Latest news with #Maju
New Indian Express
29-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Kerala farmers keep wild boars at bay with leadwort
KOTTAYAM: As wild boar attacks continue to escalate across the state's forest fringes, an organic solution for mitigating crop destruction is gaining traction among farmers. The Indian leadwort, scientifically known as Plumbago Indica and locally referred to as 'Chethikoduveli,' has emerged as an effective deterrent, said farmers. First introduced by settler farmers in Kannur, the plant has now expanded its reach to the high ranges of Central Travancore with local bodies and the Agriculture Department taking initiatives to promote the planting of chethikoduveli at various locations. Local bodies in Idukki such as Vazhathope and Arakkulam as well as Koottickal in Kottayam have rallied to support the farmers to use this plant as a natural barrier against wild boars. 'We have decided to use this plant in our panchayat as a pilot project. We will provide plants to farmers at 75 per cent subsidy rate. In the initial phase, plants will be given to 18 farmers in the panchayat,' said Bijoy Jose, president of Koottikkal panchayat. According to experts, the plant's roots produce a pungent sap that repels wild boars, making it a natural alternative to traditional methods to prevent the vermin. Farmers residing in the forest fringes have increasingly adopted this plant, especially after previous attempts to fend off these animals proved unsuccessful. After four years of experimentation, Maju, a native of Mayyil in Kannur, introduced the Indian leadwort as an effective solution to wild boar invasions. Subsequently, the Agriculture Department validated its efficacy in preventing wild boars and have begun developing plants in their Karimbam and Aralam farms. The plants are also available at the Kerala Agricultural University's Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Research Station at Odakkali in Ernakulam. Meanwhile, chethikoduveli's success has spurred farmer interest and demand. However, despite the Agriculture Department's endorsement, its efficacy is yet to be scientifically substantiated by the experts. 'While many local initiatives have been undertaken, the precise effectiveness of this method requires scientific validation,' said Dr. P Balakrishnan, scientist at Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi.
New Indian Express
09-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Heroin seizures spike in Ernakulam, raising alarm for enforcement agencies
KOCHI: After a wave of cases involving ganja and synthetic drugs, the increasing number of heroin seizures in Ernakulam district has become a fresh concern for enforcement agencies. Just this week, four heroin-related cases were reported by the police and excise department. In the most recent case, police arrested four individuals following a raid in Perumbavoor, which led to the seizure of 126 grams of heroin. The contraband was concealed in ten soap boxes, each containing over 10 grams, with a total estimated market value of around Rs 70,000. Earlier, two migrant workers were apprehended in Kalady for possessing 25 grams of heroin, also hidden in soap boxes. 'In the majority of heroin seizure cases, the arrested individuals are from Assam. Our investigation reveals that the drugs are being trafficked through the Bangladesh and Myanmar borders. In the Perumbavoor case, the heroin was sourced from the Nagaland–Myanmar border. There has been a clear spike in such cases in recent months,' said a senior officer with the Ernakulam Rural Police. Excise officials have also noted a surge in heroin trafficking in recent weeks. Excise deputy commissioner T M Maju said his department has detected multiple instances of illegal heroin possession in the district. 'We are now seeing more heroin-related cases. Like ganja, heroin is gaining popularity, especially among migrant workers. There is a high demand among these groups,' Maju said.
The Star
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Brunei Crown Prince urges stronger Asean unity amid rapid tech disruption
Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah delivering his speech at the 17th Conference of Asean Ministers Responsible for Information on May 7, 2025. - BB BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah Hassanal Bolkiah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, on Wednesday (May 7) called for deeper regional collaboration to address the fast-evolving digital landscape and the disruptive impact of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. In a speech at the official opening of the 17th Conference of Asean Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) at the Indera Samudera Grand Hall, The Empire Brunei, the prince underscored the urgent need for Asean to keep pace with technological advancements, while safeguarding the integrity and inclusivity of the region's shared digital future. 'As we move further into the digital age, with some of our nations even leading the charge in innovation, a high literacy rate is essential. It empowers our people to navigate and harness the digital space effectively,' he said. While the digital shift brings opportunities for growth and innovation, it also poses complex challenges. The prince noted the rise of Artificial Intelligence as one such development that adds layers of difficulty to the already dynamic information landscape, making it crucial for the Asean information sector to evolve in step with these changes. 'I am encouraged to see AMRI collaborating with other sectors to proactively address these issues. This cross-sectoral approach is essential in ensuring that our region not only keeps pace with digital transformation but also safeguards the security and resilience of our digital environment,' he said. Under the theme 'Media Advancing Joint Understanding' or Maju, the 17th AMRI brings together information ministers, senior officials, and dialogue partners from across Asean and beyond, to explore strategies for promoting media as a unifying force in the region. In his speech, the prince also expressed support for Malaysia's Asean chairmanship this year under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', noting it reflects the region's ongoing efforts to strengthen unity while confronting external pressures and global uncertainty. Looking ahead to the Asean Community Vision 2045, which is expected to be adopted at the upcoming 46th Asean Summit, the prince stressed that the success of the Vision depends on effective public communication. 'It must be transformed from merely a policy framework into a shared aspiration embraced by all,' he said. Brunei Darussalam's digital transformation journey was also highlighted. His Royal Highness noted that the nation was among the first Asean member states to complete its 'Analogue Switch Off' in 2017, marking a milestone toward a fully digital broadcasting era. The prince commended the Asean information sector for its contributions to regional literacy and integration since AMRI's inception in 1989, particularly in fostering peace, stability, and unity across South-East Asia. 'His Majesty's Government remains committed to enhancing cooperation and making meaningful contributions to build regional resilience and prepare for future shocks,' he added. The 17th AMRI was attended by ministers and officials from all 10 Asean member states, Asean Plus Three dialogue partners – China, Japan and South Korea – as well as Timor-Leste. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
