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Articles by Sovi Vidyadharan
Kerala University researchers develop ‘nano’ method to detect hidden fingerprints
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Forensic investigators could soon detect hidden fingerprints that are difficult to spot on certain surfaces, thanks to a novel method developed by University of Kerala researchers to prepare a light-emitting nanomaterial. The patented process uses a rare-earth-based compound that glows red when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, making faint fingerprint impressions easier to spot and examine. The material absorbs UV light and emits red light in the visible spectrum.
Spotlights and silhouettes of septuagenarian Keralam
Progress in reducing deprivation is equally significant. The Niti Aayog’s National Multidimensional Poverty Index 2023, based on the National Family Health Survey, estimated that the state’s multidimensional poverty headcount ratio declined from 0.70% in 2015-16 to 0.55% in 2019-21. The index measures overlapping disadvantages in health, education and living standards, including nutrition, schooling, sanitation, housing and access to basic amenities.
Keralam: Demand to open up distance education sector faces resistance
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With Kerala’s major universities struggling to raise their own revenue, a demand has emerged to amend the Sreenarayanaguru Open University Act, 2021, to allow other state universities to resume Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes. However, sources in the four-year-old open university argue that opening up the sector could undermine the institution before it has had sufficient time to consolidate its position.
Wounds that heal without a trace? New fibre scaffold holds promise
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A wound may heal, but the scar it leaves behind can last a lifetime. What if the healing process could be faster, leave less visible scarring and even help hair grow back on the affected skin? A team of researchers has developed a tiny fibre-based material that could bring that possibility a step closer. The innovation has earned a patent, but there is still a long way to go before it can be used to treat patients.
‘Agniparavakal’ to turn up heat in Kerala; pilot run cleared
The journey is divided into four phases. The first 20 days will help students identify their strengths, interests and aspirations. The next 25 days will focus on life skills and well-being, covering communication, financial discipline, cyber safety and anti-drug awareness. The following 35 days will take learning beyond textbooks through vocational mini-projects, design thinking and entrepreneurship-related activities.
Cheaper medical testing chips on the horizon
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Keralam: Cheaper Medical testing chips on the horizon
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: iny chips used in medical research could become easier and cheaper to manufacture, thanks to a new patented technique developed by Keralam-based researchers. Using inexpensive sheets commonly employed in rubber-stamp printing, they have developed a method to make microfluidic chips without expensive moulds or specialised clean-room facilities.
Stuck with your PG options? Keralam’s new FYUGP may offer more choices
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Students from different academic backgrounds wanting to pursue MSc Mathematics, for instance, may not have to be held back by the title of their undergraduate degree, provided there is an academic link and the prescribed entrance requirements are met.
Keralam women spend three times national average on work commute
Call for more affordable public transport “The findings point to the need for creating more affordable, comfortable and reliable public transport, especially in such untapped areas,” Sreedevi said. Women in rural areas take an average 30 minutes to reach their fixed workplace, seven minutes more than the national rural average of 23 minutes. For the state’s urban workers, this is 27 minutes, same as national urban average.
Annual checks for elderly to tackle dementia on cards in Kerala
The strategy places families at the centre of dementia care. Every family of newly diagnosed persons is proposed to receive a defined period of coordinated post-diagnostic support through Vayomithram. Family and paid caregivers would be trained in daily care, safe-home environments and managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. “Respite care would be provided through the existing Pakal Veedu and Samayaprabha network, alongside caregiver support groups and an integrated helpline.
KTU pro-VC row sets VC and syndicate on collision course
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The VC-Syndicate tussle at APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) is back, despite the change of guard in the state. Vice chancellor Ciza Thomas’ proposal to appoint a pro vice chancellor has set her against the newly constituted UDF-majority syndicate. The syndicate has put the proposal on hold, citing the absence of a panel of names for consideration.
Keralam: First-of-its-kind registry to ease FYUGP eligibility woes in works
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For a student in the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUGP), getting a degree may only be the first step. Proving what that degree qualifies them for could leave them scratching their heads.
