Port Blair, Jan 12: After nearly 8 years of its disappearance, the debris of the Indian Air Force An-32 aircraft (registration K-2743) has been discovered, the Ministry of Defence announced on Friday, January 12.
The said transport aircraft was reported missing over the Bay of Bengal on July 22, 2016, with 29 personnel on board. Andaman youth Aircraft Man Raghubir Verma from Indian Air Force was also onboard the missing AN-32 Aircraft, who was returning home.
The aircraft took off on a routine weekly courier flight from Tambaram Air Force Station in Chennai in the morning and was scheduled to arrive at Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
“Despite large-scale Search and Rescue operations by aircraft and ships, no missing personnel or aircraft debris could be located. The National Institute of Ocean Technology, which operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, recently deployed an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) with deep-sea exploration capability at the last known location of the missing An-32,” a release from the Ministry of Defence stated.
“This search was conducted at a depth of 3400 m using multiple payloads, including a multi-beam SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging), synthetic aperture SONAR, and high-resolution photography. Analysis of search images indicated the presence of debris from a crashed aircraft on the seafloor approximately 140 nautical miles (approx. 310 km) from the Chennai coast, it added.
“The search images were scrutinised and found to be consistent with an An-32 aircraft. This discovery at the probable crash site, with no other recorded history of any other missing aircraft report in the same area, points to the debris possibly belonging to the crashed IAF An-32 (K-2743),” the release informed.
The massive search operations launched back in 2016 involved the Indian Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard in locating the missing aircraft. The Air Force deployed three aircraft, including a C-130J Super Hercules, and four ships, while the Navy deployed several vessels into service. INS Karmukh, Gharial, Jyoti, Kuthar, Sahyadri, Rajput, Ranvijay, Kamorta, Kirch, etc., scanned the aircraft’s flight route.
According to media reports, the air traffic controllers lost radar contact with the AN-32, which plunged from approximately 23,000 feet, approximately 280 km out at sea from Chennai. The then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar was personally monitoring the situation at that time.
The massive Search and Rescue (SAR) operations launched back then are considered the biggest ever in the history of the IAF. (Source: www.cnbctv18.com)
Archives for January 12, 2024
CPI (M) to Contest Election from A&N Parliamentary Constituency
Port Blair, Jan 12: The meetings of the State Secretariat and State Organising Committee of CPI (M) was held at Shaheed Bhavan, Anarkali, Port Blair on 11th January, 2024 in presence of Mr. Prakash Karat and G. Ramakrishnan, Polit Bureau Members and Dr Sujan Chakraborthy, Central Committee Member of CPI (M). The meeting reviewed the political situation prevailing in the islands.
Mr. Prakash Karat, Polit Bureau Member briefly explained the international situation particularly the Israel attack on Gaza strip and the death of more than 23,000 innocent Palestine people. He also explained in brief the anti-people policies being pursued by the BJP government.
The State Organising Committee meeting reviewed the functioning of the CPI (M) in the islands and decided to expand party activities. The meeting further decided to carry on the agitation on various local issues.
The State Organising Committee has decided to contest the election from the lone Parliamentary seat in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. However, a final decision on contesting the seat will be taken by the CPI (M) Central Committee in its meeting scheduled to be held on 28 – 30 January, 2024.
Dr Gouranga Majhi presided over the meetings while D. Ayyappan, Secretary, State Organising Committee presented the report.
INS Cheetah, Guldar and Kumbhir Decommissioned After 40 Years of Glorious Service
Port Blair, Jan 12: Indian Navy Ships Cheetah, Guldar and Kumbhir were decommissioned on 12 January 2024 after rendering four decades of glorious service to the nation. The decommissioning event was conducted at Port Blair in a traditional ceremony wherein the National Flag, the Naval Ensign and Decommissioning Pennants of the three ships were lowered for the last time, at sunset.
