Rajnath vows probe into 'corruption in cooperative banks in Kerala'

KOLLAM: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday vowed a probe by the Union government into the corruption in cooperative banks in Kerala if BJP returns to power in the country. Addressing election rallies for Baiju Kalasala and actor Krishna Kumar, the NDA candidates in the Mavelikkara and Kollam Lok Sabha constituencies, respectively, Singh pledged to recover the lost funds and return the same to the investors. Law and order in Kerala has broken down. If NDA returns to power, those who take the law into their own hands will be jailed, Singh said. Taking a dig at LDF and UDF, accusing them of collusion despite local rivalry, he alleged, The LDF and UDF, which are at loggerheads here, are friends in Delhi. While LDF ran the gold biscuit scam, the UDF regime ran the solar scam. Taking up concerns about Keralas traditional industries, Singh promised special protection for coastal zone and a dedicated package for the fisheries sector under the next Modi-led regime. He stressed on the BJPs track record, noting that not a single corruption allegation was raised in the NDAs 10-year rule. He also highlighted Indias increased international stature under Modis leadership and claimed a decrease in corruption compared to the previous Congress-led government.

IMD warns of isolated heavy rain in three districts on Friday

Maximum temperatures are likely to be 2 C to 4 C above normal inKollam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, and Kannur till April 22

In Kerala's Avanavanchery, Why This Banana Plant Is Attracting Visitors

According to reports, Madhu Kumar brought the seeds for the banana from one of his friends in Kollam, a year ago.

Death of APP: Kerala High Court grants anticipatory bail to 2 accused

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has granted anticipatory bail to two accused in a case related to the death by suicide of Aneeshya S, Assistant Public Prosecutor, Munsiff Magistrate Court, Paravur, Kollam, alleging mental harassment from higher-ups. The court granted bail to SyamkrishnaK R, Assistant Public Prosecutor, Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-II, Paravur, Kollam and Abdul Jaleel, Deputy Director of Prosecution, Kollam district. The court said that on evaluation of the entire materials, effective investigation is possible even without detention of the petitioners in custody since the allegations are the outcome of official duties of the deceased and the accused. The material aspect would require thoroughprobe and I leave the same to the province of the probe officer with direction to investigate fairly without leaving room for any allegations, said Justice A Badharudeen.

718 people exercise home voting in Kollam district so far

In the Kollam constituency, 7,563 people have been allowed to cast Form 12D postal ballot

Keralites clinch top ranks in civil services examination

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Candidates from Kerala shone in the civil services examination 2023, the results of which were declared on Tuesday. According to a list released by the Kerala State Civil Services Academy, as many as 11 Keralites figure among the top 200 ranks, including P K Sidharth Ramkumar, who secured the all-India fourth position in his fifth attempt. Ernakulam native Sidharth, who joined the Indian Police Service (IPS), is now undergoing training at National Police Academy, Hyderabad. A graduate of Architecture from the College of Architecture, Thiruvananthapuram, he cracked the Civil Services exam in his first attempt in 2020 but made three other attempts to improve his rank. Other Keralites in the top 100 ranks were: Vishnu Sasikumar (Rank 31) who is settled in Gujarat, Archana P P based in Bengaluru (40), Benjo P Jose from Adoor (59) Kasturi Sha from Thiruvananthapuram (68), Fabi Rasheed, also from Thiruvananthapuram (71) and Annie George from Kannur (93). While Febin Jose Thomas from Kollam and Vineeth Lohidakshan from Ernakulam secured all India ranks 133 and 169 respectively, Amrutha S Kumar from Ernakulam and Manjusha B George from Kottayam clinched ranks 179 and 195 respectively. As per the list released by the academy, 54 Keralites figure in the list of candidates selected for various Civil Services. A total of 1,016 candidates across the country had cleared the examination and have been recommended for different central government services, the UPSC said.

These States Issue Heatwave Warning: Maharashtra, Telangana, and West Bengal on Alert

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded the alarm for an impending heatwave across several states in the country. Maharashtra, North Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and West Bengal are among the regions highlighted in the latest weather forecast. Moreover, a separate advisory has been issued for specific cities in Maharashtra, including Thane, Mumbai, and Raigad, indicating an imminent heatwave expected to hit this week. In Maharashtra, both Mumbai and Thane are bracing for minimum temperatures ranging from 36 to 38 degrees Celsius. The IMD's notification outlines the persistence of heatwave conditions in Odisha and West Bengal until April 19, in Andhra Pradesh until April 18, in Telangana from April 17 to 18, and in North Goa until the 16th. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are also preparing for soaring temperatures, with heatwave conditions anticipated from April 16 to 18 in both states. Similarly, West Bengal has been put on alert, with temperatures expected to soar from April 17 to 19. Kerala, on the other hand, has received a yellow alert in multiple districts, including Kollam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Thiruvananthapuram. Additionally, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Kasargod are all expected to experience high temperatures this week. Meanwhile, in Northwest India, meteorologists predict the possibility of rainfall accompanied by strong winds, hail, and thunderstorms today. This fresh spell of rain is anticipated to last over the next four days. In Delhi and other NCR regions, the IMD forecasts a cloudy sky with a chance of light rain and windy conditions. The national capital recorded a minimum temperature of 23.5 degrees Celsius today, which is two notches above the seasons average. The maximum temperature is expected to settle around 35 degrees Celsius. Protect Yourself from Heatwaves with These 4 Ayurvedic Herbs Precautions to Take as Heart Problems May Increase in Summer

PM Modi targets CM Pinarayi, family; vows to jail the corrupt

THRISSUR/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a personal attack on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, dragging him and his family onto the centre stage of BJPs electioneering in the state. Addressing election rallies for the party candidates in Thrissur and Thiruvananthapuram, the prime minister held the state government responsible for the financial rut it was in. The chief minister and his daughter are facing allegations of corruption over mineral sand mining. This incident would not have come to light had it not been for the intervention of the Union government, Modi said at Kattakada in Thiruvananthapuram. The state government is accused of trying to save those involved in the gold smuggling case, he added. The PMs accusation comes at a time when rumours are flying thick and fast that Pinarayis daughter may be summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning within a week in the CMRL pay-off case. Speaking in Thrissur, Modi assured the victims of cooperative bank frauds in the state that they will get back their money if his party is voted to power. The perpetrators of the frauds will be sent to jail, he said. Referring to the Karuvannur bank scam, Modi alleged that the Left government in the state was inventing new ways for looting the public. In Karuvannur, CPM leaders looted money from the bank where people belonging to middle- and lower middle-class families had invested their hard-earned money... money that was saved and deposited at Karuvannur for their daughters marriage. Several parents could not hold their daughters marriage due to the scam, he said. For the past three years, Pinarayi has been spouting lies about the scam. It was the Modi-led government that recovered Rs 90 crore from the fraudsters, he added, promising to return the money recovered from tainted cooperative banks to the depositors. Modi said Keralas economy was in doldrums due to the corruption of the successive governments. The treasury is empty and the government doesnt have money to pay salaries to its employees. The money given by the Centre for the states development is being fully utlised for loan repayment, he added. The prime minister said the state government suffered a setback in the Supreme Court, which clearly said the state governments inefficiency was to be blamed for the financial mess it was in. Keralas future is not safe in the hands of the two major fronts here, he said. Modi said his 10 years of rule were clean, and his government took various steps to prevent corruption. He said the corrupt parties had forged an alliance to defeat him. But Im not scared of the corrupt. I will not show any leniency towards them, he said. He added that all votes for his party would strengthen the fight against corruption. The BJPs election manifesto, he stressed, was Modis guarantee to the people. The Kunnamkulam function was attended by party candidates Abdul Salam (Malappuram), Suresh Gopi (Thrissur), T N Sarasu (Alathur) and Nivedida Subramanian (Ponnani). The meeting at Kattakada was attended by candidates K Surendran (Wayanad), V Muraleedharan (Attingal), Rajeev Chandrasekhar (Thiruvananthapuram) and G Krishnakumar (Kollam). Actor Sobhana, who attended the rally in Thiruvananthapuram, said Modi had made the impossible possible and that won him a second innings in power. He is now working for a third innings and BJPs candidates from Kerala are capable of realising his dream for the country, she added.

Health Minister Veena George urges caution against mosquito-borne diseases

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Health Minister Veena George has urged caution against mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, malaria and filariasis, as intermittent rains continue in the state. She also emphasised the need to eliminate breeding sources to curb the spread of such viral diseases. Do not allow water stagnation inside or near houses. Precautions should be taken to avoid mosquito bites. Houses and surroundings should be kept clean, said Veena, directing officials to strengthen the pre-monsoon cleaning activities. A meeting held in March found that dengue cases are more prevalent in urban and coastal areas in Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. The minister had directed the district-level officers to intensify field-level activities. The state reported over 1,400 dengue cases and one fatality in April.

Idukki: Cell number provided while pledging stolen gold leads cops to suspects

IDUKKI : Kollam natives Alex K J and his partner Kavitha B thought they had covered their tracks. After killing a 70-year-old woman while robbing her at her residence in Adimali on April 13, the duo were trying to flee to Tamil Nadu by bus. En route, however, the couple provided one of their mobile numbers at a shop were they had pledged a gold chain snatched from the victims body. This proved their undoing. The number provided the first solid clue to their identity, leading police to them. According to officers, Subair found his mother Fathima Kasim lying in a pool of blood inside their house around 4pm when he returned from work. Her throat had been slit and gold ornaments she was wearing were found missing. Upon being alerted, police reached the spot, and in a primary investigation concluded that it was primarily a robbery attempt. From the statements of neighbours and local residents, officers came to know about the Kollam duo, who had been roaming the area the previous few days. Soon after the crime, the couple had vacated the lodge in Adimali where they had been staying and hired a taxi to Kothamangalam. Before leaving Adimali, however, the accused tried to pledge the gold chain - weighing around two sovereigns -- at a shop in town. The investigators got the mobile number from the shop owner. The duo were forced to furnish the number to receive the one-time password from a private financial institution for the transfer of money. We contacted Kollam police and collected details of the person in whose name the mobile number was registered. We crosschecked the photo with local residents which confirmed the identity of the suspects, Idukki SP T K Vishnu Pratheep said. Alex of Kilikolloor and Kavitha of Decent Junction, Kollam, were picked up from a KSRTC bus headed for Coimbatore on April 14. According to officers, the two were classmates who were separately married. However, they reconnected recently and started living together. The duo had arrived in Adimali on April 5 in search of a job and were staying at the lodge. They approached Fathima in search of rented accommodation. In the course of their interaction, they familiarised themselves with her circumstances.

In poll season, people use boycott threat to put spotlight on issues

ERODE: Even as the Election Commission aims to ensure 100% voting in the Lok Sabha election on April 19, people are threatening to boycott it even for minor issues, thereby keeping officials on their toes. On Monday, residents of Pannai Nagar near the Kollampalayam installed a banner announcing their decision demanding the removal of an encroachment on a public road. On information, the Surampatti police and revenue officials rushed to the spot and held talks with the public. The banner was removed after an assurance of prompt action. In the last week, three similar cases of election boycotts were resolved through talks by the officials.Meanwhile, the LBP irrigated farmers have also made election boycott threat demanding release of water from the Bhavanisagar dam. Speaking to TNIE , KR Sudhanthirarasu, President of Tamil Nadu Small and Micro Farmers Association, said, According to the G.O. Number 11, the WRD has to provide 11.5 tmcft of water from the dam in four intervals from January 7 to May 1. However officials stopped water supply in the middle of the fourth wetting due to the poor storage level. Officials should release water from the dam from April 18 for the fifth wetting. Otherwise, compensation of Rs 3000 per acre should be provided for crops. The announcement should be made by April 18. Otherwise, we will boycott the election. We are going to create awareness in this regard among all farmers. A senior officer in the district administration said Election boycott threats are issued even for minor local issues. Some issues, thoough, are long-term requests. Our officials go to those areas and find a solution through talks. There is no other way. We also monitor such campaigns through social media.

LDF, UDF & NDA: Gujaratis in Kerala disenchanted with all

KOLLAM : As the Lok Sabha elections approach, excitement brews within the Gujarati community of Kerala. Though most Malayali Gujaratis have traditionally leaned towards the BJP-led NDA in the LS polls, this time, there exists a certain distrust towards all three major fronts.And while the communitys wish for a strong Union government remains steadfast, dissatisfaction with the BJP and Congress is palpable. We have traditionally stayed aloof from politics; what we seek is a robust government for the country. While a significant portion of our community supports Narendra Modi and the BJP, theres a shift especially among the youth, who prioritise development, employment opportunities, and a more conducive business environment, something lacking in our state, says Shrenik Shah, a Gujarati community member in Kerala. The community is primarily concentrated in Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kannur, Kollam, and Malappuram districts. As per the Gujarati Community Association, there are 15,500 members in Kerala, with Ernakulam having the most Gujarati families at 540. Kollam and Malappuram have 10 and 5 families, respectively, the lowest. Our community wielded significant influence in Kerala, but we now feel marginalised. The state government promised to renovate our Gujarati school, temples, and other heritage sites, but it seems they may take control of our heritage. Our numbers have dwindled, with our youngsters leaving and many planning to leave. We no longer hold the importance we did, laments Dhruv Kumar Pandya, secretary of the Alleppey Gujarati Samaj, Alappuzha. The Gujarati community, renowned for its business acumen, laments the neglect in industrial revival, particularly of spices and textiles sectors that have been hit due to Keralas business-unfriendly environment. As per the Gujarati Association in Kerala, 47 community-owned industries in Kerala downed shutters in the last five years. The LS candidates have largely overlooked these issues, the members allege. Says Kishorsbhi Shamji, a spice trader, For five years, my company struggled to export our products. We advocated for the revival of coir, spices, copra, and tourism, but faced hurdles due to trade union militancy, alleges Shamji. We anticipated industrial revival under BJPs Union government, but to no avail. Union Minister V Muraleedharan dismissed our concerns, citing indifference from the commerce minister. Now, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal deems subsidies unnecessary for businesses. We hoped for reforms under the LDF government, but harassment by trade unions persists. Our UDF MPs remained silent. Who can we trust? Were left to just observe this election, says Shamji, who

Three more hospitals in Kerala get NQAS accreditation

These include Paaralam family health centre at Thrissur, Kulappully urban family health centre at Palakkad and the urban health centre at Karunagappally, Kollam.

Kollam Pooram all set to begin on Monday

Gas tanker overturns in Kollam

Tanker carrying LPG overturns on MC Road near Kottarakara, driver sustains minor injuries, gas not leaked.

