*::: 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* 01.03.2025 *EDITOR: DENIS GILES* --------------------------- *Indian Army Successfully Apprehends 10 Foreign Intruders in a Joint Search Operation Near Barren Island* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 28:* In a decisive and meticulously coordinated search operation, troops of Army component alongwith other services under the aegis of Andaman and Nicobar Command, successfully apprehended 10 Foreign Intruders involved in illegal harvesting of sea cucumbers near Barren Island, a remote and strategically significant region approximately 262 km east of Sri Vijaya Puram. Sources inform that acting on credible intelligence input regarding potential unauthorized intrusions, a joint search team was launched on 11 February 2025. The troops of Army Component embarked on an Indian Naval Ship, were tasked for patrolling multiple islands to detect and prevent illicit activities. After two days of relentless surveillance, the team advanced towards Barren Island on 13 February 2025, where they identified a suspicious boat anchored near the coastline. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the troops of Army Component took the lead in formulating and executing a precision-based tactical maneuver to prevent the suspects from evading capture. With complete disregard to personal safety, the troops swiftly advanced using gemini boats to seal of all possible escape routes even during rough sea conditions. Demonstrating exceptional situational awareness and tactical acumen, the Army search party moved aggressively towards the boat with stealth and its second team displayed outstanding courage by advancing towards two intruders on the shoreline facilitating their capture before they could escape into the dense terrain. With expert coordination, integration and swift execution, the Army personnel successfully apprehended all the 10 foreign intruders including eight onboard the boat and two onshore, before they could flee or destroy evidence of their illegal activities. A through search of the boat revealed large storage drums filled with sea cucumber, a marine species protected under the Wildlife. Protection Act, 1972 amounting to approximately 600 kg of sea cucumbers. Following standard protocol, the detained individuals were handed over to law enforcement authorities for further legal action. This operation underscores the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national security and protecting India’s marine biodiversity. Such challenges, particularly in the Andaman and Nicobar region, where illegal poaching and intrusions threatens the delicate ecological balance, the gallant actions of the Army troops, in synergy with other services of the command, ensures securing of India’s maritime frontiers with all round vigilance. This high-risk, high-impact joint operation stands as a testament to the courage, professionalism and operational excellence of the Indian Army personnel, who executed their mission with precision, determination, and an unyielding spirit of service to the nation. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33830-indian-army-successfully-apprehends-10-foreign-intruders-in-a-joint-search-operation-near-barren-island =============== *First Phase of ‘Desh ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyaan’ Successfully Completed by AYUSH Wing of DHS* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 28:* In A & N Islands, the first phase of ‘Desh ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyaan’ (DKPP) has been successfully completed by AYUSH Wing of DHS and ANSAS, National AYUSH Mission. Prakriti Assessment Camps were conducted at various Offices, Colleges, Schools and Institutions (i.e. Health, Municipal, Secretariat, Transport, A & N Police, CRPF & CISF Unit, APWD, Van Sadan, Banks, Police Training School, ANIIMS, School of Nursing, CRU-CCRH, ICAR-CIARI, DBRAIT, ANCOL, JNRM, etc). The ‘Prakriti Assessment was done and Prakriti Certificates along with personalized advices were provided to people through various AYUSH Units functioning under Health Department across the Islands. The campaign was implemented in UT under the guidance of Dr. Anil Agarwal, Secretary (Health) and Dr. Suja Antony, Director of Health Services. At the end of first phase of campaign, the per Doctor Strike rate of Prakriti Assessments in UT of A & N Islands stood highest among the States and UTs of the country. The Ministry of AYUSH has congratulated the UT AYUSH team for the achievement and has awarded the Trophy and the Certificate of Appreciation during the valedictory function and award distribution ceremony held at Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, NCPA Nariman Point, Mumbai on 20.02.2025. The valedictory function was graced by Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of AYUSH, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Maharashtra's Health Minister, Shri Prakash Abitkar as distinguished guests. Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, Padmashri Dr. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Chairman of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), Shri Vaidya Jayant Devpujari were also present on the occasion. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav highlighted the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to the development of all Ayush healthcare systems. He detailed the various steps being taken to expand Ayurveda and Ayush practices, praising the dedication and hard work of every individual in the Ayurveda sector who contributed to the campaign’s success. Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, Padmashri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, stated that under the guidance of the Ayush Minister, the Ministry has set six Guinness book of world records in just two months, which is an achievement in itself. He expressed confidence that under the Minister's leadership, the Ministry of Ayush will reach new heights of progress. Dr. Kalyan P. Kadbhane, DD, AYUSH and Dr. Rekha, Panchakarma Specialist (NAM) received the award from Minister of Ayush, GoI for achieving the exceptional targets by UT & A & N Islands under DKPP Campaign. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33829-first-phase-of-desh-ka-prakriti-parikshan-abhiyaan-successfully-completed-by-ayush-wing-of-dhs =============== *Youth Ambassador Training Programme Successfully Concluded in Wandoor* *Wandoor, Feb 28:* Dakshin Foundation (ANET) organised a graduation ceremony for the Youth Ambassadors, marking the completion of a 10-month-long capacity-building program aimed at empowering young women to lead change in their community on solid waste management (SWM) and sustainable menstruation. The Youth Ambassador training programme, launched by Dakshin Foundation with the support of PwC India Foundation in April 2024, selected eight young women from different wards of Wandoor gram panchayat and built their knowledge on topics ranging from ecosystems and communities of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, functioning of Panchayati Raj System, solid waste management, sustainable menstruation, etc. The training also focused on building up the skills of the youth for resource mapping, field research and survey methods, photography, theatre and community engagement. Since June 2024, these Youth Ambassadors have conducted over 50 community awareness sessions on solid waste management, led 17 clean up drives mobilising youth around Wandoor and have sensitised more than 400 people on solid waste management. They have introduced sustainable menstrual products to over 450 women and girls in Wandoor GP. Through the regular peer-support and troubleshooting by the team, 250 women have started using sustainable menstrual products. The Youth Ambassadors have used innovative ways to engage with the community, performed streetplays, and worked closely with the Gram Panchayat and Forest Department to drive positive change in their village. Ms. Lalita Tigga (BDO, Ferrargunj), Mr. Adhir Das (Pradhan, Wandoor Gram Panchayat), Mr. Durlav Das (Pradhan, Guptapara Gram Panchayat), Mr. Mohammed Hussain (Forester, MGMNP), Ms. Madhuri Mondal (Sr. Programme Officer, Dakshin/ANET) and other PRI members of Wandoor were present at the occasion and handed the Youth Ambassadors their training completion certificates. The event also honoured the memory of Prahlad Tete, a sanitation worker at Wandoor Gram Panchayat who passed away last year. Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Lalita Tigga highlighted the importance of youth participation in driving changes in the village and community-led action. She also stressed the need to take actions towards making Wandoor a zero waste panchayat. Mr. Adhir Das, Pradhan, Wandoor Gram Panchayat appreciated the dedication and the hard work the Youth Ambassadors have shown in working towards the betterment of their village. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33828-youth-ambassador-training-programme-successfully-concluded-in-wandoor ================ *Passing Out Ceremony of the 52nd Batch of Forest Guards Held at Forest Training Institute* *Wimberlygunj, Feb. 28:* The Passing Out Ceremony of the 52nd Batch of Forest Guards of Department of Environment & Forests was held today at Forest Training Institute, Wimberlygunj. The ceremony marked the end of the six-month basic forestry training imparted to 19 newly recruited Forest Guards. Shri Sanjay Kumar Sinha, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden, A&N Islands as the chief guest, took the Guard of Honour from the trainees during the passing-out parade and gave away the medals and course completion certificates to them. In his convocation address, the PCCF-cum-Chief Wildlife Warden expressed his satisfaction on the passing out of 52nd Batch of Forest Guards of the Department and exhorted them to devote themselves to their duties with all sincerity, honesty and professional competence at their command for the protection and conservation of the rich natural resources in the forests of the Islands. He also reminded them to always update themselves with the new technologies and development in forestry and allied fields. Shri Ravi Horo, IFS, Addl. PCCF (Planning & Development) who was the guest of honour, highlighted the role of Forest Guards and asked them to become the real mirrors of the Department and advised them to work with proper coordination among PRIs and general public. Dr. S. Dinesh Kannan, IFS, CCF (Research & Working Plan)-cum-Chairperson, Forest Training Institute welcomed the gathering. Many senior officers from Forest Department and other line Departments, scientific institutions along with local PRI members, local Head of Office, parents & family members of the trainees also attended the function. Later, Shri A C Tilak, Director of the Forest Training Institute, presented the course report and result of the batch. Smti Indu Nikhil, Forest Guard received the Topper’s Gold Medal from the chief guest for the overall performance both in theory as well as practical sessions of the six months long training course. Of the four silver medals awarded, Smti Indu Nikhil, Forest Guard received two medals each in ‘Biodiversity Conservation’, and ‘Field Management’. Shri Sagar Munda, Forest Guard bagged the Silver Medal in ‘Forest Survey & Engineering’ while Ms Nikita Haldar, Forest Guard bagged the Silver Medal for ‘Forestry’. Silver Medals in Marathon race for men and women category were secured by Shri M. Subramaniam and Smt. Kaberi Das respectively. The function concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Shri Raju Rathour, Instructor of FTI. