Latest news with #Kerala-based
Mint
2 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Mint
Lounge Loves: Creating space, Wyngaard Chevre Gris and more
Pretty, hand-embroidered towels put out for daily use have always spelt the height of luxury for me, having been brought up on the strict understanding that nice things are to be kept tucked away in cupboards or, at the very least, brought out only when guests are coming over. So when I acquired this set of handwoven waffle towels from Cananore Guild, a Kannur, Kerala-based home linen brand that's almost a century old, I started using them every day almost defiantly, even though a small part of me was tempted to hoard (because look how pretty they are!). I am a fan of the lavender set with the thistle motif, but have also got a set of pastel hand towels that come in their own cute basket, and am now eyeing their dainty table and bed linen sets that I promise will be used immediately. I think my mum would approve. A friend gifted a narrow wedge of Wyngaard Chevre Gris. I am cheese illiterate. For me, cheese paradise is placing a slice of processed cheese between two pieces of bread, slathering it with ketchup and grilling it to a crisp. Or having musk melon with cheese on holidays at hotel buffets. I sampled a thin slice of this fancy cheese; it was complex, a bit sweet, a touch acidic with a crystalline texture. Piqued, I decided to read the one-page leaflet that came with it. Turns out it's a special goat's cheese aged for 10 months at a cheese warehouse belonging to the Wijngaard family in the Netherlands, and pairs well with sparkling wines. And here I was, in very desi style, putting shavings of it on my cucumber slices and boiled eggs. A few years ago, I discovered bedsheet clippers—elastic suspenders that clip on to the edges of the sheet and prevent crumpling. I thought I must be the last person on earth to know about them, given I'm usually the last to hear any gossip. But oddly enough, every time I've mentioned them to some of the most ardent home-improvement pros in my circle, I've been met with blank stares. So I thought it best to write a small tribute. I use hypoallergenic fitted bedsheets layered over a mattress cover, which already helps keep things in place. But it's the bedsheet clippers that give the bed that perfectly taut, hotel-like finish. A quiet joy for the orderliness freak in me. Across cities, Metro rail construction has transformed skylines, often erasing green spaces—the massive Shenoy Nagar Park in Chennai, a green belt in Delhi's Mayur Vihar, among others. Many mourn the loss of the old MG Road boulevard in Bengaluru, a simple walkway with trees and benches, which the authorities replaced with an award-winning, somewhat soulless, sleek, granite space with an art gallery, performance stages and play areas. There have been reports of the space being underutilised and poorly lit, but people have made it their own. On weekdays, students with laptops study in spaces meant to host performances, a group learns to paint Kerala mural art in the hall that was supposed to be a gallery, friends sit on the children's play equipment and chat. In crowded cities, we always find spaces of our own.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
India sees 3,000+ active COVID-19 cases, 26 deaths; Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi lead surge
NEW DELHI: India's active COVID-19 cases have surged past 3,000, with Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi driving the spike, according to government data. As of May 31, the country reported 3,395 active cases -- a jump of 2,385 since May 19. As many as 26 deaths were reported on Saturday, up from 11 deaths recorded till May 26, according to Krishna Prasad, a health data analyst. According to the Kerala-based data expert, as many as 26 states and UTs are reporting active cases. Most states have started recording COVID-19 cases, which was not so until May 19, when a clear pattern of rise was reported in the country. Kerala is the worst affected, with 1,336 active cases reported on Saturday. On May 26, the southern state reported 430 active cases. Six deaths were reported, four up from May 26 in the state. Apart from Kerala, which has reported six deaths, Maharashtra has reported seven deaths. The two states are followed by Karnataka (3), Delhi (3), Uttar Pradesh (2), Tamil Nadu (1), Gujarat (1), Rajasthan (1), Madhya Pradesh (1) and Punjab (1). Maharashtra also recorded an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. The state, which has reported seven deaths, including one on Saturday, has recorded 467 cases, up from 209 on May 26.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Pilot Deadline Missed, IITMS Signal Installation at 10 Junctions to be Completed in Two Weeks
1 2 Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is racing against time to complete the pilot phase of its ambitious Rs197 crore Intelligent and Integrated Traffic Management System (IITMS). At a review meeting held on Wednesday, municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari directed the electrical department to finish installing smart signals at 10 key city junctions by June 15. Software operations will commence simultaneously from the NMC's command and control centre at its headquarters. Originally, the pilot project was scheduled for completion by April 30. After missing this deadline, the agency rescheduled it to May end. However, that deadline was also missed. Now, the civic chief has issued a stern ultimatum to the private contractor, warning of strict penal action if the revised June 15 deadline is not met. According to Rajendra Rathod, executive