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Kerala has added a significant feather to its cap, with its ‘Kerala Green Hydrogen Valley’ initiative earning recognitio...
02/02/2025

Kerala has added a significant feather to its cap, with its ‘Kerala Green Hydrogen Valley’ initiative earning recognition at the prestigious 2025 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, held from 20 to 24 January.

The state’s ambitious project was highlighted during the release of the WEF’s report, “Unleashing the Full Potential of Industrial Clusters: Infrastructure Solutions for Clean Energies,” a moment of immense pride that cements Kerala’s place on the global map of sustainable energy innovation.

The Kerala Green Hydrogen Valley is one of the 13 leading industrial clusters recently recognised globally for their efforts to decarbonise. These projects span countries like Australia, Brazil, Colombia, India, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.

Of five initiatives from India included in the WEF’s “Transitioning Industrial Clusters towards Net Zero”, Kerala’s project stands out as a frontrunner in green hydrogen development.

In the words of WEF, “This zone in Kerala is central to India’s decarbonisation efforts by scaling hydrogen-powered transport.”

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey for the 2024-25 fiscal year in both houses of Parliament ...
02/02/2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Economic Survey for the 2024-25 fiscal year in both houses of Parliament on Wednesday, a day before the Union Budget for 2025-26 is to be presented. The survey, as part of its analysis of India's economic growth and sustainability, spotlighted several notable success stories, including the innovative waste management initiatives in Erattayar Gram Panchayat, Idukki, Kerala.

The Economic Survey lauded the Panchayat's model for sustainable development, emphasizing the role of community empowerment in achieving significant environmental and economic progress. The initiative, which focuses on waste management, has become a benchmark in both environmental preservation and job creation, particularly for women.

The waste management program in Erattayar involves a comprehensive approach that includes door-to-door collection, resource recovery, and recycling. It serves over 4,600 households and 500 institutions in the region. Approximately 30 women are employed, earning an average of ₹10,000 per month, contributing to both environmental and socio-economic development.

Despite initial challenges such as fee collection and infrastructure constraints, the Panchayat's persistence has yielded remarkable results. Through enhanced training and strategic partnerships, waste management practices have continuously improved. The Panchayat's Haritha Karma Sena, a dedicated team of 28 members, plays a vital role in the collection of user fees from nearly 85% of households and 90% of institutions, generating around ₹2.5 lakh monthly.

The program's success is also reflected in its ability to segregate and send materials, including four tonnes of plastic and non-biodegradable waste, to private agencies for further processing. The collective efforts have helped create a cleaner environment while fostering inclusivity and gender equality in the community.

Kerala Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal said on Tuesday that the Vizhinjam International Seaport, operated by Adani Ports...
02/02/2025

Kerala Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal said on Tuesday that the Vizhinjam International Seaport, operated by Adani Ports, is set to become India's largest port within the next decade.

Speaking at the Vizhinjam Conclave 2025 and Global Investment Summit held in the state capital, he underlined the port's transformative potential in elevating India's stature in global shipping and logistics.

The summit, organised by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) in partnership with the Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry, brought together key stakeholders to discuss Vizhinjam's strategic importance and growth prospects.

"Vizhinjam will redefine India's maritime sector with its natural deep-water capabilities, offering depths of 18 to 25 meters and proximity to international shipping lanes, enabling it to handle the world's largest vessels," Balagopal said.

Currently managing one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), the port's capacity is projected to increase to 6.2 million TEUs, positioning it to handle 15 per cent of India's container transhipment traffic. This expansion will challenge established ports like Colombo and Dubai, he added.

Balagopal also highlighted the port's role in supporting Kerala's vision of becoming a $1 trillion economy. He cited the state's robust infrastructure, including four international airports, two major seaports, 17 minor ports, and an extensive inland navigation network.

To further enhance the port's connectivity, the Kerala Maritime Board and private stakeholders plan to develop logistics parks and modernize nearby ports. A proposed 70 km outer growth corridor, spanning Vizhinjam to Navaikulam, will host industrial clusters with plug-and-play infrastructure to attract investors.

