Kerala Affairs
For the first timeneelakurinjiflowers have been spotted in the low lying areas ofIdukki. The flowers have been spotted in the hills of Alankupara which is part of Chakkikavu hills near Elaveezhapoonchira in Kottayam district.
Earlier, the flowering of neelakurinji (strobilanthes Kunthiana) was also spotted at theAlumkappara hillsnear Moolamattam in Thodupuzha. The area lies along the border between Kottayam-Idukki districts and close to Elaveezhapoonchira.
Alunkapara is at an altitude of 900 metres high and it can be accessed through difficult terrain from Choondikulam Nirappu on Mechal route from Chakkikavu.
In the past year Pushpakandam Anakkara Mettu hills in the Western Ghats borderingTamil Naduand Puttady near Munnar have witnessed isolated flowering of neelakurinji.
National and International Affairs
Vayo Naman Programme Organised By Govt. In Honour Of Senior Citizens
Ministry of Social and Empowerment organises Vayo Naman Programme on the International Day of Older Persons, in honour of senior citizens, in New Delhi on 1 October.
Highlights:
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu is the chief guest of the programme and will present the Vayosheshtra Samman Awards.
The vice-chairman will dedicate the Elderly Help Line 14567 to the state and launch the Senior Able Citizens Reemployment in Dignity (SACRED) and Senior Care Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) Portals on this occasion.