KSDMA, Customs warn against floating cargo
Kochi: In the wake of the sinking of the ship MSC Elsa 3 off Kochi waters, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued a special warning in the coastal areas, advising them not to touch any floating objects likely from the spillage.
The public was asked to call 112 in the event of any such sightings.
"If you see objects on the shore that appear to be from the ship MSC Elsa 3, please do not touch or go near them. Immediately report to 112 and keep a distance of at least 200 metres. Do not obstruct authorities when they are removing the objects. Ensure you stay at a safe distance. The public is advised to be particularly cautious," said the message that was announced through the Kavacham coastal siren system at 5.45pm on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the office of the chief commissioner of customs, Thiruvananthapuram zone, informed that the cargo contained hazardous and dangerous goods, including calcium carbide, a chemical that reacts violently with water to release highly flammable acetylene gas. All goods on board were non-duty paid at the time of the incident and any unauthorised removal or pilferage of such goods is illegal. The customs marine and preventive units have been deployed along the Kerala coast and surveillance is ongoing in coordination with other agencies.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
"The public is strongly advised not to approach or interact with any floating or beached containers or debris, as they may contain dangerous substances. Instead, anyone sighting such material is requested to immediately inform customs authorities at the numbers given below. Public cooperation is vital to ensuring safety and assisting ongoing recovery efforts.
Custom House, Kochi Control Room: 0484-2666422
Customs (Preventive) Control Room, Kochi: 0484-4569400
Customs Preventive Unit, Alappuzha: 0477-2991132
Emergency number: 112
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Struggling with English? Top 10 hacks to master grammar
Mastering English grammar often determines the difference between mediocre and exceptional communication. While traditional methods emphasise rote memorisation of countless rules, modern language research reveals more efficient pathways to grammatical proficiency. The challenge is widely recognised: grammar consistently ranks among the most difficult aspects of English acquisition for non-native speakers, while even native speakers frequently struggle with advanced concepts. However, grammatical competence doesn't demand years of tedious study, it requires strategic, evidence-based approaches that accelerate learning while ensuring retention. These ten proven strategies synthesise linguistic research with practical teaching experience, offering a systematic blueprint for achieving grammatical mastery. Whether you're a professional seeking credibility in international business, a student preparing for academic success, or an individual pursuing personal language goals, these techniques transform grammar from an intimidating obstacle into a manageable skill set. 1. Build your foundation: Master the 8 parts of speech Every sentence relies on eight building blocks: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Understanding these categories transforms grammar from abstract rules into logical patterns. Practice identifying these parts in simple sentences before tackling complex structures. In "The quick brown fox jumps," recognise "fox" as a noun, "quick" and "brown" as adjectives, and "jumps" as a verb. This analytical skill becomes automatic and forms the foundation for advanced grammar concepts. 2. Start simple: Perfect basic sentence structure Master the fundamental Subject + Verb + Object pattern before attempting complex sentences. Practice with simple constructions: "Students study grammar," "Teachers explain concepts," "Practice improves skills." Once this feels natural, gradually add modifiers and clauses. This progressive approach prevents confusion that results from tackling advanced structures too early. Understanding basic patterns also improves reading comprehension and error identification. 3. Harness memory tricks for stubborn rules Transform arbitrary rules into memorable patterns. Beyond "I before E, except after C," create personal memory devices. Group irregular verbs by similar patterns: "sing-sang-sung," "ring-rang-rung," "begin-began-begun." For apostrophes, remember: "If it belongs to someone, use an apostrophe before the S. If it's plural, just add S." Use "FANBOYS" (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) for coordinating conjunctions and comma placement. 4. Train your ear through daily reading aloud Reading aloud engages multiple senses, reinforcing grammatical patterns through auditory learning. Your brain begins recognizing correct grammar naturally, similar to how children acquire language through repetition. Choose varied materials, news articles, fiction, academic texts, to expose yourself to different writing styles. Well-constructed sentences have natural cadences that become apparent when spoken. This practice also reveals awkward phrasing that sounds unnatural when vocalised. 5. Reinforce learning through daily writing practice Consistent writing transforms passive grammar knowledge into active skills. Start with brief exercises, journal entries, emails, or social media posts, focusing on specific grammar concepts you're learning. Set weekly goals for particular structures: practice relative clauses this week, parallel structure next week. Keep a log of recurring mistakes to identify error patterns and direct your study efforts efficiently. 6. Use technology as a learning tool, not a crutch Grammar checkers widely available in the market serve as valuable learning aids when used strategically. Instead of blindly accepting suggestions, analyse why the tool flagged specific text and understand the underlying principle. Create a personal reference by saving helpful explanations. Over time, you'll notice patterns in mistakes and develop awareness of common errors. However, remember that automated tools have limitations and may miss context-dependent errors. 7. Learn through imitation and analysis Identify writers whose style you admire and analyse their sentence construction. Pay attention to sentence variety, transitional phrases, and paragraph structure. Try rewriting their sentences using different grammatical structures while maintaining meaning. Transform passive voice to active voice, convert complex sentences to compound sentences, or experiment with combining ideas differently. This develops expression flexibility and expands your grammatical repertoire. 