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Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will launch the Kerala Warnings Crisis and Hazard Management System (KaWaCHaM), develope...
20/01/2025

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will launch the Kerala Warnings Crisis and Hazard Management System (KaWaCHaM), developed by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, on Tuesday.

The system aims to provide timely alerts about extreme weather events, such as heavy rain, strong winds, and sea surge.

The system comprises 126 sirens equipped with strobe lights, 93 emergency operation centres, and VPN-connected data centres to ensure effective communication of warnings to the public.

Each siren features three lights – red, yellow, and orange – and is fitted with eight loudspeakers that can broadcast alerts up to a distance of 1.2 km. The sirens will also provide crucial information about emergency shelters and safety precautions. They are installed on top of government buildings and schools in disaster-prone areas, at heights ranging from 13 to 15m, and are connected by a 5-m-long wires.

The State Emergency Operations Centre will oversee the coordination of KaWaCHaM across the state.

The sirens will be tested at various locations from 5pm following the launch on Tuesday. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has urged the public not to panic during the trial phase.

The Central government on Monday cleared the proposal to appoint Patna High Court Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran as a ju...
13/01/2025

The Central government on Monday cleared the proposal to appoint Patna High Court Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran as a judge of the Supreme Court.

An announcement in this regard was made by the Union law minister on X.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution of India, the President, after consultation with Chief Justice of India, is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran, Chief Justice, Patna High Court as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India," Arjun Ram Meghwal, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice said in the tweet.

The Supreme Court Collegium had on January 7 recommended the elevation of Justice Chandran to the top court.

Justice Vinod Chandran was appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court on November 8, 2011.

He was elevated as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Patna on March 23, 2023 and has been functioning as the Chief Justice of that High Court since then.

"He has served as a Judge of the High Court for more than 11 years and as a Chief Justice of a big High Court for more than a year. During his long tenure as a Judge and Chief Justice of the High Court, Justice Chandran has acquired significant experience in diverse fields of law," the Collegium had noted in its resolution recommending his elevation to the apex court.

It had further considered his all-India seniority as well as the fact that Kerala High Court has no representation in the Supreme Court at present.

"Mr. Justice Chandran stands at Sl. No. 13 in the combined all-India seniority of High Court Judges. In the seniority of Judges hailing from the High Court of Kerala, Mr. Justice K. Vinod Chandran stands at Sl. No. 1. While recommending his name, the Collegium has taken into consideration the fact that there is no representation on the Bench of the Supreme Court from the High Court of Kerala," the Collegium had said.

ULCCS Kasaragod Expressway Ltd has approached the Highway Authority for approval to install anti-glare screens on the ne...
08/01/2025

ULCCS Kasaragod Expressway Ltd has approached the Highway Authority for approval to install anti-glare screens on the newly constructed highway. The screens aim to enhance road safety by reducing headlight glare during night travel.

The proposal is currently under review, and the company is awaiting approval to implement this crucial safety feature. Once approved, the initiative is expected to significantly improve driving conditions on the highway.

To enhance road safety and traffic management, Variable Speed Limit Signs (VSLS) will soon be installed along the NH66 s...
08/01/2025

To enhance road safety and traffic management, Variable Speed Limit Signs (VSLS) will soon be installed along the NH66 stretch from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram. These advanced signs will display speed limits that adapt to real-time conditions such as traffic flow, weather, and road hazards.

Part of the ongoing modernization of NH66, this initiative aims to reduce accidents and ensure smoother travel for commuters. The installation marks a significant step forward in making Kerala’s highways smarter and safer.

Avtar Group, a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) solutions provider, has unveiled the third edition of its Top Citi...
08/01/2025

Avtar Group, a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) solutions provider, has unveiled the third edition of its Top Cities for Women in India (TCWI) index on Wednesday.

