The Mini India

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...

  New Delhi, Sept 04: The Smart Cities Mission (SCM), which was launched to enhance the quality of life in urban spaces, has completed more than 90% of the total projects. The remaining 10% of the projects which are at the implementation stage have been delayed due to legal issues, delays in obtaining clearances from different departments, land acquisition challenges, construction in hilly areas, and challenges in vendor and resource availability in small and medium cities, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has said. The SCM was launched on June 25, 2015, aimed at enhancing the quality of life in 100 selected cities by providing efficient services, robust infrastructure, and a sustainable environment. Following multiple requests from State governments and Members of Parliament, the mission period was extended to March 31, 2025, to complete the ongoing projects. The mission aimed to address the diverse needs of residents and create dynamic urban spaces that evolve to m...

Port Blair, Aug 24: In a gesture of appreciation, members of the local print media today honored Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Member of Parliament, at a modest function held in the Media Room at the Government Press, South Point. During the event, Mr. Ray attentively listened to the issues raised by representatives of the local media. He assured them that he would advocate for their concerns at the highest levels. Emphasizing the critical role of a free press in societal progress, Mr. Ray pledged to bring their issues and grievances to the attention of the top officials of the Union Territory (UT) administration and to raise these matters in Parliament. He stressed that the media serves as a crucial voice for society and that its concerns should be acknowledged and addressed by the UT administration and its various departments. Mr. Ray underscored the importance of resolving the grievances of the print media in a manner that aligns with their interests. Expressing dissatisfaction wit...

Port Blair, Aug 28: On 19/08/2024, based on an intelligence input, a team comprising of Inspector Girish Kumar, SHO PS Crime & Economic Offence (CID), SI Shaji Mathew, ASI Mohd. Rafique, HC/ K. Venkateshwar Rao, HC/ Sanjay Kujur, PC/ K. Rajendran, PC/ Thanga Raj, PC/ Y. Srinivas Rao PC/ Arti Kumari and PC/ Lilly Grace Lakra of PS C&EO under the supervision and presence of Shri Kumar Abhishek, DANIPS, Dy.SP (CID) and Executive Magistrate has conducted raid in the rented house of Susankar Das @ Chotu, S/o Shri Amal Das, (23) yrs, Pvt driver, R/o Dollygunj, permanent resident of Diglipur and recovered 435 grams of Heroin from his possession. He was arrested on the spot following the due legal procedure. A case under relevant sections of NDPS Act-1985 has been registered at PS C&EO and investigation is in progress. During investigation accused Susankar Das @ Chotu was put under sustained interrogation and the involvement of co-accused Kiron Chandra Haldar  R/o Shantipur 1...

Port Blair, Aug. 21: Andaman and Nicobar Command successfully concluded a challenging biking and trekking expedition to Saddle Peak which is the largest peak in the A&N Islands, covering over 700 kilometers from Port Blair and back. This eight-day expedition, lasting from 10th to 17th August 2024, aimed to promote patriotism, engage with the local youth, and advocate for environmental preservation, aligning with national initiatives such as 'Har Ghar Tiranga,' 'Youth Awareness,' and 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.' The expedition was flagged off by Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan, AVSM, VM, CINCAN on 10th August 2024. Altogether 29 bikers from all four components of the Andaman and Nicobar Command participated in the event. More than just a physical challenge, the expedition was mission focused on community engagement and national pride. The expedition commenced with a bike rally through Port Blair, where the team interacted with locals including over 250 students ...

TMI Bureau Port Blair, Aug 14: Since gaining independence in 1947, India has undergone remarkable transformations, but the journey toward complete freedom remains ongoing for its people. Economic inequality is a major challenge, with significant portions of the population still living in poverty despite India's economic growth. The wealth gap has widened, and there is a need for more inclusive development to ensure that prosperity reaches all levels of society. Corruption continues to plague public institutions, eroding trust in governance and slowing down progress. Despite various anti-corruption measures, it remains a systemic issue that affects the delivery of public services and the equitable distribution of resources. Social injustice, particularly caste-based discrimination, gender inequality, and religious intolerance, also persists. These deep-rooted issues continue to divide communities and hinder social harmony, preventing true social equity. Environmental degradati...

TMI Correspondent Port Blair, Aug. 14: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a chain of over 500 islands located in the Bay of Bengal, hold immense strategic importance for India. Positioned at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, these islands are critical for India's maritime security and its influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The islands are situated close to the Malacca Strait, one of the busiest maritime trade routes globally, making them a strategic outpost for monitoring and safeguarding maritime traffic. The islands also serve as a crucial base for the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force, enhancing India's ability to project power in the region and respond to any threats. However, the very qualities that make the Andaman and Nicobar Islands strategically significant also make them vulnerable to security threats. The islands' remote location and the vastness of the surrounding sea make it challenging to secure the entire territory against unautho...

  TMI Correspondent While the Andaman and Nicobar Police are often seen issuing challans and collecting fines from traffic violators, there appears to be a lack of effective education and deterrence for young drivers. The recent incident involving Smti. Leela, a Home Guard posted under PS Chatham, highlights this issue tragically. On July 31, 2024, while on duty at Seashore Road, Haddo, Smti. Leela attempted to stop a moped driven by minors. The juveniles initially ignored her attempt to halt them. When they later returned, she made another effort to stop them. However, instead of complying, the juveniles deliberately struck Smti. Leela with their moped. The impact caused her to fall to the ground. She was immediately rushed to GB Pant Hospital, where she was admitted to the ICU due to the severity of her injuries. Despite the medical team's efforts, Smti. Leela succumbed to her injuries on August 6, 2024. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated wi...

Port Blair, Aug. 07: Residents of Delanipur have raised serious concerns regarding the conduct of a pharmacist attached to the Urban Health Center (UHC) in Delanipur, Port Blair. According to complaints, the pharmacist has been neglecting their duties and displaying inappropriate behavior towards patients. Recently, it was reported that a patient visiting the UHC encountered rude and unprofessional behavior from the pharmacist. The pharmacist allegedly acted arrogantly and failed to respond to the patient's needs properly, giving the impression that the medications were being provided at the pharmacist's personal expense. There have also been complaints that the pharmacist has refused to dispense essential medications, such as insulin, despite doctors' prescriptions. Moreover, it has been observed that the pharmacist often delegates the task of distributing medicines to a ward attendant, rather than performing this duty personally. This ward attendant is reportedly know...

TMI Bureau Port Blair, July 31: Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, has raised several concerns regarding the alleged irresponsible approach of Lieutenant Governor Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi towards the development, maintenance, and repair of shipping ports in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Ray highlighted the non-existence of proper tug boats and cranes at wharfs as a significant issue. Furthermore, many areas in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands continue to face electricity and water supply crises, which Ray claims are being neglected by the Lieutenant Governor. Of the 2024-25 budget allocation of approximately Rs.5866 crores sanctioned by the Government of India for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Rs.5399 crores are reportedly planned to be spent on salaries, leaving only Rs.467 crores for overall infrastructure development. This includes roads, footpaths, and expenses for various departments such as health, fisheries, and agriculture. Ray suggests that this long-stan...