Story time!

A German Shepherd named 

Barnaby was kicked out of

police K9 training for being

too friendly. He wouldn't 

bite. Only cuddled.

Then a storm hit. A 3-year-old

girl went missing in the woods.

Rain erased the tracks. Other

dogs lost the scent.

They tried Barnaby as a last

chance.

He found her under a fallen

log - soaked and shaking.

Instead of barking, he lay beside

her and warmed her up...

licked her face until she

laughed.

That laugh led rescuers to her.

He didn't fail training.

He was built for saving.

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.

Sajish comes and gives me a good haircut and massage.

Morning cuppa.

Walked within the house and recited my prayers.

Worked on my laptop and sent my January mail at a 7' past 1.

Lunch and siesta.

A quiet evening thereafter!

A day of medical probes.

My discomfort had reached my eyes - the right eye, to be precise - with conjunctivitis! Got up at 5, sent all the messages, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the home theatre.

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walk within the house, recited a part of my prayers.

Bath followed by breakfast. The maid was on leave today due to the "Chandanakkudam Festival".

A nice lunch of rice and fish curry. Sukesan had bought the fish for us!

Watched the television.

To Rani Menon's eye clinic to show my eye and get treatment.

Siesta.

Off to Jimmy for the review and he has put me on antibiotics for three days!

A quiet evening.

10 places...

.....you should stay silent at all costs :- 

  

  1. Be silent if you don't know the full story.

  2. Be silent if you feel unable to control your emotions.

  3. Be silent on the heat of anger.

  4. Be silent if your words can destroy an amazing friendship or relationship.

  5. Be silent if you are unsure about the topic or lack knowledge.

  6. Be silent when someone is sharing their struggles and vulnerability.

  7. Be silent if you can't talk without yelling.

  8. Be silent if your silence can save your bonds.

  9. Be silent if speaking will only serve to boost your ego or seek validation.

10. Be silent if your words can betray someone's trust.

Tailpiece.

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

Morning cuppa with Lekha.

Walked within the house; recited my prayers.

Bath, followed by breakfast.

Worked on the laptop, had snooze.

Lunch of prawn biryani by Lekha; it was lovely.

Saw the afternoon serials; siesta.

The evening chores.

Adani-Embraer to set aircraft-making facility in India.

India and the European Union signed the Free Trade Agreement. 

The Adani group and Brazilian major Embraer announced a strategic tie-up to set up a regional aircraft manufacturing facility in India.

On the road to manufacturing hub

Embraer makes commercial jets with up to 150 seats. Details about the investments and the location of the proposed facility were not disclosed. Civil Aviation Secretary said the collaboration is not just about assembling a regional aircraft but also about technology transfer, skilling, supply chain and making India a manufacturing hub.

India will need 500 aircraft in 20 years

* The Indian market is expected to require at least 500 aircraft in the 80 to 146 range over the next 20           years, Embraer said.

* The venture with the Adani group will be a major fillip for the Brazilian major in India's civil aviation

    space. Adani Defence & Aerospace President & CEO called it a "watershed".

50 aircraft from Embraer's stable in service currently in India.

My take

A great leap for India's aviation industry!

Tailpiece.

A quiet Wednesday.

 

Back at The Quarterdeck.

The day had started at 4 for the two of us. Got up, went through the chores and was ready by 6 when both, the caretaker and Monish were at the gate. We'd kicked off at a quarter past 6, going to the Nagaraja temple at Randaalumoodu and the Maha Ganapati kshetram at Kottarakkara.

It was on our return leg that I realised that I'd left my reading spectacles at Raj Nivas; so we sped back, collected the item and resumed our journey through Pathanapuram. Reached Mallan's clinic by a 20' past 9, had a quick breakfast of idlis, chutney and sambar before Lekha went across to the toothy's chair!

Lekha's dental setting took an hour or so and after a briefing from the toothy, we resumed our journey to Guruvayur. Lunch was at Gokulam Nandana and we reached The Quarterdeck by a half past 3. The PUC was renewed short of Chovvalloorpadi.

After unpacking and paying off Monish - he was given the car which needed repairs and will be returned by 03 Feb - we began opening up the house and took an hour's siesta. A piping hot cup of coffee and I was off to Jimmy to show my cough to the doctor at 6!

After collecting my medicines, a saline gargle and steam inhalation, we'd settled down for the evening. Hit the sack at our usual time. 

The 77th Republic Day.

