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Time of India
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
KAL develops 3 new electric vehicles
T'puram: Kerala Automobiles Ltd (KAL) has developed three new electric vehicles with the aim of reaching new markets and consumers. The mini e-cart, with a track width of 60cm and capable of carrying 150kg, is suitable for transporting goods within campuses, farms, construction sites and narrow paths, as well as for waste removal. The mini e-cart plus, developed by KAL, with a track width of 85cm and capable of carrying 310kg, can be used for various cargo transportation needs. The inauguration of these vehicles will be done by industry minister P Rajeev at KAL campus on Wednesday. Along with this, inauguration of the specially designed ice cream carts for Milma will also be held. Animal husbandry minister J Chinchu Rani will receive the keys to the ice cream carts and will flag them off at KAL. KAL designed and manufactured the ice cream cart, named Milma Mili Cart, as per Milma's requirements. The first batch of 30 units is aimed to be distributed equally among Milma's Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode regional cooperative milk producers' unions. Milma intends to continue manufacturing the required ice cream carts through KAL in the future. It features a customizable carriage box and tipping mechanism. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Matina Crossing: Scholarships You Can Apply For (Start Now) College Scholarship | Google Search Search Now Undo This roadworthy vehicle can also be used for waste removal. The electric buggy 1.0, with a track width of 85cm, can accommodate five passengers. It is suitable for transportation within campuses, colleges, resorts and hospitals. According to KAL chairman Pulluvila Stanly, KAL is also operating a modern machine shop capable of supplying high-precision components to aerospace and defence institutions like VSSC, Isro, BrahMos and LPSC. The manufacturing and marketing of electric scooters will commence soon. He said that KAL is also planning to expand the marketing of garbage carts to neighbouring states and customize e-carts to manufacture mobile food carts. The company aims to launch electric autos in the North Indian market, develop a new model electric auto with more mileage and comfort and an electric pickup capable of carrying over 500kg.


Time of India
14-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MSMEs can now pay professional tax via KSWIFT
Thiruvananthapuram: Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state can now register for professional tax through the single-window online platform KSWIFT, launched by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC). This new feature eliminates the need for multiple physical visits and simplifies the process, said industries minister P Rajeev. By uploading the required licences and certificates, businesses can now apply for and manage professional tax registration entirely online. This move allows entrepreneurs to focus on running their businesses while avoiding cumbersome paperwork and personal appearances before local authorities. Professional tax is levied by local bodies—municipalities, corporations, and panchayats—on employees, professionals and businesses, and is a mandatory compliance requirement for MSMEs. The Kerala Single Window Interface for Fast and Transparent Clearance (KSWIFT) was developed as part of the state's broader effort to enhance ease of doing business. KSWIFT offers a streamlined interface where entrepreneurs can apply for all necessary approvals from various govt departments in one place. This reduces procedural delays and significantly speeds up the approval process for business operations. Kerala witnessed a surge in MSME registrations following the launch of the 'Year of Enterprises' initiative in 2023. So far, around 3.5 lakh new ventures have been registered in the state. The minister attributed this growth to proactive ease of doing business measures and procedural reforms introduced by the government. "Of the new entrepreneurs, 31% are women-led, and 4% each belong to SC and ST communities. More than 50% come from OBC categories, and even the transgender community has benefited from the scheme," Rajeeve said. He added that enabling professional tax payments via the KSWIFT portal will further support and accelerate this inclusive growth. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .


Time of India
24-05-2025
- Time of India
Tiger that killed rubber tapper in Kerala's Malappuram continues to evade capture
Kozhikode: Eight days after a tiger mauled a rubber tapper to death in Kalikavu in Malappuram, the animal continues to evade capture despite an intensive operation by the forest department. Forest officials said the tiger is now believed to have moved further away from the area of the incident, with fresh pug marks spotted around three kilometres away near Kerala Estate. "The tiger has shifted from the location where our camera traps were initially set up. We are now relocating some of the cameras to the new area based on the latest evidence," said Kalikavu forest range officer P Rajeev. He added that the tiger's movement and the steep, rugged terrain have been posing challenges to capturing the animal, whether through trap cages or tranquilization. Of the three trap cages deployed by the forest department, two have been installed at the Ravuthar Kunnu area and one at the Sulthana Estate area where the tiger was spotted on Wednesday. Local residents had raised protest over the delay in capture of the tiger on Thursday. T he tiger had attacked Gafoor Ali, a native of Kallamoola in Chokkad panchayat, around on May 15 while he was working at an estate in Ravuthar Kunnu. The forest department has mobilized a massive response team of over 60 personnel, including veterinary experts led by Dr Arun Zachariah. Trained kumki elephants — Kunju and Surendran — have been stationed in the area. Additionally, thermal drones were used in the search and 80 camera traps have been installed to monitor the movement of the tiger. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !


New Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
KMRL will lead Water Metro studies nationwide, says minister P Rajeeve
KOCHI: The Kochi Metro has garnered global attention and it's a matter of pride for the entire Kerala that the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) is entrusted with the study to start water metro in various centres across the country, Industries Minister P Rajeev said on Monday. He was inaugurating the state-of-the-art fuel station at Kalamassery, a joint project of KMRL and BPCL. He urged KMRL to examine whether the green spaces along the medians between metro stations can be maintained with the help of various other agencies, despite the metro facing financial crunch. Hibi Eden MP said that no metro system in the country is profitable and that the metro authorities here are leaving no stone unturned to generate revenue. 'The fuel station venture is the latest example of that. It will give a big boost to the efforts to increase non-fare revenue. The KMRL will get Rs 40 lakh lease amount besides a profit share that corresponds with the sales.' 'Now the 24-hour fuel station caters to petrol, diesel and electric vehicles. We're in talks over making available CNG fuel as well,' Loknath Behara, KMRL managing director, said.


India Today
08-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Centre denies travel permission to Kerala Health Minister for US university lecture
The Centre has denied travel permission to Kerala Health Minister Veena George, who was invited to speak at Johns Hopkins University in the United to her office, the minister had applied for political clearance three weeks ago but was informed of the denial just three days ahead of her planned isn't the first time Kerala ministers have faced travel blocks. In March, the Centre denied permission to Industries Minister P Rajeev and his team to attend a public administration conference in Washington, where they were scheduled to present Kerala's 'Year of Enterprises' Just days ago, George warned that Kerala could see a rise in dengue, rabies, and water-borne infections due to shifting climate patterns, and directed that a micro-level health action plan be finalised by May instructed local bodies to step up mosquito control efforts, identify high-risk areas and ensure timely interventions as per the state's health alert calendar. Emphasising accurate disease reporting, including by private hospitals, she cited the Public Health Act as a mandate for coordinated stressed vigilance against dengue and leptospirosis as well. 'Leptospirosis deaths often occur due to not being treated in the initial stage,' she said, urging those who come into contact with contaminated water to take prophylactic medication as advised by health workers. IN THIS STORY#Kerala