Kerala police arrests rape accused held after 27 years on the run

KOLLAM : The Anchal police on Wednesday arrested an accused in a kidnap and rape case, who has been on the run for the last 27 years. The arrested is Sajeev, a resident of Varkala, who fled to the Gulf after being granted bail by a court. He was arrested in 1997 for abducting and sexually assaulting a 26-year-old woman. According to the police, the incident occurred on July 16, 1997. Sajeev and nine others abducted the woman, who was returning home in a private bus after visiting a temple in Kulathupuzha, and sexually assaulted her. Later, Sajeev took her to a secluded place in a car and subjected her to repeated sexual assaults. Following the incident, the police arrested a total of ten individuals, including the bus owners son. However, Sajeev was granted bail by a court a few weeks later and, subsequently, he fled to the Gulf. In 2003, he was declared a fugitive. Recently, the police received a tip-off regarding Sajeevs presence in Kerala. After days of surveillance, he was arrested from Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday.

Food for trot

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : It is a given that candidates receive ample food for thought during their hectic campaign trails. But what about the food for the tummy that fuels them through the jamboree? A common refrain we got from several candidates was that it was the interactions with the common folk that supplied them with the josh to keep pushing forward even in this sapping heat. Food is just one factor that brings energy, said Ponnani UDF candidate Abdussamad Samadani. There are different highs one gets during election campaigns. Meeting people, making conversations, sharing memories there isnt anything more to ask for. Now, coming to the actual poll plate, most candidates prefer to keep it simple. They also take care to keep themselves well-hydrated with water (many of them prefer it hot), tender coconut, lime juice or buttermilk. Thiruvananthapuram LDF candidate Pannian Raveendran says he tries not to skip the three meals. Puttu-pazham is my all-time favourite breakfast. I love robusta, but have other varieties of banana too, he said. I have a simple lunch with pulissery, avial and fish curry. Dinner is usually three small dosas. And in between the meals, lots of water. I prefer plain, hot water over other drinks. Fish curry meals is a common lunch choice for Thiruvananthapuram NDA candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Mavelikara UDF candidate Kodikkunil Suresh and Samadani as well. According to Rajeevs team, the BJP leader was not fussy about food. He hits Chandrettante Chayakkada (a popular teashop) at Sasthamangalam often. He always carries lime juice, bananas and lots of water while travelling, said a team member. Food on time is not possible, so he munches down whatever he gets during the campaign. He prefers light food at night. Alappuzha UDF candidate K C Venugopal said he, too, wasnt too picky about food, but stressed that proper hydration was vital. Buttermilk, lime juice, salads and plenty of water make up my election-time diet, he added. Ernakulam UDF candidate Hibi Eden also takes extra care to not get sun-zapped. He completely avoids oily food. Biriyani is his favourite dish, and supporters often arrange it during campaigns, but he avoids it, said Hibis wife Anna Linda. His car has an icebox thats well-stocked with buttermilk,watermelon and cut fruits. Cotton balls dipped in lavender oil too are kept in the car to beat the tan during campaigns. Some veterans like Kozhikode LDF candidate Elamaram Kareem, LDFs Thomas Issac in Pathanamthitta and UDFs Rajmohan Unnithan in Kasaragod say food is the last thing on their minds during elections. I just go with the flow, there isnt any diet that I follow, said Issac. Kareem, meanwhile, said diet was a trivial issue during elections. It is the time to discuss politics, he added. What about first-timers? Ernakulam LDF candidate K J Shine said she found the campaign trail quite difficult during the initial phase. But now, I have come to terms with the new routine, she added. I am not rigid about food choices. I try to eat light, preferably fruits and vegetable salads. I also take a lot of liquids. Wayanad LDF candidate Annie Raja and Ponnani NDA candidate Niveditha Subramaniam said, though it was their first outing as candidates, they had been active in election work for their parties, and were used to the chaos. I eat whatever is available and have no special diet. But I am the happiest when I have rice porridge, said Annie. Like Pannian, Niveditha, too, prefers to drink only hot or warm water during campaigns. I avoid nonvegetarian food, she added. I carry Ayurvedic medicines and ointments to tackle minor health issues that could crop up due to the heat and skipping meals. Kollam NDA candidate K Krishnakumar ensures five hours of sleep before kickstarting the daily campaigning and includes plenty of liquids in his diet to avoid exhaustion. I have food in limited quantities. I also take ORS whenever I feel dehydrated, he said. A month of election campaigning while fasting, candidates have had dried up throats and tiring days yet that did not slow the campaign pace. For devout Muslim candidates, things were doubly challenging as a major part of their campaigns was during the Ramadan fasting period. It was difficult to stay hydrated. I used to wake up at 4am and have food with high water content. I would also gulp down as much water as possible before the fasting begins. But long speeches during the campaign trails used to dry my throat out, said Alappuzha LDF candidate A M Arif. Now that Eid is over, I have switched to my normal routine of having oats, eggs and fruits in the morning, taking vitamin supplements and hydrating drinks. I prefer a light dinner, and ensure four hours of good sleep. Malappuram UDF candidate E T Muhammed Basheer said that he had no trouble during the fasting period, and can easily switch diet modes. However, to be able to drink the usual morning tea after 30 days was a truly special feeling, he added. Source of energy A common refrain we got from several candidates trying their luck this Lok Sabha elections was that it was the interactions with the common folk that supplied them with the josh to keep pushing forward even in this sapping heat. As for their actual diet, most candidates preferred to keep it simple.

Forgotten majesty: Cheena Kottaram fails to rise from ruins of time, apathy

KOLLAM : In the heart of Kollam lies a 120-year-old relic of royal grandeur, that has now been reduced to a dumping ground for garbage and a shelter for stray dogs. Nestled in Chinnakada, near Kollam railway station, this once-palatial edifice now finds itself ensnared by creeping vines, its majesty overshadowed by neglect. Yet, a closer inspection still reveals the breathtaking Indo-Saracenic architecture it once proudly flaunted. The Cheena Kottaram was constructed in 1904 by the Travancore royal family. From originally serving as a guest house for royals and their guests during journeys along the Kollam-Shenkottai railway route, it today stands as a silent witness to the passage of time. Despite decades of neglect, efforts to revive the Railway Palace -- as it was also known -- have been stymied by red tape. Kollam corporation, which initiated renovation plans years ago, found its efforts hampered by jurisdictional disputes with the Indian Railways, which now oversee the site. Despite appeals to former Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in 2016 for permission to undertake maintenance, the corporations pleas have fallen on deaf ears. In 2014, residents demanded that the palace be converted into a museum, but that failed to take off. In 2016, the corporation approached the railways to initiate renovation work, but that effort failed to evoke any response. We also requested that the building be handed over to the corporation for turning it into a tourism centre or museum, but nothing has come of it, says Sajeev Soman, chairman of the public works standing committee of the corporation. The Railways cited financial constraints and a lack of viability for failing to act. Before undertaking any renovation project, feasibility must be assessed. The maintenance of the palace is not a viable project for the public rail transporter, and thats why it is not a priority. Moreover, funds are scarce, said an official. The palace, which from the outside gives the impression of a two-storey structure, has only a ground floor with seven ornate rooms and Gothic-style arches. Red ochre bricks were used for the construction, in the style of traditional Chinese houses. Beyond that, the palace has no links with China.

Lush greenery, stark misery: Election vignettes from Kerala's Achankovil forest

Forty-seven-year-old Suku has been the lone priest at the Kodamala Appooppan Kaavu for over 18 years. This sacred grove within a forest patch, just a few minutes walk away from the motorable road along the Punalur-Achankovil stretch, is a relatively lesser known site that does not usually catch the eyes of tourists or travellers. Here resides the eternal being. Appooppan (Grandfather) knows it all, senses everything and blesses everyone, irrespective of caste, creed, belief or even absence of it. Pour out your mind to him without any qualms. He sees your mind, listens to your heart and never gives up on anyone, avers the stony-faced priest with unsullied faith. A couple of rudraksha-beaded chains adorn his neck, his stern looks belie his gentle demeanour. See this yard here, is called Appooppan Kalari . He's believed to be Adithyaputhran (Offspring of the Sun God), and was born to Mannadi Amma at that distant fort along Kizhakkummala, explains Suku, pointing to a distant hillock along the mountain ranges on the eastern frontier. Suku claims that Appooppan has been the mala daivam for 101 hills in the region (a guardian angel of the hills), thereby earning the name Malamoorthy , Oorrali Appooppan , Kodamala Thevar or Kodamala Appooppan . A couple of minor deities including Ammumma (Grandmother) and Sivan are also part of the Kaavu . These hills have their own rituals and practices. The Padayani offering with 51 tender coconuts is what he likes the most. Offering muthukuda (ceremonial umbrella) and roosters - not to kill them but to set them free - are the two favourite offerings here, says Suku who seems more than eager to acquaint us with all the jungle lore. As priest, he offers regular poojas here on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. But does it enable him to earn his daily bread? No. For that, he has no choice but to foray into the jungle along with others to collect honey. Suku, he of the unsullied faith. A left-leaning priest Suku, who belongs to the Malapandaram tribe, is one among close to 300 families in the Girijan colony, a tribal settlement spread over 105 acres inside the Achankovil forest range. The land was originally given to 45 families who in time started spreading out to different places in and around the two wards of Aryankavu panchayat in Punalur assembly constituency. Originally, each family got 2.5 acres each, but it started shrinking with time, and now only a few cents are what each one owns. As you near Girijan Colony, a substantially big flex board of Kollam's Left candidate M Mukesh is seen leaning against a shanty that Suku calls home. A wall graffiti seeking votes for the candidate is also seen. What is it that makes a priest let his house be generously used for such electoral sloganeering? I'm an ardent believer, but a Leftist too. Don't get me wrong. It's not all about ideology, but I genuinely like what they have been doing, explains Suku, whose political affiliation began with the NCP, later shifted to the CPI and now stands with the Ganesh Kumar-led Kerala Congress. Vagaries of life A day's travel through the lush green Punalur-Achankovil- Sengottai stretch, an around 80-km long forest path that begins from Kerala's Kollam district and culminates at Tenkasi district in Tamil Nadu, during election season leaves one pondering deeply about the vagaries of life. A short untarred road from Punalur's Alimukku Junction takes you deep into the forest stretch that begins with acres of plantations that appear to spread further into the buffer forest zones too. On the way, you come across 55-year-old Murukan, a paraplegic seated on a wheelchair. His wife carries him to and fro on her shoulders everyday. She takes me from that house there (pointing to a shack uphill) and leaves me here till evening. Passersby tend to give me something or the other, says Murukan, who also warns us that the narrow stretch endowed with longish curves falls in the elephant corridor. Subtle hints and warnings about the imminent danger of animal crossings come your way all along the route, as you proceed further. A land of laments The return to Girijan colony is a return to a land of laments. Only during votes the politicians want us. During that time, all of them come here. After that they don't want us. We have been given temporary title deeds. But no steps have yet been taken to make it permanent, rues 49-year-old Rajeevan. People here are not happy with how politicians treat them as mere vote banks. The flex board promoting film star and LDF candidate M Mukesh. In spite of the facilities that the governments claim to have given, most families depend on the jungle for forest produce as a means of livelihood. At times, they work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. But foraying into the forest is what sustains their lives, says 48-year-old Yasodharan. Venturing out into the deep forest to collect honey, kunthirikkam and vayana is often more than an adventure. The forest department has given them passes through the Vana Samrakshana Samithi (VSS) to enter the forest and stay for days. Going in batches of two-three families, they settle into camps, once inside the deep jungle. The Achankovil Forest division has three forest ranges -- Achankovil, Kallar and Kanayar. A two-week-long stay in the jungle, braving wild animal attacks bring in around Rs 500 per day, depending on the season. Back home too, animals pose a major threat to their daily lives. While wild boars pose the biggest challenge, monkeys comprise the nuisance factor. Elephants and bisons too play their part in making life miserable for the tribals here. Trade unions of plantation workers affiliated to various political parties are active in the region. While Suku claims things have improved of late, most families here seem to be in dire straits, as they go on to narrate a plethora of woes that await them everyday. That almost none of them have title deeds remains their biggest concern. The tribal families were given land of upto 4 acres under the Forest Rights Act for farming and housing. It can be treated as own land and handed over to future generations. But since it's forest land, it cannot be sold. No title deeds will be given. But as per the latest amendment brought in by the Union Government, those residing inside the forest before 1977 would be given title deed after joint survey by the forest and revenue departments, pointed out ex-forest minister K Raju, who represented Punalur in the Kerala Assembly. 'We won't even have a place to be buried' Authorities do take steps to ensure that children here go to school without fail. Thirty-two-year-old Sheeba and 37-year-old Santhosh have four children. Plus two student Sajesh, Agesh of ninth class, Sibijth of sixth and Abhi, a class three student at Orukunnu, a local school here. Two of them stay at a hostel, while the other two make use of the school bus. But often they miss school, as they go with Santhosh and Sheeba into the jungle. The government has taken steps to ensure better living conditions for them. In addition to free ration, hostel and travel facilities are given. Still a section of them choose to depend on forest produce. Kids often fail to attend school, as families take them along while going to jungle, adds K Raju. With families spreading out, better housing is an urgent requirement for most. But having waited for long, most of them are desperate and have given up hopes. Fifty-five-year-old Subitha lives in a what could be termed a ramshackle hut. Covered with tarpaulin sheets, traditional mats and supported by bamboo poles, the tiny shack could put even the most humble abode to shame. I've been waiting 12 years for a house. They don't even tell us when, or whether it'll be done. But it's fine. I don't want to talk about it, says Subitha with a resigned look. She's convinced that only through party network, such government facilities can be availed. If Subitha, one of the first-generation tribals to move into the colony, finds herself in a precarious situation, a more painful picture awaits you a couple of kilometres down the forest path. No land. No title deed. At times, pensions too are delayed. We stay next to a water body, but water scarcity remains a routine affair. We have been on the margins for more than half a century. Promises galore, as polls approach, but to no avail. It seems, we'll end up with nothing. Even when I die, I won't get a final resting place. Tears seem to have long dried up, as 76-year-old Sarasamma speaks with innate indifference. Hey, cheer up! consoles a pleasant-looking Zeenath Beevi, her next-door neighbour. But it's true. We won't even have a place to be buried, echoes the 73-year-old a little while later. 'Once in power, they fail to even recognise us' Close to 38 families, most of them settled at Padinjare Puramboke here for over five decades, are in dire straits. Most dont have even an inch of land in their name. They have been living in shacks dubbed as houses, a few metres away from the road. Title deeds were promised, or rather are promised every time elections knock at their doors. But they continue living in these shacks, long after polls are over. They are located only a couple of kilometres away from the sleepy township of Achankovil that serves as a constant reminder of all that they lack in life. Oh, you've come to ask us about elections? When candidates come to meet us, they are full of promises. Once they assume power, they are unable to even recognise us, share Manoharan and Indira, a couple with reluctant smiles perched on their faces. The couple with the reluctant smiles. After having lived here for more than 50 years, none of them want to move out. Title deeds for these tiny plots are all they ask for. But to no avail. Most of the elderly among the lot draw government pensions (either social security or welfare), their major solace. But when it comes to getting a decent abode, they feel a betrayed lot. Not that there have been absolutely no government interventions. It does happen at times. But only a handful were fortunate enough. And those who are given land are not ready to move either. Its an interesting phenomenon here. Earlier outsiders used to come to Achankovil for work. But now they go outside seeking jobs, points out Beevi. Vast spreads of green that cloak misery A drive through the curvy forest patch that leads to Shenkottai in Tamil Nadu leaves you perturbed. Enroute lies a solar-fenced enclosure of an upcoming teak plantation, an expansion that stretches beyond the hills. Amid the thousands of tiny saplings stands a makeshift shanty, partly visible from the road. As curiosity gets the better of us, we get down, walk across, search for an entrance, fail to find one, call out to see if anyone is around. A tiny, worn-out middle-aged woman walks towards us, closely followed by a small boy and a lively puppy. As she approaches us, she warns us not to touch the electric fence that is meant to keep the elephants at bay. We have been here since a couple of years to look after the plants. We need to take care of everything. We switch on the solar fence in the evening; otherwise, elephants would rampage the area, she explains. They seldom go home as the saplings need constant nurturing. Their monthly income is however a paltry Rs 12000! Such vast spreads of green cloaks many similar tales of human penury. A drive through the Achankovil forest patches would never prove disappointing to those who love to immerse themselves in Nature's lap. The forest knows how to keep its secrets. One just needs to be adept at reading its silences. 'No one wants to stay here anymore': The unflattering Kerala story Bonacaud Junction has to tell Wayanad Election Notes: The solitude of Kerala's most famous tribal activist

