Chaos in Iran.

Protestors will be declared 'enemy of god'

Iran's attorney general warned those taking part in protests will be considered 'enemy of god'.

New mass rallies grip major cities

Protestors must carefully and without delay prepare the grounds for the trial and decisive confrontation with those who seek foreign domination over the country, a statement read. 'Enemy of God' is a death penalty charge in Iran. The two-week-old protests showed no signs of slowing, with major cities hit by new mass rallies yesterday.

Activists warn of intensifying crackdown

* The toll has gone up to 65, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Activists 

   said they fear the authorities are intensifying their suppression under cover of internet blackout.

* The attorney general's statement comes a day after the US reiterated its warning against violent

   crackdown on protesters.

2,300 is the number of people detained by Iranian forces as per US sources.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, switched on the hymns on the home theatre, lit up the puja room lamp and opened up the house for the day.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Continuous drizzle forced me to carry out my walk within the house; recited my prayers.

Bath and breakfast.

The washing machinex wasn't smooth because of frequent power interruptions.

A delectable lunch by Lekha!

Watched television but short-lived thanks to frequent power interruptions.

Siesta.

Spoke with Madhu and Praveen for our stay in the naval fraternity from the 13th to the 16th, on account of the following that I've tied up :-

        

        * My felicitation on Veteran's Day at the Southern Naval Command, on the 14th, at 0700 hrs

        * Our visit to the INCS (after a long while!)

        * Lekha's dental appointment with her toothy, Sreekanth Mallan

        * Lekha's appointment with Fleaury.

         

NASA cuts short ISS mission.

The space agency said a crew of four astronauts on board the International Space Station will return to earth earlier than planned.

No emergency, just being careful

The crew includes :-

   * NASA's Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke

   * Japan's Kimiya Yui and 

   * Russia's Oleg Platonov

The crew member with the 'serious medical condition' is stable. NASA's chief health and medical officer said it was not an emergency but NASA was being careful.

First-ever medical evaluation from ISS

  * Two crew members, Fincke and Cardman, were to carry out a spacewalk for a rollout of solar   

     panels. It was Fincke's fourth visit to the ISS and Yui's second and a first for Cardman and 

     Platonov.

  * This was NASA's first medical evacuation from ISS though astronauts have been treated aboard 

     for things like toothaches and ear pain.

2030 is the time limit NASA has set to bring back the ISS out of its orbit.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, switched on the hymns on the home theatre, lit up the puja room lamp and opened up the house for the day.

The maid was away on a trip to Kochi, Kodaikanal and was on leave.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the road in front and recited my prayers.

Lunch, watched television followed by siesta.

The evening chores.

  

The ISA.

 1. Following the US exit from 66 international organisations, including the India-backed International             Solar Alliance (ISA), the Indian government said the alliance remains focused on its objective of                 supporting member countries to scale up solar energy.

 2. Government sources said the ISA will continue to work with member countries, particularly least               developed countries and small island developing states, on the development and deployment of

     solar energy. Its work includes mobilising finance, building capacity and reducing risk perceptions.

 3. ISA today represents 125 member/signatory countries. ISA remains focused on its objective of

     supporting member countries in collectively addressing key common challenges to scaling up of

     solar energy, in line with their needs, to achieve universal energy access.

My take

Trump's idiotic move and the US's stupid move!

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, switched on the hymns on the home theatre, lit up the puja room lamp and opened up the house for the day.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the road in front of The Quarterdeck; recited my prayers. had an early bath.

Breakfast; worked on my laptop.

Lunch, watched television and siesta.

A quiet evening.

Economy growth @ 7.4%

In fast lane

Economy to grow at 7.4% in FY 26 despite tariff heat. Real GDP is estimated at Rs.201.9 lakh crore in FY 26 against Rs.187.97 lakh crore in FY 25 - a growth of 7.4%

Growth predictions

8.0%  Nominal GDP growth in FY 26

7.3%  Projected real GVA (gross value added) growth

Growth in the services sector estimated at 9.1%

Real private final consumption expenditure expected to grow at 7%

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent all messages, switched on the hymns on the home theatre, lit up the lamp in the puja room, opened up the house for the day.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked in front of The Quarterdeck ; recited my prayers.

