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Summer rain records 5-yr low in Kerala, experts say El Nino impact

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: March rains are rare, but the situation this year has so far been even more exceptional with the month registering a five-year low. Summer rain has been distressingly scant, with some districts experiencing no rainfall or significant deficits. The state has only received 1.4mm of rain so far, far below the normal 18.8 mm. Just five years ago, the average rainfall had reached 20mm, largely because of widespread rain in southern districts. Weather experts attribute the scanty rainfall to the impact of El Nio, a climate phenomenon that warms the sea surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean. The rainfall this season has been consistently low, with even traditionally wetter southern districts experiencing significant deficits, said Rajeevan Erikkulam, a meteorologist with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Kollam typically receive the most rainfall in March, but this time, they have seen dramatic decreases. For example, Pathanamthitta, which usually receives 63 mm of rain, has only received 8.9 mm so far while Ernakulam received just 6.4 mm compared to the five-year high of 40 mm. The activation of rain has been delayed since mid-March, likely because of the impact of El Nio, said Rajeevan. However, he predicts the northern districts may see more rain by April. The prolonged dry spell has also led to an increase in maximum temperatures (2-4 degrees Celsius above normal). The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow alerts for several districts Palakkad, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur, and Ernakulam until March 20. Residents in these areas should expect hot and uncomfortable weather because of high temperatures and humid air during the period. Rainfall in March (Five-year low this time) 2020 19.9mm 2021 19.7mm 2022 10.6mm 2023 9.8mm 2024 1.4mm Summer Rain Status (March 1- 18) Malappuram No rain Kasaragod No rain Kannur No rain Kozhikode No rain Wayanad No rain Idukki Large deficient Kottayam Large deficient Palakkad Large deficient Thrissur Large deficient TPuram Large deficient Ernakulam Large deficient Alappuzha Large deficient Kollam Large deficient Pathanamthitta Large deficient Kerala Large deficient (Source: KSDMA)

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 8:38 am

K-Rice flies off shelves, Kerala govt orders 8k MT more

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The positive response to K-Rice, its initiative to provide rice to people at subsidised rates, has prompted the government to place orders for more quantities of cereal grain from suppliers in other states. Sources said, Supplyco, which is the procurement agency, has placed an order for another 8,000 metric tonnes (MT) of rice. As per the data, 1.6 lakh families have purchased K-Rice so far. Of the 2,000 MT of rice bought in the first phase, nearly 1,800 MT have been distributed so far. Three varieties Jaya, Kuruva and Matta are available for purchase. Jaya rice is being distributed in the Thiruvananthapuram region, Matta in Kottayam and Ernakulam regions and Kuruva in the Kozhikode region. The procurement is done through the governments electronic tender system and suppliers are mostly from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The local Matta variety, however, is purchased from suppliers across Kerala. Meanwhile, the government is making efforts to make Supplyco outlets more lucrative ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. It has begun the process to procure essential commodities that are then sold at subsidised rates via Supplyco outlets. Priority cards The Food and Civil Supplies Department has decided to supply priority ration cards to 19,384 families which had been on its waiting list. They will be included in the Priority Household (PHH) Category funded by the state government. Mustering Mustering for priority ration card holders has been temporarily stopped due to technical issues. The National Informatics Centre and Kerala State IT Mission are working on the issue and the process will be resumed at the earliest. K-Rice rates Jaya: I29 per kg Kuruva, Matta: I30 per kg 5kg will be distributed per card

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 7:59 am

Sakhas grow, RSS bifurcates Kerala into north & south prant committees

KOZHIKODE: The growth in the number of sakhas in Kerala has prompted the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to bifurcate its existing prant committees into two in the state. The decision was taken at the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha in Nagpur from March 15 to 17. Ernakulam will be the headquarters of the south committee, which will include districts from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam. Districts from Kasaragod to Thrissur will come under the north committee, to be headquartered in Kozhikode. RSS sources told TNIE that discussions on the bifurcation had been on in the organisation for a long time. Usually, a prant committee has around 2,000 sakhas under it. In Kerala, we have over 4,000 sakhas now, said a top RSS leader in Kerala. The RSS leadership said a new prant committee has been formed in Kerala for organisational convenience. We have four prant committees in Uttar Pradesh and three in West Bengal. The need for bifurcation was felt in Kerala too, said a source. The decision has also come as a relief for workers, said the source. There was an issue of workers and leaders from Kasaragod travelling to Thiruvananthapuram for meetings. Organisational works will be easier with the setting up of a new committee, said the source. The RSS has 37 sangh districts in Kerala. Under the new arrangement, 17 of them will come under the north committee while the remaining 20 will come under the south. S Ramesan and K K Balram will be prant sanghchalaks of the south and north committees, respectively.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 7:54 am

Monson cheating case: Probe officer accused of extortion

KOCHI: Sleuths from the Kochi unit of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) on Monday recorded the statement of a businessman, the complainant in a cheating case registered against conman Monson Mavunakal, after he accused the investigating officer of extortion. The VACB Ernakulam SP had summoned Yakoob Purayil, a native of Mukkam in Kozhikode, after the latter filed a complaint before the VACB director accusing Crime Branch DySP Y R Rustom, who has investigated cheating and rape cases against Monson, of extortion. Yakoob and five other businessmen from Kozhikode are the complainants in the cheating case. Yakoob alleged that Rustom extorted money from him on several occasions. After his statements were recorded, Rustom told reporters outside the VACB office that he handed over proof substantiating his allegations to the officials. I have handed over all the evidence to the VACB. The probe officer threatened me to pay money several times, citing various reasons. He put the main cheating case against Monson involving financial transactions on the back burner. They were only interested in the rape cases against him. Money was also demanded claiming police officers draw low salary. On most occasions, account numbers of other persons were provided for transferring money, Yakoob alleged. He also alleged that Rustom added and removed names from the list of accused on whim. We never said anything about IG G Lakshman, but he was made an accused in the case. Some persons of interest were deliberately excluded from the case, Yakoob alleged. Theft at Monsons house: Probe begins The Ernakulam North police have launched a probe into the alleged theft of antiques from the rented house of conman Monson Mavunkal at Kaloor in Kochi. Monson, who is in jail, had recently lodged a complaint with the crime branch alleging that antiques had gone missing from his museum. Following a search on Monday, crime branch officials said 15 items were found to be missing.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 7:51 am

Kerala: Perambra murder accused has chilling criminal history

KOZHIKODE: Kondotty Mujeeb aka Mujeeb Rahman, who was arrested for the murder of Anu Prajil of Valoor near Perambra recently, is a notorious criminal with 56 cases registered against him in various police stations across the Malabar region. Mujeeb allegedly drowned Anu in a stream and stole her ornaments on March 11, after offering her a lift on a stolen motorbike. Booked for the first time at the age of 20 for the murder of a Tirur jewellery shop owner, the 48-year-old has been involved in various crimes including sexual assault, robbery, and plunder, and the list goes on. Though booked, Mujeeb had walked out of jail in most cases after securing bail. What is baffling people is how a person with such a chilling criminal history could be let roaming free. An elderly woman, who was sexually assaulted by Mujeeb at Mutheri near Mukkom in 2020, told TNIE that he should be hanged for all the crimes he committed. Had he been punished earlier, Anu of Perambra would not have been killed, she said. Operating with a calculated precision, Mujeebs criminal activities revolved around exploiting the vulnerability of unsuspecting women. His modus operandi: Offer lifts to people on his motorbike or other stolen vehicles, including autorickshaw, only to swiftly transform into a predator, snatching the victims valuables before disappearing into the abyss of anonymity. Born in Kondotty, Rahmans early life remains a mystery, with scant details emerging about his upbringing. Yet, what unfolds is a narrative of deviance and deceit that has left a trail of trauma in many lives. As many as 13 cases have been registered against Mujeeb in Kondotty. For local residents, Mujeeb has always been a fierce person and has maintained little relations with the people of his native place. According to the 2020 Mutheri rape case survivor, a hotel worker, she faced brutal sexual assault at the hands of Mujeeb, who gave her a lift in a stolen autorickshaw in July. He reportedly tied her up and raped her, before stealing her money. Mujeeb, who was arrested for the case, escaped after tricking the police but was caught from Koothuparamba in Kannur district. In that case, the accused was remanded for one and a half years, said Perambra DySP K M Biju. 56 cases registered against Mujeeb in six districts He is a habitual offender. From sociopathic tendencies to a predatory instinct honed by years of criminal behaviour, Rahmans profile paints a portrait of a man driven by urges towards money and sex, Biju said. In the Mutheri case, though the police filed the chargesheet on time, the trial got delayed and he later secured a bail from the court. In the latest incident, Mujeeb, who reached Iringannur near Perambra on March 11 on a bike stolen from Mattannur, saw Anu, who was walking from her own house to go to the hospital with her husband. He approached the 26-year-old woman saying he would drop her off at a nearby place, if necessary. He was wearing a helmet and a coat. According to the police, the woman, who initially hesitated to get on the vehicle, later took the lift thinking that he might be someone from the neighbourhood. On the way, Mujeeb pushed her into a nearby stream and killed her by stomping her head in the water. He then snatched away her ornaments.

The New Indian Express 19 Mar 2024 7:24 am

Distributors strike at Kozhikode MCH ends

The Hindu 18 Mar 2024 9:04 pm

Sureshanteyum Sumalathayudeyum Hrudayahariyaya Pranayakadha | Song - Naadake Nadakam

Watch the song 'Naadake Nadakam' from Malayalam movie 'Sureshanteyum Sumalathayudeyum Hrudayahariyaya Pranayakadha' starring Rajesh Madhavan and Chithra Nair. 'Naadake Nadakam' is sung by Aloshi Adams, Sannidhanandan, Ashok T Ponnappan, Subramanian K V and Rakhi Ramachandran and music of the song is given by Dawn Vincent. Lyrics of 'Sureshanteyum Sumalathayudeyum Hrudayahariyaya Pranayakadha' song 'Naadake Nadakam' are written by Vaisakh Sugunan. 'Sureshanteyum Sumalathayudeyum Hrudayahariyaya Pranayakadha' also stars Sudheesh Kozhikode, Jinu Joseph and Sharanya Ramachandran in pivotal roles. To know more about 'Naadake Nadakam' song from Rajesh Madhavan and Chithra Nair starrer 'Sureshanteyum Sumalathayudeyum Hrudayahariyaya Pranayakadha' watch the video.

The Times of India 18 Mar 2024 5:47 pm

Kerala Muslim groups call for Lok Sabha election date change to avoid clash with Friday prayers

KOZHIKODE: All major Muslim organisations in Kerala have urged the Election Commission (EC) not to hold Lok Sabha elections on Friday as it would cause inconvenience to believers. A statement signed by 19 leaders of the organisations, including IUML and Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama, pointed out that the first phase of the elections falls on a Friday, April 19. The second phase is on April 26, also a Friday. The decision will create a difficult situation for Muslims, the largest minority community in the country, to fully take part in the election process in the biggest democracy in the world, the statement said. Terming the decision discriminatory and a violation of constitutional rights, the leaders said Muslims in Kerala, who constitute 30% of the population, will also be affected by it. Thousands of officials on election duty and booth agents wont be able to participate in the Friday prayers, it said Therefore, the EC should fix another day for the elections. The Kerala government should officially raise the demand before the EC, it said. Secular parties urged to put pressure on EC The statement also exhorted the secular parties to put pressure on EC to change the dates. IUML, other Muslim organisations to move ECI seeking change in LS poll date which falls on Friday The signatories in the statement include IUML state president Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama president Syed Muhammad Jiffiri Muthukoya Thangal, Kerala Muslim Jamaat leader Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musaliyar, Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen president T P Abdulla Koya Madani, Jamaat-e-Islami Kerala amir P Mujeeb Rehman, Dakshina Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama general secretary Thodiyoor Muhammad Kunji Moulavi, Wisdom Islamic Mission president P N Abdul Latheef Madani, Kerala Samsthana Jem-Iyyathul Ulama general secretary A Najeeb Moulavi, KNM-Makarzidawa president E K Ahamed Kutty, Muslim Service Society leader P Unneen and Darul Huda Islamic University vice-chancellor Bahaudeen Nadvi.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 8:21 am

Kozhikode entrepreneur's e-vehicle venture forges green path in Malawi

KOZHIKODE: In a move that will revolutionise transportation in Malawi, Brijesh Balakrishnan, a young entrepreneur hailing from Cheruvannur, Kozhikode, has forged a partnership with the government of the southeast African country. Balakrishnans innovative electric-vehicle company is now poised to export eco-friendly two-wheelers and three-wheelers to the landlocked nation. The collaboration was sealed at a function held in Bengaluru. Malawi, a country known for its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives, sees the introduction of e-vehicles as a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and promoting cleaner modes of transportation. Balakrishnans company, Axeon Ventures Pvt Ltd, has been making waves in the e-vehicle industry with its cutting-edge technology and commitment to the environment. With his experience in the automobile industry, Balakrishnan believed in going to the core of sustainable development and coming up with the most creative and high-end solutions. In 2017, he along with his friends started building e-vehicles after an extended period of trial and error. Our goal is to decrease carbon emissions, lessen the effects of climate change, and enhance air quality in communities all around the world by utilising technology and sustainability. Were revolutionising the battery-powered vehicle sector through innovation, quality, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, said Balakrishnan. The manufacturing unit of Kozhikode-headquartered Axeon is in Coimbatore. The company has already sold around 500 e-vehicles in different parts of the country. New chapter in India-Malawi relationship His vehicles have garnered attention on the global stage, thanks to their affordability, reliability, and eco-friendly design. In a recent achievement, his team helped the students of Westhill Government Polytechnic College assemble 30 e-autos. Along with Brijesh, there are nine other directors for the company. The agreement with Malawi underscores Balakrishnans vision to expand his companys reach beyond Indias borders and contribute to sustainable development efforts on a global scale. By providing Malawi access to his vehicles, he aims to address transportation challenges while fostering economic growth and environmental conservation in the region. The partnership marks a new chapter in the relationship between India and Malawi, showcasing the potential for mutually beneficial collaborations between the nations. As the demand for sustainable transportation solutions continues to rise worldwide, initiatives like this highlight the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in addressing pressing environmental concerns. With the support of the Malawian government and the expertise of Balakrishnans team, the future looks promising for the adoption of electric vehicles in Malawi, paving the way for a greener and a more sustainable future in east Africa.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 8:16 am

Kerala: Habitual offender, accomplice held for womans death in Kozhikode

KOZHIKODE: After nearly a week of uncertainty, the Perambra police have found that the 26-year-old woman whose body was recovered from a stream near the Nochad primary health centre was in fact murdered. The breakthrough came after the police arrested Mujeeb Rahman, a habitual offender and thief, from Vazhakkad in Malappuram for the crime. The body of Anu Prajil, daughter of Vasu of Valoor near Perambra, was found in the stream on March 12. Though the police initially felt it was a case of suicide, they intensified their probe after her relatives said Anus gold ornaments were missing and that there was not enough water in the stream for a person to drown. Mujeeb, a Kondotty resident who is involved in around 55 cases, including an attempt to rape, was nabbed on Saturday. The police said Mujeeb drowned Anu in the stream and looted her ornaments. Another Kondotty resident, Aboobacker, who helped Mujeeb sell the ornaments, has also been arrested. As per the police, Anu left her parents house at Valoor to go to a hospital on March 11. Her husband, Iringannur native Prajil Raj, was supposed to pick her up at Muliyangal on the way. Mujeeb is known to offer lift to women and snatch their chains. On the morning of March 11, he was fleeing on a motorcycle he stole from Mattanur when he spotted Anu on the way. He approached her, spoke to her and offered a lift to the next junction, said Perambra DySP K M Biju. He said the victim and the accused did not know each other. Later, Mujeeb took Anu to the stream and drowned her. He looted her jewellery and fled, Biju said. Anu and Prajil got married a year ago. She had recently gone to her parents house as her mother had underwent surgery. Prajil went to Muliyangal to pick her up but Anu never arrived. The relatives lodged a missing complaint when Anu did not reach home by evening. While searching for her, the police found a body from the stream the next day, March 12. Anus relatives identified the body, but her mother Saraswathy said though Anus earring was found on the body, her necklace, two rings, bracelet and anklets were missing. The police later recovered Anus phone and purse from a ditch near the stream. The investigation The postmortem examination concluded that mud and water entered Anus lungs, causing her death. Later, the forensic surgeon from Kozhikode Medical College Hospital inspected the place where Anus body was found. The police checked CCTV footage, one of which showed Anu on a motorcycle with a man. A probe focusing on the motorbike and analysing more CCTV footage led the police to the vehicle theft case in Mattanur, and finally to Mujeeb.