Agri official calls to declare Wayanad as drought-hit

KALPETTA : Wayanad principal agricultural officer has submitted a report to the district collector, who is also chairperson of the district disaster management authority and director of the department of agriculture development and farmers welfare, recommending that the district be declared as drought-affected. According to the report, there has been widespread crop damage in the district. The three-day inspection by a team consisting of deputy directors and assistant directors found that 90% of local self-government institutions in the district are facing drought. The team visited four grama panchayats in the district. Villages near the border with Karnataka face severe crop damage. We have forwarded the report to higher authorities and to the district collector recommending that Wayanad be declared drought-affected, said Ajith Kumar, principal agricultural officer. A district can be declared as a drought-affected area based on the report of the revenue department, along with recommendations of the agriculture department. Only such an announcement will ensure assistance, including compensation, for farmers whose crops are destroyed. The inspection team found that the drought had badly affected Mullankolly and Pulpally grama panchayats. The report says water bodies have dried up, people are facing water scarcity and farmers are in distress due to crop damage. The Kaani river has dried up, adding to the woes of villagers. Coffee, pepper and banana cultivations, spread across over 235.8 hectares of land, have been destroyed in just Mullankolly and Pulpally panchayats in Panamaram block. Ten hectares of paddy cultivation and two-hectares of vegetable cultivation have also been destroyed. The report assessed Rs 25-crore worth crop damage in the district. If the situation persists, more water bodies will dry up with the risk of double-crop damage, the report stated. The situation is no different in other parts of the state. In Idukki, large swathes of cardamom plantations have been damaged in Vandanmedu, Pathumury, Nedumkandam, Kattappana, and Chakkupallam. Farmers say this is the first time in recent history that drought-like conditions have affected the cardamom sector in Idukki. Farmers in Palakkad, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts have also been badly affected. The Kisan Janatha Kovalam Mandalam committee has demanded immediate financial assistance to farmers whose crops have been destroyed. 90% of local self-government institutions in the district are facing drought Drought-affected areas in Wayanad Pulpally Mullankolly Panamaram Kaniyambetta Thondernad Thirunelly Thavinjal Edavaka Vellamunda Mananthavady Ambalavayal Nenmeni Sulthan Bathery Noolpuzha Meenangadi Muttil Padinjarathara Kalpetta Pozhuthana Kottathara Meppady Vythiri

Defence veterans enter political arena to amplify soldiers voices

KOLLAM : Veteran armed forces personnel have consistently been a focal point during general elections. According to them, despite assertions from both Union and state governments on their significant efforts in supporting ex-servicemen, the reality seems to diverge. Many ex-servicemen allege ongoing discrimination in terms of pay and allowances by the government. They allege that the government has been a mute spectator to their protests. In response, the Bhartiya Jawan Kisan Party (BJKP), composed of retired other ranks personnel and junior commissioned officers, has announced its participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections to amplify the soldiers voices in the Parliament. Notably, three ex-servicemen candidates from Kollam, Kozhikode, and Kannur, poised to contest the election, expressed a lack of confidence in both the NDA and UDF parties. We have been protesting for the past two years on issues related to pensions, allowances, and discrimination towards other ranks by officers. We approached the defence minister, prime minister, and president, but it seems this government has overlooked our concerns as if we dont exist anymore. Hence, its high time we entered the political arena and fought for our rights, said Arvindakshan Nair, a BJKP party candidate for Kozhikode constituency. Their objective of contesting elections is not solely to address discrimination in the defence sector, but also to advocate for a minimum support price for farmers and implement a universal healthcare scheme for citizens aged 60 and above. After retirement, we are all veterans. The disability and risks faced during service cannot be quantified. Our concern is not that officers receive higher allowances than us. But we have also suffered and deserve the same treatment as officers. Were taking the electoral route because we cant trust our politicians anymore. We have to fight our own battles, said Ramachandran Babileri, a BJKP candidate from Kannur. Meanwhile Hon Capt V P Nair, president of Poorva Sainik Samithi, stated that the government claims to have paid Rs 1 lakh for the first and second One Rank One Pension (OROP) schemes, with 87% of the amount allocated to officer ranks. From 1947 to 1972, other ranks were entitled to receive 75% of their salary. However, it was reduced to 50% in 1973 by Indira Gandhi. After protests by ex-service personnel, the Indira Gandhi government promised OROP. This means a soldier who retired in 1973 or 2023 would receive the same pension. The Modi government promised to implement OROP, but neither has our pension increased nor have we received any amount, Capt Nair added. Defence pay manual Officer rank personnel are entitled to receive Rs 15,500 as Military Service Pay (MSP), a risk allowance during duty; while, other ranks are entitled to only Rs 5,200 War injury disability pension for officer ranks is Rs 27,000, while for others, its only Rs 12,000 With regard to medical facilities, all ranks, including commissioned officers, contribute Rs 12,000 per year to the ex-service health scheme. But other ranks are alloted hospital wards while officers are entitled to air-conditioned rooms

Victory not our target, says SUCI(C), Keralas serial election loser for 57 yrs

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Patience and perseverance seem to be the guiding stars of the state unit of the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist), for it has unsuccessfully contested all the assembly and parliament elections in the past 57 years! This time, the party is fielding candidates in eight Lok Sabha seats. The partys senior leader, S Mini, is contesting from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency. Other constituencies where SUCI(C) candidates have been fielded are Kollam, Mavelikkara, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Chalakudy and Kozhikode. Campaigning is in full swing and the party has pretty good visibility in all places. Unlike other political parties, electoral victory is not the ultimate target of SUCI(C), says its state secretary Jaison Joseph. Peoples movements are our politics. We contest elections in this backdrop. The party does not believe in winning an election by hook or by crook, he says, adding that the party hasnt ever been part of unholy alliances aiming for parliamentary gains. Only in the 2016 assembly election was the SUCI(C) part of an alliance. The partners were the Revolutionary Marxist Party led by K K Rema and the Marxist Communist Party of India (United) led by V B Cheriyan. SUCI(C) contested in 38 seats then. Donations from the public and money shared by party members are SUCI(C)s major sources of income. Election funds too are mobilised thus and corporate funding is never accepted, the secretary says. The party has about 1,200 full-time cadres and a few thousand members in the state. Perhaps the biggest contribution of SUCI(C) was the numerous public issues it took up in the past five decades. It took the lead to unite people and organisations to fight for peoples rights on issues ranging from the mineral sand mining at Thrikkunnapuzha to the anti-K-Rail protest. The party played a significant role in the peoples movements at Chengara, Vilappilsala and Moolampilly. First state unit in Kollam college The first Kerala unit of SUCI(C) was formed by a group of students of the TKM College of Engineering, Kollam. It stepped into electoral politics by fielding Kochucherukkan in the Eravipuram seat for the 1970 assembly election. The partys first Lok Sabha candidate, James Joseph who contested from the Kollam seat, garnered over 8,000 votes. Founded in 1948, the SUCI(C) had presence in the assemblies of West Bengal, Assam, Bihar and Odisha at different times. Its lone MP, Tharun Mandal who contested from West Bengal, was in the fourth Lok Sabha.

Kerala Story - LDF, UDF sense trouble

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : As campaigning for the Lok Sabha poll moves to the second phase, the two leading political fronts have met with an unexpected stumbling block. Days after the ruling CPM and the Opposition Congress moved the Central Election Commission against Doordarshans telecast of the controversial movie, The Kerala Story, three prominent factions of the Catholic Syro Malabar Church have come forward to screen the movie among the faithful. While the LDF and the UDF were caught completely off guard, the BJP seems to have found an unexpected lifeline. The decision by the Church leadership to screen the movie has come as a setback to both LDF and UDF, both of whom are highly critical of the movie. Leaders of the two fronts continue their tirade against the movie, but stopped short of criticising the Church leadership fearing erosion of their respective Christian support base. Kerala Catholic Youth Movement to screen Kerala Story in more dioceses Speaking in unison, both Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Congress veteran A K Antony warned the people not to fall into the trap set by the Sangh parivar. Antony said the telecast of the movie on Doordarshan was part of a deliberate attempt to create communal polarisation. He requested people not to fall into the trap set by the BJP. Speaking to the media in Kollam, Pinarayi insisted that the the film was part of the Sangh parivars agenda of targeting minorities, which extends beyond just the Muslims. The RSS is targeting all minority communities. The RSS is trying to turn them against one another. Dont fall into that trap, and dont be part of the Sangh parivar agenda. This movie is said to be the story of Kerala. But it is full of blatant lies. Kerala is a land of brotherhood. We have been trying to develop such a land since the Renaissance period, said the chief minister. Criticising the screening of the film as part of an attempt to malign Keralas image, he added, They seek to portray Kerala as a hotbed of communalism, which is far from the truth. Ours is a society where people of all castes and creeds coexist peacefully, he said. Meanwhile with elections harldy two weeks away, the Church move has come as a major boost to the BJP-led NDA. Social commentators feel this could reflect in the coming Lok Sabha polls. The whole discussion over whats termed as Love Jihad would benefit the BJP, observed social commentator M N Karassery. Three more eparchies of Syro-Malabar Church in Kerala to screen 'The Kerala Story' Of late, theres loss of trust and subsequent distance between the two religious factions due to many factors like the Hagia Sophia issue. There are attempts to create a divide between the Christian and Mulsim communities. The Church is approaching this as a social issue, he pointed out. It seems as if the Church is executing BJPs agenda. Unfortunately, this would only deepen communal polarisation in society. Though we may not be able to assess the extent, its sure to have some kind of impact in the coming Lok Sabha polls, he added. 'Kerala Story' screening: RSS targeting minorities; dont fall into their trap, says Pinarayi The Idukki diocese of the Syro-Malabar church screened the film as part of an awareness session for students in Sunday classes. As per church officials, the film was screened to raise awareness among teenagers against the misuse of love.

'Kerala Story' screening: RSS targeting minorities; dont fall into their trap, says Pinarayi

KOLLAM: Following the screening of the controversial film 'Kerala Story at Idukki Diocese on Sunday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan addressed the issue on Tuesday, emphasizing that the Sangh Parivar's targeting of minorities extends beyond Muslims. RSS is targeting our minority communities. RSS is trying to turn one section of the community against another. Don't fall into that trap, and don't be a part of the Sangh Parivar agenda. This movie is said to be the story of Kerala. But it is full of blatant lies. Kerala is a land of brotherhood. We have been trying to develop such a country since the Renaissance period, said the Chief Minister., stated the Chief Minister during a media briefing in Kollam. Critiquing the screening of such films as an attempt to malign Kerala's image, he added, They seek to portray Kerala as a hotbed of communalism, which couldn't be further from the truth. Ours is a society where people of all castes and creeds coexist peacefully. The Idukki diocese of the Syro Malabar church screened the film as part of an awareness session for students in classes on Sunday. As per church officials, a film was screened to raise awareness among children against teenagers being lured by love and being misused. The screening of the film brought criticism from both the UDF and LDF camps. However, the NDA camp welcomed the screening of the film. Church retells Kerala Story; takes up love jihad as topic for teen meeting Meanwhile, he attacked the UDF candidate, N.K. Premachandran, by stating that Premachandran is an opportunistic person. I dont know whether he will shift to the BJP after the election. He is an opportunistic person; it will remain to be seen whether he will switch to the BJP or not, the CM said. After the Idukki diocese, youth organisations associated with two more dioceses in Kerala have decided to screen 'The Kerala Story'. The Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM) units associated with the Thalassery archdiocese and the Thamarassery diocese of the Syro-Malabar Church announced that they would screen the movie. The KCYM units of the two north Kerala dioceses said in separate Facebook posts that the film 'The Kerala Story' was not banned and congratulated the Idukki diocese for exhibiting it for its children studying in Classes 10, 11, and 12. The movie will be exhibited in all units of the KCYM in Thamarassery diocese, the organisation said in a Facebook post. (With inputs from PTI)

Kerala police crack down on false propaganda about EVMs, register 12 cases

Kerala police crack down on false propaganda about EVMs, register 12 cases The Kerala police on Tuesday said a total of 12 cases have been registered throughout the state for disseminating false propaganda alleging that the electronic voting machines (EVMs) to be used for the Lok Sabha polls are fake. Among these cases, two have been reported in Malappuram district, and two each in Ernakulam and Thrissur cities. Additionally, one case each has been registered in Thiruvananthapuram Rural, Kollam City, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Palakkad, and Idukki districts, the police said in a Facebook post. It said that state-level social media monitoring teams of Kerala police have escalated their efforts to combat the spread of false information aimed at misleading the public and sowing discord. As part of this initiative, vigilant monitoring of various social media platforms has been intensified, the police added.

2 die in road accident on NH-66 bypass road

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Two persons died in a road accident on the NH-66 bypas road at Thampuranmukku under the Thumba police station limits in the wee hours of Monday. The deceased are Al Thahir, 20, of Manacaud and Suneesh, 29, of Thampuranmukku. The police said the mishap occurred when the overspeeding bike driven by Thahir knocked down Suneesh when the latter was crossing the road. Suneesh fell several metres off the accident site in the impact. The duo died on the spot, while another Manacaud native, Al Aman, 19, who was riding a pillion, sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment. The Manacaud natives were travelling to have pre-dawn meals at a restaurant near Thampuranmukku. Suneesh, a local resident, was out to have tea. Thampuranmukku has been an accident-prone area for some time now, owing to the lack of speed barriers. The police sources said vehicles reached their peak speed while traversing the stretch. Vehicles travel at high speed through the stretch. Accidents are frequent here, especially due to the faulty road construction, said a police officer. Woman dies after being hit by bus A 44-year-old woman died after being hit by a speeding private bus at around 6am in Varkala on Monday. The deceased has been identified as Prathiba M of Kovilthottam, Anchuthengu. She was travelling from Kovilthodu to Varkala when she was hit by the private bus near Varkala railway station. She was on her way to see off her daughter, a nursing student in Kollam, to the railway station. The speeding private bus Habeebi came from the opposite direction and hit her. On the impact of the collision, Prathiba was thrown onto the road. Though she was taken to a nearby hospital, her life could not be saved. The body was taken to Varkala Taluk hospital mortuary.

