Kochi-bound Air India Express Flight Makes Emergency Landing At Bengaluru Airport After Engine Fire

An Air India Express flight bound for Kochi made an emergency landing shortly after taking off from Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport due to a fire in one of its engines.

Reliance seeks access to ATF pipelines, storages of PSU oil firms

Reliance Industries Ltd aims to expand its market share in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) by accessing pipelines at major Indian airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Lucknow, competing with state-owned firms like Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL).

Engine fire prompts emergency landing at B'luru airport

An Air India Express flight bound for Kochi made an emergency landing at Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport after its right engine caught fire shortly after take-off on May 18. The flight, carrying 179 passengers and six crew members, landed safely with no reported injuries. Alternative transportation for the passengers was arranged to ensure that passengers reached their destination as soon as possible. A thorough investigation with the regulator will be conducted to determine the cause.

Air India Express flight makes emergency landing after engine catches fire

Air India Express flight makes emergency landing after engine catches fire An Air India Express flight bound for Kochi was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff from Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport due to an engine flame. The flight, carrying 150 passengers and crew members, took off at 10:30 am but soon encountered a serious issue with its right engine. According to eyewitness accounts and reports from ground services, flames were observed emanating from the aircraft's right engine shortly after takeoff. The pilots immediately decided to return to Bengaluru as a precautionary measure. Upon landing, the airport's ground services confirmed the presence of flames, prompting an immediate evacuation. Air India Express has confirmed that the crew successfully conducted the evacuation, and no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew members. An Air India Express spokesperson addressed the incident, stating, We regret the inconvenience this has caused and are working to provide alternative arrangements for our guests to reach their destination as soon as possible. A thorough investigation with the regulator shall be accomplished to establish the cause. Passengers were taken to a safe location within the airport terminal, where they received refreshments and updates about their travel arrangements. Alternative flights and accommodations are being arranged to ensure that all passengers reach Kochi as soon as possible. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified, and a detailed investigation into the cause of the engine fire will be conducted. Initial assessments indicate that the quick response from both the flight crew and airport emergency services helped avert what could have been a more serious incident. This event underscores the importance of rigorous maintenance checks and the effectiveness of emergency protocols. Air India Express has assured passengers that safety remains their top priority and that all necessary steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. As investigations continue, Air India Express is committed to providing full cooperation to the authorities to determine the exact cause of the engine fire. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. (ANI)

Kochi: Man dies as parked lorry lurches forward, hits him

KOCHI: A 51-year-old driver died after a timber-laden lorry parked at a plywood factory unexpectedly lurched forward, pinning him against the building at Kuruppanpadi on Saturday. The deceased is Udayan, 51, of Kadackal in Kollam. The incident took place at the Blue Tech Plywood factory in Udaya Kavala near Kuruppanpadi around 6.30 am. Udayan, who was responsible for transporting timber from Kollam to the plywood factory, was standing in front of the vehicle after parking it to unload the materials when the lorry unexpectedly moved forward and hit him before ramming the factory building. Udayan was sandwiched between the lorry and the building. Though he was rescued and rushed to a private hospital in Muvattupuzha, he succumbed to injuries around 10.30 am. Kurupanpadi police have registered a case into the incident and started a probe. Police are examining whether the tragedy resulted from a parking brake malfunction or human error in failing to engage the handbrake. The body will be handed over to relatives after postmortem.

Fire in Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Kochi results in emergency evacuation

An Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Kochi had a fire near its right engine, leaving Pune-based passengers stranded. Passengers, including Piyano and Jose Thomas, experienced panic after hearing a loud noise post-takeoff. The Airbus A320, with over 175 passengers, returned to Bengaluru for an emergency landing at 11:15 pm. Passengers evacuated via emergency slides with some minor injuries.

Kerala: State electricity boards equipment for remote power flow control stolen

KOCHI: It seems the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has to tackle the theft of not only power but its equipment too. Recently, a Feeder Remote Terminal Unit (FRTU) -- used to control power flow remotely -- was stolen from Alinchuvadu near Vennala. The Palarivattom police have launched a probe into the incident based on a KSEB complaint. The theft came to the notice of KSEB officials on May 15 following maintenance work at the Ring Main Unit (RMU) installed near a tyre shop at Alinchuvadu. The officials found that the RMU box was open and the FRTU inside missing. The price of the lost FRTU is estimated to be between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh. RMU is used to operate the electricity flow in 11KV lines while FRTU is used to operate the unit remotely from the station. We can also monitor the electricity flow and consumption using FRTU. It is a medium-sized box with switches, a KSEB official said. The electricity board officials suspect the theft happened between May 10 and 15. The previous inspection was carried out on May 10, when FRTU was in place. We have never heard of such a theft before. There is a possibility of scrap collectors being involved in it. But only a person with some knowledge about electricity operation can dislodge it. It was a KSEB property with a serial number written on it, the official said. The police are checking footage from CCTV cameras installed at shops nearby to identify the culprit. We are striving to identify and nab the accused as soon as possible, Palarivattom Station House Officer Richard Varghese said. In recent months, cases have been frequent where copper wires were stolen from factories and air-conditioners from houses. That apart, there is also a rise in the number of cases related to the theft of batteries installed in heavy vehicles parked in open places. In most cases, the arrested persons have sold these objects to scrap dealers for a good price.

Kerala HC to rule on Jisha murder case appeal tomorrow

KOCHI: The High Court will pronounce the judgment on an appeal filed by Muhammed Ameer-Ul-Islam, who was sentenced to death for raping and murdering LLB student Jisha in Perumbavoor, challenging the conviction on Monday. The court will also decide whether to confirm the death sentence or impose another lawful sentence on him. In addition to challenging the death sentence, Ameerul had sought a re-probe in the case by a central agency. According to him, the sessions court arrived at a conviction and awarded the sentence by taking into consideration societys demand for stringent punishment rather than relying on evidence. It was evident in the verdict of the sessions court,the appeal stated. The prosecution submitted that the brutal crime shocked the conscience of the judiciary and society.

KSRTCs water bottle drive comes under fire

KOCHI: Even as the KSRTC has partnered with Hilly Aqua to provide bottled drinking water to passengers, the lack of a proper facility to dispose of the used bottles has drawn criticism. The KSRTC entered into a collaboration with Hilly Aqua, a public-sector enterprise under Kerala Irrigation Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (KIIDC), to provide drinking water to passengers for Rs 15. The facility is being provided in KSRTC buses of superfast tier and above. The primary objective of the scheme is to ensure availability of pure drinking water to passengers at the most economical prices possible, stated Shiju B S, estate officer at KSRTC. However, the initiative has sparked a debate over its environmental ramifications, particularly regarding the rise in plastic waste. Liya, a resident of Ayankulam, criticised the schemes potential to turn plastic waste management even more difficult. Even though various initiatives have been introduced for plastic waste management, there seems to be a consistent issue of people not fully adhering to rules, rendering the drives ineffective, she said. Expressing concerns over waste management, Anil from Alappuzha, a frequent KSRTC user, commented on the negligence in handling waste at bus stands. Its not uncommon to find even 20 plastic bottles in one bus, he said, pointing out the irony of such waste generation amid Keralas ban on plastic straws in 2019. The initiative has also raised questions on its alignment with Keralas efforts to maintain its green branding, which is crucial for the states tourism. Critics suggest looking towards models like the Karnataka RTC, which took steps to ban plastic bottles in buses and encourage campaigns like Bring Your Bottle (BYOB), as sustainable alternatives.

New guidelines: CCTVs at colleges, hostels in Kerala, ex-servicemen for security

KOCHI: In what could turn out to be a controversial move, the state government has decided to install CCTV cameras at select points with common access in colleges and hostels, like the entrance and exit gates. This is stated in the standard operating protocol and procedures to be followed by educational institutions for the smooth functioning of campuses and hostels. The government guidelines also say that the security of the campus and hostels is to be entrusted with ex-servicemen as far as possible. The government had constituted a committee -- in the wake of the stampede that killed four youths and left nearly 50 injured at an event on the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) campus -- to put forward a set of guidelines for the smooth functioning of campuses and hostels of universities and affiliated colleges. The committee filed the report and the government framed the guidelines keeping in mind the safety and security of students. The government also produced the set of guidelines before the High Court in response to a petition filed by Kerala Students Union (KSU) president Aloshious Xavier seeking the appointment of a judicial commission to conduct an independent and impartial inquiry into the stampede that happened on the Cusat campus on November 25, 2023. The guidelines state that college councils have to constitute separate committees for boys and girls, comprising five members each, to monitor and supervise the functioning of hostels. The institution head will be the chairman and the hostel warden the convener. If any complaint is received from hostel inmates or the public to the head of the institution about the misbehaviour of students or about activities like keeping weapons, consumption of alcohol, using drugs on campus or hostel rooms, steps will be taken as per rules. The room for security personnel should be located near the entry gate, the guidelines state. Restricting the entry of the public, the guidelines stipulated that outsiders including former students would be allowed to enter the college campus only for genuine reasons. They will not be allowed to enter the classrooms and hostel rooms in any case. The guidelines said that all celebrations on the campus, including union activities, should be held only after getting permission from the head of the institution. During summer vacation, the union office key should be kept with the head of the institution, the guidelines state. Other stipulations No type of vehicle should be used during celebrations inside college campuses and hostels. Student vehicles will be allowed only up to the designated parking area. The college authorities must provide security for the vehicles parked and the expenses in this regard will be met from college/PTA funds. Bike races, motor car races, and elephant processions should not be permitted inside the campus. For all student programmeson the campus, the presence of teachers is mandatory and the programme should not be permitted beyond 9pm. Complaint boxes must be installed in all colleges. One complaint box is to be separately marked for lodging complaints addressed to the police. The mobile number of the police officer at the district level must be mentioned in the complaint box.

Communicable diseases: Managing the malaise

KOCHI: With ecological concerns brought on by human activity contributing to the worsening scourge of communicable diseases, the question needs to be asked: are we digging our own graves? With incidence of Hepatitis A on the rise, Kerala is battling another epidemic. Just till May 16 of this year, there have been 2,048 confirmed cases and 15 deaths reported, with Malappuram and Ernakulam districts the worst affected. This compares adversely with the whole of last year, when 1,073 cases and seven deaths were confirmed. Hepatitis A outbreaks are commonly caused when sewage gets mixed with drinking water, especially when it is not adequately chlorinated afterwards. Illegal dumping of septic waste and improper food handling by infected persons can also lead to such situations. The ability of this virus to remain active for several weeks in wastewater helps worsen its spread, says Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, chairman of the Indian Medical Associations Kerala research cell. Among Hepatitis viruses, the A variant is the least harmful. However, it has the capacity to affect a large number of people within a short period, and when that occurs its severity is amplified, according to Dr Rajeev. A breakout occurs when there is an environmental issue. What is important is to identify the source. The outbreak of Hepatitis shows that our drinking water sources are still not safe, points out Dr V Ramankutty, a leading epidemiologist and health economist. However, the phenomenon is not new in the state, which has been battling several communicable diseases for several years. Recently, the West Nile virus caused two deaths one in Thrissur and the other in Palakkad. Last year, the state witnessed a spike in the number of dengue cases spread by the Aedes mosquito. Kerala reports the most number of Hepatitis A cases in the country. However, according to an ICMR study, seroprevalence the proportion of individuals within a population affected by disease at a specific time point in the state is less than 50%, while at the national level it is more than 75%. More cases are reported here as a result of our extensive testing regime, says Dr Anish T S, professor, Department of Community Medicine, Manjeri Government Medical College. Dengue was first detected in Kerala in 1998. In 2017, the state experienced the worst outbreak. Cases of Zika, West Nile, Leptospirosis, Shigella and Nipah have also been reported in the state in the last two years. Curbing spread The total prevention of communicable diseases is not possible. But we can limit the spread. The number of deaths increases in proportion to the number of cases. So limiting the number of infections is important, Dr Anish stressed. The number of deaths increases with a rise in the number of people infected. The total number of deaths is proportionate to the number of cases in the community. Also, the condition can turn severe for people above 40 years of age or people who suffer from co-morbidities, especially liver disease that may or may not be previously known, added Dr Rajeev. The caseload can also affect the quality of patient care. There is a difference in the care a patient receives when there are 100 cases, compared to when there are 1,000 cases. If a hospital is filled with dengue or leptospirosis cases, doctors and nurses may not be able to accord full attention to patients. This can affect recovery, according to Dr Anish. The presence of lifestyle diseases, especially those which affect the liver, can worsen the condition and even lead to death. Prevention is key To prevent the further spread of diseases, ensuring clean drinking water, vector (mosquito) control measures, waste management, and cleaning prior to the monsoon season are important. Neither hepatitis A nor dengue is officially a seasonal disease. However, they spread when the conditions are favourable, says Dr Rajeev, adding that filtration and chlorination can help prevent hepatitis A. Chlorinating water bodies without basic filtration is not beneficial as the virus can remain embedded in dirt, he added. Pre-monsoon cleaning and mosquito-reduction activities are important. The state follows this every year. However, we need to intensify it, said Dr Anish. Canal and drain cleaning, as well as efficient waste management systems, can help reduce vector breeding and therefore, the spread of many diseases. As monsoon season arrives, it is important to take preventive measures early, according to Dr Rajeev. Vigilant system Climate change has also been linked to the rise in cases of Hepatitis, Dengue and leptospirosis. This is a worldwide phenomenon, and not specific to Kerala. Our system is sensitive to changes. Moreover, our health system has a stringent testing and diagnosis protocol, as a result of which positive cases rarely go unreported. The health machinery kicks into action looking for the cause whenever there is an unusual death, said Dr Anish, adding that even private hospitals in the state are equipped to detect the presence of viruses, including Zika, Nipah, etc. It is positive that we are identifying the presence of even rare viruses. Now, we need to focus on identifying sources and eliminating them. Climate change is a factor that will also need to be addressed, Dr Ramankutty said. The public, too, has a role to play. Over the years, people have become more aware of the presence of viruses and bacteria. They also know about prevention and containment measures. Such measures are important as they help reduce the size of the outbreak, notes Dr Anish. Dr Ramankutty added that common people should also make can effort to reduce the spread of Dengue. Limiting the spread of dengue and other vector-borne diseases is not an easy task. Dengue is spreading even in advanced countries like Singapore. So we need to be more cautious, he said. Delayed treatment can lead to complications. Following home remedies and thereby delaying medical care and lack of supportive care can also be fatal. A multi-pronged strategy and approach is the need of the hour.

Kerala: SWTD eyes cruise tourism revenue with online ticketing system

KOCHI: Pressing on with its revival measures in tune with the changing times, the Kerala State Water Transport Department (SWTD) is all set to introduce an online reservation system, aimed at facilitating advance booking of seats for tourists in its popular cruise services from anywhere in the world. Well roll out a dedicated mobile app that can be used in Android and IOS mobile phones. Initial discussions are over. It has been decided to install GPS (Global Positioning System) in all the boats and develop a special software to facilitate online booking and tracking, SWTD director Shaji V Nair told TNIE. Once the facility is introduced, tourists from anywhere can reserve seats in our popular tourist cruise boats like Vega-2 and Indra and thus plan their trips in advance, he said. Currently, the 120-seater Vega-2, operating on the Alappuzha-Pathiramanal-Kumarakom-Kainakary route, is the most popular tourist cruise service. The boat, having an onboard dining facility, runs at full capacity almost on all days. Similarly, the recently launched Indra the countrys largest solar-electric boat, operating in the Kochi backwaters has been a hit with the tourists. The daily collection for the 100-seat cruise vessel has crossed Rs 20,000. The 90-seater See-Kuttanad and See Ashtamudi too are raking in revenue for the department. The online reservation system will also cover the water taxis plying in the Muhamma section. Were also rolling out 20-passenger capacity tourist boats to take the visitors to interior routes. Tourists will also be able to book seats in such boats, SWTD director said. Meanwhile, the online ticketing system will be extended to passenger boats as well. However, one cannot reserve seats in advance. They can buy tickets online and board the boats. Were in the process of introducing ticket machines with scanners. Besides, card payment and UPI mode will be introduced soon at the ticket counters where only cash is currently accepted, he said. While 40% tickets on passengers boats will be sold online, the rest will be set aside to be sold through counters to facilitate local commuters. We hope to implement the plans into action in six months, Shaji said. For over five decades, SWTD has been operating a network of water transportation services across the state. Facing tough competition from the widening road network and water metro services in Kochi, SWTD has embarked on a revival mode. The same includes modernisation of its fleet and an image makeover, by introducing the operating staff in a completely new avatar ironed khaki uniforms bearing name plates, shoulder flaps, stars, and brown shoes and belts.

Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Kochi makes emergency landing

Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Kochi makes emergency landing An Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Kochi made an emergency landing at Bengaluru after a fire was noticed in one of the engines, the Bangalore International Airport Limited said on Sunday. All the passengers and crew were evacuated and no one was injured, the Air India Express said in a statement. According to sources, the fire was noticed minutes after the take off. The crew members alerted the Air Traffic Controller and a full scale emergency was declared. Soon after emergency landing at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru, the fire was extinguished. ''On May 18, 2024, IX 1132 from Bengaluru to Kochi made an emergency landing at BLR Airport at 2312 hrs, due to a reported fire in one of the engines,'' a spokesperson of the BIAL, which manages KIA, said in a statement. A full-scale emergency was declared, and the fire was promptly extinguished upon landing. All 179 passengers and six crew members have been successfully evacuated from the aircraft, the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) spokesperson said. An Air India Express spokesperson said that due to suspected flames from the right engine after takeoff, the Bengaluru- Kochi flight 'elected' to return and carried out a precautionary landing at Bengaluru . The ground services also reported flames, resulting in an evacuation. ''The crew accomplished an evacuation with no injuries to any guests. We regret the inconvenience this has caused and are working to provide alternative arrangements for our guests to reach their destination as soon as possible,'' it said. ''A thorough investigation with the regulator shall be accomplished to establish the cause, it said.

AI Express flight catches fire at Bengaluru, 'all passengers safe'

An Air India Express flight from Bengaluru to Kochi made an emergency landing at Bengaluru airport due to fire detection. All passengers are safe. The pilot and crew successfully landed the flight after detecting fire, originating from a flight from Pune. Eyewitnesses from the rear side reported seeing a flash of fire, with a woman passenger alerting the cabin crew.