The New Indian Express 18 Mar 2024 7:52 am

Capturing the beauty of Kozhikodes landmarks

The Hindu 18 Mar 2024 2:05 am

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

The Hindu 18 Mar 2024 1:57 am

Fuel shortage hits police surveillance in Kozhikode city

The yet-to-be revised fuel quota norms and increasing fuel prices have reportedly forced the police to cut short the number of flash patrol activities under Janamaithri scheme in residential areas

The Hindu 18 Mar 2024 1:50 am

Congress-led UDF looks to repeat its 2019 LS poll performance in Kerala

Congress-led UDF looks to repeat its 2019 LS poll performance in Kerala The Congress-led UDF, which won 19 of the 20 seats in Kerala in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, is looking to repeat the performance in the 2024 polls by retaining the same candidates with a few changes, while the Left front and the BJP have carried out a major overhaul of their nominee list. The Congress has fielded all its sitting MPs, except T N Prathapan who won from Thrissur last time, and added two new names to the list -- current Palakkad MLA Shafi Parambil from Vatakara and AICC general secretary in-charge of organisation and Rajya Sabha member K C Venugopal from Alappuzha. Parambil is being fielded from Vatakara after the party decided that its sitting MP from there, K Muraleedharan, will contest from Thrissur in the wake of his sister Padmaja Venugopal joining the BJP. The BJP has fielded two union ministers -- V Muraleedharan (Attingal) and Rajiv Chandrasekhar (Thiruvananthapuram) -- and Anil K Antony (Pathanamthitta), son of Congress stalwart A K Antony while retaining actor Suresh Gopi in Thrissur. The ruling LDF too brought changes in its candidates line-up by fielding political heavyweights like former state Finance Minister Thomas Isaac (Pathanamthitta) and Rajya Sabha member Elamaram Kareem (Kozhikode). The region-wise performance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections is as follows 1. Northern region In Kasaragod constituency, Congress' Rajmohan Unnithan polled 4,74,961 votes out of the total 11,00,051 votes cast there with CPI(M)'s K P Sathishchandran came in second with 4,34,523 votes. BJP's Ravisha Thanthri Kuntar got 16 per cent of the total votes. In Kannur, K Sudhakaran (Cong) won by securing 5,26,755 of the total 10,65 619 votes cast there, and CPI(M)'s P K Sreemathi came in second with 4,35,182. In Vatakara, Congress leader K Muraleedharan with 5,26,755 votes out of the total 10,65,619 and CPI(M)'s P Jayarajan came second by polling 4,42,092 votes. In Wayanad, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, won with a huge margin by getting 7,06,367 votes out of a total of 10,92,197 with his closest rival -- CPI's P P Suneer receiving only 2,74,597 votes. In Kozhikode, Congress candidate M K Raghavan polled 4,93,444 out of a total 10,76,193 votes to come first, while CPI(M)'s A pradeep Kumar came second with 4,08,219 votes. BJP's Prakash Babu got 14.97 per cent of the total votes. Malappuram -- IUML's P K Kunhalikutty won by polling 5,89,873 out of the total 10,34,618 votes with CPI(M)'s V P Sanu coming in second with 3,29,720 votes. Later, Kunhalikutty resigned from the Lok Sabha to contest in the state assembly elections in 2021. Subsequently, a by-election was held in Malappuram in 2021 and IUML's Abdussamad Samadani won by getting 5,38,248 votes out of a total of 11,02,537 and Sanu, who got 4,23,633 votes, was again defeated. Ponnani -- IUML's E T Mohammed Basheer won with 5,21,824 votes out of the total 10,17,265 and Left candidate P V Anvar came second with 3,28,551 votes. BJP candidate Rema got 10.87 per cent of the total votes. Palakkad -- Congress candidate V K Sreekandan won with 3,99,274 votes out of the total 10,28,249 and CPI(M)'s M B Rajesh came a close second with 3,87,637. BJP's Krishnakumar C got 21.24 per cent of the total votes. Alathur -- Congress candidate Ramya Haridas won with 5,33,815 out of the total 10,18,743 and CPI(M)'s P K Biju came second with 3,74,847. 2. Central Kerala region Thrissur -- Congress' T N Prathapan won by polling 4,15,089 votes out of the total 10,41,869 with CPI's Rajaji Mathew Thomas coming second with 3,21,456 and BJP's Suresh Gopi coming third with 2,93,822 votes. Chalakudy -- Benny Behanan (Cong) won with 4,73,444 votes out of the total of 9,90,224 and veteran actor and CPI(M)'s late Innocent came second with 3,41,170 votes. BJP's A N Radhakrishnan got 15.56 per cent of the total votes. Ernakulam -- Congress' Hibi Eden won with 4,91,263 votes out of the total 9,67,203 and CPI(M)'s P Rajeev came second with 3,22,110 votes. BJP's Alphons Kannanthanam got 14.24 per cent of the total votes. Idukki -- Congress' Dean Kuriakose won by polling 4,98,493 votes out of the total of 9,19,297 and Joice George, an independent candidate, came second with 3,27,440 votes. Kottayam -- Thomas Chazhikadan of the Kerala Congress(M), then a UDF ally, won with 4,21,046 votes out of the total of 9,10,339 and CPI(M)'s V N Vasavan came second with 3,14,787. However, the seat fell into the LDF kitty later after Kerala Congress(M) joined the Left front. Alappuzha -- The only seat where the LDF won last time with CPI(M)'s A M Ariff polling 4,45,970 out of the total 10,88,728 votes with Congress' Shanimol Osman coming a close second with 4,35,496 votes. BJP's Dr K S Radhakrishnan polled 17.22 per cent of the total votes. 3. South Kerala region Mavelikkara -- Congress' Kodikunnil Suresh won by polling 4,40,415 out of the total of 9,71,035 votes and CPI's Chittayam Gopakumar came second with 3,79,277 votes. Pathanamthitta -- Congress' Anto Antony came first by getting 3,80,927 out of the total 10,26,553 with CPI(M)'s Veena George coming second by polling 3,36,684 votes and BJP's K Surendran third with 2,97,396 votes. Kollam -- UDF ally Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) fielded N K Premachandran who won with 4,99,677 votes out of the total 9,68,123 and CPI(M)'s K N Balagopal got 3,50,821 votes. BJP's K V Sabu got 10.66 per cent of the total votes. Attingal -- Adoor Prakash of Congress won with 3,80,995 votes out of the total of 10,04,888. CPI(M)'s Dr A Sampath and BJP's Sobha Surendran came second and third with 3,42,748 and 2,48,081 votes, respectively. Sobha Surendran will contest from Alappuzha in 2024. Thiruvananthapuram -- Congress's Shashi Tharoor won for a third consecutive time by getting 4,16,131 out of the total 10,10,180 votes and defeated BJP's Kummanam Rajasekharan and CPI's C Divakaran, who came second and third, respectively. Rajasekharan polled 3,16,142 votes while Divakaran got 2,58,556 votes. Kasaragod, Kozhikode, Ponnani, Palakkad, Thrissur, Chalakudy, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Attingal and Thiruvananthapuram were the LS constituencies in which the BJP got a vote percentage in double digits in 2019.

devdiscourse 17 Mar 2024 11:06 am

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.

The New Indian Express 17 Mar 2024 7:51 am

Congress not able to counter BJPs destructive policies: Elamaram Kareem

Elamaram Kareem, LDF candidate for the Kozhikode Lok Sabha constituency, says the Congress is trying to counter the BJPs radical Hindutva with soft Hindutva; AIIMS, development of Beypore port, more IT-based industries and operation of wide-bodied aircraft at Calicut airport among his agendas for Kozhikode

The Hindu 17 Mar 2024 5:33 am

Entries invited for new batch of DCIP

Kozhikode district administration invites applications for the 27th batch of the District Collectors Internship Programme

The Hindu 16 Mar 2024 8:33 pm

'Jananam 1947 Pranayam Thudarunnu' movie review: Sweet stir of love and companionship

Imagine youre casually scrolling social media and coming across a random video of an elderly couple sharing some lighter moments, like holding hands while walking or leaning on the partners shoulder. Before you know it, there will be a smile plastered on your face or you might even feel your eyes turning moist. This is the exact feeling that Jananam 1947 Pranayam Thudarunnu offers throughout its 100-odd-minute runtime. Gouri Teacher (Leela Samson) is an unhappy resident of an old age home as her son is unwilling to take her in. Apart from his occasional visits, Teacher, as she is fondly called, has nothing much to look forward in life. Until Shivan (Jayarajan Kozhikode), the retirement homes caretaker, invites her to his home... and, by extension, his life. Abijith Asokan, who has written, directed and produced the film, picks themes like isolation and companionship to weave a beautiful tale of two elderly people deciding to spend the final lap of life. Shivan and Gouri belong to two strata of the society. While one is an educated teacher from a seemingly affluent background, the other is an unrefined farmer. But these differences are insignificant in the now-overwhelming yearning for company. Jananam 1947 Pranayam Thudarunnu shares progressive values, but the progressiveness is not in the face. Both Shivan and Gouri are product of their times; so, its natural when Shivan proposes to Gouri saying, Id love to have someone make tea for him. Similarly, Gouri, who has been caged in the retirement home for over three years, is raring to do household chores, like a typical homemaker. After they move in together, she happily cooks and feeds Sivan, while he sweats it out on his farm. The film is brimmed with wonderful moments that display love in all its splendour. In a fleeting moment, you can see Gouri checking if Shivan ate the food that she packed and realising his love for spicy dishes. Like any newly married couple, their intimacy blossoms gradually, and composer Govind Vasantha augments these sweet moments with his soulful music. Usually in films exploring old-age romance, it is a norm to show at least one of them with a terrible past relationship. However, in this film, both Gouri and Shivan were deeply in love with their former partners and hold them in high regard even after their passing. They dont shy away from talking about their past and the fond memories accompanying it. At the same time, they also embrace the present and their beautiful and respectful relationship. Apart from the lead couple, the film also has some interesting characters like Sudhi, played by Noby Marcose. Though theres a running joke in the film about him not finding a match, the character is not reduced to a comedy sidekick. He is that go-to-guy for any help in the community. In fact, almost all the villagers of Ezhumanthuruthu are portrayed as warm, welcoming people who strangely are never judgemental of Shivan and Gouri teachers unusual choice. It might look too idealistic a setting, but Abijith also sticks to piercing reality when Sivan casually mentions how he has never been called sir his entire life and his misunderstanding that such respectful addressing were reserved only for good-looking people. Jayarajan Kozhikode sells the naivety and genuineness of Shivan effectively. From his dialogue delivery to body language, theres an effortlessnes to his performance. However, Leela Samsons portrayal of Gouri, while graceful, is not so fluent. In fact, it comes across as mechanical on few occasions. It is likely that an unfamiliar terrain and language had has an effect on her performance. Jananam 1947 Pranayam Thudarunnu is the closest Malayalam cinema has got to the MT Vasudevan Nair classic, Oru Cheru Punchiri. It exudes the same warmth, comfort and hope. Film: Jananam 1947 Pranayam Thudarunnu Director: Abijith Asokan Cast: Leela Samson, Jayarajan Kozhikode, Noby, Irshad Ali, Deepak Parambol Rating : 3.5/5

The New Indian Express 16 Mar 2024 11:06 am

Fire in her belly: Kerala's women blaze through barriers to become firefighters

KOCHI: At the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Academy in Thrissur, a team of women are preparing to fight fire, handling the high-pressure hydraulic hose, as part of a mock drill. They have just arrived from Thiruvananthapuram, where they attended the passing-out parade after being trained at this academy. Their demeanour reflects the raw energy and exuberance that natures most feared element bears. They display the dual nature of fire warmth and lethality. Indian mythology contains stories of powerful women born from fire, like Draupadi. Or of Sita, whom fire could not scorch. Or Kannagi, who set a city afire with her grief and fury. Yet, traditionally, women were kept away from fields that were considered fiery. However, the winds of change have been blowing across India. And Nari Shakti has been on the rise. The latest venture of women into the male bastion of firefighting in Kerala is yet another example. The batch of 82 women has found their way into the Fire and Rescue Services, six decades after its formation. These womens induction, after the passing-out parade on Womens Day (March 8), made Kerala home to the largest batch of female firefighters in the country. Their first task was to take on the notion that women were unfit for the physically demanding job. They went through the rigours of a six-month-long training programme and have come out blazing, reducing regressive barriers to ashes. A mock drill It did take time for the notions to change. But then, everything happens in its own time. Didnt it take years for women to be recruited in the police, excise, and forest departments? asks M G Rajesh, regional fire officer and director of the academy. The new group includes 26 postgraduates, 50 graduates, four B Tech graduates, three B Ed graduates, and two diploma/ITA holders. At least 27 among them are married, and 12 are mothers. They were selected after a Public Service Commission screening, which included physical and aptitude tests. They are now packing up for a six-month training at fire stations across Kerala, after which they will be ready for actual deployment. It has been an exciting journey so far, says Megha Dickson, of Alappuzha. From rescuing people in the mountains to handling chemical accidents, we have been trained to tackle various kinds of emergencies. Our training included industrial fire safety, underwater rescue, flood rescue, self-rescue, first aid, rescue in smokey and dark rooms, and basic life support (BLS). The academys facilities were great, and they made sure we followed safety rules every step of the way. The trainees sneer at the doubts raised on the toughness quotient required for the job. I never imagined I could lift a person heavier than myself through a ladder, but I was able to do that, says Anu S from Malappuram. The move to induct women has bearings on the role that women could play during rescue efforts, says district fire officer Reni Lukose. When we go on rescue missions, women and children are often the ones in distress, he explains. The presence of women in our team can have a soothing effect. Women fire and rescue officers can also help manage stress during difficult situations. Moreover, he adds, there is a need to educate individuals, especially in rural regions, about BLS techniques. The involvement of women officers in this initiative is important because they can organise hands-on training sessions and engage with womens groups within communities better, he notes. The first batch was admitted into the academy on September 4, 2023, after which they underwent the training and now the induction. It is a proud moment to be part of the training process, says Havildar Renitha, who is part of a group tasked with providing support to the new batch of women firefighters. Anusree V P, of Kozhikode, says it was a proud moment as her 10-year-old daughter was present during the passing-out parade. She always wanted to become a teacher. However, after seeing me in uniform with the cap, she also wants to be in a similar job, she adds. Knowing that she is proud of me fills my heart with joy. Societal challenges are tougher to tackle than physical ones, says in Sneha C M from Kollam. The first question from those who heard I was joining the force was: Dont you have any other job options? The notion that women cannot handle such jobs is ingrained in peoples minds. However, I am confident that we can prove them wrong, she says. Pics: S Lal Binsi S P, from Thiruvananthapuram, recalls how she took the physical test for the job just two years after giving birth to her child. People were astonished when they heard about my training achievements after the C-section. Many of us lacked a sports background. Yet, we have come a long way, she smiles. Tanur Fire and Rescue Service station officer Rajendranath M, who was in charge of ground training, admits that doubts had indeed been cast on the endurance levels of the trainees. However, they kept surprising us with their grit, he says. The higher-ups appreciated us after the parade. Now on, more women will be encouraged to join services like this. The motto of the force is We Serve to Save, and the women seem to understand it well. It is not just a job; it is a noble service, says Geetumol K M from Kottayam. A sense of achievement was palpable in all members of the team, well-emphasised by the commander of the passing-out parade, Sneha Dhinesh, who hails from Ernakulam. The parade was in front of the chief minister on Womens Day. The confidence I gained from here is going to propel me throughout my life, she says. There are 100 new posts for women in the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services. Officials in the academy suggest this allocation is insufficient. The recommendation is that each of the 129 fire stations in the state should have at least four women officers.