The Top Cities for Women in India index uses a data-centric, evidence-based approach to evaluate cities' inclusivity. Dr Rajesh stressed that for a prosperous India by 2047, gender-inclusive cities are essential, highlighting the need for accessible healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for women.

Index methodology and findings

The TCWI index assesses 120 cities based on their economic contribution, assigning a 'City Inclusion Score' (CIS) derived from three pillars: Social Inclusion Score (SIS), Industrial Inclusion Score (IIS), and Citizen Experience Score (CES). Data from CMIE, the World Bank, crime records, and surveys from over 1,600 women across 60 cities were compiled to create the rankings.

Regional and state-wise analysis

Regionally, Southern India ranks as the most inclusive, with an average CIS of 18.56. Kerala leads the states with a CIS of 20.89, followed by Telangana and Maharashtra.

Detailed findings on women's ratings of cities

The index also revealed regional differences in key factors:

Regional and state-wise analysis

Regionally, Southern India ranks as the most inclusive, with an average CIS of 18.56. Kerala leads the states with a CIS of 20.89, followed by Telangana and Maharashtra. While the North performs well in industrial inclusion, social inclusion scores in cities like Delhi and Gurugram still have room for improvement.

Detailed findings on women's ratings of cities

The index also revealed regional differences in key factors:

Government efficiency: Thiruvananthapuram (8.15) and Pune (7.06) were rated highest for governance efficiency.

Safety: Thiruvananthapuram (7.43) and Mumbai (7.19) were rated the safest cities for women, whereas Gurugram received the lowest safety score (5.60).

Malayalam action thriller 'Marco', starring Unni Mukundan in the lead, has made history by securing a landmark distribut...
05/01/2025

Malayalam action thriller 'Marco', starring Unni Mukundan in the lead, has made history by securing a landmark distribution deal with South Korea’s Noori Pictures. Following in the footsteps of 'Baahubali', Marco becomes the second South Indian film to achieve this honour, marking a pivotal moment for Malayalam cinema on the global stage.

Produced by Shareef Muhammed under Cubes Entertainments and Unni Mukundan Films, and directed by Haneef Adeni, 'Marco' offers a gripping crime drama packed with high-octane action. The explores the dark underworld of gold smuggling, presenting the origin story of its enigmatic antagonist through a narrative laced with revenge and redemption.
Moreover, 'Marco' has been compared to Bollywood action films like 'Animal' and 'Kill' due to its intense violence, with some even claiming it’s more brutal than the other two.

'Marco' has already generated buzz with record-breaking pre-sale collections and widespread anticipation in India. Its expansion into the Korean market signifies a milestone not just for Malayalam cinema but for South Indian films at large, reinforcing their global appeal and technical excellence.

The Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (KIIDC), the largest producer of packaged water in the ...
05/01/2025

The Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (KIIDC), the largest producer of packaged water in the government sector, is set to replace plastic bottles with bioplastic bottles, the first initiative of sorts in the country.

The plan is to use bioplastic bottles made from polylactic acid (PLA).

These bottles are produced from starch found in materials like corn and sugarcane. The bottles are transparent and resemble plastic bottles in appearance. The packaging, including the cap and label, will also be bio-degradable. Experiments for this are currently underway. These bottles will decompose in soil within six months, and even if incinerated, they will not cause environmental pollution. Initially, one-litre bottles will be produced.

KIIDC has signed an agreement with Kochi-based startup company '8 Specialists' to manufacture the bottles. The raw materials for production will be supplied by the startup company. The bottles will be manufactured at KIIDC's Thodupuzha and Aruvikkara plants using bio-foam provided by the startup.

The cost of bio-bottles is expected to be five times higher than plastic bottles. Currently, a plastic bottle costs about Rs 2.50. KIIDC sells packaged water for Rs 15 per bottle. The price of the eco-friendly water may double, but the final cost will be determined once the experimental production is completed.

