The Mini India

Port Blair, Apr. 18: All arrangements have been completed by the Election Machinery for the Lok Sabha Poll -2024 in A&N Islands. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands Parliamentary Constituency is going to Polls in the first phase of Election and Polling will be held from 7 am to 6 pm tomorrow (April 19), informed the Chief Electoral Officer, A&N Islands Parliamentary Constituency, Shri B. S. Jaglan, IAS while interacting with the media persons in the conference hall of Secretariat here today. The CEO also appealed to all the eligible voters to participate in the democratic process celebrating the ‘Election Festival’ with the tagline ‘Chunav Ka Parv- Desh Ka Garv’.    Giving details of the arrangements made for the conduct of poll tomorrow (April 19), the CEO informed that the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Parliamentary Constituency covers 3 districts and 9 Tehsils with Polling Stations spread over Urban and Rural areas. The important components/aspects for the smooth conduct o

TMI Bureau Port Blair, April 17: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made all possible efforts and arrangements to achieve 100% voter participation in the forthcoming General Election - 2024 of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Parliamentary Constituency, which is going to be held on April 19, 2024. Under the supervision of the ECI, awareness campaigns have been conducted, online mobile applications launched, electoral helpline numbers activated, bike rallies organized, interactions held with new voters in various educational institutions, and the Polling Day declared as a Paid Holiday. Additionally, efforts have been made to reach the outreach islands, initiate Special Voter Discounts on Food Bills in a few Restaurants and Hotels, facilitate Free Pick-up and drop facility for Senior Citizens & Divyangjans, arrange suitable ramps and wheelchairs at polling stations, and provide other basic facilities to ensure voter convenience and comfort at all polling stations. Similarly, eli

TMI Bureau Port Blair, April 17: The elections for India's lower house of parliament, the Lok Sabha, constitute the largest exercise in democracy globally. As India's population has surged, organizing the vote has evolved into a vast logistical operation, costing crores of rupees. In the bustling landscape of Indian democracy, the power of the vote serves as the cornerstone of citizen participation and governance. With a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions, India's democratic system thrives on the diversity of its people, all coming together to exercise their right to vote. Indeed, casting one's vote transcends mere civic duty; it embodies the essence of democracy itself. However, the election schedule has been announced by the Election Commission of India. Accordingly, the General Election - 2024 for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Parliamentary Constituency will be held in a single phase on 19.04.2024 (Friday) from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm. Twelve (

TMI Correspondent Port Blair, Apr. 10: The CEO of ANIPC informed that ANIPC covers 3 districts and 9 tehsils with Polling Stations spread over Urban and Rural areas. He said, during the conduct of Elections, there are 4 to 5 important Components/aspects, namely, Electoral Roll, Manpower requirement, EVMs, transportation of men and material to the Polling Stations, and Communication Network Plan. He stated that all these arrangements have been completed by the Election Department and Office of the Returning Officer, said the Chief Electoral Officer, Andaman & Nicobar Islands Parliamentary Constituency, Shri B.S. Jaglan, IAS while interacting with the media persons during a press conference held in the Mini Conference hall of Secretariat today evening. The CEO informed about the Electoral Roll and Polling Stations for the General Election 2024 as of March 27, 2024, detailed as per Sheet - 1. In addition, the CEO said that there are 9 Polling Stations which will be managed by wome

Port Blair, Apr. 3: The Election Commission of India conducted an Inter-State Border Meeting with the Chief Secretaries, Director Generals of Police (DGPs), Principal Secretaries (Home), Principal Secretaries (Excise) of all States / UTs, DG (BSF), DG (SSB), DG (ITBP), DG (Assam Rifles), DG (Coast Guard) and State Police Nodal Officers (SPNOs) of all States and UTs today in Virtual Mode in view of the General Elections to Lok Sabha - 2024 The Commission reviewed the Election preparedness and Law & Order situation in the UT and in the bordering areas of poll going States / UTs, steps taken to keep a vigil on Inter-State border movement, prevention/detention of anti-social elements, plan for surveillance and sealing of entry & exit points and porous inter - state borders, declaration of Dry Day & Paid Holiday etc. The Commission also reviewed the situation at International Border with poll going States. Further, the Commission also reviewed the action taken by enforcement

Port Blair, Apr. 3: With a steadfast commitment to preserving the sanctity and fairness of the democratic process and to combat the potential misuse of Short Message Services (SMSs) and various social media platforms during elections, a dedicated WhatsApp number '9531856083' has been made available to the public by A & N Police, in consonance with the direction of Election Commission of India (ECI). Citizens are strongly urged to promptly report any instances of objectionable messages, providing essential details such as the sender's number etc. to this specialized platform. Any such malicious online activity may lead to prosecution of offenders. Upon receipt of reports, the Andaman & Nicobar Police will initiate a thorough investigation, leveraging the full extent of legal provisions outlined in the Indian Penal Code, Representation of the People Act, 1951, Information Technology Act-2000, Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, and various directives issued by the El