194 candidates to battle it out in Keralas 20 seats

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : As many as 194 candidates are in the fray for the upcoming Lok Sabha election in Kerala. On the last day for withdrawal of nominations on Monday, 10 candidates from nine constituencies backed out. These included eight independents and two dummy candidates of the BDJS in Mavelikkara and Chalakudy constituencies. After the final picture emerged, the highest number of candidates was in Kottayam (14) and least in Alathur (5). Kozhikode, Kollam and Kannur have 12 candidates each. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, there were 227 candidates in the fray, with Wayanad boasting the highest number of candidates at 20. Alathur brought up the rear even then, with six candidates. Of the 194 candidates in the running, 169 are men and 25 women. There is no transgender candidate. Vadkara has the highest number of women candidates, at four. With the final list of candidates being finalised, the Election Commission has begun the process of allotting symbols to them. Apart from Mavelikkara and Chalakudy, the other constituencies where candidates withdrew from the fray are Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Wayanad and Vadakara. THE FINAL PICTURE A total of 194 candidates are contesting the LS polls in state. 169 - men 25 - women 14 - Kottayam has the most number of candidates Least number in Alathur (5) 4 Vadkara has highest no of women candidates 227 candidates were in fray in 2019 LS election

I trust paper ballots more, says 104-year-old Kamalakshi

KOLLAM : As dawn breaks, an elderly woman wraps a muffler snugly around her neck and delves into the morning newspaper until shes devoured every word. Meet 104-year-old L Kamalakshi Ammal, of Sasthamcotta, who participated in the very first Lok Sabha election. Once again, she is preparing to cast her vote, but this time via the postal ballot. I trust paper ballots more than the EVMs. You could check the ballot paper after casting vote. However, with the EVM, we wont even know if we have cast the vote or not. The voter should be involved in the process emotionally, but the EVM method does not allow that, she said. Born on February 11, 1920, Kamalakshi recalled her experiences during the dawn of Indian democracy. The memories of World War II and the riots during partition are still fresh in my memory. In those days, it was really hard for women to exercise their franchise. But it was the leadership of Pandit Nehru and freedom fighters that motivated us to fight for our rights, she said. In the 50s, 60s and early 70s, party members used to gather at junctions, beating drums. They would give speeches on unity, joblessness, and development. Graffiti and street plays were important parts of the election campaigns, she recalled. After her husbands discharge as a stenographer from the British Army, they settled in Kollam. Kamalakshi currentlyresides with her youngest son.

Kerala to feel impact of heatwave in TN, Karnataka, says climate expert

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Kerala is expected to experience above-normal temperatures due to the heatwave in neighbouring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and the ongoing El Nino event that is expected to persist till May. While a heatwave alert hasnt been officially declared in the state, districts bordering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, like Kannur, Kasaragod, Palakkad, and Kollam, are likely to see scorching temperatures. On Saturday, Palakkad reported 41.5 degrees Celsius, the highest temperature reported in the state after 2016. Palakkad district has been recording above 40C temperatures for the last four consecutive days. Kerala will experience a near heatwave-like condition. There will be repercussions for the state because of the heatwave situation in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The humidity index is higher in Kerala and even if we dont meet the criteria for the heatwave there will be heatwave-type events. Hot and uncomfortable conditions will continue as IMD has predicted less summer rains this season, said M G Manoj, a scientist with Cusats Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research (ACARR). According to official records, around 60 heat-related events, including sunburn and sunstroke cases, have been reported in the state till March 19. This includes a suspected death in Malappuram district, an official source said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for several districts in Kerala till April 12, warning of hot and uncomfortable conditions. On Saturday, the temperature was nearly 4.8 degrees above normal in Palakkad. A heatwave can be declared only if similar or higher variation is reported for two consecutive days. On Sunday, the temperature dropped to 40.5C, said a weather expert with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). Meanwhile, the declaration of the Lok Sabha election and the model code of conduct have come as a heavy blow to various activities taken up by KSDMA, including mock drills, heat clinics and extensive campaigns to make Kerala resilient to extreme heat. All the intermediary agencies are busy with elections. District collectors were in charge of many activities planned to increase preparedness of the state. Mock drills and training for stakeholders at vulnerable heat points where temperatures are on the rise and extensive campaigning were part of the action plan. This is not happening effectively, an official source said. The setting up of heat clinics was one of the major decisions taken by the state government to deal with heat-related health events. The health department had submitted the proposal for setting up heat clinics. But now it looks like the project will be approved only after the election. We will be ill-prepared to face critical days, the source added. Cold facts of a heatwave According to IMD, a heatwave is defined as a maximum temperature of 40C or more for the plains, 37C or more for coastal stations and 30C for hilly regions. An increase of 4-5C from the normal is considered a heatwave condition, while an increase of 6C or more is considered a severe heatwave condition.

In Kollam, an MP and an MLA bank on past record, a newbie on Modis guarantee

All candidates from the three major fronts, M. Mukesh, N.K. Premachandran and G. Krishnakumar, are optimistic about the electoral outcome, despite the intense battle ahead

Hot days ahead; Warning issued for 12 districts in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Despite pockets of the state experiencing short showers on Sunday, the next few days are going to be blisteringly hot, weather experts warn. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert in 12 Kerala districts until Thursday (April 11), indicating an increase in maximum temperature. Maximum temperatures are very likely to be around 41 degrees Celsius in Palakkad, around 40 degrees Celsius in Kollam, around 39 degrees Celsius in Thrissur, and 38 degrees Celsius in Kannur, Kozhikode, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts. Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts will experience 37 degrees Celsius while Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram and Kasaragod districts will see around 36 degrees Celsius. With the exception of Idukki and Wayanad, all the other districts will see maximum temperatures rise by two to four degrees above the normal, resulting in hot and discomforting weather. This, coupled with the intense humidity, is of health concern for vulnerable people infants, the elderly, people with chronic diseases, and those undertaking heavy work. Exposure to the sun for prolonged periods is not advised as heat cramps and heat rashes are very likely, especially during the peak hours of the day from 11am to 3pm. According to weather experts, people should take necessary precautions to reduce exposure to sunlight even when there are no specific alerts in the district. Unless there is significant widespread rainfall, there shall be no relief from the hot and humid condition, said Rajeevan Erikkulam, a meteorologist with the State Disaster Management Authority. Palakkad recorded the maximum temperature of 40.7 degrees Celsius on Sunday. The IMD forecasts normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall for Kerala during the April to June period. Health concerns Exposure to the sun for prolonged periods not advised to prevent heat rashes, especially from 11am to 3pm Intense humidity is of health concern for vulnerable people infants, elderly, people with chronic diseases, and those undertaking heavy work Temperature predictions by IMD.

Temperature touches 40 degrees C, DDMA issues alert in Kollam

Kerala: Hills echo fear of the wild

A few posters and banners dot prominent locations around the small town. Some of them in Tamil. It would appear Kumily, the scenic Idukki town bordering Tami Nadu, is yet to catch the election fever. Nevertheless, officers attached to the Kumily police station located near the checkpost on the Kollam-Dindigul National Highway 183 are on the job. Not even small goods carriers crossing the border are exempt from their scrutiny. Vehicles carrying Tamil women returning home after a days labour pass through the checkpost frequently. And the officers fine drivers caught violating any law. But their Tamil Nadu counterparts seem less vigilant. Workers from the border regions of Tamil Nadu are mostly employed in the tea plantations in and around Kumily. The town is also the gateway to the famous tourism centre of Thekkady, four kilometres away. Shops selling spices and allied products and homemade chocolates line the road, with tourists being the principal targets. Electioneering hasnt picked up heat in Kumily, nor in the neighbouring Theni, says Mohammed Yusuf, a Tamil-speaking bakery salesman who resides in Peruvanthanam panchayat. A deserted election committee office in Muvattupuzha As Tamil Nadu will go to polls a week before Kerala, on April 19, vehicle checking will become stricter in the coming days. Tamil voters do have an influence in the Idukki Lok Sabha constituency as the assembly segments of Devikulam, Peermade and Udumbanchola have significant Tamil population. Business is dull this season, says Rejith who runs a spice shop. The heat and the imminent elections have kept many tourists away. He says the fall in the prices of spices and the issues related to tourism are the major talking points in the region. Rejith, however, is least bothered about election matters. His concern: a possible a rise in the price of cardamom and the arrival of more tourists during the summer vacation. Idukki is witnessing a rare thing a third consecutive fight between the same UDF and LDF candidates. On the ground, however, there is little noise. Campaigning is restricted to posters and banners. The Congress has fielded sitting MP Dean Kuriakose who had wrested the seat from the LDF with a landslide majority of 1,71,053 votes in 2019. The LDF candidate is Joice George who had prevailed in 2014. BDJS leader Sangeetha Vishwanathan is the NDA candidate. Tourists enjoy a day out at a dam In the lead-up to the elections, the rising man-animal conflicts have emerged as a major electioneering issue in the constituency nestled among the Western Ghats. Those living in the high ranges and the lower hills are equally fed up with the issue. Residents of Kanjiraveli near Neriamangalam, where 70-year-old Indhira Ramakrishnan lost her life to a wild elephant attack in March, are living in fear as the tusker entered the human habitation again. People have also spotted a bison and two bears nearby. Around 70 families have so far moved out, says Eldhose, a resident of Kanjiraveli where 270 families reside on the forest fringes. Forest department officials installed two lamp posts after the womans death. Can that prevent the entry of elephants? Effective fencing or construction of trenches is required. The officials are not ready to construct trenches, saying it would obstruct the elephant corridor. Anil Kumar, another resident, says officials are taking a stand that protects wild animals, not humans. We will all be killed by elephants. That particular elephant has been creating problems since 2019. Besides, the police fabricated false charges against those who staged protests. We will reply to their act in the coming election, he says. Currently, vehicles are not allowed to the Kanjiraveli colony from 7am to 6pm as work is progressing on the road there. In the lower regions of Thodupuzha, Muvattupuzha and Kothamangalam, rubber farmers are in distress. We expect a price rise after the elections. The price is around Rs 200 per kilo. If it rises to Rs 250-300 per kg, the farmers can survive, says Joy, a rubber farmer in Melukavu near Thodupuzha. The state governments recent measures, hiking the minimum support price for rubber by Rs 10 to Rs 180 a kilo, have not yielded the desired results. The fall in the prices of agricultural produce is a major concern in Kattappana too. There is widespread discontent among farmers against the LDF government which has failed to protect farmers interests, says Jose P Thomas, a farmer in Puliyanmala. Bjiu, an autorickshaw driver in Kattappana, begs to differ. Joice is contesting on the CPM party symbol this time. And the sitting MP has failed to highlight Idukkis issues in Parliament, he says. Since its establishment in 1977, the electoral dynamics of Idukki have consistently swung between the UDF and the LDF. In 2014, the spotlight shifted to the Madhav Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports on the conservation of the Western Ghats, sparking protests from the Idukki diocese. However, the political landscape in the constituency has evolved considerably, with new challenges emerging from the forests and in the farmlands.

Weather update: IMD issues rainfall, heatwave alert in several parts of India; check state-wise forecast here

According to the weather department, the maximum temperature is likely to be around 40 C in the Kollam and Palakkad districts.

Guidelines issued for parading elephants at Kollam Pooram

Elephants in musth and in poor health will not be allowed to participate in Pooram

LS verdict will decide whether or not LDF govt should continue in Kerala: CPM veteran Ramachandran Pillai

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Lok Sabha poll verdict will decide whether the Left government should continue in Kerala or not, opined CPM veteran S Ramachandran Pillai. In a chat with TNIE on Friday, the 86-year-old also walked down memory lane on his lone electoral battle against Kerala Congress veteran R Balakrishna Pillai from Mavelikkara LS constituency in 1971. What are the key issues that the LDF is raising? Going by current developments, the future of democracy in India is in danger. The BJP has been taking an authoritarian approach, and using government agencies like ED, CBI and Income Tax for political propaganda. The move towards One Nation, One Election is aimed at rejecting political changes in assemblies from time to time. BJPs defeat is essential to protect secular values. Thats where the campaign against CAA is important. Then there is the government support to corporates. And finally, there is the state government. The LDF government undertook several welfare initiatives. This election will decide whether to continue with the measures. Generally, theres a pro-UDF trend during LS elections in Kerala. How do you plan to counter it? The results of this election will decide whether the LDF government should continue in Kerala or not. If NDA comes to power, they wont allow it to continue smoothly. Look at their approach towards non-BJP governments. In Congress case too, the entire UDF system is against LDF. Thats why we say the continuation of the LDF government is possible only if the LDF wins in Kerala. So this election could be a referendum on LDF regime? We cannot say that, as four major issues, all of them significant, are being discussed. It will be an assessment on whether the state government should continue or not. CPM manifesto: Scrapping of CAA, tax on 'super rich' and immediate restoration of J&K statehood Theres strong anti-incumbency sentiment following the financial crisis and ED probe into Karuvannur? We will explain to people the anti-Kerala approach of the Union government. Even SC has acknowledged it as a major issue. Agencies like ED and I-T department are being used to put the Left government and CPM under a shadow. They are acting as political propagandists. The CPM manifesto says UAPA will be withdrawn. But it was the Left government that evoked it multiple times. When theres such a law, state governments wont be able to stay away. Its an existing law. It should be withdrawn. Whats your first election-related memory? I remember the 1957 election as a student. In the 1960 polls and the 1962 LS elections, I was active in party work. In the 1967 polls, I was concentrating on Kollam district. My lone electoral battle was in 1971 against R Balakrishna Pillai from Mavelikkara. I lost by around 50,000 votes. I still remember how party workers affectionately refer to me as someone whos like a younger brother of Communist veteran P K Vasudevan Nair, who won from this region earlier. Later, I shifted my full focus to partys organisational work and never contested elections. CPM manifesto vows to repeal UAPA, but activists question partys stand

12 eligible candidates in Kollam after scrutiny

Kollam Lok Sabha constituency has a total of 13,26,648 voters in seven Assembly segments

Congress's Decision to Reject SDPI Support Upsets BJP Poll Strategy

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala PCC has rejected the support offered by the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) known as the political arm of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, following widespread criticism unleashed by BJP accusing Congress of tying up with terror outfits. The Congress leadership decided to publicly decline the support extended by SDPI to foil the BJP attempt to create confusion in the minds of the electorate. Our party's well-stated policy is to have no truck with communal forces of any hue, said V D Satheeshan, leader of the opposition in the Kerala legislative assembly. The SDPI had extended support stating that the Congress was at the forefront of fighting the BJP across the country. Initially, the Congress state leadership was in dilemma whether to accept or decline the public support offered by the SDPI that has a significant vote share in constituencies where the UDF is engaged in a close fight with their rivals. Political observers say the SDPI support could make or mar the chances of candidates in some constituencies and thats the reason why the Congress was hesitant in outrightly rejecting the offer. The SDPI had secured 46,758 votes in the Malappuram constituency in the 2021 Lok Sabha by-poll. Similarly, the party's vote share in Ponnani has been hovering between 20,000 to 26,000. Besides, the party has a significant vote share in Kannur, Alappuzha and Kollam constituencies. Meanwhile the SDPI state leadership will meet on Saturday to decide the future course of action. The BJP had unleashed a hard-hitting campaign against the Congress across the country over SDPI issue. Union Home Minister Amit Shah had gone to the extent of even alleging that Rahul Gandhi is contesting in Wayanad with the backing of SDPI. The BJP leadership had dared the Congress central leadership to clarify its stand about the SDPI support and come clean on their links with terror outfits. Even the CPM-led LDF mounted an attack on Congress for accepting support from hardline communal organisations. Satheeshan says the Congress is opposed to organisations propagating majority and minority communalism alike. However, individuals are free to vote for the candidate of their choice.

