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Tag: Kerala

  • Nipah Virus Threat: Kerala Places 175 People On Contact List, Heightens Containment Measures |

    Kerala’s Health Minister, Veena George, has confirmed that 175 individuals in Malappuram district have been identified on the contact list linked to the recent Nipah virus outbreak. Among them, 74 are healthcare professionals, and 104 are considered high-risk due to their close proximity to the infected.

    Breakdown of Contacts and Medical Attention

    Of the 175 contacts, 126 people are listed under primary contact, with 49 classified as secondary contacts. Ten individuals are currently receiving treatment at Manjeri Medical College Hospital. The health minister added that samples from 13 people have been sent for testing, with results still pending.

    This outbreak follows the death of a 24-year-old man on September 9, marking the second fatality from the Nipah virus in Kerala this year. The state witnessed its first death due to the virus on July 21, 2024. Kerala has faced repeated Nipah outbreaks since 2018, which have heightened vigilance in the region. The virus, identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a priority pathogen, poses significant epidemic potential due to the absence of vaccines or specific treatment options.

    Containment Zones and Public Restrictions in Malappuram

    In response to the threat, the state has enforced stringent containment measures in five wards of Malappuram district. These areas have been declared containment zones, where all shops must close by 7 PM. Public spaces such as cinema halls, schools, colleges, madrassas, anganwadis, and tuition centers will remain closed.

    Authorities have also restricted public gatherings. Events like weddings and funerals have a cap on the number of attendees. People are required to wear masks in public and avoid large gatherings to curb the virus’s spread.

  • Pinarayi Vijayan: Attempts are being made to turn India into a religious nation: Kerala CM

    Malappuram (Kerala): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday expressed concern over the alleged attempts being made to turn India into a religious nation, and accused those in power at the Center of trying to blur the lines between religious institutions and the state.

    Without mentioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said nowadays those who hold constitutional positions are turning into priests during religious ceremonies. The Left veteran was apparently referring to the recent consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya in which Modi was the ‘yajman (master of a yajna)’.

    “Attempts are being made to turn India into a religious nation… This evokes great concern,” Vijayan said, speaking during the valedictory session of the 10th Mujahid State Conference at Karipur in this northern district. He labeled as “pathetic” the attempts by certain leaders “even in Kerala” to justify such events. In present India, those who are in power are attempting to blur the lines between religion and the state, Vijayan further said. The chief minister also accused the Center of sabotaging projects meant for minority communities.

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  • 132 Lok Sabha Seats, Four States: PM Modi’s Spiritual Outreach -Unveiling Strategy Behind BJP’s Southern Quest |

    Lord Ram is worshiped across the country and in many foreign countries as well. Ram Lalla’s consecration ceremony on January 22 will mark his return to Ayodhya after a gap of around 450 years. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the consecration ceremony, he is visiting several temples in the south which has strong connections with Lord Ram. Starting from Maharashtra, PM Modi has so far visited Andhra Pradesh and Kerala as well.

    Now, he will be visiting various significant temples in Tamil Nadu on 20-21 January. On 20th January, he will participate in a program at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. He will also listen to various scholars reciting verses from the Kamba Ramayanam in this temple. Thereafter, he will reach Rameswaram and perform Darshan and Pooja in Sri Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple. On 21st January, the Prime Minister will perform Darshan and Pooja at Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi. Near Dhanushkodi, Prime Minister Modi will also visit Arichal Munai, which is said to be the place from where the Ram Setu was built.

    Maharashtra – 48 Lok Sabha Seats

    Nashik holds significant connections to the Aranya Kand of the Ramayana, the epic where Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman resided along the banks of the Godavari River. Notably, it is the locale where Lakshman cut off Surpanakha’s nose. The revered Shree Kala Ram Mandir which PM Modi visited, stands in the Panchavati Area of ​​Nashik, a place deeply intertwined with the events of the Ramayana. Panchavati holds a special significance as it witnessed key episodes of the epic. Lord Ram, accompanied by Sita and Lakshman, spent a considerable time in the Dandakaranya forest, which encompasses the Panchavati region. The legend has it that Lord Ram chose this region for his abode due to the auspicious presence of these five significant trees – Panchvati – five banyan trees. Now, by visiting the temple, PM Modi sent a message to the people of Maharashtra that the Ram Temple is ready for devotees. Maharashtra has 48 Lok Sabha seats and BJP is facing tough competition there due to the NCP-Sena UBT-Congress alliance.