8. Conquer common mistakes that undermine credibility Focus on high-impact errors that immediately signal grammatical incompetence: they're/their/there confusion, its/it's mistakes, and subject-verb agreement errors. Create personalised rules for persistent errors. Remember: "it's" always means "it is" or "it has", if you can't substitute these phrases, use "its." For subject-verb agreement, identify the true subject by ignoring prepositional phrases: "The box of papers is on the desk." 9. Develop self-awareness through recording and playback Record yourself explaining concepts or having conversations, then listen for grammatical errors and awkward phrasing. This technique reveals mistakes that writing might hide, particularly with tense consistency and subject-verb agreement in spontaneous speech. Use targeted practice: describe daily routines (past tense), explain future plans (future tense and conditionals), or narrate current activities (present continuous). This develops fluency with specific grammatical forms. 10. Accelerate progress through expert feedback Native speakers, qualified tutors, or experienced teachers provide insights that self-correction cannot match. They identify subtle errors, explain nuanced rules, and prevent development of persistent bad habits that become "fossilised" through repetition. Seek feedback on both written work and spoken communication. Online platforms offer affordable, flexible grammar coaching that provides valuable course corrections and personalised guidance. Your grammar mastery action plan Combine these strategies systematically rather than attempting all simultaneously. Begin with foundation building (parts of speech and sentence structure), add daily practices (reading aloud and writing), incorporate technology wisely, and seek periodic feedback. Track progress through specific metrics: reduced errors in writing samples, improved assessment scores, or increased confidence in professional communication. Focus on clarity and effectiveness rather than perfect rule adherence. Remember that grammar mastery serves communication, not perfection. These strategies build practical skills that enhance your ability to express ideas clearly and confidently in any context, transforming grammar from an obstacle into a powerful communication tool. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Beyond grades: 5 must-have skills to get admission in top global universities
Exceptional grades and test scores no longer guarantee admission to elite universities. As competition intensifies globally, admissions committees have shifted toward holistic evaluation, seeking candidates who excel across multiple dimensions beyond pure academic performance. This transformation reflects Global universities' recognition that successful students require diverse competencies to thrive in complex, interconnected academic environments. For international applicants, understanding and demonstrating these five critical skills can make the difference between acceptance and rejection. Academic excellence with intellectual curiosity Strong academic performance remains fundamental, but universities distinguish between students who complete assignments and those driven by genuine learning passion. Admissions officers want evidence of intellectual curiosity, the motivation to explore ideas and pursue knowledge beyond requirements. Students should pursue rigorous coursework like International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP), or A-Levels while articulating how these experiences shaped their thinking. Independent research projects, academic competitions, and self-directed learning demonstrate curiosity effectively. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Click Here - This Might Save You From Losing Money Expertinspector Click Here Undo Rather than listing achievements, personal statements should narrate specific discovery moments and explain how particular concepts influenced academic goals. The most compelling applications show students who ask probing questions, pursue topics independently, and maintain lifelong learning mindsets—qualities that predict research contributions and classroom engagement. Critical thinking and problem-solving Universities prize students who analyze problems systematically and develop innovative solutions. These capabilities prove essential across disciplines, from scientific research to policy analysis. Application essays provide ideal venues for showcasing analytical thinking. Students should describe situations where they identified complex problems, evaluated multiple perspectives, and developed solutions. Examples might involve community challenges, organizational conflicts, or academic projects requiring systematic approaches. Focus should emphasize the thinking process rather than outcomes alone. How did you evaluate evidence? What assumptions did you question? How did you adapt when initial strategies failed? These details reveal analytical capability that admissions committees value. Global perspective and cross-cultural competence Modern universities function as international communities where cultural fluency becomes essential. Admissions committees seek students who understand global interconnectedness and communicate effectively across cultural boundaries. International experiences offer natural demonstration opportunities, but students must move beyond surface-level travel descriptions. Reflect on how exposure to different cultures challenged assumptions or influenced understanding of global issues. Multilingual abilities prove valuable when students describe how language skills facilitated cultural understanding or enabled meaningful cross-cultural connections. Community involvement with diverse populations, international student mentoring, or cultural exchange participation can demonstrate competence without international travel. The key involves showing genuine engagement with different perspectives and cultures. Leadership through initiative and impact Universities want students who contribute actively to campus communities and become future leaders. Modern leadership extends beyond traditional authority positions to encompass initiative, positive influence, and measurable community impact. Extracurricular involvement provides obvious opportunities, but students must emphasize specific contributions rather than simply listing positions. Quantify achievements: Increased membership, funds raised, events organized, problems solved. Community service projects offer powerful leadership demonstrations, especially when students identify needs, develop solutions, and mobilize resources for change. Personal projects and entrepreneurial ventures can show leadership without formal