The New Indian Express 16 Mar 2024 10:12 am

Govt. school students from Kozhikode to represent India in global science fair

International Science and Engineering Fair to be held in Los Angeles, US, from May 11-17

The Hindu 16 Mar 2024 12:55 am

Work begins on upland highway in Kozhikode

The 5.55 kilometre stretch from Peruvannamuzhi to Chembra is being developed into a 12-metre-wide road at a cost of 31.46 crores

The Hindu 15 Mar 2024 10:07 pm

Landsharks suspected to be behind fire outbreak at old Comtrust factory building in Kozhikode

Fire that engulfed factory buildings around 9 p.m. on March 14 caused destruction to a substantial portion of dilapidated buildings and their roofs

The Hindu 15 Mar 2024 12:17 pm

Bee fences on forest borders among major steps to curb wildlife conflict, says Kerala CM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an attempt to prevent wild elephants from straying into human habitats, the state will install bee fences on forest borders, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said. Since honey would attract bears, such fences will be grown only in forests that do not have the presence of bears. He said the number of wildlife attacks was on the rise due to the hot weather. A high-level meeting on Thursday reviewed the arrangements to prevent wildlife from straying into human habitats. A 24-hour control room has been opened at the forest headquarters. Emergency operation centres will be opened in 36 forest divisions. WhatsApp groups have been formed in the circle and division levels of the forest department to pass on warnings to the people. Efforts are on to form WhatsApp groups at the panchayat level, too. The service of 900 temporary watchers is utilised in areas where attacks are reported. Shrubs are being cleared at 66 plantations in the Wayanad region. Steps are being taken to purchase 64 pump action guns, two tranquilliser guns and four drones. As many as 264 vigilance committees were formed at the panchayat level. Steps have been taken to ensure the availability of water inside forests. A total of 341 ponds in Wayanad forest region and 249 in Idukki are being preserved. Of the Rs 13.70 crore set aside for providing compensation to wildlife attack victims, Rs 6.45 crore has been distributed. A seminar will be held in April to discuss ways to prevent wildlife attacks. Fight is between LDF & UDF Rejecting LDF convenor E P Jayarajans claims, Pinarayi said the electoral fight in Kerala was between the LDF and the UDF. The LDF will win the election and the BJP will face a huge setback, he said. Recently, Jayarajan had claimed that the major fight was between the LDF and the BJP and that the Congress got weakened in the state. He also said that the BJP has fielded good candidates in Thiruvananthapuram, Attingal, Thrissur and Kozhikode. Pinarayi also criticised Congress leader K C Venugopal for fighting the election though he will not win. The politically enlightened people of Kerala will not allow him to lose his Rajya Sabha membership. But he should introspect whether his decision was wise. Suppose he wins, the BJP will gain from it. BJP candidate will have an easy win from Rajasthan, he said. Poonjar issue: CM stands by statement In what could create political ripples during the Lok Sabha poll campaign, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday reiterated his stand on the attack against a priest at Poonjar. During an interaction with minority leaders, he had stated that the students who were involved in the car racing on the church premises were Muslims. The chief ministers remark had invited flak from different community leaders. I stand by what I said, he said in reply to a question at the press conference. The assistant vicar of Poonjar St Marys Forane Church was struck by cars when he intervened to stop a group of school students from racing vehicles on church premises last month. I n reply to another question over the investigation against his daughter, he said he had already stated his version. He expressed displeasure over the question by asking whether the reporter had hearing loss.

The New Indian Express 15 Mar 2024 8:13 am

I-League 2023-24: Gokulam Kerala snatch three points from Aizawl in Kozhikode cliffhanger

Kozhikode (Kerala), March 15 (IANS) Matija Babovic scored a brace to help Gokulam Kerala FC beat Aizawl FC 4-3 at the EMS Corporation Stadium in Kozhikode, on Thursday to move to the third spot in the I-League 2023-24 table. The teams were locked 2-2 at half-time of the match, which ultimately proved to be a []

bhaskarlive 15 Mar 2024 12:27 am

Bankers in Kozhikode told to monitor transactions in view of Lok Sabha elections

Surveillance on dormant accounts and those managed by political parties or candidates to be strengthened

The Hindu 14 Mar 2024 8:57 pm

Vengeri overpass work likely to be completed in three months

The project to be completed across the six-lane Kozhikode bypass will smoothen traffic flow on the Kozhikode-Balussery route

The Hindu 14 Mar 2024 8:23 pm

Calicut Book Club to chronicle Keralas cultural history of 50 years

As part of the golden jubilee of the club, a collective of readers and book lovers in Kozhikode; the articles will be based on lectures by experts on various topics

The Hindu 14 Mar 2024 7:38 pm

Death of lawyer: Mother moves Kerala High Court seeking CBI probe

KOCHI: Prasanna, the mother of the late Aneeshya S, who served as an assistant public prosecutor at the Munsiff Magistrate Court in Paravur, Kollam, approached the Kerala High Court on Wednesday seeking a CBI probe into her daughters death. Aneeshya died by suicide alleging physical and mental harassment from higher-ups on January 21. Advocate Jani A, counsel for the petitioner, submitted that the deceased faced continuous harassment and torture from deputy director of prosecution (DPP) Abdul Jaleen and assistant public prosecutor (APP) Shyam Krishnan. They sent unwanted and insulting comments about her in the official WhatsApp group of the prosecutors. Despite registering an FIR, the police have not carried out any probe into the incident. The comparison of the tower location and attendance register would bring out the truth which was tried to be brought out by the deceased regarding the illegal and improper attendance of the APPs in the courts. The investigating officer is reluctant to probe this aspect. The enquiry officer is a close friend of Jaleel, the counsel said. Paul Muthoot murder case: HC upholds conviction of Kari Satheesh The Kerala High Court on Wednesday confirmed the conviction and sentences imposed upon the second accused, Satheeshkumar alias Kari Satheesh, in the Paul Muthoot George murder case. The court said it was the second accused who inflicted stab injuries on Paul, which resulted in his death. Hence, the court upheld the conviction of the accused for various offences, including murder. It set aside the conviction of Satheesh for the offence under section 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons) of the IPC (Indian Penal Code). There were 14 accused in the case. After the trial, the fourteenth accused was acquitted, while the others were convicted and sentenced for the offences they were charged with. Paul was murdered on the Pallathuruthy-Perunna road in Alappuzha district in 2009. Directive to produce safety audit report of airports The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the Union government to produce the safety/surveillance audit report, both by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Airport Authority of India (AAI), of three airports in the state for the past five years, including the latest one. The court issued the order on the petition filed by Advocate Yeshwanth Shenoy of Ernakulam, seeking to produce the last five safety audit reports for the airports in Kozhikode, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Forward list of cops considered for IPS post The High Court has directed the state government to forward the list of police officers, who are under the zone of consideration for conferment of Indian Police Service (IPS), for the vacancies of 2021 and 2022 through the single window system within two weeks. The division bench issued the order on the petition filed by Shanawas A, and K Mahesh Das, who were superintendent of police, Crime Branch challenging the delay on the part of the state in forwarding the proposal. Senior advocate N Nandakumara Menon, counsel for the petitioners, said that as of now, there exist 15 vacancies.

The New Indian Express 14 Mar 2024 10:38 am

Patients suffer as drug supply to Kozhikode MCH stops

KOZHIKODE: The decision of All-Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association (AKCDA), Kozhikode chapter, to stop the supply of medicines and other necessary equipment and surgical devices to Government Medical College Hospital (MCH), Kozhikode, has affected its functioning, leading to a dire situation for hundreds of patients. Since the hospital management has not called for a meeting with the association to settle or clear the issue, the members of the association have decided to meet the district collector, who is also the head of the Hospital Development Society (HDS) on Thursday to raise the concern. It is estimated that the government owes around Rs 75 crore to the distributors as pending dues from August 2023. According to MCH sources, cardiovascular surgeries, implant procedures and other surgeries have been postponed due to lack of necessary medical devices, including stents, gloves, and valves. The functioning of the dialysis unit of the hospital has also been affected due to the current crisis. The pharmacies of the hospital have been closed temporarily, citing technical issues but in reality the pharmacies are facing acute shortage of certain drugs. The worst affected are the patients with neurological disorders and psychiatry problems, as these medicines are expensive in private pharmacies. Medicines for diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol which are in high demand have also started facing a shortage, informed MCH sources. C Sivaraman, secretary of AKCDA, said, We had stopped supplying drugs and other medical devices to MCH from March 10. Our demand is to at least clear the dues till December 2023. The members of the association are finding it extremely difficult to move ahead with the business due to the delay in settling huge bills. Based on the decision that will be taken at the meeting to be held with the district collector, an appropriate decision on resuming supply or continuing with the protest will be taken.

The New Indian Express 14 Mar 2024 8:19 am

Botany teacher, students in action to save pest infected Eenthu trees

They have already covered 325 affected trees in Kozhikode and Kannur districts to set a unique model of free service with public participation

The Hindu 13 Mar 2024 10:32 pm

Kerala Tourism Department's International Paragliding Fest opens at Vagamon tomorrow

Kerala Tourism Department's International Paragliding Fest opens at Vagamon tomorrow The International Paragliding Festival Kerala, organised by the Department of Tourism to catapult the state as an ideal destination for adventure tourism, will begin tomorrow at the famed hill station of Vagamon in Idukki. Kerala Tourism and Public Works Minister PA Mohamed Riyas will inaugurate the event at Vagamon Adventure Park at 4 pm. The state Water Resources Minister Roshi Augustine will preside. The festival will last until March 17. Kerala Tourism is organising four international championships this year to showcase Kerala's adventure tourism potential to the world. The first of these is the Paragliding Festival. Dean Kuriakose MP, PJ Joseph MLA, MM Mani MLA, Vazhur Soman MLA, A Raja MLA, Sheri Sebastian Kulatungal MLA, District Panchayat President KT Binu, Tourism Director PB Nooh, District Collector and DTPC Chairman Sheeba George, KATPS CEO Binu Kuriakose will also attend the function. The event will feature international paragliding champions and world-renowned riders. Army, Air Force, and Navy adventure units will also participate in this competition. More than 100 nationally and internationally renowned gliders will participate in India's largest aero sports adventure festival. Paragliding competitions will be held in Mini XC, Spot Landing at Top Landing Spot, Mini Acrobatics Show, Hike and Fly, Ground Handling and Thermaling. The spot landing competition is designed to showcase the precision and expertise of paragliders as they demonstrate their ability to land accurately on a designated sport. This challenge will test the participants' skills and provide an exciting spectacle for the audience. The participants will be judged based on their approach control and final landing accuracy. The prize money is Rs 3 lakh. Around 35,000 in-person spectators and 20 lakh viewers worldwide on digital platforms are expected to witness the action. The competitions are jointly organised by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS) under the Department of Tourism and Idukki District Tourism Promotion Council with the technical support of the Paragliding Association of India. Other international adventure recreation championships hosted by Kerala this year are the International Surfing Festival (Varkala), the International Mountain Cycling Championship (Mananthavadi, Wayanad) and White Water Kayaking Festival (Thusharagiri, Kozhikode). (ANI)

devdiscourse 13 Mar 2024 5:32 pm

Hunting or killing of wild animals that become dangerous to human life necessary: Annie Raja

At the heart of a labyrinth of issues emerging as major talking points in the Wayanad parliamentary constituency, where CPI's Annie Raja is challenging Congress leader and sitting MP Rahul Gandhi, is the human-animal conflict. Loss of human lives, besides loss of property and crops in wild animal attacks has caused much anguish, anger and pain among the locals. How can this issue be addressed? In a telephonic conversation with The New Indian Express , Annie Raja acknowledged that the human-animal conflict is happening frequently in Wayanad. She said that as a native of Aralam near Wayanad she knows the anguish and pain of the people well. The CPI candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls said that she is meeting people and listening to what they have to say about preventing human deaths and destruction of properties and crops in wild animal attacks. The CPI (M) -led LDF government has done well to declare the human-animal conflict a state-specific disaster, Annie Raja noted. Moreover, the Kerala government has also held dialogues with the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Among a slew of measures taken during the dialogues was the formation of a committee comprising Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu officials to mitigate the conflict, she pointed out. Further, Annie Raja said that the Kerala government has been demanding that the Centre amend the Wildlife Protection Act so as to, among other things, permit hunting or killing of wild animals that become dangerous to human life. This is necessary, she felt. Rs 100-croreplan to mitigateman-animal conflicts in Wayanad People protest carrying the body of Ajeesh Panachikkal, who died in wild elephant attack in Mananthavady. It may be noted that on March 11, Kerala Karshakasangham took out a march to the AGs office and staged a dharna under the aegis of the Samyuktha Kisan Morcha to demand that the Centre amend the Wildlife Protection Act to save human lives. Annie Raja, meanwhile, reminded that the human-animal conflict does not pertain to Wayanad or Kerala alone. It's a national issue. Hence, all stakeholders have to sit together and chalk out a solution. We've to take into consideration the broader picture -- climate change, loss of habitats etc -- while addressing the issue, Annie Raja noted. There is no quick-fix solution. Say, it's not kind of wielding a magic wand to find a solution overnight. It will take time, she added. When she talks about finding a holistic solition to the issue, she means, what kind of crops can be raised so that they are not raided by the animals, how to address the problem of animals straying out of the forests in search of food and water, etc. Kerala wild elephant population declines by 58%, only 84 tigers in Wayanad Annie Raja also said steps should be taken so as to ensure that the inter-state night traffic ban on NH-766 (Kozhikode-Kollegal National Highway which passes through Bandipur Tiger Reserve) is lifted. The local economy is hit by the ban. The Centre suffers a huge loss (GST) because of this, Annie Raja points out. Meanwhile, amid the loss of several human lives including that of one Ajeesh in Wayanad in February 2024, the Malayalam magazine Madhyamam had human-animal conflict as its cover story in its March 11-18, 2024 issue. The editorial headlined, Kaadu, Jeevitham Manushayar (Forest, Life, Humans) underlined the need for finding a scientific solution to the issue. Annie Raja, who has been part of the law-making process in different capacities outside the parliament -- by way of campaigning, lobbying with MPs, ministers, meeting bureaucrats etc -- said that this experience gives her confidence in addressing the human-animal conflict in Wayanad parliamentary constituency. She recalled: We had arranged a meeting of a delegation of Bishops from Kerala with the Prime Minister to discuss the human-animal conflict in 2015. At the time I hardly imagined I will be contesting an election from Wayanad. Nine years later, here she is... FROM OUR ARCHIVES: Wayanad elephant attack: With 20 human deaths last year, it is anever-ending man-animal conflict

