*::: Andaman Chronicle Updates :::* _*Please do share the updates with all you know…*_ *Join us on facebook today:* https://www.facebook.com/groups/andamanchronicle/ *Follow us on Twitter: @AndamanNews* *Do visit www.andamanchronicle.net for more on Andamans…* *Updates for* 12.02.2025 *EDITOR: DENIS GILES* --------------------------- *Pradesh Youth Congress Organizes Massive Protest Under “Naukri Do Nasha Nahi” Campaign at Port Blair* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 11:* The Pradesh Youth Congress A & N Islands, under the leadership of National Youth Congress President Shri Uday Bhanu Chib and State President, A&N Islands, Ms. Diksha Dular, organized a massive protest on the 10th of February 2025 as a part of the nationwide campaign “Naukri Do Nasha Nahi” launched by the National Leaders of Youth Congress. The protest rally commenced from Gandhi Bhavan, where hundreds of protestors, holding Youth Congress flags and placards, raised slogans against the increasing use of harmful intoxicants among the youths of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The rally aimed to spread awareness about the alarming rise in drug abuse and urged the authorities to take strict measures to provide employment opportunities instead of letting addiction ruin young lives. The march culminated at the Gandhi Statue, where Youth Congress leaders addressed the public, emphasizing the devastating consequences of drug abuse on individuals and society. They highlighted the urgent need for stringent policies to curb substance abuse while also advocating for better employment opportunities for the youths of the Islands. The protest witnessed active participation from various political leaders and youth activists, including ANTCC President Shri Rangalal Halder, Campaign Committee Chairman Shri TSG Bhasker, AICC Joint Secretary & Incharge Youth Congress Shri Krishna Allavaru Ji, Youth Congress Incharge Smt. Sagarika Rao Ji, Senior Leaders of Congress Party, ANTCC Spokespersons, ANTCC Frontal Heads, and representatives, Additionally, PBMC Councillors, PRI Members, and Zilla Parishad Members also extended their support to the movement. The “Naukri Do Nasha Nahi” campaign aims to create a nationwide impact by encouraging the youths to choose career opportunities over drug addiction and urging the government to take proactive steps in addressing unemployment. The Youth Congress reaffirmed its commitment to fighting against drug abuse and ensuring a brighter future for the young generation. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33635-pradesh-youth-congress-organizes-massive-protest-under-naukri-do-nasha-nahi-campaign-at-port-blair ================= *Secretary (Power) Inaugurates Exhibition-cum-Bazaar ‘Kirti’ at DBRAIT* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb.11:* The 2-day long Exhibition-cum-Bazaar ‘Kriti’- a craft bazaar being organized by Skill Development Program (SDP) Trainees of Fashion and Apparel Designing Course, DBRAIT was inaugurated by Ms. Smitha R, IAS, Secretary (Power), A&N Administration as chief guest today at TGCE Hall, Middle Point. The exhibition showcases a diverse range of handmade garments, handicraft and artworks with intricate and exquisite pieces of stylish and vibrant designs. Inaugurating the Exhibition-cum-Bazaar, the chief guest expressed her appreciation for the trainees’ dedication and creativity emphasizing the importance of supporting and promoting local crafts. She encouraged the trainers and the organizers of DBRAIT to take up more and more such initiatives and explore the possibility of skill and entrepreneurship to make the Island Aatmanirbhar Dweep. The chief guest was overwhelmed to witness the variety and volume of work done by the SDP trainees in developing exquisite handcrafted creations, garments and utility items of daily use. Earlier, Dr. Utpal Sharma, Principal (DBRAIT) commended the team efforts of both the organizing team of DBRAIT and the Skill Development Trainees and Trainers for organizing the event on such a large scale. The Kriti Craft Bazaar will be open for the general public tomorrow till 7 pm offering a unique opportunity to witness the craftsmanship and intricacy of the creations by local youth. A total of 196 trainees across 7 Centres from all over the Islands are participating in this Craft Bazaar. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33634-secretary-power-inaugurates-exhibition-cum-bazaar-kirti-at-dbrait ================ *Chess in School (CiS) Programme at GSSS Model Commences* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 11:* The Chess in Schools (CiS) Programme for primary school students of Govt. Model Primary School, Aberdeen, Sri Vijaya Puram, commenced today at Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School auditorium under the guidance of Shri. Vikram Singh, Director of Education, A & N Administration. The event began with a ceremonial first move on the chessboard, made by Smti. Sangeeta Chand, Principal of GMSSS Aberdeen, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, in the presence of Shri. Mohd. Irshad Ahmed, AD (Sports), Directorate of Education, Sri Vijaya Puram, who attended as the guest of honour. In her speech, Principal Smti. Sangeeta Chand emphasized the significance of chess in fostering critical thinking and enhancing cognitive skills. She said, "Just as physical exercises are essential to keep your body fit, playing chess exercises the brain, keeping it active, alert, and sharp," and urged the students to continue playing chess and strive to excel in the game Shri. Irshad Ahmed, while speaking on the occasion, elaborated on the numerous benefits of chess. He explained that the game nurtures skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and concentration, all of which play a vital role in shaping well-rounded students. The Chess in Schools Programme aims to bring chess into classrooms, helping students develop valuable skills such as patience, focus, and critical thinking in an enjoyable setting. The next CiS Programme session will be held at Govt. Girls Senior Secondary School, Sri Vijaya Puram, beginning on14th February 2025. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33633-chess-in-school-cis-programme-at-gsss-model-commences =============== *Stress reduces glycogen in the brain, which leads to craving for unhealthy food: Dr Ajai Kumar Sonkar* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 11:* In today's lifestyle, unhealthy eating is considered responsible for diabetes, heart disease, cancer and many other serious diseases. Especially among the youth, bad habits of eating junk food and late night online food supply have become common. For which incontinence and bad habits in eating are considered responsible. But when this disaster is seen from the point of view of science, a completely dierent form of cause is seen. World-renowned scientist Padmashree Dr Ajai Sonkar said that this condition is caused by stress caused by many reasons like insecurity and fearful lifestyle. He revealed that research indicates that stress can lead to a decrease in brain glycogen levels, mainly due to the increase in glucocorticoids like cortisol that stimulate glycogen breakdown in the brain, especially within astrocytes where most of the brain glycogen is stored; This decrease contributes to the negative eects of stress on cognitive function and mood regulation. When stressed, the body releases glucocorticoids that activate enzymes that break down glycogen into glucose, thereby depleting glycogen stores in the brain. Dr. Ajai further told that brain glycogen is primarily stored in astrocytes, which are glial cells that innervate neurons. A drop in brain glycogen contributes to hypoglycemia, because glycogen serves as a storage for glucose, which the brain primarily uses for energy. So when brain glycogen levels drop, it causes a lack of readily available glucose, which causes blood sugar levels to drop. Low blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia, cause cravings for sugary foods. This is because the body craves sugar to raise blood sugar levels. Thus when blood sugar levels fall, the body induces to eat sugary foods to increase them. Thus, stress leads to craving for sugar and rened carbohydrates. Dr Ajai said that the growing unhealthy and untimely eating habit among the youth, especially late at night, cannot be changed by persuasion or pressure, rather these methods can make the situation even worse. The youth can be brought out of this serious situation only by engaging them in creative work and providing them a stress-free lifestyle. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33632-stress-reduces-glycogen-in-the-brain-which-leads-to-craving-for-unhealthy-food-dr-ajai-kumar-sonkar ================ *Safer Internet Day 2025 Celebrated with Awareness Workshop at Chouldhary Gram Panchayat and TGCE* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 11:* The National Informatics Centre (NIC), Sri Vijaya Puram, in collaboration with the C-DAC under the ISEA Project, successfully organized an Awareness Workshop on the occasion of Safer Internet Day 2025 on 11th February, 2025 from 10:30 to 12:00 pm at Chouldhari Community Hall, Chouldhari Gram Panchayat under South Andaman District and at the auditorium of Tagore Govt. College of Education, Sri Vijaya Puram. The event, held under the global theme “Together for a Better Internet,” aimed to educate citizens about safe online practices, cyber hygiene, and protection against digital threats. The workshop at Chouldhary Gram Panchayat witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 90 attendees, including PRI members, students, teachers, farmers, and general public. The Guest of Honours were Shri Shivaji Mukherjee, SIO NIC Andaman and Nicobar UT Centre, Branch Manager, SBI, Chouldhari Branch and Officials from Cyber Crime Cell, AN Police. The workshop at TGCE witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 120 attendees, including Vice Chairman, Municipal Council, interns