Port Blair, Apr. 3: Under the supervision of Commandant (IRBn), Ms. Shweta K Sugathan, IPS, the Indian Reserve Battalion, A&N Police organized a 'Bullet Rally' aimed at promoting voter awareness and participation in the upcoming elections. Led by the Deputy Commandant, Shri Naveen Kumar, the rally commenced from the IRBn Headquarters at Port Mout and traversed through several villages and areas, culminating at Wandoor, which includes Mithakhari, Namunaghar, Shaitankhari, Ferrargunj, Ograbraj, Chouldhari, Sippighat, Nayashaher, Guptapara, Manglutan etc. engaging with communities and spreading awareness about the significance of exercising the right to vote. The rally, characterized by the thunderous roar of engines, witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 100 IRBn personnel, who rode on 50 bullet motorcycles for about 75 Kilometres approx. Adorned with vibrant banners inscribed with motivational messages such as 'Each Vote Counts, Let's Vote on April 19' th

Port Blair, Mar. 20: A joint mock exercise on earthquake and fire incident was conducted in at   ISTRAC, Dollygunj, Port Blair today in coordination with the Directorate of Disaster Management, A&N Police, A&N Fire & Emergency Services, Directorate of Health Services and District Administration by creating real time earthquake and fire simulation scenarios and tested the preparedness level and response system of CISF Team of ISTRAC and also observed safe evacuation, search & rescue and fire extinguish operations, first aid along with medical support to manage the fire incident scenario in the ISTRAC. Immediately, on the receipt of information of earthquake and fire incident, the Asst. Commandant, CISF, ISTRAC triggered their response mechanism to tackle the emergency situation at ISTRAC and informed the same to ERSS, SEOC, Fire & Health Control Rooms etc. Meanwhile, the officials and CISF were activated to manage the earthquake disaster and douse the fire. All off

Port Blair, Mar 13: This weekly published a news item titled "Hiding the reality from our own eyes is nothing but entirely befooling ourselves; a single cheap idea could destroy any nation: Frustrated Citizens" on Feb 29, 2024 edition, detailing the need for road maintenance from Junglighat to Dairy Farm Ganesh Temple via Vijay Baugh Road. Finally, recognizing it as the genuine need of the hour, proper materials and bitumen were unloaded at Dairy Farm on Mar 01, 2024. Measurements were taken on Mar 11 and 12, 2024, and road construction began on late Mar 13, 2024. The road work is being carried out by M/s Group Engineers Corporation, a well-known firm in the city. Hopefully, the quality of road construction will not be compromised and will last for many years.

TMI Bureau Port Blair, Mar 13: The forthcoming Lok Sabha Election - 2024 is poised to be a challenging one, amid controversial backstage statements from various political parties, viral hashtags, old unfulfilled promises, and internal power struggles within political parties. According to sources from national and local political parties that have declared their candidates for the Lok Sabha Election-2024 from the Andaman and Nicobar Constituency, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray has been declared as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, Shri D Ayyappan as the Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI (M) candidate, Shri VK Abdul Aziz as the Andaman Nicobar Janta Party (ANJP) candidate, and Shri Manoj Paul as the Andaman Nicobar Democratic Congress (ANDC) candidate. On the other hand, the Indian National Congress is still deliberating on its candidate and is yet to make an announcement. According to social media posts, Shri Srinath Vashist, from a news media background, is likely to contes

Port Blair, Mar 06: A complaint received recently from Asst Electoral Officer/Tehsildar, Port Blair, raised concerns about unauthorized deletions in the Electoral Roll via online voter helpline apps. An investigation ensued, revealing false information and resulting in FIR by Andaman and Nicobar Police. Addressing a press conference in this regard, the Superintend of Police of South Andaman, Niharika Bhatt, IPS said that On 22/02/24, a complaint letter from Asst Electoral officer/Tehsildar, Port Blair addressed to the SHO, PS Aberdeen was received against unknown persons for filling in for deletions of various names listed in the Electoral Roll through online voter's helpline apps. It was submitted in complaint that during the door to door survey conducted by BLOS for preparation of Electoral Roll, all persons whose name mentioned for deletion in Electoral Rolls through online mode were found alive and residing in the same part. She added that on the basis of the complaint, a p

TMI Correspondent Port Blair, Feb 28: The roads in Port Blair city have deteriorated significantly. Local newspapers and digital media channels have brought this issue to light through their publications and broadcasts over the past few years. However, the authorities have not taken any action or made efforts towards road maintenance. As a result, the city roads have gone from bad to worse, leaving citizens frustrated with the careless governance. One notable example being the road from Junglighat to Dairy Farm Ganesh Temple via Vijay Baugh Road, which has become extremely bumpy and uneven due to the negligence of the road-making authorities. The Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC) typically addresses road issues by employing temporary solutions like leveling with mud and other inadequate materials, instead of using proper bitumen and metal chips. As a result, residents along the route are constantly exposed to dust inhalation, sometimes getting into the eyes of motorists leading t

