Aneeshs suicide: BLO was under pressure from CPM, alleges Congress
KANNUR: The Congress has alleged that booth-level officer (BLO) Aneesh George, who died by suicide on Sunday, was pressured by the CPM. Releasing audio of a phone conversation between the BLO and Congress worker and booth-level agent (BLA) Vyshakh at a news conference here on Monday, DCC president Martin George said that BLAs deputed by political parties are supposed to accompany BLOs to help identify households. However, instead of sending the BLA, CPM deputed its branch secretary Chandran to accompany the BLO. On the second day, Chandran was replaced by a DYFI leader. On the third, Aneesh reportedly called Vyshakh and told him not to accompany him as there were problems. Martin said the CPM put pressure on the BLO not to take the Congress BLA along with him on house visits. But the CPM dismissed the allegation. Party local secretary T Thamban termed it politically motivated. Opposition leader in Kerala alleges CPM role in Payyannur BLO suicide case Meanwhile, rejecting the Kannur district collectors claim that Aneesh had not been subjected to any work-related pressure, his family members and those close to him said that pressure was mounting on the BLO. According to them, Aneesh had been visibly stressed in the days leading up to his death, struggling with the responsibilities assigned to him as part of the electoral list revision work. T Vijayan, the CPM candidate from Ettukudukka and a close acquaintance of Aneeshs family, shared how the latters parents had described the mounting stress he was under in the days before his death. According to them, Aneesh would often stay awake late into the night, sometimes even until 1am, overwhelmed by the stress of his BLO duties and frequently walking back and forth. Seeing him struggle, his parents would sit with him and try to comfort him, unaware that the pressure he faced was far heavier than he let on. Vijayan said Aneesh was unfamiliar with the area he was assigned to and felt he lacked the confidence needed to handle the responsibilities of BLO, leaving him increasingly distressed. Those who knew Aneesh described him as someone who kept to himself and had limited interaction with people outside his daily routine. He would go from home to school and church, rarely spending time with neighbours or the wider community. Because of this, he was not well acquainted with residents in the booth area assigned to him. This lack of familiarity added to his stress, as he struggled to carry out his duties as BLO in a place where he barely knew the people. Shyju, a relative, said Aneesh had become fully absorbed in his booth-level duties, leaving him with little to no time to spend with his family. He only wanted to complete the duty. In a statement released on November 16, the district collector noted that Aneesh had been making good progress with his form distribution work. He had distributed 825 of the 1,065 forms, with 240 pending. On the morning of the incident, around 8.45am, the BLO supervisor called Aneesh to ask if he needed any help with the remaining forms. Aneesh replied that he would complete the work on his own, the collector said.
Trendy parodies in vogue, rap trumps conventional music
KOCHI: Ward number 10 aane Safiya Haris sthanaarthee! The catchy line set to the tune of the hit film Lokah has become one of the most viral election parody songs ahead of the local body polls. And Safiya Haris, contesting from ward 10 of Othukkungal panchayat in Malappuram, has gained wide attention, as candidates increasingly use such songs to strike a chord with voters. Besides, parody artists and social media influencers known for their musical content are now busy creating catchy tunes and lyrics to promote candidates who approach them. Around 35 to 40% of voters in most wards are youngsters, and many of them apolitical, disinterested, or unaware of whats happening. Election parodies styled after hit movie songs, rap, and new-gen compositions grab their attention quickly, and most candidates or parties now use them to connect with this group. Also, familiar tunes and catchy rhythms leave an impact on almost everyone, said Malappuram resident Akshay T, an independent artist and co-owner of Leh Studioz, who creates election parody songs. The demand this time for election parodies and original campaign songs has been unusually high, he pointed out. Earlier, this trend was mostly popular among Congress and IUML candidates, especially within Malappuram. But this year, we have received at least 10 pre-bookings from candidates of various political parties across districts outside Malappuram a sharp rise from the usual two or three in previous years, said Akshay, whose studio created official election parodies for Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, as well as rap songs for Shafi Parambil and E T Mohammed Basheer in the last Lok Sabha polls. An independent artist from Kannur said the spotlight has shifted from conventional film music. Rap styles inspired by artists like Vedan and Fejo, along with fully original compositions tailored exclusively for each candidate, are in vogue now, he said. Aflahul Ameen, popularly known as Aflu Song Killer and famed for his mock creations in the Mappilappattu style, is also active in composing election parodies. Explaining the process, he said: For parody requests, we adapt the lyrics to fit popular tunes, often suggested by the candidate or their parties. The same goes for rap versions. For original compositions, we create fresh tunes and craft lyrics highlighting the candidates name, promises, achievements, and sometimes even the shortcomings of rivals in a humorous or satirical tone. A Youth Congress state office-bearer said election parody songs are receiving far more traction than expected this election season. Unlike posters and banners, these songs reach voters instantly and help build familiarity with candidates. Most voters are young or music lovers, so they connect quickly, he said. While all parties now use such trends, the Congress and the IUML are using them more effectively.