Got up at 5, sent all the messages, spruced in the morning itself, opened up the house for the day, lit up the puja room lamp and switched on the hymns on the television.

Had an early breakfast of idlis, chutney and sambar, was ready by 8 in my sports togs, Kunjumon dropped me at the ex-serviceman's bhavan for the flag hoisting ceremony and dropped me back at my home, on completion. 

He took me again around a half past 9 to 'thekkey mukku' for our flag march. It let the people of Nadutheri know that the organisation had 'arrived', what with crackers, vaadyamelam and all. On reaching the venue, everyone was provided with light refreshments and the meeting began in right earnest, soon after. 

I'd the honour to inaugurate the 18th anniversary celebrations of the organisation. Lekha joined us by a half past 10. 

Lunch was served at a half past 1, we enjoyed it thoroughly and we returned home by 2.

Was about to have my 40 winks when Thulasi and Vijayan came in to inquire about my contribution for the 'Kusappilli temple's annual festival' during mid-March. Lekha and I have zeroed in on the 'noorum paalum' for the snake gods and a final decision will be taken soon.

Lekha went across to Kottarakkara to meet her Anandan chittappan-Sujatha kunjamma and Venu, his family. Returned by 6 as the Malayalam news was on.

Started up the packing for tomorrow's return.

Hit the sack at our usual time.

At Raj Nivas.

Our day had begun at 4, when we got up to my cell phone alarm. Went through the chores and were ready by a half past 6. Kannan, our chauffeur, came in on the dot, our luggage was loaded into the boot and we set off for Thalavoor soon after. 

We took the NH 544 route and being a Sunday, the traffic was sparse and we got no bottlenecks enroute. Breakfast was at the Aarya's at Chalakkudi. It was crowded and we took almost a half an hour plus to finish our food.

We resumed our journey, passed through Perumbavoor, Muvattupuzha and entered the MC Road as we continued our journey southward. had lunch at the Padma Cafe at Adoor.

Sent off Kannan back to Guruvayur and I drove toward Raj Nivas; stopped at the More outlet to facilitate Lekha to pick up grocery over the next 48 hrs.

Reached Raj Nivas by 3, quickly facilitated Lekha to have her siesta and I, too, had my 40 winks!

Babu George saab and Rajasekharan Nair saab dropped by to hand over the program notice for tomorrow and briefed me about the sequence of events.

A quiet evening when we went about our chores as usual. Hit the sack at 11. 

Girl child and women : official claims vs ground reality.

The government on 23 Jan, to mark National Girl Child Day, claimed steady progress in girls' education, health and empowerment, citing higher school enrolment, improved sex ratio at birth and rising female participation in STEM. 

Science

Technology

Engineering

Mathematics

STEM focuses on bridging the gender gap in these fields breaking down barriers and female participation in education and careers that are often male dominated. 

Let's see the statistics against the realities on the ground. 

Survival

* Sex ratio at birth improved to 930.

   State-wise variation : only 12 of 50 districts in Madhya Pradesh meet the benchmark of 952.

Education Access

* Girls' secondary (Gross Enrolment Ratio) at 80.2%

   Huge dropout after Class 10 due to marriage, domestic issues and economic pressure

Safety

* Strong legal framework

   4.48 lakh crimes against women in 2023

Higher Education

* Female enrolment rose by 38%

   Gains concentrated among urban and higher income groups

Employment

* Women-led development narrative

   Female Labour Force Participation Rate 34.1% among the lowest globally

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.

Breakfast and worked on my laptop.

Lunch, watched television followed by siesta.

The evening chores.

   

A quiet Friday!

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 our house: recited my prayers.

Breakfast followed by work on my laptop.

Selvam comes for pressing clothes; Roy for looking at/rectifying the electrical/plumbing complaints.

Lunch. 

 

Watched 'Snehakkoottu', Crime Patrol.

Siesta.

The evening chores.

Have arranged for coconuts for Mini before she kicks off to Bangalore on the 25th. Hope the caretaker manages a coconut plucker tomorrow.

Another day.

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.

An early morning chat with Maman. Spoke to Padmakumar and Rema; they are on their way to the 'Kumbhamela aarathi' on River Bharathapuzha at Thirunaavaaya in Malappuram district, this evening!

Breakfast, followed by work on the laptop.

Bath and work continued.

Lunch and a short siesta.