organisational involvement, tutoring programs, community events, or local problem-solving initiatives. Resilience and adaptability International education demands exceptional adaptability as students navigate new educational systems, cultural norms, and social structures. Universities seek students who handle setbacks gracefully and adjust to unfamiliar environments. Personal challenges overcome provide compelling resilience evidence, but framing matters. Focus on responses to difficulties, lessons learned, and growth achieved through adversity rather than simply describing problems. Adaptation experiences, moves, school changes, and significant transitions demonstrate flexibility effectively. Describe specific adjustment strategies and how these experiences prepared you for future challenges. Academic or personal failures can strengthen applications when students explain how they analysed setbacks, adjusted approaches, and achieved subsequent success through persistence. Integration and authenticity The strongest applications demonstrate how these competencies interconnect. A student might describe how international experience enhanced problem-solving abilities, or how leadership challenges developed resilience and adaptability. Universities seek contributors to diverse academic communities who will develop into engaged global citizens. Success requires recognizing how existing experiences demonstrate these qualities and communicating those connections clearly. Avoid fabricating experiences to match competencies. Instead, identify how current experiences reflect these traits and articulate those connections compellingly. Admissions committees easily recognize authentic narratives versus manufactured ones. Strategic application Transform applications from achievement lists into compelling personal development narratives. Each competency should connect to specific examples that reveal character, growth, and future potential. Use concrete details, reflect on learning experiences, and demonstrate genuine passion for your chosen field. International applicants who master this approach position themselves advantageously in competitive admissions processes. While academic credentials remain important, these broader competencies often distinguish exceptional candidates from merely qualified ones. The holistic admissions revolution rewards students who can authentically communicate personal stories with depth and clarity. Those who understand and effectively demonstrate these five essential skills will find themselves well-positioned for admission to the world's leading universities. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Forest dept revives traditional crop protection methods in Bageshwar
Bageshwar: On the occasion of World Environment Day (June 5), the forest department in Bageshwar has launched an innovative initiative to plant Timur (Zanthoxylum Armatum) and Rambans (Agave Americana) along agricultural fields, with an aim to protect crops from wildlife while offering financial benefits to local farmers. The initiative is centred on raising awareness among farmers about the dual advantages of these plants -- they serve as natural barriers against wildlife, particularly monkeys and wild boars, and also generate marketable produce. Forest officials said that the plants will act as living fences around agricultural plots, offering both protection and economic value. Divisional forest officer (DFO) Dhruv Martoliya said, "Farmers in hilly areas often incur heavy crop losses due to wild animals. To combat this, we've introduced a natural method by planting Timur and Rambans around farmlands. These species not only deter animals but are also in high market demand." The DFO added, "The programme will not only reduce crop damage but also encourage farmers to return to cultivation as many hillside fields remain fallow due to repeated wildlife-related losses. By blending traditional ecological practices with modern outreach efforts, we aim to restore farming confidence and strengthen rural livelihoods in the region." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Fastest Selling Plots of Mysore from 40L | 40+ Amenities PurpleBrick Learn More Undo Rambans, a hardy, thorn-covered plant, has long been used in arid regions to demarcate land boundaries. It yields strong natural fibres used in rope-making, mats, and handicrafts. Timur, on the other hand, is prized for its medicinal properties and is commonly used in organic and herbal products. Bhagwat Singh, a 76-year-old retired schoolteacher, recalls how such practices were once the norm in hill communities. "Our elders used these methods to protect their fields. Over time, those traditions faded. With the growing threat from wild animals today, this initiative is both timely and necessary." Bageshwar: On the occasion of World Environment Day (June 5), the forest department in Bageshwar has launched an innovative initiative to plant Timur (Zanthoxylum Armatum) and Rambans (Agave Americana) along agricultural fields, with an aim to protect crops from wildlife while offering financial benefits to local farmers. The initiative is centred on raising awareness among farmers about the dual advantages of these plants -- they serve as natural barriers against wildlife, particularly monkeys and wild boars, and also generate marketable produce. Forest officials said that the plants will act as living fences around agricultural plots, offering both protection and economic value. Divisional forest officer (DFO) Dhruv Martoliya said, "Farmers in hilly areas often incur heavy crop losses due to wild animals. To combat this, we've introduced a natural method by planting Timur and Rambans around farmlands. These species not only deter animals but are also in high market demand." The DFO added, "The programme will not only reduce crop damage but also encourage farmers to return to cultivation as many hillside fields remain fallow due to repeated wildlife-related losses. By blending traditional ecological practices with modern outreach efforts, we aim to restore farming confidence and strengthen rural livelihoods in the region." Rambans, a hardy, thorn-covered plant, has long been used in arid regions to demarcate land boundaries. It yields strong natural fibres used in rope-making, mats, and handicrafts. Timur, on the other hand, is prized for its medicinal properties and is commonly used in organic and herbal products. Bhagwat Singh, a 76-year-old retired schoolteacher, recalls how such practices were once the norm in hill communities. "Our elders used these methods to protect their fields. Over time, those traditions faded. With the growing threat from wild animals today, this initiative is both timely and necessary."
