Latest news with #K.Radhakrishnan
The Hindu
4 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Technical snag: Delhi-bound Air India flight diverted to Chennai
A New Delhi-bound Air India flight from Thiruvananthapuram was diverted to Chennai on Sunday night due to a technical snag. Air India said the flight landed safely in Chennai, where the aircraft will undergo the necessary checks. Among the passengers on board were four Kerala MPs, including K.C. Venugopal, K. Radhakrishnan, Kodikkunnil Suresh and Adoor Prakash. 'The flight crew of AI2455 operating from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi on August 10 made a precautionary diversion to Chennai due to a suspected technical issue and given the weather conditions en route,' the airline said in a statement. Mr. Radhakrishnan said the flight had departed Thiruvananthapuram around 8.20 p.m. The pilot had informed them about the diversion about one hour later. 'We landed in Chennai around 10.45 p.m.,' he said. He said the Air India had arranged another flight for the passengers. The flight took off little past 8 pm from Thiruvananthapuram and landed in Chennai at around 10.35 pm, as per information from In recent weeks, there have been instances of some of Air India's aircraft facing technical snags. (With inputs from PTI)
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Science
- The Hindu
INCOIS to focus on forecasts on low profile but high impact events like high waves & storm surges
Thayannur Mullachery Balakrishnan Nair (54), a founding scientist of the Hyderabad-based Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Systems (INCOIS), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has recently taken over as Director. In this exclusive interview, he shares insights into the next phase of ocean observation and forecasting services. INCOIS has completed 25 years. How do you look at the evolution of the institute? For a scientific institution, 25 years is relatively young. Yet, we have emerged as global leaders in ocean information systems. Only four other countries — the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Japan —operate at this level of operational oceanography. We began with Potential Fishing Advisories (PFA), followed by tsunami warnings, ocean forecasts, and more. Our focus has been on improving the accuracy of observation systems for better forecasts to serve stakeholders such as fishermen, maritime industry, Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and tourism sector. Has INCOIS been able to achieve its stated mission objectives during this time? 200%! Our growth has been phenomenal. The institute was built brick by brick, by visionary directors from K. Radhakrishnan to my immediate predecessor T. Srinivasa Kumar. Our research and publications have had a tangible social impact, especially in helping the common man. The ISRO culture of nation-building and teamwork has inspired us. How has the importance of oceanography gained recognition over the years? There was struggle in the early years. But our mission of translational research— how to give service to the society and and supporting stakeholders like the fishing community—has gained traction. Today, nine lakh fishermen receive our PFA advisories daily. We've established a vast network of observation systems to provide accurate forecasts, and we're continuously upgrading them with the latest technologies. How good are we in monitoring the oceans, especially the Indian Ocean? We are among the best having invested a lot in tide gauge networks, automated weather stations, water quality monitoring buoys, Argo floats, tsunami buoys, and gliders. We are now developing undersea cable observatories for real-time monitoring. What are the benefits of real-time ocean monitoring? It enables us to provide timely services to society—whether it's identifying potential fishing zones, predicting high waves, or issuing tsunami and storm surge alerts. The shipping industry relies on us for safer routes, while the tourism sector needs information on beach safety and cleanliness. Our goal is to offer customized services. We also plan to provide ocean climate services like sea level rise, impact on coastal areas and blue economy stakeholders. How do you plan to expand your ocean monitoring systems? We are a key partner in UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), addressing 10 major challenges related to disaster risk reduction through advanced early warning systems. We are an integral part of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which has recognized us as a Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC) for early warnings and disaster management. We aim to develop a deep fishery information system, extending our current 20-kilometre range into international waters where countries like China and Taiwan are actively fishing. Are early warning alerts taken seriously by policy makers and stakeholders? Absolutely. We work closely with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State agencies to deliver alerts directly to the public through the Common Alert Protocol. Our current focus is on low-profile but high-impact events such as high waves and storm surges. Last year, 15 people lost their lives despite our warnings in Kerala. With rising sea levels, impact-based forecasts have become crucial. Can you elaborate on the need for advanced forecasting? We currently provide forecasts for three to four days. However, maritime users need long-term planning tools—sometimes months in advance. For decadal forecasting, we are planning advanced modelling systems powered by AI and machine learning, more satellite data, and seabed observation systems, especially in regions like the Andaman subduction zone. A constellation of satellites is essential to scan each site at least twice a day, compared to the current lag of one week to 22 days. INCOIS seems to have gone international by introducing buoys near Mauritius. What is the idea behind this? India is committed to supporting other nations in need of oceanographic information. We already provide alerts to 30-40 countries in the Indian Ocean and 14 countries in the Pacific. African nations, including Mozambique, are seeking our assistance, and we plan to expand our observation posts. So far, we have trained over 6,000 personnel from 97 countries in operational oceanography. Having built your entire scientific career here and now heading the institute, how do you look at it? I am proud and deeply satisfied. When I was recruited, I was asked about my vision. I was clear — I wanted to use science to serve society. Over the past two decades, I have contributed to saving lives, improving livelihoods, and helping government agencies manage natural disasters and marine-related developments.