CMRL payoff case: BJP’s diary offensive backfires
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Forgotten Thiruvananthapuram Observatory records reveal new clues to 1859 solar storm
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Forgotten records from the Thiruvananthapuram Astronomical Observatory have shed new light on the world's most powerful recorded solar storm, with potential implications for modern-day space-weather forecasting and satellite protection. Preserved in Scotland for more than 160 years, the records suggest that the solar storm of 1859, known as the Carrington Event, was part of a sequence of powerful solar eruptions that repeatedly disturbed Earth's magnetic field.
Recipient matters | ‘Party donation different from payment to a politician’: Legal experts
“The RP Act does not recognise an entity called political leader. It refers only to political parties. Merely being a politician or an office-bearer of a party does not give the person any exemption to receive funds under the Act,” opined Harish Vasudevan, advocate and activist. The distinction becomes sharper when the recipient is a public servant.
BJP replaces Javadekar in Keralam, brings in two southern leaders
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a notable change to its Keralam organisational team, the BJP central leadership has replaced veteran Prakash Javadekar with Karnataka leader M Nagaraj, a leader better known for his organisational work than his public profile. Nagaraj, a relatively less familiar face in Keralam, will be assisted by Tamil Nadu-based national secretary M Venkatesan as co-in-charge.
Beyond ramps: Kerala government plans first comprehensive disability rights audit
Accessibility of public spaces and services is a particular focus. The RPwD Act requires accessibility in built environments, transportation and Information and Communication Technology systems, including public information systems. "Much of the change could happen at the local level. Panchayats and other Local Self-Government Institutions have plan funds and administrative autonomy to take up projects.
As Chikankari travels far, artisans see little of its final price
Reshma says work that took a month and a half to complete eventually retails for as much as `15,000, but returns about `5,000 at the community level. “By the time middlemen take away their cuts at different stages, only a fraction of the final value reaches the artisan who actually worked on the fabric,” she says. Reshma’s three daughters, all school-going, have also begun picking up the craft by watching their mother work, keeping alive a skill passed down through generations.
Uttar Pradesh's Chikankari artisans' low-paid hands may soon earn more
"By the time margins are taken at different stages, only a fraction of the final value reaches the artisan," she said Yet, the craft continues to attract young artisans, even as poor returns drive some experienced ones away. Sahiba Khatoon, 18, is among the younger generation learning the intricate stitches. Reshma’s three daughters, all school-going, have also begun picking up the craft by watching their mother work, keeping alive a skill passed down through generations.
Canted turnout technology could help Vande Bharat trains go faster in Keralam
LUCKNOW: Keralam's sharp three- and four-degree railway curves limit the speed of Vande Bharat trains, but technologies such as canted turnouts could help trains negotiate some constrained locations faster without major changes to the existing alignment, according to senior officials at the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in Lucknow.
Beyond Ram temple, Ayodhya's boom tells another story
Vandana Pandey, recently appointed Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Magistrate, also says the rush remains unchanged, with the current lull largely due to the heat. During Ram Navami and Diwali, she says, there is “practically no space to stand”. Devotion, she adds, has shown no decline. Yet, the view from Guptar Ghat is more nuanced.
Sabarimala-model virtual queue on Ayodhya’s radar to ease pilgrim rush
Connectivity is also being upgraded to facilitate a pilgrim circuit. Two access-controlled expressways are being developed, linking Ayodhya with Prayagraj and Varanasi. The 150-km Ayodhya-Prayagraj route is expected to cut travel time to around 90 minutes, while the 190-km Ayodhya-Varanasi route should take less than two hours, making it easier to combine the major religious destinations.
Kerala BJP’s organisational rejig signals Gen Z push
Two clusters M T Ramesh put in charge of the Kozhikode-Palakkad cluster S Suresh will oversee the Ekm-T’Puram cluster.
ASAP appointments bypass open recruitment process, trigger row in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Appointments in the Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP) Kerala, a state-owned company under the higher education department, have courted controversy, with the UDF government filling the posts without inviting applications or conducting interviews. ASAP Kerala provides skill development and employability training to students, and the general public.
Kerala NSS volunteers take ‘Freedom from Lifestyle Diseases’ campaign to 200 homes
THIRUVANATHAPURAM: The fight against lifestyle diseases can begin with something as simple as a conversation at home. At a government school in the state capital, National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers are taking that conversation from one household to another.
