According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (July 2023 - June 2024) Kerala, Lakshadweep, and Andaman Lead in Youth Unemployment Rate.
According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for July 2023 to June 2024, Kerala, Lakshadweep, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands have the highest youth unemployment rates in India. The survey highlights significant regional disparities in job opportunities for the youth, with these regions showing higher-than-average unemployment compared to the national level. Kerala's high literacy rate and skilled workforce contrast with its limited job creation, leading to higher joblessness among young people. The report underlines the urgent need for targeted employment programs and economic initiatives in these areas to address the growing issue of youth unemployment.
Government initiatives to promote entrepreneurship among youth could reduce unemployment in regions like Kerala and Lakshadweep.
Skill development programs tailored to regional industries are essential for improving job prospects for young people.
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Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Jammu & Kashmir Emerge as Top Performers in Food Safety and Standards Authority of India's (FSSAI) State Food Safety Index 2023-24.
Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Jammu & Kashmir have emerged as top performers in the State Food Safety Index 2023-24, released by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The index evaluates the performance of states and union territories in ensuring food safety across parameters like compliance, food testing, and capacity building. Kerala topped among the larger states, while Tamil Nadu secured second place. Jammu & Kashmir led the rankings among smaller states and union territories. The index is part of FSSAI's ongoing efforts to promote food safety and maintain high standards in the country’s food sector.
Kerala and Tamil Nadu's success reflects strong government initiatives aimed at improving food safety regulations.
Jammu & Kashmir's leadership among smaller states highlights its efforts to enhance food safety despite challenging conditions.
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Government declares Adichunchanagiri in Karnataka and Choolannuar in Kerala as Peacock Sanctuary.
The government has declared Adichunchanagiri in Karnataka and Choolannuar in Kerala as new Peacock Sanctuaries. This decision is aimed at protecting and preserving the habitat of the peacock, India's national bird. The sanctuaries will provide a safe haven for peafowls, allowing them to thrive in their natural environment. Conservation efforts will include measures to protect these areas from human encroachment and habitat destruction. The establishment of these sanctuaries underscores the government's commitment to wildlife conservation and the protection of India's rich biodiversity.
The sanctuaries will include educational programs to raise awareness about peacock conservation among local communities.
The government plans to monitor and research peacock populations to ensure the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
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Kerala retains top spot in the latest SDG India Index rankings.
Kerala shares the top spot with Uttarakhand with a composite score of 79 points. It topped the list in ‘zero hunger,’ and quality education, stood second in climate action and third in both gender equality, and ‘industry, innovation, and infrastructureKerala has retained its top ranking in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index brought out by the Niti Aayog, sharing the top spot in the 2023-24 edition with Uttarakhand with a composite score of 79 points.
Kerala excelled in clean water and sanitation, securing the top position, underscoring its commitment to sustainable development.
It also ranked high in affordable and clean energy, demonstrating comprehensive progress towards achieving sustainable development goals.
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Researchers from TN discover new species of snake in Meghamalai.
Researchers from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the UK have identified a new species of shield tail snake in the Meghamalai-Munnar region of the Western Ghats. Known as the Tail-spot Shield tail, this non-venomous snake was often mistaken for the Palni Shieldtail. Shield tail snakes, a group of burrowing species found in the Western Ghats, emerge during monsoons for breeding. The discovery was published in Zootaxa.
Shieldtail snakes are scavengers and diggers, and they come out to breed during the monsoon. The discovery was published in the international journal Zootaxa.
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Kerala Set to Become First State to Publish PBR.
Kerala is set to make history by publishing its People's Biodiversity Register (PBR) in Hindi, becoming the first state to do so. This initiative aims to improve access and understanding of biodiversity information among Hindi speakers. The PBR documents local biological resources and traditional knowledge, crucial for conservation and sustainable development. Translating it into Hindi promotes broader participation in biodiversity conservation, fostering inclusive environmental awareness and governance nationwide.
This initiative promotes biodiversity conservation and sustainable development across linguistic communities.
It ensures wider participation and inclusivity in environmental governance and awareness.
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GST rate rationalisation panel reconstituted with Bihar Deputy CM Chaudhary as convenor.
The GST Council on Friday made public that Group of Ministers to give recommendation on rate rationalisation has been reconstituted with Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Samrat Chaudhary as new convenor. Chaudhary will replace Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh Suresh Khanna. The office memorandum, dated February 27 but posted the Council website now, says other members of the reconstituted panel are Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, Goa Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, Rajasthan Medical, and Health Services Minister Gajendra Singh. It also includes West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, and Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal.
Chaudhary will replace Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh Suresh Khanna.
Out of seven members GoM, four are from NDA and three from opposition-ruled States.
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Kozhikode is India's first UNESCO 'City of Literature'.
Kozhikode in north Kerala, known for its rich cultural heritage, was on Sunday officially declared as India's first UNESCO 'City of Literature'. In October 2023, Kozhikode had earned a place in the 'Literature' category of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). State Local Self Government Department (LSGD) Minister M B Rajesh described Kozhikode as a city with a soul, characterised by humanity, harmony, a strong sense of justice and freedom of expression. "These core values have given birth to the vibrant art of Kozhikode," Rajesh said.
Kozhikode is a place known for literary greats like late S K Pottakkad and Vaikom Muhammed Basheer.
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Ajith Kumar KK Named as MD and CEO of Dhanlaxmi Bank for 3 Years Tenure.
Private sector Dhanlaxmi Bank on Tuesday said it has appointed Ajith Kumar KK as Managing Director (MD) of the bank. He will take charge on June 20, Kerala-based Dhanlaxmi Bank said in a regulatory filing. The board at its meeting held on Tuesday approved the appointment of Ajith Kumar KK as Managing Director & CEO of the bank for a period of three years with effect from June 20, 2024, and on such remuneration as approved by RBI vide letter dated April 18, it said.
The bank will seek approval of the shareholders for the said appointment within the prescribed time period in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI regulations, it said.
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India successfully concludes hosting of the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) and the 26th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26).
India successfully concluded hosting of the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) and the 26th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26) from May 20th to May 30th, 2024 in Kochi, Kerala. Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister, Ministry of Earth Sciences and Ministry of Food Processing Industries, announced India’s plan to set up an Antarctic research station, Maitri-II. The ATCM-46 was held with the overarching theme of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, a Sanskrit phrase that means one Earth, one family, one future. This resonates deeply with the Antarctic Treaty System, which promotes peace, scientific cooperation, and the preservation of Antarctica for mankind. ATCM-46 was inaugurated by the Honourable Union Cabinet Minister, Shri Kiren Rijiju, Ambassador Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs and Dr Shailesh Nayak, former Secretary of MoES and Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bengaluru. Ambassador Pankaj Saran, former Deputy Adviser to the National Security Board, was elected as the Chair of the 46th ATCM. Dr Vijay Kumar, Scientist G-Adviser, MoES, was the Head of the Host Country Secretariat.
Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, MoES and Head of the Indian delegation (host country), informed that soon India will be submitting comprehensive environmental evaluations for establishing Maitri-II.
The ATCM-46 and CEP-26 were hosted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, with support from the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat headquartered in Argentina.
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PLFS records Delhi's employment rate lowest, Kerala's highest in Q4 FY24.
Kerala recorded the highest unemployment rate among the 15-29 age group in urban areas for the January-March quarter of 2024, while Delhi had the lowest joblessness rate, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI). The overall unemployment rate for the 15-29 age group was 17 per cent for the January-March period, an increase from 16.5 per cent in the previous quarter but slightly lower than the 17.3 per cent reported in the same period in 2023. For all age groups, the unemployment rate was 6.7 per cent , marginally up from 6.5 per cent in the previous quarter and slightly below the 6.8 per cent from the previous year.
The survey, which covered 22 states and Union territories, identified Jammu & Kashmir, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Odisha as other states with high unemployment rates in this age category.
