Thiruvananthapuram: With the rise of covid and Omicron, more restrictions are likely to be imposed in the state. The covid review meeting is being reconvened under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister. Indications are that more restrictions will be imposed on this meeting.

There is a growing demand at the official level for regulation of the functioning of schools, colleges, and offices. The Department of Health has called for the resumption of online set up in schools and colleges. The Chief Minister has been informed about this.
It is learned that no night restrictions or weekend lockdown will be imposed. 

Kochi: Famous poet S Ramesan has passed away. He was 69. He was died at his home in Kochi, this morning. He was also the Editor – in – Chief of Granthalokam Sahitya Magazine. He was also noted as a lecturer, cultural activist, and editor.

He has been the Vice President and General Secretary of Purogamana Kalasahithya Sangham, a member of the Board of Directors of Sahitya Pravarthaka Sahakarana Sangham, Chairman of the Ernakulam Public Library, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Kerala Library Sangham. His works include Shidhila Chithrangal, Malakayarunnavar, Enikkarodum Pakayilla, Asthi Shayya, Kalushitha Kalam, and Karutha Kurippukal, S. Ramesante Kavithakal.

He has received the Cherukad Award, Shakthi Award, AP Kalakkad Award, Mulur Award, Asan Award, Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award 2015 and Focana Award. SN College professor Dr.TP Leela is his wife. Dr. Soumya Ramesh and Sandhya Ramesh are children.

Thiruvananthapuram: The Engineering College in Thiruvananthapuram has been closed due to covid confirmed to more than 100 students.The Thiruvalla Kumbanad SBI branch was also closed due to the covid confirmed to 10 employees.The formation of new covid clusters is a cause for concern as the number of covid patients is increasing daily in the state.

The students of Thiruvananthapuram College of Pharmacy were also diagnosed with the covid yesterday. Covid confirmed for 40 students. The disease was confirmed in participants of a New Year’s Eve party. Then the college closed. After the celebrations, classes were held for the students. The College of Pharmacy is also located close to the College. The patients were shifted to CFLTCs. The covid cluster has also been formed at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. Most people have reported symptoms of covid.  

Perumbavoor: A youth was hacked to death in Perumbavoor. Ansil Saju, a native of Kuruppadi, was killed. Two people are in custody in the case. The incident took place at around 10.30 last night. Two people were called out of the house and Ansil was killed. The initial conclusion was that it was a gunda attack. A group had a dispute with Ansil at a petrol pump. Kuruppampady police have launched an investigation into the incident. 

Kochi: Crime Branch held inspection at actor Dileep’s house on actress’ attack case. The inspection was carried out at a house called Padmasarovar in Aluva. The investigation is being carried out by a special crime branch team.  The investigation is based on the revelation that Pulsar Suni had brought the footage of the case of attacking the actress to Dileep’s house.  Director Balachandra Kumar said that Dileep has the footage. A team of about 25 people came for inspection.

Kannur: Gold seized at Kannur International Airport.  Police seized 1.4 kg of gold worth Rs 68 lakh.  Moineen Kunhi, a native of Kasaragod, came with the gold.  He was arrested by the police.

Kollam: Vigilance inspection at Aryankavu motor vehicle check post. Illegal money was seized. The vigilance team from Kollam reached the check post around 5 am on Wednesday.

There were widespread complaints of smuggling of overloaded vehicles from other states. The team is investigating whether the money found more than the check was taken as a bribe.

Thiruvananthapuram: Food Minister GR Anil said that special arrangements have been made for the distribution of rations till the server problem in the e-pos machine is resolved.

He said the supply of rice in the state would not be disrupted.

As part of this, rations will be distributed in seven districts till noon and in other districts in the afternoon. Ration shops will be open in Malappuram, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, and Wayanad districts from 8.30 am to 12 noon. In other districts, ration shops will be open in the afternoon.

There are currently technical issues with server capacity. Contact the State Data Center and the problem will be resolved within two days. Food Minister GR Anil said the rations were being distributed properly. However, he added that some people were closing shops and causing inconvenience.

There are 14036 ration shops across the state. Of these, only 4026 were operational on the last day. Out of 92 lakh cardholders in the state, only 13 lakh have been given rations so far this month. But the food department says the problem with the server is exaggerated by traders.