BLO given tearful farewell in Kannur
Car Gets Stuck Between 2 Sections Of Under-Construction Bridge In Kerala
A Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire got stuck between two sections of an under-construction bridge and was left hanging mid-air in Kerala's Kannur district on Sunday after its driver entered the flyover while drunk.
Congress, BJP allege CPI(M) threat led to BLO Aneesh Georges death
Kannur District Congress Committee (DCC) president releases audio clip to back the claim.
121 nominations filed in Kannur for local body polls on day 1
Opposition leader in Kerala alleges CPM role in Payyannur BLO suicide case
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, V.D. Satheesan has alleged that CPM had a 'role' in the suicide of booth-level officer Aneesh George in Payyannur. He said the CPM leaders threatened the BLO for taking the Congress BLA along for SIR-related activities. He added that the pressure of this threat and the stress due to workload pushed the officer to end his life. He demanded a serious and convincing investigation by the government and said that the Election Commission should study the issue with greater seriousness. He said BLOs across the State have been reporting heavy workload. Most of them are women who struggle to complete the assigned tasks. They must visit each house three times, and each booth has between 700 and 1500 voters. He alleged that both the BJP and CPM are trying to misuse the SIR system to prevent UDF-supported votes from being added. According to him, the BJP implements SIR with malicious intent, and CPM carries out the same intent in another manner in Kerala. He said the UDF will resist such attempts and will challenge any disruption of honest poll procedures both politically and legally. BLO dies by suicide in Kannur; family blames pressure from SIR work The opposition leader said the BJP has witnessed two suicides and one suicide attempt recently. He said the suicide notes refer to financial dealings involving BJP leaders. He also asserted that senior BJP leader M S Kumar has raised grave allegations against the party leadership, and veteran leaders too have made serious charges against the new leadership. He alleged that CPM is trying to establish links with the BJP in Thiruvananthapuram at a time when the party is embroiled in allegations and financial dealings. He said two former CPM leaders, who were a block panchayat president and a Deshabhimani bureau chief, have made serious allegations against Kadakampally Surendran. Senior leaders who left the party have alleged that the former minister is a BJP agent. He said CPM has fielded a person who used to be in RSS as the LDF candidate in Pangode ward. Kerala SIR: ECI receives first filled-out enumeration form from tribal voter He alleged CPM has stepped in to help BJP in Thiruvananthapuram as the party weakens. He described this as the latest example of what he called the BJP-CPM illicit nexus. He also alleged that in Thrissur, the Chief Minister asked ADGP M R Ajith Kumar to hold talks with RSS leader Hosabale to help the BJP win, which also affected the Pooram. On Vyshna Suresh's issue, he said she is a voter in the ward where she is contesting. Her name was removed from the voter list due to an incorrect house number. He said she produced clear evidence during the hearing and is not a bogus voter. He alleged that the complainant has multiple votes and that both CPM and BJP are trying to tamper with the voter list. He warned that the Election Commission must not support what he described as a vile attempt to remove her name in anticipation of her candidature. He pressed that the commission must make her eligible to vote.
