The Andaman and Nicobar Islands face a recurring crisis during the summer vacation season, as residents struggle to secure affordable transportation to the mainland. The issue is stark: long queues, limited ship tickets, and exorbitant flight fares—often reaching ₹25,000—leave ordinary citizens, especially daily wage earners and families, stranded. Many are forced to wait for days at ticket counters, enduring harsh conditions without basic amenities like water, toilets, or shelter. The desperation is palpable, with some residents, including women and differently-abled individuals, camping out for days to secure a spot on a ship, only to face uncertainty about ticket availability. This situation is compounded by an inefficient ticketing system, where online platforms exclude those without digital access, and offline counters are overwhelmed.
The core issue lies in the mismatch between demand and supply. During peak seasons, the demand for travel surges as families visit the mainland for medical treatment, education, or cultural obligations. However, the limited number of ships—often delayed or under-capacity—cannot accommodate the population’s needs. Flights, while an alternative, are financially out of reach for most, with fares far exceeding the monthly earnings of a typical worker. The discontinuation of subsidized chartered flights has further exacerbated the problem, leaving residents with few viable options. Additionally, the lack of basic facilities at ticketing counters highlights a broader administrative neglect of the islanders’ plight.
A multi-pronged solution is urgently needed. First, the administration must increase the frequency of ships during peak seasons, ensuring smaller vessels (400-500 passengers) operate fortnightly to meet demand. Second, the ticketing system should prioritize offline distribution during summer months to ensure equitable access, reserving a portion of tickets for vulnerable groups like the differently-abled and families with children. Third, reinstating subsidized chartered flights could alleviate pressure on maritime transport, making air travel accessible to more residents. Finally, the administration must provide basic amenities at ticketing counters—water, toilets, and security—to ensure the safety and dignity of waiting passengers. These steps, if implemented with urgency, can transform a systemic failure into an opportunity to better serve the people of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
VIEW-POINT: Andaman & Nicobar Must Strengthen Measures for Newborn Safety Following Jhansi Tragedy
Vikramaditya
The tragic fire at a state-run hospital in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, on November 15, 2024, claimed the lives of 10 newborns, leaving the nation in shock. Five more infants succumbed later despite rescue efforts, sparking outrage and allegations of negligence from grieving families. This incident sheds light on the vulnerabilities in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in facilities catering to newborns and children.
The Andaman & Nicobar Administration must take note of this horrifying incident to prevent such tragedies in the Union Territory. Hospitals across India, including those in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, must undergo a thorough evaluation of fire safety measures, particularly in critical areas like neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The Administration should:
Conduct Comprehensive Fire Safety Audits: Regular inspections of hospitals, with a focus on electrical systems, fire alarms, and emergency exits, are essential. Neonatal wards and ICUs should be prioritized for safety checks.
Equip Hospitals including private hospitals with Modern Safety Mechanisms: Adequate fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems should be installed in all healthcare facilities. Staff must be trained to handle fire emergencies effectively.
Develop Emergency Evacuation Plans: Hospitals should have well-defined protocols for swift evacuation, especially for vulnerable patients like newborns. Mock drills must be conducted regularly to ensure preparedness.
Enhance Monitoring Systems: Surveillance and maintenance of electrical and oxygen supply systems in NICUs must be intensified to avoid short circuits and other hazards.
The Jhansi tragedy is a grim reminder of how negligence in healthcare systems can lead to devastating consequences. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands, known for their remote and unique challenges, must adopt proactive safety measures to safeguard the lives of newborns and other vulnerable patients. Let this serve as a wake-up call to strengthen healthcare systems and avert avoidable disasters.
A Walk through the Coffee Plantations of Coorg
B Laxhmi
Coffee is a beloved beverage throughout the world. Some enjoy it as black coffee, others prefer it with milk. For many, it’s not just a beverage but a way of life. This aromatic drink is made from the roasted beans of a tropical plant and has a rich cultural significance.
South India has long been the epicentre of coffee culture in India. Coorg, nestled in Karnataka, is one of the top coffee-producing regions in the country. Known as the ‘Coffee Land of India’, Coorg is renowned for its lush green landscapes, hilly slopes and extensive coffee plantations. Because of its natural beauty, Coorg is nicknamed the ‘Scotland of India’.
