Launch of Website for Arunachal Pradesh Doctors’ Association
February 6, 2010
The Arunachal Pradesh Doctors’ Association (APDA) has just launched its own website at APDA.org.in.
The website does a good job of highlighting the APDA’s mission, which is to advance public health and medical education in Arunachal Pradesh. The APDA also aims to promote the different disciplines of medical sciences. The following resources can be found on the ADPA website:
- Indian Publich Health Standards (IPHS) for hospitals and health centres.
- Orders by Arunachal Pradesh government.
- Arunachal Pradesh Health Services Rules.
- Application form for ADPA membership.
- ADPA bye-laws, press releases, letters and circulars.
- A list of all ADPA members.
- Information about medical camps.
- CME information.
- Photo gallery.
The head office of the APDA is located in Naharlagun.
Election Petition to Challenge Poll in Arunachal
July 16, 2009
The Gauhati High Court received and admitted into court an Election Petition filed by former BJP MP Kiren Rijiju.
The Election Petition was filed against Congress MP Takam Sanjoy and others. It challenges the results of the poll held on 16th April 2009 in Arunachal Pradesh, and accuses Congress of vote rigging. In May, the Election Commission of India refused Rijiju’s request for a repoll of 65 voting booths.
The next hearing is scheduled for 20th August 2009.
India’s Monsoon 2009
July 3, 2009
The delay in India’s monsoon rains has ended. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that the southwest monsoon has now covered the entire country. The monsoon is currently 12 days ahead of its normal schedule.
Like many other places in India, the Roing Township, Lower Dibang Valley District, is being affected by flash floods. Power and water supplies have been disrupted. Residents are being advised to preserve as much water as possible whenever water is available in the system.
In the neighbouring state of Assam, a red alert was sounded as a result of severe rainfalls. Flash floods have displaced approximately 200,000 people.
The monsoon is vital to many Indian farmers, who rely on the rainfalls to water their crops.
Homosexuality Decriminalised in India
July 3, 2009
On 2nd July 2009, the Delhi High Court issued a landmark ruling in favour of gay rights. It decriminalised homosexual acts between consenting adults.
The court held that Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code was in violation of India’s Constitution. The Chief Justice stated:
If there is one constitutional tenet that can be said to be underlying theme of the Indian Constitution, it is that of ‘inclusiveness’.
Where society can display inclusiveness and understanding, such persons can be assured of a life of dignity and nondiscrimination.
It cannot be forgotten that discrimination is antithesis of equality and that it is the recognition of equality which will foster the dignity of every individual.
This ruling is a huge step forward for human rights groups and the gay community in India.
Those opposed to gay rights have already indicated that they will challenge this landmark ruling.
Black Boxes of AF-32 Recovered
June 29, 2009
The two black boxes of the AF-32 aircraft, which crashed on 9 June 2009, have been recovered by a group of mountaineers from the IAF’s adventure cell. The Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR) were found amongst the scattered plane wreckage in Tato, near Menchuka.
It is expected that the IAF will release further information about the cause of the crash once it has examined the flight data.
Govt. Provides Grant-in-Aid for Construction of Roads
June 26, 2009
India’s Ministry of Rural Development has released funds of Rs.54.48 crores to assist in the construction all-weather roads in Arunachal Pradesh. Via the PMGSY scheme, the grant-in-aid will assist with the following projects:
(1) provision of road connectivity in rural areas, where there is a population of at least 500 people; and
(2) provision of road connectivity in hill states, tribal areas and desert areas, where there is a population of at least 250 people.
The PMGSY scheme was launched in December 2000, and aims provide all-weather roads to unconnected habitations in India’s rural areas.
ADB Approves $60m Loan to Arunachal
June 24, 2009
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has indicated that it will proceed with the proposed $60 million loan to Arunachal Pradesh, despite strong objections by China. The $60 million forms part of the ADB’s $2.9 billion lending program to India.
China’s attempt to block Arunachal Pradesh as a loan recipient stems from a territorial dispute with India.
ADB spokeswoman, Ms. Ann Quon, pointed out that it was inappropriate for the ADB to take a position on territorial disputes between its members. Quon further clarified that only economic considerations were relevant in ADB decisions.
The $60 million loan to Arunachal Pradesh is earmarked to assist in flood management and ecological problems.
Indian Army To Hold Recruitment Rally in Aalo
June 14, 2009
The Indian Army is organising a recruitment rally from 22 June to 28 June 2009 in Aalo, West Siang. The Army is seeking to recruit the following personnel:
(1) Soldier General Duty
(2) Soldier Tradesman
(3) Soldier Clerk/Store-Keeper Technical
(4) Soldier Technical
(5) Soldier Nursing Assistant
The screening process will likely include:
(a) Checking of documents.
(d) Medical examination.
(e) Written examination.
(f) Preparation of merit list.
(g) Enrolment and Despatch of selected candidates in order of merit to Centres.
Candidates from all districts of Arunachal Pradesh will be eligible to apply.
No Survivors in AN-32 Crash, West Siang
June 11, 2009
The Indian Air Force has confirmed that there were no survivors following the tragic crash of the AN-32 aircraft in West Siang on 9 June 2009. Rescue teams recovered the bodies of all 13 personnel, as well as the burnt plane wreckage.
The AN-32, which had just delivered food supplies to a military base near Mecheka, lost radio contact with Air Traffic Control not long after takeoff.
The cause of the crash is not yet known.
List of India’s Cabinet Ministers 2009
May 22, 2009
On 22 May 2009, Dr. Manmohan Singh was sworn in as Prime Minister for a second term. Cabinet ministers were also sworn in. Here is the new list of India’s cabinet ministers:
1. Shri Pranab Mukherjee
2. Shri Sharad Pawar
3. Shri A.K. Antony
4. Shri P. Chidambaram
5. Km. Mamata Banerjee
6. Shri S.M. Krishna
7. Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad
8. Shri Sushilkumar Shinde
9. Shri M. Veerappa Moily
10. Shri S. Jaipal Reddy
11. Shri Kamal Nath
12. Shri Vayalar Ravi
13. Smt. Meira Kumar
14. Shri Murli Deora
15. Shri Kapil Sibal
16. Smt. Ambika Soni
17. Shri B.K. Handique
18. Shri Anand Sharma
19. Shri C.P. Joshi
It is expected that Prime Minister Singh will shortly announce the assignment of cabinet portfolios.