Tag Archives: kerala

Elections 2024: Kerala prepares for a straight fight between Left and Congress

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Following the Election Commission of India’s declaration of dates for the Lok Sabha polls, Kerala’s major political factions aligned under the UDF or LDF, led by either Congress or Left parties, have initiated strategic maneuvers to secure the highest number of seats.

Kerala is slated for polling on April 26, with the deadline for nominations set for April 4. Scrutiny of nominations will occur on April 5, while the last date for withdrawal is April 8.

In the previous 2019 general elections, the Congress-led UDF clinched 19 seats, while the CPI(M)-led Left secured one. State Congress President, and incumbent Lok Sabha member from Kannur, expressed confidence in the UDF’s victory.

State CPI(M) secretary M. V. Govindan said the Left is already working hard in the field. “Our aim is to win all the 20 seats and we are ready for it. The fight in Kerala is between the Left and the Congress-led UDF. The BJP will not be able to open its account here,” said M. V. Govindan.

CPI(M)-led Left convener E. P. Jayarajan said people are “just gearing to vote for all the Left candidates as they know only if the Left candidates reach Delhi will, it be good for the state.”

Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesan of Congress said there is no doubt, they will win all the 20 seats. “People are just waiting to express their ire against the Pinarayi Vijayan government for his “inept” governance as life has become really tough. We will explain this to the electorate,” said V. D. Satheesan.

Veteran IUML legislator P. K. Kunhalikutty said, “By now itself, a few poll predictions have come and it is hugely loaded in favour of the Congress-led UDF candidates and that is the reality.”

Three-time sitting Congress Lok Sabha member from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, said the only problem is the delay in counting of votes as from now, we have to wait for more than two and a half months to know the future of our country. “With regards to the election date, we do have adequate time from now till the counting date and things are looking very good,” said Shashi Tharoor.

Besides the dominant parties, the BJP will field Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar in Thiruvanathapuram constituency.

Both the CPI(M)-led Left and Congress-led UDF have finalized their candidates for the polls, with the enforcement of the model code of conduct following the announcement.

ANTI-NARCOTICS OPERATION

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In a coordinated operation at sea, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Indian Navy apprehended a suspicious vessel carrying more than 200 kgs of narcotics.

The boat with its crew, has been escorted to Kochi for further investigation. This is significant not only in terms of quantity and cost but also signifies a focus on collaborative efforts for disruption of the illegal narcotics smuggling routes, which emanate from the Makran coast and flow towards various IOR countries.

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Indian Navy apprehended a suspicious vessel carrying more than 200 kgs of narcotics.

Apart from the human costs from drug addiction, the spoils of narcotics trade feed syndicates involved in terrorism, radicalization and criminal activities. Successful conduct of this operation reaffirms our strong commitment and resolve of not allowing seas as global commons being used for illegal activities especially in India’s maritime neighborhood.

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence foils attempts of gold smuggling, seizes 65.46 kg of gold at Mumbai, Patna, Delhi

All 3 rail projects proposed by Kerala rejected, says Karnataka CM Bommai

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Sep 18 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday said all three major rail projects, proposed by Kerala, have been rejected.

Talking to media after meeting with the delegation headed by the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at his official residence, Bommai said: “We are sister states and a lot of cultural exchange is also there. But, three railway projects proposed from Kasargod to Dakshina Kannada, Mysuru to Talacherry and Kanhangad – Kaniyur railway lanes come under eco-sensitive zones.”

“The railway department had rejected the Kangar – Bantur – Kaniyur railway project. Now, the railways is maintaining that if the two states agree, the project could be pursued. So, they brought this proposal and it was rejected,” Bommai said.

“This lane passes through eco-sensitive Sullia, Subramanya stretch. “We can’t agree. We will see how much it is beneficial for Karnataka passengers and check environmental challenges. We have clearly told them that until then, it is not possible to give consent,” Bommai said.

“The projects will pass through the national parks, tiger sanctuaries and elephant sanctuaries. These are old proposals. Earlier also we have rejected them and now also we have said no to them,” Bommai said.