Unregulated traffic, absence of signals turn key junctions into deathtraps

Migrant workers lodge complaints of wage theft amounting to 2.41 crore in 18 months

Forum moots water treatment plant in Palakkad to boost Keralas mango exports

Three -month-long gFest Kochi concludes

Pre-monsoon works in Kochi nearing completion, says Corporation Secretary

Man held with MDMA, ganja in Kochi

Gold smuggling attempt foiled at Kochi airport

Kalamassery steps up vigil against spurt in Hepatitis A cases

Tetrapod wall work yet to resume as Chellanam residents brace for another rainy season

High waves bring down granite boulder walls along the northern stretches of the panchayat; Chellanam-Fort Kochi Janakiya Vedhi holds public meeting to share residents concerns

Dengue cases on the rise in Ernakulam

Six arrested with drugs from lodge in Kochi

Kerala State Womens Commission chief slams media over reckless reporting of Pantheerankavu domestic violence case

Pantheerankavu domestic violence case: mother and sister of accused seek anticipatory bail

Trailer Of India's 'First' AI Film Monica: Oru AI Story Out

The Monica: Oru AI Storytrailer launch event was held at Gokulam Park Convention Centre in Kochi, Kerala.

Seeking promised jobs, Moolampilly evictees in Kerala to go for mass submission of applications in protest

As many as 316 families were evicted from seven villages in Moolampilly in Kerala for Vallarpadam International Container Transshipment Terminal project in 2008

Sugar rush from Alangadu in Kerala

KOCHI: A sweet revolution is taking place on the banks of Periyar the revival of a once-forgotten crop. To rejuvenate sugarcane farming in the Periyar river basin and restore the prominence of Alangadan sharkara, the Ernakulam Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) of ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute has established a jaggery production unit in Alangad. Till around 60 years ago, Alangad was known for its homegrown sugarcane and jaggery, which was even served in the feasts of royal families, says Shinoj Subrahmanian, principal scientist and head of KVK, Ernakulam. Due to high labour costs and lack of technological developments in farming, sugarcane disappeared from the regions agri-map, he adds. Today, most jaggeries available in Kerala come from outside the state. However, there is a high demand for homegrown, traditional varieties. For example, Marayoor sharkara. But Marayoor alone cannot meet the states demand, says Shinoj. This was what invariably led KVK to reintroduce and popularise Alangadan sharkara. Its primary goal is to produce chemical-free, high-quality jaggery and establish a branded marketing channel for jaggery from Alangad, potentially earning it a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in the future. The first set of sugarcane was planted in the 2022 November-December period and it was ready for harvest next December. KVK sourced CO86032, a high-yielding and disease-resistant sugarcane strain from ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore. Initially, farmers were reluctant. But as we presented the idea of a jaggery production unit, 11 farmers joined. More joined thereafter, Shinoj says. The team had also visited Marayoor to understand how to make jaggery the traditional way. The harvest started stage by stage during March-April. Its continuing even now. The unit, set up in February this year, with support from Alangad Co-operative Bank, has a capacity of 80kg per day. Currently, 25kg of jaggery is being made daily, he adds. With harvest and production in full swing, more farmers are keen to join the drive. The homegrown jaggery is now available for `180 per kg from the Alangad Co-op Bank.

Paliam Palace beckons all to witness the splendour of Muziris

KOCHI: As part of the International Museum Day (May 18), the Muziris Heritage Project, which oversees the conservation of the legendary port of Muziris and the nearby region, has announced that their museum at Paliam Palace will be open well into the night. This is the first time that a museum in Kerala will remain open for tourists at night, says Manoj Kumar K, the managing director of the Project. Entry to the Paliam Palace, which is open from 2pm to 9pm, is free for all on the day. The idea behind this move is to make museums more accessible to people. In throwing open our doors past the regular hours, we hope to invite people, who are otherwise caught up in the tangle of work and commute, to experience what museums have to offer, says Ibrahim Zabin, marketing manager of Muziris Project. A slew of programmes has been arranged at the Muziris sites, primarily aimed at students and the youth. They include a presentation on the project, a guided tour, and a quiz. Live demos of handloom-making, pappadam-making, pottery works and goldsmithery, too, will be on at the site. With these, we hope to bridge the gap between local artisans and students, and engage the community in a positive way, says Zabin. The initiative goes hand in hand with the theme of this years Museum Day Museums for Education and Research, which aims to see museums not only as a portal to history, but as avenues to foster learning and cultural understanding. At night, a lit-up Paliam Palace will be host to Chakyar Koothu performance by Kalamandalam Sreenath, accompanied by mizhavu played by Kalamandalam Rahul T S. It will be followed by a violin performance by a local artist Adishesh. What is under way at Muziris is the largest heritage conservation project in India. What distinguishes the region is that it is a living heritage site. It is vital to make the future generations aware about the need for conservation, Zabin explains. The International Museum Day, established by the International Council of Museums, serves as a platform to promote the role of museums in cultural exchange and development. For details, contact 9020864649. KNOW YOUR HERITAGE No trip to Muziris is complete without pitstops at the other heritage spots here, namely the Chendamangalam Synagogue, Paravur Synagogue, Kottappuram Fort, and the Sahodaran Ayyappan Museum. These places are open from 10am to 5pm. Paliam Palace is the home of Paliathu Achans, prime ministers to Kochi kings Chendamangalam Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in Kerala Paravur Synagogue houses the history of Jews in Kerala Kottappuram Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1523, sits strategically at Periyars mouth Sahodaran Ayyappan Museum illustrates the life and work of the eminent social reformer

Delay in completing signalling system at SN junction irks public

KOCHI: Its been three months since the basic infrastructure required for the operationalisation of a signalling system at SN Junction was installed, but the final leg of the work is yet to be completed, causing distress to hundreds of passengers. Those vehicles heading to Eroor from Tripunithura and Irumpanam sides have to take a deviation to Vadekkekotta and circumnavigate an additional 2 to 3km to reach the destination. Two months back, the authorities erected six posts needed for the signalling system. But nothing has been done thereafter, though only a days work is needed to operationalise the signalling system. The delay is causing additional time and money for the commuters. Even autorickshaws are charging an additional Rs 30 to Rs 40 to go to the Eroor side, said V C Jayendran, convener, Tripunithura Rajanagari Union of Residents Association (TRURA). Earlier, the signalling system at the BPCL side was removed to facilitate Kochi Metro Construction works. The Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) initiated the work to install the new signalling system there following protests from the local residents.

Frequent laptop thefts becoming headache for Kerala police

KOCHI: The frequent incidents of laptop theft at Kakkanad and places near Infopark are turning out to be a headache for cops. Now, the laptop thief has once again struck an IT firm in Infopark from where nine laptops were stolen on Wednesday night. In the past one month as many as four laptop thefts were reported at Infopark Police Station alone. Till now, no persons have been arrested. The latest theft was reported at a company named DBIZ AI Solutions Private Ltd functioning on the first and second floors of Infopark phase-1. The theft came to notice when employees returned to the office. As many as nine laptops of Lenovo, Apple and Dell were found stolen. Apart from it, a Sony PlayStation was also found missing. It was found that the office was not locked the previous night. Someone who was familiar with the place broke into the office and stole the electronic gadgets. We have received the visuals of the accused after examining the CCTV camera. The stolen goods are worth around `6 lakh. We have started a probe into the incident, Anilkumar V S, Station House Officer, Infopark Police Station, said. Early this month, two theft incidents were reported at two mens hostels in Kakkanad from where as many as six laptops were stolen. The thefts were reported at Mohans Home in Chittethukara and Planet Homes Mens Hostel in Kuzhikkattumoola. Last Month, a similar theft incident was reported at a hostel in Kakkanad. As far as laptops stolen from hostels are concerned, the cases were reported in rooms occupied by IT employees. IT employees staying in the same room work in different shifts. So, they do not lock their rooms so that roommates working in different shifts can enter the room, he said. Police are probing whether the same persons were involved in all theft cases. Whether any interstate gang is behind these thefts is being probed. We cannot confirm whether all these cases are interlinked. There is also the possibility that different burglars are involved in these cases. However, we are conducting a probe. We have asked people to lock their rooms when they go outside. Use locks having multiple keys so that all inmates can have a key with them, he said.

Civil police officer suspended for assaulting taxi operator in Kochi

KOCHI: Kochi City Police Commissioner S Shyamsundar has suspended a civil police officer (CPO) for manhandling a Kannur resident and detaining his car illegally at the Ernakulam North police station. The police have registered a case against CPO K G Umesh, who belongs to Kalamassery but has been residing at Palarivattom, for assaulting Shahin at the station. He has since absconded, a police officer said. Umesh joined Kerala Police in 2011 and has been working at the Ernakulam North police station since 2022. According to the police, Umeshs elder brother was working as the manager of a private finance company in Kannur. The victim, Shahin, took a car loan last year from that particular firm. For the past eight months, Shahin has not been able to remit the EMI correctly. Initially, he was using the car as a cab but now he has rented out the car in Kochi, the police said. On the evening of May 13, Umesh, who was on duty, noticed Shahins car parked on the roadside while passing through Judges Avenue. The car was taken on rent by a person for a few days. He asked the driver to bring the car to the Ernakulam North police station as there was a criminal case involving the vehicle. After coming to know about the incident, Shahin also reached the police station. Following an argument, Umesh pushed and slapped Shahin, a police officer said. Later, Umesh parked the car among confiscated vehicles at the police station, asking Shahin to settle the liabilities with the financial institution to get it back. The next day, Shahin lodged a complaint with Kochi City Police Commissioner Shyamsundar who ordered an inquiry into the incident. By that time, the finance company personnel shifted the car from the police station to their custody, the officer said. As part of the initial inquiry, CCTV footage from the police station was checked and a report submitted to the police commissioner. Based on the report, Shyamsundar ordered the suspension of Umesh and appointed an assistant commissioner of police to carry out a detailed inquiry into the incident. Ernakulam North Police have also registered a case against Umesh for assaulting Shahin at the station. Fearing an arrest, Umesh has absconded. We have information that he is trying to secure an anticipatory bail from the court, a police officer said. CPO absconds The police have registered a case against CPO K G Umesh, for assaulting Shahin at the station. He has since absconded, the police said

Sarathi portal down, driving tests called off for second day

KOCHI: With the central Sarathi portal down for maintenance for a second straight day, driving tests scheduled for Friday were also called off, adding to the number of candidates affected. While the facility is expected to be fully functional only on Monday, the motor vehicles department (MVD) has asked candidates who missed their appointments of the last two days to carry printouts of allotment when they next appear for tests. Candidates who received slots can approach us with printouts. They can undergo the tests even if the portal is down, said Manoj K, Ernakulam regional transport officer. Even though driving school owners called off their nearly two-week-long protest following talks with Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar, no testing was held on Thursday and Friday. The candidates who reached the test grounds were forced to return. Weve the list of candidates who appeared on these two days and they will be given priority from Monday. They will be accommodated along with those with slots for that particular day. For this, we will deploy more personnel, drawing on officers from the enforcement squad, the official added. The Sarathi portal is undergoing urgent database maintenance and is expected to be back online at 10am on Monday. The fate of candidates who were allotted dates from May 1 but couldnt attend the tests due to the agitation by driving school owners is still uncertain. Were yet to take a decision in this case, Manoj added. Licence extension Meanwhile, the ministry of road transport and highways has issued an advisory to extend the validity of learners, drivers and conductor licences that expired on either on May 16 or May 17 without levying any penalty up to May 20.

Extreme heavy rain likely in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki on May 20, 21

KOCHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast extreme heavy rainfall in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki districts on May 20 and 21. In its five-day forecast for Kerala, the IMD has issued orange alert for Palakkad and Malappuram districts on Saturday. These districts are expected to receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall ranging from 11.5 cm to 20.4 cm. The weather monitor has also issued an orange alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Idukki on Sunday. Rain set to intensify, orange alert in several districts in Kerala from May 18 to 20 As per the forecast, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam and Idukki districts are expected to receive isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall on May 20 and 21. The forecast says that Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts would receive extreme heavy rainfall on these two days. The IMD says there is possibility of extreme rainfall in Kottayam on May 21. This means there is possibility of more than 20 cm rainfall in 24 hours. There is a cyclonic circulation over Comorin area which is expected to intensify. Besides strong westerly winds and cross equatorial flow can bring heavy rainfall, said IMD scientist V K Mini. The IMD global forecasting systems are indicating the development of a low pressure area over southeast Arabian Sea off Kerala and Karnataka Coasts around May 22 which is likely to persists for the next couple of days over the same region with a little intensification. There are chances of the formation of a low pressure area ahead of monsoon surge over southeast and adjoining Andaman Sea around May 24. It is likely to intensify further into a depression. The formation of the low pressure area is expected to bring more rain during the next week. The National Centre for Environmental Prediction expects the formation of a low-pressure area over the southeast Bay of Bengal around May 23. The system is likely to intensify gradually into a depression over east-central Bay of Bengal on May 24 and further intensify into a cyclonic storm by May 25.

GenNext crisis for Kerala Congress parties as youngsters migrate to foreign countries

KOCHI: The migration of Keralas youth to foreign countries has significant implications for society. While experts are examining the economic and social impacts of the exodus, it has also profoundly affected the states political parties. Their youth and student wings are suffering from a shortage of capable second-generation leaders. This trend has particularly impacted the Kerala Congress factions as young people from Central Kerala, where these parties hold influence, are migrating in large numbers to European countries, the US, Australia, and Canada. Political analysts are of the view that Kerala Congress leaders are largely unaware of the extent to which they are losing their political base. Kerala Congress feeder organisations, such as the Kerala Students Congress (KSC) and the Kerala Youth Front (KYF), were once considered the nurturing grounds for the parent organisation. However, the student and youth wings of all factions are now facing a severe shortage of capable leaders. According to political observer Dijo Kappen, there are currently about seven or eight Kerala Congress factions in the state. However, the representation of these groups student wings in colleges across the state is minimal. If we take the number of university union councillors, the total number of all the councillors of the students wing of various Kerala Congress factions will not go up to 10. Once the Kerala Students Congress (KSC) was the main opponent of KSU in the university union elections, he pointed out. Leaders like T M Jacob, former MP Thomas Kuthiravattom, and former legislators P C George, Johny Nellore, and K C Joseph were state-level functionaries of the KSC while P J Joseph and the late C F Thomas entered public life through the Youth Front of the undivided Kerala Congress. Even after various splits, leaders such as Joseph M Puthussery, Thomas Unniyadan, Roshy Augustine, and Mons Joseph emerged from the student and youth wings to join the mainstream. However, the current crisis is that these parties are struggling to cultivate a second generation of leaders. The major supporters of the Kerala Congress are settler farmers in Kottayam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, and parts of Ernakulam district. Now, their second generation is settling abroad, and this mass exodus of the states youth has hit the Kerala Congress the hardest, as all factions are struggling without a new generation of leadership. The disappointing factor is that the leaders of Kerala Congress are not aware that the political ground beneath their feet is fast eroding, said Kappen. Previously, migration was primarily to Middle Eastern countries, where those moving abroad remained voters and stayed involved in political activities. They often returned and started living in Kerala. However, the current trend sees people moving to Europe and America and settling there permanently. S Irudaya Rajan, an expert in Migration Studies, noted that this trend is part of a broader migration pattern. In the southern districts, not all youths are moving abroad, but naturally, it has implications for political parties as well, he added. Shortage of leaders Kerala Congress feeder organisations, such as the Kerala Students Congress (KSC) and the Kerala Youth Front (KYF), were once considered the nurturing grounds for the parent organisation However, the student and youth wings of all factions are now facing a severe shortage of capable leaders

Second India-Australia-Indonesia maritime security workshop concludes in Kochi

Kochi, May 18 (IANS) The second edition of Trilateral Maritime Security Workshop (TMSW) for India, Australia, and Indonesia concluded in Kochi on Friday. During the three-day [] The post Second India-Australia-Indonesia maritime security workshop concludes in Kochi appeared first on Sarkaritel.com .

T.V. Santhoshs art exhibition in Kochi explores history and contemporary issues

Two habitual offenders externed under KAAPA in Kochi

Prudent Technologies Redefines CPaaS with Global Growth and Game-Changing Solutions

Prudent Technologies Redefines CPaaS with Global Growth and Game-Changing Solutions Kochi (Kerala) [India], May 17: Prudent Technologies Private Limited, a growth leader & a frontrunner in the Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) sector, today unveiled major milestones and strategic initiatives, reaffirming its commitment to revolutionize global communications. With over two decades of pioneering work, Prudent Technologies is poised to further empower enterprises and telecom operators worldwide with its innovative solutions. Prudent Technologies has consistently demonstrated its capacity to innovate and lead within the telecom and enterprise sectors. The company proudly asserts that its services have touched the lives of millions, from facilitating transactions in the UPI payments ecosystem to managing bookings for LPG refills, showcasing the ubiquitous impact of their solutions. BJAS Murthy, CEO of Prudent Technologies, emphatically declared the company's pivotal role on a global scale, asserting, ''Prudent is the forefront in empowering telco players worldwide to deliver CPaaS services, diverging significantly from pure-play CPaaS providers. We are steadfast in our conviction that telecom operators will unequivocally lead the dynamic market landscape, reinforcing our unwavering strategic stance.'' Prudent Technologies is currently engaged with major telco players in India and is expanding its footprint to global Telcos across Asia, the Middle East, LATAM, and Africa. This expansion aligns with Prudent's vision of providing cutting-edge, cost-effective, and future-proof communication solutions to enterprises worldwide. Notable achievements over the years, include deploying the first Missed-Call Alert system in 2002, launching location-based services in India in 2004, and introducing the first TRUE CPaaS use case in 2008 with an SMS + Voice + Internet-based LPG refill booking system. In 2019, Prudent launched a TRUE Omnichannel service integrating SMS, Voice, and WhatsApp services on the same number, showcasing their innovative approach to unified communications. By 2025, Prudent aims to reach have a significant global reach through partnerships with telecom operators, expanding its impact and footprint in the CPaaS market. The company also holds several patents and intellectual property rights, reaffirming its commitment to innovation and leadership in the communications industry. Recognition by Channel Futures as one of the top 20 CPaaS players to watch in 2024 and by Standard & Poor's as a differentiated CPaaS enabler for Telecom Operators further validates Prudent's strategic direction and market position. Prudent Technologies serves over 6000 enterprises, facilitating more than 20 billion transactions annually on its robust platform. The companys client list includes prestigious names such as Kochi Metro, Axis Bank, ICICI, HDFC Bank, Flipkart, KMRL, SONY, LG, SAMSUNG, Just Dial, Swiggy, IOCL, HPCL, and the Government of India. As the world transitions to 5G and Industry 4.0, global enterprise businesses are expected to seek more effective communication solutions across multiple end-user industries, including banking, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Prudent Technologies stands ready to meet these needs with secure, hybrid, and future-fit technologies. For media inquiries or further information, please contact partnerships@prutech.co.in. About Prudent Technologies: Prudent Technologies Private Limited is a leader in the CPaaS industry, providing innovative communication solutions to telecom and enterprise customers globally. With a history of over two decades, Prudent is dedicated to revolutionizing communication landscapes and enhancing connectivity across the globe.

