*::: 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* 13.02.2025 *EDITOR: DENIS GILES* --------------------------- *Bishnu Pada Ray meets Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Discuss Urgent Pending Issues* *New Delhi, Feb 12:* Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands met the Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah on 11th February 2025 to discuss various long-pending issues that have been taken up by him concerning the islands that require urgent resolution. During the meeting, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray highlighted main issues namely Circle rates, stamp duty, registration fee be reduced to follow the rates as per LR & LRR Regulation, conversation of land, ANIIMS to AIIMS, CHGS doctors to District and Community Health Centers, Domicile law for employments to the local Islanders, 14 port connectivity roads as National Highways, repair and new construction of 32 harbour ports across A&N Islands, Increase of fund to PRIs as per 4th UT Financial commission recommendation and increase of honorarium to PRIs, Chatham Bambooflat bridge, declaration of OBC for Social Economic category, increase of fund under Capital (Rural roads, bridges, agriculture, Fisheries, Animal husbandry etc.), Srilankan Katchal resettlement, Implementation of Anti De-function law for Municipal and Zilla Parishad etc. concerns affecting the people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and sought the Home Minister’s intervention for its timely resolution. The discussions were highly productive and the Home Minister assured the MP that all pending matters raised by him and currently under consideration in the Ministry would be resolved within a month. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Home Minister for his valuable time, keen attention to the issues and commitment to addressing issues within the stipulated timeframe. The MP remains hopeful that the resolution of these matters will bring much-needed relief and development to the people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33646-bishnu-pada-ray-meets-union-home-minister-amit-shah-to-discuss-urgent-pending-issues ================== *ICAR-CIARI Inaugurates 21-Day Summer School on “Livestock Reproduction Management Under Climate Change”* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 12:* ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), Sri Vijaya Puram inaugurated a 21-day ICAR-sponsored Summer School on “Livestock Reproduction Management Under Impending Climate Change,” scheduled from February 12 to March 4, 2025. The program was formally inaugurated by Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI. The training aims to equip participants with a multidisciplinary approach, integrating reproductive management strategies with advanced biotechnology techniques to develop mitigation strategies for enhancing livestock reproduction. Participants will explore innovative techniques and practical solutions to optimize reproductive performance while addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Hands-on training in biotechnological tools used in livestock reproduction will also be conducted. A total of 20 participants from various states, including Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Assam, have joined the program, comprising 14 male and 6 female trainees. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. E.B. Chakurkar emphasized the critical impact of climate change on livestock production, particularly in vulnerable ecosystems like the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He highlighted that reproductive parameters are among the most sensitive traits in livestock production systems under climate stress.Dr. Jai Sunder, Head, Animal Science Division, welcomed the chief guest and participants, outlining the significance of the training program. The program is being coordinated by Dr. P. Perumal and Dr. R.R. Alyethodi, Senior Scientists, ICAR-CIARI.This initiative aims to provide valuable insights for enhancing livestock productivity and sustainability, ensuring a resilient and efficient livestock sector in the face of climate change. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33645-icar-ciari-inaugurates-21-day-summer-school-on-livestock-reproduction-management-under-climate-change ================== *Senior functionary of Brahma Kumaris & Rajyogi Nikunj Ji’s Spiritual Teacher Passes away* *Mumbai, Feb 12:* Rajyogini Brahmakumari Dr. Nalini Didi Ji (aged 83 years) – Senior functionary at the Brahma Kumaris and Spiritual Teacher of Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj Ji - Renowned Columnist and Spiritual Mentor, passed away in Mumbai on 9th February 2025. A Spiritual Legend, Nalini Didi Ji was instrumental in spreading spiritual knowledge to millions of souls through her pearls of wisdom and had surrendered her Life towards services of humanity for the last 66 years. She played a key role in influencing Rajyogi Ji’s thoughts and led him onto this Spiritual Journey. Thousands gathered to pay tribute, with divine vibrations for the onward journey of the departed soul. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33644-senior-functionary-of-brahma-kumaris-rajyogi-nikunj-ji-s-spiritual-teacher-passes-away ================== *10,465 Regular Students from the Isles to Appear for CBSE Examination This Year* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 12:* The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) examinations will commence from 15th February, 2025 in these Islands. The AISSE (Class X) will commence with main paper English on 15th February, 2025. The students of AISSCE (Class XII) will have Entrepreneurship paper on 15th February, 2025. However, the main paper for Class XII will begin from 17th February, 2025 with subject Physical Education. The Class X exam ends on 18th March, 2025 with subject Computer Application / Information Technology / Artificial Intelligence while Class XII exam ends on 4th April, 2025 with subject Psychology. All arrangements have been made to monitor and ensure smooth conduct of examinations. This year, the number of regular candidates likely to appear in CBSE for AISSCE (Class XII) is 4940 and AISSE (Class X) is 5525 students as regular candidates. Altogether, 10465 regular candidates will appear in the ensuing CBSE examination from this UT for 2024-25. Altogether, 47 Examination Centres have been identified to facilitate student of AISSCE (XII) / and AISSE (X) appearing from this UT including the private candidates, Nationalized Bank / Police Station / Police Out Post have also been identified as custodian of examination confidential materials by CBSE for safe custody. Appointment of Centre Superintendents / Observers is being done by the Regional Officer, CBSE, Chennai to ensure free and fair conduct of these exams. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33643-10-465-regular-students-from-the-isles-to-appear-for-cbse-examination-this-year ================= *Disaster Management Conducts Mock Drill on Earthquake in Directorate of Social Welfare* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 12:* In continuation to the conduct of Mock Drill in every Department on quarterly basis, the Directorate of Disaster Management, A&N Administration conducted Mock Drill on Earthquake in the Directorate of Social Welfare, A&N Administration, Goalghar, Sri Vijaya Puram in coordination with A&N Police, Health and Fire by creating real time earthquake simulation scenarios to test response of Department during disaster. In this drill, 62 personnel participated from Social Welfare and other resource Departments. Immediately on the receipt of information of Earthquake scenario of the mock drill, the teams triggered their response mechanism to tackle the emergency situation. The Department used whistle and PA system as alarm to issue alert and warning to all staff and accordingly informed about Mock incident to DEOC (S/A), SEOC, Fire & Health Control Rooms etc. After that, evacuation and search & rescue were carried out by the teams of the Department. In the meantime, fire tender and ambulance reached the Mock Site. Teams from Fire & Health Department safely rescued the injured and hospitalized them. The Mock Drill was called off at 1145 hrs. This was followed by a debriefing session wherein the Observers explained the findings and gaps of the Mock Drill. The Officers of resource Departments has urged to strengthen preparedness of the Department and provide trainings to their teams with basic skill on safety measures to cope with any crisis in near future. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33642-disaster-management-conducts-mock-drill-on-earthquake-in-directorate-of-social-welfare ================= *Swift Eviction Drive Reclaims Encroached Land at Sri Vijaya Puram Tehsil* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 12:* The District Administration of South Andaman, in its steadfast commitment to reclaim and protect public assets, has escalated its strategically coordinated encroachment eviction drive. This concerted effort is focused on restoring government land to its rightful use, underscoring the Administration's unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law and preserving the sanctity of public spaces. In the most recent phase of this operation, an unauthorized ongoing construction of a residential RCC structure on Government revenue land at Prothrapur village was successfully demolished and an area of 40 square meters of revenue land has been restored to government khaata by the revenue field staff. The Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman cautioned the General Public that the District Administration has zero tolerance towards encroachment on government land and to refrain from encroaching on Government land. In case of any inquires/complaints, the general public can communicate with the District Control Room at the following numbers 03192-240127/238881/1070/9531888844 (Whatsapp). The identity of the person providing the information will be kept secret so as to protect the individual. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33641-swift-eviction-drive-reclaims-encroached-land-at-sri-vijaya-puram-tehsil ================ *Department of Sports Launches Coaching for Archery and Cricket at Netaji Stadium* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 12:* The Department of Sports has launched a free Coaching for Archery and Cricket to be conducted at Netaji Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram. The program focuses on school children with an initiative to promote sports development and provide opportunities for young athletes to hone their skills. The coaching will be conducted by experienced and certified coaches at various timings viz. Cricket - 6 am to 8 am; 3 pm to 5.30 pm (Ph. 9339766962) and Archery- 6 am to 9 am; 3 pm to 5.30 pm (Ph. 8900923776) For further information, one may contact: 9531929184, Office, SYA, Netaji Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33640-department-of-sports-launches-coaching-for-archery-and-cricket-at-netaji-stadium ================ *S&L Show at NSCB Dweep to Re-Commence from Today* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 12:* The Department of Information, Publicity & Tourism (IP&T) has announced the resumption of Sound and Light Show at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep (NSCB) from 13th February, 2025. This enthralling show will be held daily at 5.30 pm. Tickets for the show will be available online through the Department of IP&T’s official website. Visitors have been requested to arrive at Phoenix Bay Jetty by 3.30 pm, as the ferry to NSCB Dweep will depart at 4 pm. Two-way Ferry tickets can be purchased on-site at embarkation terminal. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33639-s-l-show-at-nscb-dweep-to-re-commence-from-today ================= *IGNOU to Organize 38th Convocation on 5th March 2025* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 12:* IGNOU will organize 38th Convocation on 05th March 2025, Wednesday at IGNOU Headquarter, and alongside the selected IGNOU Regional Centres across the country. IGNOU Regional Centre, Port Blair will organize 38th Convocation at Multi-Specialty Hall of its Office, Opposite to Air Cargo Complex, VIP Road, Junglighat. Online portal for registration will be remain open till 25th February 2025. The eligible candidates for the 38th Convocation may pay the requisite registration fee of Six Hundred Rupees (600/-) online through https://onlineservices.ignou.ac.in/convocation/. UG and PG students of IGNOU Regional Centre Port Blair, who already registered for Convocation, are requested to visit Regional Centre office and collect scarf. If a learner faces any difficulty in filling the online form, kindly contact to IGNOU Regional Centre, Port Blair, opposite to Air Cargo Complex, VIP Road, Junglighat P.O. Port Blair. Phone: 03192-242888 or 03192-230111, Email: [email protected]. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33638-ignou-to-organize-38th-convocation-on-5th-march-2025 ================= *Condolence* Shri M. Vinod, State Vice President, BJP and President Andaman Association of Tour Operators has deeply mourned the demise of Vidya Chauhan, aged 84 W/o Late C.S Chauhan Advocate R/o Atlanta Point, who breathed her last today morning at GB Pant Hospital. Shri Vinod has prayed to the Almighty God to give strength and courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33637-condolence-207 ================= *Bob’s Banter by Robert Clements* *Behind the Manipur Toothpicks...!* As I hear about the chief minister of Manipur finally resigning, a sad picture comes to my mind, of a thin fellow leading a woman who is scantily clad, along the road somewhere in Manipur. We hear that he finally raped and killed her. A skinny fellow as thin as a toothpick! Now look behind Toothpick, you'll see four others, bigger built, more muscular, Tarzan types. They stand leering while Toothpick leads the poor girl on and assaults her. Here's what I want you to do. Take an eraser, slowly cut them off, erase them, remove them from the scene. Now watch as in your imagination, Toothpick looks back, notices the four aren't there anymore. Toothpick's expression changes, uncertainty replaces confidence, fear takes over courage, suddenly he's aware of his own skinny arms, and Toothpick leaves the girl and runs! Toothpick's strength, brazenness, bullying nature, came from the knowledge that those four toughies stood behind him! And the sneer of those four, their intimidating tactics, their ruffian roughness came from the next ring behind, of the likes of higher ups who continued to rule the state and refused to do much for the people, even though the whole country wanted the violence to stop. But from the chief minister to the top, they stood behind Toothpick! Quite a daunting group, huh? Yes dear reader, but in real life unfortunately, you cannot use an eraser or a pair of scissors, to remove the real villains. If only it were as simple as clipping away the shadows of power, the hidden forces that make a mockery of leadership. Imagine if we could erase all the thick-built bureaucrats, the power-hungry officers, the invisible hands pulling strings from behind the scenes. Would the Toothpicks of this world lose their spine, crumble under their own fragility, and finally stop terrorizing the innocent? The sad truth is our eraser remains ineffective. These shadows are not just figments of our imagination; they are real, pervasive, and deeply entrenched. They lurk in the corners of every system, taking root in the soil of corruption. You cannot erase them with a swipe, no matter how hard you try. The chief minister's resignation, though a temporary relief, is only the tip of the iceberg. The real battle is deeper, more systemic, and can’t be undone by simple political resignation. Until they are eradicated from the roots, Manipur, and every state like it, will continue to stagger under the weight of polarisation and division. No, dear reader, you cannot use a pair of scissors to erase this reality that stares us in the face. But you can sharpen your awareness, speak your truth, and demand accountability from those who are behind these scenes. Use the court, or use the vote, and see the Toothpicks flee..! *[email protected]* https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/features/33636-behind-the-manipur-toothpicks ==================