Pradeep had come by to sort out my computer issues.

Lunch, watched television and siesta.

Lekha goes to the temple to tie up a few things.

A quiet evening thereafter. 

Hilarious!

Dateline 07 Jan

When I die, I want to die like my grandfather who died peacefully in his sleep. Not screaming like all the passengers in the car which he was driving.

                                              - Will Rogers

Never under any circumstance take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

                                              - Dave Barry

Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad,

                                              - Miles Kington

Why waste your money looking up your family tree? Just go into politics and your opponent will do it for you.

                                              - Mark Twain

Have you noticed that all the people in favour of birth control are already born?

                                              - Benny Hill

I asked God for a bike but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.

                                              - Emo Philips

By the time a man realizes that his father was right, he has a son who thinks he is wrong.

                                              - Charles Wadsworth

People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.

                                              - Isaac Asimov

Nothing spoils a good story like the arrival of an eyewitness.

                                              - Mark Twain

Why is it that when we talk to God we're said to be praying but when God talks to us we're schizophrenic?

                                              - Lily Tomlin

If it's sent by ship then it's a cargo, if it's sent by road then it's a shipment.

                                              - Dave Allen

An archaeologist is the best husband a woman can have. The older she gets the more interested he is in her.

                                              - Agatha Christie

The man who smiles when things go wrong has thought of someone to blame it on.

                                              - Robert Bloch

Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.

                                              - Oscar Wilde

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, switched on the hymns on the home theatre, lit up the puja room lamp and opened up the house for the day.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the road in front of The Quarterdeck; recited my prayers.

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch, saw "Snehakkoottu", followed by siesta. 

The evening chores.

85% fail to get psychiatric care.

84% of older adults with mental health conditions in India remain untreated.

80% of children and adolescents with diagnosable mental disorders do not receive any form of treatment

A cry for help

Social stigma, financial crisis, lack of mental health professionals major reason!

Untreated mental illness contributes to increased morbidity and mortality, higher rates of substance use disorders, unemployment, family breakdown and suicide.

"Integration of mental health services into primary healthcare, increased budgetary allocation, expansion of the mental health workforce and sustained nationwide awareness campaigns are urgently needed to reduce stigma and improve access".

                - Dr Deepak Raheja, Organising Secretary of ANCIPS, Delhi and Director Hope Care India.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, switched on the hymns on the home theatre, lit up the puja room lamp and opened up the house for the day.

Morning cuppa with Lekha and recital of prayers.

Was ready by 9 and had an early breakfast of dosas, chutney.

Left for the day's work with Kannan as my sa'arathi :-

      * showed the Chevy to Santhosh, car electrician regarding the a/c system

      * bought 18 laddoos from Komala Bakery at Kunnamkulam to gift to the ECHS staff. The staff

         had been of a great help toward my open heart bypass last Feb.

      * at the ECHS, handed over my 'sweet gift' and collected my medicines.

      * handed over the Chevy to Santhosh at Chovvalloorpadi

Lunch, watched television and siesta.

Kannan brought in the Chevy, with the a/c ticking.

One day, done right.

Morning

A clean starting point when the mind is uncluttered. Works well for anything that needs clarity or intention.

Transit or in-between moments

Short transitions where hands are free but attention is light. Ideal for small, repeatable routines that fit into movement.

Midday

A predictable pause in most schedule. Good for routines that need calm, consistency and a defined midpoint.

Post-class or post-work

The first stable block after academic or work demands. Reliable for routines that need deeper focus.

Evening

A gentle slowdown window. Fits routines that help you close loops and reduce the day's noise.

Night

A quiet reset point before sleep. Best for routines that prepare the next day or help you reflect briefly.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, switched on the hymns on the home theatre, lit up the puja room lamp and opened up the house for the day.

Off to the Perunthatta Siva kshetram, to offer 'bali tharpanam' for my dad on his 14th Remembrance Day.

Returned home; recited my prayers.

A quiet breakfast.

A comparatively early lunch.

Took Lekha to the skin specialist, Dr Hema, for a look-see on her tongue.

A quiet evening.

Jokes/Sarcasm!

1. Why is heart surgery called "Bypass"?

    Because....