Hyundai Kona Electric: Ownership experience after 5 months & 10,000 km

BHPian GKR9900 recently shared this with other enthusiasts 10,000 kms UPDATE It has been 5 months since I bought the Kona in December 2023. It has been an enjoyable experience no doubt. The 10000 kms were up and it was time to take the car for service. Service was scheduled for 9 am at Popular Hyundai, Kochi on 10th May. Reached the dealership by around 9.15 am. In spite of making a booking via the Hyundai app and later confirming via call, it took a good 45 minutes to get a service advisor allotted to me though. Guess they were short on staff that day. Anyway, once the service advisor did take up my car, he was courteous and tried to make up for a lost time. The routine checks were done, fluids were topped up, the car was washed, and a BMS update was also done. They also looked into a few minor things that I had mentioned. While waiting, briefly checked out the Ioniq 5 too. These CKD Hyundais ooze some terrific quality. There's no denying that. I also managed to talk with a senior service head about the probable plans Hyundai India has lined up for the Indian EV space. The Kona was never intended to be a seller. It was more of an R&D exercise for Hyundai to test the waters in India. Ioniq 5 was sort of like a halo product. It seems the Creta EV is going to be their next major product, most likely as a replacement for the diesel Creta with the ever-tightening emission norms. Unlike the Kona, the Creta EV is expected to be a volume seller. So they are in the process of upgrading the Maharashtra plant and various service centres across the country to better handle that demand. The next in line is the Exter EV. He also mentioned how Hyundai is considering bringing in the new Kona EV (at a price of ~35L) and Genesis to India. But these might take some time. We also talked about how Maruti's entry into the EV space is going to shake up the entire Indian landscape. Looks like EV fanatics are in for some juicy products in the near future. After the service, I took the car to the nearby tyre shop the get a wheel balancing, rotation and alignment done. While doing this, there was a small screw that was found piercing the front left tyre. No warnings had popped up in the TPMS though. They fixed the tyre. The tyre pressure was set at 36 psi using nitrogen. This was later reduced to around 34 as 36 made the car unnecessarily bouncy. 34 seemed to offer a good balance between ride and handling. So how does the car hold up after 10,000 kms? Simply magical! Truth be told, this car is turning out to be an all-time favourite. I have said this before: The smooth, silent, and explosive EV powertrain has made sure that it is next to impossible for me to consider another ICE car for purchase, but the low centre of gravity, the steering feel (I know I am talking about a Hyundai), the confident brakes, the paddle based regen, the 350 km realistic range, the way the car sticks on to tarmac - except for the times when you unleash all 400Nm of torque in a split second - have made sure that even if I am to consider another EV, it's going to be a very hard exercise upgrading from all this. And I am not even mentioning the fuel cost savings so far! A few things I have noticed:Efficiency changes with outside temperature: The recent heat waves have demonstrated exactly this. When outside temperatures were soaring high, my efficiency for work-home commutes hovered around 6.5-7.5 km/kwh. Earlier I used to get around 8-9km/kwh even with spirited driving. Do note that I was driving mostly in comfort mode so the AC performance was not reduced.However, in the Kona, you can customise the AC to be in a higher setting even while driving in eco mode.Efficiency changes with tyre pressure: The recommended 36 psi on all tyres delivers more efficiency. But on a hot summer day, a bit of driving around takes the indicated tyre pressure to ~38 psi which makes the ride too firm and uncomfortable over poor road surfaces. I played around and have found that 34 is the sweet spot for tyre pressure in the Kona.Utility mode is Godsent: With peak summer scorching the living hell out of our bodies, the utility mode in the Kona - where you can use the car as a giant power bank while the motor is turned off has come off as a lifesaver on more than one occasion. On a few occasions when our local transformer had gone caput, I did manage to get a few hours of sleep inside the car with the AC turned on in utility mode. A little bit of music adds a pleasant ambience inside the cabin.All said and done, it's pretty sad that Hyundai never promoted the Kona to its fullest potential. This is a no-nonsense, semi-aspirational, enthusiast-pampering car that is the first proper fully electric one in the mass-market segment. The car was initially launched in 2018 and there are so many things in the car that still feels well ahead of time. Anyway, I am happy to have lapped one up just in time. This one's a keeper! Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Swift n sporty

KOCHI: For customers, buying a Maruti Swift has been a no-brainer since its launch. Thats why its sales crossed 30 lakhs in India within just two decades. The premium hatchback segment to which the Swift belongs, witnesses very high competition, within it and with the small SUVs. With this in mind, Maruti Suzuki has now given a fourth-generation avatar to the Swift. I was part of the national media drive of the all-new upgraded model, carried out by Maruti Suzuki in Bengaluru. Let me share my experiences of the first drive. EXTERIOR The design of the Epic New Swift, as Maruti Suzuki calls it, is very sporty and youthful, without losing the signature Swift looks. There are smoky LED projector headlamps, boomerang LED DRLs and LED fog lamps flanking the glossy black front grille. The bumper has grown to the bonnet and the Suzuki logo is now above the grille, unlike the previous generation where it was on the grille. At the rear, LED C-shaped lamps add freshness, while the side view is being made attractive with 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels. Unlike the predecessor, the handles of the rear doors are on the door panel itself. This is to facilitate the character lines flow smoothly on the doors. Overall, the car looks very young and sporty. INTERIOR The interiors have an all-black theme, which looks premium.The dashboard has also evolved a lot, vis a vis, the last generation. It clearly resembles that of Marutis own Fronx and Baleno. A 22.86cm (9inch) Smartplay Pro+ infotainment system is the highlight of the dashboard of the top variant I drove. A flat-bottomed steering wheel, fast charging A & C Type USB ports for the rear seat occupants, rear AC vents, cruise control, 60:40 rear split seats and keyless entry are some other useful features. There is also ample leg room, headroom and shoulder room for all passengers. The 3,860mm long car has a wheelbase of 2,450mm, freeing good cabin space. The width of the new Swift is 1,735 mm and the height is 1,520 mm. Boot space is 265 litres and has a very user-friendly shape. All dimensions are almost similar to that of the outgoing Swift, with plus or minus a few millimetres. SAFETY FEATURES Maruti Suzuki has added a lot of safety features even in the entry-level variant of the Swift. Standard safety features include six airbags, an electronic stability programme, a hill hold assist, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and brake assist and three-point seat belts for all seats with reminders are in the list. Additionally, the top variant comes equipped with a reverse camera. ENGINE PERFORMANCE Maruti Suzukis brand-new Z-Series engine is part of the new Swift. It is a 1,197cc 3-cylinder engine, replacing the 4-cylinder engine in the last gen. It delivers 60kW of peak power at 5,700 rpm (81 HP) and 111.7 Nm of peak torque at 4300 rpm. This is 8 HP and 1 Nm lower than that of the outgoing model, on paper. But practically, the story is different. Maruti engineers explained that the engine is suited for Indian driving conditions with excellent low-end torque delivery for better acceleration and high fuel efficiency. In my drive, I could experience its punch and smooth performance. The claimed mileage is 3kmpl more than that of the former generation Swift. The model I drove, the AMT gearbox variant, has a practical gearbox in daily driving conditions.The company claims a fuel efficiency of up to 25.75 kmpl. The new suspension system adds comfort to the ride. Steering precision and high-speed stability are also commendable. VALUE FOR MONEY A high fuel efficiency, a lot of lovable features and the iconic brand status should give confidence to anybody to buy a new Swift. The price of manual variants ranges from J6.49 lakh to J8.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and the AMT variants come at J7.8 lakh to J9.5 lakh. This compares with the likes of Hyundai i10, Exter, Tata Punch, Tiago, etc. INFOTAINMENT The 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with ARKAMYS surround sense audio is really modern. Connectivity facilities in the Suzuki Connect suit also have very useful tech features.

Looking for the enemy

KOCHI: As you step inside the Durbar Gallery in Kochi, a palpable sense of eeriness fills the air. Each frame inside narrates tales of war and violence. Shades of historical conflicts, the global pandemic, and potential apocalyptic scenarios dominate the colourful frames -- dark and vibrant -- contrasting each other. Throughout the exhibition, in almost every frame, the bright-coloured floral backdrop persists, juxtaposing harsh realities with seemingly serene visuals. Set against a vibrant lemon green backdrop, adorned with leaves and a few bunches of jungle geranium (chethi) flowers, the title text of T V Santhoshs ongoing exhibition stands out: History Lab and the Elegy of Visceral Incantation. The artists maiden solo show in Kerala does not reflect any stereotypical elements of a specific place. The exhibition was earlier displayed at the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum. His works, irrespective of the medium, generally speak about the human condition across the world. Themes of war and violence are central, with each piece probing why they occur. In the history of violence, there has to be an enemy for it to start. The primary question I address is Who is the real enemy? Through my frames, I transport viewers back in time to analyse the source of each incident, explains Santhosh, who has been practicing art in Mumbai for some time. The artist, who hails from Kaipamangalam in Thrissur, began his artistic journey at the Fine Arts Institute there. After completing 10th grade, the institute helped him sharpen his skills and understand basic art theories, he says. The time spent in Thrissur also provided him with a profound understanding of art and the societal commitment required of an artist. The 1980s in Kerala saw a cultural revolution with societal activities, debates, and theatre emerging prominently. Despite this vibrant landscape, many budding artists, including Santhosh, faced a lack of knowledge in contemporary art. Thats why I moved to Santiniketan in West Bengal in 1989. It was there that I truly started looking at modern art from an Indian perspective. I understood that the idea of modernity is culturally specific and defined by its historical conditions. Today, there is a renewed interest in Bengal school movement and its values in the context of freedom struggle and the process of nation-building. Being in Santiniketan has influenced my ideology and aesthetics. And it was here, that I started specialising in sculpture, says Santhosh. His close association with sculpting is evident in the ongoing exhibition. A caged Rs 100 and Rs 5 note displayed at the gallery provoke ambiguity, questioning where the theme of violence might be hidden in the wooden sculpture. The Rs 100 note reflects Indias recession-era, highlighting the economys fragility and vulnerability to external forces. The Rs 5 note, featuring a tractor image, responds to the current Farmers protest, connecting to the present scenario. As you explore the sculpture installation, terms inscribed on the surface reference Keralas historical tax system, Valappanam, Changatham, Mulakkaram, Meeshakkaram, and more. Some names reveal an element of violence. For example, Pulayattu Pennu referred to adulterous women sold by Rajas, and Kozha meant forced contributions during emergencies. Over time, the meanings of words and concepts of morality have evolved, explains Santhosh. Humanity in various themes Santhoshs paintings not only explore war and violence but also highlight the medias role in shaping our perception of reality, particularly in works like When World Enters Your Home. His work now encompasses a broader reality through sculptures, paintings, and installations. They arent material-specific. The medium is chosen based on how well it conveys the theme and its meaning. Possibility dictates my choice, explains Santhosh. He uses watercolours to depict the global pandemic and potential future apocalyptic scenarios, with an LED clock as a recurring motif. The LED timer plays a crucial visual role. It can be seen as a countdown to death, like a ticking time bomb or a clock recording the years left, like a world nearing its end, says Santhosh. One notable piece is his 2019 painting The Protagonist and His Empty Rat Trap. The LED scroll panel and dog invite new interpretations. The LED panel with Blood Faces references a 12-year-old Hiroshima survivors testimony. I retained the phrase Blood Faces from her testimony, explains Santhosh.The dog references World War II, where dogs were used as suicide bomb carriers, blending old war imagery with a grim prophecy. The painting was completed before the pandemic, and the man is seen wearing a maska pure coincidence. Most of my works peek into possible future scenarios, says Santhosh. Although his works have political viewpoints, Santhosh doesnt label himself as an activist or political artist. I was involved in activism in the 80s as a student in Kerala. Today, Im an artist whose works mix philosophy, politics, and personal ideologies. In short, my works are humanistic, concludes the artist. The exhibition concludes on May 20

As Kochi grows louder, a quiet sanctuary blooms @ HiBye

KOCHI: Its true whether you are looking to hang out with your friends or enjoy some private time, its very difficult to find a quiet spot in Kochi. Enter HiBye, wherein individuals can listen, read, watch movies, play games, and hold meetings, or should they so desire, find some quiet, in private cabrooms. We want our customers to have some fun; thats our priority, says Devika Sajeev, the 20-year-old manager of this novel venture. The facility, located at Elamkulam metro station on platform 2, includes eight cabrooms, each about 6.5 feet tall, rendered beautiful by dimmed lights, plants and soothing music. The amenities include a two-seater couch, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a small screen for streaming, all for Rs 300 per hour. Customers can book these spaces through an app. The HiBye team also takes serious precautions to ensure their spaces are not misused. Customers are discouraged to carry their bags inside. HiBye also hosts various campaigns and events, like awareness against drug abuse and blood donation drives, alongside weekly entertainment programmes such as magic shows. Frequent visitors Abhirami and Bibin say, The place is worth the money. Its calm and perfect for hanging out. Well come again. Regarding the decision to house this venture at Elamkulam station, Rajeesh, a staff member, explains, While MG Road is the heart of the city, we chose Elamkulam for its tranquillity and relatively central location. Where: Elamkulam metro station, platform 2 Cost: Rs 300/hour Book via their app, hibye on Google PlayStore

Driver dies after parked vehicle runs over him in Muvattupuzha

KOCHI: A youth died after his mini-bus, which was parked in front of his house, rolled forward and ran over him on Thursday. The deceased is Nandu Saji, 21, of Valakom, Muvattupuzha. Nandu was the driver of the mini-bus and he had parked the vehicle in front of his house at CTC Kavala at around 12.30pm. However, the vehicle started moving forward after he got down from the it. Seeing this, Nandu tried to stop the vehicle by placing stones under its tyres. But, the vehicle continued to roll forward and ran over his body. The neighbour who came to the rescue Nandu, rushed him to a private hospital nearby where he was declared dead. Muvattupuzha Police registered a case and initiated a probe into the incident. The police are checking whether the mini-bus rolled forward due to parking brake failure or Nandu forgot to engage the brake. The body will be handed over to relatives after a postmortem examination.

Kaloor Stadium gets yellow card!

