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Covid surge: Kerala government orders suspension of movie, TV filming
KERALA: Earlier this month, the Maharashtra government enforced a state-wide halt on film and TV shooting, and given the second wave of Covid is spreading like wildfire in the nation, it was only a matter of time before other states followed suit. Now, the Kerala government has issued guidelines to suspend filming in the state.
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, during his routine press conference at 5.30pm, informed media outlets that directions have been given to stop serial and film shooting in the state until further notice. Earlier, TV serial and film shoots in Ernakulam were suspended following the rise in Covid cases, and now the government has decided to suspend it in the entire state.
Last year, in March, LDF-led dispensation had shut down film and serial shooting in the state, and the industry was silent for more than two months. Later, in May, the government allowed resumption of shooting under strict Covid restrictions.
Due to the suspension of filming TV series, several top Malayalam channels including Asianet, Surya TV, Flowers, Zee Malayalam, and Mazhavil Manorama had tided over the content crunch by re-telecasting old shows and already-aired episodes of television serials.
On 29 April, Kerala’s Covid graph hit another high with 38,607 cases. The average test positivity rate in the state is 24.5 per cent as of Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA) has urged the government to lock down the state. However, Pinarayi Vijayan stated that a complete lockdown is not possible, but stricter restrictions will be put in place. He also advised the public to go into “self-lockdown”, underscoring the gravity of the situation and appealing to citizens to help contain the surge in caseloads.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