    If it goes well, it's "Pass",

    Otherwise............."Bye".

2. Strange, isn't it......?

    If you're sleeping on flowers,

    It's your first night.

    And if flowers are sleeping on you,

    It's your last night.

    (Ajab teri duniya, gazab tera khel)

3. Candle paradox.

    Candles are lit to remember the dead.

    And candles are blown out to celebrate birthdays.

    (It is an irony of our customs).

4. Politics and the game of fate.

   Phoolan Devi won the election despite being a dacoit.

   Kiran Bedi lost the election despite being a police officer.

  (The games of fate are unique).

5. Women and men - difference in thinking.

    Women never get tired of complaining about "other women".

    Whereas men never get tired of praising "other women"!

    Men are truly great.

6. Five things that hurt when they end :-

    * Friendship

    * Money

    * Love

    * Sunday

    * Internet pack

    The last one makes you cry......

7. Times have changed....

    Earlier.

    The one who used to sit alone and laugh,

    People used to say - "He is possessed by ghosts!"

    Now.

    The one who sits alone and laughs,

    People say - "Brother, send it to me too!"

    (What times have come).

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, switched on the hymns on the home theatre, lit up the lamp in the puja room and opened up the house for the day.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the road in front of our house; recited my prayers.

A quiet Sunday.

   

Indian Army places emergency order for long-range rockets.

Indian Army has contracted Pune-based defence manufacturer Nibe Ltd to procure equipment and ammunition fir its universal rocket launchers.

Rockets to have strike range of 300 km 

"The company has entered into supply contract with the Indian Army for manufacturing and supply of ground equipment, accessories, ESP and ammunition for Universal Rocket launcher System capable of integrating multiple rocket types including rockets striking at ranges of 150 km and 300 km for a consideration of Rs.292.69 cr", Nibe Ltd said.

Order to bring Israeli firm's 'Puls' to India

* In Jul 2025, NIBE had entered into an agreement with Israel's Elbit Systems to manufacture the Israeli 

   firm's PULS multiple rocket launcher systems in India. Sources said the latest order is for PULS 

   (Precise & Universal Launching System), manufactured by Elbit.

* Once inducted, PULS will be Army's 1st universal rocket launcher.

12 months

The order has to be executed and delivered within that timeframe.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, switched on the hymns on the home theatre, lit up the lamp in the puja room and opened up the house for the day.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the road in front of The Quarterdeck; recited my prayers.

Lunch followed by siesta.

The evening chores.

 

Some basic life rules.

  1. Don't lend money to your family. Give it.

  2. Never shake a hand while sitting down.

  3. Stop telling people more than they need to know.

  4. Never eat the last piece of something you didn't buy.

  5. Don't throw your friend under the bus to impress someone.

  6. Never insult the cooking when you are the guest.

  7. Don't take out your phone during a conversation.

  8. Never take credit for work you didn't do.

  9. Listen, nod and most of all, make eye contact.

10. Don't make fun of your friend in front of his kids.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, switched on the hymns on the home theatre, lit up the puja room lamp and opened up the house for the day.

Morning cuppa tea with Lekha.

Walked in front of the house; recited my prayers.

A pleasant lunch, watched the television, siesta.

The evening chores.

Nimesulide oral doses above 100 mg banned.

The ban has been imposed over safety concerns. The government has banned the manufacture, sale and distribution of all oral formulations containing the popular painkiller nimesulide above 100 mg.

Decision follows ICMR recommendations

The decision was taken following a recommendation by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the country's apex health research body and after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board. A government notification said oral formulations containing nimesulide above 100 mg involve risk to humans and that safer alternatives are available.

Adverse effects include liver damage

* The prohibition has been imposed under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and comes

   into effect immediately. The decision was taken in public interest.

* Nimesulide, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has been under scrutiny globally for its

   potential to cause liver toxicity.

2011 when health ministry banned use of nimesulide in children below 12 years.

Tailpiece.

Got up at 5, sent most of the messages, switched on the hymns on the home theatre, lit up the puja room lamp, opened up the house for the day.

The morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked on the road outside The Quarterdeck; recited my prayers.

Worked on the laptop after a great breakfast of poorie-bhaaji.

Lunch, watched television followed by siesta.

A quiet evening.