KOCHI: While cricket reigns supreme in India, football has long been the lifeblood of Kerala. Introduced by British officers stationed in Malappuram during the pre-independence era, football rapidly gained popularity throughout the state. Today, the Jawaharlal Nehru International (JNI) Stadium in Kaloor, Kochi, stands as the epicentre of football passion in the state. However, the establishment, known best for hosting Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) matches, has come under scrutiny of late after a viral video showed the concrete stands shaking during celebrations. Concerns about the safety and maintenance of the building, which was opened in 1996, were raised, with fans and critics accusing the government of neglecting infrastructure development. The recent announcement of Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas that the government is mulling setting up an international stadium in Kozhikode, overlooking the much-needed upgrade works of Kaloor stadium, only added fuel to the fire. Here, TNIE examines the three-pronged problem ailing one of Kochis grand structures weak infrastructure, poor maintenance, and the heated discussions over what sport should take precedence here. Weak infra The JNI Stadium is the home ground of KBFC, which competes in the Indian Super League (ISL) and possesses one of the highest fan bases in Asia. Sadly, the building is in dire need of proper maintenance and timely upgrades. Public anxiety peaked after a widely shared video showed concrete stands shaking while KBFC fans celebrated home goals. The video, shot from the third tier in the East Stand where the Blasters famed fan club Manjappada gathered, was termed dangerous, shocking, scary and pathetic. T Gokul Raj, a die-hard KBFC fan who regularly attends the matches with friends, says, We always worry about incidents during the chants and dances of the huge crowd. The vibrations of the stands and the leakages on the roof add to our stress. Last year, during one of the matches here, an alarming incident occurred when a piece of concrete fell from a deteriorating stadium structure, causing minor injuries to a fan. Datuk Seri Windsor John, the general secretary of the Asian Football Confederation, had warned that the present state of the stadium is a recipe for disaster. However, GCDA officials, responsible for overseeing the stadiums functions and development, dismissed these concerns, citing remarks from Javier Ceppi, the tournament director of the Under-17 World Cup held in India, that some stadiums, like those of German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt and Argentinas Boca Juniors, are designed to shake during matches. Officials have also opposed claims of administrative negligence and unresolved safety issues. The stadium was built and maintained to FIFA Under-17 standards. We regularly monitor maintenance and infrastructure development. Although the actual seating capacity is 80,000, we reduce it to 35,000 on match days to ensure safety and security, states an official. Meanwhile, Manjappada, the official fan army of KBFC, has remained conspicuously silent on these issues. Poor maintenance Improper and infrequent maintenance work is another major problem plaguing Kaloor stadium. The building, which opened in 1996, was only renovated twice - in 2000 and 2017. Officials say that tender procedures are completed for another round of renovation and repair works, but the work is yet to begin. Lack of funds is cited as the main roadblock. However, critics argue that the urgent upgrades could be funded by the rent collected from shops operating in the stadium. Now, almost all of the maintenance of the stadium is carried out by KBFC, says Hidayath Razi, the former manager of the club. The franchise is also running around for obtaining safety permissions from various departments. He contrasted this with his experience as the team manager of Odisha FC, where the state government handles ground maintenance, and provides international facilities, and even sponsors the club. Cricket vs football The ongoing disagreement between football and cricket fans also impacts the stadiums prosperity. JNI Stadium, which hosted numerous international cricket and football matches, including an India-Iraq football match in 1997 attended by approximately 1,00,000 spectators, has not hosted cricket matches since 2014 due to ISL. Cricket lovers have regularly protested this, and some within the Ernakulam District Cricket Association (EDCA) too have lambasted this omission. Kaloor stadium is capable of hosting both sports. Once, it was used for several cricket matches, including international ones. It stopped only because of utility factors and schedule clashes with ISL and other cricket matches, says an official of EDCA. He adds that turning Kochi into a single-sport destination would not benefit the citys economic growth. However, Sachin Tendulkar, the man dubbed the God of Cricket in India, has calmed the clash between fans and praised the growing football culture around Kochi. Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, who is also an ardent cricket fan, was also in support of the #SaveKochiTurf movement. The turf laid [at JNI Stadium] is apt for top-class football. To hold a cricket match, it would have to be dug up, he wrote on social media, adding that a cricket-ready stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, was lying idle. A dearth of quality grounds Despite being capable of hosting 72-80 international matches annually, the JNI Stadiums gates are open for just 12 to 13 ISL matches a year. The stadium remains locked for the rest of the year, burdened by the regular maintenance of the turf and premises. There is a dearth of quality grounds in Kochi. This impairs the grooming of young talent. Vimal T R, the trainer of the football club United FC Cochin, says, The availability of playgrounds is fundamental for football development. Out of 100 players, only 2-3 have access to appropriate facilities for quality development. Besides certain college grounds, there are few environments for elevens tournaments. Vimal adds that using Kaloor Stadium for state-level matches would improve the quality of the players. Interestingly, the latest notification from GCDA reveals that the stadium will soon be rented out to hold non-athletic events. This, GCDA believe, will bring in much-needed money for repairs and upgrades. Assuaging concerns about the treatment of the international-level maintained turf, officials point out that Wembley Stadium in London, considered the cathedral of football, also hosts non-athletic events. Final say Whatever the case may be, sports infrastructure in the city should be ramped up. Thats not all. Whats the point in building and maintaining a crores-worth project if it is not utilised properly? The concerned departments should also see to it that there are enough sports activities all year round. Not only does this augers well for the stadium, but also helps nurture future stars, and see Kochi truly deserving of its football fandom. Is cricket leaving Kaloor for good? Kerala Cricket Associations (KCA) lease agreement validity over the JNI Stadium has long been an unsettled question among sports lovers. The KCAs decision to skip conducting cricket matches and leave the multi-purpose stadium to KBFC has intensified these doubts. Although KCA maintains an operational office in the building, it is mulling constructing a new stadium solely for cricket elsewhere in the city. The KCA is looking to build a new stadium near the Kochi airport (only site identification is done). The proceedings are in the primary stages at the governmental level, says Jayesh George, KCA president. Now, we are concentrating on getting permission to acquire excess land from the government for our upcoming project, a cricket stadium at Kollam. We are also seeking an exception to the government order that organisations are only allowed to possess a maximum of 15 acres, Jayesh adds.

Man dupes investors of Rs 25 crore, lands in crime branch net

KOCHI: The Crime Branch on Thursday arrested a man for allegedly cheating over 100 investors by promising big returns from the stock market and siphoning off Rs 25 crore. The arrested was identified as Sunish Nambiar, 44, a native of Kuveri in Kannur, currently residing at Chirakkal village. A probe by the Economic Offence Wing of the Ernakulam Crime Branch unit found that the accused first registered a company by the name Nam Index Derivatives. He then made the investors believe that he was an expert in stock trading and that his company was involved in regular share trading business. He used to receive investments by offering an annual profit share of up to 25 to 30%. He made the investors believe that he used to work in the London Banking sector and that he was an expert in Derivative Trading. His modus operandi was to first win the trust of a few persons by providing them big returns for their small investments and then finding new investors through them, sources said. The accused first received investments from two persons working in top positions in the Gulf and won their trust by sending them a big profit share from their own investment. Through them he made over a hundred people working in the Gulf invest in his company before siphoning off their money.

3 booked for threat to avenge death of gang member

KOCHI: Police are on alert for gang violence after friends of a person who was stabbed to death in Kaloor in 2022 issued a suspected death threat to the prime accused on a social media platform. Ernakulam North police registered a case against Kochi natives Althaf, Shijith and Freddy, who were buddies of Shajun Shakeer, who was murdered in a clash between two groups. On September 10, 2022, Shajun, from Vennala, and his friends attempted to barge into the house of Kiran at Chammani Lane, Kaloor. Shajun had posted provocative comments below a photo posted on Instagram by Kirans brother Kevin, who questioned the move. This triggered the tension. Anticipating trouble, Kiran let out his pet dogs but the rival gang members used pepper spray to ward off the canines. In the free-for-all that ensued, Kiran stabbed Shajun multiple times. Kiran, who was arrested by police for the murder, was released on bail last year. As the news reached the ears of his rivals, Shijith issued an incendiary post on the formers Instagram account. The post, carrying the picture of Shajun, read: Its time to pack off those who sent you to the other world. Taking cognisance of the post, police officers placed Shijith and his friends under surveillance. As a preventive measure, we registered a case against the three, including Shijith. The case was registered following a complaint by Kirans mother. We have charged them with non-bailable offences. This is to prevent them from triggering more violence, an officer said. They were booked under sections 153 (promoting enmity) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC. The Shajun murder case is set to enter the trial stage at a sessions court in Kochi soon. We are trying to pacify the situation. We have spoken to members of both gangs. The movement of the accused will be monitored regularly, he added.

24-year-old youth arrested in Thoppumpady murder case

KOCHI: Police on Thursday arrested a man who stabbed a 45-year-old Moolankuzhi native to death inside a shop at Thoppumpady. The arrested person is Alen Jose, 24, a Mundamveli native, who was taken into custody from a place near his house where he was hiding after committing the murder. Binoy Stanley was murdered following previous enmity, over the victims involvement in shifting Alen to a mental health centre for excessive drug usage, said an official. According to the police, Stanley and Alen were family friends. The accused consumed drugs excessively and often turned violent. Knowing this, Stanley along with his wife, a psychologist by profession, shifted him to Kusumagiri Mental Health Centre, Kakkanad, a few months ago for de-addiction treatment. There he allegedly underwent a shock treatment. After the incident, Alen nursed a grudge towards Stanley and his family. The accused had threatened Stanley and his family on previous occasions as well. On Wednesday night, Alen arrived at the shipping office-cum-marine products selling shop, where Stanley worked as a manager late Wednesday, and stabbed Stanley with a knife more than 20 times, said a senior officer of City Police, Ernakulam. The CCTV footage of Alen brutally attacking Stanley was out on Thursday. The visuals showed the conversation between them, and suddenly the victim taking out a knife and repeatedly stabbing the victim before escaping from the place. Though police rushed to the spot and took the victim to Karuvelipady government hospital in an ambulance, he died on the way, an officer said. Meanwhile, police found that Alen was involved in another criminal case for forcing his way into the house of another person and committing an attack. After taking Alen into custody, he was questioned by the police team till evening before recording his arrest. He will be produced in court later. The body of the deceased was handed over to relatives after autopsy. Friend turned foe According to the police, Stanley and Alen were family friends. The accused often consumed drugs excessively and turned violent. Stanley along with his wife, a psychologist by profession, shifted him to a mental health centre a few months ago for de-addiction treatment

Coast Guard in Kerala coordinates medical evacuation of critically-ill British man

KOCHI: The Indian Coast Guard coordinated the medical evacuation of a critically-ill British national on board a ship that was on its way from Dubai to Brunei on Thursday. Kenneth Hiller, 62, a crew member of MV Anvil Point, fell ill owing to deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot. The Coast Guard arranged a tele-medicine facility for assessing the mans condition and sent off ICG ship C-410 with a medical team on board for evacuating the patient. Another ship, ICGS Arnvesh, was also diverted towards MV Anvil Point. ICG C 410 made rendezvous with MV Anvil Point and shifted Hiller to the Kochi harbour. Initial medical aid was provided to the patient on board, and upon reaching the shore, he was shifted to a city hospital. Hillers condition is stable and he is under observation, it is learnt. Hiller fell ill while MV Anvil Point was passing through the outer sea off Kochi around 9pm on May 15. The ship sent a medical emergency message to Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in the UK which alerted the MRCC in Mumbai. The MRCC directed Maritime Rescue Sub Centre(MRSC) in Kochi to coordinate the medical evacuation and advised the vessel to proceed to the Kochi coast. The district headquarters of the Coast Guard in Kochi then swung into action and brought Hiller to the coast.

First Haj flight of this season to take off from Kozhikode on May 21

MALAPPURAM: The travel of Haj pilgrims from Kerala this year will begin on May 21. Haj flights will depart from three embarkation points in Kerala - Kozhikode, Kannur and Kochi airports. The first Haj flight from Kerala will depart from Kozhikode airport at 12.05 am on May 21. Air India Express flight IX-3011, carrying 166 pilgrims will depart for Jeddah on the first flight. As many as 59 flights, carrying 166 passengers each have been scheduled from Kozhikode. The second and third flights will depart at 8am and 3pm on the same day. The first flight will reach Jeddah at 3.50am. The first Haj flight from Kochi is on May 26. The journey of Haj pilgrims will start from Kannur on June 1. This year, the highest number of pilgrims under the State Haj Committee will de part for Haj from Kerala. As many as 10,430 pilgrims will travel from Karipur, 4,273 from Kochi and 3,135 from Kannur. As many as 45 pilgrims will depart from Bengaluru, Chennai and Mumbai through the State Haj Committee. Air India Express operates flights for Hajis from Kozhikode airport and Saudi Airlines from two other embarkation points - Kochi and Kannur.All flight services till June 9 are bound to Jeddah. Necessary additional schedules will also be arranged for those on the waiting list. The return journey of the pilgrims from Madinah begins on July 1, said an official with the State Haj Committee. Arrangements at Karipur Haj House Elaborate arrangements are being made at the Karipur Haj Camp to receive the pilgrims and send them on their journey. An organising committee has already been formed for this purpose. The work on the facilities, including the pandal at the Haj House is in its final stage. The main building of the Haj House and the womens block inaugurated last year have made functional to receive the pilgrims. All necessary facilities have also been arranged for the pilgrims in the airport. More counters will be set up to speed up the immigration process for Hajis. Hajis should reach the Haj camp after directly reaching the airport and handing over their luggage at the Air India Express counter, the official added. As part of ensuring facilities at the Haj camp in Karipur, a meeting of the departments concerned was recently held at the Hajj House under the chairmanship of District Collector V R Vinod, who is also the executive officer of the State Hajj Committee. The representatives of the Airport, Immigration, Customs, CISF, Air India Express, Health, Police, Fire Force, PRD, Railways, KSRTC, RTO, KSEB, Water Authority, BSNL, PWD Roads, Civil Supplies and other departments attended the meeting. State Minority Welfare Department Secretary Mini Antony and representatives of the Kannur and Ernakulam district administrations attended the meeting online.

Kerala: CPM to mollify miffed KC(M) with admin reforms panel chairmanship

KOCHI: Switching to firefighting mode after finding itself in an unenviable situation over Rajya Sabha seat allocation within the LDF, the CPM is learnt to have decided to offer its key ally, the Kerala Congress (M), chairmanship of the Kerala Administrative Reforms Commission, a post with cabinet rank once held by V S Achuthanandan. Decision on Rajya Sabha seats set to give LDF a fresh headache In addition, the CPM is also planning to mollify the KC(M) with the promise of an RS seat that will fall vacant in 2027, top party sources said. The term of three RS members from Kerala, one each from CPM, CPI and KC(M), comes to an end on July 1. In keeping with the numbers in the state assembly, the LDF can win two seats and the Opposition UDF one. Since both Communist parties are eager to maintain their presence, though meagre, in the Upper House of Parliament, the KC(M) is the natural choice to don the role of the scapegoat. Will raise our demand for RS seat in LDF This has placed the KC(M) in a precarious position. One of the three seats that fall vacant is held by party chairman Jose K Mani. It is keen to secure a key role for Jose in the current scheme of things. There is a fear that the perception of being sidelined could even affect the internal dynamics of the organisation. It is against this backdrop that the CPM has decided to assuage the KC(M), that holds considerable sway in central Travancore. The move coincides with calls from several quarters for the KC(M) to return to the UDF fold. But, any further steps can be expected only after LS election results. Meanwhile, the KC(M) has resolved to hold its horses for the time being. In its recent meeting in Kottayam, the leadership decided to raise the issue within the LDF. We will raise our demand for the RS seat in the LDF and the party will take appropriate decision, said a top KC(M) functionary. He added that the party is unaware of the offer of the Administrative Reforms Commission chairmanship. 3 RS seats to fall vacant The term of three RS members from Kerala, one each from CPM, CPI and KC(M), comes to an end on July 1.

Coast Guard evacuates critically ill British crewman from merchant vessel off Kochi

Salabhanjika and her many faces

KOCHI: Salabhanjika translates to feminine power, vitality, transformation. Whether shown beside a sacred tree in Buddhist art or adorning Hindu and Jain sacred spaces, Salabhanjika portrays beauty and grace. It represents a woman standing by a sacred tree, showing Maya giving birth to Siddhartha by a sala tree. It also embraces an interpretation of any female figure breaking the monotony of space with her presence. At the same time, it also shows a sense of confinement or rigidity within societal roles and expectations. This idea is well portrayed in the latest production of renowned dancer Rajashree Warrier, which recently premiered at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai. Nearly eight years ago, I worked on a project centered around the issue of female foeticide. At the time, I did not think of exploring this subject much more. However, as the years passed by, changes happened both in society and within myself. Meeting many people throughout my life has broadened my perspective. I have learned more about the problems faced by women in different parts of the world through these interactions. This experience inspired me to explore this area further and show these injustices through the art of dance, says Rajashree. Drawing inspiration from Kanayi Kunhiramans famous sculpture Yakshi, one of her incomplete productions explores similar themes. Now, Salabhanjika represents a refined and expanded version of Yakshi. It portrays a poignant moment of feminine existence, symbolising the limitations imposed by societal norms. The title itself hints at the idea of women being metaphorically frozen in their assigned roles and expectations. This dance production encourages viewers to explore the essence of this frozen momenthow society both celebrates and restricts women. It compels us to confront uncomfortable questions: How many girl children are killed in the womb due to gender bias? How many of them face the trauma of assault? How many of them are raped? After perpetrating such violence, can the person sleep well? Such questions emphasise the impact of sexual violence and the potential psychological repercussions for the perpetrator, who may live in fear for the rest of their lives. Salabhanjika Rajashree, through Salabhanjika, is trying to evoke a sense of unease, challenge societal complacency, and encourage dialogue about these critical issues. In my production, I explore these themes through a non-linear narrative. I depict female foeticide, objectification, and societys gaze toward girls. I show how cruelty can blind a person, how ordinary eyes turn red towards a girl child, and how the fear of their actions haunts perpetrators for life. That fear is central to my production, she says. In the first part of the production, the narrative focuses on the character Madhavi from the story of Yayathi. Rajashree chose Madhavi due to the storys emphasis on virginity, where she can seemingly regain it with each new encounter, which is considered a blessing. However, Madhavis lack of choice, with decisions made by a paternal figure, mirrors the ongoing reality for many women. The segment also features a song by Bharathiar, encouraging girl children to dream. Yet, the production also highlights the societal constraints that stop these dreams. I tried to incorporate additional sound elements into the production, like whispers and cries, such as the sound of a child calling for help. One standout feature is the violin pieces by Attukal Balasubramanyam, which are powerful enough to paint a beautiful setting for the production, Rajashree says. Additionally, Srikanth Cameo, a leading technician in Kerala, handled the lighting. Salabhanjika is part of my Naattumozhi, the vernacular series, which integrates more regional and native elements into its storytelling, Including various symbolic representations and techniques, the production diverges from Rajashrees previous works. More theater elements plays an important role, with lighting, costumes, music, et al. Soundscape is given equal importance alongside the performers. Salabhanjika is a collaborative effort involving Rajashree and eight students. She handled the text, narration, and music composition. After our performance at NMACC, the audience was silent for a moment, then they stood up and clapped. It was the best feeling ever! I think dance speaks to everyone, she shares. Getting a standing ovation is like the highest praise a performance can get. It feels really good. But sometimes, people try to record the show, even during rehearsals. As someone who has dedicated her life to dancing, it makes me sad. But you know what? I have learned to see it as a form of recognition. If someone copies my show, it must mean they think its significant, right? Being creative is a big deal. It takes a lot of work to come up with ideas and bring them to life. But theres no easy way to protect your ideas.