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33827-passing-out-ceremony-of-the-52nd-batch-of-forest-guards-held-at-forest-training-institute ============== *Congress Leadership Engages with Grassroot Workers in Little Andaman* *Hut Bay, Feb 28:* The AICC Joint Secretary & Incharge (A & N Islands), Dr. Palak Verma, along with ANTCC President Shri Rangalal Halder, Mahila Congress State President, Smt. Zubaida Begum, and Youth Leader Shri Abhi Bhusan Ghosh recently visited Little Andaman to strengthen grassroots connections and address local concerns. During the visit, the leadership held a series of meetings across various panchayats, including Hutbay Panchayat, Netaji Nagar Panchayat, Harminder Bay Panchayat (Tribal Area), R.K Pur Panchayat, V.K Pur Panchayat, and Rabindra Nagar Panchayat. The initiative aimed at directly engaging with grassroots workers, understanding their challenges, and formulating effective solutions to improve their well-being. The meetings primarily focused on empowering local communities, encouraged solidarity with the Congress Party, and mobilized support to fight for the rights and development that the people of Little Andaman deserve. The leadership assured villagers that their voices would be heard and that the Congress Party remains committed to advocating for their needs at every level. The entire program was meticulously coordinated and organized by Youth Leader Shri Abhi Bhusan Ghosh, ensured smooth execution and impactful interactions with the local populace. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33826-congress-leadership-engages-with-grassroot-workers-in-little-andaman ================ *Two-Day Science Academic Lecture Workshop by ZSI Culminates* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 28:* The Valedictory Function of the Science Academies Lecture Workshop on Recent Advances in Biodiversity of Andaman and Nicobar Islands held during 27th – 28th February 2025 concluded at Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). The event marked the successful conclusion of an enriching workshop that brought together students, researchers, and experts to discuss advancements in biodiversity and conservation. Shri. G. Balachandran, IAS (Retd.), Former Secretary, Government of India was the Chief Guest; Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, A & N Islands; Prof. (Dr.) M. Sanjappa, Former Director, Botanical Survey of India & INSA Senior Scientist, Bengaluru; Prof. (Dr.) K.R. Shivanna, Former Head, Department of Botany, University of Delhi, INSA Honorary Scientist as special guests. Shri. G. Balachandran, IAS (Retd.) expressed admiration for the organizer who ensures that no talent or knowledge goes unnoticed or unutilized. He praised his efforts in integrating people from all walks of life from bright young school children to doctoral researchers, and from arts colleges to law colleges into the cause of environmental awareness. Dr. E.B. Chakurkar, Director, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, A&N Islands expressed gratitude for the opportunity to attend biodiversity-related events. He acknowledged the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) as key institution for biodiversity research and conservation. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach in studying ecosystems, rather than looking at isolated components. Prof. M. Sanjappa, highly appreciated the enthusiasm and engagement of all participants in this two-day lecture workshop. He also appreciated the organizers for their exceptional efforts in organizing this workshop. He noted that during the session many points and insightful questions were raised, particularly by those who had thoroughly understood the lectures. He encouraged participants to review the presentations by the speakers and reach out through email for further clarification and discussions on any topic. Prof. K.R. Shivanna, expressed his happiness at being invited to this event and delivering two insightful lectures. He appreciated the active participation from students, particularly those who engaged with the speakers by asking meaningful questions. He extended his best wishes to all participants, not only for their academic examinations but also for their professional careers. He emphasized that success is closely tied to passion, stating "Unless you love what you do, you cannot perform at your best. Dr. C. Sivaperuman, Scientist-F & Officer-in-Charge welcomed the gathering and briefed about the activities and achievements of Zoological Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre. The Chief Guest and Special Guests distributed the certificate to the participants and the programme ended with vote thanks. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33825-two-day-science-academic-lecture-workshop-by-zsi-culminates =============== *Science Centre Celebrates National Science Day 2025* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 28:* The Science Centre, Sri Vijaya Puram celebrated National Science Day in the memory of Raman Effect discovered by Sir C.V. Raman today in a befitting manner in its premises. The theme for this year’s celebration was ‘Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat’. To mark the day, various competitions were conducted to inculcate and foster knowledge and awareness of Science among the school students. Around 682 students from different schools of Sri Vijaya Puram participated in the events. Dr. Jatinder Sohal, Director, Science & Technology, A & N Administration graced the function as chief guest and gave away the trophies & certificates to the students for various competitions held during the Science Week. Addressing the gathering, the chief guest lauded the efforts of Science Centre for conducting a number of innovative educational programme which will certainly create scientific temperament among the students. Shri Debashis Paul, Education Officer, Science Centre in his welcome address said that Science Centre is a right place for every student for developing their scientific temper as this centre is having a number of attractive science exhibits & many attractive programmes. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33824-science-centre-celebrates-national-science-day-2025 ============== *Department of AH&VS Distributes Chicks and Ducklings to Farmers in Tourist Destinations* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 28:* With the aim to promote poultry keeping for income generation and sustainable livelihood, the Department of AH&VS provides hands on training and inputs to the farmers/unemployed youth/ women candidate through the Departmental farms established in different parts of the Islands. Duck keeping, and vanraja birds have been promoted as backyard poultry due to low cost of production and their ability to thrive in free range condition. The dual purpose breed of poultry vanraja birds and ducks are known for their egg production as well as meat and therefore, gained popularity among the rural farmers. It is a source of livelihood while it contributes the protein requirement in nutrition. As part of efforts to encourage sustainable livelihood through Animal Husbandry, in tourist destinations, the Department distributed 200 Nos. of day old Vanaraja chicks, 100 Nos. of Nicobari chicks, 400 Nos. of ducklings and 200 Nos. of day old Japanese quail chicks at Shaheed Dweep today. Similarly, 1400 Nos. day old Vanaraja chicks and 300 Nos. day old ducklings too were distributed at Swaraj Dweep. A total of 54 farmers were benefitted. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33823-department-of-ah-vs-distributes-chicks-and-ducklings-to-farmers-in-tourist-destinations ================ *ANFA to Conduct Women’s Football* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 28:* The Andaman and Nicobar Football Association will be conducting a women's football on the occasion of AFC Women's Football Day on 8th March 2025, 02pm onwards at JNRM Football Ground, Entry Free, All the interested women's teams are requested to confirm their willingness before 06/03/2025 at the given below Cell No- 9476079195, 9933212308, 9434286633. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33822-anfa-to-conduct-women-s-football ================ *Chuglam to Sail for Campbell Bay on March 6* *Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb. 28:* The Cargo Vessel MV Chuglam will sail for Campbell Bay via Car Nicobar, Chowra, Teressa, Katchal & Nancowry on March 6, 2025 at 1600 hrs from Haddo/Chatham Jetty and will sail for Sri Vijaya Puram immediately after discharging/loading of Cargo at respective ports. Booking of cargo for the above sailing will commence from 01.03.2025 onwards between 0900 hrs & 1200 hrs at Commercial Wing. Loading of cargo will commence from 04.03.2024 onwards. All the consigners have been requested to adhere to the loading schedule in order to maintain the sailing as promulgated. All the consigners are further advised to book actual quantity of cargo to be transshipped, as no excess cargo will be allowed. https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/33821-chuglam-to-sail-for-campbell-bay-on-march-6 ================= *Bob’s Banter by Robert Clements* *A Partnership Forged in Sweat…!* Something I remember so well in my days as a businessman was that whenever a business challenge arose, my exercising increased, be it jogging or lifting weights! I believed that to achieve my targets or beat the competition I needed to keep myself as fit as a gladiator sparring before his final bout in the arena. I have always believed that success and exercise are like an old married couple who may not always like each other but cannot live apart. They thrive together, feed off each other, and when they do part ways, disaster follows. Let’s be honest—show me a successful person, and I’ll show you someone who, at some point, has embraced sweat, struggle, and an irrational fascination with running shoes. Oh yes, success needs exercise like a car needs fuel or like a politician needs an audience. You may not like it, but there it is. And when you ignore this sacred partnership, the results are just as predictable as watching a toddler knock a glass off the table. Failure, depression, and long, unproductive hours in bed come marching in like unwanted guests at a party. Success, you see, has a funny way of favoring the ones who get up and move. It’s partial to those who understand that energy begets energy. The ones who put on those running shoes, drag themselves out of bed, and conquer at least one thing before breakfast—whether it’s a mile, a set of push-ups, or simply the act of standing upright before noon. These are the folks who get things done. They push themselves physically, and in return, success pushes them forward in life. Meanwhile, those who avoid exercise also slowly tend to avoid ambition. Because sooner or later they will hit the snooze button on both their alarm clock and their dreams. Their muscles weaken, their minds fog, and their motivation evaporates faster than free Wi-Fi at a Starbucks coffee shop. They wonder why nothing works out for them, not realizing that the only thing they’ve lifted in months is a fork. History tells us that greatness and activity go hand in hand. Churchill, despite his love for cigars, still made it a point to stay active. Elon Musk is known for pushing physical endurance. Even Einstein, with his wild hair and spacey gaze, insisted on long walks to clear the mind. They knew something many of us refuse to acknowledge: The body fuels the mind. Stagnation is the enemy of progress. So here’s my challenge to you. The next time you feel stuck, before blaming fate, luck, or the universe—move. Walk, run, stretch, jump, do something. Because success is not just a matter of intelligence, opportunity, or talent. It is also about momentum. Keep moving, and you’ll see. Success and exercise? They’re not just partners; they’re soulmates. And when they work together, believe you me the sky’s the limit…! *[email protected]* https://andamanchronicle.net/index.php/features/33820-a-partnership-forged-in-sweat ================