Kerala on high alert, as IMD issues red alert for four districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is on high alert as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki districts till Tuesday. These districts are expected to receive extremely heavy rainfall of above 204.4 mm. Meanwhile, an orange alert has been issued for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Ernakulam till Wednesday. These districts are likely to receive rainfall between 115.6 to 204.4 mm till Wednesday. The IMD has also predicted that the state is likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall over isolated places till Wednesday. A yellow alert has been issued for districts including Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod till Friday. These districts are expected to receive isolated heavy rainfall ranging between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm till Friday. As per the prediction of IMD, owing to cyclonic circulation over the south interior of Tamil Nadu and the neighbourhood area, strong westerly/southwesterly winds at lower levels are likely to prevail over Kerala region till Tuesday. Under its influence, widespread rainfall activity with heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy rainfall is very likely to occur over isolated places of Kerala till Tuesday.

CPO suspended for allegedly aiding accused in domestic violence case to flee country

CPO suspended for allegedly aiding accused in domestic violence case to flee country A civil police officer of the Kerala police has been suspended for allegedly helping an accused in a sensational domestic violence case leave the country. Police sources said on Sunday that a senior civil police officer (CPO) of the Pantheerankavu police station in Kozhikode city has been suspended after an internal inquiry revealed allegations that he was in regular contact with Rahul P Gopal, who is accused of brutally assaulting and attempting to kill his newly-wed wife in this district. Facing a probe into the case, Rahul left the country a few days ago, prompting the police to approach Interpol to issue a Blue Corner notice against him. Earlier, the station house officer of the Pantheerankavu police station was suspended for his alleged lapses in the investigation. The woman alleged that the police in Pantheerankavu, where her matrimonial home is located, did not register a case of attempted murder despite her complaint clearly stating that her husband tried to strangle her using a mobile phone charging cable. The woman's family alleged that Rahul brutally assaulted and attempted to kill her following an argument over dowry, barely a week after their wedding on May 5. The in-laws of the bride have denied the allegation that they had demanded dowry. The incident came to light last week following allegations by the bride and her family against the accused man, which were aired on news channels.

Case against Boby Chemmanur for holding Boche Tea lucky draws

KOZHIKODE: Meppady police in Wayanad registered a case against businessman Boby Chemmanur for selling lucky draw tickets with tea powder packets. Meppadi police registered the case on a complaint filed by Wayanad District Assistant Lottery Officer. The government lottery department alleged that under the guise of a private company called Boche Bhumi Putra Private Ltd, Boby Chemmanur is selling lottery tickets along with tea powder packets under the guise of sales promotion. The case has been registered for holding a lucky draw contest of Rs 10 lakh daily while selling Boche tea powder packets. The case has been filed under various sections of the Lotteries Regulation Act, including fraud and illegal conduct of lotteries. As per the department, the lucky draw would affect the sale of government lottery tickets. The company provides coupons to those who purchase tea powder packets under its promotion name Boche Tea Lucky Draw. It will be drawn daily. Daily prizes range from Rs 100 to Rs 10 lakh. The company also says that it will give a bumper gift of Rs 25 crore. Special shops were opened for this purpose and the project got a lot of publicity. The Directorate of State Lottery has also started an investigation into the luck draw. However, Boby Chemmanur has denied all allegations related to the lucky draw. Officials of Boche Tea informed that the lucky draw coupon is provided free with Boche Tea. Boby Chemmanur told reporters in Kalpetta on Saturday, Boche Tea Lucky Draw is legal and the complaints related to it are baseless. Lucky draw is associated with Boche Tea promotions and does not fall under the rules and regulations of lotteries. Currently, various companies are charging `38 to `125 for 100g of tea powder. Boche tea is priced at `40 per 100g packet. A daily first prize of `10 lakh, other cash prizes and a bumper prize of `25 crore are awarded to the winners of the lucky draw. The introduction of Boche Tea has not reduced even 1% of the state governments lottery business. We have presented our side to the court regarding the complaint. Sales of Boche tea will continue as usual.

Kozhikodes water man is the summer saviour of his village

KOZHIKODE: In the bustling business of drinking water supply in Kerala, one man stands out with his extraordinary selflessness. V T Pavithran, a resident of Pathiyarakkara, in Kozhikode, has been tirelessly providing free drinking water to his village for the past three years. The 59-year-old, who owns a modest light-and-sound shop, has taken it upon himself to ensure that no one in his community goes without clean water during the scorching summer months. Pavithrans mission is driven by a simple yet profound principle: every person in his village should have access to clean drinking water. Using his own water tanker, he collects water from two local wells and delivers it directly to the homes of his neighbours. Each day, he fills the 1,500-litre tank twice and distributes the water free of charge. The endeavour is supported by the generosity of local well owners and the assistance of his friend, K V Babu, who helps with the distribution. In the last three days alone, more than 100 families in Maniyur panchayats Pathiyarakkara Valiyaparambath and other areas have received much-needed water. With several areas facing severe shortages, Pavithran is preparing to extend the reach of his efforts. The villagers, who often receive only a weekly supply of salty water through the Jalanidhi project, are immensely grateful for Pavithrans help. His commitment stems from witnessing the hardships his neighbours face, particularly during summer, when water scarcity peaks. Pavithran, who dropped out of school after high school, views his mission as a vital social responsibility. My wife and children are my strong supporters. I dont have any big dreams. I just want to do my bit to help people, Pavithran shares. For the people of Pathiyarakkara, Pavithrans water tanker is not just a vehicle; it is a symbol of hope and a testament to the power of kindness.

Rise in attacks on TTEs raises security concerns in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: Attacks on travelling ticket examiners (TTEs) have become a daily occurrence in Kerala. Last Wednesday, two separate incidents of attacks on TTEs were reported. In Kozhikode, a man from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was arrested for attacking a female TTE on the Mangalore-Chennai Mail train. On the same day, Manoj Varma from Uttar Pradesh and Shammi Raja from Thiruvananthapuram were attacked in Wadakkanchery on the Bengaluru-Kanyakumari Express. These repeated incidents are not only alarming but also raise serious concerns about the security provided to railway employees. According to railway data, there have been four reported attacks on TTEs in 2024. However, considering the frequent clashes between TTEs and passengers in Malabar region, the actual numbers could be much higher. Most of these attacks occur when TTEs question passengers who board reserved compartments with general tickets. Some of these clashes have resulted in serious injuries to TTEs and even fatalities. On April 2, 48-year-old TTE K Vinod was pushed to death from a moving train by a migrant worker. Vinods death caused significant panic among railway employees. Yet the attacks continue. On May 12, another TTE Vikram Kumar Meena, a native of Rajasthan, was attacked when he asked a passenger to produce his ticket. Meena, who suffered a blow to his nose, is currently undergoing treatment for his injuries. The railways is taking rigorous actions to address these altercations. We are trying our best to provide safety for our employees. As part of preventive measures, the railways has strengthened RPF/GRP escorts, implemented preventive checks, and is closely monitoring suspicious persons. We are also conducting extensive patrolling and passenger checks both on station premises and on board. Additionally, we are organising awareness campaigns among passengers, said an official of Southern Railway Palakkad division. Officials also stated that the railways is assisting victims in pursuing legal action against offenders. We are trying to avoid unnecessary altercations between TTEs and passengers. However, if any incidents occur, the railways will assist the victim employees in lodging complaints with the GRP or local police. In 2024 alone, four such cases have been reported in Kerala, all of which have resulted in the arrest of the offenders, the official added. Deboarding unreserved passengers from reserved coaches is the primary cause of these altercations. Increased passenger footfall during the summer vacation has led to overcrowding in general compartments. As a result, passengers try to board reserved coaches with general tickets. A TTEs duty is to restrict the entry of unreserved passengers into reserved coaches. Another issue is that in all these incidents, the accused were intoxicated, the official said. However, passengers associations said the Railways policies are the major reasons for the recurring attacks. The Railways is cutting down the number of general compartments and increasing reserved coaches to boost revenue. However, they are not providing any alternative solutions to reduce the rush in general compartments. Thats why passengers are boarding reserved coaches, leading to clashes with TTEs, said Rasheed Kavvayi, a member of the Zonal Railway Consultative Committee. Measures taken As part of preventive measures, the railways has strengthened RPF/GRP escorts, implemented preventive checks, and is closely monitoring suspicious persons It is also conducting extensive patrolling and passenger checks both on station premises and on board Additionally, awareness campaigns being prganised among passengers

Youth Congress Demands Kerala CM's Resignation in Fiery Protest

Youth Congress Demands Kerala CM's Resignation in Fiery Protest The Youth Congress on Saturday held a protest march to the official residence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and burned his effigy outside the house demanding his resignation, alleging failure of law and order in the state. The march by the youth wing of the Congress was held on the same day the chief minister returned to the state after reportedly cutting short his vacation with family abroad. The Youth Congress protestors marched to Cliff House here -- the official residence of the CM -- and shouted slogans terming Vijayan as the leader of the criminal gangs in the state and demanding his resignation, according to visuals shown on TV channels. They alleged that deaths due to criminal gangs in the state were on the rise. The protestors also raised the issue of crimes against women, especially the recent instance of alleged domestic violence against a newly-wed bride in Kozhikode district and claimed that the police in Kerala was ineffective. The Youth Congress alleged that while the state was facing law and order problems, the chief minister, who also heads the Home Department, went abroad for vacation. Vijayan arrived in Kerala in the wee hours of the day. According to reports, he was expected to reach the state on Monday.

Pantheerankavu domestic violence case: Rahuls friend arrested, released on bail

KOZHIKODE: The special investigation team on Friday arrested Pantheerankavu domestic violence case accuseds friend P Rajesh who helped him flee from the country. Rajesh, a native of Mankavu, helped the accused Rahul P Gopal leave the country by taking him to Bengaluru from Kozhikode. Kerala: Pantheerankavu domestic violence case accused in Germany, say police The probe team under the leadership of Feroke ACP Saju K Abraham produced Rajesh, who is the fourth accused in the case, at Kozhikode Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, and the court granted him bail. Rajesh was arrested under Section 212 of IPC for harbouring the offender during the subsequent investigation. Police said that Rajesh is the one who made all the arrangements for Rahul to leave the country. The police also got evidence that Rajesh was at Rahuls home when he assaulted his wife. The police found out that Rahul contacted his sister and Rajesh on WhatsApp after reaching Germany. The police have issued a lookout notice for Rahul. Rajesh revealed to the police that Rahul had reached Germany via Singapore from Bengaluru. Rahul, who is working in Germany as an engineer, beat up his wife, who is a resident of North Paravoor in Ernakulam, and strangled her using a mobile phone charger cable on May 12. The family of the woman approached the Pantheerankavu police with a complaint of domestic violence and murder attempt. Rahul escaped to Germany after police registered a case and intensified the investigation. Police initially said that Rahul was under their surveillance and a case will be registered after collecting his statements. However, the news of domestic violence and police inaction became a controversy. Later, Rahul went absconding since Monday night. Meanwhile, a video message of Rahul stating that he has reached abroad was released on Thursday. Pantheerankavu domestic violence: Womans family alleges police inaction The father of the complainant alleged that the accused left the country due to the failure of the police officers who initially investigated the case. The first investigators were actually helping the accused to escape and if they had lodged an FIR and arrested him then, the accused wouldnt have escaped, said Haridas, the complainants father. Feroke ACP Saju K Abraham informed that the procedures to locate Rahul in Germany have been started. A Blue Corner notice was issued by Interpol on Friday following a request sent through the Ministry of External Affairs to get the information of the accused in Germany. We are awaiting their response. Once their report is received we will initiate the procedures to issue a Yellow Corner Notice to locate the accused and nab him, said Saju K Abraham, investigation officer. Meanwhile, the investigation team again issued notices to Rahuls mother and sister asking them to appear for questioning by 5 pm on Friday. Rahuls mother and sister were called for questioning, but both have informed that they are unable to do so owing to health issues, police said.

RMP leader arrested, released on bail for his misogynistic comments

KOZHIKODE: RMP leader K S Hariharan was released on bail after being arrested for making derogatory comments against CPM leader K K Shailaja and actor Manju Warrier during a political event in Vadakara. The arrest followed a complaint filed by the DYFI with the state police chief, citing misogynistic comments. Hariharans comments had sparked widespread controversy. Upon his release, Hariharan addressed the media, clarifying his position on the incident. He stated that the police recorded his statement and did not ask him to appear before them again. While Hariharan maintained that the remarks were not illegal, he admitted that they were politically inappropriate. He expressed regret for his comments. Hariharan highlighted that he realised the political mistake and took steps to correct it. He also said that despite making a public apology, the complaint was filed by some individuals who were not satisfied with his expression of regret. He condemned a massive cyber attack targeted at both himself and K K Rema, suggesting that mediapersons should reconsider their portrayal of the events. Hariharan asserted that he had been wrongfully depicted as an accused in a rape case. Moreover, Hariharan affirmed that he has the full support of his party. The party is with me and I am with the party, he said. My party has stood with me throughout the controversy, he said. The remarks that led to the controversy were made during a UDF event in Vadakara. Hariharans statements were deemed misogynistic, leading to public outrage and the subsequent filing of a complaint by DYFI, demanding action against him.

3,500 students from Kozhikode to be part of Kudumbashrees Mind Blowers programme

Community development societies to select 50 students from each local body for the programme that is intended to unlock their hidden talents

Friend taken into custody after Kerala bridegroom accused of domestic violence flies out

Friend taken into custody after Kerala bridegroom accused of domestic violence flies out Kozhikode: The Kerala police on Friday took into custody the friend of a bridegroom accused of domestic violence after the intervention of Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. Rajesh was taken into custody by the newly appointed police probe team as he knew [] The post Friend taken into custody after Kerala bridegroom accused of domestic violence flies out appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

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.

Assault on newly-wed woman in Kerala: Blue Corner notice against husband

Assault on newly-wed woman in Kerala: Blue Corner notice against husband A Blue Corner notice has been issued by Interpol against a man accused of brutally assaulting and attempting to kill his newly-wed wife in this district, police said on Friday amidst speculations that he may have fled to Germany where he works. A senior police officer of Kozhikode city confirmed that the Blue Corner notice has been issued and that it has been in effect since Thursday. ''A request was sent to Interpol through the Ministry of External Affairs for issuing it,'' the officer said. A Blue Corner notice is issued by the international police cooperation body, Interpol, to collect additional information from its member countries about a person's identity, location or activities in relation to a crime. The Blue Corner notice comes in the wake of a lookout circular that was issued against the accused husband -- Rahul P Gopal -- by the police. On Tuesday, allegations by the bride and her family against the accused man surfaced and were aired on TV channels. They alleged that he brutally assaulted and attempted to kill his wife following an argument over dowry, barely a week after their wedding on May 5. The in-laws of the bride have denied the allegation that they had demanded dowry. Gopal's mother had claimed that her daughter-in-law was refusing to stay in the matrimonial home and that led to an argument and subsequent fight between the couple. ''We never demanded dowry as we do not require it,'' the woman had said. Besides the police action, both the Kerala Women's Commission (KWC) and the State Human Rights Commission are also looking into the issue and have sought reports from the investigating agency. The KWC had also slammed the police for allegedly not taking the woman's complaint seriously initially. The woman had alleged that the police in Pantheerankavu, where her matrimonial home is located, did not register a case of attempted murder despite her complaint clearly stating that her husband tried to strangle her using a mobile phone charging cable. She and her family had also alleged that the police tried to settle the matter. Following the intense criticism of the police from all quarters, including the Congress-led UDF opposition, a new investigative team was constituted to probe the case.

Tongue instead of sixth finger: Goof-up in 4-year-old's surgery at Kozhikode hospital, doctor suspended

In another major goof-up at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, a four-year-old girl on Thursday became a victim of medical negligence, and the Kerala government, taking serious note of the incident, has suspended Associate Professor Dr Bijohn Johnson.

Kerala: Key League leaders to skip Gulf edition launch of Suprabhaatham

MALAPPURAM: Taking a firm stance against Samastha, senior leaders of IUML, Panakkad Sadiqali Shihab Thangal and P K Kunhalikutty, decided to keep away from the ceremony to launch the Gulf edition of Suprabhaatham daily, scheduled to be held in Dubai on Saturday. Sources revealed that Sadiqali Thangal made the decision citing Suprabhaathams association with a group of anti-IUML leaders in Samastha, indicating that there was no room for compromise. Though the Suprabhaatham management has included the pictures of both leaders in the event posters, an IUML leader confirmed on Thursday that they would not be attending due to a conflict of schedules. The leader cited that the IUMLs state committee meeting in Kozhikode coincides with the launch of the Gulf edition. The developments indicate that the schism between IUML and Samastha has reached its zenith. Panakkad Sadiqali Thangal and Kunhalikutty will be leading the state committee meeting on Saturday. Hence, they will not be able to attend the Suprabhaatham function, said the IUML leader. However, sources suggest that unresolved issues between IUML and Samastha, also stemming from the Kerala parliamentary elections, have influenced the IUML leaders decision to distance themselves from the event. The IUML leadership expressed discontent with Suprabhaathams editorial decisions, particularly its alleged anti-IUML stance during the polls. IUML criticised the dailys acceptance of election campaign advertisements from the LDF, claiming that this move encouraged Samastha members to support Left candidates. Though SYS state working secretary Abdul Hameed Faizy Ambalakkadavu defended the dailys actions, IUML remains unconvinced. Recently, Ambalakkadavu, in a Suprabhaatham article, argued that the LDF advertisements were published to maintain the dailys impartiality, distinct from typical political party mouthpieces. In response, IUML published a counter-argument penned by Moyin Malayamma in Chandrika newspaper, asserting that Samastha leaders and Suprabhaatham should not have succumbed to efforts to sow discord within the IUML-Samastha alliance during the elections. Notably, aside from IUML leaders, IUML supporter and Samastha Mushavara member Bahauddeen Muhammed Nadwi, who was scheduled to attend the launch ceremony, also expressed his intention to abstain. Nadwi, known for his opposition to Suprabhaathams pro-LDF stance during the elections, denied rumours of differences with anti-IUML members in Samastha, attributing his absence to recent travel. I have just returned from a Gulf trip. Therefore, travelling to Dubai at this time is not feasible, Nadwi said. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala who is currently engaged in an election campaign in North India will not attend the function. However, Works Minister P A Muhammed Riyas will be present at the event.