In mid-November, the Department of Botany, JNRM organized a three-day educational tour to Coorg for its M.Sc. final-year students. I was excited to be part of the group of 11 students, accompanied by our HOD and a lady staff member. We reached Coorg, also known as Madikeri, on 18th of November.
We travelled to Coorg from Mysore by road. As we climbed the hilly terrain, I saw the change in vegetation. On the way, we stopped at Nisargadhama, a beautiful delta formed by the river Kaveri. We explored the area and felt the cool water of the river. It was very refreshing. As we approached Coorg, the lush green forests and distant mountains started appearing. These are the biodiversity-rich forests of the Western Ghats, which we studied in our theory classes. Seeing these rich natural forests was a mesmerizing experience for me. The sight of coffee plantations on the steep slopes was equally breathtaking!
There is an interesting folklore story of how coffee was introduced in Coorg. In the 17th century, Sufi Saint Baba Budan smuggled seven coffee seeds from Yemen and planted them on the slopes of the Western Ghats. However, large-scale cultivation only began during British colonial rule in the 19th century. This transformed Coorg into one of the primary coffee-growing regions of India.
On 19th November, our group toured a coffee plantation named Mountain View Coffee Plantation. As we walked along the narrow lanes of the hilly slopes, I inhaled the fresh aroma of the coffee bushes. These bushes were neatly trimmed and maintained at a uniform height. This gave the landscape an even appearance. Little clusters of green and burgundy coffee cherries hung from the branches. The sight was stunning.
Our guide explained that two coffee varieties are grown in Coorg: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is known for its smooth, aromatic flavour and has oval-shaped beans with lower caffeine content. It constitutes about 60–70% of the world’s coffee production. Robusta, on the other hand, is strongly flavoured with a higher caffeine content and has smaller, rounded beans. It is ideal for espresso blends and traditional South Indian filter coffee.
I learned that coffee in India is grown under shades of tall trees like rosewood, wild fig and jackfruit. This practice imparts a unique aroma and flavour to coffee as well as supports biodiversity. Intercropping is also a common practice with spices like pepper grown alongside coffee plants. This is a sustainable agricultural practice and also boosts productivity.
The guide also explained to us about blending Robusta coffee with Chicory in an 80:20 ratio. Chicory imparts unique flavour and enhances the taste of the brew. This blend is called ‘Kaapi’, a South Indian filter coffee which is famous for its strong and bubbly froth.
During the visit, we learned about the famous Civet Coffee, also known as Kopi Luwak. It is one of the world’s most exotic and expensive coffees. It is extracted from coffee beans that have been digested and excreted by the Asian palm civet. Our HOD had the privilege of tasting it and described it as strong and intense in flavour!
The guide helped us understand the journey of coffee beans from farm to cup. We witnessed the various steps and enjoyed the final product: a hot cup of the brew. I also learned new terms like Monocot, Dicot and Green Coffee. Usually, most coffee berries contain two beans and are referred to as dicot beans. Monocot beans, which consist of a single bean per berry, are considered A-grade coffee due to their smoother texture. On the other hand, Green coffee beans are unroasted, rich in antioxidants and have many health benefits.
Before this visit, I was not a coffee enthusiast. However, our visit to the coffee plantations of Coorg has changed my perspective. As I learned the journey of coffee from bean to brew, my appreciation for this beverage has grown a lot. This experience of walking through the lush coffee plantations of Coorg will stay with me for a lifetime!
(B Laxhmi is pursuing her master’s in Botany at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, Sri Vijaya Puram, A & N Islands)
My Visit to IISc Bangalore
Smriti Mishra
When I first heard that we had received permission to visit the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, on 14th November (Thursday) – a date that coincided with our educational tour to Bangalore – my excitement knew no bounds. Usually, IISc grants permission to visit its campus only on Fridays. Therefore, getting this special permission in itself was exciting news for all of us. Our educational tour, consisting of eleven M.Sc. Botany students, was accompanied by the HOD Botany, JNRM, and a lady staff member. We reached Bangalore on 13th November.