The New Indian Express 13 Mar 2024 4:16 pm

Kozhikode Lok Sabha constituency to witness a battle between 3 veterans

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 13 (IANS) The Kozhikode Lok Sabha constituency will see a battle of three seasoned political veterans from the three different political fronts. The Congress has asked its veteran sitting member M. K. Raghavan to defend the seat, who in 2019, completed a hat trick from the constituency; and taking on him is versatile []

bhaskarlive 13 Mar 2024 11:33 am

691 booked as protesters stage anti-CAA marches across Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Close on the heels of the Centre notifying the rules for the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the state has witnessed high-octane protests yet again. Till Tuesday morning, the police registered cases against 691 people across the state, even as 18 were arrested, for carrying out protest marches against the implementation of CAA. The most number of people were booked in Ernakulam, where the Aluva East police registered cases against more than 500 agitators affiliated to the SDPI. The Aluva East police also registered a case against 13 PDP men. The two parties had organised protest marches towards the railway station. In Thiruvananthapuram, more than 100 SDPI workers and 20 MSF workers were booked by the Museum police for staging a march to the Raj Bhavan against the CAA. The Kozhikode Town police booked eight Fraternity Movement members for holding a protest. The police have recorded the arrest of the agitators there. Kerala political unrest: Govt yet to withdraw CAA protest cases; IUML challenges Act in Supreme Court Meanwhile, the Vadakara police registered cases against 25 Youth League workers for carrying out a protest march, and arrested seven. In Koyilandy, as many as 25 MSF workers were booked, three of whom were arrested. In a majority of the cases, the accused were slapped with bailable sections. Police sources said the department is expecting various political parties and outfits to stage more protests in the coming days. CAA notification set to turn up LS poll heat between Congress, CPM in Kerala Major sections invoked against protesters IPC 143- Unlawful assembly IPC 147- Rioting IPC 283- Road obstruction IPC 353- Using criminal force to deter a public official from performing his duty CAA rollout: Centre launches web portal for eligible people to apply

The New Indian Express 13 Mar 2024 8:43 am

Framing of CAA rules spawns protests across Kerala

Youth Congress workers block trains in Kozhikode and Ernakulam. LDF activists lay siege to AGs office incapital. DYFI activists vandalise BJPs election hoardings in Thiruvananthapuram. SDPI takes out march to Raj Bhavan

The Hindu 13 Mar 2024 3:57 am

Protests against CAA continue in Kozhikode

The Hindu 12 Mar 2024 10:09 pm

Distributors yet to resume drug supply to Kozhikode MCH

They had stopped providing fresh stock from March 9 citing pending dues of 75 crore

The Hindu 12 Mar 2024 8:43 pm

Will the big Congress bet on Muraleedharan winning Thrissur after Padmaja's switch pay off?

If Padmaja Venugopal's crossing over to the BJP was a setback to the Congress, it responded ingeniously by fielding her brother K Muraleedharan in their home ground -- Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency. He replaces TN Prathapan who is the sitting MP. Muraleedharan and Padmaja are the children of late Chief Minister K Karunakaran. Meanwhile, scotching speculation that Padmaja will not be campaigning for him, BJP candidate for the constituency and actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi affirmed that she will canvas for him, adding that he will share the dais with her as per the advice of the BJP's central leadership, Janmabhumi reported. In his next visit to the state on March 15 and 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who held a mega road show in Thrissur in January 2024, will address rallies in the neighbouring Palakkad constituency and also in Pathanamthitta. By fielding Muraleedharan in Thrissur, the Congress seems to have said 'check' to the CPI and BJP. The CPI had fielded VS Sunil Kumar, the former Agriculture minister, from the seat. Congresss big surprise: Muraleedharan to contest from Thrissur, KC Venugopal in Alappuzha Muraleedharan, sitting MP of Vatakara, was earlier elected as MP from Kozhikode constituency in 1989, 1991 and 1999. He was also elected to the state legislative assembly in 2011 and 2016 from Vattiyoorkkavu constituency. When asked, Muraleedhran said that he doesn't face any challenges because of his constituency being shifted from Vatakara to Thrissur. I'm fielded in Thrissur to defeat the BJP, he said, hastening to add that the need arose against the backdrop of his sister joining the saffron party. Although, the LDF has won all the assembly segments in Thrissur parliamentary constituency last time, when it comes to Lok Sabha polls, the people have preferred the UDF, he underlined. Sunil Kumar, his primary rival, can though turn out to be a formidable opponent. The CPI candidate said his electioneering is progressing well. He said the main issue he is highlighting is the importance of protecting the secular fabric of the country and the necessity to vote out the BJP. His campaign also aims at exposing the Congress party's ambivalent stand on the issue, Sunil added. We're also highlighting the issues that directly affect the people like price rise of essential commodities besides petrol and diesel, he said. On his rivals, he replied, Who my rivals are is not at all an issue. 95 percent panchayats, majority of the district panchayats and block panchayats, and the municipalities except one in Thrissur are with the LDF. Two of the assembly segments from which I had won previously, Nattika and Thrissur, are in this constituency, he said. Kerala: Campaign projecting candidature of VS Sunil Kumar from Thrissur parliamentary seat irks CPI The Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency comprises Guruvayur, Manalur, Ollur, Thrissur, Nattika (Res), Irinjalakuda and Puthukkad segments. As mentioned earlier, the CPI (M)-led Left Democratic Front won all the segments in the 2021 assembly polls. From 1952-62, the Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency was with the Congress. Between 1967 and 1971, CPI candidate C Janardhanan was Thrissur MP. Between 1971 and 1980, KK Rajan of the CPI was the MP. Since then, the Congress and the LDF have been winning the seat alternatively. Karunakaran had lost twice from Thrissur assembly segment while he won on seven occasions from Mala which after redrawing of constituencies became part of Kodungallur assembly segment and Chalakudi Lok Sabha constituency. He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Thiruvananthapuram and Mukundapuram. Thrissur was always going to be a tricky wicket for his son. What Padmaja's entry into the constituency in support of the BJP does to Muraleedharan will be eagerly watched? A keen tussle is on the cards here.

The New Indian Express 12 Mar 2024 5:59 pm

CAA notification set to turn up LS poll heat between Congress, CPM in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: The NDA governments decision to implement the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be an opportunity for the Congress to regain the lost confidence of the Muslim community while the CPM will use the issue for a further consolidation of Muslim votes in its favour. The immediate reactions from the Congress and the CPM leaders prove that CAA will be a major issue in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and both fronts will be vying with each other to project themselves as the champion of the Muslim cause. The Congress, which had faced flak for a delayed reaction on the Ram Temple consecration issue, was quick to react this time. Congress state president K Sudhakaran declared that CAA will be thrown into the Arabian sea if the INDIA front comes to power at the Centre. Congress candidates, including M K Raghavan, lost no time in announcing their opposition to the development. Terming the move to implement CAA as an election stunt, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said the allies of the INDIA front will launch a nationwide agitation against the plan to create communal division in society. He said CAA was a continuation of the trend to mix religion with politics as evident in the Ram Temple issue. Winning back the trust of Muslims is a must for the Congress, which is precariously poised in many constituencies in Malabar after the party refused to give an additional seat to the IUML. The Congress may intervene in the issue more aggressively in the coming days to assuage the wounded Muslim feelings, as is evident from the reactions of its leaders. IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty said the party will continue the fight against CAA in the Supreme Court. He told reporters that the Centre had assured the court that CAA will not be implemented. Meanwhile, the CPM leaders, including Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, have reiterated the partys resolve to oppose the implementation of CAA. In a statement, Pinarayi repeated the earlier stand that Kerala will not implement the Act. The Centre has notified the citizenship amendment rules to create unrest in the country. The notification came just before the Lok Sabha elections. This is to divide the people, incite communal sentiments and undermine the fundamental principles of the Constitution, he said in a statement. CPM state secretary M V Govindan said the party will launch an agitation, joining hands with like-minded people.But the allegation that the LDF government had not fulfilled its promise of withdrawing the cases registered against those who took part in the anti-CAA agitations will be raised against the CPM again. The Congress and the IUML had said that the refusal to withdraw the cases showed the lack of sincerity on the part of the CPM in dealing with the issue. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin flays CAA timing, says BJP trying to polarise society Tamil actor Vijay says CAA implementation to further 'divisive politics' CAA is Centres bid to polarise voters: CPM The Union government move to bring in Citizenship Amendment Act aims at turning India into a religious nation, the CPM state leadership alleged on Monday. That the notification was issued the day the Centre found itself in a spot following the Supreme Court verdict on electoral bonds could not be a coincidence, the party said in a statement. The CPM called for major protests against attempts to enforce CAA. The state government has already declared that CAA will not be implemented in Kerala. At a time when the poll is round the corner, the BJP is trying to make electoral gains by polarising people, the CPM said. CAA a fulfilment of an assurance given to partition victims he Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is only a fulfilment of an assurance that was given to people who have been persecuted for more than 75 years in Pakistan following partition, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has said. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Khan said the stalwarts of the freedom movement, including Mahatma Gandhi, had assured the victims of the politics of partition that they could come to India at any time of their choice and that they would be given full citizenship. Asked about Muslims who want to come to India, Khan said CAA does not mean that others applications would not be entertained. Asked about the CAA notification being issued just ahead of the Lok Sabha election, the governor pointed out it was first introduced in 2019. I can comment only the principle of it (CAA) and not its politics, he said. UDF to protest today The UDF will hold statewide protests on Tuesday against the Centres decision to notify the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rules. Announcing this on Monday, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said protests will be held across mandalam committees. The main aim of the Sangh parivar is to divide people and unleash terror. The Congress and UDF will oppose it, he said. CAA bid to polarise LS polls: Opposition

The New Indian Express 12 Mar 2024 12:05 pm

Pookode vet college reopens after student Sidharthan's death

KOZHIKODE: Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences College, Pookode, Wayanad, temporarily closed after the death of second-year student Sidharthan J S, reopened on Monday after the authorities brought in new regulations. There will be a warden on each floor of the mens hostel as per the decision taken by the newly appointed VC. Five CCTV cameras have been installed in the hostel in addition to the existing cameras. A main warden has been appointed for hostels. The college was closed on March 4 after KSU and MSF took out marches to the campus demanding justice for Sidharthan. Though classes have started, it will take time for the campus to return to normal, teachers said. The college authorities had a plan to restrict timings on the campus. The presence of students was noticed at night even on the top of the hill on the campus. The regulation envisages a safety-oriented arrangement, said the management. Sidharthans death reveals SFIs 'gundagiri': Prominent Supreme Court lawyer Prashanth Bhushan Sidharthan death: Dean, asst warden suspended 20-year-old Sidharthan J S was found hanging inside the bathroom of the college hostel on February 18. The remand report had said that his classmates and senior held a public trial inside the hostel alleging that he had misbehaved with a girl student of the college. Police said that one of the accused called Sidharthan, who had left for home, back to the college to settle the issue related to his misbehaviour using the unwritten law of the hostel, instead of approaching the police. He was stripped down to his underwear and the accused assaulted him. Some of them used a belt and a cable wire, the report said. It said that the assault began on February 16 at around 9 PM and lasted till 2 AM on February 17. Sidharthan's father contended that according to the postmortem report, his son's body had three days' worth of injuries and an empty stomach, which indicated that he was brutally beaten up and not given any food. Wayanad student suicide: Holding on to memories, family of Siddharthan prepares to seek justice

The New Indian Express 12 Mar 2024 11:58 am

Congress leadership elated over warm response to K Muraleedharan, Shafi Parambil

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Two days after announcing the final list of candidates for LS polls, the Congress state leadership feels it stands vindicated by the public response to Thrissur and Vadakara candidates, K Muraleedharan and Shafi Parambil. It was K Jayanth, KPCC general secretary, who mooted the idea to shift Muraleedharan to Thrissur and bring in Shafi to Vadakara, which was implemented by K C Venugopal, AICC general secretary (organisation). Moreover, the leadership was apprehensive of chances of cross-voting in Vadakara if Muraleedharan is fielded again in the constituency. When Muraleedharan packed his bags from Vadakara, there were touching moments which forced him not to say a proper farewell before his voters. But his fears were unwarranted as the reception he received in Thrissur on Sunday was overwhelming. With Padmaja Venugopal casting serious aspersions against incumbent Thrissur MP T N Prathapan and his loyalists in the local DCC, the onus fell on them to ensure a grand welcome to Muraleedharan. K Muraleedharan clocks a strike rate of 50, against sibling Padmaja Venugopal's 0 An elated Satheesan said that both Shafi and Muraleedharan would romp home with huge margins. When uncertainty prevailed on the candidature in Wayanad, Kannur and Alappuzha over community equations, the top brass of the leadership had racked their brains to resolve the issue. Apart from Venugopal and Satheesan, Congress state president K Sudhakaran, CWC leaders Ramesh Chennithala and Shashi Tharoor were closeted at the meetings held in New Delhi ahead of the central election committee meeting. Jayanth, who originally belongs to Kozhikode, was aware of RSS -BJP plan to cross-vote against Muraleedharan in Vadakara. The move was visible in the constituency over the past six months. When the Congress is eager to ensure a clean sweep in the upcoming elections, we cant afford to lose any seat. In the case of Shafi, he is a youth leader who has wide acceptance and doesnt carry the minority tag. At the same time, by fielding a minority candidate, its going to benefit the other Congress candidates in Malabar, said a source close to Jayanth. Once Venugopal was convinced about the ground reality, he decided to go ahead with the surprise move to shift Muraleedharan to Thrissur. The leadership also wanted to give a fitting reply to Padmaja for ditching them at the eleventh hour and also to BJPs Suresh Gopi. P Viswanath, AICC secretary in charge of the state, told TNIE that the chief election committee unanimously agreed to the proposal to field Shafi in Vadakara. It was a collective decision to bring in a surprise entry in the form of Shafi. My observation is that the Congress candidate selection has been excellent which would help us sweep the polls, said Viswanath. A party source told TNIE that Shafi was initially hesitant to the proposal, but agreed when Venugopal conveyed the central leaderships plan.