People suffering from burns, accidents, or severe skin injuries can soon breathe a sigh of relief with the upcoming esta...
05/01/2025

People suffering from burns, accidents, or severe skin injuries can soon breathe a sigh of relief with the upcoming establishment of Kerala's first government-operated skin bank at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. The bank will function similarly to a blood bank, allowing individuals to receive donated skin, helping prevent infections and supporting faster recovery.

The skin bank aims to provide a life-saving solution for those with severe skin loss, often due to burns or accidents. According to Dr Premlal, the Kerala State Nodal Officer for Burns, skin graft surgeries performed with banked skin will help prevent the loss of muscle, essential minerals, and salts in critical patients. This approach will speed up healing, alleviate pain, and improve overall recovery outcomes for patients in need.

Donating skin for the future

The new skin bank will collect skin donations from individuals who give consent while alive, as well as from those who pass away without prior consent for donation. Skin will typically be harvested from the thighs and back, in a thickness ranging from 0.1 to 0.9 millimetres. With the bank's establishment, people will have a chance to save lives by donating skin, just as they would donate organs. The skin bank will start its operations once the necessary permissions are obtained.

As we step into 2025, Kasaragod eagerly anticipates the fulfillment of two transformative projects: a 10-lane expressway...
02/01/2025

As we step into 2025, Kasaragod eagerly anticipates the fulfillment of two transformative projects: a 10-lane expressway and the district’s first tertiary care hospital. Both initiatives, long-awaited by the people, are set to be completed this year, promising enhanced connectivity and advanced healthcare services. These developments will mark a significant milestone in the district's progress.

The Kerala government will construct two model townships for survivors of the Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslide, Chief Sec...
02/01/2025

The Kerala government will construct two model townships for survivors of the Mundakkai–Chooralmala landslide, Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan announced in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday.

The townships, both disaster-resilient and self-sufficient with all social and economic infrastructure contained within them, will be built at Elstone Estate (58.50 hectares)and Nedumbala Estate (48.96 hectares). As it stands, only a drone survey has been conducted. The field survey, which is presently progressing, will offer more clarity on the extent of land that will be acquired from the two estates.

KALPETTA TOWNSHIP
The Elstone Estate land, near the Kalpetta bypass, will be the bigger township. It will come under Kalpetta Municipality.

Each individual house, with a total built-up area of 1000 sq ft with a foundation strong enough for an aspirational second floor and arranged like independent villas in multiple clusters, will come up within 5 cents.

Since the land neighbours the busy Kalpetta bypass, a commercial area has also been planned as part of the Kalpetta township.

NEDUMBALA TOWNSHIP
The Nedumbala Estate land is in the Meppadi Panchayat. Its topography is undulating and is an agricultural area. The Chief Secretary said the topography, its hilly terrain in particular, will restrict the space for construction, and therefore, will have lesser number of housing units.

However, each individual house in the Nedumbala Township will come up in 10 cents, double the area of the Kalpetta Township.

Nonetheless, just like in the Kalpetta Township, the Nedumbala houses, too, will have a built-up area of 1000 sq ft. It is just that these houses will have far more open spaces for livelihood generation.

Both these townships will have all the necessary social and community infrastructure like schools, anganwadis, hospitals, sports and recreation centres, playgrounds, library, post office, bank and car parks.

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In a major relief for the Wayanad landslide victims, the Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday approved the master plan for a reha...
02/01/2025

In a major relief for the Wayanad landslide victims, the Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday approved the master plan for a rehabilitation project.

The master plan, prepared under the leadership of the Kerala Chief Secretary, received formal approval during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Earlier, a draft of the rehabilitation plan was presented at the previous Cabinet meeting, following which it underwent detailed discussions before receiving approval.

The project aims to construct single-story houses across two townships. The estimated cost for the project is ₹750 crore, with the designs prepared by Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). Official announcements regarding the project details will be made during the press conference chaired by the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister is also set to meet those willing to fund the construction of over 50 houses. Representatives from the Karnataka government, Rahul Gandhi's office, and seven others are expected to participate in the meeting at the Secretariat.

