The Mini India

In its latest National Electricity Plan (Vol. II - Transmission), the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has outlined a groundbreaking proposal: a 1,150 km undersea high-voltage power cable to link Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with Paradip in Odisha. Estimated to cost ?31,000 crore for the first phase, this ambitious project aims to establish a reliable power connection between the islands and the Indian mainland. The CEA report details a ±320 kV, 250 MW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link, using voltage source converter (VSC) technology. This connection, capable of scaling up to 500 MW, would be the first of its kind in India, connecting the remote islands to the mainland via an undersea cable. Power Scenario in ANI According to statistics released by CEA, Andaman & Nicobar Islands (ANI) had installed capacity of 92.71 MW coming from diesel generation sets. Of this, around 62 per cent was owned by the UT administration while the remaining 38 per cent wa...

TMI Bureau Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 23: When an employee receives a transfer order to the Southern or Northern group of islands, they prepare mentally for a specific tenure as outlined in the transfer policy. However, they often face numerous challenges, including the lack of accommodation, government quarters, guest houses, mess facilities, boat or ship services, and even reliable mobile connectivity-challenges that affect both male and more to female employees. In particular, police personnel, exhausted by their stressful duties and isolated from their families, are vulnerable to developing addictions, including alcoholism, which can negatively impact their lives. The prolonged and unjustified extension of postings in these remote islands leads to frustration, helplessness, and a decline in productivity, potentially causing depression. Despite completing their designated tenure, many employees find themselves trapped in these remote locations due to favoritism and influence, with...

Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct 09: On 08.10.2024, Lt. Governor, A&N Islands and Vice- Chairman, Islands Development Agency met Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, A&N Islands along with 09 other public representatives in Raj Niwas Conference Hall at Sri Vijaya Puram. Shri H.G.S Dhaliwal, IPS, DGP, A&N Police, Smt. Dilraj Kaur, IAS, Chief Secretary (i/c), Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (South Andaman) and Smt. Niharika Bhatt, IPS, SP (South Andaman) were also present. Hon'ble MP raised key issues for the Islands including PRI funds, healthcare improvement, road repairs, port & shipping infrastructure, LNG project, water crisis, Plan Board meeting, Central University and local job creation. Lt. Governor appraised the delegation about various tourism, hospitality and infrastructure projects such as International Container Transhipment Terminal, Future-ready Greenfield Airports with dual runway in Sri Vijaya Puram, Great Nicobar Islands, Deep water port ...

Sri Vijaya Puran, Sept 25: The Directorate of Health Services, in collaboration with the Directorate of Shipping Services, organized a Multi-Specialty Health Camp for the Andamanese Tribe aboard the newly launched hospital ship, MV Shompen, on September 23, 2024. The ship, inaugurated by Chief Secretary Shri Keshav Chandra on September 20, embarked on its maiden voyage to Strait Island. A medical team, including doctors, specialists, and support staff, provided comprehensive healthcare services to 20 tribal members, addressing issues like hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and skin infections. Vision tests were conducted, and 7 individuals were recommended glasses. Mental health counseling and a yoga session were also offered to promote well-being. After the camp, the ship sailed to Rangat Bay to transport four emergency referral cases, including myocardial infarction and stroke patients, to G.B. Pant Hospital. The medical team ensured their safe transfer, providing necess...

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 25: A campaign demanding greater respect for India's martyrs at the historic Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has gained momentum. The movement calls for the jail, a "National Memorial," to be declared a "National Pilgrimage Site." Activists are advocating for free entry to the light and sound show for island residents and a nominal fee of Rs.30 for outside tourists. The organizers argue that, just as the central and state governments provide free religious pilgrimages, similar provisions should be made for free visits to Cellular Jail, also known as "Kala Pani." Supporters emphasize the importance of including the jail's revolutionary history in school curricula. They believe that officially recognizing the site as a national pilgrimage location would be a fitting tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters who were imprisoned there. The campaign coincides with the birth anniversary of revolutionary marty...

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept 25: The 67th Police Constable Batch of the Andaman and Nicobar Police donated a substantial amount of Rs.57,000/- (Fifty-Seven Thousand Rupees Only) towards the treatment of a woman who was involved in a tragic accident at VIP Road near Police Line area, where she lost her elder daughter and her infant in the womb. Her treatment is currently underway at G.B. Pant Hospital in Sri Vijaya Puram, and she will be going to Chennai for further care. After speaking with her family members, they expressed, "You have come as divine beings and helped our family; God may bless you all." Whenever anyone is in trouble, this police batch is always ready to lend a helping hand. “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough” - they says.

  CONCEPT : "One Nation, One Election" is the need of the hour, which would facilitate accelerated development, thereby benefitting our countrymen. With such a system in place, all political parties, according to their respective ideologies, will be able to better utilize their energy towards development and public welfare," - Ram Nath Kovind, Ex-Hon'ble President of India. WHY IN NEWS : Recently, the Indian Cabinet approved the "One Nation, One Election" Kovind Committee report, which is expected to be introduced in the next parliamentary session. The Prime Minister of India has also reignited the debate, emphasizing the benefits of simultaneous elections during the 80th All India Presiding Officers Conference, held in Kevadiya, Gujarat, on Constitution Day (November 26, 2020). During his address, he called for a single voter list for all polls and urged presiding officers to simplify legal language and eliminate redundant laws. THE CONCEPT EXPLAINED : The...

Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 18: While the BJP in Andaman and Nicobar Islands welcomed the decision to rename Port Blair as Sri Vijaya Puram, calling it much-needed, the Congress said the opinion of locals should have been taken. Port Blair, the capital city of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was renamed Sri Vijaya Puram. Andaman and Nicobar MP Bishnu Pada Ray of the BJP told PTI, "It was a much-needed decision as the name Port Blair used to remind us of slavery during the British rule." Andaman and Nicobar Territorial Congress's campaign committee chairman TSG Bhasker said it was unfortunate that the central government didn't bother to discuss the matter with the people of the island. "They should have taken public opinion before renaming it. I strongly oppose the move," he said, dubbing it a "meaningless decision". People of the city expressed mixed reactions over the name change. While some welcomed it, others called it ab...