The New Indian Express 12 Mar 2024 11:52 am

K Muraleedharan clocks a strike rate of 50, against sibling Padmaja Venugopal's 0

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Siblings Padmaja Venugopal and K Muraleedharan are hogging the limelight after the former joined the BJP raising its poll prospects in Thrissur, and the Congress, in a masterstroke, nullified the move by shifting the latter from Vadakara to the cultural capital, that was once the political playground of their late father K Karunakaran. Muraleedharan has so far contested 12 elections (seven to Lok Sabha and five to the state assembly), as a Congress, Democratic Indira Congress (DIC) and NCP candidate and won six and lost six. He lost three out of five elections to the state assembly. Muraleedharans performance in LS elections is slightly better - he won four out of seven elections to the lower house of Parliament. Padmaja contested three elections, and lost all three. No ideological difference between Congress and BJP: Padmaja Venugopal Muraleedharan started his parliamentary career in 1989 by winning the Kozhikode LS seat, defeating CPMs Imbichi Bava. In 1991 he got re-elected defeating Janata Dals M P Veerendra Kumar. In 1996 Muraleedharan tasted his first electoral defeat when he lost to Veerendra Kumar. In 1998 he shifted to Thrissur, but lost to CPIs V V Raghavan. In 1999, he returned to Kozhikode and wrested the seat by defeating Janata Dals CM Ibrahim. Muraleedharan joined the A K Antony government as power minister in 2004. Since he had to get elected to the state assembly within six months, Karunakaran zeroed in on Vadakkanchery, the Congress citadel the party had never lost in its electoral history, and asked the citing MLA V Balaram to resign. However, CPMs newcomer A C Moideen dealt a shocker defeating him by a margin of 3,715 votes. Thus Muraleedharan earned the dubious distinction of the only sitting minister to lose a byelection in the states history. And Moideen has continued his winning streak from Vadakkanchery and the newly formed Kunnamkulam so far. Chennithala disowns Rahul Mamkoottathils statements against Padmaja Venugopal In 2006, with UDF backing, Muraleedharan contested from Koduvally as a DIC candidate, and lost to CPMs PTA Rahim. In the 2009 LS elections, he contested from Wayanad as NCP candidate and finished third. However, in the 2011 assembly elections, he made a comeback from Vattiyoorkavu in the state capital defeating CPMs Cheriyan Philp by 16,167 votes. In 2016, he was reelected, but with a reduced margin. In the 2019 LS electionas, Muraleedharan contested from Vadakara and defeated CPMs P Jayarajan. In the 2021 assembly elections, the Congress fielded him in Nemom, where he finished third. Padmaja contested her first LS elections in 2004 from the Congress bastion Mukundapuram. However, she lost to CPMs Lonappan Nambadan by a huge margin of 117,097 votes. In the 2016 assembly elections Padmaja lost to CPIs VS Sunil Kumar in Thrissur. Again in 2021, she lost to CPIs P Balachandran. POLL HISTORY K Muraleedharan Lok Sabha 1989 Kozhikode won by 28,957 votes (Congress) 1991 Kozhikode won by 15,884 votes (Congress) 1996 Kozhikode lost by 38,703 votes (Congress) 1998 Thrissur lost by 18,409 votes (Congress) 1999 Kozhikode won by 50,402 votes (Congress) 2009 Wayanad lost by 1,53,439 votes (NCP candidate) 2019 Vadakara won by 84,663 votes (Congress) 2004 Vadakanchery (by-election) lost by 3,715 votes (Congress) 2006 Koduvally lost by 7,506 votes (DIC with UDF support) Assembly 2011 Vattiyoorkavu won by 16,167 votes (Congress) 2016 Vattiyoorkavu won by 7,622 votes (C0ngress) 2021 Nemom lost (3rd place) votes secured 36,524 votes (Congress) - Padmaja Venugopal Lok Sabha 2004 Mukundapauram lost by 1,17,097 votes Assembly 2016 Thrissur lost by 6,987 votes 2021 Thrissur lost by 946 votes

The New Indian Express 12 Mar 2024 11:24 am

Amid heat wave, candidates schedule campaigns wisely in Kozhikode

Outdoor campaigns are mostly avoided during peak hours; Kozhikode district is expected to experience a temperature ranging from 33 to 37 degrees Celsius during the day for at least 10 more days

The Hindu 11 Mar 2024 10:17 pm

Indias first museum dedicated to cooperatives is coming up in Kozhikode

The International Cooperative Museum, a 150 crore project of the Karassery Service Co-operative Bank, will showcase the work of some of the 8 lakh cooperatives in India today

The Hindu 10 Mar 2024 12:28 am

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

The Hindu 9 Mar 2024 6:49 pm

Wayanad: Safe bet for Rahul, though Annie Raja is no pushover

It's Rahul Gandhi vs Annie Raja in Kerala's Wayanad parliamentary constituency. Though dates for the Lok Sabha polls are expected to be announced by the Election Commission of India shortly, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate Annie Raja has already kick-started her campaign. As the two big names of the opposition INDIA bloc clash in Wayanad, Rahul has again come under fire from the LDF for choosing to contest against an INDIA bloc candidate instead of a BJP candidate. On this note, the CPI national executive member and general secretary of the National Federation of Indian Women, Annie Raja had wished that good sense will prevail. Unfortunately, it didn't. The blame squarely falls on both the UDF and the LDF. We have announced our candidates and we are contesting to win seats because we need to be at the forefront of the fight against fascist forces. Now it is for the Congress to decide, they can put any candidate that is their right but we hope that good sense will prevail, she had told The Wire . CPI general secretary D Raja said that Gandhi and the Congress must seriously introspect about who do they consider their primary target, the BJP or the Left. Rahul Gandhi's stature is such that he should have fought (the polls) from any other seat, directly confronting the BJP, the CPI leader, who is he husband of Annie Raja, said. But then, even in 2019, Rahul had contested against a CPI candidate. The difference this time is, the LDF has fielded a well-known face. For the LDF's allegation, Indian Union Muslim League leader and ex-MLA C Mammotty has a reply. The LDF should have thought twice before fielding a national leader like Annie Raja in a constituency such as Wayanad where the Congress party candidates have always had a cake walk, he told TNIE Online. Wayanad is a citadel of the Congress party, he chose to remind. Wayanad parliamentary constituency Wayanad parliamentary constituency predominantly comprises of tribals, the marginalized and the minority communities. Of the seven assembly segments in the constituency, 2, namely Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery are reserved for ST while Wandoor for the SC. Further, four of the 7 assembly segments are with the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), while 3 with the LDF. Mananthavady and Thiruvambady elected CPI (M) candidates to the assembly in the 2021 polls, Sulthan Bathery, Kalpetta and Wandoor elected Congress candidates. Ernad is with the UDF ally IUML while Nilambur with an LDF-backed independent. Wayanad sent Congress leader M I Shanavas to the Lok Sabha twice in 2009 and 2014. In 2019, Rahul Gandhi was elected from the constituency as he defeated P P Muneer of the CPI by a whopping 4,31,770 votes. Rahul secured 706,367 votes as against Muneer's 274,597 votes. The BJP-backed BDJS candidate Thushar Vellappally could manage only 78,816 votes. LDF puts a bold face While stats favour the UDF, the Wayanad CPI (M) district secretary P Gagarin put up a bold face. He said that a lot has changed since 2019. The voters here feel let down by Rahul Gandhi, he said. Most importantly, the MP was not available in the constituency whenever the people needed him most, he claimed Annie Raja, he added, who was part of the fact-finding team to the violence-hit Manipur, is familiar with the people here. As she herself claims, her home in Aralam panchayat is hardly an hour away. Mammotty countered this argument saying that a national leader like Rahul Gandhi has ensured that he visited the constituency, especially during times of catastrophe or tragedy like the floods or man-animal conflict. He was with the people of the contituency whenever the situation necessitated his presence, Mammotty added. Gagarin claims that since Rahul's victory from the constituency five years ago, a lot has changed. People voted for Rahul last time expecting him to solve the issues faced by the people. But in the last five years, he has failed to intervene effectively to solve the burning issues of the constituency, he added. The issues The man-animal conflict, night travel ban on Kozhikode-Kollegal National Highway which passes through Bandipur Tiger Reserve, railway connectivity and the livelihood issues of the tribals and farmers are the serious problems faced by the people. The promises made by Rahul Gandhi in 2019 remains only on paper, Gagarin said. However, Rahul Gandhi's website lists the initiatives undertaken by the MP for the constituency. This includes: Projects worth Rs. 4.61 crores sanctioned under MPLADS for 2019-2020, flood relief work and visit to relief camps post floods. Relief kits delivered to over 18,000 families. The website claims that Rahul wrote to the Reserve Bank of India to extend the moratorium on repayment of farm loans post the floods, raised the the issue of night traffic ban on NH-766 with the Union Government, State Government. Also raised the issue in Parliament. He also said that he raised the issue of Nanjangode Nilambur railway line in Parliament Gagarin points out that in 2019, Rahul managed to net a chunk of LDF votes which is not going to happen this time around. There are questions like people's resentment against the Pinarayi Vijayan government, which partly is media-made and partly-real, and to what extent it would impact the voters. The BJP is yet to announce its candidate. Even if it is to field someone like tribal leader CK Janu, Wayanad is likely to witness a fight between the two leaders of the INDIA bloc, coalition dharma aside.

The New Indian Express 9 Mar 2024 4:32 pm

Students from Kerala develop web application to source skilled labourers

KOZHIKODE : The students of KKMGVHSS, Orkkatteri, have developed a web application for sourcing skilled labourers in Orkkatteri and Vadakara regions. The web application thozhilportal.in was developed as part of the Skill Share project under the Samagra Shiksha Keralam and Vocational Higher Secondary Education in the general education department. A group of five students created the web application in the junior software developer (Computer Science) category under the guidance of their teacher Sapin M. The Thozhil portal has been developed in a way that it can be useful for both job seekers and employers. It is a platform where skilled labourers, employers and job seekers are brought together, said K Adidev, a plus-two student at KKMGVHSS. The portal provides the names and contact details of autorickshaw drivers, jeep drivers and electricians, plumber and many other skilled labourers in and around Vadakara and Orkkatteri regions. The employers who are registered with the web application post vacancies. Those seeking for jobs can view and select them. The students are planning to collect the details of job seekers and skilled labourers in Nadapuram, Koyilandy and Kozhikode areas. Thozhil portal was one of the five projects finalised by the general education department in Kozhikode. The platform will be used for arranging job fairs. Several aptitude tests will also be available on the portal to upgrade the skills of job seekers, said SSK Kozhikode district programme officer V T Sheeba.

The New Indian Express 9 Mar 2024 8:49 am

Pending bills: Drug distributors to stop supply to Kozhikode Government Medical College

KOZHIKODE : In a development that would have a significant impact on ordinary patients, pharmaceutical distributors have decided to halt the supply of crucial medicines to Kozhikode Government Medical College owing to a prolonged delay in settling outstanding bills. The decision has raised serious concerns about the potential impact on patient care and the overall functioning of the medical institution. The association has announced that it would stop the supply of drugs to MCH from March 10 until the bills are settled. Pharmaceutical industry sources revealed that the decision to suspend supplies was taken after repeated attempts to engage with the authorities at Kozhikode Government Medical College regarding the overdue payments. The outstanding bills reportedly amount to a substantial sum, leading distributors to take a drastic step to address their financial concerns. All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association district president T P Krishnan said, Our members have been constantly informing us that they are not getting bill payments for the supplies made to the MCH since August 2023. Despite mounting bills, they have been cooperating with FPMS by delivering the orders placed by it. However, it has crossed all limits, and they are forced to stop the supply to FPMS from March 10, unless they get their outstanding payments. The state government has been urged to intervene and ensure that necessary funds are allocated to clear the outstanding dues. The department has assured swift action to resolve the matter.

The New Indian Express 9 Mar 2024 8:18 am

Salafis, British colluded to deny rights of Muslim women

KOZHIKODE : In the popular imagination, Salafis, or Mujahids, in Kerala are the progressive face of the Muslim community, who fought for the rights of women, while traditional Sunni Muslims are considered obscurantists and misogynists. But a researcher has come up with a finding that the Salafis have, in fact, dismantled the matrilineal system of family that allowed more rights to Muslim women, including property rights. In a recent book, Matrilineal, Matriarchal, and Matrifocal Islam: The World of Women-Centric Islam, edited by Dr Abbas Panakkal, a historian with UK-based University of St Andrews School of History, argues that Salafis joined hands with British colonialists to destroy the marumakkathayam, or matrilineal, system existing among Muslims in Kerala. Salaf-Wahhabi, and other political Islamist movements attacked the distinctive nature of matrilineal Islam and labelled its practices un-Islamic, he writes. Dr Panakkal argues that Wahhabis condemned the integration of local customs into Islam because they thought that it would corrupt the religion. They wanted to purge Islam from all its regional and local contaminations and to impose the real Islam, which in effect was nothing but the Arab variety of the religion. From the last quarter of the nineteenth century onwards, these reformists campaigned against local practices and admonished Malabar Muslims to revert to the real Islam, writes Dr Panakkal. Nothing un-Islamic in incorporating local traditions: Dr Panakkal Sanulla Makti Thangal, who is considered a pioneer of the Mujahid movement in Kerala, was critical of marumakkathayam, which was considered a relic of Hindu culture. Animals would not follow a matrilineal system, and admirers of this practice would never be entitled to the benevolence of God and the Prophet, Thangal was quoted as saying. Dr Panakkal says there is nothing un-Islamic in incorporating local traditions, if they are not against the basic tenets of the religion, as is done by various communities across the globe. Great scholars like Sheikh Zainudin Makhdum in Kerala did not object to the matrilineal system because they thought it was compatible with Islam. In fact, the position of Valiya Thangal in Ponnani was handed down through matrilineal traditions, he writes. Curiously, the British also found the matrilineal system un-Islamic. C A Innes, the British settlement officer, is on record saying the marumakkathayam practised by Muslims in Malabar is opposed to the precepts of the Koran. Muslims had raised objections when there were attempts to bring in legislation to Islamify them and to curtail the rights that women enjoyed in local custom. Centuries-old matrilineal traditions were thus set aside because of the combined power of the colonial ideology and the Arab-centric Salaf movement, Dr Panakkal contends.

The New Indian Express 9 Mar 2024 7:39 am

Congress fields Shafi in Vadakara to assuage Muslim community

KOZHIKODE : The Congress zeroed in on a reluctant Shafi Parambil to take on CPM stalwart K K Shailaja in Vadakara to assuage the Muslim community miffed by the denial of an extra seat to the IUML. Shafi is the lone Muslim in the Congress candidate list announced on Friday for 16 constituencies in the state. Keen to address the discontent in the minority community, the Congress had a few options before it to accommodate a Muslim candidate. Once it was decided that Congress general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal would contest from Alappuzha, where the partys sole Muslim candidate lost in 2019, the Congress was looking towards Wayanad should Rahul Gandhi decide to try his luck from somewhere outside the state. However, with Rahuls candidature from Wayanad getting the nod, all eyes were on state Congress chief K Sudhakaran who had expressed reluctance to defend his Kannur seat. After the name of Sudhakaran was fixed for Kannur, the only option left for the Congress was Vadakara. Padmaja Venugopals entry to the BJP also came handy for the party to think of alternatives. IUML accepts Shafis candidature after initial indecision Thus, Vadakara became the lone constituency from where the party could field a Muslim candidate. The refusal to allot an additional seat for the IUML has been viewed as Congress negative attitude towards the Muslim community, though it is not clear whether the League leadership sincerely wanted a third seat. All Muslim groups and even independent observers have registered protest over the Congress stand. Though the IUML leadership was ready for a compromise on the offer of a Rajya Sabha seat, the sentiment of the community was against the Congress. At the same time, the CPM was making an all-out attempt to cash in on the anti-Congress sentiment that was growing in the community. Sensing the mood, the LDF fielded four Muslim candidates, putting pressure on the Congress. Adding to the woes of the Congress, a section in the Sunni organisation Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama, the traditional vote bank of the UDF, made its animosity to the IUML public.The IUML has accepted the candidature of Shafi after initial indecision. He is the best alternative for the Congress if Muraleedharan is not contesting. Shafi is young and can lure the votes of the new generation, said an IUML leader from Nadapuram. He said Shafi was vocal in raising the issue of the sexual abuse of a girl at Palathayi in Koothuparamba in the assembly constituency. K K Shailaja, the CPM candidate, was the minister of social welfare then, he said. There were reports that Shafi was reluctant to enter the arena and was persuaded by the party central leadership. But after the announcement of the candidates, Shafi said his personal choices are not relevant in the crucial election.