Kerala: Doctor mixes up childs surgery, suspended

KOZHIKODE: Another case of medical negligence has emerged from Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, where a surgery was performed on the tongue of a four-year-old girl, who was brought to the hospital for a procedure to remove her sixth finger. Following the incident, the director of medical education suspended associate professor Dr Bijon Johnson, of the paediatric department of the Institute of Maternal and Child Health, pending an inquiry. The family of the child also lodged a complaint with the Medical College police. The family, from Cheruvannur, arrived at the hospital on Thursday morning for the finger surgery. After the hour-long procedure, the child was brought to the ward, when the parents noticed cotton stuffed in her mouth. And her sixth finger hadnt been removed. According to family members, the nurse mocked them when they pointed out the error. Hospital authorities, on their part, tried to settle the issue during a series of discussions with the family. The doctor who led the surgery even apologised. A subsequent surgery was even conducted to remove the childs sixth finger. Meanwhile, the hospital superintendent came forward to defend the surgeon. After the surgery of the four-year-old girl, there was a procedure scheduled for a child with a tongue-tie. When the first child cried in the operation theatre, the surgeon noticed the tongue-tie in her mouth. So, he proceeded to operate on it. But we failed to communicate the incident to the childs relatives. However, we will investigate the complaint, the superintendent said. However, the family clarified that the child didnt suffer from any kind of speech impediment. The controversy kicked up by the revelation forced Health Minister Veena George to order a probe by the director of medical education. Youth League workers protest at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital | express Child rights panel files case against hosp authorities The doctor was suspended, pending the investigation, based on the instructions of the minister. We have called for a detailed investigation and follow-up action. Hospitals have been instructed to strictly adhere to protocols, the minister said. The Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association (KGMCTA) also came forward to back the surgeon. The doctor noticed the tongue-tie when the child was brought to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital for surgery to remove a sixth finger. The parents may not have noticed this minor defect earlier. The doctors priority was to clear the tongue-tie since it may cause speech impairment in the future even though there are no major problems now and it is difficult to treat and cure the speech impairment once the speech is fully developed, Dr Krishnan C, president of the Kozhikode chapter of KGMCTA, said in a press release. It is also worth noting that this surgery is not possible in children who do not have a tongue-tie. The surgery on the finger was done immediately as per the demands of the parents. The hasty suspension of the doctor, without a proper investigation, is unfortunate. Such measures would affect the morale of government medical college teachers who render meritorious service even under adverse conditions, Dr Krishnan said. Meanwhile, the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights filed a case against hospital authorities and sought a report on the incident. Youth Congress workers protested in front of the hospital for the repeated medical negligence which ended in a minor clash. The MCH shot into the headlines last year, when K K Harshina said that a 2022 scan had revealed a pair of forceps stuck in her abdomen, reportedly following a botched surgery. In Harshinas case, too, authorities initially tried to cover up the error but the victim went ahead with a police complaint. The Adivaram native is still fighting for justice.

Four under observation test negative for amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: The health department officials breathed a sigh of relief on Thursday after the test results of those under observation for amoebic meningoencephalitis turned negative. 5-yr-old girl from Malappuram infected with amoebic meningoencephalitis The tests were held after a 5-year-old girl from Moonniyur in Malappuram was diagnosed with the viral disease on Wednesday. She is battling for life at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (MCH) on ventilator support. Efforts to source medicine for the extremely rare disease are also progressing. As many as 14 people from three families, who took a dip in the area of the Moonniyur river from where the girl is suspected to have been infected, were kept under observation at the MCH. Of this, the test results of the four children --- the patients sister, paternal uncles daughter and son, and another child from the area --- have turned negative. They had accompanied the girl to swim in the river on May 1 and were admitted to the hospital two days ago with symptoms of the disease. Meanwhile, the health department has stepped up vigil in the Moonniyur area to prevent a possible outbreak. The officials have asked those who bathed in the river at the location from where the child contracted the virus to seek medical treatment if they show symptoms of the disease. They have also restricted the public from bathing in the Kadalundy river in Moonniyur. The authorities of the Moonniyur panchayat and the health department are collecting details of those who bathed in the river in May. Under the leadership of Asha workers, the wells in the area were disinfected using bleaching powder. It was on May 1 that the girl took a bath in the river near her house along with her relatives. On May 10, she was referred to a paediatrician near her residence after developing a fever, headache and vomiting. The girl was admitted to a private hospital in Chelari on May 12 and later shifted to another one in Kozhikode. However, as her health condition worsened, she was rushed to the MCH on the same day for expert treatment. Amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare disease that affects one in ten thousand people. It is caused by Naegleria fowleri, a variety of amoeba found in rivers, lakes and hot springs. The amoeba enters the human body through the nose while swimming and causes encephalitis, which seriously affects the brain.

Kerala: Pantheerankavu domestic violence case accused in Germany, say police

KOZHIKODE: The police probing the Pantheerankavu domestic violence case have got information that the key accused Rahul P Gopal, 29, has left the country. The last location of his mobile phone was spotted in Karnataka. The investigating team led by Feroke ACP Saju K Abraham suspects that the accused reached Bengaluru by road from Kozhikode and went to Singapore from there. We cant confirm the exact location of Rahul right now. We have already issued lookout notices to all airports in the country through the Union Home Ministry. We will nab the accused even if he has left the country. The Kozhikode city police commissioner is in touch with the Intelligence Bureau, Home Ministry and travel agents associations to check the boarding details of Rahul. It will take around 10 days to get their reply, said ACP Saju K Abraham. Pantheerankavu domestic violence: Womans family alleges police inaction The investigation team confirmed that Rahul was in Pantheerankavu till Monday night, but they have got indications that he reached Germany from Singapore. With this, the police are planning to take drastic measures like seeking Interpol help to nab the accused and freeze the bank accounts used by Rahul in Germany. A notice was issued to freeze Rahuls entire bank accounts in India. Meanwhile, the video messages of Rahul denying the dowry allegations raised by his wife and in-laws surfaced in the media on Thursday morning and the police are examining them to trace the location from they were uploaded. In his video message, Rahul said he had objected to his wifes connection with her friends. He said he had hit her but expressed sorry for that. After he hit her, both of them had a peaceful discussion and decided to forget the issue and move on. Rahul claimed that the issue snowballed after the womans family arrived on May 12. In the video, Rahul said that he never strangled his wife with a phone cable as claimed by her relatives. The scar on her forehead happened when she slipped in the bathroom, Rahul claimed. The investigation team recorded the statements of eight persons in Ernakulam district, including the complainant and her family members, on Wednesday night. In the eight-page statement given by the complainant, it was mentioned that her mother-in-law did not question her son or try to prevent the assault. The police hinted that more accused will be added to the case based on the statement of the complainant and her family. On Thursday, the police went to Pantheerankavu to record the statements of family members of the accused, but they were not present there. Rahul denies dowry allegations in video messages Rahul, in his video messages that surfaced in the media on Thursday, denied dowry allegations adding that he had objected to his wifes connection with her friends. He admitted that he had hit her claiming that he had expressed sorry for the same

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.

Interwoven narratives of Kozhikode and Kollam

KOLLAM: Every regions name carries a rich tapestry of history and untold tales. Much like this, Kollam district, the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala, shares a captivating historical bond with Kozhikode district. Despite their distinct geographical identities, a ward named Kollam within the Koyilandy municipality in Kozhikode and another named Kozhikode within the Karunagappally municipality in Kollam share parallel narratives. According to local historians, the Kozhikode ward in Kollam once served as the residential centre of the Karunagappally kingdom, which held a strategic alliance with the neighbouring Kayamkulam kingdom. They say that the term Kozhikode finds its origin in Kovilthottam, signifying an area where the royal palace or administrative headquarters resided. Additionally, it is believed that during the 17th century, inhabitants of the Kozhikode ward gradually migrated to Koyilandy, settling in what is now known as the Kollam ward. The Karunagappally kingdom had a residential hub for the king in the present Kozhikode ward. Furthermore, the residences of other nobles and the royal palace were also situated in Kozhikode. The term Kozhikode stems from Kovilthottam, a Tamil word denoting a palace or noble residence. Over time, the appellation Kozhikode emerged, said Suresh Madhav, a local historian and professor. In 1734, the Travancore kingdom, led by Marthanda Varma, launched an assault on Karunagappally, leading to the subjugation of King Kitambi Kumaran. Also, references to Kovilthottam in Karunagappally can be traced back to the 14th-century poem Unnineeli Sandesam. Throughout the ages, inhabitants of Kozhikode ward migrated to the present-day Kollam ward in Koyilandy, while individuals from the Kollam ward ventured to settle in the Kozhikode ward, he said. The primary impetus to these migrations encompassed commercial pursuits, royal decrees, pacification efforts, and punitive measures. Consequently, the appellation Kollam came to be associated with the Kollam ward, presumably through repeated use by residents. The naming of any locality intertwines with its history, geography, and populace, said Suresh Madhav. Meanwhile, residents recall a bygone era when traders from Kozhikode district frequented Kozhikode ward for commerce, particularly in coir and cashew-related transactions. Our forebears recounted tales of a bustling marketplace in Kozhikode ward akin to the renowned Kozhikode market. However, today, such infrastructure is nonexistent. Nonetheless, trade between both locales flourished in yesteryear, remarked Vijayalekshmi S, councillor of Kozhikode ward. Links to yesteryear The term Kozhikode finds its origin in Kovilthottam, signifying an area where the royal palace or administrative headquarters resided. Additionally, it is believed that during the 17th century, inhabitants of the Kozhikode ward gradually migrated to Koyilandy, settling in what is now known as the Kollam ward.

Kid in hospital for finger surgery, operated on tongue instead

In Kozhikode, Kerala, a 4-year-old girl from Cheruvannur underwent surgery on her tongue instead of for polydactyly, due to medical negligence by Dr. Bejohn Johnson without parental consent at IMCH. The police have registered a case under IPC sections 336 and 337 for investigation. Health Minister Veena George has ordered a detailed probe by DME.

Rights panel seeks report on speed limit violations by private buses in Kozhikode

Surgery on child at Kozhikode MCH was not wrong, claims KGMCTA

Man arrested for attacking woman TTE in Kozhikode

Incident took place on Mangaluru-Chennai Mail on Wednesday

Golam - Official Trailer

Watch the Official Trailer from Malayalam movie 'Golam' starring Ranjith Sajeev, Dileesh Pothan, Sunny Wayne, Chinnu Chandni, Sidhique, Alencier Ley Lopez, Srikant Murali, Ansal Palluruthy, Sudhi Kozhikode. 'Golam' movie is directed by Samjad. To know more about 'Golam' Trailer watch the video. Check out the latest Malayalam Trailers, new movie Trailers, trending Malayalam movie Trailers and more at ETimes - Times of India Entertainment.

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.

Pantheerankavu case: Murder bid charge slapped on accused

KOZHIKODE: Following allegations by the complainants family that the police did not invoke serious sections in the Pantheerankavu domestic violence case, the police finally slapped murder-attempt charges against the accused Rahul P Gopal , 29, who is an engineer in Germany. Feroke ACP has taken over the investigation into the domestic violence case and ACP Saju K Abraham will record the statement of the complainant. Pantheerankavu domestic violence: Womans family alleges police inaction The case has now been handed over to the ACP following criticism that the Pantheerankavu police handled the incident lightly when the family of the newly wed woman came to lodge a complaint. North Zone IG K Sethuraman suspended Pantheerankavu station house officer (SHO) Sarin A S for not initiating prompt action based on the victims complaint. The SHO didnt add appropriate IPC sections in the case even after seeing signs of physical abuse on the victims body. He also failed to arrest the accused on time. The department took disciplinary action against the SHO to avoid such incidents of lapses on the part of police officials in the future, said IG Sethuraman. Accused had married Poonjar native earlier Meanwhile, the probe by the Pantheerankavu police has found that the accused Rahul P Gopal had married another woman and registered the marriage in Poonjar. The family of the complainant said on Wednesday that they cant come to Kozhikode to record the statement. So, the police will go to Ernakulam and record the statement of the complainant. Section 307 (Attempt to murder) of the IPC has been slapped against the accused. According to the police investigation so far, the accused Rahul was previously engaged to a woman in Poonjar in Kottayam district and then shortly before leaving abroad, their marriage was registered in their panchayat in Kottayam. We are seeking more details about it and will confirm it later. The accused is absconding. We are keenly searching for the accused since there is a chance of him escaping to the Gulf, said Saju K Abraham, Feroke ACP. The police have contacted the Home Ministry to issue a lookout notice to prevent Rahul from going abroad. Earlier, the police officials had been repeatedly saying that the accused was under their surveillance till Wednesday, but later they confirmed that he was absconding and there was a chance of him fleeing abroad. The engagement of Rahul and a Poonjar-based dental doctor took place in Sree Lakshmi Auditorium here three months ago. Later, the marriage function which was supposed to take place in May was called off by the brides family. The bride complained that Rahul has been mentally torturing her and controlling her, said Geetha Noble, neighbour and ward member of Poonjar panchayat. Meanwhile, Rahuls sister confirmed that he had registered his marriage with a woman from Poonjar. The marriage was registered in advance as Rahul wanted to take the girl abroad where he works. The woman withdrew from the marriage in April. While rejecting the proposal, the girls parents said she wanted to pursue higher studies. It is true that Rahul cares his family a little more. But other allegations are not true, said Rahuls sister. The accused Rahul got married to the complainant, a North Paravur-based woman, on May 5 at Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple. The complainant was beaten up and strangled using a mobile phone charger wire by Rahul days after their marriage. The incident came to the notice of the family of the woman on May 12 when they came to Rahuls house in Pantheerankavu for a ceremony. Later the womans family lodged a complaint with the Pantheerankavu police. However, the brides family on Tuesday filed a complaint with the chief minister, alleging that the police showed negligence in filing the case. We are happy that our efforts became fruitful. However, the police could have arrested the accused when we went to file the complaint. The police gave enough time to the accused to escape, said Haridas, the complainants father. Meanwhile, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission filed a suo motu case against the Pantheerankavu SHO for not filing a case on time. K Byjunath, acting chairperson and judicial member of the commission, demanded that the Kozhikode city police commissioner conduct a detailed investigation and submit a report within 15 days. The case will be considered at the commissions sitting in Kozhikode in June. Kerala Womens Commission chairperson P Satheedevi also criticised the police inaction in the incident. SHO suspended Pantheerankavu station house officer (SHO) Sarin A S has been suspended for not initiating prompt action The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has filed a suo motu case against the SHO for not filing a case on time Panel asks Kozhikode city police commissioner to conduct a detailed probe and submit a report within 15 days Police confirms Rahul is absconding and that there was a chance of him fleeing abroad

5-yr-old girl from Malappuram infected with amoebic meningoencephalitis

KOZHIKODE: A five-year-old girl from Malappuram is battling for her life at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (MCH) after being diagnosed with amoebic meningoencephalitis , a rare disease that affects the brain. It is suspected that the child contracted the virus from a river in Moonniyur. The girl, a native of Moonniyur panchayat, is on ventilator support at the intensive care unit of the MCH. Health Minister Veena George said the child will be given all possible expert treatment. As of now, there are no effective drugs to treat the disease. A combination of drugs that are considered effective against Naegleria are being administered to the patient. We are also seeking the possibility of sourcing medicines from abroad. The health department has intensified disease control activities in Moonniyur. The district medical officer has been instructed to ensure expert treatment to anyone who shows symptoms of the disease, said the minister. On May 1, the girl took a bath in the river near her house along with her relatives, it is learnt. On May 10, she was referred to a paediatrician near her residence after developing fever, headache and vomiting. The girl was admitted to a private hospital in Chelari on May 12 and later shifted to another one in Kozhikode. However, as her health condition worsened, she was rushed to the MCH on the same day for expert treatment. The girls relatives who took a dip with her in the river are also under surveillance. What is amoebic meningoencephalitis? Amoebic meningoencephalitis is a rare disease that affects one in ten thousand people. It is caused by Naegleria fowleri, a variety of amoeba found in rivers, lakes and hot springs. The amoeba enters the human body through the nose while swimming and causes encephalitis, which seriously affects the brain. Preventive measures As the virus is generally found in warm freshwater bodies that are not cleaned or chlorinated, avoid bathing in them during the summer. Seek immediate medical care if the body shows symptoms of the disease. Special attention should be given to children who go swimming in water bodies other than chlorinated pools. Symptoms The primary symptoms are severe headache, fever, vomiting and difficulty in moving the neck. The symptoms mainly appear within 1-9 days of infection. When the situation turns critical, the patient might experience epilepsy, loss of consciousness and memory loss. Diagnosis is made by taking fluid from the spinal cord and testing it.

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

Kerala's intelligence wing unmasks identity of 62 members of drug cartel

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state police have unmasked the identity of 62 drug dealers, who have been operating from behind the curtains and hitherto remained unknown to the law enforcement agencies, after a 5-month long special operation conducted by the state intelligence wing. The dealers, all men and hailing from diverse social backgrounds, were identified during an operation launched by the technical wing of the intelligence with the assistance of the intelligence operatives on the ground. What makes the list so special is that the 62 men, who featured in it, had no criminal antecedents. The local police as well as the local intelligence plainclothes were clueless about the involvement of those men in drug cases. A highly-placed officer told TNIE that a special drive was launched this January to bring to light those men, who were secretly involved in smuggling drugs into the state without leaving any footprints behind. None of those 62 men were on the police radar. Overtly, they were into various professions, but covertly they were into drug peddling and that was their main source of income. They were found to be having inter-state connections and played a key role in bringing synthetic drug into the state, the officer said. The technical intelligence wing, according to the officer, painstakingly retrieved tidbits of information from various sources, including social media platforms. The contacts of those who were earlier caught by the police in drug cases were also traced to find covert members of drug rackets. The information collated by the technical wing was corroborated using the local intelligence sleuths. This helped weed out names that were wrongly included by the software. We had over 62 names. However, many were found to be included wrongly by the software. For example, two women, primarily homemakers, were on the preliminary list after the digital footprints showed they were part of drug rackets. However, the local intelligence reports gave them a clean chit and their names were removed, said another source. The list has people who operate under the garb of auto drivers, people who returned from Gulf regions, and manual labourers. The list was forwarded to the district police and six people have been so far arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Sources said the men arrested were from Thiruvananthapuram City, Kollam City, Alappuzha City, Ernakulam Rural and Kozhikode City.