Took Lekha to the skin specialist, Dr Hema, regarding her tongue. A drastic improvement, she says but has put Lekha on another month's observation.

Siesta, on return.

Pushpaakaran, the farmhand, plucks the coconuts from our tree. Tender coconuts were also plucked!

A quiet evening. The Chevy has been washed down by Aswathy and I'd cleaned up the interiors.

Our evening trip to the temple to view 'the dasaavathaaram' in memory of Indirakutty at 2330 hrs. Slept past midnight! 

Social call.

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.

Breakfast of ada dosa and chutney.

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch. 

Watched the serial, Crime Patrol.

Siesta.

Called on the latest addition of the Variath family; Lekha had bought his gift last Monday.

A quiet evening.

Went to the temple to see the Krishnanaattam depicting ''Swargaarohanam"; tomorrow is "Dasavataram" for Indirakutty's soul on her 41st day after passing away.

Returned by a half past 11.

Social media trial.

After a 42-year-old man took his life in Kozhikode following a video shot and uploaded by a social media influencer alleging sexual harassment from his side in a private bus in Kannur district, the State Human Rights Commission has intervened in the matter.

The incident related to the case that happened last Friday (16th) when Shimjitha uploaded a video on Instagram, accusing Deepak of sexually harassing her while travelling on a bus. The clip spread rapidly across social media platforms, drawing intense public scrutiny and online debate. Within days of the video going viral, Deepak was found hanging in his house at Govindapuram early on Sunday (18th).

Relatives of the deceased allege that Deepak was subjected to relentless public humiliation due to what they describe as a false and defamatory accusation. "This is not a mere suicide; this is a death caused by character assassination", said Deepak's father. 

"My son did nothing wrong. He was publicly branded a criminal. He could not live with that shame. We lost our only son", said his mother, Kanyaka, through tears. She recalls how her son's behaviour changed after the video surfaced. "He stopped eating and hardly spoke. He was innocent and gentle by nature".

Deepak had been working in a textile firm, Mudra Impex, at Kozhikode for the last seven years.

Following intense backlash online, Shimjitha deleted her Instagram and Facebook accounts. She had earlier removed the original video and posted a follow-up clip explaining why she shared it. She had gone underground and since, offered herself to the police.

My take

In the light of the sad incident narrated above, it's my appeal to all social media users to be mature while putting up posts on the media. 

Adieu Deepak! My tears and prayers. May God give strength to your parents and the family to tide over these testing times.

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.

Bath after breakfast.

Lunch, watched television followed by siesta.

A quiet evening!

A tribute to the NDA.

A salute to the great land

which taught us that

X-country is not run by legs but by

the mind....

Maths is not learnt in classes but

on ropes.....

Swimming is not learnt in

swimming pool but in bucket...

Firing is not done by pulling the

trigger but by rolling...

A place which taught "how to learn

NDA prayer" by having the world

upside down

A place which taught us that Cold

coffee and pastry are the best

delicacies in the world

And everything else by

Creamrolling....

A place which taught that 'nothing

is impossible' is just not a phrase...

Hats off to NDA

A salute to my Academy....

Happy "NDA DAY", 16 Jan.

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.

Breakfast of appams and eggs.

Worked on my laptop.

Lunch.

Watched television followed by siesta.

Lekha goes to town at 1500 hrs and returns by a half past 4.

A quiet evening.

Sagar Maithri.

India's oceanographic research vessel INS Sagardhwani has set off for its fifth mission of Sagar Maithri, which involves scientific partnerships for Ocean Research and Development (Ocean R&D) with Indian Ocean rim nations. 

Sagar Maitri is a flagship collaborative initiative of the Indian Navy and DRDO, aligned with the union government's vision of ''Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). It aims to strengthen scientific co-operation, capacity building and socio-economic engagement among Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) nations focusing on oceanographic research.

INS Sagardhwani will retrace the historic routes of INS Kistna (later, INS Krishna and since decommissioned), which participated in the International Ocean Expedition (1962-'65). The initiative seeks to build sustained scientific collaboration with eight IOR countries - Oman, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Myanmar.

INS Sagardhwani is a specialised marine acoustic research vessel, designed by NPOL and built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE). Commissioned in Jul '94, the ship has been a key platform for ocean observations and marine research for over three decades.