    Andhra Pradesh – 25 Seats

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed darshan and puja at Veerbhadra Temple in Lepakshi, Puttaparthi, in Andhra Pradesh on January 16. PM Modi heard verses from the Ranganatha Ramayan in Telugu and witnessed the tale of Jatayu visually presented through the traditional shadow puppetry art form from Andhra Pradesh. Pradesh known as Tholu Bommalata. Lepakshi’s historical significance is rooted in the Ramayana, as it is believed that the injured bird Jatayu, wounded by Ravana during the abduction of Goddess Sita, descended at this location after an intense battle and attended Mokhsa. Even if the BJP manages to win three to five seats out of 25 in the state, it will be a boost for the saffron party.

    Kerala – 20 Lok Sabha Seats

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed darshan and puja at Guruvayur Temple in Guruvayur, Kerala on January 17. PM Modi appealed to people to light Ram Jyoti on January 22 to mark the Ram Temple consecration ceremony. The BJP has significantly increased its vote share in some of the seats including Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Thrissur and Attingal seats. Of the 20 seats, the BJP is trying to win at least 3-5 seats with the help of Hindu and Christian voters.

    Tamil Nadu – 39 Lok Sabha Seats

    The BJP has gained significant popularity in the state under state unit chief K Annamalai. Now, with PM Modi’s regular visits and temple darshans, the BJP is trying to carve a niche among the Hindu voters. PM Modi’s popularity clubbed with the dynamism of Annamalai is likely to increase BJP’s vote share. And if this translates into victory, it would mark the saffron party’s south expansion. There are 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu.

    With the Lok Sabha elections just three months away, the BJP is working round the clock to increase its vote share in the southern states.

  • Kerala Chief Minister writes to Jaishankar to make sure security of Keralites in Israel

    By Express News Service

    THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in search of intervention to make sure the security of Indians, together with Keralites, stranded in Israel amidst the continued Israel-Hamas conflict.

    “A good number of team around 7000 people, are from the state of Kerala. The continuing hostilities are putting these civilians to extreme hardship and their family members are in a state of extreme anxiety,” the Kerala Chief Minister mentioned in a letter to the External Affairs Minister.

    Pinarayi urged Jaishankar to intrude in “every possible manner” to make sure the security of Indian residents in Israel. 

    READ MORE | Fear amongst Keralites in Israel as Hamas battle soars

    THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in search of intervention to make sure the security of Indians, together with Keralites, stranded in Israel amidst the continued Israel-Hamas conflict.

    “A good number of team around 7000 people, are from the state of Kerala. The continuing hostilities are putting these civilians to extreme hardship and their family members are in a state of extreme anxiety,” the Kerala Chief Minister mentioned in a letter to the External Affairs Minister.

    Pinarayi urged Jaishankar to intrude in “every possible manner” to make sure the security of Indian residents in Israel. googletag.cmd.push(perform() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); );

    READ MORE | Fear amongst Keralites in Israel as Hamas battle soars

  • Heavy rains lash Kerala, have an effect on regular life; orange alert in Thiruvananthapuram

    By PTI

    THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rains continued to pummel a number of elements of Kerala on Tuesday affecting regular life and elevating water degree of a number of rivers within the state to the damaging mark.

    As the rains continued within the state, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert within the southernmost district of the state and a yellow alert in Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts.

    An orange alert means very heavy rains from 6 cm to twenty cm of rain and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 to 11 cm.

    In Thiruvananthapuram district, the heavy rains in the previous few days partially broken 23 homes and destroyed crops price Rs 43.57 lakh.

    One individual went lacking within the Vamanapuram river close to Vithura Ponnamchund bridge on October 1 and the search continues to be on for him, the district administration stated.

