Latest news with #T.P
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Inaction of ISRO leadership in extinguishing spy case controversy remains a mystery, says former Ambassador T.P. Sreenivasan
The inaction of the leadership of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in nipping the infamous ISRO spy case of 1994 in the bud remains a mystery, former Ambassador T.P. Sreenivasan said here on Sunday. It remains a mystery why the ISRO leadership failed to publicly say that the space agency did not possess the technology that its scientists were accused of selling to Pakistan, Mr. Sreenivasan said after releasing Chaaram: Chaara Caseinte Pinnamburam, a book by journalist John Mundakkayam on the espionage controversy, here. 'Had they done so, the case would have turned into ashes immediately,' he said. 'Careful examination' The ISRO spy case was something that should never have happened, D. Sasikumar, a former ISRO scientist who was one of the accused in the case but later acquitted, said. Mr. Sasikumar underscored the need for a careful examination as to how and why the ISRO case happened. He also recalled his work on rocket development during the formative years of the space agency and the dark days when he was branded a spy and 'treated like a third-rate criminal.' Former DGP Raman Srivastava, the IPS officer who was embroiled in the espionage controversy, received the first copy of the book from Mr. Sreenivasan. Mr. Srivastava expressed his hope that the book will further contribute to putting to rest the allegations regarding the ISRO case. He said he has never made any public statements linked to the case in all these years, and did not intend to start now. 'Whatever I have suffered remains with me and whatever has happened is now in complete view,' he said. 'Never established' Former DGP Jacob Punnoose, who presided, termed the espionage case baseless and nonsensical. It has never been established as to whether a crime was actually committed, he said. 'In every case, there should be a corpus delicti (body of the crime). In this case, strangely, at no point was it established as to what documents or secrets were stolen or smuggled out,' he said. Neither has any official of ISRO holding a responsible position formally lodged a complaint about secrets having been stolen, he said. Achuthsankar S. Nair, former Professor, Department of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Kerala University, Jancy James, former Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Kerala and Mahatma Gandhi University, were among those present.
The Hindu
25-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
RSS did not oppose Emergency all the time, says LDF convener
Left Democratic Front (LDF) convener T.P. Ramakrishnan, MLA, has alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) did not oppose the Emergency all the time. He was opening a seminar titled 'Memories of the Emergency and neo-fascist threats' here on Wednesday. It was organised by the Keluettan Centre for Study and Research to mark the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the Emergency on June 25,1975. Mr. Ramakrishnan claimed that there were documents showing that the RSS top brass had offered their help to then Union government led by Indira Gandhi to implement the Emergency. 'We need to understand the reality in this regard,' he said. Mr. Ramakrishnan, a local committee secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] during the period, was imprisoned and tortured by the police at that time. Meanwhile, he also objected to the observation that the current BJP government was a fascist one. 'It has not become fascist as yet, but certainly the government is exhibiting some fascist tendencies. It is another form of fascism,' he said. Mr. Ramakrishnan alleged that the Union government was implementing a 'new form of Emergency' in the country. It was giving a free hand to the corporates and curtailing the rights of the labour class. 'The new labour codes that have replaced some of the age-old labour laws are detrimental to the interests of the working class,' he said. Sebastian Paul, former MP, delivered a lecture recalling the horror of the Emergency. Mr. Ramakrishnan later released Vilakkukal Ananja Rathri, a book on Emergency authored by Mr. Paul, by handing over a copy to V. Vaseef, State president of the Democratic Youth Federation of India. Some of the political activists who were jailed and tortured during the Emergency were honoured. K.T. Kunhikannan, Director, Keluettan Centre for Study and Research, was present.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
12-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Hepatitis A outbreak in Kerala: What's causing it and how to stay safe
Kerala is currently witnessing a steep rise in hepatitis A infections, especially in districts like Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Thrissur. This trend has brought growing concern for public health, particularly with the onset of monsoon season. With the incubation period of hepatitis A virus being two to six weeks, health authorities expect more cases to surface, especially following reports of events where contaminated water and food were consumed. Rising Hepatitis A case numbers spark alarm in Kerala 3,227 confirmed cases and 16 deaths recorded state-wide by April 16, 2025 Sharp increase from 7,943 cases and 81 deaths in 2024 In May 2025 alone, more than 50 hepatitis cases reported What is driving the rise in hepatitis A infections? Unsafe drinking water from contaminated sources Heavy reliance on poorly chlorinated or untreated water—especially during summer and monsoon—leads to faecal contamination of drinking water, fuelling infection. Intense rains can cause flooding, creating mixing zones for sewage and drinking water. Water scarcity during summer, followed by erratic supply during monsoon, increases consumption of riskier sources. Low adult immunity increases hepatitis A vulnerability With better hygiene and fewer exposures in childhood, more adults now lack immunity, making them vulnerable. People with liver issues, diabetes, fatty liver, or alcoholism face greater risk of complications and death. Poor sanitation and leaking sewage systems Open drains, leaking pipelines, and illegal dumping contaminate water supplies—experts emphasise the urgent need for improved sanitation. What are the symptoms of hepatitis A to watch for? Typical symptoms include: Fever and fatigue Nausea Abdominal pain Headache Lethargy Diarrhoea Jaundice (yellowing of eyes/skin) Symptoms may surface 15–60 days post-infection. Infected individuals should avoid contact with others for one to two weeks after the symptoms appear. What steps are authorities taking to control the outbreak? Chlorination of water supplies: Super-chlorinators are being deployed in affected areas. Restaurant inspections: Stricter hygiene norms, including mandatory health cards for food handlers and boiled water usage. Protective gear advisory: Those involved in dairy farming and indoor cleaning must use protective gumboots and gloves. Public advisories: Wash hands thoroughly and avoid stale or uncovered foods. Emphasising the need for vigilance, District Medical Officer T.P. Sreedevi said, 'Only boiled and properly treated water should be used for drinking. Avoid stale food at all costs.' 'While health authorities are super-chlorinating water sources in affected areas, this alone won't curb the outbreak,' said Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, convenor of the Indian Medical Association Research Cell. 'Isolated measures aren't enough—sewage contamination of drinking water remains a major concern. We need sustained, scientific efforts to clean and safeguard water sources. Curbing illegal waste dumping and adopting proven septic waste disposal methods is critical to long-term prevention,' he added. How can individuals and families protect themselves? Drink only boiled, filtered, or purified water; avoid ice from untrusted sources. Wash hands with soap before meals and after using the restroom. Eat freshly cooked, properly covered food; wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Consider getting a hepatitis A vaccine, especially if you haven't been previously infected. Be alert for early symptoms and consult a doctor promptly—self-medication can worsen outcomes. What are the long-term solutions to prevent future outbreaks? Public health experts emphasise the need for a multi-pronged approach: Water safety Regular testing, chlorination, fixing leaks Sewage systems Build effective waste treatment and drainage Hygiene & awareness Routine public education and vaccination drives Policy & monitoring Proactive surveillance during seasons of high risk This report is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