“Talacherry-Mysuru railway lane passes through Bandipur and Nagarahole National Sanctuaries. They proposed to implement the project with new alignment. We have not agreed. We have told them that no compromise will be made with the environment,” he said.

elephants

“The Kerala delegation also proposed an underground tunnel in the forest stretch, which we have rejected,” he said.

Vijayan had asked for a meeting during South Zone Committee convention of South Indian Chief Ministers at Thiruvananthapuram. “Today we met,” Bommai said.

On arrival, Vijayan was honoured with the traditional ‘Mysuru Peta’ headgear and sandalwood garland.

What is Cyclone Sagar?

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Indian Met Department has issued an alert to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharasthra and the Lakshadweep over the cyclone ‘Sagar’, which is building up over the Arabian Sea with potential to hit the coastal region of northern Indian Ocean on Saturday.

Formerly known as 01A, Tropical Cyclone Sagar, quickly formed in the Indian Ocean and strengthened into a tropical storm on May 16 at 3:35 a.m. IST as shown in the resolution imaging captured by the spectroradiometer aboard NASA’s Aqua satellite.

It showed thunderstorms at minus 80 degrees Celsius, which means very strong storms with a potential for heavy rainfall in the Arabian Sea with maximum sustained winds near 46 miles per hour (40 knots). Located near 13.0 degrees north latitude and 48.6 degrees east longitude, or approximately 229 nautical miles east of Aden, Yemen.

When captured NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite appeared more organized and has been strengthening since May 17. On Friday, May 18 the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instrument aboard NASA-NOAA’s Suomi NPP satellite captured a true-color image of Tropical Cyclone Sagar showing the center above the Gulf of Aden, affecting Yemen and Somalia.

At 1:30 p.m IST, the Tropical Cyclone Sagar was centered near 11.6 degrees north latitude and 45.9 degrees east longitude, approximately 89 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen, registering maximum sustained winds up at 69 mph (50 knots/111 kph). Currently, Sagar is moving to the west-southwest at 6.9 mph (6 knots/11.1 kph).

Sagar is likely to threaten Yemen, Somalia and Djibouti with waves as high as 17 feet, before hitting the Indian west coast on Saturday. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an advisory that said: “Strong winds reaching upto 75-85 kmph and 95 kmph covering the Gulf of Aden and adjoining south-western Arabian Sea area are very likely duting the next 12 hours. It may then gradually decrease ato 65-75 kmph during the next 12 hours.”

Fishermen are advised not to venture into the high seas of the Gulf of Aden or west-central and south-west Arabian Sea in the next 48 hours.

OCKHI Cyclone Advisory Issued, Heavy Rainfall in Mumbai, Surat on Dec. 5, Helpline Opened

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Saturday’s OCKHI cyclone has hit Kerala and Lakshadweep islands while moving deep into the Arabian Sea on Monday before turing into the coastal regions of Western India on Monday and causing heavy rainfall in Mumbai and Surat regions.

An advisory issued by the Met Department on Sunday at 3 p.m. said the “Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Ockhi” was over Lakshadweep area and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea and moved northwestwards and lay centered over eastcentral and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea near Latitude 12.1º N and Longitude 69.0º E, about 420 km west-northwest of Amini Divi, 880 km south-southwest of Mumbai and 1090 km south-southwest of Surat.

“It is very likely to weaken gradually and move north-northwestwards for some time and then recurve northeastwards towards south Gujarat coast,” said the alert.

The forecast said rainfall is likely at many places with heavy rainfall at isolated places over south Gujarat on 5th December. Squally winds speed reaching 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph very likely over and around north Lakshadweep Islands during next 12 hours and gradual decrease thereafter was expected.

For help, India Meteorological Department can be contacted on Phone: (91) 11-24652484, FAX: (91) 11-24643128, 24623220, E-mail:cwdhq2008@gmail.com, Website: rsmcnewdelhi.imd.gov.in

On Monday, Dec. 4 and Tuesday Dec. 5, squally wind speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph will be very likely along and off north Maharashtra and South Gujarat coasts and sea conditions would be very rough.

