*::: 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* 25.02.2025 *EDITOR: DENIS GILES* --------------------------- *Chief Secretary Inaugurates Residential Training Programme for Field Engineers* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 24:* A five-day residential training programme for the field Engineers of various Departments was inaugurated by the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, in the training hall of APWD. The inaugural function was also attended by Secretary (RD), Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, Secretary (SVPMC), Shri Azharuddin Zahiruddin Quazi, IAS and senior Officers of APWD, PRI & SVPMC. The training is being conducted by Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, National Institute of Water & Sanitation, Kolkata. In his keynote address, the Chief Secretary informed that the Department always try to supply management of drinking water as per the norms of the Govt. of India. This leads to creation of new resources of water and augmentation of infrastructure. He directed the Engineers of the Departments to work on the demand management of water. He gave thrust on the supply of guaranteed water on daily basis and if possible on 24x7 basis which will be an assurance to the public that water will be available whenever they open the tap. It will reduce the accumulation of water by the individuals. He further requested to create awareness among the public for judicious use of water in daily needs. The Chief Secretary directed RD Department and SVPMC to conduct awareness programme in schools and other IEC activities. He further requested all participants to make use of the training for implementation in the field with the support of the various stakeholders. He thanked SPM-NIWAS for arranging the tailor made training programme for the field Engineers of A&N Islands. Shri Priyatu Mandal, JS-cum-Director and Shri. Mohd. Ishfaq, SPM-NIWAS briefed about the training programme. They informed that the training is specially designed for the needs of A&N Islands as per the direction of the Chief Secretary and it will be very useful for the Islands. Welcoming the gathering, Shri T.K. Prijith Rekh, Chief Engineer, APWD requested all the participants to make use of the training programme for effective operation & maintenance of the water supply in the Islands. The inaugural session ended with the vote of thanks proposed by Shri Biju Varghese, Executive Engineer, APWD. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33777-chief-secretary-inaugurates-residential-training-programme-for-field-engineers =============== *ICAR-KVK South Andaman and Department of Agriculture Organize Programme for 19th Instalment of PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 24:* ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), South Andaman, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, successfully organized a special programme to mark the release of the 19th instalment of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi on February 24, 2025, at ICAR-CIARI, Sri Vijaya Puram. The event featured a live telecast of the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s address, allowing attendees to witness the national programme in real time. Dr. Apurva Sharma, Director of Agriculture, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and engaged with farmers, discussing the challenges they face in adopting natural farming practices. The Guest of Honour, Dr. E. B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI, motivated farmers to explore entrepreneurial opportunities through sustainable and natural farming techniques. As a token of encouragement for their dedication to natural farming, selected farmers were felicitated with mementos. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture distributed garden kits and bee boxes to further support and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The programme was coordinated by Shri Mohit, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Protection), and saw active participation from 63 male farmers, 36 farm women, and 25 officials. The event was conducted under the guidance of Dr. E. B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-CIARI. This initiative reaffirmed the commitment of ICAR-KVK South Andaman and the Department of Agriculture towards empowering farmers through sustainable and innovative farming practices. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33776-icar-kvk-south-andaman-and-department-of-agriculture-organize-programme-for-19th-instalment-of-pm-kisan-samman-nidhi ================= *Prophetess Priya Ministries Commemorates World Pulses Day at Neil Kendra* *Shaheed Dweep, Feb 24:* On February 23rd, 2025, the non-profitable organization Prophetess Priya Ministries commemorated World Pulses Day by distributing pulses and by felicitating farmers at Panchayat Hall, Office of Gram Panchayat, Niel Kendra, Shaheed Dweep. A total of 81 heads of families & 5 elder farmers attended the program. The goal of this organization is to positively impact lives, uplift the underprivileged, provide essential needs, and enhance overall well-being. Their motto is to serve the people of our Islands with unwavering dedication and compassion. The purpose behind organizing this awareness campaign was to highlight the importance of pulses and their