Kozhikode: Anticipatory bail to the policeman, the fifth accused in the Pantheerankavu domestic violence case.  The court granted anticipatory bail to Sarath Lal, a senior civil police officer who had given instructions to the accused Rahul to escape.  The court adjourned the hearing of Sarath Lal’s anticipatory bail plea.  It was then that Kozhikode Principal Sessions Court heard the application on Wednesday and granted bail.

 He was the one who leaked the information to the accused including the move to charge him with attempted murder.  After the domestic violence complaint, Sarat Lal leaked crucial information in the police investigation.  He is the one who suggested the means to reach Bengaluru without getting caught by the police.  He was then suspended.  Meanwhile, the steps are in progress to bring Rahul home from abroad.

 Journalist BRP Bhaskar (92) passed away.  He died in Thiruvananthapuram.  He was a columnist in many media including Malayalam.

 In a journalistic career spanning over seven decades, he worked for The Hindu, Statesman, Patriot, UNI, Deccan Herald etc.

 He has received Swadesabhimani-Kesari Madhya award from the Government of Kerala for his comprehensive contribution in the field of journalism.  Spouse: Late Rama.  Daughter Bindu Bhaskar Balaji was a journalist.  Died in 2019.  Son-in-law: Dr KS Balaji.

 Born on March 12, 1932 at Kayakkara, Thiruvananthapuram district.  His father, AK Bhaskar, was an Ezhava leader and social reformer.  He acquired BSc from Kerala University in 1951 and MA from University of the Philippines in 1959. He has authored the books ‘Charitram Pradiyavar’ and ‘Newsroom- Experiences of a Journalist’.

The Different Art Centre (DAC), a prestigious project under Kerala Social Security Mission is renowned for its unique approach to empowering children with special needs through art. Recently, the center had the honour of welcoming K Madhavan, Country Manager and President of Disney Star, to explore opportunities to support this inspiring cause.

During his visit, K Madhavan toured the facility, interacted with over a hundred children and engaged in meaningful discussions with Gopinath Muthukad, Founder and Executive Director of the Different Art Centre, and directors, including Mahesh Gupta, Shail Thomas, and Jaya Dali. They discussed potential collaborations to further enhance the impact of center’s programs.

His visit underscores Disney Star’s commitment to social responsibility and its support for initiatives that make a positive impact on society. In a significant gesture of support, K Madhavan announced a contribution of INR 1.8 crores from the Disney Star CSR Fund. This contribution will aid in various welfare activities conducted by the Different Art Centre, furthering its mission in identifying, training, and refining the basic talents of differently abled children in various art forms.

The collaboration between Disney Star and the Different Art Centre is poised to bring about significant advancements in the lives of children with special needs, enhancing their artistic talents and overall well-being.

The Different Art Centre (DAC) is dedicated to educating individuals with special needs in various artistic disciplines, including magic, performing arts, and crafts. The center caters to children with diverse conditions such as cerebral palsy, visual impairment, hearing impairment, autism spectrum disorder, and other intellectual disabilities. DAC provides specialized training to help these children develop their skills and gain confidence through artistic expression.

 Thiruvananthapuram: Schools in the state will open on Monday after summer vacation.  All the preparations are done to welcome the children.  It is estimated that 2,44,646 new comers will reach the first class.

 A lot of changes await this academic year, including a crackdown on SSLC evaluations.  After a gap of 10 years, the textbooks were revised.  The new books are for classes 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9.  Another special feature this time is the lessons that promote gender justice.  Books have already been given to children. 

While classes in government educational institutions will begin today, some private schools will begin full-time operations from June 5.  Schools with counting centers and schools with flood relief camps are closed.

 Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will perform the state level entrance festival at Elamakara Sarkart Higher Secondary School, Ernakulam at 9.30 am.

 39,94,944 students are getting admission in various classes this year.  Pre-primary level – 1,34,763, primary – 11,59,652, upper primary – 10,79,019, high school – 12,09,882, higher secondary second year – 3,83,515, vocational higher secondary second year – 28,113.

 There are 11,19,380 students in government sector, 20,30,091 in aided sector and 2,99,082 in unaided sector.  Higher Secondary and Vocational Higher Secondary first year classes will start on 24th.

District Collector V Vigneshwari informed that bird flu was confirmed in the ducks reared in Ayyakari Padasekara in the first ward of Kottayam Paippad Panchayat.  Avian flu was confirmed in ducks raised by one Joseph Mathew in Puthanpura.  H5N1 was confirmed after a mass die-off of ducks at the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases Lab in Bhopal.

 18000 ducks were reared.  They are five and a half months old.  A radius of one kilometer from the confirmed spot of bird flu has been declared as a bird flu affected area.  All domesticated birds within a kilometer radius of the area where the disease is detected will be euthanized and scientifically disposed of under the supervision of the Animal Welfare Department.  Disinfection steps will be taken here.