No infighting in BJP camp in Kollam, says candidate

There were reports that G. Krishnakumar has filed a complaint against BJP district leadership for non-cooperation

IHCL debuts in Kollam, signs a Taj Resort

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL)announced the signing of a Taj branded resort at Kollam, Kerala. The resort is a Brownfield project. Speaking on the occasion,Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, With this signing, we further strengthen IHCLs longstanding presence in Kerala. As a historic seaport city renowned for its picturesque landscapes and... The post IHCL debuts in Kollam, signs a Taj Resort first appeared on Hospitality Biz India : India hospitality news, hospitality business analysis . The post IHCL debuts in Kollam, signs a Taj Resort appeared first on Hospitality Biz India : India hospitality news, hospitality business analysis .

High waves wreak havoc in Kerala's Kollam coast, several houses damaged in sea fury

High waves wreak havoc in Kerala's Kollam coast, several houses damaged in sea fury

Kerala: Houses damaged in Kollam after water enters inside due to high waves

The News Mill

Rough seas cause havoc in coastal hamlets of Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Strong waves and rough seas wreaked havoc in several coastal hamlets of Kerala on Sunday flooding houses and roads and damaging boats and fishing equipment. The unexpected high tides and surge in the water level was experienced in the coastal areas of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Thrissur districts. #Kerala: Coastal areas of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Rough seas batter coastal areas in southern, central Kerala

Coastal areas in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, and Thrissur districts hit; Kallakkadal likely to persist for one or two days more; travel to coastal tourism hubs prohibited for three days

Elaborate arrangements for Kollam Pooram

In Kerala, three actors draw swords in Lok Sabha poll battle

In Kerala, three actors draw swords in Lok Sabha poll battle As the state gears up for the pivotal moment of democratic expression, three prominent actors have thrown their hats into the political ring in Kerala. While superstar and senior actor Suresh Gopi is trying his luck from the Thrissur constituency on a BJP ticket, well-known actor and sitting Left MLA M Mukesh is contesting from the Kollam Lok Sabha seat. The saffron party has fielded its leader and actor G Krishnakumar to take on Mukesh in Kollam and UDF candidate N K Premachandran, a seasoned politician, who represents the Kollam seat currently. Unlike neighbouring Tamil Nadu, where film personalities have been playing a key role in determining its political future for several decades, the convergence of the entertainment industry and politics in Kerala is happening very slowly. Currently, there are four artists from the Malayalam tinsel town elected to the state Assembly. Apart from Mukesh, state Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar, Mani C Kappan and Daleema Jojo were elected to the state Assembly in the 2021 elections. ''Actors joining politics has become common in Kerala for over a decade,'' said B Unnikrishnan, the General Secretary of the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA) Directors Union. ''For over a decade, it has become common for our colleagues from the industry to venture into politics, and it is no longer unusual. We have seen many from the industry trying their luck in politics. Ganesh Kumar has been serving as an MLA and a minister in the state cabinet for a long time now,'' Unnikrishnan said while speaking to PTI. Suresh Gopi, the star candidate of the BJP, was earlier nominated to Rajya Sabha. However, he failed to win the people's mandate in the 2019 general election and the 2021 Assembly poll. Despite several decades of intense campaigning, the BJP, which could not make much headway in electoral politics in the state, is now testing its fortune by fielding Gopi again from the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat, banking on his popularity and influence among his fans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has visited Thrissur twice recently to give a boost to Gopi's campaign. His friend actor Mukesh, a sitting MLA of the state's ruling CPI(M) and best known for his rib-tickling roles, has won two consecutive elections, in 2016 and 2021, from the Kollam Assembly constituency. He represents Kollam seat in the Assembly. Mukesh's rival candidate in Kollam seat, Krishnakumar, a BJP member, is familiar to audiences through various roles in television serials and movies. In recent years, he has increased his social media presence, alongside his four daughters, all of whom are major influencers on digital platforms. Speaking to PTI, Krishnakumar highlighted his goal of achieving maximum development in the Kollam Lok Sabha constituency. He did not hold back while criticising Mukesh and UDF's N K Premachandran. According to Krishnakumar, using the term 'actor-turned politician' was not accurate, as anyone could enter politics regardless of their profession. ''For me, campaigning in the constituency is easy. Neither of the opposing candidates has contributed anything to the constituency. Premachandran is the sitting MP, while Mukesh is a sitting MLA of the ruling party. They both have failed to make any significant impact in the constituency, and they are both part of the same INDIA bloc,'' Krishnakumar said. Meanwhile, Unnikrishnan said the film fraternity usually does not take sides during elections, as each individual has his or her own political ideology. He referred to the electoral battle of the famous actor Innocent from the Chalakkudy seat in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. ''Innocent chettan (a term used for an elder brother) contested and became an MP from Chalakudy while he was the president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (A.M.M.A),'' Unnikrishnan added. Some prominent actors and directors refused to comment on actors venturing into politics. Film reviewer Arjun R pointed out that while the on-screen persona of actors is a factor, it does not influence the voters much in Kerala. ''Nevertheless, K B Ganesh Kumar, who comes from a political family, then Mukesh, and the late actor Innocent were successful in the electoral fray,'' Arjun said. Ganesh Kumar, a senior actor and son of senior Kerala Congress leader Late R Balakrishna Pillai, has been elected to the state Assembly five times since 2001. Kumar has also held various portfolios in both the Congress-led UDF and the CPI(M)-led LDF ministries. Actor Jagadhish had contested against Kumar in the 2016 election. Mani C Kappan, who has produced numerous movies and acted in a few, is currently an MLA from Pala. Now, part of the Congress-led UDF, he was previously associated with the Left front. Singer Daleema Jojo defeated Congress leader Shanimol Usman in the 2021 Assembly elections from the Aroor seat. Arjun pointed out that the late well-known actor Murali, who contested with Left backing in 1999, lost the elections to senior Congress leader V M Sudheeran. He also noted that Dharmajan Bolgatty and Veena Nair, who contested on Congress ticket for the state Assembly, were also unsuccessful. In the past, well-known actor Prem Nazir showed interest in politics but did not contest. However, noted filmmaker Ramu Kariat, had won as a left independent from Nattika in the 1965 assembly elections. In the 1989 general elections, the Left party had fielded noted director late Lenin Rajendran against Congress' K R Narayanan, who later went on to become the President of India.

Poll expenditure monitoring strengthened in Kollam

BJP candidate for Wayanad LS seat has 242 cases against him

BJP candidate for Wayanad LS seat has 242 cases against him BJP state chief K Surendran, who is also the NDA candidate pitted against Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, has 242 criminal cases against him. As part of the statutory requirements, Surendran had recently published the details of his cases in the party mouthpiece which ran for three full pages. Similarly, the saffron party's Ernakulam constituency candidate K S Radhakrishnan has around 211 cases against him. ''Most of the cases are related to Sabarimala protests which were held in 2018. Most of the cases are in court. When party leaders call for a strike or a protest, the police register a case in connection with that,'' George Kurian, the state general secretary of the BJP told PTI. He said it's mandatory to publish the details of the cases against the candidates. Meanwhile, BJP national general secretary B L Santhosh on Friday tweeted details of the cases against Surendran, Radhakrishnan, the party's Alappuzha candidate Shobha Surendran and Vatakara candidate Praful Krishna and said it was ''hard to be a nationalist in some parts of Bharath.'' ''Its hard to be a nationalist in some parts of Bharath. It's everyday struggle. But it's worth the struggle. Form C7 of Sri @surendranbjp, WAYANAD candidate. One personHundreds of cases,'' Santhosh posted on X. Giving a breakdown of the number of cases against the BJP state chief, Kurian said 237 cases were related to Sabarimala protests while five were registered in connection with various agitations in Kerala. The BJP and affiliated parties had organised statewide protests in 2018 against the Kerala government's decision to implement the Supreme Court order on women's entry to the hilltop Sabarimala shrine in Pathanamthitta district. The case details of other party candidates are yet to come out. The last date for filing nominations for the Lok Sabha elections is April 4. Scrutiny will be conducted on April 5 while the last date for withdrawing nominations is April 8. As of today, the Election Commission has received 18 nominations. Left candidate M Mukesh from Kollam and BJP candidate from Kasaragod, Ashwini M L are prominent names who have filed their nominations.

Mukesh files papers in Kollam

Heavyweights to slug it out in Kollam constituency

Kerala stares at heat wave-like conditions

India Meteorological Department issues alert warning of 40C in Thrissur and 39C in Kollam and Palakkad for the next five days

Fierce electoral battle anticipated in Kollam

5-year-old girl dies after being run over by temple chariot

A five-year-old girl was killed after being run over by a ceremonial chariot (vandikuthira) that was used for the annual festival at the Kottankulangara Devi temple in Kollam on Sunday night. The deceased is Kshetra, daughter of Rameshan and Jiji, of Thekkumbhagam, Chavara. The temple was hosting the famous Chamayavilakku festival.

Fierce electoral battle looms in Kollam as film personalities challenge sitting MP

Fierce electoral battle looms in Kollam as film personalities challenge sitting MP A fierce electoral battle is anticipated in the Kollam Lok Sabha seat in South Kerala between the sitting MP and Congress-led UDF candidate N K Premachandran, who seeks a third consecutive term, and two prominent film personalities -- M Mukesh of CPI(M)-led LDF and G Krishnakumar of BJP-led NDA. With poll campaigning gaining momentum in the constituency, Mukesh, a highly acclaimed actor in Malayalam cinema, and BJP's G Krishnakumar, known for his roles in movies and television serials, are expected to leverage their considerable fan bases for the April 26 elections. In contrast, Premachandran must rely on his established political legacy and track record of performance as he competes for success in Kollam, which has a significant Hindu population. As summer sets in, the temperatures in the election campaign for Kerala's Kollam Lok Sabha seat also continue to rise. The BJP announced the candidature of film-star-turned-politician G Krishnakumar on Sunday evening, while Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) leader Premachandran has already been facing a tough challenge from Mukesh, the ruling LDF's CPI(M) MLA in Kollam. In fielding Krishnakumar, the BJP is also trying its luck in the constituency. Kollam is known for its famous cashew processing units. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Opposition Congress-led UDF's ally RSP's leader Premachandran had won with 4,99,677 votes out of the total 9,68,123 against his nearest rival, ruling CPI(M)'s K N Balagopal, who secured 3,50,821. It was 33 degrees Celsius in this highly humid coastal town at 12.30 pm when the PTI team met Mukesh, who represents Kollam in the state Assembly, here yesterday. Clad in a white shirt and white dhoti, LDF candidate Mukesh stepped out of an ordinary MUV and walked towards the fishermen at the Kollam harbour. The enthusiastic crowd raised slogans in favour of the actor and two-time MLA. They presented him with a palm leaf cap, a traditional one used by the fishermen community, to shield himself from the scorching sun. Mukesh walked through the harbour greeting the fishermen and sought their votes. Later, they presented him with an amount from their daily wages towards his deposit money in the election. ''I do not want to be overconfident and minimise the opposition candidates. My voters know what I have been doing for them as an MLA for the last two terms, and I seek votes based on what I have done for them,'' Mukesh told PTI after collecting the deposit amount from the fishermen. Mukesh has been a known face to Malayalam movie lovers for the past 41 years, and he feels that familiarity helps him converse more confidently with the voters. ''They listen more carefully and affectionately because of my career in the movies,'' Mukesh said. The 'In Harihar Nagar' actor, who was in his second round of campaigning, is happy about the attention he receives from people. He believes that he can manage both his film and political careers effectively. ''My father was a Communist and a panchayat president. I have seen him doing theatre in the evenings and very successfully managing his political role. That is my inspiration,'' Mukesh said. After a quick tender coconut refreshment, he then moved on to the district hospital, where he sat with the superintendent for some time and met the voters. When Mukesh was actively seeking votes in the Kollam town area, his rival -- Congress-led UDF's Premachandran, who already has four terms as the MP of Kollam and is presently holding the seat -- was busy meeting voters at Kundara, about 19 km from Kollam town. Known for his notable interventions in the Lok Sabha on various issues, the RSP leader was meeting the cashew industry workers and later visited the house of one of the party supporters, taking a break from the campaigning due to the heat. Sitting as one among a crowd of his supporters, Premachandran discussed campaign strategies for the coming days. ''This is a very important election to keep the BJP away from power and to protect the secular fabric of the nation,'' Premachandran told PTI. He said the controversy over his participation in a lunch organised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was created by the CPI(M). ''Anyone who opposes CPI(M) is being stamped as Sangh Parivar. Everyone knows about my strong fight against the Sangh Parivar, both inside the House and outside,'' Premachandran said. He said political differences and personal friendship are different. Denying the speculations over his possible move to the BJP, Premachandran said that he will never shift to the saffron party as he is one of their strongest critics in the country. ''I was never ever contacted by a BJP leader with an offer to join them. They know my politics well, and they will not come. It is the CPI(M) that is creating such a false narrative,'' Premachandran said. He also justified Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's move to contest from Wayanad. ''He is the sitting MP of Wayanad. If the LDF is so concerned about the national interest, then they should have withdrawn their candidate in Wayanad,'' Premachandran said. The RSP leader stopped at one more institute, run by his friend, and met the staff and his friend, seeking their votes. He then retired for lunch, taking a break till 3 pm, before resuming the campaign. The BJP's candidate, 55-year-old Krishnakumar, is an actor-turned-politician and is currently a national council member of the party. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, BJP's K V Sabu polled 10.66 per cent of the total votes. In the 2021 assembly elections, Krishnakumar unsuccessfully contested on a BJP ticket from Thiruvananthapuram. The constituency has 69.5 per cent Hindus and 18.1 percent Muslims. Kollam also has a sizeable fishermen community, including those who are Hindus.