South Gujarat and north Maharashtra coasts: Fishermen are advised not to venture into the Sea along and off South Gujarat and north Maharashtra coasts from 4 th December for the subsequent 48 hours.

As Ockhi cyclon is very likely to move west-northwestwards towards north Tamil Nadu – south Andhra Pradesh coasts during next 3-4 days, sea condition over southwest Bay and adjoining central Bay of Bengal would be very rough from 5th December onwards. Hence, fishermen are advised not venture into deep sea off north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh coast from 5th December 2017 onwards, said the alert.

OCKHI Cyclone Update: Indian Navy’s Launches Huge Search and Rescue Operations 

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Indian Navy’s search and rescue operations continued for the third day over Southeast Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands in the aftermath of Very Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘OCKHI’.

The ships deployed by the Southern Naval Command include IN Ships Sagardhwani, Jamuna, Nireekshak, Kabra and Kalpeni off the Kerala coast and Sharda , Shardul towards Lakshadweep islands. Besides this three air craft viz, Dornier (Do) fixed wing aircraft, Seaking Helicopter (SK) and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) were also deployed throughout the day.

A total of 84 personnel have been rescued over the last two days which includes 62 by aircrafts and 22 by ships. Additionally, transfer of two dead bodies was also effected through ALH to Thiruvananthapuram after being picked up by INS Sagardhwani.

Of the 62 people rescued by naval aircraft 8 personnel were transferred to Kochi in batches of 04 after being picked up 20 Nautical miles southwest and 80 nautical miles west of Kochi respectively. Those evacuated to Kochi were given preliminary first aid at naval clinic at INS Garuda before being handed over to the civil administration. The rest of the rescued persons have been transferred to Thiruvananthapuram.

INS Shardul from Kochi is heading towards Minicoy islands with Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) “bricks”, which includes water, dry provisions, medical equipment, blankets, diving team, generators, salvage equipment, desalination and decontamination kits, diving team and has a Chetak helicopter embarked.

The relief material would sustain 2,000 persons for over a period of seven days. INS Sharda is heading towards Kavaratti islands with HADR material sufficient to last for more than seven days for 500 people. The ship while proceeding to the islands, saved nine lives from a capsized boat in distress enroute.

Naval ships fom Mumbai, INS Chennai, Kolkata and Trikand have also sailed out from Mumbai for Lakshadweep and Minicoy (LAM) islands with HADR material sufficient for approximately 5000 persons and would last for more than seven days. Androth and Kavaratti are reported to be experiencing strong winds of 40-60 knots coupled high swells of 3-4 metres with a sea state of 5-6. All the ships are expected to reach LAM by morning tomorrow

In addition to the aircraft from Kochi, the P8I aircraft from Arakkonam with greater reach is being used to maintaining a close vigil continuously over the sailing ships and provide inputs if any. The areas close to coast would continuously monitored using DO aircraft from Kochi.

Ockhi now ‘Very Severe Cyclonic Storm’; Lakshadweep, Minicoy Islands hit, Mumbai Next

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Upgraded as the very severe cyclonic storm, Ockhi  moved to Lakshadweep area and adjoining Southeast Arabian Sea further west-northwestwards with a speed of 10 kmph for the past six hours over Lakshadweep area and adjoining southeast Arabian Sea near Latitude 9.8º N and Longitude 71.0º E, about 280 km northwest of Minicoy and 240 km southwest of Amini Divi.