Authorities running against time to complete pre-monsoon cleaning drive in Kozhikode

Rare brain infection PAM reported from Kerala, 5-yr-old on put on ventilator

Thiruvananthapuram, May 15: A rare brain infection primary amoebic meningoencephalitis ( PAM) has been detected in a five-year-old girl who is under treatment at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. The child, who hails from Malappuram, was initially treated local but after her condition worsened, she was shifted to Kozhikode where she is on [] The post Rare brain infection PAM reported from Kerala, 5-yr-old on put on ventilator appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Hepatitis A: After the death of 12 people due to Hepatitis A, 4 districts of Kerala are on alert mode, if you make this mistake you can also become a victim.

Hepatitis is a disease that affects the liver. It can be caused by several types of viruses, with hepatitis A, B, C, D and E being the most common. Recently, cases of Hepatitis A are increasing very rapidly in Kerala. Let us tell you that in view of 12 deaths and 1977 cases of infection in the last four months, State Health Minister Veena George has issued an alert for four districts - Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur and Ernakulam, from where the maximum number of cases have been reported. What is Hepatitis A? Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects your liver. It causes inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) and symptoms of mild to severe illness. This infection can last for two months. However, hepatitis A does not cause chronic liver disease or permanent liver damage like other hepatitis viruses. How common is hepatitis A infection? Worldwide, hepatitis A is very common. Especially in places where sanitation is poor, food and water are contaminated. This infection also spreads very easily from one person to another, due to which its cases increase very rapidly. Symptoms of Hepatitis According to the Cleveland Clinic, the symptoms of hepatitis are not the same for everyone. Sometimes even no symptoms are visible in the initial stages. But some common symptoms include- Tiredness Weakness Loss of appetite Epigastric pain Nausea and vomiting Fever Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin) Joint pain iItchy skin Hepatitis A treatment There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A infection other than rest and taking care of yourself. Healthcare providers advise you to: stay hydrated, stay in bed until your fever and jaundice go down, avoid substances that put pressure on your liver, get regular checkups done by a doctor. Who are at higher risk of hepatitis A? You have a higher risk of infection when your local community is more widely infected. Apart from this, the risk of Hepatitis A is higher in people with weak immune system, those who have contact with an infected person and HIV patients. (PC: Freepik)

Kerala dowry-related domestic violence: Special investigation team to probe charges against accused

Newly married woman from North Paravoor reportedly encountered assaults at her husbands house at Pantheerankavu in Kozhikode in the name of dowry

Kerala Women's Commission Condemns Police Inaction in Assault on Newlywed Woman

Kerala Women's Commission Condemns Police Inaction in Assault on Newlywed Woman The Kerala Women's Commission on Wednesday slammed the police for its stand with regard to a newly-wed woman's complaint accusing her husband of brutally assaulting and attempting to kill her over dowry. Kerala Women's Commission (KWC) chairperson P Satheedevi said police officers who think that husbands have a right to do bodily harm to their wives ''are an insult to the force'' and emphasised the need for gender sensitisation training of Kerala police personnel. She told reporters in the state capital that the KWC received a complaint on behalf of the victim yesterday and immediately the SHO of the Pantheerankavu police station, within whose jurisdiction the groom's family resides, was called to find out the details. ''The complaint we got contained serious allegations of severe cruelty against the woman at her matrimonial home and that she was hospitalised in connection with that. However, when she went to the police station, her claims were not taken seriously. ''Instead, what I came to understand is that, the police advocated that the woman settle the matter and continue to live with her husband despite facing such cruelty,'' Satheedevi said. Slamming the stand taken by the police in the matter, the KWC chairperson said, ''Police officers who think that husbands have a right to do bodily harm to their wives are an insult to the force.'' She said she had come to know through news reports that the investigating officer and his team have been replaced with other officers and termed it a welcome move. Satheedevi also called for a change in the societal mindset which leads to the dowry-related harassment of women, especially those who are well educated. She said in recent times there have been several instances where well-educated women have undergone dowry-related harassment both before and post-marriage. ''There are still people who see women as commodities and marriages as business transactions. This needs to change. For that the relevant laws and the rules need to be amended,'' she said. Earlier in the day, the in-laws of the bride denied the allegation that they had demanded dowry. The groom's mother claimed her daughter-in-law was refusing to stay in the matrimonial home and that led to an argument and subsequent fight between the couple. ''We never demanded dowry as we do not require it,'' the woman told TV channels. Meanwhile, the bride's father said that he does not expect the police in Pantheerankavu to carry out a proper probe. ''They (the police) did not take the matter seriously,'' he claimed. He said the case should be transferred to Ernakulam district and demanded stringent punishment for the accused groom. ''I have sent complaints to the Kerala CM, Women's Commission and Aluva SP. Have sought justice for my daughter in those complaints,'' he said. Regarding reports that the police have assured it will add an attempt to murder charge against the accused, the bride's father said it would be good if that is done. On Tuesday, after the allegations by the bride and her family surfaced and were aired on TV channels, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) registered a case on its own and ordered an investigation. The SHRC directed the Kozhikode City Police Commissioner to conduct a detailed investigation and submit a report within 15 days. The bride had alleged that her husband brutally assaulted and attempted to kill her over dowry, barely a week after their wedding on May 5. As news of the alleged assault spread, State Minister of Health and Women and Child Development Veena George had said the victim will be provided with all support, including legal assistance. Terming the assault on the newly-married woman as extremely cruel and stating that it shocks the conscience, the Minister had said strong legal action will be taken to prevent people from perpetrating such crimes, and recommended that society unite against social evils such as dowry and domestic violence. Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly V D Satheesan had criticised the police inaction in the case, and asked whether it stands with the victim or the perpetrators.

Assault on newly-wed woman: In-laws deny dowry demand allegations

Assault on newly-wed woman: In-laws deny dowry demand allegations A day after a newly-wed woman in this north Kerala district accused her husband of brutally assaulting and attempting to kill her over dowry, her in-laws on Wednesday denied the dowry allegations. The groom's mother claimed her daughter-in-law was refusing to stay in the matrimonial home and that led to an argument and subsequent fight between the couple. ''We never demanded dowry as we do not require it,'' the woman told TV channels. Meanwhile, the bride's father said that he does not expect the police in Pantheerankavu, where the groom's family lives, to carry out a proper probe. ''They (the police) did not take the matter seriously,'' he claimed. He said the case should be transferred to Ernakulam district and demanded stringent punishment for the accused groom. ''I have sent complaints to the Kerala CM, Women's Commission and Aluva SP. Have sought justice for my daughter in those complaints,'' he said. Regarding reports that the police have assured it will add an attempt to murder charge against the accused, the bride's father said it would be good if that is done. On Tuesday, after the allegations by the bride and her family surfaced and were aired on TV channels, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission registered a case on its own and ordered an investigation. The Commission directed the Kozhikode City Police Commissioner to conduct a detailed investigation and submit a report within 15 days. The bride had alleged that her husband brutally assaulted and attempted to kill her over dowry, barely a week after their wedding on May 5. As news of the alleged assault spread, State Minister of Health and Women and Child Development Veena George had said the victim will be provided with all support, including legal assistance. Terming the assault on the newly-married woman as extremely cruel and stating that it shocks the conscience, the Minister had said strong legal action will be taken to prevent people from perpetrating such crimes, and recommended that society unite against social evils such as dowry and domestic violence. Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly V D Satheesan had criticised the police inaction in the case, and asked whether it stands with the victim or the perpetrators.

Kick, kick hurray !

KOCHI: The football landscape in Kerala, buoyed by its fervent fan base and a reservoir of talent, is set to see a new dawn with the advent of the Super League Kerala (SLK), organised by the state football association in partnership with Unified Football Sports Development Pvt Ltd. With six inaugural teams and matches at four venues spread across the state, this mens franchise football league is, in the words of Kerala Football Association (KFA) president Navas Meeran, expected to bring the same fervour and excitement as what football fans get to experience in Latin America and Europe. A glance at the list of team owners is enough to quash any doubts regarding the scale of the league. It comprises big names such as Mahesh Bhupathi; Gowri Lakshmi Bayi, a member of the erstwhile Travancore royal family; Kaz Patafta, a former Benfica player and chairman of Australian club Brisbane Roar FC, and the whos who of the corporate world. Football commentator Sreenadh Madhukumar, who had a ringside view of the recent franchisee unveiling ceremony, attests to the leagues organisational prowess. The inauguration ceremony was amazing and touched the same standards as the Indian Premier League, he gushes. I have a very positive impression about the SLK. The organisers have already given us signs that they will market this product well. But could holding an event well translate to being able to hold and manage football tournaments? Will the league help nurture more local talent? Only time will tell. But any football is good football, and more is certainly great seems to be the logic that pundits swear by. Each team will comprise four foreign players, besides young and talented players from both Kerala and other states. According to an SLK statement, at least 100 players from the state will be part of the league. Sreenadh points out that grassroots-level development neednt be the main focus of the SLK now as there are already a plethora of initiatives steered by the KFA and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to facilitate this. His only concern is timing. The SLK games will likely overlap with the Indian Super League (ISL) and the KFAs own Kerala Premier League (KPL), he says. But I believe this wont be a problem as SLK will most definitely glam up to catch its own audience. The Super League is slated to commence in September and will last 45-60 days. However, Navas assures that the league will be designed in such a way that fixtures dont clash with the games of ISL and I-League. Football enthusiast Unni Paravannur dismisses concerns of overlapping. Kerala Blasters, the only ISL team from Kerala, has already built a dedicated fan base for their team. SLK will not affect their following, he says. The same holds true the other way as well. Rather than ISL being a deterrent for SLK, it might well augment it as the latter can ride the Manjappada wave for better reach and TV presence. Notably, the TPuram Kombans FC and the Kochi Pipers FC will share the Nehru Stadium in Kaloor with the Kerala Blasters as their home base. The Kannur and Kozhikode teams will use the EMS Corporation Stadium, while Malappuram and Thrissur will play their home matches in Manjeri, says Mathew Joseph, CEO of SLK. Unni laments that the football infrastructure in the state, despite its longstanding passion for the game, is not comparable with other states such as West Bengal or Odisha. Thats why we dont get to see the Indian national team play in Kerala, he says. One of the persistent concerns raised by the Greater Cochin Development Authority, which manages the Nehru Stadium, is the lack of matches. While SLK is certain to soothe this ache to some extent with its fixtures, Unni maintains that its not a win, as most take it, for Kaloor stadium. More football is good, but whether that will actually translate to any credible work on refurbishment of the infrastructure remains to be seen, he adds. Unni, however, remains optimistic about SLKs prospects. Just as how ISL positively impacted how football is showcased to the audience, this league, too, will raise the profile of Kerala football, he says. Injecting money into football is indeed beneficial, but the decision to set up a new league instead of integrating with the Kerala Premier League (KPL), the associations own league and officially recognised by AIFF, puzzles Krishnan G, who hosts the Gods Own Football podcast. The current leadership won the election to the KFA super body promising to introduce this league. They could have done so in KPL itself. Instead, they went for something entirely new, he notes. The trouble or the challenge now would be how to link these extra clubs or franchises to the existing structure. We can only wait and watch. Another struggle for the KPL teams is that the talent quality available for them will go down as SLK takes precedence. Three prominent KPL teams have a tie-up with SLK sides. TNIE has learnt that Wayanad United is already mulling moving its top players to Kannur Squad, which its president Shammem Backer co-owns. A similar move is unfolding at Kovalam FC as well, which has ties to Kombans. Whats noteworthy here is that it is the top two teams of the Kerala Premier League that go on to play in the I-League division. Because SLK has foreign players, AIFF regulations mean that they are not eligible to compete in official leagues, says Krishnan. Football analyst Mishal Thanveer holds a similar opinion. The new league seems more about profit than enhancing the sports. Its the same I-League vs ISL scenario again. The KPL, with its 22-team format, is a huge platform for players to get much-needed matches. I hope SLK should in no way affect that, he says. However, Mathew, the CEO of SLK, clarifies that the league is held as per AIFF rules. The league is officially sanctioned by AIFF and KFA, he says. Meanwhile, a KFA official says the SLK is expected to meet I-League criteria a few years down the line, when more franchisees add to the current list. According to Kenny Roger Moise, a football enthusiast, sports leagues are like weddings in India. Big, loud and colourful. Every state is organising its own league. Yes, big leagues have given football the glitz and glam the game deserves, he says. But I wonder if its sustainable, and whether such leagues have a long-term vision. They focus on profit, rather than nurturing talents. Even as there is a bit of skepticism in the air, the legends are gung-ho about the new league. If India has to qualify for the World Cup, Kerala has a huge role to play. We need to produce 11 players like I M Vijayan and Jo Paul Anchery, and I hope SLK will help in doing that, says former Indian skipper Bhaichung Bhutia. Vijayan, the black pearl of Indian football, is also excited about SLK, of which he is an ambassador. During our days, there were several tournaments, and that was what propelled seven to nine players from Kerala to the national camp at one point of time, he recalls. I hope SLK brings those amazing days back. Currently, only a few players from Kerala get the opportunity to play in the Indian Super League and the I-League. If the SLK promises to open a new world for Kerala football and help aspiring local footballers develop a more professional attitude towards the sport, then we have only one thing to say: game on! Teams & owners Kochi Pipers: Mahesh Bhupathi Thrissur Roar: Kaz Patafta, CEO of Brisbane Roar FC; Benoit Joseph of Magnus Sports, Mohammed Rafeeq of Nusym Technologies Kannur Squad: M P Hassan Kunhi, director of Kannur Intl Airport Ltd; Mibu Jose Nettikadan, MD of Castle Group; Praveesh Kuzhuppilly, Asset Homes director; and Shameem Backer of Wayanad FC Thiruvananthapuram Kombans: Aswathy Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi; Dr Mohamed Ilyas Sahadulla, KIMS Hospital CMD; K C Chandrahasan, of Kerala Travels; and T J Mathews, Kovalam FC Malappuram FC: Ajmal Bismi, MD of Bismi Group; Dr Anvar Ameen Chelat, of SAT Tirur FC and Grand Hypermarkets; and Baby Neelambra, President of Saudi Indian Football Forum Calicut Sulthans FC: V K Mathews, tech entrepreneur and chairman of IBS Group

Kerala: IUML cadre refuses to bite all-party meeting bait, allege it is CPMs ploy

KOZHIKODE: The proposal to convene an all-party meeting to ease the communal tension in Vadakara has not gone down well among the rank and file of the IUML, who believe that the suggestion is only a ploy from the CPM to escape from the allegation of fanning communal feeling for political gains. Though the IUML leadership has welcomed the suggestion, the party cadres are unrelenting on the demand that the culprits behind the controversial Kafir post should be booked before thinking of any other measures. The CPM allegation was that an MSF local leader had sent a message asking the believers not to vote for LDF candidate K K Shailaja, who is a Kafir. The IUML has approached the police saying that its cadres have no role in the incident and raised a counter allegation that the post might be a creation of the CPM circles. Though police have registered a case, no significant breakthrough has been made thus far. UDF had organised a protest march in Vadakara against the police apathy in the investigation. The proposal for the all-party meeting emanated from CPM district secretary P Mohanan, which was welcomed by IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty and later by party president Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal. Speaking to reporters in Malappuram on Tuesday, Thangal said an all-party meeting should be convened to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in Vadakara and Nadapuram areas. Regardless of the election outcome, maintaining peace must remain a top priority. Both the district administration and the state government must address the situation with utmost seriousness, he said. But sources in the IUML said the priority should be to find out who created the controversial post that ignited the communal campaign. There is an attempt from the CPM to isolate the Congress and put all the blame on the party. If we attend the all-party meeting now, the CPM may tell that all issues have been settled. Later, they may even argue that we were ready for a compromise because our cadres were behind the post, an IUML leader told TNIE. The uneasiness among the IUML cadres was expressed in the Facebook post of MSF leader C K Najaf in which he ridiculed the CPMs attempt to hide behind the all-party wall. The culprits will be brought to light simply by interrogating the admins of the Facebook page Ambadimukku Sakhakkal, Kannur, he said. CPM attempt ridiculed The uneasiness among the IUML cadres was expressed in the Facebook post of MSF leader C K Najaf in which he ridiculed the CPMs attempt to hide behind the all-party wall.