A slice of history 

I, Captain K Rajeev Nair, NM, was her 2nd Commanding Officer from Dec '95 to Jun '97 and had got the ship moving. The ship, since her commission, had problems because of misaligned propeller shafts, that were straightened at the Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) thanks to the support that I'd got from VAdm Avanish Rai Tandon, the then CinC South and Commodore Bawa, the CMD, CSL. The ship was in the dry dock for about 90 days at a stretch for the purpose.

Soon after, the ship was deployed off the eastern coast for her first scientific expedition to survey a squarish plot of the sub-surface, surface water and its corresponding atmosphere column to earmark that area for future experiments related to our nuclear submarines and missiles! I remember the first signal that I made on completion, after ten days:-

From Sagardhwani

To      FOCinC East, FOCinC South

Info    NPOL

  "Maiden scientific expedition successfully completed. Returning to harbour".

The signal was received with a lot of happiness and pride - with the thumping of tables - at the following morning staff meeting of the Headquarters, Southern Naval Command!

To establish that it wasn't merely a flash in the pan, had asked for a task off the western seaboard immediately after. 

The ship carried out "Noise Measurement in and around the Bombay High" as her second scientific expedition. Shutting down engines and all machinery to provide 'an ultra silent ship' to the scientists, embarked on board, to facilitate collection of readings/observations of the entire area was a daunting task but the ship pull India's oceanographic research vessel INS Sagardhwani has set off for its fifth mission of Sagar Maithri, which involves scientific partnerships for Ocean Research and Development (Ocean R&D) with Indian Ocean rim nations. 

Sagar Maitri is a flagship collaborative initiative of the Indian Navy and DRDO, aligned with the union government's vision of ''Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). It aims to strengthen scientific co-operation, capacity building and socio-economic engagement among Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) nations focusing on oceanographic research.

INS Sagardhwani will retrace the historic routes of INS Kistna (later, INS Krishna and since decommissioned), which participated in the International Ocean Expedition (1962-'65). The initiative seeks to build sustained scientific collaboration with eight IOR countries - Oman, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Myanmar.

INS Sagardhwani is a specialised marine acoustic research vessel, designed by NPOL and built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE). Commissioned in Jul '94, the ship has been a key platform for ocean observations and marine research for over three decades.

A slice of history 

I, Captain K Rajeev Nair, NM, was her 2nd Commanding Officer from Dec '95 to Jun '97 and had got the ship moving. The ship, since her commission, had problems because of misaligned propeller shafts, that were straightened at the Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) thanks to the support that I'd got from VAdm Avanish Rai Tandon, the then CinC South and Commodore Bawa, the CMD, CSL. The ship was in the dry dock for about 90 days at a stretch for the purpose.

Soon after, the ship was deployed off the eastern coast for her first scientific expedition to survey a squarish plot of the sub-surface, surface water and its corresponding atmosphere column to earmark that area for future experiments related to our nuclear submarines and missiles! I remember the first signal that I made on completion, after ten days:-

From Sagardhwani

To      FOCinC East, FOCinC South

Info    NPOL

  "Maiden scientific expedition successfully completed. Returning to harbour".

The signal was received with a lot of happiness and pride - with the thumping of tables - at the following morning staff meeting of the Headquarters, Southern Naval Command!

To establish that it wasn't merely a flash in the pan, had asked for a task off the western seaboard immediately after. 

The ship carried out "Noise Measurement in and around the Bombay High" as her second scientific expedition. Shutting down engines and all machinery to provide 'an ultra silent ship' to the scientists, embarked on board, to facilitate collection of readings/observations of the entire area was a daunting task but carried it off without any problem whatsoever!  

In the process of settling down.

Rema and Padmakumar had gone to the temple by a 10' past 5, sent all the morning 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.

Lekha and I were at the temple by 8 to listen to Suma kunjamma's musical group's performance at the Melpathoor Auditorium. It was nice and we returned at a half past 9.

Breakfast of appams and chammanthi.

Yakkitiyak! Washing machinex of soiled clothes, handing over of clothes to Rejith for dry cleaning and the maid washed the undergarments.

Suma kunjamma fetched up by 12 and we had a boisterous and early lunch.

Rema and Padmakumar left soon after for Thrippunithura by the 1330 hr Guruvayur-Ernakulam Passenger.

Siesta.

Teatime and Suma kunjamma goes to the temple for the evening darshan.

She returned by 8, has dinner with us and proceeded to the railway station to board the Guruvayur-Madras Egmore Express.

A quiet evening thereafter. We'd long since settled down! 

Back at The Quarterdeck.