    Meanwhile, the Central Water Commission (CWC) issued an orange alert for Aruvippuram station on Neyyar river in Thiruvananthapuram because the water degree there was above the hazard mark.

    It additionally issued yellow alerts for Vellaikatav station on Karamana river (Thiruvananthapuram), Thumbaman station on Achankovil river (Pathanamthitta) and Kallupara station on Manimala river (Pathanamthitta).

    Therefore, those that dwell close to these rivers needs to be cautious, the CWC stated.

    The intense climate sample is predicted to proceed within the coming days with the IMD predicting rain and thunderstorms to happen at many locations within the state between October 3-5.

    Thunderstorms with lightning accompanied by gusty winds with speeds reaching 30-40 kmph, are very prone to happen at one or two locations in Kerala from October 3 to five, the IMD stated.

    The heavy rains within the state in the previous few days prompted flooding in numerous areas of the state and led to the closure of academic establishments there on Tuesday.

    A vacation was declared by the district administration for academic establishments in Kottayam, Vaikom and Changanassery taluks the place 17 reduction camps are offering shelter to round 246 folks on account of flooding in these areas.

    In Alappuzha, a vacation was declared for academic establishments in Cherthala and Chengannur taluks which have been operating reduction camps, the district administration stated.

    The state has been receiving widespread rains for the final three-four days and quite a few incidents of bushes being uprooted, waterlogging and compound partitions collapsing have been reported in lots of locations.

    However, no main casualties have been reported anyplace within the state to this point.

    The heavy downpour had earlier submerged lots of of acres of paddy fields at Edathua, a tiny hamlet within the Kuttanad area in Alappuzha district.

    The Disaster Management Authority has urged folks dwelling in excessive ranges to keep up further vigil in view of the incessant rains.

    THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rains continued to pummel a number of elements of Kerala on Tuesday affecting regular life and elevating water degree of a number of rivers within the state to the damaging mark.

    As the rains continued within the state, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert within the southernmost district of the state and a yellow alert in Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts.

    An orange alert means very heavy rains from 6 cm to twenty cm of rain and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 to 11 cm.googletag.cmd.push(operate() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); );

    In Thiruvananthapuram district, the heavy rains in the previous few days partially broken 23 homes and destroyed crops price Rs 43.57 lakh.

    One individual went lacking within the Vamanapuram river close to Vithura Ponnamchund bridge on October 1 and the search continues to be on for him, the district administration stated.

    Meanwhile, the Central Water Commission (CWC) issued an orange alert for Aruvippuram station on Neyyar river in Thiruvananthapuram because the water degree there was above the hazard mark.

    It additionally issued yellow alerts for Vellaikatav station on Karamana river (Thiruvananthapuram), Thumbaman station on Achankovil river (Pathanamthitta) and Kallupara station on Manimala river (Pathanamthitta).

    Therefore, those that dwell close to these rivers needs to be cautious, the CWC stated.

    The intense climate sample is predicted to proceed within the coming days with the IMD predicting rain and thunderstorms to happen at many locations within the state between October 3-5.

    Thunderstorms with lightning accompanied by gusty winds with speeds reaching 30-40 kmph, are very prone to happen at one or two locations in Kerala from October 3 to five, the IMD stated.

    The heavy rains within the state in the previous few days prompted flooding in numerous areas of the state and led to the closure of academic establishments there on Tuesday.

    A vacation was declared by the district administration for academic establishments in Kottayam, Vaikom and Changanassery taluks the place 17 reduction camps are offering shelter to round 246 folks on account of flooding in these areas.

    In Alappuzha, a vacation was declared for academic establishments in Cherthala and Chengannur taluks which have been operating reduction camps, the district administration stated.

    The state has been receiving widespread rains for the final three-four days and quite a few incidents of bushes being uprooted, waterlogging and compound partitions collapsing have been reported in lots of locations.

    However, no main casualties have been reported anyplace within the state to this point.

    The heavy downpour had earlier submerged lots of of acres of paddy fields at Edathua, a tiny hamlet within the Kuttanad area in Alappuzha district.

    The Disaster Management Authority has urged folks dwelling in excessive ranges to keep up further vigil in view of the incessant rains.

  • Heavy rains trigger floods, closure of colleges in components of Kerala

    By PTI

    THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rains which pummelled a number of components of Kerala in the previous couple of days induced flooding in varied areas of the state and led to the closure of academic establishments there on Tuesday.

    A vacation was declared by the district administration for academic establishments in Kottayam, Vaikom and Changanassery taluks the place 17 reduction camps are offering shelter to round 246 folks resulting from flooding in these areas.

    In Alappuzha, a vacation was declared for academic establishments in Cherthala and Chengannur taluks which have been operating reduction camps, the district administration mentioned.

    Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted mild rainfall at one or two locations within the Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam districts of Kerala right this moment.

    The IMD issued a yellow alert in 4 districts — Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha — for the day. A yellow alert predicts heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.

    The state has been receiving widespread rains for the final three days and quite a few incidents of bushes being uprooted, waterlogging and compound partitions collapsing have been reported in lots of locations.

    However, no main casualties have been reported anyplace within the state up to now.

    The heavy downpour had earlier submerged tons of of acres of paddy fields at Edathua, a tiny hamlet within the Kuttanad area in Alappuzha district.

    The Disaster Management Authority has urged folks residing in excessive ranges to take care of further vigil in view of the incessant rains.

    THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rains which pummelled a number of components of Kerala in the previous couple of days induced flooding in varied areas of the state and led to the closure of academic establishments there on Tuesday.

    A vacation was declared by the district administration for academic establishments in Kottayam, Vaikom and Changanassery taluks the place 17 reduction camps are offering shelter to round 246 folks resulting from flooding in these areas.

    In Alappuzha, a vacation was declared for academic establishments in Cherthala and Chengannur taluks which have been operating reduction camps, the district administration mentioned.googletag.cmd.push(perform() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); );

    Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted mild rainfall at one or two locations within the Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam districts of Kerala right this moment.

    The IMD issued a yellow alert in 4 districts — Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha — for the day. A yellow alert predicts heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.

    The state has been receiving widespread rains for the final three days and quite a few incidents of bushes being uprooted, waterlogging and compound partitions collapsing have been reported in lots of locations.

    However, no main casualties have been reported anyplace within the state up to now.

    The heavy downpour had earlier submerged tons of of acres of paddy fields at Edathua, a tiny hamlet within the Kuttanad area in Alappuzha district.

    The Disaster Management Authority has urged folks residing in excessive ranges to take care of further vigil in view of the incessant rains.

  • Kerala rains: Heavy rains proceed to lash state, ‘Orange Alert’ in 5 districts

    By PTI

    THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With heavy rains lashing Kerala underneath the affect of a melancholy, the India Meteorological Department sounded an “Orange alert” warning in 5 districts on Saturday.

    While Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts had been positioned underneath “orange alert” predicting very heavy rainfall, “yellow alert” was issued in the remainder of 9 districts, IMD sources mentioned.

    Orange Alert signifies very heavy rains from 6 cm to twenty cm and Yellow Alert predicts heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.

    There had been stories of timber being uprooted, waterlogging and compound partitions collapsing in lots of locations, however no main casualties have been reported from anyplace within the state up to now within the rains persevering with for the final two days.

    An uprooted tree broken a automobile and a home at Chithara in southern Kollam district whereas intense rains and gusty winds broken two homes in Chengannur.

    Severe waterlogging was reported in lots of locations in Ernakulam district the place some homes had been additionally reportedly broken.

    Heavy downpour submerged a whole bunch of acres of paddy fields at Edathua, a tiny hamlet within the Kuttanad area in Alappuzha district.

    In northern Kozhikode, the district authorities banned any sort of entry into water our bodies, seashores and waterfalls as a precautionary measure.

    The shutters of Aruvikkara and Neyyar Dams close to state capital had been raised in view of rising water ranges, the district authorities right here mentioned.

    As the rain is anticipated to accentuate within the coming hours, the state Disaster Management Authority urged folks dwelling within the high-range areas to keep up additional vigil and directed fishermen to not enterprise into the ocean.

    THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With heavy rains lashing Kerala underneath the affect of a melancholy, the India Meteorological Department sounded an “Orange alert” warning in 5 districts on Saturday.

    While Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts had been positioned underneath “orange alert” predicting very heavy rainfall, “yellow alert” was issued in the remainder of 9 districts, IMD sources mentioned.

    Orange Alert signifies very heavy rains from 6 cm to twenty cm and Yellow Alert predicts heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm.googletag.cmd.push(operate() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); );

    There had been stories of timber being uprooted, waterlogging and compound partitions collapsing in lots of locations, however no main casualties have been reported from anyplace within the state up to now within the rains persevering with for the final two days.

    An uprooted tree broken a automobile and a home at Chithara in southern Kollam district whereas intense rains and gusty winds broken two homes in Chengannur.

    Severe waterlogging was reported in lots of locations in Ernakulam district the place some homes had been additionally reportedly broken.

    Heavy downpour submerged a whole bunch of acres of paddy fields at Edathua, a tiny hamlet within the Kuttanad area in Alappuzha district.

    In northern Kozhikode, the district authorities banned any sort of entry into water our bodies, seashores and waterfalls as a precautionary measure.

    The shutters of Aruvikkara and Neyyar Dams close to state capital had been raised in view of rising water ranges, the district authorities right here mentioned.

    As the rain is anticipated to accentuate within the coming hours, the state Disaster Management Authority urged folks dwelling within the high-range areas to keep up additional vigil and directed fishermen to not enterprise into the ocean.

  • Maoists ransack Kerala Forest Department Corporation workplace in Kerala

    By Express News Service

    KOZHIKODE: Maoists have ransacked the workplace of the Kerala Forest Department Corporation at Kambamala in Wayanad district. A gaggle of armed Maoists barged into the workplace at midday, broken the furnishings on the workplace and pasted posters on the partitions. They shouted slogans demanding that lands be distributed to the tribals. The posters written in Malayalam and Tamil additionally raised the calls for. 

    The workplace supervisor and a employee had been on the workplace when the incident occurred. The Maoists, nonetheless, didn’t hurt them. It is believed that the Kabani dalam of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) is behind the assault. Maoists had mounted related assaults in Kerala in 2014, marking the tenth anniversary of the formation of CPI Maoist 

    KOZHIKODE: Maoists have ransacked the workplace of the Kerala Forest Department Corporation at Kambamala in Wayanad district. A gaggle of armed Maoists barged into the workplace at midday, broken the furnishings on the workplace and pasted posters on the partitions. They shouted slogans demanding that lands be distributed to the tribals. The posters written in Malayalam and Tamil additionally raised the calls for. 

    The workplace supervisor and a employee had been on the workplace when the incident occurred. The Maoists, nonetheless, didn’t hurt them. It is believed that the Kabani dalam of the People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) is behind the assault. Maoists had mounted related assaults in Kerala in 2014, marking the tenth anniversary of the formation of CPI Maoist 

  • With 8,506 instances, Pocso pendency excessive in Kerala

    Express News Service

    KOCHI: Though the state authorities has established fast-track and particular courts to make sure speedy trial in instances underneath the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, the massive backlog of instances is delaying justice for victims.

    There are three instances for which trial has been pending since 2010. These have been introduced underneath the Pocso Act when it was enacted and enforced in 2012. There have additionally been cases the place delays have resulted in victims being compelled to backtrack.

    According to the Home Department, 8,506 instances are pending earlier than courts throughout the state as of July 31, 2023. Of these, 1,384 are with Thiruvananthapuram courts, Ernakulam a detailed second with 1,147 instances. The long-drawn strategy of issuing forensic experiences and appointing particular prosecutors is primarily contributing to the backlog, say specialists.

    There are too many courts, however just a few victims get justice, famous former director common of prosecution T Asaf Ali. “Trial delays will lead to disappearance of evidence by way of death of victims or non-availability of material witnesses. Establishing new courts and change of working hours alone will not reduce pendency. The lack of training of judicial officers of lower courts is one of the main reasons. It is desirable to utilise the services of retired judges to reduce pendency,” he mentioned.

    The dwelling division has constituted a committee to watch trials and disposal charges. The panel will compile month-to-month statistics and submit them earlier than HC judges who’re accountable for every district. Of the 56 sanctioned courts, 54 have began functioning. A directive has additionally been issued to make sure that forensic lab experiences aren’t delayed. 

    Court timings should be reworked: HC lawyer

    “The HC, through maximum monitoring, and the state government, through strenuous efforts, are attempting to comply with statutory mandates of trying pocso matters in a timebound manner,” mentioned Kerala State Legal Service Authority’s Victim Rights Centre (VRc) challenge coordinator Parvathy Menon.

    “We have been witnessing a large number of cases where the survivor and their families go on the back foot due to severe pressure from the accused, families and social circles. Such pressure is all the more when perpetrators are within the family. In cases where survivors are not institutionalised, families either send survivors abroad or victims are pressured by family and peers to withdraw cases. The family often sends survivors abroad either with the good intention of helping them outlive the trauma or to avoid social policing which could be more traumatic. In these attempts to ‘settle’ the matter, cases get prolonged,” she mentioned.

    “We need more judges. Moreover, court timings need to be reworked. Though specific officers handle pocso offences in police stations, investigation in such cases can be speeded up if they are separated from those handled by the regular law and order wing,” mentioned Raghul Sudheesh, lawyer with Kerala High court docket.

    The dwelling division has adopted steps to expeditiously eliminate instances of victims residing in youngsters’s and Nirbhaya properties and comparable establishments. The presence of investigating officers and witnesses for clean conduct and speedy disposal of instances shall be ensured.

    To keep away from undue delay attributable to non-appointment of prosecutors, the federal government has issued instructions to nominate public prosecutors and particular public prosecutors and accord them coaching on the district stage.

    KOCHI: Though the state authorities has established fast-track and particular courts to make sure speedy trial in instances underneath the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, the massive backlog of instances is delaying justice for victims.

    There are three instances for which trial has been pending since 2010. These have been introduced underneath the Pocso Act when it was enacted and enforced in 2012. There have additionally been cases the place delays have resulted in victims being compelled to backtrack.

    According to the Home Department, 8,506 instances are pending earlier than courts throughout the state as of July 31, 2023. Of these, 1,384 are with Thiruvananthapuram courts, Ernakulam a detailed second with 1,147 instances. The long-drawn strategy of issuing forensic experiences and appointing particular prosecutors is primarily contributing to the backlog, say specialists.googletag.cmd.push(operate() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); );

    There are too many courts, however just a few victims get justice, famous former director common of prosecution T Asaf Ali. “Trial delays will lead to disappearance of evidence by way of death of victims or non-availability of material witnesses. Establishing new courts and change of working hours alone will not reduce pendency. The lack of training of judicial officers of lower courts is one of the main reasons. It is desirable to utilise the services of retired judges to reduce pendency,” he mentioned.

    The dwelling division has constituted a committee to watch trials and disposal charges. The panel will compile month-to-month statistics and submit them earlier than HC judges who’re accountable for every district. Of the 56 sanctioned courts, 54 have began functioning. A directive has additionally been issued to make sure that forensic lab experiences aren’t delayed. 

    Court timings should be reworked: HC lawyer

    “The HC, through maximum monitoring, and the state government, through strenuous efforts, are attempting to comply with statutory mandates of trying pocso matters in a timebound manner,” mentioned Kerala State Legal Service Authority’s Victim Rights Centre (VRc) challenge coordinator Parvathy Menon.

    “We have been witnessing a large number of cases where the survivor and their families go on the back foot due to severe pressure from the accused, families and social circles. Such pressure is all the more when perpetrators are within the family. In cases where survivors are not institutionalised, families either send survivors abroad or victims are pressured by family and peers to withdraw cases. The family often sends survivors abroad either with the good intention of helping them outlive the trauma or to avoid social policing which could be more traumatic. In these attempts to ‘settle’ the matter, cases get prolonged,” she mentioned.