Hans India
14-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Sculptors of TN's Tiruppur seek dedicated industrial cluster to preserve heritage craft
Sculptors from Thirumuruganpoondi, a town renowned for its traditional stone sculpture industry in Tiruppur district, have urged the Tamil Nadu government to establish a dedicated industrial cluster to safeguard and revive their age-old craft. K. Radhakrishnan, a temple architect and president of the Thirumuruganpoondi Sculptors Association, emphasised the town's historical significance. "After Mahabalipuram, Thirumuruganpoondi is the most important hub for stone sculptures in Tamil Nadu. For six generations, our town has been home to skilled artisans who produce high-quality stone sculptures, which are shipped across states and cities,' he said. According to Radhakrishnan, raw materials are primarily sourced from Uthukuli in Tiruppur and Rasipuram in Namakkal. However, restrictions on quarry operations in Uthukuli have led to a severe shortage of quality stone, escalating prices from Rs 600 to Rs 900 per square foot in just a year. At the same time, the cost of machinery has increased, compelling sculptors to raise their prices and thereby reducing their order volumes. He warned that the industry is on a decline due to government apathy. 'There were more than 150 sculpture workshops in Thirumuruganpoondi five years ago. Now, only 112 remain. Skilled artisans are paid up to Rs 1,500 per day, and we offer Rs 500 to new trainees, but even so, young people are reluctant to enter the field. Families involved in this profession for generations are discouraging their children from continuing due to a lack of support.' He appealed to the government to either fully fund a separate cluster or provide land at a 50 per cent subsidy. Without such assistance, he said, the industry could gradually vanish. S. Yuvraj, secretary of the association, pointed out that access to credit remains a major hurdle. 'Last year, we trained 21 young people to become entrepreneurs. They applied for loans but have yet to receive them. This has led to disappointment and distrust. The government should step in to facilitate easier access to loans, machinery subsidies, and introduce a dedicated board to support workers in this sector.' Responding to the demands, a senior official from the District Industries Centre (DIC) said that the government's Micro Cluster Development Programme already offers up to 90 per cent subsidy, covering project costs up to Rs 7.5 crore. However, land acquisition remains the responsibility of the artisans. "If the sculptors want government-provided land, they can approach us directly. We are ready to guide them and help with the loan process,' the official said. The sculptors hope that timely intervention from the government will help preserve this traditional art form and rejuvenate the once-thriving industry.
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
ED arraigns CPI(M), party leaders as accused in Karuvannur bank loan scam case in Kerala
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has arraigned the CPI(M) and a few top leaders of the party from Thrissur district, including K. Radhakrishnan MP, as the accused in the Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank loan scam. Mr. Radhakrishnan has been arraigned as the 70th accused in the case in the second set of final complaints filed on Monday (May 26, 2025). The CPI(M) was listed as the 68th accused. The investigation agency has listed 27 accused in the final complaint that was filed before the Special Court trying the offences booked under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The total number of accused in the case now stands at 83. Besides Mr. Radhakrishnan, Madhu Ambalapuram, a municipal councillor of Wadakkanchery municipality, former State Minister A.C. Moideen, former party Thrissur district secretary M. M. Varghese, A. R. Peethambaran, secretary of the Porathussery North local committee, M. B. Raju, secretary of Porathussery South local committee and K. C. Premarajan, secretary of Irinjalakuda area committee, have also been made the accused in the case. ED's case The ED case was that the bank, which was controlled by the CPI(M), had issued loans through fraudulent means and thus caused huge financial loss to itself and the depositors. It was also alleged that the loans were issued in violation of the rules and regulations and without proper collateral security. The agency alleged that the accused committed financial fraud to the tune of ₹180 crore. The ED had temporarily attached property valued at ₹128 crore. The scam and the case had created ripples in the political circles of Kerala, with the Opposition and the BJP hitting out at the CPI(M). The BJP had extensively campaigned against the CPI(M) during the 2024 parliamentary election, with Prime Minister Modi referring to it in his campaign speeches in Thrissur district. The ED booked the case by invoking the PMLA based on the FIRs registered in the case. Later, the Crime Branch took over the investigation. The ED and the Crime Branch later locked horns in the case after the latter had sought the files seized by the ED.
Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Indian Express
NEET-UG: NTA identifies, reports Instagram, Telegram channels ‘claiming to have access' to Q paper
Ahead of the NEET-UG exam scheduled to be held on Sunday, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has identified Telegram and Instagram channels 'claiming to have access' to the question paper, and has reported these cases for further action to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to NTA sources, the agency was acting on inputs received through an online portal it launched last weekend for users to report 'suspicious claims' regarding the examination. It has identified 106 Telegram and 16 Instagram channels that are 'engaged in spreading misinformation and attempting to mislead students.' The NTA has asked Telegram and Instagram to take these channels down immediately and share details of the administrators of these channels with law enforcement agencies for investigation. So far, the NTA has received a total of 1500 reports of suspicious activity through its online portal. According to NTA sources, most of these reports are of Telegram channels 'pushing fake paper leak narratives.' The online portal on the NTA website, set up on April 26, is meant for users to report suspicious activities under three categories – unauthorised websites/social media accounts claiming to have access to the NEET-UG question paper, individuals claiming to have access to exam-related content, and impersonators of NTA or government officials. Users can report suspicious claims till 5 pm on May 4, the day of the exam. The portal has been set up as part of measures that the NTA and Ministry of Education are taking this year to ensure that the NEET-UG exam goes smoothly. The Centre had come under fire last year for a NEET-UG paper leak. The probe into the leak had found that question papers were stolen from a centre in Jharkhand, solved, and sent to candidates who paid for them. Consequently, this year's exam is being held under strict vigilance. Security protocol this year includes police escort while transporting the question papers and OMR sheets, besides visits by District Magistrates and the police to examination centres to ensure preparedness. Coordination committees headed by the District Magistrate have been set up at the district level to manage the logistics and security of the exam. These measures are in line with the recommendations of a seven-member committee headed by former ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, which was constituted in the wake of the NEET-UG paper leak last year, to suggest measures for the smooth and fair conduct of such public examinations. Officials in the Ministry of Education have maintained that the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, which prescribes punishment for offences under it, will be adhered to and enforced strictly.