Pantheerankavu domestic violence: Womans family alleges police inaction

KOZHIKODE: The incident of domestic violence reported at Pantheerankavu in Kozhikode has once again triggered discussions on the alleged ineffectiveness of the local police in acting on such complaints. Kerala: Newlywed woman assaulted by her husband, charged with domestic violence The family of the newly-wed woman, who was beaten up by her husband Rahul P, has approached Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan alleging negligence by the Pantheerankavu police in filing a case on their complaint. The police have refuted the charge. The family hails from North Paravoor in Ernakulam. Haridas, the womans father, alleged that the police did not treat the incident seriously when they approached them with a complaint. He said they finally left the police station after removing the womans mangalsutra (sacred thread) and placing it on the officers table, saying she did not want to continue with the marriage. The woman alleged that Rahul beat her for dowry. He hit me on the head and forehead and strangled me with a mobile phone charging cable. Still, none in the house stopped him. His family instead asked me to lie to my relatives and say I fell in the washroom. I also suspect Rahul takes drugs, she alleged. The woman claimed though the police were told everything, they did not record her statement fully. She also alleged that the polices report omitted several details. And, according to her, though the police were told that Rahul tried to strangle her, they did not heed her familys request to add non-bailable charges such as attempt to murder against him. Alleging there had been no favourable investigation by the police on their complaint, the womans family also expressed concerns over the non-arrest of Rahul, an engineer in Germany. Haridas said they received the marriage proposal via a matrimonial website and the marriage took place at Guruvayur temple on May 5. Rahuls family took my daughter to Kozhikode the same day. They came to Ernakulam on May 9 for the wedding reception and left for Kozhikode the next day. On May 12, we went to their house for another function. There were 26 of us. Our daughter initially did not come outside. When asked, her in-laws said she was changing clothes. When she finally came out, there were bruised all over her face. She could not even speak, recalled Haridas. The family went to the Pantheerankavu police station and filed a complaint, but alleged that there was no significant response from the police. Haridas said he pointed out the cases of domestic violence and subsequent deaths of Uthra (2020) and Vismaya (2021) both in Kollam but the police didnt pay much attention. When asked to file a non-bailable case against Rahul, the officers allegedly shouted at the family and told them not to teach law to the police. Pantheerankavu station house officer Sarin A S there was no intentional delay by the police in investigating the case. We assisted the complainant in undergoing medical tests. We are investigating the case and need to record the statement of the suspect. Further action will be taken based on the test results and witness statements, Sarin said. He said they will take steps in case the suspect tries to escape. The police have registered a case under Sections 324 and 498A of the IPC. They said they will take further action, like arrest, as per the ACPs instructions. As many as 208 cases of domestic violence registered under IPC Section 498A have been registered in Kozhikode district until April 30 this year. The number of cases was 667 in 2023 and 749 in 2022. Minister assures help Kozhikode: Minister Veena George on Tuesday said the government will provide all support, including legal assistance, to the victim in the Pantheerankavu domestic violence case. She said the woman and child department director has been asked to conduct a probe into the incident. Satheesan flays police Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan accused the police of seriously failing in the domestic violence case. Instead of consoling the complainants father when he went to them for filing a complaint, the police mocked him, Satheesan alleged, adding that this was not the first such incident in Kerala.

Kerala: Patient charred to death, 3 injured after ambulance hit electric pole & caused fire in Kozhikode

In a tragic accident, a woman patient was charred to death and three injured after the ambulance hit an electric post and caught fire at Kalluthankadavu near Kozhikode city while shifting a patient from a hospital for immediate surgery to a hospital ...

Intense Rains Hit Kerala, IMD Warns of Orange Alert in These Two Districts

Kerala is facing heavy rainfall, bringing relief after enduring a week of scorching heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert in two of the state's 14 districts, with eight districts under a yellow alert. Thunderstorms, along with moderate rainfall and strong winds, are expected. As Kerala experiences a welcome reprieve from the heat with heavy rains, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised concerns by issuing an orange alert in two districts among the 14 in the state. Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts are under the orange alert for the day. Additionally, eight districts in the southern part of the state are on yellow alert for today. An orange alert signifies very heavy rainfall ranging from 6 cm to 20 cm, while a yellow alert indicates heavy rainfall between 6 and 11 cm. The IMD has also forecasted thunderstorms with moderate rainfall and gusty winds in specific areas of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Wayanad districts. Meanwhile, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued a warning for rough seas along the Kerala and south Tamil Nadu coastlines for today. Based on information from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), the alert predicts rough sea conditions along the Kerala coast until 11.30 pm today, with wave heights ranging from 0.5 to 1.2 meters. Similar conditions are expected along the Tamil Nadu coast during the same period, with wave heights varying between 0.7 to 1.1 meters, according to the KSDMA. Fishermen, coastal residents, and travelers are advised to remain cautious, take necessary precautions, and avoid beach visits due to these rough sea conditions. Fatal Ambulance Fire Claims Patient's Life in Kozhikode, Kerala Kerala Nadwathul Mujahideen Opposes Reduction in Muslim Reservation Red Alert Issued as Rough Waves Hit Coastal Areas of Kerala and South Tamil Nadu

Fatal Ambulance Fire Claims Patient's Life in Kozhikode, Kerala

Kozhikode, Kerala: A devastating incident unfolded in Kozhikode district early Tuesday morning, as a woman lost her life in a horrifying ambulance fire. The victim, Sulochana (57), was being rushed from a Medical College Hospital to a private facility for urgent surgery when disaster struck. According to authorities, the ambulance collided with an electric pole, triggering a blaze that engulfed the vehicle. The driver, along with a doctor and a nurse, managed to escape with minor injuries, but Sulochana was unable to get out and tragically perished in the flames. Emergency responders swiftly transported the survivors to a nearby hospital for treatment. The precise cause of the accident is under investigation. The ambulance reportedly veered out of control, colliding with a building following the impact with an electric pole. The resulting fire consumed the vehicle entirely. Sources indicate that heavy rainfall occurred at the time of the accident. Despite efforts by fire personnel to extinguish the flames, smoke continues to emanate from the wreckage. The community is reeling from the shock of this tragic event, which has raised concerns about ambulance safety and emergency response protocols. Questions linger about the circumstances leading to the collision and the adequacy of measures to prevent such accidents. Authorities have assured a thorough investigation to determine the root cause and prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, heartfelt condolences pour in for Sulochana's family as they grapple with the loss of their loved one in such a devastating manner. Bomb threats shake Delhi hospitals: Search operations in progress Jaipur Schools on Alert: Bomb Threats Prompt Evacuations Bomb Blast Rocks Residence of BJP Panchayat Pradhan in West Bengal

Decision to go for LighTram Metro in Thiruvananthapuram invites stiff protest

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : The move by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) to go ahead with LighTram Metro instead of a conventional one hasnt gone down well with the residents and stakeholders in the state capital. The plan to introduce a rapid transit system for the capital was conceived more than a decade ago and apart from studies and detailed project reports (DPR), the changing governments have failed to realise the project. During the previous term, the LDF government had granted administrative sanctions for the proposed light metro projects in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. The Kerala Rapid Transit Corporation Ltd (KRTL) submitted the revised DPR of Light Metro in February 2021 soon after getting sanctions. Later, the state government decided to entrust KMRL as the implementing agency for all metro projects in the state. The KMRL then came up with the idea of implementing a conventional metro rail for Thiruvananthapuram. In a recent development, KMRL managing director Loknath Behra came out with a statement that they are exploring the possibility of implementing the LighTram Metro in Thiruvananthapuram. Following this, Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industries president S N Reghuchandran Nair, in a statement issued here, alleged that KMRL is attempting to derail the metro project in the capital. Our city deserves a transportation system that is not only efficient and sustainable but also aligned with its unique needs and aspirations. Any decision regarding such crucial projects must be made transparently and with the active involvement of stakeholders, said Nair. He said the KMRL is not ready to discuss any of the developments relating to the project with the stakeholders. Behra had told TNIE recently that a conventional metro is not financially viable for Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. He pointed out that getting funds will be a challenge considering the states financial situation. We are going to take this up with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. KMRL should be focusing on transportation solutions rather than delving into the economic aspects of the state, he added. Increasing vehicle volume and inadequate transportation infrastructure have been haunting the capital for years now. It has been over a decade since the project was conceived. Several studies were done and DPRs were drawn up but nothing has happened on the ground. Our city deserves a conventional metro more than a city like Kochi, and we hope the government makes the right decision. We cannot go back to a conventional metro system after a few years, said Confederation of Residents Association (CONFRA) general secretary M Sashidharan Nair. Question of viability KMRL MD Loknath Behra recently said a conventional metro is not financially viable for Thiruvananthapuram He also pointed out that getting funds will be a challenge considering the states financial situation

Patient burns to death as ambulance crashes into electric post in Keralas Kozhikode

Ambulance crashes into electric post and skids over to a shop which also catches fire

No new Plus-I batches in Kerala this year: V Sivankutty

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has ruled out sanctioning new Plus-I batches in the state amid concerns that districts in northern Kerala would face shortage of Plus one seats as the admission process begins later this week. General Education Minister V Sivankutty told reporters that there was no need to create new batches. He assured that all students who were declared eligible for higher studies in the SSLC exam will be given admission. Demands for the creation of new Plus One batches, especially in Malappuram district, were politically motivated, he said. To address shortage of seats, the government has effected 30% marginal increase of seats in govenrment schools in Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. Also, another 20% seat increase was made in all schools in these districts, with the provision of an additional 10% seat increase for aided schools that require it. In Kollam, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Ambalappuzha and Cherthala taluks in Alappuzha, the government has effected 20% marginal increase of seats in government and aided schools. A total of 61,759 seats have been created through marginal increase, the Minister said. The government had created 81 new Plus-I batches (77 new and four shifted from southern districts) in 2022-23 and 97 batches in 2023-24. All these batches will continue this year as well taking the overall seats in these batches to 11,965. The Minister said there were 4.33 lakh seats in higher secondary and 33,030 seats in vocational higher secondary sector. Taking into account 61,429 seats in ITIs and 9,990 seats in Polytechnics, the total number of Plus Two seats would add up to 4.25 lakh. Malappuram district has 79,730 students who passed the SSLC examination and the district has 70,976 higher secondary seats. If the 9,214 seats in VHSE, ITIs and Polytechnics are taken into account, the total number of seats available for higher studies is 80,190, the Minister said. Education Conclave An education conclave will be held on May 28 to discuss various proposals including implementation of minimum pass requirement of 30% marks for the written component of the SSLC exam. It will be attended by representatives of teachers associations and education experts. This was decided at a meeting between General Education Minister V Sivankutty and teachers association representatives here on Monday.

Kerala: Newlywed woman assaulted by her husband, charged with domestic violence

KOZHIKODE: In a case of domestic violence reported from Pantheerankavu in Kozhikode district, a woman from Paravur was subjected to a vicious attack, allegedly by her husband, leaving her with severe injuries just days after tying the knot. The woman, currently undergoing treatment at the Paravur Taluk Hospital, described her husband, Rahul P Gopal, as having trust issues, exacerbated by alcohol consumption, leading to the brutal assault. The attack reportedly involved attempted strangulation with a mobile charging cable, among other forms of physical abuse. According to the woman, tensions escalated post-wedding when Rahul, an aeronautical engineer based in Germany, began exhibiting controlling behaviour, including blocking her from contacting male colleagues. The assault unfolded during a post-wedding ceremony at Rahuls residence, where the womans family members intervened. Her father, Haridas, expressed dismay over the initial response from the authorities and the indifference shown by the husbands family despite being informed about the abuse. Haridas told TNIE, We visited the house of our daughters in-laws as part of traditional customs, but we were welcomed with the shocking sight of our daughter bearing bruise marks, swelling on her nose, and other injuries. She was stopped also from communicating with us as her phone was confiscated by her husband, Haridas said. Pantheerankavu police registered a case under various Sections of IPC, including 324 and 498(A), against Rahul.

Soldiers struggle to admit wards in Kendriya Vidyalayas in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: Nithish (name changed), an army man hailing from Kozhikode, was jubilant when he was recently transferred to Uttarakhand from Himachal Pradesh, as he would be able to send his family to his hometown. Nithishs joy was short-lived. He had a tough time securing admission for his two children in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) in Kozhikode, courtesy a recent amendment in the admission criteria, which reduced the number of seats per division from 40 to 32. Being a member of the Armed Forces, Nithish belongs to the priority group for KV admissions. Despite it being so, he faced several hurdles in securing admissions for his wards in KV. And when he managed to get it, his kids got admitted to KVs in two different districts. Nithish is not alone. Twenty other parents face the same ordeal. With the schools set to reopen on May 27, they have been left to lurch by the authorities who lack clarity on the issue. Santhosh Kumar N, Deputy Commissioner of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, said, Wed like to assure them that efforts are underway to facilitate admissions for students falling under the first priority category. M K Raghavan, MP, has brought the issue to the notice of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Delay in re-tarring of roads after pipe laying in Kozhikode

Kozhikode doctors to showcase their Mohabbat for old Malayalam songs

Kerala: KMRL Plans LightTram Metro For Thiruvananthapuram And Kozhikode, To Reduce Financial Burden

Kerala: Speech-impaired child suffers burns after drinking hot milk at anganwadi

KANNUR: A five-year-old boy with speech impairment suffered severe burns on his face after being made to drink boiling milk at the anganwadi. The incident took place last Tuesday at an anganwadi in Pinarayi, Kannur. The police have registered a case against anganwadi helper V Sheeba, who allegedly made the child drink the hot milk. The Child Rights Commission has also registered a suo motu case on the issue. The boys parents have alleged that the staff at the anganwadi refused to take the child to the hospital despite the severe burns on his face. My son has been under treatment at the Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital for the past four days without being able to eat or drink. He has suffered burns on the lower chin, lips and inside the mouth. Though his burns were severe, the anganwadi staff did not rush him to the hospital, K Shanaj, the childs father, told reporters. An hour after the incident, an anganwadi staffer called the childs mother and informed her about the issue. Only after she reached the spot and found that her son suffered severe burns in the lower chin and lips, the child was taken to the hospital. Meanwhile, Sheeba denied the allegations against her. She told the police that after giving milk to the students, they were also provided with peanuts. She said that the child might be allergic to peanuts and that might have caused the reaction. However, other students at the anganwadi have also complained that the milk was extremely hot. The police said that a detailed probe is on. We have registered a case against the anganwadi helper under IPC Sections 337 and 120, said an officer.

Viral hepatitis claims one more life in Malappuram

MALAPPURAM: The health department confirmed that one more person from Malappuram died due to viral hepatitis . Ithikkal Sakeer, a native of Kodalipoyil in Pothukkal, died while undergoing treatment for the disease at a private hospital in Kozhikode three days ago. So, the total number of deaths due to viral hepatitis in the district has risen to seven. The district recorded one death due to the disease in March, four deaths in April, and two deaths in May. However, District Medical Officer (DMO) R Renuka on Sunday denied reports that the eighth viral hepatitis death was recorded in the district. Malappuram has reported 3,184 suspected cases of viral hepatitis and 1,032 confirmed cases since January this year. The highest number of cases were reported in Pothukal, Kuzhimanna, Omanur, Pookkottoor, Morayur, Peruvallur panchayats, and Malappuram municipality. Meanwhile, the health department has urged people to remain vigilant against the disease and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms. Common symptoms of viral hepatitis include fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes, and yellow urine. It is essential to seek scientific treatment methods without ignoring these symptoms, as severe cases can lead to liver dysfunction and death. The department also urged people to avoid unscientific treatment methods, as they can pose a threat to the patients life. 3-yr-old girl collapses and dies in Palakkad Kochi: A three-year-old girl collapsed and died in Palakkad. Chinnu, the daughter of Kumaran and Sindu of Kottapadam Ambalapara TribalColony, had been suffering from fever for the past two days. She collapsed on Saturday. Thoughshe was takento Taluk Hospital in Mannarkkad, she was declared dead by the doctors.

RMP leaders porn speech lands UDF in trouble, front begins damage control

KOZHIKODE: Sensing trouble after RMP leader K S Hariharans sexist remarks against former health minister K K Shailaja and actor Manju Warrier evoked strong criticism from all quarters, the UDF leadership swung into damage-control mode on Sunday. Will anyone make a porn video of the teacher (Shailaja)? If its of Manju Warrier, one could understand it, Hariharan had said in the presence of Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan and UDF Vadakara candidate Shafi Parambil on Saturday. He was addressing an anti-communal rally organised by the opposition front. After drawing widespread flak, Hariharan expressed regret in a Facebook post last evening. However, the UDF leadership realised by Sunday morning that a mere expression of remorse would not be enough to douse the flames of rage sparked by the remark, and front leaders one by one denounced Hariharans statement. Terming the remark as completely wrong, Satheesan said the UDF does not endorse it. Painful to hear such remarks: Rema Political leaders should always set an example for others while speaking at public programmes, he said. Vadakara MLA and RMP leader K K Rema termed as inappropriate her party colleagues remarks. Such remarks, even a single word against women, should not come from anyone. This is something we are constantly discussing... but we still see many people continuing to make such sexist remarks against women. It is very painful to hear such remarks in a progressive society, she said. Shafi said there was no justification for the RMP leaders mistake. Hariharan used a language that should not be used even in a private conversation. The statement was inappropriate. You can express political disagreement with women, but you cannot abuse them personally, Shafi said at a press meet in Kozhikode. Meanwhile, the DYFI and the Democratic Womens Association have filed a complaint with the state police chief against Hariharan. The derogatory statement made by Hariharan constitutes an offense under Section 509 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with outraging the modesty of a woman, the DYFI said in its complaint. By equating a woman, or in this case, a candidate, to an object of voyeuristic pleasure, and suggesting that her worth is determined by the lewdness of her actions, Hariharan has not only demeaned the individual in question but also perpetuated harmful stereotypes that degrade the dignity of women as a whole, it added. DYFI state secretary V Vaseef said, UDF-RMP leader Hariharans speech underlines the heinous anti-women campaigns led by UDF in Vadakara throughout the election period. UDFs election campaign crossed all boundaries of decency and turned the election period into a gathering of communal and anti-women forces in Vadakara. UDFs Saturdays rally was indeed an anti-women conference. Hariharans house attacked Kozhikode: An explosive device was thrown at K S Hariharans house near Calicut University, triggering panic. The police said the preliminary probe indicated that the explosive was similar to firecrackers. Witnesses reported seeing two people on bikes near the spot before the explosion. The exact motive behind the alleged attack is not known.

Academics join hands with industries on Kerala campuses

KOCHI: The pivotal point raised often by employers is the poor employability factor of the students graduating from the higher education institutions in the state. As per experts, though the state has an abundant talent pool when it comes to skills, certain important factors are lacking in the graduates. To tide over this and attract students towards the contemporary job market, the universities and colleges in the state are entering into tie-ups with major firms and foreign institutions. Highlighting the paths taken by the states universities and other higher education institutions in this regard, Higher Education Minister R Bindu said, Various activities are progressing in this regard. Universities have set up incubation centres on their campuses to promote startup and entrepreneurship culture among the students. The institutions are also associating with industries and providing them space to set up Centres of Excellences on their campuses. Around 400 Techno-Business Incubators (TBIs) have been set up in the colleges and universities, says the minister. We have also arrived at a provision in association with the industries department that enables the setting up of industrial parks on the campuses, she said. She pointed out how the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) has entered into an agreement with Synthite to set up a centre of excellence for education, research and enterprise development in the area of synthetic biology and bio-manufacturing called CVJ Centre for Synthetic Biology and bio-manufacturing. They have also tied up with Geojit Financial Services Ltd to establish a centre of excellence called Geojit Cusat Centre of Sustainability Studies (GCCOSS), she said. This is besides the various other collaborations that the university has made with several institutions both inside and outside the country. A big development was the setting up of the R&D centre by the multinational company Zoho on the IHRD College campus at Kottarakkara, said the minister. Elucidating the importance of the Industry on Campus programme, George C J, founder and managing director ofGeojitFinancial Services, said, This is the only way to move forward. We need research findings and knowledge that eventually deliver value to society through direct industry academy initiatives. I must congratulate Industries Minister P Rajeeve for taking solid initiatives in this direction, he said. With the introduction of the four-year degree format, six months of compulsory internships will give a major boost to the academy as well as the industry. If internships were a kind of a farce in the past, now it is going to be much more useful and productive and will be a mutually beneficial relationship. Kerala State Higher Education Council has also seemed to have taken good steps in this direction, George added. Giving more insight into the projects and how they are going to benefit the students of the university, Prof Sam Thomas,director,of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Cusat, said, The coming of the centres of excellence will benefit the students of Cusat. They will get hands-on experience in the various industrial processes and can enhance their skills. The collaborations with two leading private companies who have made their mark globally can be termed to be a first-of-its-kind in the state, he said. But how will this association benefit? It is a win-win situation for both parties, said Prof Sam Thomas. According to him, the students and the faculty of the university get exposure to world-class cutting-edge technology and systems. And for the industry, they get to utilise the vast possibilities of joint collaborative ventures. In the case of industries, setting up huge research facilities is a massive effort. However, entering into an agreement with a campus like Cusat can make this effort easier as the work can be shared. It is not just the company that is getting to use the facilities made available at the centre, the entire university can access them. We have various departments that specialise in different branches of science and technology. The company will be able to make use of the facilities made available by these departments as per its needs. Then there is the readily available manpower, he said. Talking about the Centre of Excellence in Sustainability that the company has set up in Cusat, George said, First of all, when Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting (business responsibility and sustainability reporting) became compulsory for the top 1,000 listed companies, we looked around for resources to help us in measuring and reporting the required data and found that there is an acute shortage of talent in the field. Also, Kerala with the highest Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) has an untapped opportunity to take advantage of sustainability reporting of products and services. Both need locally available talent, which will be in high demand in the future. This is the first thought behind setting up the centre. Other state varsities like MG University and Kerala University are also on the path of pepping up the learning experience for their students. Last year, MG University granted accreditation to a private research centre. The centre has been set up at the Business Innovation and Incubation Centre (BIIC) on the university campus, said the varsity spokesperson. According to the spokesperson, through the collaboration with N Radhakrishnan International Centre for Medical Innovation (NRICMI), the university aims to develop new medical technologies, treatments, drugs and therapies for research on venous diseases. The centre aims to promote innovation in medical practices, technologies, and processes on medical and molecular research in connection with other R&D institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare providers to conduct studies and clinical trials to facilitate the transfer of scientific knowledge and cutting-edge technologies from the laboratory to clinical settings, aiming to improve patient care and healthcare delivery, the spokesperson pointed out. Speaking more about how BIIC works to equip the students, the spokesperson said, It provides administrative, academic, technical and IP support to the innovators and also industrial exposure in association with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The university also arrived at a strategic partnership with SIBUR, a leading petrochemical giant based in Russia. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in the rubber industrys innovation, he added. The Kerala University too has been signing MoUs with institutions like Sree Chithra Tirunal Institue for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST). The Kerala University Business Incubation Centre (KUBIC) has been going full steam ahead since 2021, providing space for its students, alumni and faculty to set up ventures, said Dr Manoj Changat, the in-charge of KUBIC. The first digital university in the country too is setting an example by having tie-ups with big companies and foreign universities. While speaking to TNIE as part of the Express Dialogues, Saji Gopinath, vice-chancellor of the university, shared that the largest industrial association is happening at Graphene Park. Here we have three stages. The first was the applied research side where TATA Steel is the partner. The second is moving from applied research to products in which we have partnered with Carborundum. The third stage is upgrading to other industries for which we are associating with the industries department, he had said. In Digital Science Park, we are on the lookout for companies and startups associated with research and development interested in working with us, he said. The university has set up a smaller facility in which seven foreign companies have already started working. We have a company from Australia who is working at GI Space. We have a startup spin-off from the University of Leeds. We have companies from Spain and the US working in sensor development. The good thing is that these companies are working with faculty members, he had said. The private institutions are also not far behind. Understanding the need to be on par with the changing times and what can be called a first in the state, recently, Genrobotics Innovations Pvt Ltd launcheda project that will see the setting up of an industrial park at Ilahia College of Engineering and Technology (ICET) at Muvattupuzha. This is being done as part of the Industry on Campus initiative of the state government. Meanwhile, Prof Sam Thomas said that it has been decided to admit PhD scholars to the CVJ Centre for Synthetic Biology and Bio-manufacturing. The scholars will be inducted next academic year. The positive aspect for the university is that it will get patents, publications and an avenue to equip its students with the skills needed to tackle the job market, he said. Polytechnic colleges are not far behind The Industry on Campus project is also doing wonders at polytechnic colleges in the state. According to R Bindu, the students of the Govt Polytechnic College at Kozhikode recently made and handed over around 30 e-autos to the city corporations waste management department. As part of the four-year UG programme, it has been decided to give credits for internships and also skill-based courses, said the minister.

Action sought against illegal fishing off Kozhikode coast

Doctor Assaulted in Kerala's Kozhikode After Patient's Allegations of Treatment Negligence

Doctor Assaulted in Kerala's Kozhikode After Patient's Allegations of Treatment Negligence A doctor was allegedly assaulted and verbally abused by a patient accusing him of not giving proper treatment at a private hospital in the district, police said on Sunday. The issue came to light today after the CCTV visuals of the patient, suspected to be under the influence of liquor, was trying to attack the male doctor. The doctor lodged a complaint with the police later in the day. The shocking incident was reported from a private hospital in Kodenchery here. According to police, the accused, a local man, came to the hospital with minor injuries after he met with a road accident late Saturday night. Though he was sent back after giving the necessary treatment, the patient returned and suddenly became violent and allegedly tried to attack the doctor who he had treated him. Dr Susmith, who allegedly suffered assault, said the patient misbehaved with him as well as his lady colleague. ''He not only tried to attack us but also used very abusive language against us. He even tried to hit me with a stone. I was forced to push him away as I faced a threat to my life,'' the doctor told the media. The doctor also alleged that the accused even threatened to kill his five-month-old son. Meanwhile, Kodenchery police registered a case against the accused man based on the complaint of the doctor. He was booked under various sections of the IPC and the Kerala Healthcare Service Persons and Healthcare Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property) Act, police said. An investigation is progressing and further action would be taken soon in this regard, police added.

Kerala government sitting over Karthikeyan panel proposals on imbalances in higher secondary sector

At least around 200 new batches should be allotted afresh to solve the shortage in the Malabar region comprising of districts such as Malappuram, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad and Kasaragod, according to sources

Kerala Nadwathul Mujahideen Opposes Reduction in Muslim Reservation

Kochi: The Kerala Nadwathul Mujahideen (KNM), a part of the Islamic Reformist Mujahideen Movement, expressed its discontent with the Left Democratic Government of Kerala over its plan to reduce Muslim reservation in government jobs. KNM demanded that the government abandon its proposal to reduce the Muslim quota, which is part of the OBC reservation, citing the compassionate employment scheme as the reason. In a meeting held in Kozhikode, Kerala, KNM's President, TV Abdullah Koya Madani, stated that the government had previously reduced Muslim reservation by allocating it to other weaker sections. He emphasized that Muslims are facing significant losses as their share is being allocated to other communities, which is a matter of concern. The organization highlighted that in Kerala, Muslim reservation is a part of the 40 percent OBC reservation. Among the 40 percent quota, 11 percent is reserved for Ezhava-Thiyas and Bilawas communities, while 10 percent is allocated for Muslims. Additionally, seats are reserved for various other communities within the OBC category. KNM emphasized that these appointments are made on a pre-determined rotation basis, except for certain cases specified by the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC). The organization asserted that any attempt to reduce the Muslim reservation violates the rights granted to the socially deprived Muslim minority community by the Constitution. Present at the meeting were Chairman Abdullah Koya Madani, Vice Chairman PP Unnin Kutti Maulvi, Noor Muhammad Noorsha, Hussain Madavoor, Professor NV Abdul Rahman, and AP Abdu Samad. India Plans Massive Defense Sector Investment in Next Decade, says an International report India Hopes to Resolve Border Issues with China, Says External Affairs Minister Jaishankar ED Summons Congress Minister Alamgir Alam Over Rs 37 Crore Cash Recovery

Kerala: LS poll results likely to push organisational revamp in Congress

KOTTAYAM: As the wait continues for the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, reports suggest that the state unit of the Congress is preparing for a significant organisational overhaul. The outcome of the polls is anticipated to have a profound impact on this revamp, with criticism already emerging regarding the organisational shortcomings during the LS polls. Insiders reveal that there is a strong push for restructuring some of the District Congress Committees (DCCs), particularly in Central and South Kerala. Calls for a complete overhaul in certain districts, including the replacement of DCC presidents and other office-bearers, have been gaining momentum. Additionally, it is speculated that the state leadership may also face challenges if the election results are unfavourable. Despite K Sudhakarans reinstatement as the KPCC president, his position could be at risk, if the UDF fails to achieve the expected results in the LS elections. Furthermore, some have pointed out that both the KPCC president K Sudhakaran and Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan will be held accountable, if the poll results are not favourable. The leaked phone conversation between the KPCC president and the Leader of the Opposition regarding KPCCs fundraising efforts put the UDF on the defensive during the elections. Additionally, Satheesans authoritarian leadership style did not sit well with many party members. Satheesans lack of respect for senior leaders was evident in his interactions, such as his response to acting president M M Hassan during a press conference, stated a Congress leader on the condition of anonymity. Regarding the DCC presidents, there is a strong push to replace the current presidents of Idukki, Wayanad, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Thiruvananthapuram districts for various reasons. Criticisms range from concerns about maintaining communal balance in Kottayam to reports of the DCC president in Idukki being absent during the LS poll campaign. While K Muraleedharan has already raised organisational deficiencies in the election campaign in Thrissur, M K Raghavan has also some issues with a prominent leader in Kozhikode. The organisational shortcomings of the Congress are reported to have impacted all the Lok Sabha constituencies in Kerala. Meanwhile, there is an assessment that 10 DCC presidents are underperformers, leading to expectations of a reconstitution shortly after the poll results are announced. The party is currently evaluating the polling data, with parliamentary constituency-level meetings scheduled for May 15. The compilation of voting patterns at the booth and assembly levels has been completed, and the evaluation at the parliamentary constituency-level is expected to provide insight into UDFs winning possibilities statewide. A push for revamp is likely following this process.

Health advisory in Tamil Nadu: Watch for West Nile Symptoms, seek prompt testing

CHENNAI: In the wake of Kerala reporting cases of West Nile fever, the state governments public health and preventive medicine department has issued an advisory urging the need for testing and immediate medical intervention for people showing symptoms, especially encephalitis. However, the department stressed that there was no need to panic. The disease has so far been reported from three districts of Kerala, namely Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur. One person died due to the virus on Monday. Common symptoms of the viral disease, which spreads from culex species of mosquitoes, include fever, headache, and body pain. Some people might have severe symptoms like high fever, fatigue, coma, muscle weakness, numbness, fits, paralysis, and encephalitis, the release said. The release from the government noted that people can be tested for the virus through ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and RT-PCR (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) tests. National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune has the facility to test samples collected from people who are suspected to have the virus, the release said. According to the release, at least 80 % of the people affected by the virus will be asymptomatic. Although the virus affected people of all age groups, those above 50 years and immunodeficient people are more prone to it. Noting that the disease spreads through mosquitoes, the release, however, said that it does not spread directly from human to human. To prevent spread of the virus, the release asked people to avoid water stagnation, and mosquito breeding around their homes. As there is no vaccination for the disease, the government asked symptomatic people to visit a doctor immediately. To prevent dehydration caused by the disease, it asked people to consume adequate water and fluids. The release also told people not to self-medicate. For more information, people can contact the health departments 104 helpline.

Major gold seizure at Keralas airports; 2.3kg gold seized in Kochi, 2.5kg in Kozhikode

KOCHI/MALAPPURAM: The customs team at the Kochi airport on Saturday intercepted a passenger who attempted to smuggle in 2.30kg of gold worth Rs 1.74 crore. The police arrested Khader Mytheen, of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, who arrived on a FlyDubai flight from Dubai in the morning. As many as 20 gold bars were found concealed inside a specially stitched cavity around the waistline of the jeans he was wearing. Khader confessed to the customs personnel that he was hired by a person in Dubai to smuggle the gold. He was promised a commission from the sale of the contraband in Kerala. The customs have started a probe regarding the people who hired Khader and the people who were supposed to receive the consignment in Kerala. He was produced before a magistrate and remanded to judicial custody. Meanwhile, at the Kozhikode airport, the customs seized 2.5kg of gold worth Rs 1.76 crore in three different cases last week. In the first incident, the officers seized 1.35kg of gold worth Rs 95.74 lakh from a man who arrived at the airport from Dubai. The Anakkayam native attempted to smuggle the gold in compound form by concealing the contraband in two pouches taped under his feet. In the second case, the officers seized 646g of gold valued at Rs 45.32 lakh from a native of Thazhekode in Malappuram. He attempted to smuggle in the contraband in compound form by concealing it inside his body. In the third incident, 494g of gold worth Rs 34.94 lakh was seized from a native of Mankada in Malappuram. He attempted to smuggle in the gold in compound form by pasting it on the jeans he was wearing. The officers also foiled attempts to smuggle foreign cigarettes through the airport. Two attempts to smuggle 10,000 sticks of Gold Flake brand cigarettes were foiled by the customs. One bundle of 10,000 cigarette sticks is valued at Rs 1.20 lakh. The passengers who tried to smuggle in the sticks were natives of Kannur and Malappuram. Another attempt to smuggle 5,000 sticks of Essay brand cigarettes valued at Rs 0.60 lakh by a passenger, a native of Koodathai in Kozhikode, was also defeated by the customs officers.

AI Express flight from Kozhikode to Bahrain delayed by over eight hours

An airline spokesperson said the flight was delayed due to a technical issue in the aircraft that was detected after the passengers had boarded

INTERVIEW | Indias growth no longer dependent on a government: Former Union cabinet secretary