nutritional benefits, especially for those who struggle to afford or access meat for protein. And as once Shaheed Dweep was a great hub of farming various vegetables, fruits, pulses and grains, today there is a decline in farming. It also aimed to honor the hard work of the farmers of Shaheed Dweep, whose efforts in the scorching heat has made our lives sustainable. The pulse distribution program was initiated by the founder & patron of the non – profitable organization Smti. Priya Basu. A total of 85 needful people received the free pulses and grains. The audience was briefed by Chief Guest Dr. Lt. Col. Nirmal Kumar Bajpayee, Chief Medical Officer I/c of P.H.C. Shaheed Dweep, on the benefits of eating pulses and their positive effects on health. He also promoted good eating habits and encouraged adopting a healthy lifestyle. In addition, Smti. Pinky Das, Pradhan, Shaheed Dweep, also appreciated the works done by the non-profitable organization, and was grateful for their work at the place. Meanwhile also emphasizing on a major amount of services that all non – profitable organizations can render in much required rural areas. The event was graced by the Chief Guest Dr. Lt. Col. Shri Nirmal Kumar Bajpayee (C.M.O I/c PHC Shaheed Dweep) and other distinguished guests including Smti. Pinky Das (Pradhan, Shaheed Dweep) and Shri Bimal Kumar Roy (Former Pradhan, Former Zilla Parishad member and National Youth Awardee). Along with them other dignitaries, current Zilla Parishad member, S.H.O police station Shaheed Dweep, Head of Agriculture, Head of Forest, Junior Engineer APWD Shaheed Dweep and 5 elderly farmers were present. All dignitaries present at the event were honored by the Founder & Patron, Smti. Priya Basu, Smti. Abha John (General Secretary), Smti. M.G. Valleria (Joint Secretary), and Shri. V. Vishal Rao (Treasurer). Smti. Valleria delivered the warm welcome speech, and the Founder & Patron shared her thoughts on the event, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all the guests, the individuals who contributed to the event's success, and the families who attended. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33775-prophetess-priya-ministries-commemorates-world-pulses-day-at-neil-kendra ================= *Chess in Schools (CiS) programme begins at GMS Kanyapuram* *Kanyapuram, Feb 24:* The Chess in Schools (CiS) programme, an initiative of the Department of Education, A&N Administration, commenced today at GMS Kanyapuram under the Wimberlygunj Educational Zone for primary students. Shri. Abdul Saleem, Principal, GSSS Wimberlygunj made the ceremonial first move to begin the programme in the presence of Dr. Manoharan, DEO Wimberlygunj, Smti, Alexandria, HM (M) and other officials of the Education Department. Addressing the gathering, Shri. Abdul Saleem emphasized the numerous benefits of chess, highlighting its role in boosting memory, enhancing concentration and focus, and improving problem-solving abilities. He also underscored the game’s cost-effectiveness and accessibility, encouraging students to embrace chess with dedication. Dr. Manoharan, DEO Wimberlygunj, motivated students to make the most of the programme and announced plans to organize an inter-school chess tournament for the Wimberlygunj zone to promote chess among young children, He also encouraged schools to make the most of bagless days by promoting chess and other co-curricular activities, fostering a well-rounded learning experience for students. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33774-chess-in-schools-cis-programme-begins-at-gms-kanyapuram =============== *Directorate of Industries Declares Winners of Startup Pitching 2025* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 24:* The Directorate of Industries, A&N Administration organized a Startup Pitching 2025 on Feb. 20 in the Conference Hall of Directorate of Industries. This event consisted of the Pitching Session on Innovative Ideas as well as Pitching Competition on Logo, Slogans and Promotional Videos. The Pitching 2025 saw an overwhelming response from the students of Higher Education Institutes such as JNRM, TGCE, ITI, DBRAIT and Pondicherry University, Andaman Campus as well as entrepreneurs and youths of the Islands. This event brought together some of the most promising entrepreneurs and students from Higher Education Institutes showcasing their groundbreaking ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. The winners are Ankush Das, B.Sc., 3rd Year from JNRM won the first position for his idea on ‘Seaweed Manufacturing’. The second position was secured by Ayan Das, BCA, 3rd Year and Ayush Singh, Botany, 3rd Year from JNRM for their idea on ‘Plant Selling Platform’ followed by G.S. Nikhil, MBA, 1st year from Pondicherry University, Andaman Campus for his idea on ‘Using Plastics to make bricks’. The consolation prizes for the Startup Pitching was won by Baisaki Das and Yasodha, 3rd Year Diploma in Computer Engineering from DBRAIT for their innovative idea for APP namely ‘Mamma’s Magic and S.R. Shraddha, Stenographer 1st Year from ITI, Dollygunj for her idea on ‘Sustainable Microalgae Superfood Revolution’. Under the best logo category, for the theme Sagarika Emporium, Souvik kr. Barua, an Entrepreneur was selected while C.H. Vinod, Entrepreneur was selected for the best promotional. Best Slogan for Sagarika Emporium was won by Vicky Bahadur, Entrepreneur. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33773-directorate-of-industries-declares-winners-of-startup-pitching-2025 ================ *Submarine Optical Fibre (OFC) to Undergo Temporary Shutdowns* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 24:* The general public, Departments of Andaman & Nicobar Administration and all other stakeholders of Andaman & Nicobar Islands have been informed that the Chennai–Sri Vijaya Puram link of the Chennai - A&N Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) shall undergo temporary shutdowns during night hours as part of the Software Upgradation Schedule for mTera Nodes from 26.02.2025 to 13.04.2025. The scheduled maintenance and temporary shutdown is planned during the night hours as per the schedule below: 1) Long Island - 26-Feb-25 Wednesday - 00:00 Hrs. to 06:00 Hrs. - Intermittent Disruption 2) Swaraj Dweep - 28-Feb-25 Friday - 00:00 Hrs. to 06:00 Hrs. - Intermittent Disruption 3) Rangat - 02-Mar-25 Sunday - 00:00 Hrs. to 06:00 Hrs. - Intermittent Disruption 4) Hut bay/ Little Andaman - 12-Mar-25 Wednesday - 00:00 Hrs. to 06:00 Hrs. - Intermittent Disruption 5) Car Nicobar - 19-Mar-25 Wednesday - 00:00 Hrs. to 06:00 Hrs. - Intermittent Disruption 6) Kamorta - 23-Mar-25 Sunday - 00:00 Hrs. to 06:00 Hrs. - Intermittent Disruption 7) Campbell Bay/Great Nicobar - 27-Mar-25 Thursday - 00:00 Hrs. to 06:00 Hrs. - Intermittent Disruption 8) Sri Vijaya Puram B - 02-Apr-25 Wednesday - 00:00 Hrs. to 06:00 Hrs. - Intermittent Disruption 9) Chennai - 06-Apr-25 Sunday - 00:00 Hrs. to 06:00 Hrs. - Intermittent Disruption 10) Sri Vijaya Puram A - 13-Apr-25 Sunday - 00:00 Hrs. to 06:00 Hrs. - Intermittent Disruption During the above-mentioned periods, the CANI-SMC service will experience intermittent disruptions up to 90 minutes. BSNL essential services (2G mobile and landline) will be maintained through satellite medium and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have been advised to make alternate arrangements to minimize the impact. These upgrades are critical to enhance service quality and reliability. The inconvenience to be caused during the period is regretted. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33772-submarine-optical-fibre-ofc-to-undergo-temporary-shutdowns ================ *Advisor, Animal Husbandry Statistics Division to Visit Isles* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 24:* Shri Jagat Hazarika, Advisor (Statistics), Animal Husbandry Statistics Division, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Govt. of India will be visiting A & N Islands from Feb. 25 to 27 to review the progress of the livestock enumeration. The 21st All India Livestock Census is underway throughout the country wherein data is being collected at household level on livestock population & breed statistics and uploaded in digital mode through a dedicated mobile based app. There are 551 Villages and 24 Wards in these Islands which are being enumerated by 53 enumerators working under the Supervision of 08 Supervisors since last 03 months. During the visit, the Advisor (Statistics) will be visiting different Wards and Villages and check the validity of the process. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33771-advisor-animal-husbandry-statistics-division-to-visit-isles =============== *2nd Edition of Startup Mahakumbh Scheduled in April* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 24:* The 2nd edition of Startup Mahakumbh is scheduled to take place from 3rd to 5th April, 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on theme ‘Startup India@2047- unfolding the Bharat Story’. The event is designed to celebrate and showcase the achievement of India's Startup ecosystem. Startup Mahakumbh 2025 will include sessions, exhibitors and capacity-building workshops tailored to foster innovation and entrepreneurship at the grassroots. The platform will also provide a unique opportunity for startup from the State/UT to engage with investors, policymakers and global players, driving inclusive growth and innovation. The interested Startups have been requested to contact Directorate of Industries, A&N Administration for further details on any working day between 9 AM & 5 PM. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33770-2nd-edition-of-startup-mahakumbh-scheduled-in-april =============== *Claims, Objections, Suggestions Invited for Grant-in-Aid to Cultural Organisations* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 24:* Under the provisions contained in ‘Andaman & Nicobar Islands Rules for Grant-in-aid to Local Cultural Organizations’, applications were invited from interested Local Cultural Organizations of A&N Islands, vide Press Release published in the Daily Telegrams on 28.06.2024 for financial assistance in the form of Grant in Aid to promote activities of Art & Culture, National Integration, Communal Harmony, Brotherhood. The Cultural Organizations were asked to submit their applications with the relevant details and supporting documents. In response, 15 cultural Organizations have submitted their applications. The documents submitted by cultural organizations were scrutinized by the Scrutiny Committee constituted vide Order No. 08 dated 26th February, 2015 based on provisions of ‘Andaman and Nicobar Islands Rules for Grant in Aid to Local Cultural Organizations’. The Committee after examining the details of activities undertaken by the cultural associations recommended for release of GIA @ Rs. 25000/- each to the following 14 Local Cultural Associations for the year 2024-25. 