Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr. 26:The much-anticipated Andaman Premier League-III T20 Cricket League-cum-Knockout Tournament was inaugurated in a grand ceremony on April 26, 2025, at 7:45 PM at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Stadium, Sri Vijaya Puram.
Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, graced the occasion as chief guest and officially declared the tournament open in the presence of officials from the Andaman & Nicobar Cricket Association (ANCA), team owners, and players of the ten participating teams.
In his address, the MP made a significant announcement, stating that Rs.1 crore will be allocated for the development of cricket infrastructure in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He encouraged players to play with sportsmanship and applauded the efforts of ANCA in raising the standards of the tournament.
A special mention was made of ANCA’s initiative to bring qualified and registered umpires from Kolkata, ensuring fair and professional officiating in the matches. This move has been welcomed as a major step toward elevating the credibility and quality of the league.
President of ANCA, Mr. M.H. Jadwet, expressed his gratitude to the MP for his continued support and took the opportunity to request the setting up of an exclusive cricket ground in South Andaman, highlighting the need for dedicated facilities to nurture local talent.
Other key dignitaries present at the ceremony included Shri Girish Arora, Vice President, Shri Nalin Gulech, General Secretary, and Mr. Md. Aslam, Organising Secretary of ANCA, along with other senior members and stakeholders.
The opening event set an enthusiastic tone for the tournament, which promises to deliver high-energy cricket action in the weeks ahead, further boosting the cricketing culture in the islands.

Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr 28:Mr. Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, the 24-year-old US national arrested for illegally attempting to contact the protected Sentinelese tribe at North Sentinel Island, has been granted bail on April 27 and released from judicial custody. It ls learnt that following his release, Mr. Polyakov is currently living in a rented accommodation in Port Blair and is barred from leaving the Andaman and Nicobar Islands until the court proceedings are completed.
Before his first court appearance, officials from the US Embassy had visited Port Blair to review the case and offer consular support. The case against Mr. Polyakov remains ongoing, and he is required to attend all future court hearings.
As per reports, Mr. Polyakov, described by police as a “thrill-seeker,” embarked on an illegal mission towards the highly restricted North Sentinel Island on March 29, 2025. Using an inflatable boat equipped with an outboard motor, GPS, and a GoPro camera, he navigated close to the island and even set foot ashore, leaving behind offerings like coconuts and cola in an attempt to attract the Sentinelese tribe.
His unauthorized actions violated the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Amendment Regulation, 2012, which prohibits travel within 5 kilometers of North Sentinel Island to protect the isolated and vulnerable tribe from outside contact. The legal proceedings in this case are expected to continue in the coming weeks.

Sri. Vijaya Puram, Apr 27: The All India Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (AIKMCC) Andaman State Committee proudly launched a Patient Transport Ambulance Service to strengthen the healthcare support system in the islands. The service was formally inaugurated today by Sayyid Hameed Ali Shihab Thangal, a prominent leader and humanitarian, at a solemn function held in front of the National Memorial Cellular Jail, Port Blair.

The event was graced by the presence of distinguished religious leaders like Swami Shuddhanada ji from Chinmaya mission , political leaders, and members of the civil society, who gathered to witness and support this noble initiative. The introduction of the ambulance service marks a major step towards ensuring timely medical assistance and transportation for patients in need across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

In his inaugural address, Sayyid Hameed Ali Shihab Thangal emphasized the importance of community-driven initiatives in uplifting healthcare services, especially in geographically isolated regions like the Andamans. He lauded AIKMCC’s commitment to social welfare and expressed hope that this service would make a significant difference in the lives of people.