Five-year-old girl dies after being crushed by ceremonial chariot during festival at Kottankulangara temple in Kerala

A five-year-old girl died after accidentally falling under the wheels of a ceremonial chariot during the annual festival at the Kottankulangara temple near Kollam. The incident occurred on Sunday night, and the child, the daughter of a local couple, was rushed to the hospital but could not be saved. Police have registered a case in connection with the incident.

BJP Fields Kerala Unit Chief Surendran Against Rahul Gandhi In Wayanad

Scholar and former vice-chancellor of Sree Sankara Sanskrit University, K.S. Radhakrishnan, and actor-turned-politician G Krishnakumar will contest from the Ernakulam and Kollam constituencies, respectively.

LS polls: BJP fields state chief Surendran against Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad

LS polls: BJP fields state chief Surendran against Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad Announcing candidates for the remaining four seats in Kerala, the BJP has fielded its state chief K Surendran in the high-profile Wayanad constituency against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Scholar and former vice-chancellor of Sree Sankara Sanskrit University, K S Radhakrishnan, and actor-turned-politician G Krishnakumar will contest from the Ernakulam and Kollam constituencies respectively, the party announced on Sunday. T N Sarasu, former government college principal, would seek electoral luck from Alathur in the northern Palakkad district. The BJP is striving to break the decades-old bipolar politics dominated by the Congress-led UDF and the CPI(M)-led LDF in Kerala. The party had earlier announced the candidates for 12 seats. Its ally BDJS will contest four seats in the state. With the surprise candidature of Surendran in Wayanad, a traditional Congress bastion, the BJP is trying to give a fitting reply to its opponents by fielding a strong candidate against Rahul Gandhi. CPI's Annie Raja is the candidate of the state's ruling Left in the constituency. Surendran, the face of the saffron party's fierce agitations against the entry of young women into Sabarimala years ago, has been serving as the president of the state unit of the BJP since 2020. Hailing from Ulleyeri in Kozhikode district, Kunnummel Surendran, who began his career as Wayanad district president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, had unsuccessfully contested from Pathanamthitta in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Though he was fielded from Konni in the assembly bypoll in the same year, he couldn't make it. Known as a close confidant of Union Minister V Muraleedharan, Surendran lost the Manjeswaram constituency by a mere 89 votes in the 2016 Assembly polls. A well-known scholar, writer, orator, and academician, K S Radhakrishnan joined the BJP in 2019. He served as the vice-chancellor of Sree Sankara Sanskrit University in Kalady and the chairman of the state Public Service Commission during the tenures of the Congress-led UDF governments in the state before beginning his political career. He unsuccessfully contested from the Alappuzha Lok Sabha constituency during the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Fifty-five-year-old G Krishnakumar is an actor-turned-politician and is currently a national council member of the BJP. In 2021, Krishnakumar contested on the BJP ticket to the state assembly from Thiruvananthapuram. T N Sarasu, a former government college principal who hit headlines over her confrontations with the Left student union, will contest from Alathur to take on sitting MP and Congress leader Remya Haridas and State Devaswom Minister and senior CPI(M) leader K Radhakrishnan. Kerala's 20 Lok Sabha constituencies will go to polls on April 26.

LS polls: BJP fields its state chief Surendran against Rahul Gandhi in Wayanad

Thiruvananthapuram: Announcing candidates for the remaining four seats in Kerala, the BJP on Sunday fielded its state chief, K Surendran, in the high-profile Wayanad constituency against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Scholar and former vice-chancellor of Sree Sankara Sanskrit University, K S Radhakrishnan, and actor-turned-politician G Krishnakumar will contest from the Ernakulam and Kollam constituencies, respectively. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Arrest of Kejriwal to divert attention from electoral bonds scam: Kerala CM Vijayan

Arrest of Kejriwal to divert attention from electoral bonds scam: Kerala CM Vijayan Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday said the electoral bonds scam is the biggest corruption ever witnessed in India and added the BJP government at the Centre arrested his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal to divert attention from the same. Addressing the third consecutive rally organised here by the CPI(M) against the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), Vijayan alleged the BJP-led Central government and the Sangh Parivar give scant regard to the rule of the law in the country. He alleged that the Sangh Parivar was trying to take control of the Constitutional institutions and even threatening the country's judiciary. ''The Union government, BJP, Sangh Parivar, they all very well know that the Supreme Court order on the electoral bond scam was harmful to them. They wanted to divert the attention from this topic and for that they have arrested Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal,'' Vijayan said. The chief minister said when the idea of electoral bonds was floated, the CPI(M) had opposed it as it was a tool for corruption and moved the Supreme Court against it. ''The electoral bonds scam is the biggest corruption ever witnessed in India. How did they get the courage to engage in such blatant corruption? They (BJP) thought they would never be questioned,'' he added. With the arrest of Kejriwal, Vijayan said the Sangh Parivar was trying to send a message that they are above the law of the land and will do anything to implement their agenda. Talking about the anti-CAA protests of 2019 and the subsequent violence and riot in Delhi, the chief minister referred to the inflammatory slogans of Union Minister Anurag Thakur and said it was the CPI(M) which went on to file a case against him. Vijayan attacking the Congress over its stand on the CAA. He alleged that at a time when the whole country was protesting against the contentious Act, the Congress MPs were participating in a feast organised by the party president. ''During the protests, none of the Congress leaders were present. Rahul Gandhi was abroad. It was the Left leaders who were arrested by the Delhi Police. At that time we had only one MP, A M Arif from Alappuzha who spoke against the CAA. Now, the Congress leaders are saying that they had opposed the Act technically,'' Vijayan said. The chief minister alleged that the Sangh Parivar unleashed violence upon the ant-CAA protesters in Delhi and the BJP government at the Centre gave silent permission to the rioters. ''Around 53 people were killed, many went missing, over hundreds were injured in the riots. The houses, shops, establishments of numerous Muslims were attacked in the violence orchestrated by the Sangh Parivar,'' he said. Vijayan said the CAA was an RSS agenda being implemented by the BJP government. The Left party is organising massive anti-CAA rallies at five places in the state. The first rally was held in Kozhikode on March 22. A rally was held in Kasaragod district on Saturday. Two more rallies will be held in the coming days in Malappuram and Kollam. The CAA was passed in December 2019 and it subsequently got the President's assent, but there were protests in several parts of the country against it, with many opposition parties speaking out against the law, calling it ''discriminatory''. The CAA aims to expedite citizenship for undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

Kollam district administration formulates pre-monsoon action plan

Pre-monsoon cleaning activities will be intensified to destroy the sources of mosquitoes

Kerala CM says idea of equality in Constitution shredded through CAA

Kerala CM says idea of equality in Constitution shredded through CAA As Kerala inches towards the polling date of April 26, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Centre on Saturday over the implementation of the contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and said the idea of equality enshrined in the Constitution is being shredded through the law. Addressing a massive anti-CAA rally organised by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) at this northernmost district of the state, Vijayan attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and alleged that the ideology and structure of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) were adopted from Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini's fascism. He also alleged that the RSS, which controls the BJP-led government at the Centre, does not recognise secularism. ''Our country is secular but the RSS never accepted secularism. It wants to make India a theocracy and remove secularism. It considers some of us as enemies. It had declared religious minorities and communists as internal enemies,'' Vijayan said. He referred to RSS ideologue M S Golwalkar's quote in one of his books that had termed Christians, Muslims and Communists as internal enemies of the country. ''Its (RSS') ideology was not from any ancient texts or myths or vedas or from the Manusmriti but was taken from Hitler. We saw the genocide that followed Hitler's rule, which shocked the entire mankind. However, Hitler's actions were praised by the RSS in India. They announced that internal issues of a country should be resolved by taking an example from Hitler's Germany,'' the Left leader said. He also said RSS leaders had visited Mussolini and adopted the fascist organisational structure. Vijayan said the strength of India always lies in its unity in diversity. ''All of us differ in our beliefs, languages, cultures, food and attire. We are diverse in many fields and that is why we hold our diversity so dearly,'' he said. The chief minister said crores of people are worried and concerned over the CAA, which he alleged targets the Muslims in the country. ''The idea of equality enshrined in our Constitution is being shredded through this law,'' he said. Vijayan said protests erupted across the globe when the CAA was announced in India and the world leaders criticised the move. ''Because none of the civilised societies in the world can accept citizenship based on religion. We should remember that even when the entire world opposed his actions, Hitler remained unfazed. The RSS is following his footsteps,'' he said. Vijayan also attacked the Congress, which backed out from a joint protest against the CAA. The chief minister continued his attack on the Congress leadership, alleging that they were completely silent even after the rules for the implementation of the CAA were notified recently by the Centre. The Left party is organising massive anti-CAA rallies at five places in the state. The first rally was held at Kozhikode on Friday. Three more rallies will be held in the coming days at Kannur, Malappuram and Kollam. The CAA was passed in December 2019 and subsequently, got the president's assent, but there were protests in several parts of the country against the law, with many opposition parties calling it ''discriminatory''. The Act grants citizenship to undocumented migrants of all religions -- except Muslims -- from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, who arrived in India before December 31, 2014.

Quintet help birds beat the heat in parts of Kerala

The group, with the aid of volunteers, placed bird water feeders at 100 places in the districts of Alappuzha, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta in recent weeks. The feeders are refilled regularly with the help of educational institutions, nature lovers

New species of deep-sea isopod discovered off Kollam coast named after ISRO

The fish-parasitic crustacean, belonging to the genus Brucethoa, was recovered from the base of the gill cavity of Spinyjaw greeneye, a marine fish

Squads deployed for election monitoringin Kollam district

Special surveillance systems will be in place till 72 hours before election in sensitive areas

Forest authorities in Kollam takes steps to ensure water for wildlife during summer

Kerala RSS leader Srinivasan's murder: NIA arrests key absconding PFI member

NEW DELHI: The anti-terror federal probe agency NIA on Tuesday said that it has arrested a key absconding member of the Popular Front of India (PFI) in connection with its probe into the murder of RSS leader Srinivasan in Kerala. A spokesperson of the NIA said Shafeekh, who had been absconding since the targeted killing of Srinivasan in Palakkad on April 16, 2022, was tracked by the agencys Absconder Tracking Team (ATT) to Kollam district. He was taken into custody by the anti-terror agency for his involvement in the case, the official added. A total of 71 persons have been identified for their involvement in the horrendous conspiracy, in which NIA has already filed two charge sheets, on March 17, 2023 and November 6, 2023. One of the accused, identified as Abdul Naser, had died on January 2, 2023, while two absconders, Saheer K V and Jaffar Bheemantavida, were arrested respectively on October 19, 2023 and February 12, 2024, the spokesperson said. A resident of Malappuram district, Shafeekh was part of the PFI machinery and its hit squads that had carried out the heinous killing of Srinivasan, the NIA said, adding that the agencys investigations revealed that he had harboured Ashraf K P, who, under directions from the PFI leadership, had conspired with others leaders and cadres of the organisation to execute the conspiracy. Ashraf had also conducted recce of various potential targets for elimination, the official said. Reportedly, the RSS leaders murder was alleged to have been carried out in revenge and retaliation for the killing of Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) activist Subair, who was allegedly hacked to death by RSS workers in Elappully, Palakkad.

NIA Arrests Member of Banned PFI from Kollam District in RSS Leader Srinivasans Murder

A resident of Malappuram district, Shafeekh, was part of the PFI machinery and hit squads that had carried out RSS leader Srinivasans targeted killing

Pilot project to record carbon emissions in govt.-owned seed farms in Kerala

The farms located in Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Ernakulam, and Kollam districts and the Athirappally tribal valley are involved in the one-year project

Enthusiastic participation of children at JSW Futurescapes-Young World painting competition

The preliminary round was held at the school level in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta, and over 3,700 students participated in them. As many as 307 students were selected for the regional finale, out of which more than 200 students turned up for the event

Kollam district administration to ensure green protocol compliance during LS polls

Heatwave criteria not suited for Kerala, experts blame inadequate weather infrastructure

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At a time when Kerala is reeling under one of its harshest summers, following prolonged dry spells and erratic weather patterns the state is also staring at a major challenge in terms of inadequate weather readings and infrastructure. Adding to the woes, experts point out that the national criteria for declaring heatwaves are not suited for Keralas weather patterns. High humidity levels, brought on by its tropical climate, make summers worse in the state, they say. Even as sweltering heat plays havoc, experts and agencies here are grappling with inadequate predictions that hinder more specific public warnings. The 100 automatic weather stations (AWS) installed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) have been giving erratic and invalid predictions. There are also no weather stations in four districts Kasaragod, Wayanad, Idukki and Pathanamthitta which cheats the state out of a comprehensive picture of the prevailing conditions. State Disaster Management Authority member secretary Sekhar Lukose Kuriakose said the national criteria for heatwave declaration is not suited for Kerala. We need to develop local thresholds for heat-related health warnings. We need to undertake studies in this regard and have already initiated steps to come up with state-specific criteria that will be essential for the state in the coming years, he told TNIE. According to IMD, a heatwave is defined as a maximum temperature of 40 Celsius or more for the plains, 37C or more for coastal stations and 30C for hilly regions. An increase of 4-5C from the normal is considered a heatwave condition, while an increase of 6C or more is considered a severe heatwave condition. Kerala: Sultry nights signal beginning of summer, temp to touch 38 degrees Celsius We have a moist heatwave situation in Kerala because of the rise in temperature and humidity. The heat we experience here is way more than the actual temperature. Unfortunately, the state is unable to meet the criteria set by IMD and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The state government should take steps to collaborate with IMD and come up with state-specific criteria, said MG Manoj, a scientist with Cusats Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research (ACARR). He stressed the need for more research in the area. We need more weather readings and infrastructure, a long-pending demand in Kerala. In the future, more weather infrastructure should be set up at identified strategic points across the state for better predictions on microclimate changes. More data is essential for further studies and solutions, he added. Kerala faces hottest summer in decade: Soaring temperatures drive power consumption to record highs Early onset of summer sees increase in waterborne diseases in Kerala The human body reacts differently to varying temperatures, health experts said, amid calls for increased inclusion of health management in climate change and mitigation policies of the government. Heatstroke and heat rash are only included as heat-related events by the NDMA. This should change and health should be given top priority, while devising policies for climate mitigation. We are trying to raise this point and educate policymakers to give due consideration to matters of health, said Dr Anish T S, associate professor, community medicine, Malappuram Medical College Hospital. Meanwhile, K Santhosh, director, IMD Thiruvananthapuram, said they follow the national criteria. We follow the national criteria for weather-related declarations and the IMD headquarters make decisions on matters whether a state should have a specific set of criteria for heatwaves or not, Santhosh said. Calibrating weather stations cannot be a sudden process, he said. The Kerala Met department has proposed the setting up of more weather stations in the state to cover all districts, he added. Mild heat waves prove deadlier over time in India, study reveals urgent need for revised heat warnings Yellow alert in 10 districts KSDMA has issued a yellow alert for 10 districts in the state owing to a rise in temperature till March 20. All districts with yellow alert warnings are likely to record 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal temperature. Maximum temperature is likely to be around 39 degrees Celsius in Kollam and Palakkad districts, while Alappuzha and Kozhikode districts will record 38 degrees Celsius. Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Thrissur districts are likely to record 37 degrees Celsius. Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kannur districts will record 36 degrees Celsius.