The New Indian Express 9 Mar 2024 7:37 am

Congress Announces Candidates for Kerala, Rahul to Contest from Wayanad

Thiruvananthapuram : With the Congress retaining 14 sitting MPs including Rahul Gandhi from Wayanad, the opposition United Democratic Front in Kerala does not want to take any chances with its electoral prospects in the coming Lok Sabha polls. The Congress decision to field Rahul Gandhi from Wayanad again will certainly give a boost to the UDF in the coming elections. However, it is too early to say whether his presence would result in a landslide for the UDF as was witnessed in the 2019 elections when the Congress-led front won 19 of the 20 Lok Sabha seats. Interestingly, election surveys in the past have shown that Kerala is one state where Rahul Gandhi is way ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi when it comes to peoples choice for the top post. Notwithstanding the criticism against him, the former Congress president has maintained a strong bond with the people of Wayanad who he considers as his family. The Left, on the other hand, will be unhappy with the Congress decision as the CPI had already expressed its views against his candidature. CPI Kerala state secretary Benoy Viswam had questioned the logic behind fielding Rahul from Kerala where the main fight is with the Left which is part of the India alliance. The CPI wanted him to contest from a state where the main rival is the BJP, to send a strong message across the nation. Rahul who won the Wayanad seat by a margin of over 4 lakh votes in 2019, is pitted against Annie Raja of the CPI this time. The BJP is yet to declare its candidate. However, political observers say that if the India alliance emerges as a major contender to the BJP-led NDA in the runup to the polls, it would enhance the vote-catching value of Rahul Gandhi. The Congress has added strength to its list by including AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K C Venugopal from the Alappuzha constituency. Alappuzha was the only seat won by the CPM in 2019 when its candidate A M Ariffs victory came as a consolation for the ruling front. Meanwhile, In a strategic move, former chief minister K Karunakaran's son and sitting MP from Vadakara K Muraleedharan has been shifted to Thrissur constituency where the sitting MP T N Prathapan was set to contest this time as well. The change of candidate was reportedly necessitated by Karuanakarans daughter Padmaja Venugopals entry into the BJP the other day. The party fears that Padmaja could make a dent into the traditional vote bank of Congress, especially among the supporters of late Karunakaran. It feels that Muraleedharan could checkmate any possibility of a shift in the Congress vote bank. The Congress candidate in Thrissur is locked in a tight triangular contest with ruling LDFs V S Sunil Kumar who is a former minister and Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi of the BJP. The Congress had already launched a campaign for T N Prathapan and also painted the constituency with graffiti seeking votes for him. However, with the party leadership pulling him out of the contest, the party workers will have to start the campaign afresh. Prathapan is expected to be given a ticket in the assembly elections to be held in 2026. Former Youth Congress president Shafi Parampil who is a sitting MLA from Palakkad, will now take on the former minister and CPM heavyweight K K Shailaja from Vadakara seat. Congress star candidate Shashi Tharoor will take on Rajeev Chandrashekhar, a first timer, in the prestigious Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency. The LDF has fielded veteran leader Pannyan Raveendran of the CPI from the constituency. Congress list of candidates Kasargod - Rajmohan Unnithan Kannur - K Sudhakaran Vadakara - Shafi Parambil Wayanad - Rahul Gandhi Kozhikode - M K Raghavan Palakkad - V K Sreekandan Alathur - Ramya Haridas Thrissur - K Muraleedharan Chalakudy - Benny Behanan Ernakulam - Hibi Eden Idukki - Dean Kuriakose Alappuzha - K C Venugopal Mavelikkara - Kodikunnil Suresh Pathanamthitta - Anto Antony Attingal - Adoor Prakash Thiruvananthapuram - Shashi Tharoor

Deccan Chronicle 8 Mar 2024 9:34 pm

Fashion designer from Kozhikode makes Guinness bid for biggest handloom skirt

The skirt, with a circumference of 108 metres, has Theyyam motifs printed on it

The Hindu 8 Mar 2024 7:34 pm

LLB | Song - Malarukalilum

Watch the song 'Malarukalilum' from Malayalam movie 'LLB' starring Sreenath Bhasi and Karthika Suresh. 'Malarukalilum' is sung by K. S. Chithra and Harishankar and music of the song is given by Bijibal. Lyrics of 'LLB' song 'Malarukalilum' are written by Santhosh Varma. 'LLB' also stars Roshan Rahoof, Sudheesh Kozhikode and Sreejith Ravi in pivotal roles. To know more about 'Malarukalilum' song from Sreenath Bhasi and Karthika Suresh starrer 'LLB' watch the video.

The Times of India 8 Mar 2024 7:26 pm

Daya Bhai planning to contest LS polls from Kasaragod as independent

KASARAGOD : Social activist Daya Bhai is planning to contest the coming Lok Sabha election in Kasaragod as an independent candidate. According to her, the main reason for contesting the election is to provide justice to endosulfan victims, and make efforts to bring All-India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) to Kasaragod. Daya Bhai said: I am planning to contest the election to bring AIIMS to Kasaragod and also to make sure that the government delivers justice to endosulfan victims. There was no justification for the state government picking Kozhikode to set up AIIMS. Bringing AIIMS to Kasaragod is my primary demand. If these two issues are addressed, I will withdraw from contesting the election. Responding to Daya Bhais plan to contest elections, CPM candidate M V Balakrishnan said, The LDF government has always stood by endosulfan victims. Its the DYFI that filed a case in Supreme Court seeking justice for endosulfan victims, and a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each was given to the victims. Kasaragod MP Rajmohan Unnithan said, Daya Bhai is a formidable social activist, and I admire her determination to champion social causes at this age. Any eligible citizen has the right to contest an election, and no one can prevent her from doing so. BJP candidate Aswini M L said, This will not impact the BJPs electoral support. The residents of Kasaragod are well-informed, recognising that the resolution lies in the Modi governments hands. The establishment of AIIMS in Kasaragod is contingent upon the presence of a Modi-led government.

The New Indian Express 8 Mar 2024 9:36 am

Age no barrier: Kerala Septuagenarians pursue academic dreams with equivalency exams

KOCHI : Lost out on a chance to realise your dream? Then there is no time like the present, say septuagenarians Narayanan T C from Kozhikode and Rugmini T O from Kannur as they prepare for the Plus One and SSLC equivalency examinations conducted by the Kerala State Literacy Mission. For Narayanan, a retired physical education teacher, the exam is his chance to achieve a long-cherished dream. The lawyers black cloak has fascinated me for long. However, I couldnt realise my dream for various reasons, says Narayanan, who couldnt clear the pre-degree course as he was busy with sports and NCC. I missed classes as I took part in sports events at the state and national levels. Then there were the NCC camps. I had taken part in the Republic Day parade and was adjudged the best cadet, recounts the 75-year-old. He is now pursuing the Plus One course under the missions equivalency scheme. Narayanan is confident of achieving his dream of becoming a lawyer despite his age. People in my family have remained on the crease beyond 95, says Narayanan who wants to appear for the Kerala Law Entrance Examination (KLEE) and join the five-year LLB course. I want to appear in court as a lawyer at least once. I have some experience working as a clerk in a lawyers office, says Narayanan, who attends Plus One classes during the weekends in the same school where he used to teach. If Narayanan wants to become a lawyer, Rugmini, 76, wants to clear, or rather ace, the SSLC exam. A poetess who has published a 100-page book comprising 59 poems, Rugmini hails from an agrarian family. Since that was the norm back then, I was married off as soon as I passed out of Class 8, says Rugmini. It marked the end of her academic journey. Narayanan T C After marriage, I got busy with my household, taking care of my children and doing other work. I never got time to even think about continuing my education. However, I used to read whenever I got the chance, says Rugmini, who wrote poems about things she came across in her daily life. I used to recite my poems at Kudumbashree meetings. People enjoyed them. It was around that time that Rajani teacher of the Literacy Mission approached me and urged me to join its continuing education programme, says Rugmini. She was reluctant at first. Later, I thought, why not? My late husband wished to see me pass SSLC exam. That too played a big role in my decision, she says. A Literacy Mission official says the Plus One equivalency examination may be held in May, but there are chances of it getting postponed. The date for the SSLC exam is yet to fixed, said the official, adding that there has been a rise in people appearing for it. Trend through years SSLC equivalency examinees 2020-21: 9,865 2021-22: 8,332 2022-23: 15,644 Higher secondary equivalency examinees 2021 (July): 14,646 2022 (August): 9,971 2023 (May): 8,055

The New Indian Express 8 Mar 2024 9:31 am

Kerala: Rationalist leader U Kalanathan passes away at 84

MALAPPURAM : U Kalanathan, 84, rationalist leader and former president of the Kerala Yukthivadi Sangham (KYS), passed away at his residence at Vallikkunnu following age-related illness on Thursday. The family handed over the body to the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode, the same day, after people from different walks of life paid tributes to him at his residence and at Vallikkunnu grama panchayat. Born at Vallikkunnu in 1940, he worked with the CPI and CPM movements from the 1960s. From 1970 to 1984, he was a member of the CPM Vallikkunnu local committee. He worked as KYS Kozhikode district organising secretary, state general secretary, state president and national secretary of the Federation of Indian Rationalist Association, an umbrella body of rationalist, sceptic, atheist, and secularist organisations from across the country. From 1979 to 1984 and from 1995 to 2000, he served as Vallikkunnu panchayat president. He won the Kerala Sahitya Academy award for his overall contributions to Malayalam language and literature in 2019. He is survived by wife M K Sobhana and a son.

The New Indian Express 8 Mar 2024 8:57 am

Kerala to host Gen AI conclave in July

KOCHI : Kerala will host the first international Gen AI conclave in July, said Industries Minister P Rajeeve in Kochi on Thursday. Presenting the Special Recognition for Business Investment Promotion Award to IBM senior vice-president Dinesh Nirmal at Bolgatty Palace in Kochi, he said the conclave will be held at the Grand Hyatt on July 11 and 12. It will be the first international Gen AI conclave to be held in India. It will be jointly hosted by the state government and IBM in association with the Digital University, Cusat and the Kerala Technological University. As many as 1,000 delegates will attend and the registration process will start in April. A state-level hackathon will be organised for students ahead of the conclave, said Rajeeve. He said the state will organise an international round table on robotics in August. Kochi will host both the programmes. Explaining the steps being taken by the government to improve the infrastructure facilities, he said the government is trying to position Kerala as a frontrunner in the knowledge-based industry and high-tech manufacturing sector. He said the complaints regarding the scarcity of water at Infopark in Kochi will be addressed soon. Now some IT companies are opting for Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode in place of Kochi due to the water scarcity here. We doubt a situation is being intentionally created to stop IT firms from coming to Kochi, he said. State witnessing reverse brain drain: IBM senior VP Kerala is witnessing a reverse brain drain as people who migrated to foreign countries in search of opportunities are coming back because of the high-paying jobs created in the tech industry in the state, said IBM senior vice-president Dinesh Nirmal. He was speaking after receiving the Special Recognition for Business Investment Promotion Award instituted by the Industries Department at Bolgatty Palace in Kochi on Thursday. Industries Minister P Rajeeve presented the award. Every person who is coming back to the state is contributing to the economy as they are spending on services. The Gen AI Industry in Kerala has brought a change as customers are coming to see the products that are being made here, said Dinesh Nirmal.

The New Indian Express 8 Mar 2024 8:52 am

Kozhikode girls band together to form all-girl musical group on International Womens Day

The band named Euphonic will arguably be the first all-girl music troupe in Kerala

The Hindu 7 Mar 2024 9:28 pm

Congress in Kerala in quandary as stalwart Karunakaran's daughter Padmaja joins BJP

Congress in Kerala in quandary as stalwart Karunakaran's daughter Padmaja joins BJP The decision of Padmaja Venugopal, daughter of former Kerala chief minister and Congress stalwart late K Karunakaran, to join the BJP has left the grand old party in a quandary in Kerala before the Lok Sabha polls. Padmaja officially joined the BJP at a function held at the party headquarters in New Delhi on Thursday. The saffron party has suggested that it marks the decline of the grand old party. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief K Sudhakaran termed Padmaja's decision as ''cheating and betraying'' the party and a ''breach of confidence''. He added that there were no reasons for Padmaja to leave the party and it was a ''wrong and unfortunate decision''. The KPCC chief said that he himself had taken many decisions to protect her interests, but she disregarded all that to leave the party and join the BJP. ''Nevertheless, as she is the daughter of the late K Karunakaran, we still have love and respect for her,'' he said. Emotionally reacting to the development, K Muraleedharan, senior Congress MP and son of Karunakaran, denounced his sister's decision to depart from the party their father had nurtured, particularly ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. He called it a betrayal. The ruling CPI(M) in Kerala, on the other hand, sought to capitalise on the development by suggesting that it might erode trust in the Congress, as there would be no guarantee that its members would not join the BJP after winning. CPI(M) State Secretary M V Govindan commented that the recent exit of members from the grand old party, including the son of Congress stalwart and former Union Minister A K Antony, and their entry into the BJP would not help the saffron party win even a single seat in Kerala. Earlier in the day, amidst indications that Padmaja would join the BJP, Muraleedharan said that her decision was a betrayal and that their father's spirit would not condone it. The Vadakara MP announced that he is ending his relationship with his sister. Muraleedharan further said that Karunakaran had never compromised with communalism and for a member of his family to join the BJP was a sad outcome as far as people with a secular mindset were concerned. ''Our father's spirit will not condone it because she went with a communal organisation. That is why I said all relationships and bonds with her have ended. There will be no compromise with someone who has betrayed the party at this stage even if she is my sister,'' the Congress MP said while speaking to reporters in Kozhikode. On being asked by reporters as to why children of Congress stalwarts such as Antony and Karunakaran were leaving the party to join the BJP and whether the leadership was unable to prevent it, Muraleedharan said it was because people's desires grew too big. ''The Congress party has given great consideration to her. That is sufficient for those who work at home,'' he said. Muraleedharan further said that both Antony and Karunakaran went through hardships to come up in life but their children have never known any difficulties and therefore get ''such bad ideas'' of leaving the party and joining an organisation that is ''out to destroy the country''. BJP state President K Surendran, on the other hand, said that Antony's son Anil K Antony and Karunakaran's daughter Padmaja's decisions are testimony to the increasing popularity of the saffron party and the beginning of the downfall of the Congress. Surendran claimed that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development agenda that was attracting people from across the state to the BJP. ''The Modi wave that is sweeping the country is beginning in Kerala,'' he contended. He said that many of those who were criticising the BJP in the past will now join it, and that is why they are not saying anything. Taking a dig at the grand old party, CPI(M) leader Govindan said that more people from the Congress will join the saffron party, claiming that there is not much difference in their ideologies. ''Due to the soft Hindutva stand of the Congress, it is easier for their members to join the BJP as there is not much difference in their ideologies. It has been happening in other parts of India for some time, but not in Kerala. But now it is possible here too. ''In such a situation, how can the people trust them and vote for them? Is there any guarantee they will remain in Congress after winning and will not switch over to the BJP? That is the most important question in Kerala politics presently,'' the CPI(M) state secretary told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram. Govindan further said that Modi and the BJP leadership claimed they would win seats in double digits from Kerala in the upcoming LS polls as ''they expect the winners to join them''. ''However, there is no possibility of the BJP winning even one seat from Kerala. Even the recent exit of members from the Congress and their joining the BJP will not create a possibility of them winning even one seat,'' he said. Muraleedharan, too, expressed the view that the BJP would not benefit ''even an ounce'' from Padmaja joining it. ''Taking Padmaja will not benefit the BJP even an ounce. It will also not affect our determination to fight. We will push the BJP to the third spot everywhere, including in seats where they hope to win. ''This betrayal would be answered through the EVMs,'' the Congress MP said. Muraleedharan further said that Padmaja was thrice given the party ticket to contest polls in Kerala, and each time she had lost. ''So, the claims that others in the party were behind her defeat are not acceptable, as there are many who have tried to do that to me. I have not complained about it because it is the people who decide who should win or not,'' he said. He further said that there was a time when he had to leave the party, but even then he did not compromise with the BJP and join it -- even though it would have been very easy to do so -- as his father was someone who never compromised with communalism.