Handle with care

KOCHI: Ramachandran (name changed) moved away from the harsh summer sun into the spacious hall of the senior living facility where he stays with his wife in Thiruvananthapuram. Its unusually hot this year; we are not used to this, he says, launching into a soliloquy on the climate of Canada, from where he returned two months ago. His son is settled there. Ramachandran was a banker before he retired to the comfort of his family home at Sasthamangalam. We have given it on rent now and moved in here. We cannot maintain a house like that, and we need support. Since our only son is abroad, this is the best arrangement, he says, recollecting the memories that he left behind in that 80-year-old home that nurtured two generations of his kith and kin. Families dispersing is a very painful thing, yet it seems to be the season here. Keralas complex and diverse family structure has been the topic of several studies worldwide. The matrilineal joint family homesteads; the Brahmin households, with patriline at its core; the family systems followed by the tribespeople; the pattern of families that existed among the migrants, which was a mishmash of whatever was brought in and whatever existed here. Kerala was a crucible, where the social fabric was intact because the units, though complex, were firm and extended their foundations to social structure, architecture, inheritance laws, womens rights, etc. The cracks in this structure probably began with the entry of land reforms, says Prof M S Mahendarakumar, head of anthropology department, at Kannur University. Collective sharing of resources gave way to individual aspirations, which led to the breakage of joint family systems. The nuclear ones that were formed did have more space for individuals but also did some dismantling of the ecosystem that organically sustained many aspects of life and nature. Yearly projects undertaken by his department to study families in different communities have shown a marked decrease in joint family units, which are about 5 per cent of the total units analysed. The impact of the breakdown of family units went parallel with the rise in individualisation among the members of the units, and it has reached a proportion when the number of cracks in the family system is more than evident, notes senior psychiatrist Dr C J John, who is a member of the State Mental Health Authority. We have proceeded one more step ahead from nuclearisation. Now, people are becoming islands under one roof, he says. Many can be seen glued to their worlds on social media, and even pleasantries or unpleasantries are both exchanged via the networking platforms even if under one roof. Microworlds are created within the family. This erodes communication between the members. Many parents dont know what is happening with their own kids. A tragic example was the recent infanticide case in Ernakulam, where the family members did not know that their daughter was pregnant. Free expression is hindered, and the families do not even meet their mandate. The structure and functionality of the family suffers. Mutual respect and regard erodes, roles get diffused, and the outcome is often violence and abuses rising during conflicts in families. The resultant mental health issues are seen to be on a rise, Dr John adds. The other results of this trend is rise in behavioural disorders, faulty relationships, and substance abuse which grow to unforeseen proportions because they did not get treated properly at the nascent stage at home by responsible family members. Individualisation thus hampers handholding of senior family members, too. As per state government records, there are over 48 lakh people in Kerala aged over 60, and an estimated 24 lakh Keralites live in various countries. These are conservative figures as per the Kerala Migration Survey, 2014. A decade has passed; the numbers would have soared. The outcome is the increase in senior living facilities, both luxury and economical. My daughter has been in New Zealand for the last 20 years, she is retired, her family well-settled, yet she wont be back. She has her world there and feels out of place here. I have been staying alone after my wife passed away. Kudumbasree members help me with food and other essentials, says 87-year-old Giriraj Sundar. The migrated population are also not keen to return due to better quality of life outside and also the inherent conservatism in Kerala, believes D Dhanuraj, chairman of Centre for Public Policy Research in Kochi. Our 2023 study on youth migration showed that the majority of the students interviewed did not want to return, he says. Our ongoing survey among women who have migrated also tells the same story. While lack of jobs and low pay are cited as reasons, the women especially spoke about the conservative mindset of the society, which did not allow them as much freedom as they experienced outside the state. Besides migration, individualisation is also being reflected in the attitude of the youngsters who claim that they would rather be single than move towards a family setup conforming to societal norms. Family brings its own set of responsibilities. And then there are unreasonable curbs, says a 24-year-old woman who shifted out from her home in Malappuram to be away from her family that wanted her to marry young and follow the norms of the religion she was born into. Even if we want to share our life with someone, it should be on terms that are equal, lenient and democratic. Dhanuraj believes the prevalent social structure is to be blamed for the evident streak of individualism in society. The paradox is that even while we claim high levels of literacy, our school education system remains ill-equipped to prepare children for society and family living, he says. Gender parity, for instance, is not effectively drilled in. We have to admit we are still a conservative society. The younger lot do not get the right direction, and they tend to rebel. The result of such changes is that the dependent population suffers most. Not just elders, the problems among the children are also on the rise. It is one of the fallouts of urbanisation, says Dr John. Holistic development of the upcoming generation hangs in balance. Our social structure is slowly turning fragile. Unhealthy parenting, ranging from over-involvement to total neglect, does not bode well for society. The idea of family might change with the times. But the core concept will remain paramount. We need to preserve families, much like nature, says Dr John. Origin & theme It was during the 1980s that the United Nations began focusing on issues related to the family. After much deliberation, in December 1989, the General Assembly proclaimed The International Year of the Family. However, it was after four years, i.e. in 1993, that the UN decided to observe May 15 as The International Day of Families. And this year marks the 30th family day. Today, one of the major challenges the organisation faces is the effects of climate change. It hugely impacts the health and well-being of families through increased pollution. At the same time, extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change, such as hurricanes, droughts and floods, lead to forced displacement and loss of livelihoods for families and individuals. That is why this years theme for the day is families and climate change.

Keralas hip-hop scene to get loud at Ocha music festival

KOCHI: Prepare to be immersed in the celebration of hip-hop culture as the Ocha Music Festival returns to take centre stage in Kerala. Scheduled for May 19 from 3pm to 10pm at the luxurious Bolgatty Palace and Island Resort in Kochi, this event promises an extraordinary day filled with vibrant rhythms and beats. Attendees can expect a dynamic lineup of live performances by renowned hip-hop artists, along with electrifying dance cyphers and a selection of trendy fashion pop-up stores. The festivals hip-hop stage will be headlined by artists like Paal Dabba - acclaimed for his hit song Galatta featured in the Malayalam movie Aavesham. Joining him are Malabari Banger singer Dabzee, along with fan favourites Thirumali, Vedan, Thudwiser, and many more. This year, the festival has been expanded with a new segment in electronic music named OCHA - After Dark, where international artist DJ SHTUBY will perform for the first time in Kerala. Anticipating over 3,000 attendees, this festival ensures an unforgettable experience for all. With early bird and phase one and two tickets already sold out, interested individuals are urged to secure their tickets promptly. Phase 3 tickets, priced at Rs 999 can be booked via Paytm Insider. Whether youre a seasoned hip-hop enthusiast, or simply looking to immerse yourself in a day filled with music and culture, Ocha Music Festival 2024 offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the best of Keralas hip-hop culture.

A 15-hr-long, Hollywood-like chase to nab drug peddlers in Kerala

KOCHI: If you think long pursuits through busy roads to nab bad guys are only in the movies, you are wrong! Last week, Kochi witnessed a 15-hour-long chase that eventually led to the arrest of inter-state drug peddlers. It was on May 5 that the anti-narcotics division of the Ernakulam Rural Police got word that a vehicle carrying drugs from Bengaluru was headed towards Aluva. It was slated to reach the next day. The police hatched a plan to intercept the vehicle and arrest the accused with the drugs. On May 6, we were stationed near Chengamanad Junction on the Athani-Manjaly stretch of the national highway anticipating that the accused persons would take a deviation so as to not run into the police, recalls a police officer. Soon, a car bearing the number KL-07-CW-0888 approached. Though we signalled the driver to pull over, as the vehicle neared us, he floored the accelerator, forcing us to chase after him, the officer says. Just a short while later, one of the passengers was seen hurling a plastic bag out of the car. The police team that picked it up found MDMA drugs. Meanwhile, the vehicle managed to get away from us. We contacted the police control room and passed along the details. Soon, several police units were mobilised and CCTV footage was actively screened, says a police officer at Chengamanad Police Station. We learned that the vehicle had stopped at a hideout somewhere in Aluva and that some of the accused had alighted there before the vehicle made its way towards Kochi City at night, the officer says. Police had by then collected information about the vehicles owner. It was owned by an Aluva native, who informed police that he had given the car on rent to a person named Ashiq. Tracing his mobile number, police located the vehicle entering Kochi City Police limit via Kalamassery. So, the City Police too got involved. Firoz A, station house officer (SHO) Thoppumpady, said that his team was pressed into action as soon as the vehicle entered the Kochi City Police limit. In between, there were multiple attempts to force the vehicle to a stop. However, due to heavy traffic, it proved difficult. When the vehicle was nearing Willingdon Island, a team from Harbour Police Station made a brave attempt to stop the vehicle, but could not succeed. We then decided to block the bottleneck at the western end of the old Thoppumpady bridge, the officer says. As the vehicle entered the bridge, police again signalled the driver to slow down. Instead, the car, going at full speed, rammed into the police car, damaging it. A sub-inspector suffered minor injuries. Following the collision, the vehicle trudged to a stop. Two people lept out of the car and started to flee. Though we ran after them, they were quick and gave us the slip, the officer says. However, by then, the duo was identified. The driver of the car was Suhail, who hails from Aluva, and the passenger was Ashiq of Mattancherry. By morning, we managed to nab Ashiq and Suhail was arrested the next day. Chengamanad police, which was probing the duos links in Aluva, arrested four persons here, the officer adds. According to Firoz, it was the fearless actions of the police officers that helped thwart the gangs escape. It was an adventurous operation. But it is part and parcel of a policemans job. Luckily, the plan we put together did not go wrong. Sometimes, in chases like this, people can get hurt and the police have to bear all the blame, he says. CasE diary This weekly column brings you exciting, intriguing police stories, straight from the crime files

Automated test centre still a distant dream for Ernakulam RTO

KOCHI: The Ernakulam regional transport office (RTO), the first in the state to register one million vehicles, lacks an automated vehicle testing centre even as the number of inspections has risen manifold. This is even as Tripunithura sub RTO and Muvattupuzha RTO in the district, with lesser number of inspections, already enjoy the facility. As of now, an average of 100 vehicles are daily subjected to fitness tests, which are conducted along the Infopark road stretch. This is set to increase to 150 by next year, a senior official said. Even RTO offices in the district with the facility test just 60 to 70 vehicles every day. MVD officials underlined the need for setting up the centre on an urgent basis. As per the 2018 rule, transport vehicles should be subjected to tests once every two years during the first eight years and annually thereafter. However, the tests were postponed during the pandemic and all the pending tests were carried out in 2022, the validity of which ends this year. So we expect a spurt in testing next year, the official pointed out. Ernakulam is also home to the most number of goods carriers. Inspectors have to examine the fitness of tyres, vipers, lights and fittings in the first stage. In the second stage, the testing of sound levels, speedometer, speed governor, sideslip, breaks, headlamps, beam testing and underbody inspection are carried out. The physical examination of these many vehicles is time-consuming. It also affects quality, especially in the second stage, the official added. Automated testing centres make use of advanced machines to examine the fitness of vehicles, and all parameters, including the efficiency of vehicles, can be determined in minimal time. The first computerised vehicle testing station and driving test track in the district was established in Muvattupuzha in 2019. The second one in Puttumanoor, within Tripunithura joint RTO limits, was built at a cost of `4 crore last year. Identified land yet to be handed over A government order issued early last year provided for the allocation of 82 cents of land behind the Infopark police station for the automated driving test centre, however, the same is yet to be measured and handed over to the MVD. There are many encroachments on that plot, which the revenue department has been asked to measure. The process has been caught up in red tape. Moreover, Thrikkakara municipality wants to build a stadium there, the official said. Caught in red tape A government order issued early last year provided for the allocation of 82 cents of land behind the Infopark police station for the automated driving test centre, however, the same is yet to be measured and handed over to the MVD

Kerala mayors council decides to improve governance

KOCHI: A mayors council meeting was held in Kochi on Wednesday under the leadership of Kochi Mayor M Anilkumar. Mayors of Kannur, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram corporations attended the meeting which discussed measures to improvingmunicipal governance and efficiency. At the meeting, fourissues came up for discussion. They included monsoon cleaning, waste management, funding forvarious projects, and otherissuesrelated to the corporation.It wasunanimously decidedto implement the states pre-monsoon cleaning activities and comprehensive sanitation and waste management projects across all municipalities with active public participation, said Mayor Anilkumar. Project funding and treasury issues The council addressed the issue of pending bills from the 202324 municipal project funds that are included in the treasurys queue list. The local self-government minister has agreed to discuss the matter with the finance minister and the office-bearers of the mayors council, Municipal Chairmens Chamber, and the Grama Panchayat Association to expedite the release of funds. The council urged the state government to take steps to avoid delays created by the moral code of conduct in next years project activities and the current spillover list. Professionalism in municipalities The mayors council emphasised the need to make the functioning of municipalities more professional. The council decided to request the state government to appoint qualified professionals in key positions such as finance officer, town planner, legal advisor, environmental engineer, and mechanical-electric engineer without imposing additional financial burdens. Detailed discussions on the powers and responsibilities of local self-government institutions were held, with plans to present these suggestions to the state government and the Urban Commission. Efficiency in plan fund utilisation Comprehensive discussionswere heldto enhancethe efficiency of plan fund guidelines and theutilisation of funds.The formulated suggestions will be submittedto the LSG Minister and the Planning Board. These decisions reflect the councils commitment to improving municipal operations and addressing critical issues efficiently. The next mayors council willbe heldin Thiruvananthapuram in June.

35-year-old Kerala man arrested for abandoning bedridden father

KOCHI: Nearly a week after a man abandoned his bedridden father at their rented house in Tripunithura, Hill Palace police on Wednesday recorded the arrest of the son. The arrest was recorded when he reached the station today in response to our notice. Wed invoked provisions of IPC section 308 the other day based on legal opinion, a senior officer said. Kochi: Case registered against man for abandoning his bedridden father Ajith, 35, and his family vacated the house with all their belongings last Thursday, leaving behind his partially paralysed father Shanmughan. The 67-year-olds plight came to light only by Friday night, when locals alerted the ward councillor and police. Officers found Shanmughan, a father of three, in an exhausted condition. He was starving and his health condition was deteriorating. The accused had abandoned his bedridden father who was dependent on others for even his basic needs, he said. Initially, we lodged a case under sections 24 of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007, following a complaint lodged by Tripunithura municipality vice chairman K K Pradeep Kumar. However, we received legal opinion that the sons action could have killed his father and that charges under IPC 308 can be evoked, the officer said. On Saturday morning, palliative-care workers reached the house and shifted Shanmughan to Tripunithura taluk hospital. His two daughters reached the hospital and moved him to his relatives house in Idukki. When the ward councillor contacted Ajith, he said he was in Velankanni and would return soon. Following the incident, Social Justice Minister R Bindu called to ensure the care of Shanmughan and directed Fort Kochi sub-collector, who is the presiding officer of the maintenance tribunal, to take action against the son. We received information that Ajith had returned to Ernakulam on May 14 and served a notice. We recorded his arrest today, the officer said.

Pinarayi Vijayan to return soon from his foreign trip

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is likely to cut short his foreign trip and return to the state on May 18 or 19. In the online cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, CM told his cabinet colleagues that he would be physically present for the special cabinet meeting to be held on May 20. There will be the usual cabinet meeting to be held on May 22 also. There are indications that once he is back, he will attend the funeral of Believers Eastern Church Metropolitan Moran Mor Athanasius Yohan (Dr K P Yohannan) on May 21 at Tiruvalla. Pinarayi Vijayan, wife Kamala and grandson had embarked on a private foreign visit on May 6 from Kochi airport. His son-in-law and minister P A Mohamed Riyas and wife were also with the CM during the tour. The tour in the middle of the Lok Sabha election had kicked up a controversy with the opposition Congress alleging that even after being the lone Left CM in the country, Pinarayi had not campaigned for the left candidates in West Bengal. Governor Arif Muhammad Khan had also criticised that he was not informed about the tour.

ED arrests three persons in 2 financial fraud cases in Kerala

KOCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday arrested three persons as part of probe into two money-laundering cases linked to separate financial fraud incidents. Tiruvalla-based PRD Mini Nidhi managing director Anil Kumar and general manager David George were arrested by ED as part of a money-laundering case against the firm. Kerala Police had registered multiple cases against the financial company after it allegedly swindled over Rs 150 crore from investors promising high interest rates for deposits. Both were first arrested by police in 2022. Based on the police chargesheet, ED registered a case and arrested the duo on Wednesday. In the second incident, ED arrested Ebin Varghese managing director of Masters Finserv company based in Kochi. The company collected Rs 73.90 crore from several persons promising to invest their money in stock market and give high returns. Ebin was arrested by police last year after multiple cases were registered against him at various police stations in Kochi. Recently, police filed chargesheets against Ebin in these cases. Following this, the ED registered a money-laundering case against him and recorded his arrest. The arrested were produced before PMLA Court in Kochi which remanded them in judicial custody.