Excise steps up vigil in Kollam district before Lok Sabha polls

Free training programme in Kollam

Kollam, Tiruchendur Express to stop at Ulundurpet

International seminar on Marginalized society in Indian literature in Kollam

BJP in Kerala confident of roping in more Congress leaders

As the battleline has been drawn for the LS polls in the state, the BJP is jubilant that it could wean away some prominent faces from the UDF and field them as candidates. The highlight of BJP's LS candidate list in Kerala is the inclusion of four former Congress leaders Anil Antony, C Raghunath, former VC of Calicut University, M Abdul Salam, and former Pathanamthitta DCC general secretary Baiju Kalasala. Of these, Anil Antony, son of Congress patriarch A K Antony, was the big catch for the BJP. Before leaving Congress, Anil was a national coordinator of the party's social media wing. In the 2019 general elections he was the digital media coordinator of Congress in Kerala. In the 2021 state assembly elec- tion also he was in charge of the social media wing. BJP has fielded Anil Antony in Pathanamthitta, one of its 'A' class constituencies. C Raghunath, former Kannur DCC general secretary, was associated with the Congress for five decades. He was chosen by Congress to take on Pinarayi Vijayan in the 2021 assembly election in Dharmadom. Raghunath is the BJP candidate in Kannur this time. BJP may field ex-Karnataka CMs Jagadish Shettar, Basavaraj Bommai in Lok Sabha polls Dr M Abdul Salam was the VC of Calicut University from 2011 to 2015. Though he was appointed as VC as a nominee of the Muslim League, Dr Salam was closely associated with Congress' teachers organisation at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani. Abdul Salam has been fielded by BJP in Malappuram constituency. Baiju Kalasala was the Congress candidate in the 2021 assembly election from Mavelikkara. Although he could not win, he garnered 43,013 votes. Baiju will be contesting as the BDJS candidate in Mavelikkara LS constituency. BJP state president K Surendran told TNIE that there was no surprise in the party fielding former Congress leaders. We have been allotting 25-35% of seats to new entrants, he said. Surendran said that many Congress leaders from Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Thrissur would soon join the BJP. However, Congress leaders chose to downplay the issue. Terming Abdul Salam as a Muslim League nominee, KPCC president-in-charge M M Hassan told TNIE that C Raghunath was not a prominent leader: Raghunath harbours strong anti-CPM sentiments. That might be the reason he joined BJP, he said. On Anil Antony and Padmaja Venugopal, Hassan said lust for power led them to ditch Congress. Anil asked his father A K Antony to recommend his name to Rahul Gandhi for a post at the national level. Congress may not get Tiruvallur, Tiruchi, Karur and Arani seats However, Antony reportedy told him to achieve it through merit. Anil's name was also considered for the post of KPCC secretary in Kerala. However, Antony told the then state president K Sudhakaran that it was unwarranted. Hassan said that the Congress would not face any problems even if more party leaders left the party. Leaders who have conviction in Congress ideology will stand with the party, he said. The CPM, which was critical of the Congress on the exodus, is watching the developments closely. CPM state secretariat member M Swaraj told TNIE that he has reliable information that more leaders would leave Congress. Two senior Congress leaders had held discussions with the BJP leadership. They had also decided to continue the discussion. I think Padmaja was also speaking about this when she said that more Congress leaders would join the BJP soon, he said. Surendran's claim leaves Cong camp guessing T'Puram: BJP state president K Surendran's claim that a few senior Congress leaders will be joining the saffron camp when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be coming down for election campaigning in Palakkad and Pathanamthitta later this week has left the Congress camp in the capital city guessing. Speculation is rife that the state BJP leadership had approached former health minister VS Sivakumar, former Kollam MP N Peethambara Kurup, and former KPCC general secretary T Saratchandra Prasad to join its camp. But the three leaders vehemently denied the claims and termed it as scandalous and ubbish. Key Telangana Congress leaders may get nominated posts ahead of Lok Sabha polls

LS polls: Training for district officials held in Kollam

PM Modi flags off Vande Bharat trains for 10 different routes from Ahmedabad

PM Modi flags off Vande Bharat trains for 10 different routes from Ahmedabad Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday flagged off 10 high-speed Vande Bharat trains across the country from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. In a major boost to the Railway infrastructure, connectivity and the petrochemicals sector, the Prime Minister visited DFC's Operation Control Centre in Ahmedabad laid the foundation stone and dedicated a slew of railway and Petrochemicals projects worth over Rs 1,06,000 crores. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Railway Workshops, Loco Sheds, Pit lines/ Coaching Depots; the Phaltan - Baramati New line; Electric Traction System upgradation work and dedicated to the nation two new sections of the Dedicated Freight Corridor between New Khurja to Sahnewal (401 Rkm) section of Eastern DFC and New Makarpura to New Gholvad section (244 Rkm) of Western DFC; Western DFC's Operation Control Center (OCC), Ahmedabad. PM Modi also flagged off ten new Vande Bharat trains between Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central, Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam, Mysuru- Dr MGR Central (Chennai), Patna- Lucknow, New Jalpaiguri-Patna, Puri-Visakhapatnam, Lucknow - Dehradun, Kalaburagi - Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru, Ranchi-Varanasi, Khajuraho- Delhi (Nizamuddin). The Prime Minister flagged off the extension of four Vande Bharat trains. Ahmedabad-Jamnagar Vande Bharat is being extended till Dwarka, Ajmer- Delhi Sarai Rohilla Vande Bharat is being extended till Chandigarh, Gorakhpur-Lucknow Vande Bharat is being extended till Prayagraj and Thiruvananthapuram- Kasargod Vande Bharat is being extended till Mangaluru; and two new passenger trains between Asansol and Hatia and Tirupati and Kollam stations. He also flagged off freight trains on the Dedicated Freight Corridor from various locations - New Khurja Jn, Sahnewal, New Rewari, New Kishangarh, New Gholvad, and New Makarpura. He dedicated to the Nation 50 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras at Railway Stations. These Jan Aushadi Kendras will offer affordable and quality generic medicines to the people. The Prime Minister also dedicated 51 Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminals to the Nation. These terminals will promote seamless movement of goods between different modes of transportation. Prime Minister Modi dedicated to the nation 1045 Rkm of Automatic Signaling in 80 sections. This upgrade will enhance the safety and efficiency of train operations. Prime Minister dedicated to the nation's Digital Controlling of Railway stations at 2646 stations. This will improve the operational efficiency and safety of the trains. The Prime Minister dedicated 35 Rail Coach Restaurants to the nation. The Rail Coach restaurant aims to cater to the needs of passengers and the public apart from generating non-fare revenue for railways. Prime Minister dedicated more than 1500 One Station One Product Stalls to the nation spread across the country. These stalls will promote local products and generate income for local artisans and businesses. The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation Solar Powered Stations/buildings at 975 locations. This initiative will contribute to India's renewable energy goals and reduce the railways' carbon footprint. He laid the foundation stone of the Petrochemicals complex of Petronet LNG including Ethane and Propane handling facilities worth over Rs. 20,600 crores at Dahej, Gujarat. Setting up the Petrochemicals complex in proximity to the existing LNG regasification terminal would result in significant savings in the capex and the opex cost of the project. Implementation of the project is likely to create an opportunity for direct and indirect employment to the tune of 50,000 persons during the execution phase and an opportunity of employment of over 20,000 persons during its operational phase ushering in huge socio-economic benefits in the region. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for Ekta Malls in two states; Gujarat and Maharashtra worth around Rs 400 crores. Meanwhile, Ekta malls celebrate and support the rich and diverse heritage of Indian handlooms, handicrafts, traditional products and ODOP products. Ekta malls are a symbol of the unity and diversity of India, as well as a catalyst for the development and empowerment of our traditional skills and sectors. (ANI)

Artists perform classical dance during Vande Bharat trains flag-off ceremony in Visakhapatnam

Artists perform classical dance during Vande Bharat trains flag-off ceremony in Visakhapatnam Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually flag off two new Vande Bharat express trains, one between Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar and the other between Visakhapatnam and Secunderabad, on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the artists were seen performing a classical dance to mark the flagging off of the Visakhapatnam-Bhubaneswar Vande Bharat Express at Visakhapatnam Railway Station. In a post on X, PM Modi said that he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for several projects covering sectors like railways and petrochemicals. In a short while from now, at around 9:15 AM, I will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for several projects covering sectors like railways and petrochemicals. Vande Bharat trains and freight trains will also be flagged off. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras across different parts will be dedicated to the nation as well. Do join this programme, PM Modi posted on X. In a major boost to the Railway infrastructure, connectivity and the petrochemicals sector, the Prime Minister will visit DFC's Operation Control Centre in Ahmedabad to lay the foundation stone and dedicate a slew of railway and Petrochemicals projects worth over Rs 1,06,000 crores. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of Railway Workshops, Loco Sheds, Pit lines/ Coaching Depots; the Phaltan - Baramati New line; Electric Traction System upgradation work and dedicate to the Nation two new sections of the Dedicated Freight Corridor between New Khurja to Sahnewal (401 Rkm) section of Eastern DFC and New Makarpura to New Gholvad section (244 Rkm) of Western DFC; Western DFC's Operation Control Center (OCC), Ahmedabad, the Prime Minister's Office stated. PM Modi will also flag off ten new Vande Bharat trains between Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central, Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam, Mysuru- Dr MGR Central (Chennai), Patna- Lucknow, New Jalpaiguri-Patna, Puri-Visakhapatnam, Lucknow - Dehradun, Kalaburagi - Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru, Ranchi-Varanasi, Khajuraho- Delhi (Nizamuddin). The Prime Minister will also flag off the extension of four Vande Bharat trains. Ahmedabad-Jamnagar Vande Bharat is being extended till Dwarka, Ajmer- Delhi Sarai Rohilla Vande Bharat is being extended till Chandigarh, Gorakhpur-Lucknow Vande Bharat is being extended till Prayagraj and Thiruvananthapuram- Kasargod Vande Bharat is being extended till Mangaluru; and two new passenger trains between Asansol and Hatia and Tirupati and Kollam stations, the release stated. The Prime Minister will also flag off freight trains on the Dedicated Freight Corridor from various locations - New Khurja Jn., Sahnewal, New Rewari, New Kishangarh, New Gholvad, and New Makarpura. He will dedicate to the Nation 50 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras at Railway Stations. These Jan Aushadi Kendras will offer affordable and quality generic medicines to the people. The Prime Minister will also dedicate 51 Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminals to the Nation. These terminals will promote seamless movement of goods between different modes of transportation. Prime Minister Modi will dedicate to the Nation 1045 Rkm of Automatic Signaling in 80 sections. This upgrade will enhance the safety and efficiency of train operations. Prime Minister will also dedicate to the Nation's Digital Controlling of Railway stations at 2646 stations. This will improve the operational efficiency and safety of the trains, the PMO stated. The Prime Minister will dedicate 35 Rail Coach Restaurants to the nation. The Rail Coach restaurant aims to cater to the needs of passengers and the public apart from generating non-fare revenue for railways. Prime Minister will dedicate more than 1500 One Station One Product Stalls to the nation spread across the country. These stalls will promote local products and generate income for local artisans and businesses. The Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation Solar Powered Stations/buildings at 975 locations. This initiative will contribute to India's renewable energy goals and reduce the railways' carbon footprint. Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Petrochemicals complex of Petronet LNG including Ethane and Propane handling facilities worth over Rs. 20,600 crores at Dahej, Gujarat. Setting up of the Petrochemicals complex in proximity to the existing LNG regasification terminal would result in significant savings in the capex and the opex cost of the project. Implementation of the project is likely to create an opportunity of direct and indirect employment to the tune of 50,000 persons during execution phase and an opportunity of employment of over 20,000 persons during its operational phase ushering in huge socio-economic benefits in the region. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for Ekta Malls in two states; Gujarat and Maharashtra worth around Rs 400 crores. Meanwhile, Ekta malls celebrate and support the rich and diverse heritage of Indian handlooms, handicrafts, traditional products and ODOP products. Ekta malls are a symbol of the unity and diversity of India, as well as a catalyst for the development and empowerment of our traditional skills and sectors. Various other projects like the dedication of newly electrified sections, doubling/multi-tracking of tracks, and developments of railways Goods sheds, Workshops, Loco Sheds, Pit lines/Coaching Depots, among others, will also be done by the Prime Minister during the programme. These projects are a testament to the Government's dedication to building a modern and robust railway network. This investment will not only improve connectivity but also boost economic growth and create new employment opportunities. Later, PM Modi will will inaugurate the redeveloped Kochrab Ashram. It was the first Ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi after coming to India from South Africa in 1915. It is still preserved as a memorial and tourist space by Gujarat Vidyapeeth. Prime Minister will also launch the Master Plan of the Gandhi Ashram Memorial. It has been the constant endeavour of the Prime Minister to uphold and cherish the ideals that Mahatma Gandhi stood for and also develop avenues that showcase his ideals and bring him closer to the people. In yet another effort in this endeavour, the Gandhi Ashram Memorial Project will help revitalise Mahatma Gandhi's teachings and philosophy for present and future generations. Under this master plan, the existing five-acre area of the Ashram will be expanded to 55 acres. 36 existing buildings shall undergo restoration, out of which, 20 buildings including 'Hriday Kunj', which served as Gandhi's residence, will be conserved, 13 will undergo restoration, and 3 will be reproduced, the release stated. The masterplan includes new buildings to house administration facilities, visitor facilities like an orientation centre, interactive workshops on charkha spinning, handmade paper, cotton weaving and leatherwork and public utilities. The buildings will house interactive exhibits and activities to showcase aspects of Gandhiji's life as well as the legacy of the Ashram. The Masterplan also envisages the creation of a library and archives building to preserve, protect and disseminate Gandhiji's ideas. It will also create facilities for visiting scholars to use the Ashram's library and archives. The project will also enable the creation of an interpretation centre that can guide visitors with different expectations and in multiple languages, making their experience culturally and intellectually more stimulating and enriching. The Memorial will serve as an inspiration for future generations, fostering Gandhian thoughts and will enliven the essence of Gandhian values, through a process informed by principles of Trusteeship. (ANI)