devdiscourse 7 Mar 2024 7:28 pm

Innovation centres to come up at medical colleges in Kerala

KOCHI : Perhaps for the first time in the country, startup innovation centres will be set up at medical colleges in the state. The proposed Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centres (IEDCs) aim to attract doctors and medical students into innovation and entrepreneurship in the health-tech and med-tech sectors. Until now, these IEDCs have been functional at all the engineering and arts and science colleges in the state. According to Anoop Ambika, CEO of Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), This will develop a robust health-tech and med-tech startup ecosystem in the state. This is the era of precision medicine. A lot of advancements are being made in the med-tech sector. So, the thought that the doctors and medical students who are continuously in contact with the patients and also dealing with diseases would be a better choice to come up with innovative products led to the idea of setting up IEDCs in the medical colleges in the state, he said. Things are changing at a fast pace. The disease identification process is changing and the Internet of Things (IoT) is being used for drug delivery, he said. Speaking more about the initiative, IMA state president Dr Joseph Benaven said, This was one of IMAs top priority agendas. We wanted to introduce doctors to innovation and entrepreneurship. Innovations in the medical and healthcare sectors can happen only with the intellectual inputs obtained from the doctors. Hence, we put a thrust that doctors too need to be involved in this and motivate them to take up entrepreneurship. KSUM and the Kerala Medical Technology Consortium (KMTC) had submitted a proposal in early 2023 regarding this, he added. Nothing happened. Then, the IMA started pushing the idea and met up with the chief secretary, IT secretary, health secretary and the KSUM. We didnt have an inkling during that time that a proposal was already before the state government. After a series of discussions, the state government formed a core committee which comprises representatives from the KSUM, KMTC, IMA and Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS), said Dr Benaven. According to him, doctors dont come into startups because they are not aware of it. However, a lot of younger generation of doctors have shown interest towards startups. It is the need of the future and we need doctors to get into it so that we have a very robust healthcare and med-tech ecosystem, Benaven said. Explaining more about the initiative, a KSUM official said, The functioning of the IEDCs that have been proposed at the medical colleges will be slightly different from those set up in the Engineering and Arts and Science colleges. The doctors and the medical students will provide the problem statements and data along with the full insights, he said. However, their team will also have engineering graduates from the nearby colleges to help them out with the technical aspects needed to develop and manufacture the product, he added. The idea and the product will be theirs. The engineering graduates will be just providing them with the necessary technical know-how to develop the product, said the KSUM official. However, as of now, no details have been released as to when the IEDCs will start functioning in the medical colleges. As a start, workshops and classes will be held at Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode medical colleges that will see the participation of medical professionals from not only government medical colleges but also private institutions. The first workshop will be held at Thiruvananthapuram followed by Kozhikode and then Kochi on March 12, 15 and 22, respectively, he added. All the regular funding schemes like the innovation grants and seed loans are available for future med-entrepreneurs from the medical colleges, said the KSUM official. Health-tech mix-up Aims to attract doctors and medical students into innovation, entrepreneurship in the health-tech and med-tech sectors Engineering graduates will aid them with the technical aspects needed to develop and manufacture the product

The New Indian Express 7 Mar 2024 7:55 am

Govt nod to kill bison which claimed life of Kozhikode farmer

KOZHIKODE : The chief wildlife warden on Wednesday gave permission to kill the bison which claimed the life of 70-year-old farmer Palattiyil Abraham, of Koorachundu. The move came after Abrahams relatives, local residents and farmer groups organised a protest demanding an order to shoot down the killer bison. On Tuesday, the chief wildlife warden had ordered to tranquilise and capture the animal. However, the decision to kill it was taken at the meeting held at the Collectorate in which the district collector, forest officials, the relatives of the deceased, Congress leaders and MP M K Raghavan attended. Before killing the animal, it should be established that the same bison killed the farmer. Maximum effort to tranquilise the animal shall be taken as per the existing rules, acts and guidelines in vogue. If the animal cannot be tranquilised or captured, and it is established that the same animal was responsible for the death of Abraham, then the animal shall be killed under section 11 (1) (a) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, with strict adherence to the provisions of the section and the guidelines in vogue, stated the order issued by D Jayaprasad, principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden, Kerala. Two more lives lost to human-wildlife conflict, 14 deaths in Kerala this year The postmortem examination of Abrahams body is scheduled to be held on Thursday at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. Saji, son of Abraham, said, We demanded a government job for one family member, Rs 50 lakh as compensation and the order to kill the animal as soon as possible. However, the forest officials mentioned that they can only take action based on various rules and acts, he said. Thamarassery Bishop Remigius Inchananiyil said that the government is not taking any measures to curb the rising wild-animal attacks. He said the forest minister should step down from the post if he is not able to provide security to the people. If wild animal attacks continue, we will kill those animals. We will rule the hilly regions if the government fails to fulfil their responsibilities and we have enough power and system to do so. The government should also ensure the livelihood of the family of the deceased by offering them government jobs and compensation, said Thamarassery Bishop. Detail steps taken to ensure water to wildlife: HC to govt The High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to inform it about the steps taken to ensure availability of water to wild animals in the forests of Idukki and Wayanad. The government filed an affidavit detailing the long- and short-term strategies for mitigating human-wildlife conflict in the district. The government informed the court that K Vijayanathan, chief conservator of forests, eastern circle, has been appointed as a special officer to oversee human-wildlife conflict issues.

The New Indian Express 7 Mar 2024 7:30 am

Medicinal eenth on verge of extinction, worried farmers call for conservation

KOZHIKODE : In a sombre scene unfolding in rural agricultural communities, farmers are expressing deep concern over the alarming decline of cycas circinalis, a tree species renowned for its numerous medicinal values. As these ancient trees teeter on the brink of extinction, farmers are calling for urgent conservation measures to save this invaluable botanical resource. Cycas circinalis, commonly known as the Queen Sago Palm or eenth in Malayalam, is a slow-growing cycad native to tropical regions. Revered for its medicinal properties, this tree has been a vital component of traditional medicine for generations. Its leaves, seeds, and roots are believed to possess therapeutic qualities that address a wide range of ailments. Dr P Dileep, who has been researching how to preserve these trees for several years, said, The major reason for the destruction of these trees is an attack by insects. Small insects called cycad scales eat the sap of the palm and destroy it. The pathogen is neither a fungus nor a virus. The infection spreads so fast that it requires no time to destroy the tree. In rural areas, their seeds are used to make many delicious dishes including putt, pathiri and payasam. It has to be noted that these trees are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. Distressed farmers in regions where cycas circinalis once thrived are now witnessing a rapid decline in the population of these trees. In candid interviews, farmers expressed their grief over the loss of this botanical treasure and highlighted the need for immediate action to prevent further devastation. Ive seen these trees flourish since my childhood, providing us with essential medicines that have been passed down through generations. Now, theyre disappearing before our eyes, and with them, a part of our cultural heritage is vanishing, said Vishwanathan K, a native of Naduvathur Koyilandy, a local farmer deeply connected to traditional farming practices. Dr Dileep said, The only way to control insects is to cut diseased leaves and spray them with neem oil or castor oil to prevent spread by wind. These can be controlled by spraying organic insecticides like Verticillium (10 ml / litre of water). We can also control them by using chemical insecticides like Imida after consulting with agriculture department officials. Over 3,100 palm trees are being destroyed due to the insect attack in Kannur and Kozhikode. Eenth a natural pharmacy The disease can spread to other parts of the district through wind quickly. A concerted immune response everywhere at the same time is urgently needed to destroy this highly resistant and productive invasive pathogen. Cycas circinalis is not just a tree. It is a natural pharmacy, he said. Losing it would mean losing potential cures for various ailments. It is imperative that we act swiftly to preserve this invaluable resource for future generations, he urged. In response to the growing crisis, local communities and environmental organisations are rallying together to raise awareness about the endangered status of cycas circinalis. They are calling for collaborative efforts from government agencies, conservationists, and the public to implement measures aimed at preserving the unique and irreplaceable species.

The New Indian Express 7 Mar 2024 7:21 am

Outline of Lok Sabha poll narrative emerging in Kozhikode

The UDF is focussing on political violence and involvement of CPI(M) workers in the murder of RMP founder T.P. Chandrasekharan in Vadakara, while LDF candidates Elamaram Kareem and K.K. Shailaja are meeting various sections of people and holding sessions. NDA candidates are banking on the development works taken up by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek votes

The Hindu 6 Mar 2024 9:45 pm

Kerala farmers death in gaur attack: Family refuses to cooperate with police inquest without fulfilling demands first

Demands of local residents and family members of the deceased in Kozhikode include an unconditional order to shoot the animal dead

The Hindu 6 Mar 2024 1:52 pm

Jananam 1947 Pranayam Thudarunnu | Song - Theerame Thaarage

Watch the song 'Theerame Thaarage' from Malayalam movie 'Jananam 1947 Pranayam Thudarunnu' starring Padma Shri Leela Samson and Jayarajan Kozhikode. 'Theerame Thaarage' is sung by Kapil Kapilan and music of the song is given by Govind Vasantha. Lyrics of 'Jananam 1947 Pranayam Thudarunnu' song 'Theerame Thaarage' are written by Anil Lal. 'Jananam 1947 Pranayam Thudarunnu' also stars Anu Sithara, Deepak Parambol, Noby Marcose, Irshad Ali and Pauly Valsan in pivotal roles. To know more about 'Theerame Thaarage' song from Padma Shri Leela Samson and Jayarajan Kozhikode starrer 'Jananam 1947 Pranayam Thudarunnu' watch the video.

The Times of India 6 Mar 2024 12:26 pm

Kerala govt transfers management of 'Entry Homes for Girls' to NGOs amid funding shortage for supporting abuse survivors

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : In an apparent shift in stance, the state government is pulling out of its commitment to ensure support and protection to survivors of Pocso cases and trafficking. With fund crunch posing a major threat, the government has entrusted NGOs with the task of running seven Entry Home for Girls, which were being managed by the Kerala Mahila Samakhya Society (KMSS) under the general education department. As per an order issued by the director of the Women and Child Development Department (WCDD) on February 2, Entry Homes in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad will be managed by seven different NGOs that were selected by a technical committee. This is the first time the government has opened its doors to NGOs on such a large scale. The Oommen Chandy government had in 2012 tasked KMSS with running the Entry Homesearlier known as Nirbhaya Homes as the society was actively working for the rehabilitation of sexual abuse survivors. However, a few NGOs were given charge of some entry homes back then too. At the time, it was clearly stated the selected private entities should be secular in nature. However, this time, institutions linked to particular religions figure among the seven selected NGOs. The basic concept of Nirbhaya homes is that the state will provide security and shelter to the survivors, and the government will take steps to integrate them back to society, an activist closely associated with girls homes told TNIE. Earlier, only a few NGOs were allowed to operate in this field. Now, government has handed over the management of seven Entry Homes to NGOs. The KMSS, which managed 13 homes, has been removed from its administration, said the activist, warning that the move will have serious consequences. He said many survivors of Pocso and trafficking cases hail from vulnerable communities like the SC, ST, other backward and economically deprived communities and migrant workers. Nirbhaya coordinator dismisses charges Dismissing the charges, Nirbhaya coordinator Sreela Menon said this was not the first time NGOs have been entrusted with running the Entry Homes. Even though NGOs are managing the homes, the overall control remains with the WCDD, she said.

The New Indian Express 6 Mar 2024 7:50 am

Will implement accommodation scheme for plantation workers: Kerala Industries Minister

KOCHI : The plantation directorate will implement the state governments Plantation Housing Scheme, which has been allotted Rs 10 crore in the current financial year, to build decent accommodations for workers in the sector, Industries Minister P Rajeeve said in Kochi on Tuesday. The draft on providing subsidy to plantation owners is under way, and hopefully, the government will issue an order by June, Rajeeve said while interacting with planters during a three-hour discussion on the scheme. He said a single-window system will be implemented in June for permission to carry out alternative agriculture and tourism activities on 5% of plantation land. The single-window system is being implemented to overcome the practical difficulties in getting permission for crops, medicinal plants, fruit trees, flower plants, etc., in the current scenario. We will try to ensure that the applications will be processed in a time-bound manner. The government will go for more concrete steps once the ongoing IIM-Kozhikode study (on value addition to make Kerala plantations reach out to the global market) is over, the minister said. To discuss the issues regarding the clearance of loans for the housing scheme, the government is facilitating a meeting of the State-Level Bankers Committee, Rajeeve said. He exhorted planters to submit their requirements at the earliest. He also said that to address various issues in the plantation sector, the committee headed by the ministers for revenue, forest, and industries will hold discussions with the plantation owners. The government will release a comprehensive report as soon as the report of IIM Kozhikode, which studies the problems and opportunities in the plantation sector, comes out. As for the various permissions, high-powered panels under the revenue and forest ministers will consider the memorandums from the planters, he added.

The New Indian Express 6 Mar 2024 7:10 am

Two more killed in Kerala in attacks by wild animals

Thiruvananthapuram, March 5 (IANS) A day after a woman was crushed to death by a wild elephant in Keralas Ernakulam district, a man in the states Kozhikode succumbed to injuries suffered in a wild gaur attack, and another woman was trampled to death by a wild jumbo in Thrissur. Abraham, 70, who was injured in []

bhaskarlive 6 Mar 2024 12:28 am

Two more people killed in in Kerala in attacks by wild animals

Thiruvananthapuram, March 5 (IANS) A day after a woman was crushed to death by a wild elephant in Keralas Ernakulam district, a man in the states Kozhikode succumbed to injuries suffered in a wild gaur attack, and another woman was trampled to death by a wild jumbo in Thrissur. Abraham, 70, who was injured in []

bhaskarlive 5 Mar 2024 11:28 pm

BJP now has more acceptance in upland and coastal regions of Kozhikode, says its Lok Sabha poll candidate

Party has increased its vote share in Kozhikode considerably in the past 20 years, claims M.T. Ramesh, BJPs candidate for the Lok Sabha constituency

The Hindu 5 Mar 2024 11:12 pm

Two More Dead In Separate Incidents In Wild Animal Attacks In Kerala

The issue of human-animal conflicts continued to haunt Kerala as two elderly persons lost their lives in attacks by wild animals in Kozhikode and Thrissur districts, respectively, on Tuesday.

NDTV 5 Mar 2024 9:59 pm

Human-Animal conflicts claim two more lives in Kerala

Kozhikode: The issue of human-animal conflicts continued to haunt Kerala as two elderly persons lost their lives in attacks by wild animals in Kozhikode and Thrissur districts, respectively, on Tuesday, March 5. According to police, Abraham, a 70-year-old farmer, was attacked by an Indian gaur at his farm in Kakkayam area of Kozhikode district around 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 .