You have witnessed various political developments from very close quarters. What do you think of the current political scenario in the country? If the Modi government returns to power, what they will do is evident. If you look at the backdrop, they are trying to implement the Uniform Civil Code; maybe the farm laws too will be back. There could be further progress on Article 370. As far as the INDIA bloc is concerned, they have not worked out a common agenda yet. For me, what is important is not who governs but that there should be a balance in governance. Only one side has been dominating Parliament until recently. Conflicts between states and the Centre have escalated considerably. Governors are playing a proactive role, which has not happened in the past. So, do you share the foreboding that India will change forever if BJP wins the 2024 general elections? If they win with a big majority, like in 2014 and 2019, then, the tendency towards autocracy will increase. If they win with a small margin, there will be debates in Parliament, states may become more powerful and there will be a balance. You predicted the 2014 election results correctly. How do you view the situation now? A month or two ago, I thought it would be a clear victory for Modi; that he could achieve 400 plus seats, as he has built up his image after G20. Everything was centred around him. However, after three phases of polling, reports say it is gradually balancing out. I dont know which way it will go. Do you feel PM Modi has become desperate lately? In 2014, he was full of humour and confidence. But now, he is not talking in that tone; rather, indulging in direct attacks. Normally, he displays loads of confidence. Theres a new narrative being spread that a new India was built after 2014. Being someone closely associated with the WTO, how was Indias global image before 2014? When the economy is weak, our diplomatic image too weakens. In the 80s, there was no mention of India in newspapers in England. The only exception was a news report about an elephant, brought for the Asian Games from Kerala, not being treated properly (smiles). There was no news about the Asian Games in the papers. That has changed now. So, do you think India is in a better space economically? Yes... since 1991, the economy of the country has been growing consistently. The best point was between 2001 and 2007. As far as international image is concerned, they are more interested in business opportunities in India. When you are economically strong, you can dictate terms. Now, India is in a position where we are strong. The growth of India is no longer dependent on a government unless they do something very foolish. Take the case of demonetisation. The impact was for two-three weeks. We recovered. I dont think we need to worry about Indias growth per say. We need to worry about the fact that our growth is more business-oriented. Businessmen are growing. Inequality growing. Unemployment is high. Inflation is something that ought to be controlled, whichever government is in power. Who should get the credit for this? The Economy has been in a happy space for a long time. Its not easy to talk about who gets the credit. If Nehru hadnt come up with the two five-year plans in 1951 on agriculture and basic industry, growth wouldnt have happened. Wed have grown faster during the 70s, but no changes were made. In the 80s, when Rajiv Gandhi came in, growth was taking place. In 1991, it got a spurt. The effect has continued for a pretty long time. People are trying to draw a parallel between the 2004 and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Are there any similarities? There are certain similarities. The campaign slogan then was 'India Shining'. People made fun of me at Geneva, as to where exactly India was shining; it had not shone in its villages. India has been shining for the past one and a half years in G20. The economy is more or less in the same state. There is, however, substantial fear psychosis today the fear of autocracy and dictatorship. The best time was during Vajpayees tenure. But what was not visible in 2004 and is visible now is a pan-India Hindutva connection Absolutely. Even the prime minister has been harping on Pakistan, Muslims etc, not something a PM should ever say at any time, even during elections. Thats why there is a sense of panic among people. Veteran BJP leader L K Advani and you were neighbours in New Delhi. Have you ever felt he was not a hardliner? What are your fond memories about him, not as a politician, but as a neighbour? If you compare him with Modi, Advani is not a hardliner (laughs)... but compare him with Vajpayee, he is. Advani is a very genial and a good person to talk to. He gifted me a book once. He is deeply religious. I too am a spiritual person and into meditation. He is also spiritual to some extent, open to mysticism. He was not entirely Hindutva-oriented. In his book, he mentions that during the Emergency, when he was in jail, his wife went to meet Sathya Sai Baba who told her that her husband will be released today. He was released that day. How do you assess Manmohan Singh as a prime minister, especially being tagged an accidental PM? Theres a narrative his hands were tied and the actual rule happened from 10 Janpath... Im not sure if his hands were tied or not. I have never received any call from Sonia Gandhi or anyone representing her. But there were a few occasions when she pressurised Manmohan Singh. One occasion was when she asked Manmohan Singh to ensure Rahul Gandhis security after Rahul tried to break security protocol. Another instance was the inappropriate appointment of Suresh Kalmadi to head the 2010 Commonwealth Games. There was also the involvement of the PMO in the 2G case. A PM can write to a minister telling him to act, according to the law. If you want a policy change, go through the cabinet. Instead, he got involved in correspondence, bypassing me. I didnt know until much later. Then there was the incident of Rahul Gandhi tearing up the ordinance, but it didnt affect my work. That act of Rahul Gandhi was symbolic of the undoing of UPA-II, wasn't it? Yes, he tore up his own government. Have you ever interacted with Rahul Gandhi? Only once, at a lobby at the Commonwealth Games main venue. He asked me, Are you happy now? How do you see him as a political leader? Any political leader needs administrative experience. He had two opportunities. During the Commonwealth Games, he could have taken over, instead of Kalmadi. He could also have joined Manmohan Singhs cabinet. A five-year tenure is bound to bestow maturity. Do you think he is still an evolving leader Thats what I feel. Even if hes able to form a government, it would still be tough for him to head it. Had Manmohan Singh asked Rahul Gandhi to join the ministry? Yes, but he refused. You worked with both UPA governments. UPA-I is remembered for good things like MGNREGA but UPA-II became infamous for scams. Why did they differ so much? Was it because the Left had no link with the second ministry? I think the UPA-II failed to defend itself amid controversies. Another issue was the absence of a bridge with opposition parties. The Left too withdrew support during the civil nuclear bill in 2008. Besides the 2G scam allegation, other factors that worked against UPA-II were the Lokpal Bill taken up by Anna Hazare and Acharya Ramdev, the India against corruption movement that saw the rise of Arvind Kejriwal and Kiran Bedi. The scams during UPA-II helped BJP and Narendra Modi more than anything else. What went wrong for Manmohan Singh? I believe 2G and Coal scams were tremendously exaggerated by the CAG. Performance audit is something that needs to be done jointly with the government to improve performance. It cannot assume the role of a regular audit. It must be done quickly. Presumptive loss assumes the government would have made money had they adopted a different policy. The said policy existed since Arun Shouries time, with a deliberate intention to increase the use of mobiles and telecom. From the initial Rs 17 per minute, it came down to 30 paise. That was the objective. TRAI said there should be no auction in 2G to ensure a level playing field. TRAI was headed by Nripendra Mishra who later became Modis principal secretary. If the government decides to reduce tax, then it is a presumptive loss. Government policy is not always about making money. It has a policy objective. Whether the policy objective was violated, that is for the CAG to find out. Manmohan Singh came from a bureaucratic background like us. Bureaucrats will have a natural fear. So, he got a little nervous. On the other hand, when the Rafael issue came up, Modi had no difficulty. He just went through it. How did you predict the Congress government wont return to power in 2014? It was clear to everybody. Modi has got a way with people. Also, at the time, the Nirbhaya case, Anna Hazare, and Acharya Ramdev... all came together... plus the 2G scam. All these gave the impression there was massive corruption in the UPA-II government. How do you assess A K Antony as a defence minister? Throughout his tenure, he faced criticism for policy paralysis. I would differ on that. Usually, the defence ministry wouldnt be able to spend its budget allocation fully. During every budget, the defence minister would ask for more funds. But at the end of the year, he wont be able to spend the full amount. But during Antonys tenure, he spent the entire allocation and asked for more, invariably. So I dont see any policy paralysis. I think whatever was given to him, he did the best. Recently, there was an allegation regarding the appointment of the CBI director. Middleman T G Nandakumar alleged that Antonys son took bribe from a person who wanted to be appointed as CBI director. Antony had no real role in the appointment of CBI director. That is generally left to the home minister. P Chidambaram was the home minister then. If he (CBI director aspirant) paid money to Antonys son, then he is an idiot. How was your relationship with Antony? Also, did he actually command respect from the forces? My relationship with him was very good. I knew him much earlier. He is always a gentle, good person. Everyone had a lot of respect for him because he was not a man who threw his weight around. He always remained the same person. The then defence secretary, Vijay Singh, was my batchmate. They had a wonderful equation. He had only praise for him. Antony is a person who wont allow people to go beyond a particular limit. You cant make him do things if he is not convinced. He will look at everything. He had a basic integrity. Unlike the Modi government, there were many cabinet sub-committees during the Manmohan Singh government. Is Modi autocratic? Singh used to refer controversial matters to GoMs or committees of secretaries and the cabinet would take a decision based on their recommendations. Modi may want to make all the decisions by himself. What are the positives of the Modi government? It has done very well in infrastructure development. I have a lot of admiration for Nitin Gadkari. He is a first-class minister. He has done well. In Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw has done some fairly good work. When it comes to image makeovers at the global level, diplomats tell me they have been able to advocate their position well. They have been able to act quickly. Thats an advantage. Theres no more indecision. Whether these are the best decisions or not, we dont know. There are allegations that the Election Commissions credibility has been affected. What are your thoughts? Thats a kind of defeatist statement. Its like saying if we lose, its due to ECI. But yes, when it comes to taking action against controversial statements by the government, no action is taken. But the same is not the case with the Opposition. To that extent, its a reflection of overall governmental systems. Criticism against EVMs has been going on for a long time. Some say it can be manipulated. But so far, theres no evidence. Considering our population, it would be difficult to go back to ballot paper. Back then, there were also issues like booth-capturing. With delimitation proposed in 2026, what kind of a change will it bring to the political landscape? It will bring major changes. If the current strength in the Lok Sabha continues, Keralas share will come down from 20 to 15. Seats from south India will decrease, while those from the north will increase, due to their population. Ours has declined with family-planning measures. By now, there should have been two delimitations. We postponed it by a decade. It all depends on Parliaments structure. There should be some balance. Many say that during UPA-II there was a Malayali coterie of top bureaucrats in Delhi. If you look at the Delhi bureaucratic structure, its mostly dominated by people from UP. Nobody speaks about a UP coterie. Now, theres an Odisha coterie. T K A Nair (Manmohan Singhs principal secretary) was chosen as he can speak Punjabi. It just happened that there were many from the Kerala cadre there at the time. Current Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose is some years junior to you. Some major allegations have surfaced against him. These are major allegations. I think he should clear himself. Whats wrong with a police enquiry? Now its very easy to prove since CCTV visuals are available. The Centre has done away with the Planning Commission. But in Kerala, the Planning Board still functions. You were the board vice chairman once. Do you think the board effectively discharges its duty? The Planning Board is basically an advisory body. They will allocate money after consultations, on an incremental basis. Mostly, the entire money is not spent for the purpose for which it is granted. The board has no control over this. The personal relationship between the board vice chairman and the chairman, who is the chief minister, is also important. The Planning Boards role inside the state is limited, unlike the Planning Commission which had a bigger role. Kerala is going through a severe fiscal crisis. Whats the way out? There are many PSUs that can either be merged or privatised or sold off. There are too many officers all over the place. It only adds to the costs. There is an ocean of official vehicles. We cant afford such wastage. As a sub-collector in Devikulam, I used to travel by bus. When I was an assistant collector in Kozhikode, even the collector did not have a vehicle. What about resource mobilisation? GST should make a big difference to Kerala. Its a destination-based tax, and we are the biggest consumers in the whole country. I dont know whether the entire amount is coming in. Excise should be liberalised. More licences should be given. Prohibition has become a kind of madness. Ultimately, fiscal issues can be addressed only through the 16th Finance Commission. You must see that a good share comes to the states first, and then to the Centre. Reduce expenditure wherever possible. Should there be a cap on spending on salaries and pensions? That people live only till a certain age (laughs)? The retirement age should be increased to 65. People are still young at 56-57. At 65, people are in perfect command of their senses. We wont have to pay them a pension, till then. But there is unemployment. The government cannot be a source of employment. Theres no need for pay revision every five years. What about reducing the number of employees, especially after computerisation and other innovations? It can be done to a major extent. You have to rationalise your staff structure. Our problem is the population. If you compare India with the rest of the world, we have only about 11 people on staff, per one lakh population. We need to bring down consultancies. Among Kerala politicians, with whom do you share cordial relations? The minister for whom I had the greatest respect was CPIs E Chandrasekharan Nair. I worked with him closely. He was the one behind Maveli stores, Onam market et al. Some ministers are brilliant. Similarly, I enjoyed working with K Karunakaran too. Once he trusts you, hes with you. Oommen Chandy was a great man. I have never seen such a hard-working individual.

KPCC suspends member from Kozhikode

Action against K.V. Subrahmanian follows complaints reportedly raised by UDF candidate M.K. Raghavan that he had worked against him in the Lok Sabha poll campaign

Probe on into role of organised gangs in vehicle lifting cases in Kozhikode

Scrap shops also to be put under scanner to prevent illegal sale of dismantled vehicles

Probe on into role of organised gangs in vehicle lifting cases in Kozhikode

Scrap shops also to be put under scanner to prevent illegal sale of dismantled vehicles

Fresh directives on driving tests in Kerala keep applicants away

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite elaborate arrangements, the Motor Vehicle Department could not conduct driving tests as the applicants stayed away. Driving school owners also staged protests at test grounds in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kozhikode. They accused Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar of intimidating the applicants with his directions. The minister is telling the applicants to bring their vehicle for testing and warned them against absence. Applicants are scared to attend the test due to the new situation.Vehicles are usually provided by the motor driving schools. It is very difficult for an applicant to clear the ground test using bikes with larger wheelbase, said Nazar Usman, general secretary of Motor Driving Owners Koottayma. The minister in a statement on Thursday warned applicants that they would lose the chance to get slots anytime soon if they deliberately stayed away from appearing for the test. Later, his office clarified that applicants failing to appear for the test would not get a chance for the next six months. Meanwhile, MVD officers are confused about the fresh directions to provide vehicles and prepare grounds. Out of the 86 test grounds, only 10 are on government land while the rest are with the driving schools. As the driving schools refused to conduct tests on the land under their control, Ganesh Kumar directed the MVD to find available test grounds, including that of KSRTC, schools and private properties, to restart the tests from Friday.

1,500-year-old Shri Thrikkaipatta Mahakshetram rises from ruins with largest sreekovil in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: In the heart of Kozhikode, an ambitious architectural project is underway to restore one of the oldest temples in the country, the Shri Thrikkaipatta Mahakshetram. Known for its storied past, this more than 1,500-year-old temple is being reconstructed in a unique apsidal shape (Gajaprishta) that stands as the largest in the state for a sreekovil dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya. Construction of the temple, which began on January 18, 2009, is being done by completely avoiding concrete materials. Instead, it uses traditional materials such as red laterite bricks, lime, high-quality timber, and copper, adhering strictly to ancient Vastu Shastra principles. The three-tier structure will feature a circumference of 51.12 m and a height of 18 m, making it the biggest sreekovil of its kind in the state. Inside, the temple is designed with multiple antharalams (inner circles) and carvings, preserving the ancient architectural aesthetics. The location of the temple, Ponnamkodekunnu, atop a hill on the outskirts of Kozhikode city near the Government Cyberpark, holds significant historical and cultural value. Historical evidence suggests that a shrine had been present at this site for centuries but was destroyed or fell into ruin in 13th century. The regions name, Kozhikode, is thought to be derived from Kozhi (cock), the flag symbol of Lord Subrahmanya, which further underscores the areas ancient ties to the deity. About 25 years ago, spurred by mysterious incidents and a series of divine intuitions reported by local devotees, a group of young enthusiasts initiated a series of excavations at the hill. These efforts unearthed remnants of earlier temple structures, such as plinths, damaged idols, and pillar bases, known as omakkals. The artefacts were estimated to be over 750 years old, supporting oral histories passed down through generations. The rediscovery ignited interest and led to extensive research and analysis with the help of eminent historians and archaeologists like Dr MGS Narayanan, K K Muhammed, and Dr M G Sasibhooshan. After detailed investigations, it was concluded by a panel of astrologers, Vedic scholars, and tantric heads that the primary deity enshrined here was indeed Lord Subrahmanya. This reconstruction not only aims to restore the physical structure but also hopes to rekindle the spiritual and cultural ethos connected with the temple, said Muralidharan, the general secretary of the temple committee. The site is expected to become a significant spiritual and cultural hub in Malabar, he added. This revival and reconstruction of the Shri Thrikkaipatta Mahakshetram represent a significant cultural and religious milestone for Kozhikode and the broader Malabar area, said noted architect A K Prasanth. The new temple design integrates various traditional architectural features like carved roofing and intricate wood carvings, celebrating Keralas rich craftsmanship. The entire structure has been created without a single architecture drawing which is indeed contrary to the modern architecture we propagate. Many architectural students from different parts of the state have shown interest in studying this architectural marvel. The entire project is based on the mathematical calculation of some of the master carpenters, who are believed to be the followers of Perumthachan, he added. The temple is set to hold a grand installation ceremony of the presiding deity- Lord Subrahmanya. The ceremony starting from May 11 to 23 will not only celebrate the architectural marvel but also the resurrection of a pivotal part of Keralas heritage.

Brothers on mission to turn Wayanad into tech haven

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For Keralites, Wayanad, with its high altitude and scenic spots, is the perfect getaway spot. However, when it comes to working, Wayanad hardly holds appeal due to lack of enough industries or manufacturing units. So many from Wayanad, especially youths, are prompted to look for opportunities elsewhere. Allwyn Kent and Allen Rintout from Sulthan Bathery were among such youths. Now, through their billion-dollar multinational software firm Vonnue Innovations, the brothers are reshaping the image of their home district into an IT destination. Initially, like most aspirational youths from Kerala, Allwyn and Allen, after completion of professional education, pursued jobs outside Kerala. While Allwyn, who studied in NIT Kozhikode, got selected to Andocs, an Israel-based IT firm, in 2006, his elder brother Allen, who passed out of Sreechitra Thirunal Engineering College in Thiruvananthapuram, got placement in Net APP, a Bengaluru-based company. Allwyn soon became the Andocs Asia-Pacific head and decided to settle in Singapore. Allen continued in Bengaluru. However, in 2018, we decided to return to Kerala and give back to the community, Allwyn told TNIE . The result was Vonnue Innovations Pvt Ltd. They set up the firm in Infopark in Kochi in 2019. Allwyn stayed back in Singapore to canvass for his new firm, while Allen helmed software development. Our customers included Grab, a Singapore-based MNC, and SES, Luxembourg-based satellite telecommunications and broadcasting company. We started Vonnue with 10 employees, said Allwyn. However, the Covid pandemic sabotaged their work. Our customers stopped spending money suddenly. We faced our biggest setback when one of our customers Hooq, a joint venture of Singtel, Sony Pictures and Warner Bros, was declared bankrupt in 2020. We suffered losses too, and had to wind up operations at Infopark,Allwyn recalled. In 2021, Allwyn and Allen rented a house near theirs at Manichira in Sultan Bathery and set up Vonnue there. Even their mother K C Rosakutty, a former MLA and ex-chairperson of Kerala Womens Commission (2012-17), was initially sceptical of her sons' idea. However, the brothers took her into confidence and started with 30 employees. Slowly and steadily, Vonnue got contracts from MNCs for developing software. Soon, they rented a floor in a building at Sultan Bathery. Though BTech graduates are recruited to IT jobs, a BSc mathematics and physics graduate can code better than the former as the basic is mathematics. However, students from rural districts, despite being brilliant, are unable to enter professional institutions due to unavoidable circumstances., said Allwyn. Hence, we recruited as many students as we could from rural backgrounds, he said. Vonnue holds walk-in interviews every second Saturday of the month. Those selected are trained in software solution, given accommodation and a stipend, as well as given proficiency in English. The brothers said since setting up shop in Wayanad, they have had clients like Bosch and The Economist magazine.