The era of blaming labour strikes for the lack of investment in Kerala is now a thing of the past. A recent study by the...
02/01/2025

The era of blaming labour strikes for the lack of investment in Kerala is now a thing of the past. A recent study by the Public Policy Research Institute Kerala (PPRI), an independent research organisation under the state finance department, reveals that labour strikes in the state has steadily decreased in recent years.

Kerala, which saw large-scale labour unrest during the 1960s and 1970s, recorded just seven strikes in 2018. This reduction in industrial disputes mirrors the state's remarkable progress, as evidenced by Kerala topping the national 'Ease of Doing Business' ranking in 2023.

Over the past four decades, the number of labour strikes has come down by 94%. In 1979, the country witnessed 2,676 strikes, which declined to 1,320 by 1985. By 2018, the number of strikes had further dropped to only 69. The loss of working days due to these strikes has also seen a major decline, from 3.5 crore in 1979 to just 16 lakh in 2018.

The Labour Bureau regularly releases annual reports on industrial disputes and labour unrest across states, but the latest available data is from 2018.

Former PMO Director Binoy Job expressed grief on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's demise, saying that he leaves be...
31/12/2024

Former PMO Director Binoy Job expressed grief on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's demise, saying that he leaves behind a huge legacy of clean and honest leadership focused on empowering the common man.

Speaking to ANI, Dr Binoy Job, Former Director, PMO & Spokesperson to the former PM Manmohan Singh said, "Dr Manmohan Singh leaves behind a huge legacy of a new leadership. Throughout his entire life, he has brought in an alternative formula for public leadership that is clean, honest and policy-focused leadership that was aimed at empowering the common man and with a great vision for the nation and society."

He also praised Manmohan Singh for his reform to empower the people saying "during his tenure as PM, he unleashed a huge plethora of reforms to empower people and to ensure social and job securities to the common man."

Air Kerala and Al Hind Air, both touted as Kerala’s own airline companies, will begin operations by the first half of 20...
31/12/2024

Air Kerala and Al Hind Air, both touted as Kerala’s own airline companies, will begin operations by the first half of 2025 if all goes well. Al Hind Air, owned by the Kozhikode-based Al Hind group, and Air Kerala, led by a group of expatriate businessmen, will give wings to the dreams of millions of Malayali expatriates living in the Gulf region. Afi Ahamad and Ayoob Kallada, both Dubai-based entrepreneurs, are the chairman and vice chairman of Air Kerala. Meanwhile, Harish Moideenkutty, who had previously worked at Spice Jet, is the CEO. Air Kerala received an operational permit from the Ministry of Civil Aviation last July. The airline can officially begin flying after receiving the Air Operator Certificate from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The key dates
Harish Kutty recently revealed to the national media that Air Kerala would get its first aircraft in April, while the second one is likely to be delivered by June. He also expressed hope that the airline could begin services by June 2025. The company will add one aircraft every quarter and aims to have a fleet of six aircraft by the first half of 2026. Initially, Air Kerala would operate services connecting cities like Kochi, Hyderabad, Kozhikode and Kannur. ATR aircraft with less than 100 seater segments will be used for these services. The airline hopes to start international services, especially in the Gulf sector, by 2026. The company wants to increase the number of aircraft in its fleet to up to 20.

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Kerala defeated Manipur 5-1 to reach the Santosh Trophy final on Sunday at theG. MC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderab...
29/12/2024

Kerala defeated Manipur 5-1 to reach the Santosh Trophy final on Sunday at theG. MC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad.

Roshan scored a hat-trick, while Ajsal and Naseeb Rahman also scored for Kerala. Manipur scored their lone goal through a penalty.

Kerala will face West Bengal in the final, scheduled for December 31.

Earlier, West Bengal advanced to the final by defeating Services 4-2 in the first semifinal. The dominant victory marked West Bengal's 47th appearance in the Santosh Trophy final.

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