The Siasat Daily 5 Mar 2024 8:08 pm

No official order yet on extension of train to Kozhikode - The Hindu

No official order yet on extension of train to Kozhikode The Hindu

Google News 5 Mar 2024 7:52 pm

Demand to strengthen filariasis treatment facility in Kozhikode

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has decided to shift the NCDC regional unit to Thiruvananthapuram

The Hindu 5 Mar 2024 7:27 pm

Ezha, a women-led architectural group, shows the way in conservation architecture with their project in Kozhikode

Restoration of theKarnikara Mandapam of Kunnamangalam BhagawatiTemplewins the architects the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation

The Hindu 5 Mar 2024 6:24 pm

Sad, bad, Mad: Kerala Mob trial case shows need for reforms

KOCHI: Mob trial. That was what allegedly took place at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Pookode, Wayanad, leading to the death of second-year student Sidharthan J S. Details of torture that Sidharthan suffered at the hands of his seniors and classmates are shocking, to say the least. The 20-year-old was found dead in the hostel bathroom on February 18. Initially, the police thought it was a case of suicide. However, the post-mortem report and the police assessment painted a gruesome picture. Sidharthan was brutally assaulted, paraded naked on the campus in front of around 130 students, beaten up allegedly with belts and iron rods. Reports say a glue gun, too, was used to torture him. He was also allegedly starved and denied water for three days. Those accused, many of them members of the Students Federation of India (SFI), reportedly threatened other students against reporting the issue. It is alleged that Sidharthan was being punished for misbehaving with a female senior. According to the internal complaints committee (ICC) of the institute, the girl had filed a complaint against Sidharthan with the womens cell. However, it was revealed later that the complaint was received a day after his death. At least 18 students, including some local SFI leaders, have been named as accused in the case. Of the 31 students allegedly involved, 19 have been barred from taking admission in any educational institution in India for three years. Ten of them have been debarred for a year. And all students of the hostel have been suspended for failing to report the crime. Mob lynching It was mob lynching, asserts retired High Court judge B Kemal Pasha. A warden was present at the hostel when the crime took place. It is said that the dean was aware. However, what I fail to understand is, why are the dean and that particular warden not arraigned in the case? If the authorities of an institution fail to report incidents of ragging they are liable to be prosecuted. Strangely enough, here the police have not arraigned the dean (M K Narayanan) or that warden, who is a physical education teacher at the institution, adds Justice Pasha. As per the law, he points out, the students should have been immediately expelled and debarred from studying in any Indian institution for three years. That was clearly not what happened initially, he notes. Justice Pasha argues that the key problem was that no one was ready to report or take action, not a failure of the law. Notably, amid the startling developments in Sidharthanans case, another incident of assault by SFI members surfaced in Koyilandy, Kozhikode. A group of SFI members allegedly attacked C R Amal, a student of R Sankar Memorial SNDP Yogam Arts & Science College, on March 1. Amal suffered serious injuries to his nose, and was taken to a hospital. He, however, was told to report it as a motorcycle accident to avoid repercussions. Later, he opened up about the assault at the insistence of his parents. Ragging menace The lack of will to take effective action or even report the crime is not unique to one campus, says Adv Sandhya Raju George, who has been part of anti-ragging cells in two colleges as an external member. She recalls two cases that came across her during that period. One was a sexual harassment case and the other ragging. In both cases, the internal members of the cells were reluctant to act, and waited for external members to make the crucial decisions. The reason is clear: Fear. In most colleges, especially government institutions, the students as well as teachers are reluctant to take action, especially if the culprits have political backing, Sandhya notes. This fear is the issue. The law is more than adequate if properly implemented. And that is where we fail, she says. Go to any campus, you wont find much details about anti-ragging mechanisms there. No banners, posters, etc. How will students know what to do in case they have to file a complaint? Sandhya believes the first step to be taken is to root out the fear factor. Make sure the anti-ragging mechanism, the helpline number, etc, are visibly advertised on the campus properly. And importantly, cut off the outside involvement of political parties in campus affairs, she adds. Politics of ragging RVG Menon, principal of Government College of Engineering, Kannur, believes ragging has continued despite stringent laws being in place. Once, he adds, ragging was rather prevalent on professional college campuses in Kerala. It is true that all student organisations, backed by political parties, had opposed ragging earlier. Not only student organisations but also progressive students themselves had argued against ragging since it is an antisocial activity and disgraces not only the victims but also the perpetrators, he says. However, Menon notes, the character of student organisations has changed since then. More violence and intolerance are visible. Membership in organisations often becomes a cover for seeking power and dominance, he says. The days of the progressive students, who were socially responsible, becoming student leaders are a thing of the past, he feels. Quite often such students are targeted by the dominant groups. Meanwhile, students who are rough and violent get patronised, says Menon. Socially committed students have gradually withdrawn. This unhealthy trend is responsible for the present situation. Menon believes there is only one effective solution: the political leadership has to recognise that this trend can mar not just student politics, but also politics in general. It is a law and order situation, he says. It shows the failure of the government. People will politicise judicial inquiry or committee reports, rather than finding solutions to help the students. Incidentally, the news about Sidharthanans death came out a couple of days after TNIE published a story on rising political violence at educational institutions, and asked experts as well as students if campus politics should be banned. While most people were against a total ban, there were calls for reforms and effective mechanisms to prevent violence. Poet and academician Prof Madhusudanan Nair stressed that students should be taught about cultural rapport, a sense of truth and justice. If party politics function on campuses without these qualities, it spells disaster, he said. Forums in educational institutions should not be stages for political parties to flaunt their strength. They should, rather, be moulded into what Swami Vivekananda envisaged: iron-willed men and women who will be protectors of society. Writer Khyrunnisa Vijayan also shared similar views. She noted that billing colleges as a partys bastion was unhealthy. That is not nice. Colleges should not be taken over by this kind of politics, she said, stressing on the need for a democratic environment on campuses.

The New Indian Express 5 Mar 2024 8:59 am

Ezha wins Golden Leaf Award for architectural conservation

KOCHI: Ezha, a three-woman team of conservation architects, has won the prestigious Golden Leaf Award for architectural conservation instituted by the Kerala chapter of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA). The three, namely Swathy Subramanian, Savita Rajan and Ritu Sara Thomas, won the award for their work conserving the Karnikara mandapam of the nearly 600-year-old Bhagawati temple in Kunnamangalam near Karuvannur, Kozhikode. With 16 pillars instead of the usual four, the semi-open pavilion resembled the centre of a sixteen-petaled lotus blossom. It was an architectural marvel, recalls Savita. However, when the three arrived at Kunnamangalam in January 2023, they found the once-magnificent structure to be a near wreck, propped up by scaffolding and steel tie-rods. Many in the temple committee wanted to demolish the structure and build something new, modern. However, Ezha managed to deter all from doing so. Our philosophy was different. During our time at the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi, we saw the extent of work happening in North India. Compared to that, Kerala had little to show. With Ezha, we wanted to do our bit to promote conservation here. The Kunnamangalam work came at this juncture, Ritu tells TNIE. Though there were setbacks, what helped Ezha triumph them all was an openness to having a continuous dialogue with the temple committee, the community, and the workers. Finally, when March arrived, the mandapam was not only ready, but it was also the stage for many temple rituals. This win is a deeply gratifying experience and brings a profound sense of honour and pride. It will motivate us to engage in further endeavours and contribute more to the field of conservation, Swathy tells TNIE. She also adds that the victory extends to the entire Kunnamangalam community as well. The Kunnamangalam work is Ezhas first structural architecture conservation project. The emphasis they gave to conserving the tangible and intangible aspects of heritage, advocating for minimal design interventions, and the rigorous documentation process also helped them win a Unesco award for cultural heritage conservation in 2023. Indian Institute of Architects state award is a prestigious recognition for outstanding architectural practices in Kerala.

The New Indian Express 5 Mar 2024 8:50 am

Sacred groves in Chengottukavu panchayat unveil hidden treasures

KOZHIKODE : Chengottukavu in Kozhikode is a true treasure trove of biodiversity with its large number of sacred groves, that too, in the middle of the village. Just 600m away from NH 66 near Kappadu, there exists Poyilkavu which is one of the rarest sacred groves in Kerala which sprawls over 12 acres. A recent study conducted in different wards of the panchayat has revealed that there are over 41 rare Nagakkavus (sacred groves) in the panchayat. At a time when many sacred groves in Kerala are on the verge of extinction, the Biodiversity Management Committee of Chengottukavu panchayat is on a different path to save natures gift. The BMC has deputed a special group, Wood Wide Web Poyilkkavu (WWW Poyilkavu) to study the biodiversity hotspots of the panchayat as part of updating the Peoples Diversity Register. WWW Poyilkavu is a group of retired school teachers and students who have devoted their lives to the conservation of nature. It was in 2023 that we first started studying Poyilkavu. In our study, we found around 197 species of flora from 57 different plant families. Our study was not just a data collection of plants in the sacred groves. But it was a search for a glimpse of untouched wilderness. We have a seven-member group of students who joined us when they were young schoolchildren. After 10 years, some of them are now college students. Yet we expanded our mission to other sacred groves in the panchayat. The Chengottukavu panchayat had sent a proposal to the Biodiversity Heritage Site of India to make Poyilkavu a heritage spot, said WWW Poyilkavu member and retired school teacher P A Jayachandran. The narrow pathway leading to Poyilkavu Durga temple though the sacred grove As part of preparing a Peoples Diversity Register, we conducted a detailed study in six out of 17 wards in Chengottukavu. During our survey, we found 71 biodiversity hotspots including wetlands, sacred groves, natural ponds, and natural pathways leading to the sacred groves. Among these, we were able to identify 41 Nagakavus. Once the study is completed in all the wards, we expect to find more than 100 similar Nagakavus in the panchayat. It is very rare to find this abundance of natural treasure in a single panchayat, he said. Sacred groves are usually connected with beliefs and myths. It is believed that the temple inside Poyilkavu was one of the 108 Durga temples built by Parasuram. No one is allowed to enter the sacred grove with a weapon. This rule helps in conserving the sacred groves. Apart from Poyilkavu, we have found two more sacred groves that spread over one acre. We have collected biodiversity data from Moothedathukavu and Naduvethrakavu and are planning to recommend the panchayat to propose heritage status to these sacred groves as well, said Jayachandran. When others celebrate Environment Day by planting trees, I plant the idea of nature conservation in childrens minds. I take schoolchildren on field trips to sacred groves to make them familiar with the wonders of nature. Now we have given a small break for the survey as the students are having exams, he further added.

The New Indian Express 5 Mar 2024 8:25 am

Kozhikode gets cyber police division

30-member team under an Assistant Commissioner formed in the wake of increasing cyber cases

The Hindu 5 Mar 2024 2:07 am

Top kid-friendly places in South India: Visit these best places in South India with children during the March holidays, you will be thrilled with joy

March is a month when mild heat starts in many parts of the country. In March, spring is visible everywhere. March is also a month of the year when children's exams are about to end. As soon as children's exams are over, they start insisting on going out with their parents. If you are also planning to travel with children during the March holidays, then we are going to tell you about some wonderful places in South India, where along with the children, you too can have fun and have fun to your heart's content. Ooty Ooty is a beautiful hill station situated amidst the beautiful hills of Nilgiri in Tamil Nadu, South India. Due to its beauty, it is also known as the queen of mountains. High mountains, dense forests, grasslands lakes and waterfalls add to the beauty of Ooty. Ooty is also considered the best destination to visit with children. The toy train running in the Nilgiri valleys can be a favourite thing for children. You can also go on a tour of tea gardens with children. In Ooty with children, you can also explore the best places like Ooty Lake, Pykara Waterfall, Sagar Lake and Mukurthi National Park. Munnar Munnar, located in Kerala, is a popular hill station throughout South India. The beauty of Munnar is so popular that people from every corner of the country keep coming here to visit. Munnar Hill Station is also considered to be the best eco-friendly destination for children. Many people come here during the summer holidays to roam with children. In Munnar, you can go with children to visit the best places like Neelakurinji, Rose Garden, Echo Point, Lakkam Waterfall and Tata Tea Museum. Mysore If you are planning to visit Karnataka with children in March, then you should reach Mysore. The city is famous all over the world due to its rich cultural heritage and historical importance. In Mysore, you can explore the best places with children like Mysore Palace, Vrindavan Garden, Chamundeshwari Temple, Railway Museum and Karanji Lake. Apart from this, do not forget to visit Mysore Zoo with children. Children will surely jump with joy after seeing the animals in Mysore Zoo. Visakhapatnam If you want to visit the sea-coast during the March holidays, then you should reach Visakhapatnam, the capital of Andhra Pradesh. Visakhapatnam is the largest city of Andhra Pradesh as well as a popular destination. Children will surely jump with joy after visiting KailashGiri, Yarada Beach, Dolphin Nose, Araku Valley and Indira Gandhi National Park located in Visakhapatnam. You can also enjoy many adventure activities in Visakhapatnam. You can also enjoy water sports here. Hyderabad Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, is no less than a wonderful destination. This is a city in South India, where most of the domestic and foreign tourists come to visit. In Hyderabad, you can explore the best places with kids like Char Minar, Falaknuma Palace, Chowmahalla Palace, Mecca Masjid, AsmanGarh Palace and Shahi Masjid. You can also explore these places You can explore many other great places in South India with children in March. Like in Karnataka you have Coorg, Gokarna, Bangalore and Hampi. In Tamil Nadu you can find Chennai, Puducherry, Rameshwaram and Coimbatore. In Kerala you can find Thekkady, Kovalam, Kozhikode and Alleppey. In Andhra Pradesh, you can go to visit the best places like Chittoor, Tirupati, Amaravati and Guntur. Image-shutterstocks,insta

Kalam Times 4 Mar 2024 11:10 am

Kozhikode fishers not wasting a chance to save marine world

KOZHIKODE : Another catch-22, and yet another effort to give us a fighting chance! Time and again, fisherfolk have been on hand to rise to the occasion (remember the devastating floods of 2018?), and they are again stepping up to the plate to protect both their livelihood and the larger environment. Front and centre of a project to address the existential issue of ocean pollution, fishermen in Kozhikode district have been hauling back waste from the deep sea along with their daily catch. The unique endeavour stems from a genuine concern for the well-being of the marine ecosystem that they and others so dearly depend on, besides a commitment to preserve the environment. The fishermen not only bring back the waste they generate when they venture out to sea, but also the plastic waste that gets caught up with their catch. Earlier, this refuse used to be discarded back to sea. Unikarmic Foundation, a nonprofit based in Chombala, which is spearheading the initiative, has been handing out hundreds of specially designed waste bags to fishermen to collect the waste. The foundation incentivises the effort by offering fishermen the fuel required for their boats and latest fishing equipment. Fishermen recognise the adverse effects of plastic and other debris on marine life, says P P Baiju, one of the brains behind the effort. Fishers initiative a model for others Instead of focusing solely on their fishing activities, they are dedicating time and effort to collect waste that they encounter during their deep-sea excursions. This is not only a testament to the communitys dedication to environmental stewardship but also reflects a growing awareness of the urgent need to address the global crisis of ocean pollution, said P P Baiju, one of the brains behind the effort. They have formed a collective and are encouraging their counterparts in neighbouring regions to adopt similar practices.

The New Indian Express 4 Mar 2024 7:59 am

Another campus dispute rocks Kerala, 20 booked

KOZHIKODE : The police have filed a case against 20 persons, including SFI workers, who attacked a fellow student of R Sankar Memorial SNDP Arts and Science College in Koyilandy over a dispute on the campus last Friday. College union chairman and SFI unit secretary Anunath A R, a first-year student, is among the accused in the case. C R Amal, 20, a BSc Chemistry second-year student, was first beaten up inside the college and later attacked outside, the police said. The group of students took Amal to a building near the college and assaulted him. Amal suffered grave injuries to his nose and face and was rushed to the hospital by his friends. According to Amals complaint, his friends told the doctors that Amal was injured in a bike accident. I was too scared to inform the doctors about the assault. But when I got back home, I told my family members about the attack. My eyesight has been affected and am undergoing treatment, Amal said. He said the group had attacked me in connection with another clash on the campus. Meanwhile, the college authorities said they received a complaint on Saturday regarding the assault and an inquiry will be carried out on Monday. The Koyilandy police have registered the case under the charges of assault and gang attack.

The New Indian Express 4 Mar 2024 7:40 am