Port Blair, July 19: As part of nationwide celebration of 75 years of India’s Independence, Kala Kendra Society under the Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration conducted an Open Poetry Writing Competition on the theme “freedom struggle” for the age group 18 to 45 years. 21 entries both in Hindi & English were received. The competition was adjudged by Jury Members comprising of literati namely Dr. Vyasmani Tripathi, Shri Anadiranjan Biswas, Dr. Caroline Mathew and Shri Jagdish Narayan.

Port Blair, July 19: The B.Ed. students of Tagore Government College of Education, Port Blair are hereby informed that Pondicherry University vide its circular dated 16/7/2021 has informed that both first and second year examinations of B.Ed. scheduled from 27th July 2021 will be held through online mode.

Port Blair, July 16: Taking up the issue of opening of religious institutions across the Islands for devotees, a delegation led by Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Andaman and Nicobar Islands along with Shri Abdul Siddique, General Secretary, Andaman Moplah Service Organization (AMSO) and Shri Abdul Islam, Member, Jama Masjid Management Committee, Port Blair met Shri Jitendra Narain, Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Administration on 16th July, 2021 in his chamber at Secretariat, Port Blair. The Member of Parliament put forth the issue of opening of religious institutions and requested the Administration to consider their opening for mass congregation by devotees for offering prayers. He informed that a large section of the Islanders are eagerly waiting for the religious institutions to open so that they can continue with their religious cultures and practices. He also highlighted that Andaman and Nicobar Islands is unique for its concept of Mini India, wherein people across all religions, dialects live peacefully carrying out their respective traditions and cultures. He highlighted that due to months long COVID restrictions, the devotees and believers are unable to take up mass congregational prayers and programmes.

Port Blair, July 16: The vaccination drive is continuing smoothly in A&N Islands. As per data available, a total of 2,51,493 beneficiaries have been vaccinated so far in A&N Islands, out of the target beneficiaries of 2, 81, 603 (approx.). A total of 3343 people were vaccinated today in A&N Islands. A total of 66,595 eligible people in the age group of 18 to 44 years have been vaccinated till date.

Port Blair, July 16: In a major step to contain the burgeoning number of COVID-19 cases in South Andaman District, the District Magistrate has prohibited manufacture, storage, distribution and sale on all forms of processed/flavoured/scented chewing tobacco, whether going by the name of Gutkha, Pan masala, Zarda packed and unpacked/loose etc. which contain tobacco and or nicotine as an ingredient in the entire District of South Andaman.