Latest news with #Veena
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
One more death takes Covid toll to eight; active cases surge to 1,435 in Kerala
T'PURAM/PATHANAMTHITTA : Kerala's latest Covid toll rose to eight as one more person died of the infection on Monday. Meanwhile, 35 new cases took the state's active case-load to 1,435, even as Health Minister Veena George attributed the surge to the state's commitment to accurate and widespread testing. With the latest deaths, Kerala's cumulative Covid death toll stands at 72,147 since the pandemic began. There have been 32 Covid-related deaths in the country this year, with the majority occurring after the surge in May. Before May 19, Kerala had reported just one death due to the virus. Health officials said most of the deceased had underlying health conditions. The current surge in cases is being attributed to the rapidly spreading Omicron JN.1 sub-lineages, especially LF.7 and NB.1.8. Surveillance was ramped up in the state after a spike in cases was observed in Southeast Asian countries at the end of April. The health department has made masks mandatory in hospitals and for healthcare workers. A few private hospitals have set up dedicated wards and ICU wings exclusively for Covid patients to prevent cross-infection. A screening process has been introduced for symptomatic individuals, especially those in high-risk categories. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the district Praveshanotsavam in Pathanamthitta, Veena attributed the rise in cases to the state's accuracy in Covid testing. 'Testing is being done and the numbers are being recorded accurately. So, there is no need to worry. We are monitoring the situation very closely,' she said. The minister said in view of the global surge in Covid cases, Kerala has ramped up testing. 'As a result, we are witnessing a spike in the number of cases. Other places have not initiated testing yet,' she said. Though the variant appears to be less severe, its potential for spread remains high, Veena noted while urging people to take precaution, including wearing masks. The health department has instructed district medical officers to monitor different areas for potential outbreaks and implement preventive measures. Veena stressed that those with pre-existing illnesses should take extra precautions, including wearing of masks, as Covid poses a greater risk to them. The minister also urged the people to avoid unnecessary hospital visits and reminded healthcare workers to strictly adhere to infection control protocols. matic individuals, especially
The Hindu
4 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
TTD opens admissions for SV Music and Dance college and Dolu school
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has invited applications from eligible students for admission to various courses for the academic year 2025-26 at Sri Venkateswara College of Music and Dance as well as Sri Venkateswara Nadaswaram & Dolu School, Tirupati. Applications will be accepted starting from Monday (June 2). The college offers full-time Visharada (diploma) and Praveena (Advanced diploma) courses in Vocal, Veena, flute, violin, Nadaswaram, Dolu, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, dance, Harikatha, Mridangam and Ghatam. Similarly, the school offers full-time certificate and diploma courses. Classes will commence from June 27 and hostel facilities will be open for students coming from other regions. Those interested can obtain the application form during college working hours by submitting a demand draft for ₹50 in the name of 'The Executive Officer, TTD'. The eligibility criterion for admission into the college and the school is eighth standard pass and fifth standard, respectively. For additional details, contact 9440793205 or 9848374408.
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Kerala HC extends status quo on SFIO report in CMRL case
The Kerala High Court has extended by four months its interim order directing status quo of proceedings before the special court on a report filed by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) against Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL), a company based in Kochi accused of financial fraud. This followed a petition filed by the CMRL challenging the special court's order that took cognisance of the SFIO report and issued summons to the accused, including T. Veena, daughter of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Along with extending the interim order, the court adjourned the matter with a directive to complete serving of notice on the respondents. The CMRL's contention is that it had not been granted an opportunity for a pre-cognisance hearing under Section 223(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). But the Centre and the SFIO maintained that the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) will govern the proceedings, as the BNSS came into effect only on July 1, 2024 and the investigation had commenced prior to that. The special court had found sufficient ground to take cognisance of the offences and issued process against these persons for offences under relevant provisions of the Companies Act, following which the CMRL challenged the proceedings, citing denial of a pre-cognisance hearing. The SFIO had filed a complaint under the Companies Act before the special court, Ernakulam, alleging that the CMRL was involved in fraudulent transactions of ₹182 crore. On April 11, the had court arrayed Sasidharan Kartha, his son, Saran Kartha, and Ms. Veena and their respective firms as accused in the case. Ms. Veena had been named for allegedly receiving ₹2.73 crore from the company without rendering any services.
New Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Health department steps up anti-dengue campaigns in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Raising awareness about dengue, the health department has launched a mobile unit within the corporation limits. Health Minister Veena George inaugurated the mobile awareness van on Wednesday. The van will screen dengue awareness videos, focusing on measures people can take at home and institutions to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Currently, the capital district is reporting over a dozen new dengue cases daily. So far, there have been 2,450 dengue cases and eight deaths in the state this year. In preparation for the upcoming monsoon season, as part of the National Dengue Awareness Campaign, the health department is stepping up awareness efforts in all districts in collaboration with local self-government bodies, said Veena. As part of pre-monsoon cleaning activities, source destruction efforts are being carried out with the active participation of local bodies, public, and voluntary organisations. Special activities have been scheduled for May 23 and May 30. Additionally, a special dry day will be observed at homes and institutions. With the schools reopening soon, attention will also be given to cleaning school premises and surrounding areas, the minister said. Veena also urged the public to remain vigilant about dengue, particularly due to the impact of climate change. She called on all local bodies and residents to focus on source destruction, stressing that stagnant water inside or around homes or institutions must be avoided.
New Indian Express
22-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Risk of Covid spread high, self-protection crucial: Health Minister Veena George
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George has cautioned that the risk of Covid spread in the state remains high, following a surge in cases across Southeast Asia driven by Omicron JN1 subvariants, LF7 and NB1.8, which are highly contagious, though less severe. 'Self-protection is crucial. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as cold, sore throat, cough or shortness of breath should wear a mask,' Veena said on Wednesday after a meeting with the state-level rapid response team to assess the current situation. The meeting recommended making masks mandatory in hospitals. The state has reported 182 Covid cases in May, with Kottayam (57), Ernakulam (34), and Thiruvananthapuram (30) registering the highest numbers. At the meeting, it was decided that Covid tests be conducted if anyone shows symptoms. The team also issued directives to ensure an adequate supply of RTPCR kits and other essential safety equipment. Public advisories were issued to discourage unnecessary hospital visits and emphasise frequent handwashing with soap. Veena also warned against unnecessary referrals of Covid patients by some private hospitals, stressing that treatment should follow the established protocol at the treating facility. Meanwhile, the meeting discussed lifting of containment zone restrictions in Nipah-affected areas of Malappuram, as there has been no further spread of the infection.