Kerala Governor hopes ‘Thunchan Smrithi’ library turns into a cultural hub
Located on the ground floor of the new building adjacent to the main entrance of Lok Bhavan, the library brings together books that were earlier kept at different locations. The collection has been systematically organised and catalogued like a conventional library. The breadth of the collection is reflected in the way the books have been arranged.
A ‘brainwave’ in stress fires fresh study
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Offering hope for new approaches to treat neurological disorders, researchers from Kerala have developed a patented method to harness the body’s own tiny biological carriers, opening up new possibilities for a better understanding of how brain cells communicate under stress.
New AI academy to prepare Kerala’s techies for higher-value global roles
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New AI academy to prepare Kerala’s techies for higher-value global roles
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For years, Kerala’s IT story has largely been about producing engineers for a global industry. The next chapter could be about giving those engineers a bigger role in deciding what that industry builds. Seeking to prepare the engineers for such a shift, a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) Academy will be launched at Thiruvananthapuram Technopark on Monday.
‘Anbu Veedu’ to provide a home away from home for special needs children in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For parents of children with special needs, caregiving rarely stops. Even when they need to attend to an emergency, undergo medical treatment or travel, the question of who will care of their child can be difficult to answer. The social justice department is now seeking to address that gap through ‘Anbu Veedu’, a respite-care initiative for children and persons with special needs.
Kerala govt initiative to offer wider stage to youngsters with special needs
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Soon, artistically gifted children and youth with disabilities will have more avenues to showcase their skills before mainstream audiences. The state social justice department is set to expand its ‘Anuyatra Rhythm’ initiative by forming dedicated teams of performers in every district. An initiative of the Kerala Social Security Mission under the department, Anuyatra Rhythm was launched last year with the aim of empowering youth with special needs in the state.
Keralite becomes first to be elected to German city’s international residents’ advisory board
"Learning the language was one of the first and biggest challenges, but I was fortunate to receive tremendous support from the local community. Understanding how the German civic system works - from public services to education and administration - took time. Those experiences inspired me to help make that journey easier for future newcomers," he said.
CET’s electric retrofit breathes new life into ageing diesel hauliers
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As fuel costs climb and environmental rules tighten, the answer for many industries may not be buying new vehicles but reinventing the ones they already own. The College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET) has demonstrated just that by converting an ageing diesel-powered hauling vehicle into an electric one for Travancore Titanium Products Limited (TTPL).
From uniform syllabus to common calendar, panel plans FYUGP rejig in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Two years after Kerala introduced the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP), the first comprehensive review of its implementation has called for a broad reforms to the system. An expert committee has recommended reforms spanning examinations, curriculum, internships, governance and scholarships. The changes, the panel said, are needed to ensure the programme delivers on its academic objectives and is implemented uniformly across universities.
BJP begins push for LS polls with ‘Mission 2029’ in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As part of its long-term electoral strategy, the BJP has launched ‘Mission 2029’ in Kerala, kicking off preparations for the next Lok Sabha election almost three years in advance. The exercise marks one of the party’s earliest organisational mobilisations in the state for a parliamentary election, reflecting its intent to build a sustained campaign rather than a short-term poll effort.
Kerala plans broad FYUGP reforms with course restructuring
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) is set for a series of reforms, including the redesign of traditional degree courses into specialised, employment-oriented streams, greater emphasis on skill-based learning and large-scale teacher training.
Kerala weighs KSAAC revival as Centre plans accreditation overhaul
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the Centre prepares to empanel various accrediting institutions through the proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (VBSA) Bill, the state government is exploring a proposal to revive the Kerala State Assessment and Accreditation Council (KSAAC) as an autonomous accreditation agency. The move would enable the state to align quickly with the Centre’s proposed framework while also addressing Kerala’s gap in accrediting higher educational institutions.
Thiruvananthapuram panchayat launches free YouTube channel to improve English pronunciation
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For generations, mastering English pronunciation has remained a challenge for most students in Kerala’s government and aided schools. While classrooms taught grammar and vocabulary, opportunities to hear and practise correct pronunciation were often few and far between. For 13-year-old Advaith S, a Class VIII student at a government school on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram, one lesson changed the way he approached English.