Cheetah, Guldar and Kumbhir were built at Gdynia Shipyard, Poland as Polnocny class Landing Ships and were commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1984, 1985 and 1986 respectively, by Mr. S K Arora (Cheetah and Guldar) and Mr. A K Das (Kumbhir) then Ambassadors of India to Poland. The Commanding officer of the three ships was CDR V B Mishra, Lt Cdr SK Singh and Lt Cdr J Banerjee respectively. During her initial years, Cheetah was based at Kochi and Chennai for brief periods, and Kumbhir and Guldar were based at Visakhapatnam. The ships were subsequently re-based at Andaman and Nicobar Command, where they served till their decommissioning. These ships were in active Naval service for nearly 40 years and collectively traversed about 17 lakh nautical miles whilst being at sea for over 12,300 days. As the amphibian platforms of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, these ships have conducted over 1300 beaching operations for landing of army troops ashore.
During their illustrious journeys, these ships participated in numerous maritime security missions and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations. Notable amongst them are their role during Operation Aman as part of IPKF operations and Operation Tasha a joint operation carried out between Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard in May 1990 to control smuggling of arms and ammunition and illegal immigration across Indian and Srilankan border and made stellar contributions in relief operations post 1997 cyclone off Sri Lanka and the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.
Indian Naval Ships Cheetah, Guldar and Kumbhir have left an indelible mark on the maritime landscape, and their decommissioning marks the end of a significant chapter of the Indian Navy’s history.
Air Marshal Saju Balakrishnan AVSM, VM, Commander-in-Chief Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN), Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, AVSM, VSM, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Flag Officers, former Commanding Officers, and commissioning crew of the three ships attended the ceremonies at Port Blair. The event was also unique since three warships of the same class were decommissioned simultaneously on a single day.
Celebration of National Youth Day by Nehru Yuva Kendra Port Blair
Port Blair, Jan 12: Nehru Yuva Kendra, Port Blair, in association with PM Shree KV No.1, celebrated National Youth Day with exuberance at the School CCA Hall. The event, attended by approximately 125 enthusiastic youth, was a resounding success, marking a day of inspiration and enlightenment.
The ceremony commenced with the warm welcome of 25 selected cadets who volunteered to support road safety traffic. The volunteers added a dynamic spirit to the event, embodying the commitment of the youth towards societal well-being. Later, the Chief Guest, Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, Member of Parliament, Andaman and Nicobar constituency, was welcomed with a bouquet and presented with a traditional ‘swal’ as a token of honor.
Mr. Sharma addressed the audience, emphasizing the crucial role of youth empowerment and education in shaping the nation’s future. He applauded the dedication of the cadets towards road safety, highlighting the significance of such initiatives in building a responsible and aware society.
The Principal Mr. Sukhvinder Singh addressed the gathering, shedding light on the pivotal role of youth and underscoring the importance of National Youth Day in fostering a sense of responsibility and patriotism among the younger generation. While Mr. Iswar Chand Soni, PGT geography also present to grece the occasion.
The awards ceremony included the recognition of winners from both the Viksit Bharat Declamation Contest and National Youth Day’s Declamation Contest. Special mention was given to Mr. Manoj Kumar, Art teacher, Mr. Hitesh Kumar Sharma, and Mr. Ghadge shrikant for their exemplary services in implementing various programs of Nehru Yuva Kendra.
Gopal Ch Biswas, in his role as the host, concluded the event by proposing a heartfelt vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all the dignitaries, participants, and contributors who made the celebration a grand success. The program included the screening of the live telecast of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, adding a national touch to the festivities.
