Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala University will appoint an expert committee to look into Chintha Jerome’s dissertation controversy. A four-member committee will be appointed. The paper will be subjected to direct examination. The action is taken in the background of receiving the complaint.

Yesterday, the committee at the SAVE University camp asked for a recheck of Chinta Jerome’s research degree. The demand was made in a petition given to the Governor and Kerala University Vice-Chancellor. The petition demanded that the guideship of Dr. PP Ajayakumar should be suspended and he should be removed from the post of HRDC Director.

The dissertation submitted for awarding Chinta Jerome’s Ph.D. must be re-examined by an expert committee. The guideship of ex-PVCPP Ajayakumar should be suspended as the guide of thought who has committed serious lapses. The Save University camp also demanded that he be removed from the current position of HRDC director.

Thiruvananthapuram: From February 1 health card is mandatory for all employees handling food items in all establishments that cook, distribute and sell food.

In addition to food safety officers, health inspectors from the health department will also check hygiene and health cards. Food safety inspections and activities will be strengthened as part of the ‘Kerala Safe Food Space’ scheme implemented in the state. The Food Safety Department will take strict action against those who find deficiencies.

Action will be taken against those issuing and possessing fake certificates. The medical fitness certificate obtained should be kept in the institution. When closed establishments are reopened, they must submit an affidavit that all employees undergo food safety training within two weeks and register for hygiene ratings within one month of opening, along with remedying other deficiencies.

The Food Safety Department had issued an order banning food parcels without a slip or sticker with a food safety warning in the state. It has been made mandatory from February 1. Action will be taken against non-compliant institutions. The slip or sticker should specify the date and time the food was cooked and the time within which it should be consumed.

Kochi: A native of Thrissur was arrested for smoking in the toilet of the plane. Sukumaran, a native of Thrissur Mala, was arrested. The incident took place on a Dubai-Kochi flight. The action was taken following a complaint by the Kochi airport authorities.

While the plane was flying, the authorities noticed smoke coming from the lavatory. The staff then stopped him from smoking and informed the security officer at the airport.

He was taken into custody on the instructions of the security officer and cigarettes and a lighter were recovered from him. The police informed said a case has been registered against him under various departments.

Thrissur: In Vadakanchery Kundanoor, a person who was undergoing treatment died after being seriously injured in an explosion at a firecracker. Manikandan, a native of Kavaseri, who was undergoing treatment, died.

Manikandan was badly burnt in the explosion of the firecrackers. He died while undergoing treatment at Thrissur Medical College.

The blast took place at a place where ammunition was kept for the festivals of important temples in Thrissur. The firework store was completely gutted in the blast.

Thiruvananthapuram: The government has rejected the recommendation of Beverages Corporation to increase the price of its own liquor brand Jawawan.

Bevco had demanded a 10% price hike for jawan produced at Travancore Sugars in Thiruvalla.

The Excise Department and the Chief Minister’s Office had initially accepted the demand in the face of rising spirit prices. But in the meantime, the government also waived the turnover tax of liquor companies. Travancore Sugars will also benefit from this. It is in this situation that the government has decided not to increase the price.

Jawan is the most-sold rum in Kerala. The distillery in Thiruvalla produces 8000 cases of rum per day.

Thiruvananthapuram:  Light rain is likely in the state from Monday. This is due to the formation of low pressure in the Bay of Bengal. The Meteorological Department also said that there is a chance of rain with thunder at isolated places on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Strong wind gusting to 45 to 55 kmph is likely over Southwest Bay of Bengal, Sri Lanka coast and Southeast Bay of Bengal. At the same time, the Meteorological Department has also informed that there is no hindrance to fishing in the coasts of Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep.