Applications are invited from journalists for the Nehru Trophy Media Award organized by the Alappuzha Nehru Trophy Boat Race Society. As part of the 71st Nehru Trophy Boat Race, news reports and news footage published in newspapers, periodicals and Malayalam TV channels between July 1 and August 30, 2025, that help promote the boat race will be considered.

Journalists can apply in four categories: newspaper reporter, visual media reporter, newspaper photographer, and visual media cameraman. The award includes a trophy, Rs. 10,001, and a citation. In addition, a trophy and citation will be awarded as an incentive prize to the FM channel that provided the best coverage supporting the promotion of the event.

For the Print Media Reporting Award, applicants should submit the original and two copies of the newspaper in which the report was published. For the photography category, three copies of the photograph in 10 x 8 size along with one copy of the newspaper in which the photo was published should be submitted.

Reports not exceeding seven minutes that were telecast as part of a news bulletin or news magazine on Malayalam TV channels should be submitted in DVD/CD format. Two copies should be provided. A maximum of five entries can be submitted by a channel in each category. The title, content, date, duration and description of the film should be included along with the entry. Stories should be submitted as a single comprehensive report and not in multiple parts.

A separate sheet should include the name of the newspaper or TV channel in which the entry was published or broadcast, the date and time, and the name and address of the journalist/photographer/cameraman. An individual may submit a maximum of two entries in a category. The same entry should not be submitted to more than one category. Each entry should be sent in a separate envelope, with the competition category written on the outside. Applicants should write their name and sign on the outside of the CD/DVD. A certificate from the News Editor or a superior authority of the institution confirming that the entry was prepared by the applicant must also be attached.

Entries should reach the District Information Officer, Convener – Nehru Trophy Media Award Committee, Information & Public Relations Department, Civil Station, Alappuzha – 688001, by 5 pm on March 30, 2026. Phone: 0477 2251349.

Applications are invited from eligible differently-abled persons for computer courses to be conducted at the Vocational Training Centre for Differently-abled Persons functioning at Poojappura in Thiruvananthapuram district under the Social Justice Department, in collaboration with Keltron. Applications can be submitted for the one-year Diploma in Computer Application (Basic Qualification: Plus Two) and the six-month Certificate Course in Word Processing and Data Entry (Basic Qualification: SSLC).

The application form can be obtained from the Vocational Training Centre for Differently-abled Persons, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram, and is also available on the website of the Social Justice Department (sjd.kerala.gov.in). Applications prepared in the prescribed format or on white paper, along with biodata, should be submitted to the Supervisor, Vocational Training Centre for Differently-abled Persons, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram – 695012, or sent to vtctvm3618@gmail.com before March 17. For further details, contact: 0471-2343618, 8714619990.

Comprehensive health arrangements have been put in place in connection with Attukal Pongala. Medical teams and ambulances will be stationed at 10 locations on the day of Pongala. Emergency medical technicians will also be deployed at these points from 5 a.m. until the conclusion of the rituals to ensure prompt assistance.

In view of the rising temperatures, special facilities to treat heat-related ailments have been arranged in 12 hospitals. The cooperation of private hospitals in the Attukal region has also been secured. As the weather is expected to be hot, the public is advised to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Health Department. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of water at regular intervals, even if you do not feel thirsty. Those experiencing fatigue, headache, dizziness, or shortness of breath should move to a shaded area immediately and seek medical help.

The Food Safety Department has intensified monitoring, control, and awareness activities to ensure safe and hygienic food for devotees. Registration is mandatory for Annadanam (free food distribution), and 187 registrations have been completed so far. A special control room has been set up in Attukal, and the Food Safety on Wheels mobile laboratory will also be operational.

Medical camps by the Ayurveda and Homeopathy Departments will function during the festival.

Important Guidelines for Devotees

* Wear light cotton clothing.

* Cover your head with a hat or cloth to avoid direct sunlight.

* Drink only clean or boiled water.

* Consume water-rich fruits such as watermelon to prevent dehydration.

* Use ice made only from clean water in beverages.

* Wash your hands and feet occasionally.

* Take rest in shaded areas at intervals.

* Keep children away from fire and ensure they drink water frequently.

* Continue regular medications without interruption and keep details of your medicines handy.

* Fire Safety Precautions

* Be cautious to avoid burns.

* Avoid wearing loose clothing that can easily catch fire.

* Prevent fire from spreading from nearby stoves.

* Do not keep flammable materials near the stove.

* Keep a bucket of water nearby.

* If clothing catches fire, do not panic or run. Use water immediately to extinguish the flames and seek help from volunteers.

* First Aid for Burns

* Cool the affected area with water immediately.

* Do not attempt to remove clothing stuck to burns.

* Avoid applying unnecessary creams or substances.

* Seek medical attention if required.

* After Pongala, ensure all fires are completely extinguished with water.

Food Safety Measures

* Eat carefully and maintain hygiene.

* Wash hands thoroughly before eating.

* Do not consume food that has already been opened.

* Wash fruits thoroughly before consumption.

* Dispose of waste only in designated areas.

The state-level inauguration of the KERA project, being implemented by the State Agriculture Department with assistance from the World Bank, will be held on Monday, March 2, at 3 pm at the VTAM Auditorium in Cherthala.

The KERA project aims to revitalise the agricultural sector by modernising the agricultural value chain and strengthening farmers’ capacity to withstand climate change impacts.

As part of the Vijnana Kerala initiative, ASAP Kerala is organizing a job fair on February 28 at the Kulakada Community Skill Park, offering employment opportunities in the automobile, hotel, and tourism sectors.

Candidates with qualifications of Plus Two, Polytechnic, ITI, or Degree can participate. Registration is free of cost.

For more details, contact: 9495999672.