Port Blair, Feb 28: The Andaman and Nicobar Police took a significant step towards strengthening cyber awareness and accessibility to law enforcement services by launching two groundbreaking initiatives: "Cyber Suraksha Sankalp Mission" and "Case Information SMS Service". To commence the event, Sh. Sanjay Kumar Tyagi, IPS, DIGP (Intl.), A&N Islands, extended a warm welcome to all the guests and participants. He delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of cyber security and the initiatives being undertaken for the benefit of citizens in the A&N Islands. During the event, Sh. Keshav Chandra, IAS, Chief Secretary, A&N Islands, alongside Sh. Devesh Chandra Srivastva, DGP, A&N Islands, and senior officers from A&N Administration, Andaman Nicobar Command, and Police, graced the occasion at Tagore Auditorium, Middle Point, Port Blair. Further during this event the Case Information SMS Service as well as the Cyber Suraksha Sankalp Mission

  Port Blair, Feb 21: Hon'ble President of India Smt.DroupadiMurmu, on 21 Feb 2024 witnessed a Joint Services Operational Demonstration at Radhanagar beach onSwarajDweep Islandon the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The integral combat platforms and forces of the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) demonstrated multi-dimensional operational capabilities, including an amphibious landing. The Hon'ble Presidentwas briefed by Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM, on the operational capabilities and state of readiness of the Command'sassets, highlighting the integrated application of combat power of the nation's only Joint Services Command. The demonstration highlighted the synergy, cooperation and interoperability between the services for achieving desired outcomes. The operational demonstration featured various joint operation facets, including Combat Free Fall (CFF) and helocasting by the Marine Commandoes (MARCOS

In recent times, the discourse surrounding prison reform has gained momentum, emphasizing the transformation of correctional facilities into true centers for rehabilitation. The shift from mere incarceration to a more holistic approach recognizes the potential for positive change in the lives of inmates. However, a critical component of this reform seems to be overlooked - the state of library facilities within correctional institutions. The importance of a well-maintained library cannot be overstated, as it serves as a guiding light for intellectual and personal development for those behind bars. A concerned citizen recently brought attention to the state of the library facilities at District Jail Prothrapur, revealing a distressing picture of neglect and inadequacy. The library, intended to be a source of knowledge, skill development, and a connection to the outside world, is reportedly suffering from inadequate maintenance and a significant absence of newspapers, magazines, and bo

TMI Correspondent Port Blair, Feb. 14: Andaman and Nicobar Islands topped the country in distributing maximum number of appointment letters in the first and third round of 'Rozgar Mela' (employment fair) held on September 26, 2023 and on Monday (February 12, 2024). The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Monday (Feb. 12, 2024) distributed nearly one lakh appointment letters to newly recruited individuals under the 'Rozgar Mela' through video conferencing across 47 locations. "And, out of all the 47 locations, Andaman and Nicobar Islands has managed to elbow other states and UTs in securing the top position in distributing maximum number of appointment letters in the first (865 joining letters) and third (2,721 joining letters) round of 'Rozgar Mela'," C Arvind, Secretary (Personnel), Andaman and Nicobar Islands, told agencies. The archipelago stood third (in terms of distributing appointment letters to the newly recruited individuals) in the s

  TMI Correspondent Port Blair, Feb. 14: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) recently launched its 65th Toyota Technical Education Program (T-TEP) in India, marking its 1st in Andaman at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Pahargaon, Port Blair on 09/02/2024. This initiative aims to enrich students' skill sets, thereby bolstering their employability through unique training initiatives like T-TEP and the Scholarship program for Technical Education and Recognition (STAR) under T-TEP. The event saw the presence of notable figures including Mr. Utpal Sharma, Principal of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Port Blair, Mr. Masakazu Yoshimura (MD and CEO, Toyota Kirloskar Motor), Mr. Vikram Gulati (Country Head and Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Governance), Mr. Arun G Nair (Project Vice President, SBU East, TKM), and Mr. Sagar Khurana (Dealer Principal, Prince Toyota, Port Blair, Andaman). TKM's flagship programs like Toyota Technical Training Institu

  TMI Correspondent Port Blair, Feb. 07: As a result of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's commitment and announcement of the "Rozgar Mela," a drive to recruit 10 lakh personnel in government and PSUs, all Ministries and Departments are working towards filling existing vacancies against sanctioned posts in Mission Mode. For expeditious recruitment, selection processes have also been simplified and made tech-enabled. This provides a golden opportunity for every unemployed youth in our country to secure a government job. In the A&N Islands too, eligible unemployed youths seized this opportunity as a godsend after COVID-19 despite the age-barring situation. Accordingly, many in these islands secured government jobs during the Rozgar Mela, with full credit going to the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. However, the officials responsible for conducting recruitment, examinations, and issuing appointment orders must do so with clean hands. Otherwise, dese