Localised weather info can save fishers lives: Study

KOCHI: Localised marine weather information can complement forecasts to make traditional fishing safer, a new study by the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat), India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the University of Sussex, UK, shows. Small-grid forecasts allow fishers to launch and land boats at secure spots, fish close to the shore, avoid high-wind ocean areas and quickly return when the weather turns foul, said Prof Abhilash S, director of Cusats Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research (ACARR), a co-author of the paper and doctoral supervisor of lead author Prabhat Kurup. Further, the availability of such forecasts can limit the number of fishing days lost due to blanket warnings that may not be relevant to local areas where the fishers go, he added. IMD senior scientist Dr V K Mini, ACARR researcher Dr M Sarang, Sussex climate researcher Dr Netsanet Alamirew and Sussex visiting research fellow and faculty at the life sciences department, Christ University, Bengaluru, Prof Max Martin are the other co-authors of the paper. In Thiruvananthapuram coastal areas, around 50,000 fishermen have witnessed 145 deaths while on the job between 2016 and 2021, and another 146 have been caught in the very severe cyclonic storm Ockhi in November 2017. Fishers have been demanding better forecasts. Ocean basins, especially the eastern Arabian Sea, are warming rapidly due to climate change. This affects the lives and livelihoods of traditional artisan fishers and the coastal communities, Abhilash said. According to him, weather systems such as cyclones and deep depressions are becoming more intense. So, the fishers have to take more risks. The most effective solution is to include them in a localised, community-oriented, impact-based forecasting system and co-produce weather information, he said. Weather derivatives: A new dawn in risk management The study highlighted the diverse wind conditions prevalent on Indias southwestern coast. The wind regime along this coast is diverse, with the speed increasing towards the south in the Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. That would call for localised, sub-regional, and cross-state-border wind forecasts that are highly relevant for artisanal fishers, the paper noted. The paper is an outcome of the Sussex-led safe-fishing research Forecasting with Fishers in Thiruvananthapuram district of southwestern India. The research was supported by UK Research and Innovation, the Sussex Sustainability Research Programme and the Royal Geographical Society. The study used a numerical weather prediction system called the Weather Research Forecasting model downscaled at a 5x5km resolution with 1-3 days lead. Test forecasts issued for south, north and central parts of Thiruvananthapuram were much sought after by traditional fishermen who collaborated in the study. Along with IMD, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, peoples tech firm Gram Vaani, and Radio Monsoon community weather service collaborated with local fishers in the research. We hope our work can lead to more localised weather services by the national forecaster, Abhilash said. Small-grid forecasts A new study by Cusat, IMD and University of Sussex, UK, shows that small-grid forecasts can limit the number of fishing days lost due to blanket warnings that may not be relevant to local areas where the fishers go

Summer rain in Kerala brings relief to KSEB, peak demand declines by 1,500 MW

KOCHI: The summer rains that lashed the state over the past week brought respite from the sweltering heat as the daytime temperature dropped by 1 to 4.5 degrees Celsius across Kerala. However, it was the KSEB that heaved a sigh of relief. The daily power consumption which was soaring at an alarming rate, dropped by around 25 million units and the peak demand declined by 1,500 MW. As the peak demand touched 5,854 MW on May 2, the KSEB had taken steps to reduce consumption during peak hours. The board had requested public sector units, big industries, Water Authority and lift irrigation projects to re-schedule shifts which helped to reduce consumption by around 200 MW. However, the peak demand continued above 5,000 MW till May 10. With rain gods finally smiling, the daily consumption dropped to 98.89 million units on May 10. The peak demand plunged to 4,365 MW on May 14 registering a drop of 1,489 MW compared to May 2. The KSEB which was scrambling to purchase power from the Day Ahead Market and Real Time Market at exorbitant rate is relieved as the power situation has become normal. A cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Sri Lanka and a trough that runs from this cyclonic circulation to Lakshadweep has brought rains to Kerala. Under its influence, the state is expected to receive isolated heavy rainfall from May 15 to May 19. The Southwest Monsoon is likely to advance into South Andaman sea and some parts of the Southeast Bay of Bengal on May 19. Normally the Monsoon reaches Kerala shore within 10 days after reaching South Andaman. So there are chances of the onset of Monsoon by June 1, said IMD scientist V K Mini. According to Cusat Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research director S Abhilash, there is little chance for the rise in temperature as the state will be receiving moderate rainfall for the next few days under the influence of a cyclonic circulation in the Bay of Bengal and a trough running from Sri Lanka to Lakshadweep. There are chances for the formation of a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal which may bring more rains, he said. Max temperature April 29/May 15 (0C)/ Drop in temperature Thiruvananthapuram: 36.2/ 33.9/ -2.3 Punalur (Kollam): 38.6/ 35.6/ -3 Alappuzha: 38.3/ 35.9/ -2.4 Kochi: 34.4/ 33.6/ -0.8 Vellanikara (Thrissur): 40.0/ 36.2/ -3.8 Palakkad: 41.3/ 36.9/ -4.4 Kozhikode: 38.1/ 35.0/ -3.1 Kannur: 36.7/ 35.2/ -1.5

Launch boat hits dune gets struck in Krishna River, passengers rescued

A patrol boat of the Indian Navy and fire force on a search operation on the Vembanad Lake in Kochi on Friday for Vishnu Unni, the missing sailor. (Photo: DC/File) A patrol boat of the Indian Navy and fire force on a search operation on the Vembanad Lake in Kochi on Friday for Vishnu Unni, the missing sailor. (Photo: DC/File) Vijayawada: A major mishap was averted after a launch boat with 25 passengers aboard en route to Ibrahimpatnam from Rayapudi village hit a sand dune and got stuck in the Krishna River in the NTR district on Wednesday. Upon learning about the incident, Ibrahimpatnam police led by CI Mutyala Satyanarayana under the supervision of West ACP Muralikrishna Reddy roped in local fishermen to rescue the stranded passengers using the country boats of the local fishermen. Police said there were no casualities.

Mumbai billboard crash throws spotlight on irregularities in outdoor media

Civic authorities across the nation swing into action; in Kochi, 30% of hoardings are illegal; Hyderabad went hoardings-free 8 years ago

Telangana: Ponguleti, Bhatti tours spark rumours

HYDERABAD: A day after the polling for Lok Sabha elections concluded, Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy headed to Kochi along with a few MLAs on Tuesday. Interestingly, BRS leader and former Tandur MLA Pilot Rohit Reddy was also spotted travelling on the same flight, leading to speculations in political circles. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarkas visit to IT Minister D Sridhar Babus native Dhanwada village in the Manthani constituency to take part in the third-anniversary celebrations of the installation of a temple deity also became a topic of discussion on social media. A few Congress MLAs also attended the event, adding grist to the rumour mill among netizens. According to social media rumours, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy was holding a special camp for MLAs. Rumours suggest that there are different camps within the Congress. Those close to Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said that the ministers trip to gods own country along with some MLAs was for recreation purposes after several days of hectic electioneering in the heat and dust for Lok Sabha elections. Sources close to Sridhar Babu also clarified that Bhatti Vikramarka was invited to participate in temple celebrations and there was nothing more than that.

Curd rice: A soothing summer saviour

CHENNAI : Mustard seeds, mor molaga (buttermilk chillies), pacha molaga (green chillies) and curry leaves. For over 70 years, these are the ingredients that have gone into my thayir saadam (curd rice). And four generations of my family relish every bit of it, says Meenakshi with a proud smirk. Sitting confidently in an old wooden chair, the 96-year-old great-grand-paati of four smiles wide with excitement, her eyes twinkling with childlike mischief the moment she hears the word curd rice. In the 1950s, modern medicines had slowly started making their way into my veedu (home). But if one of my children had a bad tummy, avlodhaan, nothing doingcurd rice was the best medicine! chuckles Meenakshi, whose husband was a doctor at the time. Lime pickle is compulsory with curd rice, she advises. Everyone, please note! Ooofhow I devour thayir saadam! Like my Telugu friend who gobbles up perugannam and chadannam while my Kannadiga friend wolfs down some mosaranna. My Malayali aunts palate dances at the very sight of thayir choru while my Odia friend who lives upstairs cannot do without her pakhala bhaat. In walks my cousin from Delhi: for her, dahi chawal on a scorching May day. With the heat relentlessly gnawing at Indias every nook and cranny this summer, our fans, coolers and innumerable bottles of ice-cold water are at the verge of being checkmated by the sun. Gosh, what to do? Who will save us? Some soft, steamed rice on a banana leaf. Completely cloaked by oodles of thick, creamy curd. A drizzle of salt and then you gently mix, mix and mix. Not too grainy, not too mushy. Yes, thats just right. And of course you cant wait, immediately digging into the snowy decadence with some lime pickle, mango pickle or tomato thokku. Curd rice is your knight in shining banana leaf this scorching summer! Chawal ek dum soft honi chahiye (The rice should be totally soft). Mix perfectly with dahi and then add your tadka of mustard seeds, curry leaves and red chillies, says chef Bhagwan Singh from Uttarakhand. Although khichdi is the revered sick food of the north, Singh says that when his tummy aches, it is dahi chawal he runs to. Indeed, stomach aches were a royal pain in the tummy when I was little. Amma would rush me to the doctors and pop a dozen pills in my mouthwait, just kidding! A big bowl of mosaranna as I called it growing up in Bengaluru is what would finally do the trick. Within minutes, what tummy ache? My stomach? Hurt ah? And I would often whisper to myself, god bless the soul who invented curd rice! Ancient curdy goodness Food historian and MasterChef India Tamil judge Rakesh Raghunathan says that the humble elixir may have an ancestor. The Atharva Veda (1500-1000 BC) mentions dadhi, a sort of yoghurt-based preparation. Although this wasnt exactly curd rice, it was a precursor. Rakesh adds that dairy was considered a symbol of luxury and sophistication. The Mahabharata and Puranas also mention that kings consumed curd. The Charak Samhita, which gives us an account of Ayurveda, also mentions that curd was used by royalty. They consumed it because of its taste and nutritional benefits. Rice was obviously there, so it wouldnt have been very difficult to mix the two and eat. Over time, curd rice has evolved into a stereotypical seal stamp on South Indians. But Rakesh says that the prevalence of the dish in the eras gone by has more to do with climate. In regions where temperatures were harsh, people would use naturally cooling ingredients like yoghurt. These places also had a lot of rice. So one cannot say that curd rice was first patronised by South Indians, he adds. In her anthology of poems called Thani padal thirattu, Sangam-era poetess Avvaiyar lauds a comforting meal of tangy, frothy buttermilk and varagu rice with smoked and mashed brinjal. When a figurehead of ancient wisdom swears by the curdy goodness, you know you need it on your plate and palate! Myriad avatars of curd rice Speaking of some good ol wisdom, Bengaluru-based HR professional Gaurav shares his mothers maxim. Amma says mosaranna is a stressbuster. And the way she makes it is amazing: First, the plain curd rice is mixed with salt. On top of it a tadka of mustard seeds and curry leaves. And then a garnish of raw onions, pomegranate and cashews. For sides, mango pickle and lemon pickle. My family just cannot do without curd rice! Mosaranna was the chief guest at most Bengaluru buffets, Udupi hotels and local functions in the early 2000s, standing tall among the butter masalas, gobi manchurians and jalebis. To my six-year-old eyes, the ruby-red arils encasing the pomegranate seeds looked like little jewels on a snow-capped mountain. How could I not salivate at the sight of it? So much so that when an aunty walked up to me while I was shamelessly wolfing down my mosaranna and jokingly asked if she could have some, I blurted out a big No! and ran away. My parents faces understandably flushed red with embarrassment but I couldnt care lessI loved my curd rice! And though a good scolding from amma followed, the sleep I got that night was unparalleled. Thats perhaps why Sadhvi Das from Odisha says, Pakhala bhaat is positively intoxicating. I actually feel sleepy after eating it. In Dass ghoro (house), leftover rice is soaked in water overnight and allowed to ferment. In the morning, curd is added along with a chunka (tadka/tempering) of lemon leaves, mustard seeds and green chillies. The result, Das says, is absolutely delicious. We also call it chunka dohi pakhala and usually eat it with fried macha (fish) which has been marinated in mustard oil and masala. We also relish pakhala with spinach saag and bhortas (fried mixes) of aloo and tomato. Yum! In Palakkad native Latha Devarajans house, matta rice (red rice) is the protagonist in pazhaiya choru, which literally translates to old rice. A close relative of pakhala bhaat, the same fermentation process unfolds. Latha explains, After letting it soak overnight, we pour buttermilk over it in the morning. Most people add curd but I feel buttermilk is the healthier option. Vaddu maanga (mango pickle) is par for course. My grandmother used to say it is immunity-boosting and wards off constipation. Kochi-based engineer Thasneem Moosas family also seems to favour moru (buttermilk), generously pouring it over choru (rice). We then top it with crushed onions and chillies. It is oh, so soothing, she says. In the land of Krishnadevaraya, the Satavahanas and the Nizams todays Andhra Pradesh and Telangana ferments the cousin of pakhala bhat and pazhaiya choru: Chaddannam. Veteran South Indian actress-turned-content creator Mucherla Aruna has a soft spot for what she calls saadhannam, sharing recipes of it on her Instagram page, where she whips up numerous other quick-fix meals for her online audience. Aruna shares her mothers scrumptious yet simple recipe. When I was little, my mother would soak some leftover rice in water at night. Shed then add ample warm milk, onions, green chillies and salt. And of course, a teaspoon of curd. In those days, we didnt have a fridge so what she would do is put the saadhannam in a mud pot and keep it outside, allowing it to ferment outside overnight. In the morning, she would transfer the cool goodness onto a banana leaf, wrap it up and put it in a steel dabba. This was my school lunch every day. When Id open it, the aroma from the banana leaf, ahaperfect! Now a grandmother, Aruna makes the dish regularly for her granddaughter, who she says absolutely relishes sadhannam. She adds, In our house, summer means curd rice is a must! Though I love spicy food, I leave out the green chillies when I make it for her. With a side of avvakai pachadi (mango pachadi), it is too good, simply superb! Your humble summer sakhi They say that in India, the dialect changes every 50 kilometres. Well, since the taste of curd varies from hut to hut, the dish will also don myriad hats every few metres! The culinary elasticity of this friendly concoction means there is no one way to make it. You are the gastronomic genie: If you want mushy rice, so be it. If you want five side dishes, so be it. If you want to make your taste buds tingle with heaps of pickles and thokkus, voila, wish granted! Ahahow I love my thayir saadam, perugannam, chaddannam, mosaranna, pazhaiya choru, pakhala bhaat, dahi chaawal and so much more! In a country where innumerable oily, crispy, spicy and savoury competitors throng the culinary battlefield, there is one dish and its many avatars of course that binds Indias palates and hearts: our humble curd rice. Hmm..are you mixing the rice and curd yet? Have you added salt? What about the tadka? Oh, and do not forget to add lime pickle as Meenakshi paati says. Well, however you make it, be rest assured, your tummy and tongue will tango in joyyes, curd rice is your summer saviour.

Tamil, Malayalam films among the most exciting says Stefan Borsos

KOCHI: Stefan Borsos is a writer, curator, film/TV scholar, and sinologist. He founded the CineAsia film magazine in 2000 and was instrumental in programming the CineAsia Film Festival Cologne. Over the years, he has advised various film festivals, advocating for Hong Kong/Chinese and South Asian cinema. Since 2020, Stefan has been a programmer at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). Recently, he was in India to connect with filmmakers. His journey also took him to Kochi, where he met both independent and mainstream filmmakers to learn about their work, struggles, and concerns. TNIE caught up with Stefan to discuss his process, Malayalam cinema, indie filmmaking and more. Excerpts... You took many Malayalam movies from lesser-known filmmakers to the global stage. How do you find these works? One crucial part of a curators work is thorough research, especially for cinema cultures that lack a proper institutional infrastructure or have one that favours certain types of films, filmmakers, and regions over others. While its clear that you will never have a full overview, I use every tool at my disposal, from simple internet research, checking Film Bazaar and other market catalogues and listings, to local festival programmes and monitoring the making of films on social media. Sometimes, I find films by sheer chance. Filmmakers and their contacts are, of course, a major resource. Among others, 'Kiss Wagon' by Midhun Murali found its way to Rotterdam this way. How do you see Malayalam cinema compared to other languages from India or South Asian cinema in general? Great and interesting work is emerging from many parts of India and South Asia, but Tamil Nadu and Kerala have been among the most exciting and surprising for years. Recent Malayalam debuts like 'Kiss Wagon' or 'Hawks Muffin' by Krishnendu Kalesh seem to come out of nowhere. However, these films dont come easily. Despite a seemingly healthy mainstream film industry and a well-connected indie scene, its very much on the directors to make things happen. What do you think would help the future of independent filmmakers? Most important is access, whether to public funding, film festivals, overseas funding schemes, labs, or critics. It is nearly impossible to navigate all these as a first-time filmmaker. Theres a clear lack of support and too few gatekeepers with the power to make or break a film. Additionally, there is often a certain type of realism that gets overseas exposure more easily. We need more openness from gatekeepers towards a wider variety of themes, stories, and aesthetic approaches, as well as good creative producers who can navigate overseas festivals, distributors, and sales agents. Rich and interesting work is being done despite these circumstances, but if we settle for the status quo, nothing will change. What criteria do you use to identify hidden gems or unique narratives while curating films from across the world? First of all, nothing is truly hidden. It requires research and connections, but the biggest hurdle in finding films is ignorance. Everything is there; you just need to look. There are no general criteria, whether for South and Southeast Asian cinemas or genre films from all over the world. I strongly dislike the idea that non-Western cultures and cinemas must perform certain functions or fulfil certain expectations for Western audiences. This type of exoticism is still prevalent. For me, its a personal questionwhether I connect to the film or not. Im looking for something fresh, different, and new, especially for IFFRs signature Tiger Competition and our Bright Future section for first-timers. There are no specific elements or set of elements that need to be there. Why is it hard for Indian films to enter A-list festivals like Cannes and Venice? Do such films need to follow a template to satisfy stereotypes? Its impossible to answer this in a general way. Chance, timing, and other uncertainties always play an important role in selections. However, there are certain tropes and expectations of Indian cinemas, even if its not a clear-cut affair. It comes down to access, visibility, connections, taste, and an understanding of what Indian cinema is and should be. To single out one quality Im looking for is rather difficult, and I actually wouldnt separate new directors from experienced ones. Of course, Im looking for surprises, freshness, an individual vision, and so on, but what I especially cherish is when the communication works when I understand why the filmmaker is doing things in a certain manner. And while I do like melodramas broad strokes, I can also enjoy subtlety, which is to be found, believe it or not, in popular/genre cinema as well Stefan Borsos

Shell of an idea!

KOCHI: Prawn dishes are celebrated as delicacies in many regional cuisines. In Kerala, just prawns fried in coconut oil and a bowl of steaming rice can work magic. On the flipside, every year 8 million to 15 million tonnes of prawn shell waste is generated globally. They either go to landfills or get dumped directly into the sea, disturbing the natural ecosystem. This data piqued Rhea Thomas. The 27-year-old, who finished her masters in global innovation design from the Royal College of Art and Imperial College in London, decided to chalk out a plan that would find daily life uses for prawn shell waste. About 60 per cent of a prawn is discarded as waste. They go either as landfill or as sea waste. This happens majorly because theres a cost involved in the proper disposal of the waste, Rhea explains. Seafood waste breaks down rapidly, so when dumped in waterways it kills the bacteria and natural elements required for the growth of the ecosystem. This also affects the natural purification of water. In landfills, prawn shells cause methane emissions. The disposal happens daily and it is a threat to the environment. Unfortunately, its overlooked. As a maiden step, the youngster invented the idea of processing them into plant pots as part of her college programme. For this finding, Rhea won the Arts Foundation Future Award worth 10,000 pounds this year. Though she grew up in the coastal regions of Kochi and Mangalore, Rhea admits the issue of shell waste never crossed her mind. It was only after she went to Yokohama in Japan, as part of the exchange programme, that she realised the demand for seafood and the possibility of reusing the seafood waste. One tends to observe a lot while travelling to new places. Japan is one of the top seafood-consuming countries. While I was there, my diet predominantly consisted of seafood. The supermarkets there are packed with seafood products. That made me think of the waste part, says Rhea. A sustainable approach After delving into the subject, Rhea focused on designing the biomaterial. Of late, there has been a lot of push for sustainability. I intended to come up with something that has an impact. Since prawn shells is a biomaterial, we arent extracting anything out of the earth to make anything new. I am using whats been thrown out, says Rhea. According to her, the project could be executed easily if she could partner with the frozen food manufacturing plants as they extract a lot of shells and stock them because it has to be processed before discarding. The recycled prawn shell-based plant pots are intended to be utilised for agriculture and horticulture purposes. The shells are processed into a sheet format, and this is whats moulded in the shape of a pot. The processed shells are then dried and powdered. Once the organic binders are added, the powder will form into a paste, and this is used to develop the products, Rhea explains. Plastic is widely used in agriculture and horticulture, especially while growing seedlings. Rheas recycled pots are a solution to this problem. Seedlings are usually grown in trays and plastic pots in long stretches. Once grown into a sapling, it is taken out of the plastic and planted in the soil. If prawn shell pots are used, the sapling can be planted in the soil along with the pot. Over time, it will degrade and also serve as soil nutrient, she says. Further research Rhea adds that prawn shell waste is versatile and can be used in everyday life as well. Shells can be used in indoor furnishings, foam packaging, storage bags, etc. Based on the product, the pigments present in the shells can be removed. However, research is required to analyse its longevity, and probable issues posed by allergens, she says. Rhea expects her findings to garner more attention, and is eager to collaborate with investors who are interested in sustainability projects.