of ANIIMS, students, teachers, farmers, representatives of business community, and general public. The Guest of Honours were Shri Ravi Chandran, Vice Chairman, SVPMC, The Principal, TGCE, ASIO NIC Andaman and Nicobar UT Centre, Branch Manager, PNB, Garacharma Branch and Officials from Cyber Crime Cell, AN Police. The session covered essential topics such as cybersecurity best practices, online fraud prevention, responsible internet usage, and effective digital safety measures. Experts from NIC, Sri Vijaya Puram, Cybercrime Cell, SBI Chouldhary Branch, PNB Garacharma conducted interactive sessions, providing valuable insights on how to stay safe in the digital world. Practical demonstrations and case studies helped participants understand emerging cyber threats and proactive ways to mitigate them. The event concluded with a pledge to promote cybersecurity awareness and a commitment to fostering a safer and more responsible digital ecosystem. The initiative received positive feedback, with participants expressing their gratitude for the informative and engaging sessions. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33631-safer-internet-day-2025-celebrated-with-awareness-workshop-at-chouldhary-gram-panchayat-and-tgce =============== *Director Education Commends Andaman Pencak Silat Team for their Outstanding Performance* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 11:* The Global Academy of Modern Fitness team had the honor of meeting the Shri Vikram Singh, Director (Education, Higher Education, Sports, Joint Secretary PWD, and GM ANIDCO), on 10th February 2025 at his office. During this meeting, the Andaman Pencak Silat team proudly shared their achievements at the South Zone Khelo India Women’s League, where 17 students participated and earned an impressive tally of 14 medals, including 6 Gold, 4 Silver, and 4 Bronze. The Director commended the team for their outstanding performance and offered words of encouragement, assuring his continued support for future endeavors. He emphasized the vital role sports play in enhancing both physical fitness and academic success among students. Additionally, he acknowledged and appreciated the parents for supporting their children in pursuing sports, recognizing its positive impact on their personal growth and future opportunities. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33630-director-education-commends-andaman-pencak-silat-team-for-their-outstanding-performance ================= *Anadiranjan Dedicates his Unmesh Sahitya Puraskar to RG Kar Hospital's Victim Doctor 'Tilottama'* *Durgapur, Feb 11:* As Shri Anadiranjan Biswas, Editor, Baakprotima was awarded the Unmesh Sahitya Puraskar 2025 on the 33rd birthday of 'Tilottama', the brutally raped and murdered (on 09 August 2024) intern doctor attached with the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, Shri Biswas announced in the prize awarding function itself that he dedicates this award to Tilottama, which was lauded by the audience present in the function. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33629-anadiranjan-dedicates-his-unmesh-sahitya-puraskar-to-rg-kar-hospital-s-victim-doctor-tilottama ================= *One-Day District Level Workshop-cum-Training Programme on Prevention and Control of Snake Bite Envenoming Organised at PHC Tushnabad* *Tushnabad, Feb 11:* One day district level workshop-cum-training programme on prevention and control of snake bite envenoming organised by Directorate of Health Services in association with National Health Mission on 11th Feburary 2025 at PHC Tushnabad. Participants were MOs, CHO, Staff Nurse, ANM, PHN, HE, MHW, ASHA and ICDS workers. Dr. Subrata Saha, State Nodal Officer, Prevention & Control of Snake Bite Envenoming, A & N Administration highlighted the critical role of healthcare workers in reducing mortality and morbidity caused by snake bites. During the workshop he also highlighted the importance of timely medical intervention, proper referral mechanisms administration of anti-snake venom (ASV) and treatment associated with snake envenomation. Dr. Rajiv Kumar Gosh, BHMS, District Public Health Officer focused on key aspects such as early identification of snake bites, first aid measures and community awareness strategies and provide valuable insights into evidence-based management and best practices for snake bite envenoming. This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts by the Directorate of Health Services to build capacity among healthcare providers and ensure effective emergency response mechanisms at the grassroots level. The participants were earlier welcomed by Mrs. Banani Mridha, Bio Medical Engineer. Around 55 participants were benefitted from this training programme. The programme concluded with a discussion on challenges faced by healthcare professionals in handling snake bite cases. Participants expressed their appreciation for the initiative and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to improve patient outcomes in their respective healthcare facilities. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33628-one-day-district-level-workshop-cum-training-programme-on-prevention-and-control-of-snake-bite-envenoming-organised-at-phc-tushnabad ================ *Training Program on Coastal and Marine Ecosystem Management in India Gets Underway* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 11:* A five days training program in “Management of coastal and marine biodiversity: challenges and prospects” was inaugurated in Sri Vijaya Puram on 10 February 2025 (Monday). This specialized training program for Indian Forest Service Officers conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Forest, Andaman and Nicobar Islands is supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. This training program is aimed to provide exposure to various challenges and their practical solutions towards enhancing the marine ecosystem management in India. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Shri. Sanjay Kumar Sinha IFS, Principle Chief Conservator of Forest, ANI has emphasized the critical role the coastal and marine biodiversity play in the maintenance of the coastal ecosystem health and natural resource sustenance. The program coordinator, Dr. Nehru Prabakaran, Scientist, WII has informed the crucial role this training program has played over the past 10 years in building capacity in the coastal and marine ecosystem management among the IFS officers from various states in India. Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. K Sivakumar, Pondicherry University has elaborated on the various challenges and threats faced by the marine biodiversity and the efforts made by government agencies and various organizations towards the protection and management of marine fauna. He further emphasized the prospects of marine ecosystems in enhancing the blue economy potentials in India. Dr. Ramesh Chinnasamy, Scientist (WII) has thanked Shri. Virendra R Tiwari IFS, Director, WII for continuous support in organizing this important training program. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shri. Ravi Hora IFS, Additional Principle Chief Conservator of Forest, ANI, Dr. S. Dinesh Kannan IFS, Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), ANI, and 13 IFS officers from nine states across India. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33627-training-program-on-coastal-and-marine-ecosystem-management-in-india-gets-underway ================== *Lt. Governor Declares Summer Vacation for the Year 2025* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 11:* The Hon'ble Lt. Governor, Andaman & Nicobar Islands has declared the Summer Vacation for the year 2025, in respect of all Government, Private Aided and Unaided Schools of A&N Islands with effect from May 1 to June 29, 2025 for 60 days. All schools shall reopen on June 30, 2025. Accordingly, the results of the home examination for the academic session 2024-25 shall be positively declared by March 31, 2025 by all schools and the new academic session shall commence from April 1, 2025. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33626-lt-governor-declares-summer-vacation-for-the-year-2025 ================= *APWD Provides Last Chance for Applicants of Compassionate Appointment* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 11:* The APWD has earlier invited dependents of deceased Govt. Servant of APWD to submit their details in new format for compassionate appointment as per instructions laid down in MHA’s O.M No.A-12012/01/2022-Ad.II dated 17.06.2022 along with latest documents such as Annual Income Certificate, Unemployment Certificate and Property Certificate etc. through its various divisions in January 2023. Many candidates have resubmitted their applications in new format except few. Hence, it has been decided by the Committee that one last chance may be given to those candidates who have not resubmitted their fresh applications till date. The fresh applications may be reached through their respective Divisions of APWD within 20 days from the date of issue of this press note, failing which, the same will be treated as Nil and no further correspondence will be entertained on this matter. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33625-apwd-provides-last-chance-for-applicants-of-compassionate-appointment ================= *S&T to Organise Painting Competition for College Students on the Theme ‘Science for a Sustainable Future’* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 11:* National Science Day is celebrated every year on the 28th of February to mark the Discovery of Raman effect by the Indian Physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, who was honoured with many awards and won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. The Government of India designates this day as National Science Day in the year 1986 and since then, various programmes are being organized across the country. The Department of Science and Technology, A & N Administration also celebrate this occasion by organizing various programmes. As part of the celebration, the Department of Science & Technology is organizing a Painting Competition for College students on the theme ‘Science for a Sustainable Future’ at Science & Technology Bhawan, Department of Science & Technology, Dollygunj, Sri Vijaya Puram. Interested students can register their names with Shri P. Senthil Kumar, Artist of the Department of S&T over Mobile No. 9474213985, or they can directly come to the Venue on 26th February, 2025 before 9 am. The Students have been advised to bring their own drawing materials and drawing sheets will be provided by the Department. Winners will be awarded with Certificate and Prizes. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33624-s-t-to-organise-painting-competition-for-college-students-on-the-theme-science-for-a-sustainable-future ================ *Condolence* Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member of BJP and Former State President of BJP-ANI, expresses deep sorrow over the passing of Ms. Nidhi Halder, beloved daughter of Shri Naresh Halder, Ex-Zilla Parishad Adhyaksh (N & M Andaman) and a prominent BJP leader from Diglipur. She departed for her heavenly abode today, 11th February 2025, at Sri Vijaya Puram. Mr. Jolly extends his heartfelt condolences and prays for the eternal peace of the departed soul. He also prays to the Almighty to grant strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33623-condolence-206 =============== *Condolence* Shri Ajoy Bairagi, State President, BJP, A&N Islands along with all office bearers and party workers deeply mourn the sudden and untimely death of Miss Nidhi Halder, Aged 13 years, Daughter of Shri Naresh Halder, Resident of Subash Gram, Senior BJP Leader, Diglipur at G.B. Hospital today evening (11/02/2025 ). Shri Ajoy Bairagi has prayed to Almighty Lord to give strength and courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33622-condolence-205 ================= *Bob’s Banter by Robert Clements* *Elections Are Not Wars!* I chuckle to see the quips and jokes put up by friends on WhatsApp groups after the recent Delhi elections. We must remind ourselves that there’s a certain madness that grips people when elections roll around. The air is filled with dramatic speeches, promises grander than a Bollywood climax, and battles fiercer than a cricket match between India and Pakistan. Friends turn foes, families split over dinner-table debates, and social media transforms into a war zone where everyone is either a self-appointed general or a loyal foot soldier. And yet, here’s the truth that everyone forgets—elections are not wars. Look at the way political parties behave. They talk about ‘crushing’ opponents, ‘obliterating’ rivals, and ‘wiping out’ the opposition. There’s more aggression in these words than in a military operation! Some leaders march into the election arena as if they were leading their troops into battle, not realizing that after all the blood, sweat, and Twitter fights, the very people they are attacking today may become their allies tomorrow. The voters, too, are not immune to this fever. They pick their candidates with the passion of a football fan choosing a World Cup team. They fight, argue, unfriend, and block anyone who dares to think differently. “How dare you not support my candidate? Are you blind? Are you a traitor?” Some take it upon themselves to convince the entire world that if their leader does not win, democracy itself will collapse, rivers will dry up, and the sun will stop shining. And then, the results come in. For a few days, emotions run high. At a tea shop, a man shakes his head. “I told you, Mohan, if my party lost, I was leaving the country!” His friend chuckles. “And where will you go? Canada?” “No, my wife says we can’t afford the tickets. I might just move to my mother-in-law’s house. That’s punishment enough.” Then slowly, reality sets in. The new government takes over, and life returns to its usual rhythm. The leader who was once hailed as the ‘saviour’ begins making compromises. The ‘tyrant’ who was defeated suddenly starts looking wise in hindsight. And the citizens, who fought tooth and nail over their choices, go back to worrying about petrol prices, school fees, and the rising cost of onions. Until the next election. So, dear citizens, as the next election approaches, remember this:. Argue, but don’t turn friends into enemies. Support your candidate, but don’t treat the opposition as if they’re invaders from another planet. Because elections are not wars. And no matter who wins, you’ll still have to wake up the next morning, pay your bills, and deal with that neighbour who parks in front of your gate. At which point, a weary man sighs, “Honestly, I care less about who wins the election and more about getting Sharmaji to stop blocking my driveway!” Some battles, after all, never end..! *[email protected]* https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/features/33621-elections-are-not-wars =================