Sree Chitra, ISRO to launch bioastronautics postdocs
The latest initiative was formalised through an implementing agreement signed at the ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru on June 25. The agreement was signed by SCTIMST director Dr Sanjay Behari and HSFC director Dr Dinesh Kumar Singh in the presence of ISRO chairman Dr V Narayanan and SCTIMST president Dr Kris Gopalakrishnan. Under the programme, selected fellows will undergo specialised training and conduct research at both SCTIMST in Thiruvananthapuram and HSFC in Bengaluru.
Kerala plans new ‘mission’ to woo domestic, international students
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is embarking on an ambitious journey as it looks to transform into a global higher education hub by attracting students from other states and countries. As part of it, the government is planning to establish a dedicated agency — the Kerala Campus Diversity Mission. “Backed by dedicated funding, the mission aims to increase the presence of out-of-state and international students on Kerala campuses,” Higher Education Minister Roji M John told the TNIE.
KSHEC stalemate continues as LDF appointed members stay put
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Crisis has emerged in the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), the apex advisory body in the state’s higher education sector, as five members nominated by the previous LDF government have refused to resign even after the UDF assumed office. Though the UDF government recently appointed a new vice-chairperson and member secretary after the incumbents stepped down, the continued presence of five LDF-nominated members has created a stalemate.
CET future at crossroads as KTU constituent college plan draws flak
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The UDF government’s proposal to convert the College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET) into a constituent college of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) has sparked a debate over the institution’s future. While critics have raised concerns about CET’s autonomy, supporters say the move offers greater opportunities for academic growth within a university system.
Kerala Engineering student’s digital platform could transform KSRTC travel
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSRTC buses could become smarter, safer and more inclusive if a digital platform developed by an engineering student from Thiruvananthapuram is adopted by the state transport utility. From alerting passengers before their stop arrives and helping recover lost belongings, to enabling one-touch emergency alerts for women and audio announcements for visually impaired commuters, the platform named ‘PinkSparsham’, has already earned recognition from KSRTC.
In this school in Kerala, reading is a way of life
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an age when smartphones compete for children's attention, Government Vocational and Higher Secondary School, Vithura, has scripted a different story where books continue to shape young minds. Here, reading is not confined to library periods or exam preparation. It has become a shared tradition involving students, parents, teachers and alumni, creating a culture that extends beyond the classroom.
In this school in Kerala, reading is a way of life
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an age when smartphones compete for children’s attention, Government Vocational and Higher Secondary School, Vithura, has scripted a different story where books continue to shape young minds. Here, reading is not confined to library periods or exam preparation. It has become a shared tradition involving students, parents, teachers and alumni, creating a culture that extends beyond the classroom.
All-season mobile workstation for fish vendors bags design patent
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Every day, thousands of roadside fish vendors, most of them women, spend hours exposed to scorching sun, heavy rain and unhygienic surroundings while selling their catch. Many stay seated in the same posture for hours with little access to basic facilities. A team of researchers has now developed an innovation that could significantly improve their working conditions – a mobile workstation. The idea emerged from field research rather than the drawing board.
Lesson in care! This Kerala school's initiative of ‘compassion' is ‘food' for thought
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At the Marayamuttom Government Higher Secondary School, an extra breakfast packet has become a silent symbol of care, compassion and solidarity. Under an initiative named ‘Kanivu' (compassion) of the institution's Student Police Cadet (SPC) unit, students are encouraged to bring an extra breakfast from home for classmates who arrive at school on an empty stomach.
Lesson in care! This Kerala school’s initiative of ‘compassion’ is ‘food’ for thought
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At the Marayamuttom Government Higher Secondary School, an extra breakfast packet has become a silent symbol of care, compassion and solidarity. Under an initiative named ‘Kanivu’ (compassion) of the institution’s Student Police Cadet (SPC) unit, students are encouraged to bring an extra breakfast from home for classmates who arrive at school on an empty stomach.
Kerala eyeing global educational hub status
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Acknowledging the large-scale migration of students from Kerala as a major concern, the first budget of the UDF government has resolved to transform the state into a premier destination for higher education.
Census 2027 goes digital with online self-enumeration option
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Gone are the days when households had to sit and wait for an enumerator's knock on the door. With Census 2027, India's first digital Census, citizens can now self-enumerate online, marking a major shift in the way the country conducts the population count. With Kerala being one of the most digitally literate states, officials expect a sizeable number of households with internet access and basic digital skills to opt for self-enumeration.
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