Dateline 16 Jan

Today's my mom and dad's 72nd wedding anniversary.

The day had begun at a half past 4, went through our chores and was ready by 7. Pritam Singh, the civilian bearer, had washed down my car early in the morning, as per my instructions. We kicked off at a quarter past 7, passed through the Travancore gate and were at Shenoy Care by 8. Lekha went through the registration formalities and I waited for the junior doctor's review till a half past 9.

Earlier, had touched the port quarter of my Chevy with the boundary wall. 

Went to Satish Bhat by an autorickshaw and reported there at 10. Went through the registration formalities, Sukanya, the sister took my initial readings and I met Satish Bhat soon after. We'd a long chat, discussed about my monthly mail and he went through the prognosis - a scan on conductance and asymmetry.

Reached back at Shenoy Care by a half past 12. Lekha had finished her review by a half past 11, Kannan had by then arrived and we'd lunch at the Aaryaa's and headed for Rema's house. Handed over the 'parayum changazhiyum', collected their personal belongings and rejigged the luggage within. The four of us, then, off for Guruvayur then

Reached The Quarterdeck by a half past 5. Set in the process of unpacking, opening up the house and settling down for the evening.

Yakkitiyak and finally, hit the sack at a half past 11.  

To the toothy and back.

Dateline 15 Jan

Got up at a half past 4, went through the chores and were ready by 7. Faisal was late but we reached Mallan's clinic by a quarter to 9. Breakfast at Mallan's kitchen and the toothy began his work soon after. Lekha was unhappy that he'd removed the bottom left part of her dental furniture for replacement by next week!

We left the clinic by 12. Couldn't meet up with Prabha as she was in court. Had our lunch at the new Saravana Bhavan at Thevara, then went to Vanoura Organics at MG Road and Bata for purchases. Returned to B 2, had siesta.

It was a lovely evening at the Naval Officers' Institute with li'l Ishani, Asha and Praveen in company.

Wound up by a half past 10, finished our packing and hit the sack at about a half past 11.

The felicitation.

Our day had begun at 4, went through the chores and were ready by 7. Faisal took us to the venue and we settled down in the airy and naturally lit up hall of the Sailors' Institute. The laying of the wreaths at the War Memorial started off on the dot.

Suresh Gopi arrived without being late and the felicitation ceremony had begun. We were seven in all.

He said that he'd noticed my resemblance with my Maman when I'd told him that we expected his continued support to the PN Panicker Foundation, as we'd interacted one to one.

Captain Suresh - of the 68th course and my cadet - made friends and snapped us together.

Murali Nair-Radhika, Madhu-Sudha, Praveen-Asha gave us company and were instrumental for our great stay during those four days at the Command Mess. Pritam Singh, the civilian bearer, looked after our requirements. 

Returned to our cabin by a quarter past 9 and then, Lekha went to Floria's for her personal grooming. Went to the INCS at 1500 hrs and bought grocery and liquor.

A nice evening with Madhu and Sudha.    

Off to Kochi.

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.

The house was systematically shut down. Lunch by a quarter to 1. Kannan came by and prepared the car for the trip. Left the house by a half past 2.

Dropped the maid at the Chavakkad bus stand.

Reached Lineesh by 4, collected our watches. Kochi was in drizzles.

Reached the naval base by a 5' past 5, the entry was comparatively easy.

The room allotted to us is B2. A grand one at that! Praveen called on, Madhu and Murali informed of our arrival. 

Went to the Command Mess for drinks and dinner with Murali and Radhika. Nice and relaxed.

Secured by a half past 10.  

Myths your mind feeds you under pressure.

Myth vs Reality

Everyone else is coping better than me, somehow

Most people hide the messy parts, so comparison is based on incomplete information

If I rest, I am falling behind; I should keep pushing

Rest restores focus and mood, so skipping it often makes work slower and heavier

I should handle this alone; asking is weakness

Stress shrinks problem-solving, so talking early usually makes pressure easier to manage

After this exam, life will finally feel easier again

Relief is brief if the stack stays, so systems and boundaries matter beyond one milestone

If I am stressed, it proves I am doing enough today

Help is a skill, not a verdict and early support prevents stress from compounding

Feeling bad means I am failing at life right now

Effort matters but overload reduces quality, so smart pacing beats constant intensity

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 house; recited my prayers.

Bath followed by breakfast.

Lunch, watched television and siesta.

Shut down The Quarterdeck, systematically.

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.