KMRL plans to go LighTram Metro route in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode

KOCHI: Considering the financial implications and other issues associated with a traditional metro project, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has decided to go a different route in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. LighTram Metro is a mass transport system like the conventional metro, minus the huge expenses and major logistical challenges. A feasibility study will be done by the Urban Mass Transit Company Ltd (UMTC), on already proposed metro routes in the two cities, said KMRL MD Loknath Behera. Cities like Brisbane in Australia have opted for LighTram metros as they are more sustainable, cost-effective, and can operate at road level, elevated, and underground, say officials. For Kerala, which is grappling with a fund crunch, the LighTram makes more sense as it wont put financial burden on the next generation, it is felt. Moving ahead with a conventional metro in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode is difficult as getting funds will be a challenge considering the states financial situation. Constructing a metro rail is also more time-consuming, said a source. As per the plan, the Thiruvananthapuram Metro is around 45km. The cost of building a metro rail is Rs 250 crore per km. The LighTram can achieve this at one-fourth the cost, added the source. KMRL is also planning LighTram Metro in Kochi to connect areas where a conventional metro is not feasible. Swiss-based HESS Green Mobility, which implemented LighTram service in Brisbane and other parts of the world, has submitted a feasibility report on the MG Road-Thevara-Marine Drive loop. Studies on Mattancherry, Fort Kochi, and the elevated bypass at Edapally-Aroor will be launched soon, Behera said. Hailing the idea of a LighTram Metro in Kochi, transport expert Adarsh Kumar said the city roads have exhausted their carrying capacity. Expansion of roads here has its limits. It is high time authorities think about a LighTram as it will be benefit heritage areas, Adarsh said, adding that it will also inculcate traffic discipline among commuters. In terms of serving the purpose of mass rapid transportation, LighTram is the best option for Kerala, he said. Another benefit of LighTram Metro, said a KMRL official, is that passengers need not lose 3-4 minutes climbing stairs to reach the platform. They can board the LighTram from the road. The only challenge is that Kochi city has several criss-cross junctions. Its nothing an intelligent transport signalling system and priority signalling cant solve, said the official. Maintaining that Kochi Metro is expected to reach optimal utilisation stage in the next 30 years, the official said, The LighTram will get wider acceptance from passengers. They will provide more travel options with easy links to bus and trains. On concerns about operating LighTram on the narrow roads in Kochi city, Behera said 18m is the minimum width of the road required for a LighTram. Hence, We will need to acquire less land for it than a metro rail. It can also operate on curvy lanes, he said. However, Metroman E Sreedharan disagrees. LighTrams are impractical on Kerala roads as the latter are narrow and the vehicles will occupy a portion of the road. Only the civil structure is cheaper than a conventional metro rail. The trains cost will be much higher than the ones operated by KMRL, he said. LighTram LighTrams can be operated parallel to the road level, elevated and underground metro rail systems. A three-coach light tram having a length of 25m can carry up to 240 passengers. The electric-hybrid trams can be fully charged in six minutes and travel for 45km. They are also differently abled-friendly. Rapid transit system Cities like Brisbane in Australia have opted for LighTram metros as they are more sustainable, cost-effective, and can operate at road level, elevated, and underground For Kerala, which is grappling with fund crunch, LighTram makes more sense as it wont put financial burden on next-generation The benefit of LighTram is that passengers need not lose 3-4 minutes climbing stairs to reach the platform.

Coastal families live in fear as construction of seawalls delayed in Kozhikode

The recent swell surges have already affected several coastal families in Kozhikode district

Health department urges vigilance after viral hepatitis death in Kerala's Malappuram

MALAPPURAM (Kerala): A 41-year-old man died in Kerala's Malappuram district on Friday due to viral hepatitis, marking the sixth such confirmed case in the district in the last three months. This incident has prompted the health department to urge people to be vigilant against the disease. District Medical Officer R Renuka said that the man, hailing from Chaliyar panchayat, passed away from viral hepatitis on Friday morning while under treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode. Malappuram district has reported 3,184 suspected cases of viral hepatitis and 1,032 confirmed cases since January this year. There were five suspected deaths and five confirmed deaths. One death was reported in March and four in April, the officer noted in a statement issued by the District Public Relations Department. The statement highlighted that the highest number of cases was reported in Pothukal, Kuzhimanna, Omanur, Pookotoor, Morayur, Peruvallur panchayats, and Malappuram municipality. Regarding the man's death in Chaliyar, the health department revealed that a nine-year-old girl in his household was diagnosed with viral hepatitis on March 19. Following this diagnosis, medical officers and health workers promptly visited the house and implemented preventive measures. Subsequently, on April 22, the man himself was diagnosed with viral hepatitis at Chaliyar Family Health Centre and admitted to Nilambur District Hospital on April 26. Later, he was transferred to a private hospital in Manchery for specialist treatment, and then to a private hospital in Kozhikode as his liver function deteriorated. Unfortunately, he developed an infection during a liver transplant and succumbed to the illness on Friday, the statement said. Viral hepatitis, caused by microorganisms belonging to the group of viruses, manifests with symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes, and yellow urine. In severe cases, liver function can be significantly affected, potentially leading to death, the health department said.

With 6 teams, 4 venues & foreign players, Super League Kerala set for kick-off in September

KOCHI: Super League Kerala (SLK), which has been structured to mirror European football leagues, is set to commence in September this year. The tournament, to be staged at four stadiums spread across the state, will feature six teams and also foreign players, organisers said. Mathew Joseph, CEO of SLK, said the leagues significance as a groundbreaking venture in Indian football highlights its potential for aspiring players, passionate fans and stakeholders. He noted that the meticulous selection of venues will ensure improved accessibility for football enthusiasts. Six teams from Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Kannur districts will participate in the tournament, said Navas Meeran, president of the Kerala Football Association. Each team will comprise four foreign players, besides young and talented players from both Kerala and other states. The launch of the six franchisees will be held in Kochi on May 10. Sports Minister V Abdurahiman, AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey, and Charu Sharma, sports commentator and board member of SLK, will be part of the event. Joseph said the venues will meet international standards and provide an unparalleled experience for fans. The league will showcase promising talent from Kerala and other football-loving regions across Asia, Europe and South America. Although Kerala has long been considered a powerhouse of Indian football, its fans have yet to experience the same level of excitement seen in Latin America or Europe. Super League Keralas success and the opportunities it presents for our youth are projected to positively impact the state and its people, offering a level of excitement and entertainment previously unseen, said Firoz Meeran, director of SLK. Ready for the whistle The tournament will be staged at four stadiums spread across the state Six teams from TPuram, Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Kannur districts will participate Each team will comprise four foreign players, besides young and talented players from both Kerala and other states

Budget tourism project a hit, KSRTC now eyeing expansion to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka

KOCHI: KSRTCs budget tourism project is going great guns. Things are so rosy that the state-run carrier is now planning to expand its list of destinations in its tour packages by including popular spots in neighbouring Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. We have placed two proposals each before the RTCs of both the states, said Sunil Kumar, state coordinator, KSRTC (budget tourism). One proposal is that KSRTC applies for temporary permits for its buses to conduct destination tours to these states. The second proposes a collaboration, under which we will take tourists to the Kerala-TN or Kerala-Karnataka borders. From there, they will proceed to the destinations in buses arranged by the respective RTCs, Sunil said. Hill stations Ooty and Kodaikanal, besides Rameshwaram, Vellankanni and Kanyakumari, in TN, are the destinations shortlisted, said Sunil. As for the rates, he said, Since the proposals are mooted under our budget tourism project, the charges will be commensurate to the rates charged for present tours. KSRTC is expecting a very good response to its proposed tours to the neighbouring states once they are rolled out. As of now, KSRTCs budget tourism has been a huge success. From its inception in November 2021 to March this year, we have generated Rs 39 crore in revenue from 10,500 trips. A total 5.95 lakh people availed the trips, Sunil said. Meanwhile, KSRTC is also exploring a tourism collaboration with the IRCTC that covers inbound and outbound travellers, said Sunil. In the case of inbound travellers, KSRTC has proposed picking up tourists from railway stations and taking them to destinations listed in their tour packages. For outbound tourists, KSRTC will provide them the facility to book IRCTCs tour packages, he said. On the city tour programme started in Thiruvananthapuram, Sunil said the project, which employs a double-decker electric bus, has received wide acceptance in the two months of its launch. We are monitoring the progress of the project, but as of now, things are looking very good, Sunil said. Considering the programme's initial success, KSRTC is studying the viability of launching similar projects in Ernakulam and Kozhikode, he said. Studies are on to determine the most viable routes for the tours. In Ernakulam, it has been observed that people are more into visiting coastal areas. There is the question of getting buses though. The Thiruvananthapuram city tour bus was launched with the help of Smart City Mission. We are looking into something similar in Ernakulam and Kozhikode as the buses are very costly. Converting our old double-decker buses into electric vehicles and using them for the project is another possibility being explored, Sunil said. Like many things, KSRTCs budget tourism project also faced some setbacks in the past few months, Sunil said. Closure of tourist destinations in Wayanad and the heatwave did affect our operations to some extent, he said. KSRTC budget tourism Started: November 2021Revenue Rs 39 crore (Till March 2024) Trips conducted - 10,500 Passengers served - 5.95 lakh

Youth arrested for suspected patricide in Kozhikode

Kozhikode registers 81.25% pass in Plus Two higher secondaryexaminations

IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Heat Wave in Kerala's Alappuzha District on May 9

IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Heat Wave in Kerala's Alappuzha District on May 9 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a yellow alert for Alappuzha district of the state for the day due to the likelihood of heatwave conditions there. The IMD said maximum temperatures were likely to be around 39 degrees Celsius in Thrissur and Palakkad, 38 degrees Celsius in Alappuzha, 37 degrees Celsius in Kollam, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur and 36 degrees Celsius in Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram and Kasaragod districts of the state till May 10. These temperatures were three to five degrees Celsius more than what was normal for this time of the year, it said. ''Heat wave conditions are very likely to prevail at one or two places in Alappuzha district on May 9 (YELLOW WARNING),'' it added. The IMD also said that hot and humid weather was very likely over these districts except in the hilly areas during this period.

West Nile Fever Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Hyderabad: Kerala is on alert after West Nile Fever cases were reported in Kozhikode, Malappuram and Thrissur districts. Nine cases were reported in which one person succumbed to the disease in Thrissur district. State Health Minister Veena George has instructed all districts to remain vigilant. What is West Nile Fever? West Nile Fever is caused by the West Nile Virus spread by Culex species of mosquitoes. The virus was discovered in Uganda in 1937 and it can be transmitted to humans through the bite of the infected mosquitoes. Symptoms The symptoms include headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash but 8 out of 10 people do not develop any symptoms, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About 1 in 150 people who are infected with the virus will develop a severe illness which will affect the central nervous system like encephalitis and meningitis. Recovery from severe illness may take several weeks or months. Treatment There is no vaccine or specific medication for the West Nile Fever. Patients in severe cases need to be hospitalised to receive treatment such as intravenous fluids and pain medication.

Air India Express cancels over 90 flights, leaves passengers stranded

KOCHI: Uncertainty over the flight schedules of Air India Express is likely to continue as its senior cabin crew members are set to press on with their protest against the management, alleging pay cuts, mismanagement and disrespect. The impasse led to cancellation of over 90 flights across the country on Wednesday after over 300 senior cabin crew went oin sick leave from Tuesday night. The cancellation of services resulted in hundreds of passengers being stranded at airports. According to union leaders, the protest is likely to continue till the management agrees to discuss the matter with the cabin crew. Until Wednesday evening, there has been no approach from the management end to discuss the matter. Therefore, the cabin crew of the Air India Express will continue the protest. More flights are likely to be cancelled in the coming days if the matter is not resolved, said K K Vijaykumar, Air India Express Employees Union (BMS). Last-minute cancellations resulted in passengers protesting at airports, especially those travelling to Gulf region for work-related purposes. Indicating disruptions in the coming days, an AI-Express spokesperson said: We request guests booked to fly with us to check if their flight is affected by the disruption before heading to the airport. In a late-night development, the management terminated some of the crew members who called in sick, citing violation of contract terms. Crew on sick leave Over 300 senior cabin crew members went on sick leave, protesting alleged pay cuts and mismanagement Management trying to resolve issue: Air India Express spokesperson According to sources, a curtailed schedule will be rolled out over the next few days due to the non-availability of crew. Around 300 cabin crew went on sick leave as a protest against the management. Most of the flights in the Gulf region and the domestic sector have been cancelled, said a source. As many as 12 flights from Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode and 10 from Kochi were cancelled, affecting trips to Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, Bahrain, Dammam, and domestic sectors on Wednesday. Due to the cancellations, many missed connection flights from other airports and had to book tickets on other flights paying double the price. Several passengers took to social media to vent their anger against Air India Express. Anoop Govind, a finance professional, complained on social media that his parents would miss the international connection flight from Bengaluru as the flight from Thiruvananthapuram was cancelled. Passengers of the Thiruvananthapuram - Sharjah flight came to know about the cancellation only after they waited for onboarding at the security gate. They expressed their anguish at the sudden change in plans and the lack of response from Air India Express management in arranging alternative flights. Meanwhile, the spokesperson of Air India Express said the passengers will be given a full refund or complimentary rescheduling to another date within seven days. The spokesperson said the management is trying to resolve the matter as a small section of its cabin crew has reported sick at the last minute. We are engaging with the crew to understand the reasons behind these occurrences. Our teams are actively addressing this issue to minimise any inconvenience caused to our guests. Guests impacted by cancellations will be offered a full refund or complimentary rescheduling to another date. Guests flying with us today (Wednesday) are requested to check if their flight is affected, before heading to the airport, said the spokesperson. Explaining the issue, Vijaykumar said discontent had been brewing among the cabin crew of Air India Express after Tata took over the airline in January 2022. After the acquisition, the management reduced the contract period of many cabin crew from five years to one year and brought a reduction of 25-30% in their salary, said Vijaykumar. As part of cost-cutting, the management introduced a shared room facility for cabin crew who work on different shifts. As per the labour law, the workers need uninterrupted rest while working in the aviation sector. However, putting two workers in different shifts in a single room has caused issues. The cabin crew had requested the management to avoid this and insisted on offering them 3-star decent single accommodation instead of 5-star if cost-cutting was their aim. However, these requests fell on deaf ears, he said. A few months ago, the cabin crew had reported the matter to the chairman of Tata, Natarajan Chandrasekharan. Also, the Joint Labour Commissioner of India informed the management that the requirements of the employees are genuine and the matter should be resolved in their favour, no response has come so far, said Vijaykumar. Check flight status According to Air India Express, guests may visit the Flight Status section on our website for real-time information. If their flight is cancelled, or delayed beyond 3 hours, they may opt for a full refund or reschedule to a later date without any fees on Tia (chatbot) on WhatsApp (+91 6360012345) or on airindiaexpress.com. AI Express flight cancellations: Satheesan writes to Scindia TPuram: Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan has written to Union Minister for Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M Scindia on the imbroglio created by the Air India Express employees who went on a strike affecting several thousand passengers. In the letter, Satheesan urged Scindias prompt action in resolving the bottleneck caused by Air India Express unjustified cancellation of many international and domestic services from Kerala. Terming the lighting protest as appalling, Satheesan recalled that hundreds of passengers, have been stuck at various airports in Kerala as a result of Air Indias decision. (With inputs from TPuram)

Sweltering heat in Kerala: 1,000 sought medical aid in April

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In April, nearly 1,000 persons sought medical assistance at hospitals across the state due to heat-related health issues, including sunstroke and rashes. The Directorate of Health Services reported 850 such cases till April 25, the day before Kerala was designated a heatwave-affected region. The patients predominantly hailed from Palakkad, the district that for a long time topped the temperature list and was the first to meet the heatwave condition in the state. Palakkad reported 256 cases, followed by 151 in Ernakulam, 139 in Kottayam, and 76 each in Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta. Of these, over 370 were in the 21-50 age bracket, the demographic most likely to be exposed to sunlight due to occupational factors. The 51-70 age group followed closely with 289 cases, while there were over 40 cases among those aged 70 and above and 106 cases among children below 10. Despite these figures, health experts anticipate a higher incidence rate this summer. As of now, only two sunstroke-related deaths have been confirmed by the health department. We confirm sunstroke deaths only after getting the postmortem reports. We are awaiting the reports of a few suspected incidents, a DHS official said. The department has initiated an elaborate data collection drive for heat-related health problems for May, after the confirmation of the heatwave. The reported cases could be low among the elderly because they mostly manage sunburn at home by applying oil. But it is a fact that they also get exposure, she added. According to her, the number of daily heat-related problems reported in hospitals has been below 20 in May. Experts emphasise the importance of robust data collection to understand the full scope of heat-related health issues and advocate for policy adjustments, especially concerning occupational exposure during the summer months. It is true that awareness has helped reduce exposure. Still, suppose more working-age group people are affected. In that case, the government needs to think seriously about framing work policies to suit the summer period, said Dr Purushothaman Kuzhikkathukandiyil, professor of paediatrics at MES Medical College Hospital, Malappuram. Heatwave alert for 3 districts today Despite rains in isolated pockets, the IMD has placed Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha and Kozhikode on heatwave alert for Thursday. The prediction is based on a major deviation in peak temperatures recorded in these districts. TPuram reported a record high of 37.3 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, surpassing the 36.7C reported in 2020. As per the forecast, hot conditions will prevail across the state till Friday

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Kerala airports witness passenger fury over last-minute AI Express flight cancellations

Kerala airports witness passenger fury over last-minute AI Express flight cancellations Protests by irate passengers were witnessed at all airports in Kerala on Wednesday against the last minute cancellation of their Air India Express flights. Passengers, mostly travelling to the Gulf nations, claimed that they were informed about the flight cancellations after they completed their security check and were waiting to board the flight. While Air India Express has offered a full refund or complimentary rescheduling to another date, passengers are not happy with that. Many of them claimed that they could lose their jobs if they do not reach their place of work today, while some others' work visas are about to expire. One woman, who was to travel from Kannur to Sharjah with twin babies and her husband, said she has to rejoin work on May 9, but Air India Express was offering her a flight from Kochi only on May 10. ''What would be the point in me travelling on May 10? If I do not reach there before May 9, my boss will say not to come and I will lose my job,'' she told media. Similar concerns were aired by many others who have to rejoin their places of work in the Gulf nations today or tomorrow and failure to do so could result in them losing their jobs. The woman also said that she had been waiting at the airport since Tuesday night, when her flight was scheduled to leave for Sharjah, but no accommodation or other facilities were provided to them by the airline. Another woman, who had booked tickets on Air India Express to meet her husband who is hospitalised in Muscat, said that she was told about the cancellation only when she reached the Kannur airport in the morning. One man who had to travel urgently to Sharjah on Tuesday night from Kannur, did not wait to cancel the ticket and instead quickly bought a ticket on Indigo for Rs 37,000. ''There is a fight going on at the ticket counter. So, I quickly bought a ticket on Indigo for Rs 37,000,'' he said. Similar scenes of irate passengers, some travelling with small children, were seen at Kochi, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram airports in the state. Air India Express has cancelled ''scores of flights'' due to a shortage of cabin crew members as a section of them are reporting sick to protest against alleged mismanagement at the Tata Group-owned airline, according to sources. Discontent has been brewing among a section of the cabin crew at the low-cost carrier for some time now, especially after the start of the process of merger of AIX Connect, formerly AirAsia India, with itself. The sources on Wednesday said several cabin crew members started reporting sick since Monday evening and as there are not enough cabin crew members, ''scores of flights'' have been cancelled at various airports, including Kochi, Calicut and Kannur. Later the airline, in a statement, said, ''A section of our cabin crew has reported sick at the last minute, starting last night, resulting in flight delays and cancellations. ''While we are engaging with the crew to understand the reasons behind these occurrences, our teams are actively addressing this issue to minimise any inconvenience caused to our guests as a result.'' The airline, in its statement, sincerely apologised to passengers for this unexpected disruption and emphasised that this situation does not reflect the standard of service it strives to provide.

