ARUNACHAL PRADESH

The Indian Army has launched a motorcycle expedition from Mipi in Dibang Valley district, Arunachal Pradesh, to commemorate the Battle of Walong and honor the soldiers who fought in the 1962 India-China war. The expedition, which includes 10 Army personnel and 10 civilians, will traverse the scenic Mishmi ranges and Dibang and Lohit Valleys, culminating at the historic Walong War Memorial on November 11th. The journey aims to connect with local communities, highlighting the region’s strength and resilience, and promoting national integration. The expedition also symbolizes the Army’s commitment to fostering unity and promoting adventure tourism in border areas.

The Uttar Pradesh government is extending the ecotourism season by at least a month to boost tourism and create more employment opportunities for locals. The move comes as the state witnesses a significant increase in tourist numbers at its tiger reserves and national parks. The ecotourism season in Uttar Pradesh typically starts on November 15th, but this year it was opened earlier on November 6th. The government also extended the season’s closure from June 15th to June 25th. The state is focusing on developing Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary to the same standard as Dudhwa and Pilibhit Tiger Reserves, aiming to attract even more tourists. Despite no increase in entry fees for several years, the state has seen a substantial rise in revenue due to the growing number of visitors. Dudhwa Tiger Reserve saw a 54% increase in tourist numbers from 2022-23 to 2023-24, while Pilibhit Tiger Reserve witnessed a near-doubling of visitors during the same period. The increase in tourist numbers at other reserves like Amangarh and Ranipur further highlights the growing popularity of ecotourism in Uttar Pradesh.

Twenty students from Saint Xavier School in Arunachal Pradesh are embarking on a 10-day national integration tour to Delhi and Chandigarh, organized by the Gajraj Corps under Operation Sadbhavana. The tour aims to broaden the students’ worldview by showcasing India’s rich heritage, achievements, and cultural diversity. Through visits to iconic landmarks, interactions with leaders, and explorations of India’s cultural tapestry, the students will gain firsthand insight into the nation’s growth story, connecting with its past and present. The tour emphasizes instilling national pride, fostering lifelong connections, and shaping future leaders, encouraging the students to embrace their heritage and pursue their aspirations with renewed vigor.