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Thiruvananthapuram International Airport receives zero waste to landfill accolade.
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], May 22 (ANI): Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has made history by becoming the first airport in India to achieve the Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWL) accolade. This recognition, awarded by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII-ITC) Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development, highlights the airport’s exceptional waste management practices and commitment to sustainability.
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Ltd (TIAL) in a release, has claimed that it was the first airport in the country to receive this 'prestigious recognition'.
The ZWL assessment confirmed that Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has successfully implemented best-in-class waste management strategies, achieving an impressive 99.50 per cent diversion of waste from landfills.
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The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has given sanction to Adani’s Vizhinjam Port in Kerala to operate as a India's 1st transshipment port.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has given sanction to Adani’s Vizhinjam Port in Kerala to operate as a India's 1st transshipment port. A transshipment port is a crucial hub where cargo is transferred from one big vessel to several smaller ones before they reach the final port of discharge. It will now help India in its ambition to become a manufacturing hub. The proposal to designate it as a customs-notified port has also been made. Current regulations require the shipping ministry’s nod to prevent competing projects from being permitted before capacity at operational ports is saturated. This approval paves the way for customs to set up an office at Vizhinjam port. It will be India’s first full-fledged deep water transshipment port. A final nod from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is expected in the coming 3 months.
Approximately 75 percent of India’s transshipment cargo is currently processed at ports overseas, with destinations such as Colombo, Singapore, and Klang handling about 85 percent of this cargo.
The project aims to capture a portion of the Indian cargo market, which amounts to over a million containers transshipped annually through foreign ports like those in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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Indian-origin Teacher Gina Justus has been named regional winner for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at the 2024 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards.
Sharjah Girls Branch teacher Gina Justus has been named regional winner for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at the 2024 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards. Gina Justus is an English High School teacher in Sharjah Girls Branch, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Gina Justus is originally from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Gina Justus has been working in the UAE since 2005. Gina Justus was recognized for her excellent mentorship and dedication to charity. India's Meena Mishra has also been included among the total nine regional winners in this competition. Meena Mishra is a teacher at Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan International School, Mumbai.
The Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards is a global competition.
It honors exceptional primary and secondary school teachers.
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Former Indian wrestler Narsingh Pancham Yadav was elected the Chairman of the 7 member Athletes' Commission of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
Former Indian wrestler Narsingh Pancham Yadav was elected the Chairman of the 7 member Athletes' Commission of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). With Narsingh Yadav's election to this post, the process mandated by the world governing body of sports was completed. A total of eight contenders were in the race for the election of seven seats in the commission. After voting, seven members were elected. Apart from Narsingh Yadav, other members elected to the Athletes Commission are as follows: Sahil (Delhi), Smita A S (Kerala), Bhartiya Bhaghei (Uttar Pradesh), Khushboo S Pawar (Gujarat), Nikki (Haryana), Shweta Dubey (Bengal). Narsingh Yadav, a former Commonwealth Games gold medalist, came into the limelight before the 2016 Olympic Games.
The UWW is the international governing body for wrestling. It monitors wrestling at the Olympics and World Championships.
Narsingh Pancham Yadav is an Indian wrestler.
At the 2010 Commonwealth Games, he won the gold medal in the men's freestyle 74 kg category.
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Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi was appointed as the 26th Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, succeeding Navy Chief Admiral Hari Kumar.
Vice Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi was appointed as the 26th Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, succeeding Navy Chief Admiral Hari Kumar. Tripathi will take over the office from incumbent Chief Admiral Hari Kumar on April 30, 2024. Earlier this year, in January, Vice Admiral Tripathi assumed the role of Vice Chief of the Naval Staff. He was commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1985. After being promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral, he served as Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Policy and Plans) at NHQ and as the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. In June 2019, he was promoted to the rank of Vice Admiral and appointed as Commandant of the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala, Kerala. He later served as the Director General of Naval Operations from July 2020 to May 2021, during which the Navy maintained a high operational tempo despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. From June 2021 to February 2023, Vice Admiral Tripathi served as the Chief of Personnel.