The collaboration between Nehru Yuva Kendra and PM Shree KV No.1 showcased a strong commitment to fostering Swami Vivekananda’s ideals among the youth, setting a positive tone for the future. The event exemplified the spirit of National Youth Day, encouraging the youth to actively engage in nation-building endeavors, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan to organize National Level Mega National Youth Day & Week at Nasik, Maharastra from 12th Jan
Port Blair, Jan 12:Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan is organising National Level Mega National Youth Day & Week at Nasik, Maharastra from 12th January, 2024 on the occasion of 161″ birth anniversary of Swammi Vivekananda. Nehru Yuva Kendra, Diglipur also organising the National Youth Day & Week at Multipurpose Hall, Diglipur. Mr. P.R. Singaram, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Subhashgram inaugurated the programme by Garlanding to the portrait of Swammi Vivekananda followed by enlightening the Traditional Lamp as the Chief Guest. Mr. Rajandran, Block Development Officer, Diglipur, Mrs. Indra Devi, Child Development Project Officer, Diglipur and teachers of GSSSS Subashgram & Diglipur along with some participants has also paid floral tribute to the portrait of Swamiji. Mr. P.R. Singaram, BDO and CDPO spokes on Life & Teachings of Swamiji. A beautiful Cultural programme was also performed by the students of various Sr. Sec. Schools of Diglipur Zone. About 300 participants has witnessed the celebration.
The programme was concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Sukharanjan Biswas, Deputy Director (OSD), Diglipur.
Annual Day Celebration of PM SHRI GSSS in Bambooflat
Port Blair, Jan 12: The Second Annual Day Celebration of PM SHRI GSSS in Bambooflat unfolded on January 11, 2024, from 4.30 PM with a glittering array of events. At the outset of the event, Mrs. Sobha Roy, Principal, PM SHRI GSSS Bambooflat welcomed all the dignitaries by presenting the bouquets and addressed the gathering by welcoming speech. The distinguished Chief Guest, Mrs. Monika Bhardwaj, DIGP (Law and Order), Andaman and Nicobar Police, and Guest of Honour, Mrs. Sangeeta Chand, DEO Wimberlygunj, graced the occasion.
The highlight of the day was the inauguration of PM SHRI 3D Selfie Point by Mrs. Sangeeta Chand, DEO, Wimberlygunj and the vibrant cultural program presented by the students, featuring cultural and patriotic dances that left the audience spellbound. Mrs. Sangeeta Chand expressed her admiration, describing the program as mesmerizing and commending Principal Mrs. Sobha Roy for her efforts in the all-round development of the students. She urged everyone to preserve and uphold the legacy.
Ms. Monika Bhardwaj lauded the impeccable organization and the presentations that surpassed expectations. Encouraging students to prioritize studies as well as the future custodians of the nation, she emphasized the importance of their role in Nation Building.
The festivities continued with the distribution of certificates to meritorious students across various disciplines. The event drew the presence of PRI Members, SMC Members, PTA Members, and dignitaries from various departments, creating a diverse and engaging audience.
Attendees universally praised the program, foreseeing it as an everlasting memory etched in the hearts and minds of the students, parents, and all witnesses. The event was hailed as ‘one of its kind,’ where the school not only celebrated its students’ achievements but also fostered a sense of community and togetherness. The evening concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr. A Abraham, PGT marking the event’s successful closure.
Doordarshan Kendra, Port Blair to telecast a Live phone-in programme on the Topic – POCSO the Taboo’s & the Society
Port Blair, Jan 12: Doordarshan Kendra, Port Blair will telecast a Live phone-in programme on the Topic – “POCSO the Taboo’s & the Society” on 15.01.2024 (Monday) from 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm Dr. C. Nehala Hamza, Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, G. B. Pant Hospital, ANIIMS will be the expert in the Studio answering the queries of the viewers.
Viewers can participate in this LIVE Phone-in programme by dialling on Phone No 244745 or 217213.
Death Mourned
Port Blair, Jan 12: Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Member BJP & Former State President BJP-ANI, expresses deep sorrow on the passing of Mr. Praful Topno, aged 40 Yrs, son of Mr. Marshal Topno, Ex- Samiti Member Parnasala Panchayat & Ex- Rangat District President, BJYM R/o Rampur Rangat, who left for heavenly abode today on 11-01-2024 at 09.00 PM. Mr. Jolly extends heartfelt condolences and prays for the eternal peace of the departed soul and to give strength to his bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.