    “We need more judges. Moreover, court timings need to be reworked. Though specific officers handle pocso offences in police stations, investigation in such cases can be speeded up if they are separated from those handled by the regular law and order wing,” mentioned Raghul Sudheesh, lawyer with Kerala High court docket.

    The dwelling division has adopted steps to expeditiously eliminate instances of victims residing in youngsters’s and Nirbhaya properties and comparable establishments. The presence of investigating officers and witnesses for clean conduct and speedy disposal of instances shall be ensured.

    To keep away from undue delay attributable to non-appointment of prosecutors, the federal government has issued instructions to nominate public prosecutors and particular public prosecutors and accord them coaching on the district stage.

  • Kerala govt working to determine space, supply of first Nipah case 

    By PTI

    KOZHIKODE: After figuring out the person who was the affected person zero or index case of the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, the state authorities on Saturday started searching for the supply and place from the place he acquired contaminated by searching for particulars of his cell tower places.

    Kerala Health Minister Veena George mentioned whereas the state authorities is attempting to find out the place and the way the person acquired contaminated, the central staff is amassing bat samples to establish the viral load.

    The authorities was additionally specializing in finishing contact tracing in respect of the sixth one that was confirmed, on Friday, to have been contaminated by the virus, the minister advised reporters right here.

    She mentioned that there have been no new constructive circumstances and in a aid for the state, 94 samples — of individuals from the high-risk contact listing — have come again detrimental for the virus.

    Meanwhile, 21 individuals on the Kozhikode Medical College and two children on the Institute of Maternal and Child Health (IMCH) have been in isolation, George mentioned.

    Everyone, together with a nine-year-old boy on a ventilator, who’s below therapy for the virus or is in isolation are secure, she added.

    The minister mentioned that every one these contaminated are a part of the primary wave of the an infection which has manifested in two clusters — one being the 2 relations of the person who was the index case and the second being the individuals who got here into contact with him on the hospital he went for therapy.

    The man who has been recognized because the index case died on August 30 and it was solely a lot later it was discovered that he was contaminated with Nipah.

    His nine-year-old son and brother-in-law are nonetheless present process therapy together with two others, one in all them a well being employee, with whom he got here into contact at a hospital.

    The second fatality attributable to Nipah occurred on September 11 and the sufferer had come into contact with the person who was the index case on the similar hospital because the others, George mentioned.

    Regarding the monoclonal antibody, the one viable therapeutic in opposition to the virus, the minister mentioned that in response to the Centre it was 50-60 per cent secure and it has requested the state authorities to discover the potential for getting a brand new model of the antibody.

    “Presently, according to the doctors, the patients under treatment do not require it,” she mentioned.

    However, the state requested the Centre’s assist for expediting the method required for importing the monoclonal antibody and the identical was assured.

    She additionally mentioned {that a} assembly of the core committee was held earlier within the day to chalk out the additional plan of action.

    Kozhikode metropolis mayor Beena Philip, in the meantime, mentioned all of the wards the place the person, who was the index case, went have been declared as containment zones.

    “He has moved around a lot. Therefore, the contact list is expected to get bigger,” she mentioned.

    Kozhikode District Collector A Geetha mentioned that preparations have been made for on-line courses in academic establishments for the approaching week and instructed college students to not have interaction in holiday-related celebrations.

    The Collector additionally mentioned that Beypore harbour will stay closed until additional orders because it falls in one of many containment zones and supplied two various places for touchdown fishing vessels and sale of the catch.

    The Centre on Friday determined to obtain from Australia 20 extra doses of monoclonal antibody via the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for therapy of these contaminated by Nipah.

    The Kerala Health Department had on Friday mentioned it has recognized a complete of 1,080 individuals within the contact listing of the constructive sufferers and has began amassing samples.

    It had earlier introduced that everybody who’s on the high-risk contact listing of the contaminated individuals can be examined.