PM Modi to visit Ahmedabad today, to flag off 10 new Vande Bharat trains

PM Modi to visit Ahmedabad today, to flag off 10 new Vande Bharat trains Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on Tuesday and will flag off 10 new Vande Bharat trains, including a train between Ahmedabad and Mumbai Central. In a major boost to the Railway infrastructure, connectivity and the petrochemicals sector, the Prime Minister will visit DFC's Operation Control Centre in Ahmedabad to lay the foundation stone and dedicate a slew of railway and Petrochemicals projects worth over Rs 1,06,000 crores. The Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of Railway Workshops, Loco Sheds, Pit lines/ Coaching Depots; the Phaltan - Baramati New line; Electric Traction System upgradation work and dedicate to the Nation two new sections of the Dedicated Freight Corridor between New Khurja to Sahnewal (401 Rkm) section of Eastern DFC and New Makarpura to New Gholvad section (244 Rkm) of Western DFC; Western DFC's Operation Control Center (OCC), Ahmedabad, the Prime Minister's Office stated. PM Modi will also flag off ten new Vande Bharat trains between Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central, Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam, Mysuru- Dr MGR Central (Chennai), Patna- Lucknow, New Jalpaiguri-Patna, Puri-Visakhapatnam, Lucknow - Dehradun, Kalaburagi - Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru, Ranchi-Varanasi, Khajuraho- Delhi (Nizamuddin). The Prime Minister will also flag off the extension of four Vande Bharat trains. Ahmedabad-Jamnagar Vande Bharat is being extended till Dwarka, Ajmer- Delhi Sarai Rohilla Vande Bharat is being extended till Chandigarh, Gorakhpur-Lucknow Vande Bharat is being extended till Prayagraj and Thiruvananthapuram- Kasargod Vande Bharat is being extended till Mangaluru; and two new passenger trains between Asansol and Hatia and Tirupati and Kollam stations, the release stated. The Prime Minister will also flag off freight trains on the Dedicated Freight Corridor from various locations - New Khurja Jn, Sahnewal, New Rewari, New Kishangarh, New Gholvad, and New Makarpura. He will dedicate to the Nation 50 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras at Railway Stations. These Jan Aushadi Kendras will offer affordable and quality generic medicines to the people. The Prime Minister will also dedicate 51 Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminals to the Nation. These terminals will promote seamless movement of goods between different modes of transportation. Prime Minister Modi will dedicate to the Nation 1045 Rkm of Automatic Signaling in 80 sections. This upgrade will enhance the safety and efficiency of train operations. Prime Minister will also dedicate to the Nation's Digital Controlling of Railway stations at 2646 stations. This will improve the operational efficiency and safety of the trains, the PMO stated. The Prime Minister will dedicate 35 Rail Coach Restaurants to the nation. The Rail Coach restaurant aims to cater to the needs of passengers and the public apart from generating non-fare revenue for railways. Prime Minister will dedicate more than 1500 One Station One Product Stalls to the nation spread across the country. These stalls will promote local products and generate income for local artisans and businesses. The Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation Solar Powered Stations/buildings at 975 locations. This initiative will contribute to India's renewable energy goals and reduce the railways' carbon footprint. Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Petrochemicals complex of Petronet LNG including Ethane and Propane handling facilities worth over Rs. 20,600 crores at Dahej, Gujarat. Setting up of the Petrochemicals complex in proximity to the existing LNG regasification terminal would result in significant savings in the capex and the opex cost of the project. Implementation of the project is likely to create an opportunity for direct and indirect employment to the tune of 50,000 persons during the execution phase and an opportunity of employment of over 20,000 persons during its operational phase ushering in huge socio-economic benefits in the region. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for Ekta Malls in two states; Gujarat and Maharashtra worth around Rs 400 crores. Meanwhile, Ekta malls celebrate and support the rich and diverse heritage of Indian handlooms, handicrafts, traditional products and ODOP products. Ekta malls are a symbol of the unity and diversity of India, as well as a catalyst for the development and empowerment of our traditional skills and sectors. Various other projects like the dedication of newly electrified sections, doubling/multi-tracking of tracks, and developments of railways Goods sheds, Workshops, Loco Sheds, Pit lines/Coaching Depots, among others, will also be done by the Prime Minister during the programme. These projects are a testament to the Government's dedication to building a modern and robust railway network. This investment will not only improve connectivity but also boost economic growth and create new employment opportunities. Later, PM Modi will inaugurate the redeveloped Kochrab Ashram. It was the first Ashram established by Mahatma Gandhi after coming to India from South Africa in 1915. It is still preserved as a memorial and tourist space by Gujarat Vidyapeeth. Prime Minister will also launch the Master Plan of the Gandhi Ashram Memorial. It has been the constant endeavour of the Prime Minister to uphold and cherish the ideals that Mahatma Gandhi stood for and also develop avenues that showcase his ideals and bring him closer to the people. In yet another effort in this endeavour, the Gandhi Ashram Memorial Project will help revitalise Mahatma Gandhi's teachings and philosophy for present and future generations. Under this master plan, the existing five-acre area of the Ashram will be expanded to 55 acres. 36 existing buildings shall undergo restoration, out of which, 20 buildings including 'Hriday Kunj', which served as Gandhi's residence, will be conserved, 13 will undergo restoration, and 3 will be reproduced, the release stated. The masterplan includes new buildings to house administration facilities, visitor facilities like an orientation centre, interactive workshops on charkha spinning, handmade paper, cotton weaving and leatherwork and public utilities. The buildings will house interactive exhibits and activities to showcase aspects of Gandhiji's life as well as the legacy of the Ashram. The masterplan also envisages the creation of a library and archives building to preserve, protect and disseminate Gandhiji's ideas. It will also create facilities for visiting scholars to use the Ashram's library and archives. The project will also enable the creation of an interpretation centre that can guide visitors with different expectations and in multiple languages, making their experience culturally and intellectually more stimulating and enriching. The memorial will serve as an inspiration for future generations, fostering Gandhian thoughts and will enliven the essence of Gandhian values, through a process informed by principles of Trusteeship. (ANI)

Southern Railway: Modi to launch 205 One Station One Product stalls

One more Vande Bharat to be flagged off between Chennai and Mysore, new Express train on Kollam-Tirupathi route

PM Modi to unveil railway projects worth Rs 85,000 cr in Ahmedabad tomorrow

PM Modi to unveil railway projects worth Rs 85,000 cr in Ahmedabad tomorrow Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday will visit DFC's Operation Control Centre in Ahmedabad to lay the foundation stone and dedicate a slew of railway projects worth over Rs 85,000 crore. According to an official release by the Prime Minister's Office, he will lay the foundation stone of Railway Workshops, Loco Sheds, Pit lines/ Coaching Depots; Phaltan - Baramati New line; Electric Traction System upgradation work and dedicate to the Nation two new sections of Dedicated Freight Corridor between New Khurja to Sahnewal (401 Rkm) section of Eastern DFC and New Makarpura to New Gholvad section (244 Rkm) of Western DFC; Western DFC's Operation Control Center (OCC), Ahmedabad. PM Modi will also flag off ten new Vande Bharat trains between Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central, Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam, Mysuru- Dr MGR Central (Chennai), Patna- Lucknow, New Jalpaiguri-Patna, Puri-Visakhapatnam, Lucknow - Dehradun, Kalaburagi - Sir M Visvesvaraya Terminal Bengaluru, Ranchi-Varanasi, Khajuraho- Delhi (Nizamuddin), the release stated. He will also flag off the extension of four Vande Bharat trains. Ahmedabad-Jamnagar Vande Bharat is being extended till Dwarka, Ajmer- Delhi Sarai Rohilla Vande Bharat is being extended till Chandigarh, Gorakhpur-Lucknow Vande Bharat is being extended till Prayagraj and Thiruvananthapuram- Kasargod Vande Bharat is being extended till Mangaluru; and two new passenger trains between Asansol and Hatia and Tirupati and Kollam stations. Further, according to the release, Prime Minister Modi will also flag off freight trains on the Dedicated Freight Corridor from various locations--New Khurja Jn, Sahnewal, New Rewari, New Kishangarh, New Gholvad, and New Makarpura. He will dedicate to the Nation 50 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras at Railway Stations. These centres would offer affordable and quality generic medicines to the people. Prime Minister Modi will also dedicate 51 Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminals to the nation. These terminals will promote seamless movement of goods between different modes of transportation, the release detailed. He will also dedicate to the nation 1045 Rkm of Automatic Signaling in 80 sections. The upgrade will enhance the safety and efficiency of train operations. He is also scheduled to inaugurate the Nation's Digital Controlling of Railway stations at 2646 stations. This tech-enabled system is tipped to improve the operational efficiency and safety of the trains. Prime Minister Modi will also dedicate to the people 35 Rail Coach Restaurants that aim to cater to the needs of passengers and the public apart from generating non-fare revenue for railways. He will dedicate more than 1,500 One Station One Product Stalls to the nation. These stalls will promote local products and generate income for local artisans and businesses, the PMO stated in its release. He will dedicate to the nation solar-powered stations/buildings at 975 locations as part of an initiative that is aimed at meeting the country's renewable energy goals while reducing the carbon footprint of the Railways. He will also launch and inaugurate various other projects, including newly electrified sections, doubling/multi-tracking of tracks, and developments of railway goods sheds, workshops, loco sheds, and pit lines/coaching depots, among others. These projects are a testament to the Government's dedication to building a modern and robust railway network, the PMO stated in its release, adding that this investment will not only improve connectivity but also boost economic growth and create new employment opportunities. (ANI)

Extended Vande Bharat service to be flagged off by PM Modi on March 12

The inaugural service of Train No. 07422 Kollam-Tirupati Express will have stoppages at 17 railway stations enroute. The regular service of will begin on Friday

Jatayu Nature Park of Kerala is very special, know everything about it

Recently, the whole country was celebrating the consecration of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. The abduction of Mother Sita is a very important incident in Ramayana. The Jatayu bird is also mentioned in this context. Jatayu was the son of the god Arun. When Ravana had kidnapped Mother Sita by deceit and was taking her through the sky in PushpakViman, then Jatayu fought with Ravana. Despite being a bird, Jatayu tried his best to protect Mother Sita and ultimately lost his life. Now a nature park has been built in Kerala for the Jatayu bird, in which an approximately 70 feet high statue of Jatayu is installed. It is believed that this nature park has been built at the same place where Jatayu breathed his last after informing Lord Rama about the abduction of Mother Sita. This is the reason why this nature park has its importance. This is the largest statue of a bird in the whole world. So, today in this article we are telling you about some interesting things related to Jatayu Earth Center Nature Park- The world's largest bird statue Although there are bird statues in many places around the world, the statue of Jatayu located in Jatayu Nature Park has the distinction of being the largest bird statue in the world. Jatayu Nature Park is also known as Jatayu Earth Center or Jatayu Rock. It took about ten years to build it. The Center Park is a park and tourist centre located at Chadayamangalam in Kollam district of Kerala. The width of the Jatayu idol present here is approximately 150 feet, its height is 70 feet and its length is 200 feet. Walking in this park spread over approximately thirty thousand square feet has its own pleasure. Jatayu Nature Park has mythological importance Jatayu Nature Park also has its own mythological significance. When there was a war between Jatayu and Ravana, one of Jatayu's wings was cut off. Keeping this in mind, this idol has been prepared and this idol also does not have a wing. This nature park is very beautiful and it is situated at an altitude of about 1200 feet above mean sea level. Therefore, the tourists coming here get to see a different sight. The adventure section is very fun In Jatayu Earth Center Nature Park, you will not only get to know about Ramayana but there is a lot to do here. There is an adventure section here, where you can enjoy many great activities like paintball, laser tag, rifle shooting, rock climbing etc. Not only has this, but the Jatayu bird statue located here also had an audio-visual-based digital museum. In this museum, you will get detailed information about Ramayana. Image Credit- Wikipedia

Finance department approval for road development schemes in Kozhikode and Kollam

1,312.7 crore set aside for Kozhikode city road development project and 436.15 crore will be spent on land acquisition for road works in Kollam

Gas distributor AG&P Pratham cuts CNG price by Rs 2.5 per kg in Kerala

AG&P Pratham has announced a price cut of Rs 2.5 per kilogram in compressed natural gas sold at its outlets in Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. The reduction took effect from March 7. The price of CNG sold at Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, and Kollam is now Rs 85.50. In Andhra Pradesh, the reduction is the same but the prices will vary between Rs 90.50 and Rs 91.50.

Mortal remains of Indian worker killed in anti-missile attack on Israels north on way to India

TEL AVIV, Mar 8: The flight carrying the mortal remains of an Indian worker, Patnibin Maxwell, killed by an anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon left on Thursday evening for India, official sources said. Maxwell, 30, was from Kollam in Kerala. Israels Minister of Interior, Moshe Arbel, Director General of Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA), officials from the Israeli foreign ministry and senior diplomats from the Indian embassy on Thursday evening attended a memorial send-off ceremony. A high-level delegation from @IsraelMFA, [] The post Mortal remains of Indian worker killed in anti-missile attack on Israels north on way to India appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Mortal remains of Keralite killed in Israel taken to Kollam

Israeli diplomats to receive body of Kerala worker killed in shell attack

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 8 (IANS) Top diplomats at the Israeli Consulate office in Bengaluru have arrived here to receive the body of Nibin Maxwell, a 31-year-old resident Kollam in Kerala, who was reportedly killed in a missile attack by the Hezbollah militant group at Margaliot in Israel. Maxwell was killed while working in a farm land []

In major boost to Tamil Nadu's infrastructure, CM inaugurates four-lane upgraded highways

In major boost to Tamil Nadu's infrastructure, CM inaugurates four-lane upgraded highways In a major thrust to expanding the infrastructure in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M K Stalin on Friday inaugurated two-lane highways that have been upgraded into four-lane roads, and opened a bridge across the Kosasthalaiyar river. The total cost of the projects was Rs 518.26 crore. The four-lane Tirunelveli-Sengottai-Kollam Road, widened Tambaram-Mudichur-Sriperumbudur Road, Uthiramerur-Bukkathurai Road, and four-lane Cuddalore-Chittoor Road and the bridge constructed across the Kosasthalaiyar river in Tiruvallur district are among the projects inaugurated by the CM from the Secretariat here. The projects were executed by the highways department under the Chief Minister's Road Development Programme. Stalin also inaugurated new and upgraded fish landing centres, fish hatcheries and hostel buildings for the Tamil Nadu Dr J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University in Nagapattinam, established by the fisheries department for Rs 143.69 crore. Medals and certificates of appreciation were handed over to the collectors of Ramanthapuram, Kancheepuram, and Erode districts -- P Vishnu Chandran, Kalaiselvi Mohan, and Raja Gopal Sunkara, respectively -- for improving the sex ratio in the districts by effectively implementing programmes of the social welfare department, a release said. The chief minister also handed over appointment orders to 219 junior technical officers who were recruited recently.