The very next day, i.e., 14th November, was filled with excitement. It was our day to visit IISc. The institute, called ‘Tata Institute’ by the locals, is regarded as a premier research and education centre for science and engineering in the country. After a sumptuous breakfast at the iconic Mavalli Tiffins Room (MTR) in Gandhinagar, we began our journey to IISc by boarding a bus from the Majestic. The bus ride was comfortable. I was awestruck to see hundreds of government-run buses at Majestic, the main bus stand of Bangalore. Public transport is very well organized in Bangalore. It took about 30 minutes to reach IISc from the Majestic.
We reached IISc well before our scheduled visit time of 11.30 AM. We had ample time on our hands. Therefore, after finishing all the formalities and obtaining the token passes at the entry gate, we started to explore the sprawling campus.
The IISc campus is vast, spanning about 400 acres. The roads are wide and are shaded by lush green canopies. Sunrays rarely found their way onto the walking path. It was very soothing. I noticed that students, research scholars and teachers were all riding bicycles inside the campus. It was a new sight for me. I had never experienced such peace and calmness before in my life. I am at a loss for words to describe the academic charm and brilliance of the campus.
The IISc campus is a beautiful blend of historic buildings and modern facilities. During our walk on the campus, we passed by the JRD Tata Memorial Library, followed by several other iconic buildings. On our way to the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology (MCB), which had granted us the time slot from 11.30 AM, our HOD shared his experience of a month-long training on ‘Recombinant DNA Technology’ he had attended at IISc in 2010. He told us how researchers would cycle back to their respective laboratories after dinner and work until 1-2 AM. Walking those same paths, knowing that some eminent people like Sir CV Raman, Homi Bhabha, Vikram Sarabhai, Anna Mani, Satish Dhawan, and CNR Rao, to name just a few, were once part of IISc, I felt a deep sense of pride and inspiration.
We reached the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology (MCB) by 11 AM and waited in the reception area. I found that people working in IISc are very particular about their time. We were asked to reach the MCB department at 11.30 AM. At exactly 11.25 AM, we were warmly welcomed by Dr. William Surin, Principal Research Scientist at MCB. He took us around the Central Instrumentation Facility of the Department and showed us many advanced instruments like the NMR machine, gas chromatography, ultracentrifuge, sonicators, spectrophotometers, etc. We also got to know the working principles and applications of these instruments. Dr. Surin also explained flow cytometry, an analyzer used to study neutrophils and macrophages. We had read about these instruments in theory only. Seeing these instruments for the first time was an enriching experience for all of us.
We visited various research laboratories of the faculty members. I was fortunate to know the different ongoing experiments and projects undertaken by the research students. The enthusiasm of the researchers and the advanced equipment they were working with left a lasting impression on me.
One of the highlights of our visit to IISc was the opportunity to interact with faculty members and the Chair of the MCB Department. We were taken to the conference hall, where we met Prof Saumitra Das, Chair of the MCB Department and Prof. Utpal Nath. The Chair and the faculty members of the department were not only very knowledgeable but also very easily approachable. They shared their insights and experiences. The Chair explained the collaborative work of IISc’s various biological science departments. He spoke about research on microbes that cause diseases like hepatitis, cancer, etc. He also spoke about how viruses and bacteria cause diseases in crop plants and methods to prevent this. Prof. Utpal Nath, an expert in plant biology, shared his ongoing research on the genetics of Arabidopsis thaliana. The entire session was very interactive. We ended it with a memorable group photograph.
After this interactive session, we visited the research lab of Prof Utpal Nath, primarily focused on experiments with model plants. In that section, one research project was going on the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. This plant was grown under controlled conditions at 22°C with specific light exposure. There was a separate room for growing this plant under sterile conditions. Ms Druppal, a research scholar, explained her research on gene manipulation and its impact on the plant’s development. She was studying how removing one gene from this plant would affect its overall growth and development. She highlighted the importance of model plants in understanding complex biological systems and disease mechanisms.
During the visit, we also learned about various scholarships and fellowships offered by IISc. There is a rigorous selection process and only the top 5 % of students who have cleared the CSIR-NET / GATE and similar exams are selected for admission into the Ph.D. programs after interviews. We concluded our visit with a delicious lunch at the IISc restaurant named Nesara.