Eateries in Kochi continue to dump waste in drains, cleaning drive drags on

KOCHI: In November 2022, Kochi corporation issued a closure notice to a few eateries on MG Road, near Padma junction, after they were found dumping thick oily waste into the drains. That left the drainage system clogged, causing waterlogging on the busy road. However, the eateries continued the practice and the authorities have remained mute spectators. Last week, a few workers were seen removing the waste the eateries had dumped into the drain. Despite orders to install filters and waste treatment plants, many of the eateries have failed to set them up, andthe Kochi corporation has also not carried out any inspection or initiated action against the violators, said Kerala Merchants Chamber of Commerce secretary Manoj Kumar. The situation becomes grave as the monsoon season is just weeks away, raising concerns among citizens about potential flooding in the city. Alleging that the corporation failed tocarry out desilting in major canals and drains, M G Aristotle, an oppositioncouncillor,said no major work is being done in the divisions. A suction-cum-jetting machine was brought in but it is hardly used while cleaning the canals. Recently, wecame to knowthat the machine has developed some technical issues and hence is notbeing used, Aristotle said. The lack of follow-up inspections at the offending eateries amplifies the risk of continued violations, threatening the city with another year of severe waterlogging, he said. February to May was a dry season, yetnothing was done clean drains and canals, he added. Meanwhile, an official with the corporations engineering wing said a total of 243 works related to drain cleaning are progressing. The works have been tendered and will be completed by the last week of May. The suction-cum-jettingmachine developed some technical issues because of excessive use. An alternative machine was delivered on Monday and it will be used to clean the drains in the MG Road area from this week, the official said. The corporation will form a task force to intervene during the monsoon season in areas where waterlogging is expected, he added. According to a source, the corporation health department is yet to take any legal action against the eateries. In many areas, including Panampilly Nagar and MG Road, the eateries continue to dump waste into the drains, the source said. Meanwhile, health standing committee chairman T K Ashraf said the department willcarry out an inspection. A few eateries have installed a plant as advised, but it has come to our attention that many are violating the advisory.Heftyfines will be imposed and legal action initiated against the violators, Ashraf said. Manoj Kumar,who isalso a committee member of the Operation Breakthroughproject, pointed out that there is a lack of cooperation among the government agencies in implementing the work. The corporation, Cochin Smart Mission, Railways, PWD, GCDA and the irrigation department lack coordination. Thereare around 21 railway culverts from the Vaduthala crossing to Thevara. It is important to clean these culverts before the monsoon to avoid flooding. Lastyear, we carried out the required cleaning. But so far this year, the Railways have not cleaned theseculverts. Ina meeting last week, Railways officials saidtheywould begin work this week but nothing hasbeen done, Manoj said.

Changampuzha Park in Kerala to get makeover, GCDA plans inauguration by June end

KOCHI: The Changampuzha Park will be closed from May 21 to June 30 to facilitate the final leg of renovation work, which is slated for completion by June 30, a delay of four months from its original schedule. With the Rs 4.31-crore works expected to be over by the end of next month, the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) plans a grand inauguration ceremony, lasting four days, to dedicate the renovated cultural hub to Kochiites. The works are progressing fast. We plan to hold an inaugural event, lasting three to four days, by the end of June. It will be attended by noted artists, said A B Sabu, GCDA executive engineer. The work has been carried out so far in such a way that it does not disrupt the staging of cultural programmes using a temporary stage. Recently, the Changampuzha Cultural Centre (CCC) held the 500th classical music concert there. While works like laying of false ceiling, walkway, toilet complex, drainage and auditorium roof have been completed, a major portion of the renovation works are still pending. These include the construction of a small amphitheatre (3/4 th portion completed), landscaping, sculpture realignment, construction of a compound wall (now progressing), noise protection walls on either side of the main auditorium, and lighting works. However, the huge delay has forced the Changampuzha Cultural Centre (CCC) to postpone the rollout of the 30-day Changampuzha Festival, an annual event planned on the lines of 111-day-long Soorya Festival, a cultural extravaganza staged annually in the state capital. We need at least one-and-a-half months time for preparation after the completion of the renovation works. Now we plan to launch the month-long cultural programme during Onam, said P Prakash, president of the Cultural Centre, which is organising the event. Renovation work by preserving trees, pond The renovation works are being carried out in such a way that the nearly 50 trees in the park, extending over 1.5 acres, are preserved as such, and instead the infrastructure designs were reworked. For instance, the amphitheatre that can accommodate nearly 100 people needed the Ilanji tree to be cut. But instead we made a concrete hole so as to preserve the tree. Now the wood can be seen at the centre of the amphitheatre, pointed out Prakash. Similarly, the pond on one side of the amphitheatre too will be preserved. To reduce the noise level from the nearby busy road, two side walls, having a height of 2.4 m each, will be constructed on either side of the main auditorium. Main renovation works of the park Refurbishing auditorium to increase seating Incorporating art gallery and small amphitheatre Enhancing drainage system Expanding rest room & toilet facilities Upgrading footpaths & surrounding area Replacing old playground equipment at childrens park

Driving school owners in Ernakulam partially agree to resume tests from May 16

KOCHI: Driving tests in the Ernakulam district are set to resume from Thursday after a gap of nearly two weeks, with a section of protesting driving school owners agreeing to temporarily withdraw from their non-cooperation strike. New regulations for test: Driving school owners ramp up stir in Ernakulam A meeting of various unions held on Tuesday agreed to temporarily facilitate the tests from Thursday. Well start bringing candidates for the tests from the day, said T P Baiju, vice-president, All Kerala Driving School Workers Unions (CITU). The proposal to resume the tests has come from the CITU, which has temporarily withdrawn from the strike. The joint forum of organisations is actively considering the same since we dont want to further prolong the difficulty faced by the hundreds of candidates, said Arun Kumar, regional secretary, All Kerala Motor Driving School Instructors and Workers Association. Though the MVD is conducting driving tests for individual candidates appearing directly without the help of any driving schools, only a handful of such candidates are appearing for the tests. Around 10,000 applicants are yet to get a test date in the Ernakulam region alone, while nearly 10 lakh applications are pending across the state. On Monday, the joint forum took out a protest march to the secretariat, demanding that the government return to the old format of driving tests. While the transport department diluted some of the new driving test rules introduced on May 1, the various unions want solutions mainly on two matters the number of driving tests that can be held daily and the changed format of road test and ground tests. As per the new rules, only 40 driving tests can be held daily instead of the earlier number of 120, which the driving schools term as grossly inadequate in the wake of the huge backlog of applications.

2,548 food processing units opened in Kerala

KOCHI: Surpassing the Union governments target to establish 2,500 food processing units, the state has successfully launched 2,548 new food processing enterprises in the financial year 2023-2024. With this, Kerala has secured the third position in the ranking of micro-food processing units in the country. The first and second positions were secured by Tamil Nadu and Telangana. PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) is a scheme launched by the Centre in 2020 to formalise the sector and promote food processing enterprises in the country. The PMFME scheme has been operational for the past few years, and our state is also participating in it. This year, we were able to achieve 102%of the target set by the Centre. We have seen an increase in the number of food processing enterprises established in the state in the past few years. Also, around one-third of the micro-small-medium enterprises (MSMEs) launched under the Year of Enterprises project of the state government in the last two years are in the food processing sector, said Suman Billa, principal secretary, department of industries, Kerala. The fact that 2,548 industrial units have been started in Kerala under the PMFME scheme within one year in the food processing sector, surpassing the target given by the Centre, is an example of how the industrial sector is growing in our state, noted Industries Minister P Rajeeve on Facebook.

Southeast Asia to bring king fish to Malayali platter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: King fish aka neymeen, one of the most sought-after fish among Malayalis, will soon be reaching the seafood lovers platter all the way from Southeast Asia. With its availability having come down in recent times, a kilo of king fish is now priced at around Rs 1,500. Leading fish exporters and importers from the state have held talks with stakeholders in Europe and Southeast Asia to meet the demand as they feel the purchasing power of Keralites has increased. Malayalis identify king fish by several names, like surmai, seer fish, and aiykoora. Considered the most delectable of fish, it has become highly expensive over the past several months. Its price almost doubled during the period, making it unaffordable for an average Malayali family. Mathew Joseph, the brain behind Indias first digital fresh fish and meat store Fresh to Home, told TNIE that he has been involved in talks to import king fish. The landing of king fish on the Kerala coast has come down, making it a rarity in the local markets. Its price in Kerala has risen beyond the international market rate. This has led a few of us, fish exporters and importers, to seriously look into the aspect of importing king fish from Europe and Southeast Asia, Mathew said. At the same time, he said the price of imported king fish may not come down quickly as the demand among the upper middle class continues to be huge. The king fish season starts after June, pointed out Saju Ambrose who runs the restaurant Kadaloram near Vettucaud Church. Normally, king fish catch comes from the coastal areas of Kollam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam. Albeit rarely, it is spotted in Vizhinjam too. On Monday, a three-kilo king fish was auctioned off for Rs 4,200 there. My clientele wont buy fish at such an exorbitant price, Saju said. Whether imported king fish is affordable or not will be known once the first consignment reaches Kochi harbour next month. Too pricey to devour It is not only the price of king fish that has gone up but of all varieties. With Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh witnessing trawling bans now, the traders from those states are making a beeline to the Kerala coast to buy fish caught here. Compared to a month ago, the price of fish has doubled, said Priya Dinesh, a resident of Jawahar Nagar in the capital. Apart from buying fish from the local vendor, Priya also buys from the Neerazhi Lane fish market at Ulloor. I usually buy fish for C1,000 to 1,200. Last week, I bought a kilo of mackerel for C397, which otherwise costed Rs 160 to Rs 180. The same was the case with big anchovy which was earlier available for Rs 200. Now, I guess buying chicken or beef is more viable, Priya said.

Russian man arrested for trespassing into Vallarpadam port in Kerala to see Goshree bridges'

KOCHI: Police arrested a 26-year-old Russian national for entering the high-security International Container Transhipment Terminal (ICTT) at Vallarpadam by scaling its boundary wall on Tuesday. According to the police, Ilia Ekimov, from the Kurgan region of Russia, told them that he jumped into the terminal premises to see the Goshree bridges as Google map showed that they were on the other side of the wall. It was around 6.30am that officials of the DP World-run ICTT saw Ekimov entering the high-security area by scaling the eastern boundary wall. Soon, the security personnel intercepted him. On checking his passport, it was found that his visa had expired last year. Later, he was handed over to the police. The Russian national came to India in 2022 on a one-year visa. He was working in Goa. He did not renew the visa and continued to stay in the country illegally. He came to Kochi two days ago, a police officer said. The Mulavukkad police have registered a case against Ekimov under various sections of IPC, the Foreigners Act and the Passport Act. The Russian national said he set out for a morning walk looking for the Goshree bridges -- which connect mainland Kochi with the islands of Bolgatty, Vallarpadam and Vypeen -- on Google map, the officer said. Ekimov said he lost his direction while looking at the map. Interrogation revealed that he was not involved in any criminal cases in the state. The state and central Intelligence agencies also questioned him. He has not been found to be involved in any suspicious activities, the officer said. Police said he would be produced before the court. A report has been submitted to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office, Kochi, in this regard. The Union government will initiate measures to deport him to Russia. ICTT, operated by Dubai government-owned DP World, is one of the key security sensitive areas in Kochi where international ships arrive with containers regularly. The CISF and various private agencies are in charge of the security of ICTT.

Kerala suffers Rs 260-crore loss as drought destroys crops

KOCHI: The report compiled by the agriculture department based on a field survey by senior officials at the block level, draws a gruesome picture of the severe drought that has devastated the farm sector in Kerala. As per the report, the drought has destroyed crops in 46,587 hectares of land, causing a loss of Rs 260 crore and devastating the lives of 56,947 farmers. The drought may cause an additional loss of Rs 250 crore in the secondary sector including dairy, fisheries, poultry and agro-forestry. The report says the situation in Idukki district is particularly alarming as cardamom farmers have been devastated by the wilting of plants. The cardamom plants in 30,000 hectares have wilted due to the drought which is the worst in 40 years. Agricultural crops in 33,722 hectares of farmlands in Idukki district have been destroyed devastating the lives of 29,743 farmers and causing a loss of Rs 175. 54 crore. The report says Idukki may witness a 60% decline in cardamom output this year due to the wilting of plants. The farmers will need assistance to replant the crop. It will take three years for the new cardamom plants to give yield. The districts of Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Wayanad have suffered the maximum damage. Agriculture Minister P Prasad will visit Idukki district on May 16 and Wayanad district on May 21 to assess the situation. A team of experts will accompany the minister. The agriculture department will form a state-level expert panel which will prepare a detailed report on the drought situation. It will be sent to the Union Ministry of Agriculture. The state will seek a special drought package from the Centre to support the farmers who have been devastated by drought. The panel found that the prolonged dry spell over the past three months, coupled with the heatwave and soil warming led to crop loss. As there was no rainfall from February, the atmospheric temperature rose by 3 degrees Celsius. and the water resources dried up. The drought has caused degradation of soil which led to a decrease in productivity and affected soil organisms that protect plants from diseases. The prolonged drought has led to depletion of groundwater level. The impact of the drought will lead to a decline in crop production this year. Hurt by heat, paddy output in Kerala takes a beating The intense heatwave reduced the productivity of crops. There has been a drop of 500 to 1,000 kg per hectare of paddy. The state recorded a 5% rise in atmospheric temperature. The soil temperature has risen by 5 to 7 degrees Celsius. As per the report from Pambadum Shola National Park, the daylight hours increased from 2 to 4 hours. The small and marginal farmers of Idukki district had cultivated cardamom in 50,000 hectares in 2022-23. However, the severe drought and lack of water resources for irrigation led to wilting of around 30% of cardamom plants. There has been a 60% decrease in cardamom output. The cardamom production in the district may record a steep decline in the coming months as a huge number of plants have wilted and the farmers need to replant them. Around 80% of the cardamom plants in Nedumkandam, Udumbanchola and Bison Valley panchayats have wilted. Besides, the drought has affected coffee, pepper, and nutmeg in the area. Agricultural crops in 33,673.82 hectares of farmlands in Idukki district have been destroyed and the farmers have suffered a loss of Rs 17,554.35 lakh. In Wayanad district, pepper plants in 419.5 hectares of land have wilted. Coffee plants in 208.3 hectares and plantains in 175.42 hectares have been affected. The drought has affected crops in 960.84 hectares causing a loss of Rs 488.34 lakh. In Palakkad district, crops including plantain, pepper, coconut, arecanut, cocoa, nutmeg, rubber, paddy and vegetables have been affected. The farmers were not able to cultivate vegetables in 100 hectares of land due to lack of water for irrigation. Crops in 3,186.02 hectares of farmlands in Palakkad district have been destroyed causing a loss of Rs 3,246.48 lakh.

LockBit ransomware group claims cyber attacks on two Kerala-based companies

KOCHI: The dreaded Russian ransomware LockBit has claimed that it has successfully hacked into the computer systems of two Kerala-based companies. LockBit ransomware on its dark web portal declared that it has hit four Indian companies, including Thrissur-based Double Horse, which is into food production, and garment production company V-Star based in Ernakulam. Other companies on their list are Hyderabad-based pharma company Hetero and automobile parts manufacturer Vikrant Group from Vadodara. As part of its claim, there are pictures of bank account details, invoices, purchase orders, supply details, content on computer drives and driving licences of employees posted on its dark web portal. Prima facie, from the shared pictures, it seems that LockBit ransomware has hit the individual computers or laptops of employees. LockBit penetrates computers linked to various companies and locks the system demanding a ransom. In case the ransom is not paid, they lock the computer system permanently and dump the accessed data into the dark web. IT officials of V-Star said they came to know about a cyber attack recently. There was a cyber attack on our attendance system. We are rectifying it now. But our operations are unaffected as we follow a cloud-based system, a V-Star official said. Double Horse is yet to respond to the incident. While there is no information about the amount demanded, the hackers have given May 15 as the deadline for paying the ransom. The information about the data breach was shared by a private cyber security firm Falconfeeds.io on its social media handles on Saturday. Nandakishore Harikumar, CEO of Falconfeeds.io said the gravity of the data breach is not yet known. We dont know whether the data breach has in any way affected these companies. However, sometimes, this ransomware gets access to sensitive information about the companies. Though there are guidelines from the Centre to inform the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team in case of data breaches, many companies do not know about them. Some do not even report it to the police, he said. LockBit was responsible for around 20% of ransomware attacks last year, targeting several international firms like Royal Mail, UKs National Health Service, Boeing and numerous international banks. In February this year, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), along with other international law enforcement agencies, disrupted the operations of LockBit by taking down its dark web operations. However, LockBit revived with the 3.0 version (LockBit Black) recently and intensified its cyber-attacks across the globe. Last week, the US announced a $10 million bounty on Russian national Dimitry Yuryevich Khoroshev who is the developer and administrator of LockBit ransomware. According to reports, 22 companies from India were targeted by LockBit ransomware last year. LockBit is one of the most notorious ransomware operational now. They hack into the systems of around 20 companies a day and put their names on their dark web portal. LockBit combines with other hackers and operates as an organised group. They make use of vulnerabilities in computer systems and hack them. Last year, they claimed to have received $120 million as ransom which was channelled via bitcoins. Often weak security systems lead to such breaches. Several companies do not even have an updated Operating System (OS) and they are vulnerable to such cyber attacks, he said.