    The ICMR’s National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune had despatched its cell BSL-3 (Biosafety Level-3) laboratory to Kozhikode to check the samples for the virus within the district.

    This is the fourth time the viral an infection has been confirmed within the state.

    It was detected in Kozhikode in 2018 and 2021 and in Ernakulam in 2019.

    The World Health Organisation and ICMR research have discovered that the complete state, not simply Kozhikode, is vulnerable to such infections.

    KOZHIKODE: After figuring out the person who was the affected person zero or index case of the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala, the state authorities on Saturday started searching for the supply and place from the place he acquired contaminated by searching for particulars of his cell tower places.

    Kerala Health Minister Veena George mentioned whereas the state authorities is attempting to find out the place and the way the person acquired contaminated, the central staff is amassing bat samples to establish the viral load.

    The authorities was additionally specializing in finishing contact tracing in respect of the sixth one that was confirmed, on Friday, to have been contaminated by the virus, the minister advised reporters right here.googletag.cmd.push(perform() googletag.show(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); );

    She mentioned that there have been no new constructive circumstances and in a aid for the state, 94 samples — of individuals from the high-risk contact listing — have come again detrimental for the virus.

    Meanwhile, 21 individuals on the Kozhikode Medical College and two children on the Institute of Maternal and Child Health (IMCH) have been in isolation, George mentioned.

    Everyone, together with a nine-year-old boy on a ventilator, who’s below therapy for the virus or is in isolation are secure, she added.

    The minister mentioned that every one these contaminated are a part of the primary wave of the an infection which has manifested in two clusters — one being the 2 relations of the person who was the index case and the second being the individuals who got here into contact with him on the hospital he went for therapy.

    The man who has been recognized because the index case died on August 30 and it was solely a lot later it was discovered that he was contaminated with Nipah.

    His nine-year-old son and brother-in-law are nonetheless present process therapy together with two others, one in all them a well being employee, with whom he got here into contact at a hospital.

    The second fatality attributable to Nipah occurred on September 11 and the sufferer had come into contact with the person who was the index case on the similar hospital because the others, George mentioned.

    Regarding the monoclonal antibody, the one viable therapeutic in opposition to the virus, the minister mentioned that in response to the Centre it was 50-60 per cent secure and it has requested the state authorities to discover the potential for getting a brand new model of the antibody.

    “Presently, according to the doctors, the patients under treatment do not require it,” she mentioned.

    However, the state requested the Centre’s assist for expediting the method required for importing the monoclonal antibody and the identical was assured.

    She additionally mentioned {that a} assembly of the core committee was held earlier within the day to chalk out the additional plan of action.

    Kozhikode metropolis mayor Beena Philip, in the meantime, mentioned all of the wards the place the person, who was the index case, went have been declared as containment zones.

    “He has moved around a lot. Therefore, the contact list is expected to get bigger,” she mentioned.

    Kozhikode District Collector A Geetha mentioned that preparations have been made for on-line courses in academic establishments for the approaching week and instructed college students to not have interaction in holiday-related celebrations.

    The Collector additionally mentioned that Beypore harbour will stay closed until additional orders because it falls in one of many containment zones and supplied two various places for touchdown fishing vessels and sale of the catch.

    The Centre on Friday determined to obtain from Australia 20 extra doses of monoclonal antibody via the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for therapy of these contaminated by Nipah.

    The Kerala Health Department had on Friday mentioned it has recognized a complete of 1,080 individuals within the contact listing of the constructive sufferers and has began amassing samples.

    It had earlier introduced that everybody who’s on the high-risk contact listing of the contaminated individuals can be examined.

    The ICMR’s National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune had despatched its cell BSL-3 (Biosafety Level-3) laboratory to Kozhikode to check the samples for the virus within the district.

    This is the fourth time the viral an infection has been confirmed within the state.

    It was detected in Kozhikode in 2018 and 2021 and in Ernakulam in 2019.

    The World Health Organisation and ICMR research have discovered that the complete state, not simply Kozhikode, is vulnerable to such infections.