Overall, my visit to IISc Bengaluru was an inspiring and enriching experience. As I left the campus, I carried with me not just memories of the day but also renewed motivation for my further academic studies. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Botany Department, JNRM, and more particularly, Dr Dipon Sharmah, HOD Botany, whose efforts made this opportunity possible. This experience has encouraged me to aim higher in my life.
(Smriti Mishra is pursuing her master’s in Botany at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, Sri Vijaya Puram)
Auto-Rickshaw Adventures in Andaman: Where Fares Defy Logic, and some Drivers Defy Gravity
Welcome to Andaman, where every auto-rickshaw ride is a journey into the unknown—an experience that could only be described as the automotive equivalent of a rollercoaster, minus the safety checks and with a soundtrack that’ll make your ears beg for mercy.
In Andaman, inside some auto-rickshaws the entire contraption comes alive with a symphony of squeaks, clanks, and rattles from every part except the horn. It’s like riding in a musical instrument that’s tragically out of tune. And if you’re lucky—or unlucky, depending on your tolerance for aural assaults—your ride might be accompanied by the sweet serenade of Himesh Reshammiya or a lively South Indian track, blasting through a sound system that was clearly not part of the original auto-rickshaw design.
But what truly sets some of the Andaman’s auto drivers apart is their unique driving posture. Spotting one is easy: just look for a driver perched delicately on one buttock, with their spine twisted like a pretzel and their left leg dangling out of the vehicle as if it’s a high-tech sensor. You’d think they were preparing for takeoff rather than navigating the pothole-ridden streets of Port Blair.
Now, let’s talk about the fares. Once you step inside an Andaman auto-rickshaw, you’re no longer a citizen governed by the Indian Penal Code. You’ve entered a parallel universe where the driver’s word is law. Whether you’re a high-ranking official or a humble tourist, the fare is non-negotiable and always inflated. A mere 100-meter ride? That’ll be ₹30, please. And don’t even think about questioning the rate for a longer journey—it’s set in stone, impervious to even the most persuasive arguments from seasoned debaters.
One might wonder if the local government, with all its power, could intervene. But alas, not even the Lieutenant Governor or the Chief Secretary seems to have powers to convince these drivers to use their meters. Those devices, once intended to ensure fairness, are now just relics—a quaint reminder of a time when logic and reason had a place in the world of Andaman auto-rickshaws.
And let’s not forget the weather. In a place where it rains for ten months a year, you’d think windshield wipers would be a priority. But no, why bother with such trivialities when you can drive blind and add a little thrill to the passenger experience? Sadly even today many auto operates without a automatic windshield wiper. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a heart-pounding game of “Will We Crash?” on their morning commute?
Finally, the pièce de résistance: the rear of the auto-rickshaw, a canvas for advertisements that rivals Times Square. Visual pollution? A distraction to other drivers? Who cares! The more garish and cluttered, the better.
A visiting foreign tourists had once said, the Andaman auto-rickshaw is not just a mode of transportation—it’s an adventure, a cultural experience, and a lesson in resilience. Whether you’re braving the elements, the fares, or the music, one thing is certain: you’ll never forget your ride.
EDITORIAL : Road Surface, Moon Surface, and Andaman’s APWD Engineers: A Tale of Two Worlds
When we think of craters, uneven surfaces, and rocky terrain, our minds naturally drift to the Moon’s surface—a place uninhabitable and hostile. But take a stroll through the streets of Port Blair, and you might wonder if some of our city roads were crafted by lunar architects, who perhaps moonlight as engineers for the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD).
The state of city roads in Port Blair is a matter of concern, and if sarcasm could fix potholes, the city would be as smooth as the VIP Road. It’s ironic, really, that the same engineers who shrug their shoulders and blame heavy rains for the deplorable condition of our public roads seem to possess miraculous road-building skills when it comes to areas frequently graced by the wheels of Very Very Important People (VVIPs).
The stretch from Marina Park to the Judges’ Quarters and road from Airport to Raj Niwas are a prime example. Here, the roads are immaculately maintained, as if the rain politely avoids these hallowed grounds. Meanwhile, just a few kilometers away, the common citizen is left navigating potholes large enough to swallow a small car. It begs the question: Do the rains have a special affinity for non-VIP roads, or is it that our APWD engineers have selective expertise?