Kerala airports witness passenger outrage over AI Express' last-minute flight cancellations

Kerala airports witness passenger outrage over AI Express' last-minute flight cancellations Protests by irate passengers were witnessed at all airports in Kerala on Wednesday against the last minute cancellation of their Air India Express flights. Passengers, mostly travelling to the Gulf nations, claimed that they were informed about the flight cancellations after they completed their security check and were waiting to board the flight. While Air India Express has offered a full refund or complimentary rescheduling to another date, passengers are not happy with that. Many of them claimed that they could lose their jobs if they do not reach their place of work today, while some others' work visas are about to expire. One woman, who was to travel from Kannur to Sharjah with twin babies and her husband, said she has to rejoin work on May 9, but Air India Express was offering her a flight from Kochi only on May 10. ''What would be the point in me travelling on May 10? If I do not reach there before May 9, my boss will say not to come and I will lose my job,'' she told media. Similar concerns were aired by many others who have to rejoin their places of work in the Gulf nations today or tomorrow and failure to do so could result in them losing their jobs. The woman also said that she had been waiting at the airport since Tuesday night, when her flight was scheduled to leave for Sharjah, but no accommodation or other facilities were provided to them by the airline. Another woman, who had booked tickets on Air India Express to meet her husband who is hospitalised in Muscat, said that she was told about the cancellation only when she reached the Kannur airport in the morning. One man who had to travel urgently to Sharjah on Tuesday night from Kannur, did not wait to cancel the ticket and instead quickly bought a ticket on Indigo for Rs 37,000. ''There is a fight going on at the ticket counter. So, I quickly bought a ticket on Indigo for Rs 37,000,'' he said. Similar scenes of irate passengers, some travelling with small children, were seen at Kochi, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram airports in the state. Air India Express has cancelled ''scores of flights'' due to a shortage of cabin crew members as a section of them are reporting sick to protest against alleged mismanagement at the Tata Group-owned airline, according to sources. Discontent has been brewing among a section of the cabin crew at the low-cost carrier for some time now, especially after the start of the process of merger of AIX Connect, formerly AirAsia India, with itself. The sources on Wednesday said several cabin crew members started reporting sick since Monday evening and as there are not enough cabin crew members, ''scores of flights'' have been cancelled at various airports, including Kochi, Calicut and Kannur. Later the airline, in a statement, said, ''A section of our cabin crew has reported sick at the last minute, starting last night, resulting in flight delays and cancellations. ''While we are engaging with the crew to understand the reasons behind these occurrences, our teams are actively addressing this issue to minimise any inconvenience caused to our guests as a result.'' The airline, in its statement, sincerely apologised to passengers for this unexpected disruption and emphasised that this situation does not reflect the standard of service it strives to provide.

Off the cuss

KOCHI: In todays fast-paced digital world, Generation Z is shaking things up like never before. They are the ones making memes go viral, starting online movements, and challenging traditional norms. And while they are at it, there are also reshaping how language is used, particularly by making cuss words appear cool and casual. One of the most interesting words in the English language today is the word f*&k. It is one magical word: just by its sound it can describe pain, pleasure, hate and love...., Osho once famously said. The classic video is all-time hit on social media. Many among todays youth would swear by the logic. There are, in fact, some who replace f*&k with local favourite m@*ru. Cuss words, once considered taboo, are now as common as saying hello. But why? Whats behind this linguistic shift? Here, TNIE examines Gen Zs enduring love affair with swearing to gauge if its a natural evolution in language, whether there are psychological factors at play, and what experts have to say about this cultural trend. Sign of changing times Right off the bat, Mini S Menon, a freelance journalist and English language trainer, says that the prevalent usage of cuss words today is anything but language evolution, but instead a sign of the changing times, of changing priorities and social equations. People are more frustrated now theres too much happening around them, a tsunami of information. Theres a yearning to become all that todays media exposes one to. But people are still stuck in their everyday realities. I think this usage of cuss words is a direct consequence of that frustration, says Mini. Earlier, she used to make her children wash their mouths with soap and water every time they used cuss words. But today, even adults are using cuss words. They have been normalised to a large extent, says Mini. I dont think many are aware of the significance of the words they use. Now, its more about fitting in. Its more emotion than anything else. So, I dont think its an indication of language evolution. Covid effect Indeed, for most people, cuss words are just exclamation marks or interjections. Arun B Nair, professor of psychiatry at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College, points out that the trend settled in during the Covid period, when people, regardless of age, were exposed to a plethora of online content. Western movies and series popular among youth feature conversations where cuss words are used multiple times in one sentence. These words are seen as stylish and entrench themselves in popular culture. Adults are also influenced by this and take a softer approach towards children using it, Arun says. This, he says, is not ideal in every setting. According to him, practical life skills education is very vital in schools to help students discern between informal and formal settings. Starting this education early is important, Arun reasons, as it can help young people become emotionally stable, socially adept, and flexible in their communication. As regular expressions However, the frequent use of cuss words has robbed each of its shock value. Its also interesting to explore the evolution of cuss words, Kochi-based psychologist Shibili Suhanah says. Certain words started as insults. Today, they are regular expressions of aggression, surprise, or even love. A word that has taken a peculiar tangent in the word slut. Today, it is used nonchalantly among friends. Neuroscientific studies show that swearing arouses emotions and activates our limbic system. Cuss words command more attention and evoke emotions, thus making people pay closer attention, explains Shibili. Sumy Joy Oliapuram, a professor of Malayalam at Maharajas College, concurs. Unlike earlier times, these words are not taken as seriously anymore. I dont believe these words should be (or can be) obliterated from our vocabulary. They express strong emotions. In some cases, using cuss words can act as a pressure-cooker valve, he says. A coloured past Cuss words, like any word, have a history. In most cases, they are derived from upper-class attitudes towards commoners and women and are even sexually coloured. However, the new generation, unaware of this history, may not understand the words obscure meanings. Also, linguistics suggests there is no point in searching for roots when words have evolved and taken on new meanings, Sumy points out. Indeed, cuss words now portray a myriad of emotions. So much so that it has become challenging to discern the exact emotion behind such expressions, says Muhammed Sahal Cev, a psychologist from Kozhikode. This is validated by Muhammed Nazeeb, a student from Thrissur, who says, Among close friends, we often use cuss words as slang. They dont carry actual meaning or intent. However, when interacting with others, the context changes. A peculiar fad So, are cuss words a fad? Shibu K, who heads the Department of psychology at Christ Nagar College, Thiruvananthapuram, certainly thinks so. This trend stems from a psychological need for attention and peer group acceptance. Its seen as a way to assert strength within the group and align with an ideal self-image dictated by their generation, says Shibu. According to him, external factors such as parental quality, family dynamics, and institutional influence are toothless in quelling this trend. However, not all are okay with the prevalence of cuss words. The world is indeed more open-minded now. But thats not an excuse for swearing. Even if its used casually, if someone has a problem with it, its still a problem, says Ashly Mariam Punnoose, a student from the University of Kerala. Not cool Indeed, regardless of these words casual intent, most have distasteful and derogatory origins, especially to women or queer people. Using such language can harm careers and personal lives. Respect is crucial in any relationship, adds Ashly. While Gen Z might think cuss words are cool, the legal system thinks differently. Keep it clean or you might find yourself in hot water, says Krishnaveni M, a lawyer in Thiruvananthapuram District Court. If obscene words are used in public to insult or annoy, legal action as per IPC Section 294(b) can be taken against the perpetrator, attracting a punishment with imprisonment up to 3 months or with a fine, or both, she says. The interesting aspect of the said offence is that it is categorised along with major crimes like robbery, murder, rape, etc. In that sense, it is a non-compoundable offence. It cannot be settled or compromised between the parties outside of court and requires a full trial for justice, Krishnaveni says. It must be kept in mind that, as held by the Supreme Court in a 2022 judgment, mere abusive, humiliating, or defamatory words by itself cannot attract an offence. There must be further proof to establish that it was to the annoyance of others. Peace out As Gen Z embraces a newfound freedom of speech, lets not forget the age-old advice: choose your words wisely. After all, in a world where everything can go viral, the language we use today could shape the conversations of tomorrow. Peace out! RAW & GENUINE Writer S Hareesh, in an earlier interview with TNIE, said cuss words are a sign of openness. It is a natural way of talking, particularly among friends. Such words can even carry a sense of humour and affection. I view swearing as a raw and genuine expression of local dialect, he said.

Rain likely across Kerala till May 12, says IMD

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a slight relief from the sweltering heat, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted widespread rainfall in the state till May 12. It will be scattered to fairly widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) over the state during the period. They have also predicted isolated heavy rainfall on May 8 and 11. According to the IMD, the maximum temperature in Palakkad can go up to 39 degrees Celsius in the coming days while the temperature in Alappuzha, Thrissur, and Kozhikode can go up to 38 degrees Celsius. Despite the overnight rains, the average day temperature increased slightly across the state. Kasaragod received up to 9 cm rainfall on Tuesday. It was appreciably above normal in Alappuzha, Kozhikode and Palakkad, above normal in Malappuram, Kottayam, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur and it remained normal elsewhere over the state. Palakkad recorded the highest maximum temperature of 39.4 degrees Celsius. There was a warm night alert for Alappuzha and Kozhikode on Tuesday. Satheesan seeks compensation for heat wave victims Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan has sent a letter to the chief minister urging him to provide compensation to family members of those who lost their lives to the heat wave. He also demanded that a special package be announced for farmers. In the letter, Satheesan said the heat wave condition should be treated as a natural disaster so that family members get compensation. He said the severe conditions have left the farming sector in doldrums. It is for the first time in the history that Kerala too has been included in the heat wave category by the met department. Over the past several weeks, several people have died in the state due to heat wave conditions, said Satheesan.

Kerala braces for the worst drought in 40 years

KOCHI: Standing in the midst of wilted cardamom plants, M L Roy, a farmer at Kalthotty in Idukki district is unable to hold his emotions. This is the worst summer in my memory. Around 90% of my cardamom plants have wilted and I will have to replant the entire farm. It will take three years for the cardamom to give yield. I tried my best to protect the plants by bringing water in pickup trucks to irrigate the crop, But all my efforts failed. The drought has turned me into a construction worker, he said. A prolonged dry spell, parched farmlands, dried-up rivers and wilted crops. Kerala is grappling with the worst drought conditions in 40 years. The water level in reservoirs has depleted to worrying levels and villages in north Kerala have been hit by worsening water scarcity. There was no rain in the districts north of Thrissur for the past four months. The Kerala Water Authority has been forced to stop pumping in many areas in Palakkad and Malappuram districts due to the drying up of water sources. The depletion of groundwater resources has added to the woes of farmers as both open wells and borewells have dried up. Farmers in Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Wayanad, Thrissur, and Kozhikode are staring at a bleak future as the crops started wilting due to the non-availability of water for irrigation. Crops in thousands of acres of farmland including plantain, paddy, cardamom, pepper, vegetables, coffee and cocoa have wilted under the scorching summer heat. Kerala: Climate change reality gets heatwave check A meeting convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on May 3 assessed the drought situation and decided to initiate steps to ensure the distribution of drinking water in drought-hit areas. Agriculture Minister P Prasad has issued an order to form expert committees at the block level to assess the situation. The panel members have been directed to visit drought-hit areas and submit a report by May 9. The government is planning to approach the Centre with the data demanding to declare the state as drought-hit. Keralas first official heatwave scorches Palakkad We have allocated Rs 12 lakh to each panchayat during the past two months to ensure distribution of drinking water in drought-hit areas . If the fund is inadequate they can approach the district collector for more funds. The situation in Palakkad is worse as water sources have dried up in many areas. Though we considered releasing water from the Malampuzha dam, the storage is low and the water may not reach Ottappalam. We are relying on summer rains to tide over the crisis, said Local Self Government Department Minister M B Rajesh. The paddy farmers have not been able to launch cultivation of the second crop as there is no water available for irrigation. The storage in Malampuzha dam is low. So the collector said they cant release water for irrigation. Plantains, rubber, coconut, arecanut and vegetable plants have died up as the open wells and borewells have dried up. The dairy farmers are desperate as the milk output has decreased drastically and cows are dying due to heat stress. We are planning to hold a protest in front of district collectors office on May 8 demanding to delcare the district as drought-hit, said National Farmer Protection Council leader Pandiode Prabhakaran. According to Cardamom Growers Association president Antony Mathew, cardamom production will decrease by 60% in the coming months as around 75% of the plants have wilted due to the scorching summer. The temperature has risen to 33 degrees Celsius in Idukki which is the highest in history. The situation is worse than in 1983 when the district faced a drought situation. The ideal climate for cardamom is 22 - 25 degrees Celsius, but the temperature has risen by more than 10 degrees Celsius which has led to wilting of the plants. Even if it rains now, it will not help the farmers as we have to replant the farmlands, he said. The farmers are in debt and despair as most of them have availed of agriculture loans. Small-scale farmers are forced to work as daily wage labourers to sustain their lives. Idukki has been hit by a farm disaster as the wilting of cardamom will have a long-standing impact on farmers. The lackadaisical approach of the KSEB has aggravated the crisis. Most of the farmers have installed motor pumps for irrigation, but low- voltage problem has made it impossible to operate them. Exploiting the situation some agents of step-up devices are luring farmers to buy their products, said Reji Njallani, a cardamom farmer in Idukki. Pineapple farmers in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Kollam districts have been badly hit by the drought. The production has decreased by 50% and the size of the fruit has reduced due to adverse climate. We have suffered around 40% loss due to the drought. Plants are wilting and the fruits are small which reduces its quality, said Pineapple Farmers Association president James George. The scarcity of drinking water has affected Ottapalam, Chittoor and Shoranur areas in Palakkad district as pumping from Bharathapuzha has been affected. According to Kerala Water Authority, the situation will aggravate if summer rains are delayed beyond May 15. The KWA is relying on release of water from Aliyar Dam as the storage in the Malampuzha dam is low. In Malappuram also pumping stations had to be shut down due to depleting water resources. The KWA is facing difficulty in pumping operation due to low-voltage problems. North Kerala is facing a drought situation as there has been no rain since February. The water levels in Chaliyar and Bharathapuzha are low which has affected drinking water projects. The storage in reservoirs is also low which has affected agricultural activities. The depletion of groundwater level has led to water scarcity in interior areas, said Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWDRM) senior scientist C P Priju. KSEB dams 3,542.13 MCM - Max storage total 1,111.69 MCM(32%) - Effective storage 4,140.25 MU - Max capacity Water to generate 1,316.77 MU power Kerala rains 2023-24 3,000 mm - Annual rainfall (Longtime average) 2,025.6 mm - Rainfall in 2023-24 Irrigation dams 1,528.33 MCM - Max capacity 457.48 MCM - Storage on May 7 Water woes The Kerala Water Authority has been forced to stop pumping in many areas in Palakkad and Malappuram districts due to drying up of water sources. Crops in thousands of acres of farmland including plantain, paddy, cardamom, pepper, vegetables, coffee and cocoa have wilted under the scorching summer heat. Increasing groundwater stress a concern Though Kerala has been boasting about its abundant water resources, the harsh summer has pushed the state into a water crisis. Central Ground Water Board regional director Mini Chandran said the state has been facing water stress during summer. Erratic monsoon, rapid urbanisation, deforestation, changes in land use patterns, pollution of water bodies and climate change have contributed to water stress. We have collected water level from across the state in April, which is under analysis. The data reflects variations in water levels, she said. A wilted cardamom plantation at Nedumkandam in Idukki | Shiyami Groundwater data 2023 5,527.28 MCM - Annual ground water recharge 5,005.27 MCM - Annual extractable groundwater resource 2,730.47MCM - Gross ground water extraction 54.55 % - Average extraction No. of assessment units Critical assessment units: Chittoor, Malampuzha and Kasaragod (Extraction level 90% to 100%) Semi critical: 30 units Stage of extraction: 70-90% Safe category: 119 units Stage of extraction less than 70% Depth to water level in Kerala Lowest: Ernakulam (0.16 metre below ground level) Deepest: Thiruvananthapuram: 51.7 m below ground level. The average depth of groundwater: 10 metres below ground level (85%) No overexploited and saline assessment units in Kerala Three blocks have deteriorated to semi-critical in 2023 Kozhikode, Sasthamcotta and Varkala

Alathiyur Hanuman Temple introduces digital offering

The temple is administered by a trust under the Malabar Devaswom Board with the Zamorin of Kozhikode as the Chief Trustee. Union Bank of India zonal head Renu K. Nair inaugurated the digital offering system using the QR code developed by the National Payments Corporation of India