The AIKMCC Andaman State Committee reiterated their commitment to continue working towards the betterment of society, and assured that the ambulance will be made available to all sections of the community, regardless of caste, creed, or religion.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr 23: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, MP, A&N Islands in his press release today on 23.04.2024 has stated that time and again, many Daily Rated Mazdoors (DRMs) have approached him seeking the regularisation of their services a long-pending and genuine demand aimed at securing their employment and future.
In this regard, he stated that during the District Planning Committee (DPC) meeting for South Andaman district held from 15th to 17th April 2025, he formally raised the issue of regularisation and absorption of all 7,520 DRMs across various categories working in different departments under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. The proposal was thoroughly discussed and unanimously supported by the DPC, South Andaman which comprises all Zilla Parishad Members, Municipal Councillors and Pramukhs of Panchayat Samities. The demand has now been formally included as part of the pre-mandatory process required for its incorporation in the Action Plan.
He further said he wish to assure all DRMs that a similar demand will be tabled before the District Planning Committees of North & Middle Andaman and Nicobar districts shortly. Following these deliberations, the matter will be submitted for consideration before the State Plan Board meeting and will personally take it up with the competent authorities to ensure its early and favourable resolution. For transparency, the text of the proposal presented by him before the DPC is reproduced below for information.
“DRMs – Regularisation: The Daily-Rated Mazdoors (DRMs) of various categories have been receiving 1/30th of the Pay + Dearness Allowance (DA) as per Government/Court orders since September 2017. As of date, around 7,520 DRMs are serving in various departments, including the Municipal Council and have been continuously working for the past 15 to 25 years without any monetary benefits other than their daily wages. Most of these workers are now nearing retirement age and are likely to be compelled to exit service without any retirement benefits. At this stage, it would be virtually impossible for them to secure permanent employment in other sectors through direct recruitment as per existing Recruitment Rules (RRs), despite having rendered prolonged and dedicated service.
In light of the above, it is proposed that all the existing DRMs working in various departments may be absorbed/regularized against existing vacancies and where necessary, by creating supernumerary posts as a one-time measure and as a special case, by relaxing general procedures and the matter shall be taken up with the competent authority for seeking necessary approval.
The decision for absorption/regularization of these DRMs falls under the purview of policy matters and can be executed through an administrative decision by the competent authority in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in order to safeguard the welfare and future of these long-serving workers.”
During the DPC, it was also highlighted that many DRMs, who were initially engaged directly by departments such as the Zilla Parishad, RD/Panchayat, Municipal and others, have had their mode of engagement changed to contractual DRM staff and have been classified as outsourcing staff. It was emphasized that they should also be considered for the grant of 1/30th Pay + DA, similar to the pay protection provided to the existing 7,520 DRMs and be included in the regularisation process without any discrimination.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr 21: As part of its zero-tolerance policy against crime, the team of Police Station Pahargaon once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment by arresting five individuals and seizing a substantial quantity of illicit methamphetamine.
On 15/04/2025, credible information was received that a person named Suresh was in possession of illicit methamphetamine and would be coming near the sand stock area enroute Attampahar via Garacharma for dealing in the contraband. Acting on the information, a raiding team comprising Insp. Mohd. Elias, SI P.K. Shivhare, SI Manish Narayan, HC Ravi Kumar Limbu and PC Shiv Kumar was constituted under the leadership of ASP Shruti Yaragatti S., IPS, SHO PS Pahargaon.
During the raid, S. Suresh, S/o Sh. Soleappan (35) yrs, Driver in the STS Department R/o Old Garacharma Basti was apprehended. A total of 103.4 grams of methamphetamine was recovered from his possession. The contraband was seized on the spot while observing all legal formalities and the accused was arrested accordingly.
A case under the NDPS Act was registered at PS Pahargaon and upon sustained interrogation, the involvement of Ashim Kumar Bepari @ Guddu, S/o Mr. Anil Bepari (35 yrs) R/o School Line in the link was revealed. He was subsequently arrested and 1.95 grams of methamphetamine were recovered from his possession.
Further investigation led to the seizure of proceeds of crime amounting to Rs. 3,08,000/- from the possession of Sagar Biswas @ Raja S/o Mr. Gokulendu Biswas (26 yrs) R/o Billiground by Investigation Officer and further seizure of 297 grams of methamphetamine from Sagar Biswas @ Raja by SI Jeevan & his team PCs Santosh Lall and D Shiv Kumar from Billiground.
Subsequently, another accused, Mithun Kumar Mondal S/o Mr. Nityananda (29 yrs) R/o Duke Nagar, Swadesh Nagar was arrested.
The entire operation was conducted under the close supervision of Mr. Vikas Swami, IPS, SDPO (SA) and under the overall guidance of Mr. Manoj Kumar Meena, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police, South Andaman District.
The general public is requested to share information pertaining to any crime or other illegal activities to Police at 112, 03192-232100 & 03192-236641. The identity of the informant will be kept secret.

Sri Vijaya Puram, Apr. 15: The five days Free Distribution Camp of Artificial Limbs & Calipers for Divyangjan, jointly organized by Rotary Club, Mahavir Seva Sadan (Kolkata) and CRC A&N Islands, concluded yesterday at CRC, Brookshabad.
Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, graced the concluding function as the chief guest. In his address, the Chief Secretary appreciated the entire team involved in organizing the five-day camp and acknowledged the collaborative spirit shown by all stakeholders. He stated that once a permanent building is set up, necessary facilities will be strengthened to ensure sustainable rehabilitation services for Divyangjans in the region.
Shri Ravinder Kumar, Director (Social Welfare), A&N Administration, was the special guest. He commended the commitment and coordination among the organizing teams for the benefit of Persons with Disabilities.
Smti Sumithamol, Director, CRC A&N Islands, in her address reiterated the importance of continued collaboration for inclusive rehabilitation services in A&N Islands. Rtn. Sagar Khurana, stated that during the camp, 96 beneficiaries received 135 prosthetic and orthotic devices.
A team of experts from Mahavir Seva Sadan, Kolkata has provided technical and medical expertise to the beneficiaries.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Rtn. Srawan Agarwal.
This initiative marks a significant move toward inclusive development and empowerment of Divyangjan in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.