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A state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterization and Evaluation (SPACE) was inaugurated by Secretary of Defence (R&D) and Chairman of DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat at the Underwater Acoustic Research Facility, Kulamavu, in Idukki, Kerala.
A state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterization and Evaluation (SPACE) was inaugurated by Secretary of Defence (R&D) and Chairman of DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat at the Underwater Acoustic Research Facility, Kulamavu, in Idukki, Kerala. The Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO set up the SPACE. This facility is a center for testing and evaluating sonar systems used by the Indian Navy on different types of vessels, including ships, submarines, and helicopters. The facility is made up of two structures: a floating platform on the water's surface and a submersible platform that can be lowered up to 100 meters. The SPACE will mainly be utilized to evaluate complete sonar systems, allowing for quick deployment and easy recovery of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers.
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Researchers discovered a new species 'Impatiens neo-uncinata' of garden balsam in Kerala.
Researchers discovered a new species 'Impatiens neo-uncinata' of garden balsam in Kerala. It is a new species of Impatiens(family Balsaminaceae). It has been discovered in the Western Ghats and is a rare. It bears morphological resemblances to Impatiens uncinata but it differs in the size of the flowers, basal and distal lobes, the dorsal petal and pollen. In India, the Himalayan and the north-eastern regions account for the highest diversity of Impatiens. The southern arm of the Western Ghats stands second in that respect.
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Noted Carnatic musician K.G Jayan passed away in Ernakulam district of Kerala.
Noted Carnatic musician K.G. Jayan passed away at Thripunitura in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Born to the late Gopalan Thanthrikal and late Narayani Amma in Kottayam on November 21, 1934, Jayan and his brother K.G Vijayan were known as the ‘Jaya-Vijaya’ duo in the world of music. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019, the fourth highest civilian award in India. He composed more than 1,000 songs for Tamil and Malayalam films.
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the certification of registration of 4 non-banking finance companies (NBFC) two from Telangana and one each from Kerala and Uttar Pradesh.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the certification of registration of 4 non-banking finance companies (NBFC) two from Telangana and one each from Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. And the entities will not transact the business of a shadow bank, as defined under RBI Act, 1934. Separately, four NBFCs surrendered their registration certificates following a decision to exit from the non-banking finance business. Three NBFCs ceased operations following corporate actions such as amalgamation, dissolution, merger or voluntary strike-off. Those NBFCs whose registration has been cancelled by the Reserve Bank include Kerala- based Nanma Chits and Financiers Ltd, Uttar Pradesh based Kailash Auto Finance Ltd and Chidrupi Financial Services Ltd and Goldline Financial Services Ltd from Telangana.
Three NBFCs surrendered their registration certificates to RBI as they cease to be a legal entity due to amalgamation/ merger/dissolution/ voluntary strike-off, etc.
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NDDB chief Meenesh Shah has been unanimously elected as chairman of National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India Ltd (NCDFI).
NDDB chief Meenesh Shah has been unanimously elected as chairman of National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India Ltd (NCDFI). NCDFI has also elected 8 directors on its board unopposed. 8 directors on the Board unopposed which include, Dr Meenesh Shah, Jharkhand Milk Federation; Dr. Mangal Jit Rai, Sikkim Milk Union; Shamalbhai B. Patel, Gujarat Milk Federation; Randhir Singh, Haryana Milk Federation; K. S Mani, KeralaMilk Federation; Balachandra L. Jarakiholi, Karnataka Milk Federation; Narinder Singh Shergill, Punjab Milk Federation and Sameer Kumar Parida, West Assam Milk Union. Apart from these elected directors, Shri S. Regupathi, Executive Director, NDDB is the nominated director on the Board of NCDFI. Dr. Meenesh Shah has long been acknowledged for his pivotal role and substantial contributions to the dairy cooperative sector, fostering growth and sustainability over the years.
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