condolences to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida following the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Xi acknowledged Abe's efforts to improve China-Japan relations and expressed readiness to continue collaboration with Kishida to develop a positive bilateral relationship. Despite this, Chinese social media showed a troubling response, with many celebrating Abe's death due to historical grievances, leading to criticism of China's international image. Some commentators defended the reaction, while others criticized it as damaging to China's global reputation."
"The XV Additional Metropolitan Magistrate at Ibrahimpatnam on Friday convicted three persons of cheating and criminal breach of trust in a 2009 case involving sale of misappropriated property in Adibatla police limits.

B. Raghu Veera Reddy, P. Shivaji and Kalpana Pal were sentenced to undergo three years’ imprisonment and pay a fine of ₹20,000 each.

According to Adibatla police, one septuagenarian, K. Venkata Ramana of Nadergul was approached by Ms. Pal expressing interest in selling two properties which were under her general power of attorney. The two others, showing photocopies of the said properties, had assured the aggrieved that it was free from adverse encumbrances.

Sale deeds were also executed at the Rangareddy district registrar’s office. However, later a public sector bank wrote on its walls that the property was under equitable mortgage. The aggrieved person was later promised original documents by the fraudsters and was also issued a cheque for the pending loan amount; however, it was dishonoured for want of funds","On Friday, the XV Additional Metropolitan Magistrate in Ibrahimpatnam convicted B. Raghu Veera Reddy, P. Shivaji, and Kalpana Pal for cheating and criminal breach of trust related to a 2009 property sale case. The trio was sentenced to three years in prison and fined ₹20,000 each. They were found guilty of misrepresenting property details and executing fraudulent sale deeds. The property was later found to be under mortgage, and attempts to rectify the situation, including issuing a dishonored cheque, failed."
"A friends description of his dinner a few days ago had me drooling. On his way home from work, he had stopped at Andhra Bhavan and packed some mutton fry. The dish was hot and spicy, and he liked it so much that he went all misty-eyed while describing it.

It got me all nostalgic too, for I had been thinking of visiting this old haunt of mine for a while now. There was a time when we went there every other Sunday for a plate of Hyderabadi biryani. The thali was a special favourite, for one could eat as much as one wished to (for ₹14 when I first started going there).

I often went for breakfast too — and enjoyed my cup of hot filter coffee, the soft idlis and crisp vadas.

The prices have gone up since then. I was there one weekday recently and heard that the breakfast — coffee, with one piece each of idli, vada, one dosa — cost ₹130. The non-sharing vegetarian lunch thali is for ₹200 – and consists of rice, puris, a special rice dish, dal, two kinds of vegetable dishes, chutney, sambar, rasam, curd, papad, pickle and a sweet. Rotis replace puris in the dinner thali.

The Andhra Bhavan canteen (also called Andhra and Telangana canteen), I found, was as busy as ever. The place is meant for people who like their food spicy. I did so at one time but over the years, I have lost my passion for hot food — though I must admit I still enjoy it.

I decided to place an order for home delivery — and asked for their ‘Carrier meal’, which at ₹490, has all the ingredients that adorn the regular thali. And, of course, we wanted their mutton — so I ordered two plates of boneless mutton fry (₹300).

I was not disappointed. Many Andhra Bhavan afficionados believe that over the years the standard of the food has fallen. However, the dishes I had were as they used to be — hot and spicy, even though I had asked for a non-spicy platter.

The rasam was excellent, and helped a young dinner guest clear his sinuses. I liked the sambar, the carrot vegetable dish, the dal with bits of spinach and the eggplant curry. I liked the sweet dish too — a soft halwa — and enjoyed the juicy mutton immensely.

I didn’t order the biryani this time. When we started having their biryani with the glistening egg, it cost ₹60. The chicken dum biryani is now for ₹300 while the mutton biryani, available only on weekends, is for ₹350.

Sometime back, when Andhra Bhavan ruled, Delhi didn’t have too many places offering Hyderabadi biryani. But in the last 15 years, restaurants and outlets — such as Bagundi, Andhra Canteen, Sassy Begum, Bikkgane and Andhra Kodi Pulao — have mushroomed across town offering Andhra and Hyderabad cuisines, prepared by talented khansamas who focus more on the flavours than on the chillies.

Despite the ups and downs, I enjoyed the Andhra Bhavan fare. It was sheer nostalgia, garnished with red chillies.","A recent dinner experience had me reminiscing about Andhra Bhavan, a favorite spot from my past. A friend’s description of their spicy mutton fry reignited my nostalgia. I recalled our frequent visits for Hyderabadi biryani and the thali, which once cost ₹14 for unlimited servings.

Although prices have increased—breakfast now costs ₹130 and a non-sharing vegetarian thali is ₹200—the quality of food remains commendable. My recent home delivery included the ‘Carrier meal’ for ₹490 and two plates of boneless mutton fry for ₹300. Despite some claims that the food’s quality has declined, the meal was as hot and flavorful as I remembered. The rasam was excellent, and the mutton was juicy and satisfying.

The Andhra Bhavan has been a pillar of spicy Andhra and Hyderabadi cuisine in Delhi, even as new competitors have emerged. Despite the changes over time, the nostalgic flavors and spicy dishes continue to be a delight."