engineer of the NMC's electrical department, 90% of the required materials — including IT and controller boxes and other installation components — have already reached Nagpur. "Civil and cable-laying works are nearly complete. We're now ready to proceed with signal and system installation," he said. The pilot project is being executed in collaboration with Kerala-based system integrator Keltron and the city's traffic police. The selected junctions for this phase include Alankar Talkies, Kachipura, Bajaj Nagar, Abhyankar Nagar, Ajit Bakery T-point, LAD Square, Laxmi Nagar, Shraddhanandpeth Square, and Deekshabhoomi Square. The pilot will also feature trial runs of two to three of the planned 25 speed radars and LED-based variable messaging signboards, designed to provide commuters with real-time traffic updates. Once operational, the AI-powered IITMS will replace conventional signal timers with 171 adaptive traffic signals across the city. These signals will respond dynamically to live traffic conditions, potentially reducing travel time by 28-48% and increasing average vehicle speeds by 46-62%. Beyond easing congestion, the IITMS will include features such as red-light violation detection, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), speed monitoring, and CCTV-based surveillance. All data will be fed into a centralized command centre, enabling automated e-challans and simulated emergency traffic control. The entire project is scheduled for completion by December 2026, with Keltron responsible for installation and a five-year maintenance period. Once the pilot phase is declared successful, the NMC will begin city-wide upgrades of the remaining 161 signals and associated infrastructure.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kerala man wins $1 million jackpot in Dubai lottery for the second time in less than a decade
Source: Instagram A 60-year-old Indian expatriate from Kerala has defied the odds by winning the Dubai Duty-Free Millennium Millionaire jackpot for the second time in under ten years. This remarkable and rare achievement has left many stunned and inspired, reigniting belief in luck and fortune. Known for its slim chances, the jackpot is a dream for millions, making this repeat win all the more extraordinary. His incredible stroke of luck has turned heads worldwide, proving that lightning truly can strike twice, especially when destiny decides to surprise. Kerala-based Dubai resident wins $1 million lucky draw second time under 10 years On May 27, Paul Jose Mavely, a resident of Dubai for the last 38 years, was announced as the Dubai Duty-Free Millennium Millionaire draw (Series 503) winner. The news was released through Dubai Duty-Free's Instagram page, bringing happiness to fans and lottery players everywhere. Mavely, a current site supervisor for a small construction firm, had already won the same $1 million top prize once before in 2016, so this recent win was his second giant win in just over eight years. As per reports, Mavely has been a regular participant in the Dubai Duty-Free draw since its launch in 1999. Instead of depending on single entries, he has always teamed up with friends throughout the years to group together funds, thus maximizing their overall chances of winning. For the current jackpot, Mavely joined forces with 17 friends to buy ticket number 3532 online on May 19, a few days prior to the draw. Not only did this collaborative strategy create friendship, but it eventually led to a life-changing win. Mavely expressed his gratitude for the second win, saying, 'I'm very thankful to Dubai Duty-Free for this second win.' His initial jackpot victory in 2016 was also a shared prize, divided among nine friends. Mavely, a father of two, exemplifies how strategic teamwork and consistent engagement with the lottery can yield extraordinary results. Social media reacts in awe to Dubai millionaire lucky draw win After May 28's announcement, Dubai Duty-Free's Instagram posting congratulating Paul Jose Mavely quickly accumulated more than 200 likes and a plethora of comments. The caption was: "Another millionaire moment—again! Huge congratulations to Mr Mavely from India for winning his second US$1 million with Dubai Duty-Free today!" Social media users reacted with a blend of awe and curiosity. One user lightheartedly stated, "Congrats! I want to know the secrets of Indian luck," while another recognized the significant monetary investment involved, noting, "Spending 1000 on a ticket is no small amount." Several others reacted to her excitement with sincere congratulations and jaw-dropping responses, illustrating overall appreciation for Mavely's remarkable achievement. Also Read | UK's two-year-old boy becomes youngest member of high IQ society Mensa
Hans India
5 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Philatelist feels proud of Rs 100 NTR coin collection
Visakhapatnam: Kerala-based ES Madhav an, who works in the marketing department of a jewellery major, acquired the Rs.100 commemorative coin on the former founder president of Telugu Desam Party and former Chief Minister NT Rama Rao marking his 100th birth anniversary. On the occasion of NTR's birth anniversary, Madhavan emphasised that philately has to be encouraged among students as it sparts interest in history, art and culture. He said that he has been collecting special stamps, covers and coins for over a decade. A special plywood postcard, NTR's special stamp and first day cover and several other special covers form a part of his huge collection. 'I am glad to possess a Rs 100 NTR coin as I am one among a few to receive it despite its limited edition,' Madhavan informed.