The system is very likely to weaken gradually from tonight. It is very likely to continue to move northwestwards during next 24 hours and then recurve northeastwards during the subsequent 48 hours, said a statement by the Met department. Mumbai will witness heavy rainfalls on December 5. Here is the detailed path:

Date/Time(IST) Position(Lat. 0N/ long. 0E) Maximum sustained surface wind speed (kmph) Category of cyclonic disturbance
    02/1130 9.8/71.0 140-150 GUSTING TO 165 VERY SEVERE CYCLONIC STORM
      02/1730 10.4/70.3 140-150 GUSTING TO 160 VERY SEVERE CYCLONIC STORM
      02/2330 11.1/69.8 135-145 GUSTING TO 160 VERY SEVERE CYCLONIC STORM
            03/0530          11.7/69.4 130-140 GUSTING TO 155 VERY SEVERE CYCLONIC STORM
03/1130 12.5/69.0 125-135 GUSTING TO 150 VERY SEVERE CYCLONIC STORM
03/2330 13.7/68.8 120-130 GUSTING TO 145 VERY SEVERE CYCLONIC STORM
04/1130 15.3/69.3 100-110 GUSTING TO 120 SEVERE CYCLONIC STORM
04/2330 16.9/70.1 80-90 GUSTING TO 100 CYCLONIC STORM
05/1130 18.3/70.9 60-70 GUSTING TO 80 CYCLONIC STORM
05/2330 20.6/72.1 50-60 GUSTING TO 70 DEEPDEPRESSION
06/1130 21.9/72.9 35-45 GUSTING TO 55 DEPRESSION

The Met Department has also issued a warning of heavy rainfall and rainfall in areas as below: 

Warning:

 

(i)           Heavy Rainfall warning:

  • Rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and isolated extremely heavy falls (>20 cm) very likely over north Lakshadweep Islands during next 24 hours and isolated heavy to very heavy falls during subsequent 24 hours. Isolated heavy to very rainfall is very likely over south Lakshadweep Islands during next 24 hours.
  • Rainfall at many places with heavy rainfall at isolated places very likely over Kerala during next 24 hours.

(ii)       Wind warning:

  • Gale winds speed reaching 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph very likely over & around north Lakshadweep Islands during next 12 hours and gradual decrease thereafter and becoming 65-75 kmph gusting to 85 kmph by tomorrow, the 3rd December morning. Gale winds speed reaching 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph very likely over and around south Lakshadweep Islands during next 12 hours and gradual decrease thereafter becoming 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph by tomorrow, the 3rd December morning.
  • Squally wind speed reaching 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph very likely along & off Kerala coast during next 24 hours and along & off Karnataka coasts during next 48 hours.

(ii)          Sea condition:

  • Sea conditions would be phenomenal over and around north Lakshadweep Islands during next 12 hours and gradually becoming high by tomorrow, the 3rd December morning. It is very likely to be high to very high over and around south Lakshadweep Islands during next 12 hours and gradually becoming rough to very rough by tomorrow, the 3rd December morning.
  • Sea conditions would be rough to very rough along & off Kerala coast during next 24 hours and along & off Karnataka coast during next 48 hours.

(iii)         Storm surge:

Storm surge of about 1 meter above astronomical tides very likely to inundate low lying areas of north Lakshadweep Islands during next 24 hrs and storm surge of about 0.5 metre above astronomical tides very likely to inundate low lying areas of south Lakshadweep Islands during next 12 hrs.

(iv)         Damage Expected over North Lakshadweep Islands during next 24 hours: Damage to power and communication lines due to breaking of tree branches and uprooting of large avenue trees. Major damage to thatched houses/huts: Major damage to kutcha houses, some damage to pucca roads and flooding of escape routes. Damage to banana & Papaya trees and standing crops.

Damage Expected over South Lakshadweep Islands during next 12 hours: Minor damage to power and communication lines due to breaking of tree branches. Major damage to thatched houses/huts.  Major damage to kutcha houses, minor damage to pucca roads. Some damage to banana & Papaya trees, orchards and standing crops.

(v)          Action suggested

  • Lakshadweep Islands: Fishermen around Lakshadweep Islands are advised not to venture into the sea during next 48 hours.
  • Kerala & Karnataka coast: Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea along & off Kerala coast during next 24 hrs and along and off Karnataka coast during next 48 hrs.