One could argue that the real experts in road construction are those who worked on the NHIDCL road from Kodiaghat to Ferrargunj. This road, built under similar weather conditions, remains in remarkable shape even after four to five years. Perhaps the APWD engineers should consider a field trip to study this marvel of construction. It seems the NHIDCL knows something about road-building that has eluded the APWD—like how to make a road that lasts more than a single monsoon.
The irony doesn’t stop there. The absence of surprise visits by the Lieutenant Governor or the Chief Secretary to the more ‘ordinary’ parts of Port Blair only adds to the problem. If our leaders stuck to public roads rather than just the VIP routes, they might gain a more realistic perspective on the daily struggles of their citizens. Instead, the APWD continues its double standards, maintaining the roads most likely to be graced by VVIPs while neglecting those that serve the everyday public.
In the end, it’s not just about poor road conditions—it’s about the glaring inequities in how public resources are allocated. The common taxpayer, who funds these roads, deserves better than this lunar landscape. Until then, we can only hope that the APWD engineers develop a newfound respect for all roads in Port Blair, not just the ones that lead to power.
Urgent call for ban on plastic packaging for hot food to safeguard public health
The pervasive use of plastic packets for hot food parcels from restaurants and food stalls is still a common practice in Port Blair city despite the fact that significant concerns about its adverse effects on public health. As these plastic packets are widely utilized due to their cost-effectiveness, their detrimental impact on human health cannot be overlooked any longer. These packets pose severe health risks due to the chemicals that leach into the food when exposed to heat. Harmful substances from these plastics can easily transfer into the food, leading to various health issues upon consumption. Several studies have highlighted the dangers of plastic packaging, especially when in contact with hot and oily foods. As per Indian Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018 – Products made of recycled plastics including carry bags shall not be used for packaging, storing, carrying or dispensing articles of food.
The widespread use of these plastic packets, driven by convenience and low cost, has led many individuals to compromise their health unwittingly. The lack of awareness about the health hazards associated with these containers further exacerbates the issue, putting the general public at risk.
This urgent call for a ban on plastic packaging for hot food aligns with global efforts to mitigate plastic pollution and safeguard public health. Several regions worldwide have already implemented similar bans, prioritizing the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives for food packaging. Encouraging the adoption of biodegradable or eco-friendly alternatives, such as paper-based containers or compostable materials, will not only address health concerns but also contribute positively to environmental sustainability.
It’s imperative to prioritize public health by swiftly implementing measures to ban plastic packets used for hot food parcels. This proactive step will not only protect the well-being of the populace but also contribute significantly to the broader goal of reducing plastic pollution and fostering a healthier environment for generations to come. The Union Territory Administration is urged to collaborate with local food businesses, providing guidance and support for the transition to safer and environmentally friendly packaging options. Simultaneously, public awareness campaigns should be initiated to educate consumers about the risks associated with plastic packaging for hot foods and promote healthier alternatives.
EDITORIAL: Bridge between Minnie Bay and Mithakhari: A Crucial Step towards Island Connectivity and Economic Prosperity
One of the main issues that have plagued the Andaman and Nicobar Islands since ages is connectivity, both within and outside the islands. While the administration has already taken up the project of constructing a bridge between Bambooflat and Chatham, the need for a bridge between Minnie Bay and Mithakhari cannot be ignored.
The distance between Minnie Bay and Mithakhari is approximately 0.98 kilometers, and the sea is just 1 to 3 meters deep, making it a feasible option for a bridge construction project. Therefore, constructing a bridge between the two points would not only be cost-effective but also provide a much-needed solution to the residents on both sides.
The proposal to construct a bridge between Minnie Bay and Mithakhari has already been forwarded to the Andaman Public Works Department, and it is high time that necessary action is taken in this regard.
One of the most significant benefits of constructing this bridge-cum-dam is the boost it will give to the Andaman tourism industry. Tourism spots like Wright Myo and Shoal Bay, currently accessible only via water, will become accessible by road. Moreover, the journey of Andaman Trunk Road will also become shorter, making it easier for tourists to explore the islands.