Moody monsoon spells trouble for Keralas agriculture sector

KOCHI: Kerala and monsoon have an intricate relationship. The states nature, character, and economy are deeply tied to the annual rains, which is essential for its sustenance. However, long-term changes in monsoon patterns have started having a detrimental effect on the states economy and environment. Adversely impacted by the erratic rainfall, paddy farmers have switched from longer-duration indigenous rice varieties to shorter-duration types and also moved to crops like banana and areca nut. Plantation crops like pepper, cardamom, rubber, tea, and coffee are highly dependent on the monsoon, with their production closely linked to the timing and amount of rain. Excessive rainfall can damage these cash crops, while a shorter monsoon period leads to reduced crop yields. Kerala receives an annual rainfall of 3,000mm from the southwest monsoon and the retreating northeast monsoon. More than 68% of this rainfall occurs during the monsoon period from June to September. S Abhilash, director of the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research (ACARR), told TNIE that there have been long-term changes in monsoon patterns, with a decline in the number of rainy days and an increase in the intensity of rain spells. Distribution of rainfall has changed over the years, though the overall volume of rain has remained more or less the same. Gaps between rainfall events have also increased. Additionally, the onset of monsoon is being delayed due to increased cyclonic activities in the Arabian Sea, he said. Dr Gopakumar Cholayil, an agro-meteorologist, emphasised the crucial interplay between weather, climate, and crop distribution and production. Climate dictates a crops suitability to a particular region, while weather influences its yield attributes, he said. There is a significant shift in agricultural landscapes, such as the decline of oranges in Wayanad, with paddy fields giving way to areca nut and banana plantations. Climate change has exacerbated various issues across Kerala, causing reduced rainfall, and loss of wetlands and biodiversity, Gopakumar said. Reports by the agricultural meteorology department of the Kerala Agricultural University indicate that physio-chemical changes occur in plants due to changes in monsoon patterns. June is the rainiest month in southern Kerala, while the northern parts get more rain in July. The study states that for the past few years, monthly rainfall has been decreasing in June and July and increasing in August and September. Gopakumar said acidity increases and sugar content decreases in coffee beans with changes in rainfall during June and July. In black pepper, the flowering is impacted, while in cardamoms, the tillering (growth of side shoots) is affected. The mortality rate of pepper vines can go up to 40% due to the absence of rain in June and July. Berry initiation and elongation also depend on a cloudy and overcast sky, which is becoming rarer. Rain in July is very critical for cardamom. Cardamom berries shrivel and fall off the plant, when the atmospheric temperature rises above normal during flowering season. Production of fresh leaves declines when dry conditions prevail. According to Girigan Gopi of the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, the biodiversity loss when farmers move away from paddy cultivation is significant. We have lost several indigenous rice varieties due to the shift to shorter-duration types. Varieties like navara and pokkali possess unique characteristics and need to be conserved. Paddy requires standing water and the crops help maintain groundwater level after the rain. With farmers shifting to crops like banana and areca nut, groundwater has depleted in many regions, he said. Paddy fields act as human-made wetlands, playing a crucial role in groundwater recharge, water regulation, flood and drought control, and biodiversity conservation, in addition to its role in food production. Between 2000-01 and 2021-22, the area under paddy cultivation shrunk by 39%. Gopakumar said the agriculture sector remains the primary source of livelihood for a majority of Keralas population. Over time, significant changes have occurred in cropping patterns. The area under rice and cashew cultivation has declined, while the area under rubber and coconut has increased. Vanilla and cocoa were introduced, but vanilla has since disappeared. The area under cocoa too has declined, he said. Gopakumar said changes in monsoon pattern, though slow, are irreversible and could fundamentally alter the states socioeconomic structure. Monsooned coffee The long-term impact of climate change can be best illustrated by the fate of the famed Monsooned Malabar, a specialty coffee cured by the unique monsoon rain in the Malabar coast. The distinctive coffee boasts unique cupping characteristics. Upset by the fluctuating taste and fortunes of the bean, an exporting firm catering to Europe, commissioned a study to examine the reasons for the same. The study, which blamed it all on the monsoon, conclusively proved how erratic rain hits the quality of coffee. Dr Gopakumar Cholayil, who was part of the study at the College of Climate Change and Environmental Science, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, said the quality of the coffee is better if monsoon is heavy and continuous during July-August over Malabar region. The genesis of the coffee is as fascinating as its taste. Coffee transported from the Malabar coast during the era of sailing ships underwent physiological changes in the damp confines of the wooden holds. Over the six-month journey, the beans would lose its colour and some of its quality. However, consumers developed a fondness for its mellow, less acidic profile. In response to consumer preferences, coffee exporters devised the perfect process known as Monsooning Coffee. This process involves subjecting the beans to a specialised treatment during monsoon. Today, this coffee graces the menus of specialised coffee salons worldwide and is celebrated for its distinct characteristics including a robust body, mild acidity, pleasant aroma, and flavour.

Electoons, a cartoon show on polls, under way in Kochi

High waves lash Kochi coast, warning issued

Three youths die after being caught in unusually high waves at Puthuvype beach

ED Kochi attaches properties worth Rs 12.20 crore from shipyard company under PMLA

The News Mill

MVD, police, KSRTC personnel collecting details of Kochi accident

Garuda bus driver has reportedly cited brake failure as a probable reason for the accident

Police officer arrested for exhibiting nudity in Kerala

Kochi: A police officer has been arrested for allegedly exhibiting nudity in front of a female student of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) here. The accused officer was arrested based on the woman's complaint and later released on bail, an officer of Kalamassery police station said on Tuesday. An FIR under sections 294 (obscene acts and songs) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the IPC and section 119(a) (performing, in public places, any sexual gestures or acts degrading the dignity of women) of the Kerala Police Act has been registered against the accused. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, police said. According to the woman's complaint, the man exposed himself, making her uncomfortable. The accused officer has reportedly denied the allegation against him. Police said that they are investigating the matter.

Is your fatigue more than just feeling tired?

KOCHI: In todays fast-paced world, fatigue is a common phenomenon experienced by many. Whether its due to a busy schedule, travel, illness, or stress, feeling tired is considered normal and usually remedied by rest. However, for some individuals, fatigue may become persistent and debilitating and may affect the quality of their life. One such condition is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. CFS is a complex disorder characterised by extreme fatigue that doesnt improve with rest and can worsen with physical or mental activity. Unlike normal fatigue, CFS can persist for months or even years, significantly impacting a persons quality of life. Diagnosing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) presents significant challenges. Methods like clinical examination, blood tests and scans often fail to pinpoint the condition. Typically, patients describe their symptoms, but they are often told by healthcare providers to have no illness. Even in countries with advanced medical technology, CFS remains elusive; and an estimated 90% of cases go undiagnosed. Prevalence ranges from 0.2% to 2.6%, varying across age groups and regions. The condition is more prevalent among individuals aged 30-60, with a notable predominance in women, where the ratio of affected females to males can be as high as 4:1 Why awareness about CFS is important? The causes of CFS arent fully understood yet. Some findings suggest that it could be due to some dysfunction in the bodys inflammatory response usually following a viral illness. The cases of CFS are noted to have increased especially with the onset of the pandemic, irrespective of age groups. One of the most significant challenges of CFS is the lack of visible symptoms, leading to misunderstandings and scepticism from others, including family and healthcare providers. Patients may be wrongly perceived as lazy or unmotivated, exacerbating their mental health struggles. Therefore, creating a supportive and understanding environment is crucial for their well-being. Common symptoms Fatigue: Fatigue is the most important symptom of CFS. It should given attention when it lasts for at least six months and does not improve with rest or if it leads to functional impairment. Post-exertional malaise: Experiencing pain after physical or mental exertion lasting for 24 hours or longer. Sleep disturbances: Unrefreshing sleep, insomnia, or disturbances in the sleep cycle. Cognitive difficulties: Memory loss and difficulty concentrating. Orthostatic intolerance: Feeling dizzy or lightheaded upon standing for prolonged periods. Other symptoms include muscle pain, joint pain, throatpain, feverishness, and painfullymph nodes Impact of CFS on Women While CFS can affect anyone, it disproportionately impacts women. The reasons for this gender disparity are not entirely understood but may involve hormonal factors and differences in immune function. Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, can exacerbate symptoms in women with CFS. Treatment and Management Currently, there is no definitive cure for CFS, but various strategies can help manage symptoms Addressing specific symptoms is one method. For example, pain or sleep disturbances could be addressed with medication or therapies. Mental health challenges associated with CFS could be countered with antidepressants or cognitive-behavioural therapy. In addition to these, maintaining a healthy lifestyle accompanied by a balanced diet, good sleep hygiene, and graded exercise therapies could be effective.

West Nile fever: A new virus on the prowl?

KOCHI: Dengue, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and murmurs about a silent Covid wave Kerala has been going through a sick phase of late. Adding to the public anxiety, one more has joined the list: West Nile fever. The state reported the first case of West Nile fever in 2011. The virus was later detected in 2013, 2019 and 2022 as well. This year, so far, at least 10 confirmed West Nile cases and two suspected deaths one in Palakkad and the other in Thrissur have been reported in the state. Nine of the 10 cases were reported in May. Experts, however, allay concerns and say West Nile fever is preventable, and treatable, if detected early. West Nile fever is transmitted by mosquitoes infected with the virus. The virus gets transmitted when mosquitoes draw blood from infected birds. When these mosquitoes bite humans or animals, the virus yet again gets transmitted, explains Dr Harikumar S, assistant director (public health), Directorate of Health Services, Kerala. However, the virus will not be transmitted from one infected person to another through a mosquito bite. Similarly, there will be no transmission by touching or coming in close contact with an infected person. The symptoms of West Nile fever, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), include: Fever Headache Tiredness Body ache Nausea Vomiting Occasionally, a skin rash (on the trunk of the body) Swollen lymph glands. Symptoms of severe disease (also called neuroinvasive disease), such as West Nile encephalitis meningitis or West Nile poliomyelitis: Headache High fever Neck stiffness Stupor Disorientation Coma Tremors Convulsions Muscle weakness Paralysis Symptoms usually appear 3 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Only a small number of people infected with the virus develop serious symptoms. According to data, one in 150 cases are serious, Dr Harikumar notes. About 20 per cent of people infected with the virus may develop mild symptoms that can last from a few days to weeks. About 80 per cent of people infected with the virus do not develop symptoms. However, if the infection is severe, West Nile fever may affect the brain. Early detection is crucial. Because the disease can also lead to encephalitis or meningitis, and can even lead to death, says Dr Althaf A, epidemiologist and professor of community medicine at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. Even if the patient survives, he or she may suffer from morbidity. Recovery from severe illness might take several weeks or months. Some effects on the central nervous system might be permanent. About 1 out of 10 people who develop severe illness affecting the central nervous system succumb. Thus, it is important to consult a doctor at the earliest once the symptoms manifest. Severe illness can occur in people of any age. However, people over the age of 60 are said to be at a greater risk for complications (1 in 50 people). People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and those who have received organ transplants, are also at greater risk. Consulting a doctor at the earliest is important. Among symptomatic patients, fever is the major symptom of the disease. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhoea, and rashes. Most people with febrile illness due to the West Nile virus recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months, says Dr Althaf. In case of fever, people should consult a doctor and the actual cause must be diagnosed and treated properly. If delayed, it can lead to complications and even death. As people get older, their immunity decreases and the chances of getting affected by the disease are high. Thus, the elderly population, and people with co-morbidity should be cautious. According to Dr Hari, mild symptoms usually resolve without treatment. But in case of symptoms like severe headache and confusion, the person should immediately seek treatment, he says. Pregnant and lactating mothers should consult a doctor immediately if symptoms are observed. Keralas surveillance system needs to be strengthened to prevent the occurrence of the disease, the doctors highlight. Migration, increasing travel, and climate change are factors in the emergence of new infectious diseases, says Dr Althaf, adding that comprehensive preventive strategies are vital. With the increasing migration and travel to other states/countries, possibilities of spread are high. Also, we are experiencing a climatic change. Thus, it is important to strengthen surveillance. As we are in the post-pandemic phase, we need to be more cautious. Over the years, surveillance in the state has, indeed, improved, and it has helped in the detection and prevention of the disease spread, says Dr Hari. We have new technologies and diagnostic equipment available. It has helped in the detection of the presence of the virus. It helps in early detection and prevention. People should refrain from self-medicating, he adds. Whats the West Nile story? It is named after the West Nile district of Uganda, where the virus specimen was first isolated in 1937. It was later identified in birds (crows and columbiformes) in the Nile Delta region in 1953. The virus is commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and West Asia. WNV sustains in nature via a cycle involving transmission between birds and mosquitoes. Humans, horses and other mammals can be infected. Govt directive With at least nine West Nile fever cases reported in the state this month alone, the health ministry has directed the district medical officers to intensify the pre-monsoon cleaning drives and efforts to control mosquitoes with the cooperation of the local bodies.

Utsav Rajasthan Grameen Mela begins in Kochi

KOCHI: Artisans from eastern part of India is currently holding an exhibition cum sale titled Utsav Rajasthan Grameen Mela at Rotary Club of Cochin, Balabhavan near Avenue Centre in Panampilly Nagar. The event brings together rural artisans under one roof, featuring vast collections of cotton and silk handlooms, handicrafts, Odishas exclusive tie and dye, dress material and Odiya sarees, Bengal cotton sarees, and more. The mela also offers jewellery, carpets, Chennapatna toys, Sharanpur wood carvings, marble, artefacts, gem and gold plating, Lucknow seikan carving, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh bed rugs. The rich culture of eastern India is portrayed mainly through colourful handloom products, especially fabrics like Bandhani, Bandhej, Dhaka-based artist Biswajit Sahas Dhakai muslin Jamdaani sari, and the jute muslin saris. The expo, which concludes on May 23, offers 10 per cent discount on handicrafts and a 20 per cent discount on handlooms for customers. The exhibition is open to public from 10:30am to 9pm. For details, contact: 90212 39188

The wonder herb blooms again

KOCHI: The famous song Kayampoo Kannil Vidarum, penned by the legendary Vayalar Ramavarma for the film 'Nadhi' (1969), might have piqued your curiosity. What is Kayampoovu? Is it a real flower, or a creation of the poets imagination? The flower is very real and was once common in the countryside. Recently, it has been rediscovered in the deep forests of Pooyamkutty in the Kuttampuzha panchayat of Ernakulam district. Known scientifically as Memecylon umbellatum, this flower blooms only once a year and was found by the tribals near the ancient Knachary temple. Pooyamkutty forest has long been a favourite destination of tourists, says Bineesh Narayanan, ward member of Pinavorkudy. Its abundant medicinal plants and breathtaking scenery have attracted visitors from far and wide. This forest has also caught the eye of filmmakers, serving as a backdrop for popular movies like 'Pulimurugan', with the picturesque Pindimedu waterfall being a central location for filming, he says. The flower blooms at an altitude of 1200 metres above sea level. The flowers have bloomed adjacent to a stream along the path leading to the Knachary temple. In the past, the sturdy stems of the plant were used by the tribals to weave baskets to hold forest produce, Bineesh adds. According to Sasikumar, a resident, the flowers slowly fade to white before falling off. Traditional medicinal practitioners believe the flower has medicinal properties, with its leaves said to provide energy and a hint of sweetness. The plant is also known by various names such as Anjan, Alli, and Kaya, says Sasikumar. Despite its beauty and cultural significance, the Kayampoovu plant faces the threat of extinction. Ironwood Kayampoovu, also known as Ironwood, possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antidiabetic properties Its leaves, flowers, stems, and roots are used to treat various ailments It is effective in treating eye troubles, gonorrhoea, leucorrhea, cough, herpes, and wounds

Unsafe Puthuvype and Valappu beaches cry out for attention; residents allege neglect

KOCHI: Every day, Puthuvype attracts hundreds of visitors, some even from neighbouring states, keeping the beach bustling almost round the clock. Many come to enjoy the sea breeze and take a dip, unaware of the danger lurking. The death of three youngsters who were caught in the waves at Puthuvype has left the local residents in shock. Despite having made repeated pleas to deploy lifeguards, their requests have been ignored by the authorities, they said. We are helpless is the common refrain among the Puthuvype residents. The gravity of the situation becomes evident given that eight lives have been lost in just one year at Puthuvype and the Valappu beach nearby. There are no boards warning of the dangers of swimming in the waters there. People are drawn to this beautiful beach, but there are no instructions or lifeguards to guide visitors. According to the local residents, there used to be a warning board. But even then, people ignored the warning and accidents occurred.Puthuvype and Valappu beaches are easily accessible for those visiting Kochi. We cannot warn the young people arriving at the beach beyond a certain extent. They ask us who are you to say this, said Vypeen Beach Club secretary Shammy Chakravarthi. He said the authorities concerned, either the police or the tourism department, should implement restrictions around the 200 to 250 metres of the beach area to ensure the safety of the visitors. If they implement such restrictions, we can also instruct those venturing into the sea dangerously, he said. 22-year-old man drowns off Puthuvype beach in Kerala The group of six friends from Kochi were warned by the swimmers of the Vypeen Beach Club and Dolphin Club, who were conducting swimming training, when they ventured into the sea at Puthuvype beach. However, they ignored the warning and were caught in the high tide. Soon, the club members managed to rescue three of them, including Milan Sebastian and Alvin George who passed away on Monday. Abhishek, who died on Sunday, was rescued only after half an hour. Though administered first aid, Abhishek died on the way to the hospital. Milan and Alvin were admitted to the hospital, but sadly, both succumbed to death. We are training people here daily. Hence, we request the authorities to entrust us too with the task of warning visitors. A meeting has been convened by the assistant commissioner of police and the panchayat president in light of the tragedy, and I will present these suggestionsat the meeting on Wednesday, Shammy added. According to the swimming club members, no one should enter the sea at places where lifeguards are not deployed. A violation of this should attract afine. They also want the club members to be allotted badges or identity cards to give instructions to the visitors. Not even one lifeguard is there on the crowded beach, even on holidays, said Jigeesh, a resident. Meanwhile, Amal Krishna, a friend of the deceased and a resident of Azad Road, Kaloor, said the sea was normal, hence they ventured into it.