Rashmi Rao

Mobile connectivity, or the lack of it, is fast becoming a critical health hazard at G B Pant Hospital, the primary referral hospital in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as doctors and staff grapple with poor to non-existent signal strength across most parts of the campus. ,Communication during emergencies is being reduced to a game of chance, with serious implications for patient care.

Andaman biryani is not your typical biryani. Unlike the more common ghee-heavy varieties of North India, it’s lighter and delicately spiced, perfectly suited to the humid climate of the islands. The dish reflects the fusion of several regional influences: the mustard tang of Bengali cuisine, the heat of Tamil spices, the rich marinades of North Indian biryani, and even hints of Southeast Asian flavors.

Teachers live in uncertainty. Families are split, and morale drops. Add to that the constant paperwork, inspections, and documentation—there’s barely any room left for actual teaching. The focus is on ticking boxes, not on student growth. Every island is different, and we need policies that reflect that. We need fewer reports and more real planning.