For Islanders, the construction of a bridge between Minnie Bay and Mithakhari is a much-needed project that cannot be ignored any further. It will not only benefit the residents of both sides but also give a solid boost to the Andaman tourism industry and bring economic prosperity to the South Andaman region. The administration must take swift action in this regard and make the islands more accessible to all.
Most importantly the Administration must issue press releases and inform the public about the updates regarding this project on a regular basis as people are deeply connected with the project. Not only the delay but also lack of information about this project is leaving people upset and disappointed.
Editorial: Water Crisis: Time to take concrete steps to solve this issue for good
The water crisis in Andaman Nicobar Island has been a persistent issue for decades. Every year, from January to May, Islanders witness a huge water crisis, which is then tackled with a lot of effort and resources. However, as soon as the monsoon arrives, all efforts and resources are forgotten, and the issue is left unresolved for the next year.
This year, the Islanders have once again demanded concrete steps from the administration to solve the water crisis issue. People are demanding the constitution of a Jal Board department, dedicated to water supply, so that throughout the year, the department can work towards augmenting water supply in all the islands and create more water bodies to prevent the crisis.
The Islanders are also demanding the construction of massive ponds in all remote pockets of Andaman and Nicobar island where the water crisis is more severe. These massive water bodies can be utilized to supply water through tankers to affected areas during the dry season.
It is high time that the administration takes this issue seriously and constitutes a special committee to find out where more water bodies can be constructed for Andaman and Nicobar island. Dependence on only one water source, the Dhanikhari Dam, can be dangerous in the future, especially considering the fact that we are in a very active seismic zone, which is zone five.
The issue of water crisis is not just limited to Port Blair, but many other islands are also facing severe water crisis during this time. Therefore, it is imperative that the administration takes concrete steps to solve this issue for good.
Islanders urge the administration to take immediate action and constitute a Jal Board department dedicated to water supply, construct massive ponds in all remote pockets of Andaman and Nicobar island, and find alternative water sources to prevent dependency on only one water source. It is time to end the persistent water crisis in Andaman Nicobar Island and provide the Islanders with a sustainable solution for their water needs.
Adopt a more pragmatic approach than relying on Puja for Rainfall
The recent puja conducted by the Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC) at Dhanikhari Dam to bring rain has left many Islanders feeling disheartened. Voters who elected the councillors expect practical measures on the ground to address Port Blair city’s water crisis rather than relying on traditional rituals.
While we recognize the significance of invoking divine blessings to bring rainfall, relying solely on such rituals to deal with the severe water shortage faced by the public is irrational. In the last decade, the PBMC has not undertaken any significant projects to ensure adequate water availability for the municipal region, in contrast to many other cities that have established substantial seawater desalination plants.
It is essential for the PBMC to be proactive in addressing the water scarcity problem by digging more wells or constructing ponds to collect rainwater for the dry season, rather than relying on traditional rituals.
In addition, water wastage from PBMC pipelines is a major concern that needs immediate attention. Unconfirmed reports suggest that nearly 15 – 20% of water from the PBMC pipelines is lost due to leakages, which is a substantial amount. The PBMC must be transparent about the actual percentage of water wastage and take corrective measures to repair leaks and encourage water conservation practices.
Across the world many civilizations follow various rain calling rituals. Who knows tomorrow PBMC may go for other rituals too in case rain is delayed, such as the Rain Dance of the Native American Plains Tribes; The Varuna Yajna Ritual; The Frog Dance of the Australian Aboriginal People; The Chanting of the Monks; The Vodou Rain Dance of the Haitian People and The Mayan ChacChac Ritual.
While there is nothing wrong with conducting puja, it is essential for the councillors to first establish basic infrastructure for water conservation and management. The PBMC must concentrate on establishing a sustainable and efficient water management system that caters to the needs of the region’s citizens.
Port Blairians urge the PBMC to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure that they have access to adequate water throughout the year, prioritizing the development of a sustainable and efficient water management system. While traditional beliefs and practices are respected and appreciated, it is time for the PBMC to adopt a more pragmatic approach to address the water scarcity problem.