1) Andaman Sangeet Academy, Dairy Farm, Sri Vijaya Puram. 2) Unity Orchestra, Ograbraj, South Andaman. 3) Nrityalpana Dance Academy, Prem Nagar, Sri Vijaya Puram. 4) Aditya Natya Academy, Middle Point, Sri Vijaya Puram. 5) Kasheesh, House Opp: Old Central Excise Office, RGT Road, Sri Vijaya Puram. 6) Sur Saptak-A-Sangeet Academy, South Point, Sri Vijaya Puram. 7) Avinash, Social and Cultural Society, Aberdeen Village, Sri Vijaya Puram. 8) M.J.Music Academy, Loknath Colony, Opp. DBRAIT College, Sri Vijaya Puram. 9) Arpan Music Academy, Dollygunj, Sri Vijaya Puram. 10) Sarmistha Music Centre Group, Junglighat, Sri Vijaya Puram. 11) Friends Cultural Group, Pahargaon, Sri Vijaya Puram. 12) Anandodhara, Phoenix Bay, Sri Vijaya Puram. 13) Jhankar Dance Group, Chouldhari, South Andaman. 14) Baaulmon, Shadipur, Sri Vijaya Puram. In this connection, the Directorate of Art & Culture has invited claims, objections or suggestions, if any, against the said list, addressed to the Director (Art & Culture), Cellular Jail Complex, Atlanta Point, Sri Vijaya Puram, within a period of 7 days from the date of publication of this press release. The list of Cultural Organizations shall be finalized after consideration of the objections and suggestions, if any. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33769-claims-objections-suggestions-invited-for-grant-in-aid-to-cultural-organisations ================= *Heavy Rains with Thunderstorm & Lightning Likely Over A&N Islands* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 24:* Heavy rain (07-11 cm) accompanied with thunderstorm & lightning is likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands on Feb. 25. Thunderstorm with lightning is also likely to occur at one or two places over A&N Islands on Feb. 26. Squally weather with surface wind speed reaching 30-40 kmph gusting to 50 kmph is very likely over Andaman Sea & A&N Islands till Feb. 27. Sea condition is likely to be rough. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea along and off Andaman Sea & A&N Islands till Feb. 27. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33768-heavy-rains-with-thunderstorm-lightning-likely-over-a-n-islands ================ *Bob’s Banter by Robert Clements* *Musk Jr. In the White House..!* Ah, the White House! The seat of power and dignity. Where presidents pause before every syllable, where journalists cross their legs like they belong to a ballet troupe, and where historical furniture sits with the silent patience of a butler who has seen it all—until, of course, Elon Musk’s toddler son showed up! There he was, the child in all his toddler glory, setting new records in diplomatic decorum—none of them good. He spoke out of turn, interrupted important discussions, and let his tiny fingers explore the vast frontiers of his nostrils before generously wiping the results on a table that probably hosted the likes of Lincoln and Roosevelt. One can well imagine a horrified but silent Secret Service agent contemplating whether to dive in front of the historic table like it was a slow-moving bullet. Now, I’m all for the innocence of childhood. Who doesn’t love a cherubic little one with wide, curious eyes and a giggle that melts hearts? But there’s a fine line between ‘childish charm’ and ‘wrecking an entire room’s sense of decorum. Musk Jr. seemed to believe that the White House was merely an extension of his father’s empire—where anything goes, including chaos. But let’s not be too harsh on the little one. After all, is he really to blame? Toddlers, by nature, are tiny tyrants with the negotiation skills, as I’ve recently found, of a Modi-Trump meeting. They exist in a world where rules are howled out of existence and disciplining is a gross violation of their basic human rights. The real culprit, of course, is modern parenting. Once upon a time, a child in such a hallowed setting would be given ‘The Look’—that piercing parental gaze that could stop a tank mid-charge. But today’s tech-obsessed parents are too busy Facebooking their child’s every move to issue a good old-fashioned reprimand. Instead it must have been, “Oh wow, he just licked the Presidential Seal!” And sadly, we live in an era where ‘brashness’ is mistaken for ‘confidence.’ If the toddler had stood on the table and declared he was revolutionizing the furniture industry by smearing old furniture with the proceeds of his nose, half the room would have applauded. If he had interrupted world leaders to insist that all official documents be written in emoji, someone might have proposed a committee to explore the idea. So perhaps we should take this as a lesson. Not everything loud is leadership. Not every interruption is innovation. And not every toddler needs to be encouraged to think he’s the next big charmer when all he’s actually destroying is a priceless piece of American history. And if nothing else, maybe the White House should now consider equipping its meeting rooms with wet wipes, just in case such horrible episodes are going to be part of the new regime..! *[email protected]* https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/features/33767-musk-jr-in-the-white-house ================