IUML leader P.K. Kunhalikutty alleges unholy haste by ECI in conducting SIR in Kerala
IUML raises various issues, including death of Kannur booth level officer allegedly due to work pressure, as reasons for seeking a halt to SIR in Supreme Court
Kannur BLOs death linked to work pressure, claims panchayat president
Kankol-Alappadamba panchayat president M.V. Sunil Kumar says Aneesh George was under extreme pressure adding that he repeatedly told superiors he was unable to cope with the responsibilities assigned
BLO ends life in Kerala; SIR-related stress blamed
PTI | Kannur (Kerala) A school employee, who was working as a Booth Level Officer (BLO) as part of the upcoming local body elections, was found hanging in his house in this north Kerala district on Sunday, police said. Local people and his family members alleged that Aneesh George (44) took the extreme step due []
SIR claims a life in Kerala? 44-year-old BLO dies by suicide, family alleges...
A 44-year-old Booth Level Officer (BLO) in Kerala's Kannur district was found dead at his home, allegedly due to mental pressure from Special Intensive Revision (SIR) duties.
Kerala's electoral roll revision faces a boycott by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) on Monday following the death of one in Kannur, allegedly due to intense work pressure. Trade unions claim unrealistic targets for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and upcoming local body polls are pushing BLOs to the brink. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the BLO's death.
BLO's Suicide in Kannur Triggers Huge Protest in Kerala
Who took the extreme step because of alleged huge work pressure on Sunday
Kannur BLO Commits Suicide Amid SIR-Related Work Stress
Local people and his family members alleged that Aneesh George (44) took the extreme step due to work pressure in connection with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls.
Extend deadline for Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls: CPI State secretary Binoy Viswam
He was reacting to the alleged suicide of a booth-level officer, Aneesh George, in Kannur
Case of unnatural death registered after booth-level officer found dead in Kannur
Chief Electoral Officer seeks report from District Collector on the incident
No ballot buzz in Mattannur, where polls come two years late
KANNUR: Even as the announcement of local body elections brought political buzz and excitement across the state, with other municipalities gearing up for campaigns, banners, and strategies, Mattannur stood quietly apart. The municipality will have to wait until 2027 for its turn as its administrative committee still has nearly two years left in its current term. Mattannur panchayat was established in 1962 through the merger of the Pazhassi, Kolari, and Porora villages. The region was elevated to a municipality in 1991 by the E K Nayanar-led LDF government. However, after the UDF came to power the same year, the status was reverted to a panchayat. The LDF later approached the High Court, which reinstated Mattannur as a municipality in 1992. Despite this, the municipality did not function for several years due to a shortage of staff and was administered by a special officer. Regular municipal elections were eventually conducted in 1997, and since then, Mattannurs elections have been held on a different schedule from other local self-government bodies. Though the Mattannur municipal election is still far away, political activities among party workers are gaining momentum. To stay active and contribute to the campaign efforts, party members from Mattannur are being assigned responsibilities in neighbouring panchayats for the upcoming local body elections. This move ensures that political engagement continues, though their own municipality wont be going to the polls anytime soon. Mattannur municipal chairperson N Shajith said, I have personally decided to review all pending files and plan new developmental projects for the municipality. Meanwhile, party workers from all political backgrounds will be assigned duties from their party in nearby panchayats and wards to assist with election-related activities. The municipality currently has a 35-member administrative committee, with the LDF holding 21 wards, the UDF 13, and the NDA 1. The present LDF-led council, headed by chairperson Shajith and deputy chairperson O Preetha, marks the sixth administrative committee since the formation of the municipality.
Palathayi child rape case: BJP leader K Padmarajan gets life term till death
KANNUR: In a major verdict in the Palathai rape case, the ThalasseryProtection of Children Sexual Offences (POCSO) Fast Track Special Court on Saturday sentenced teacher and BJP leader K. Padmarajan to life imprisonment till death. The court found him guilty under multiple sections of the POCSO Act and the Indian Penal Code on November 14. Padmarajan was ordered to undergo 40 years of rigorous imprisonment under two POCSO sections, along with life imprisonment till death under the IPC. In addition to the jail term, the court directed him to pay a fine of Rs. 2 lakhs. The Thalassery POCSO court found the accused guilty after the trial that began in February 2024. He was charged under the POCSO Act, and IPC 376 AB has been charged against the accused. According to the prosecution, Padmarajan, who worked as a teacher, repeatedly abused the child in January 2020 after taking her to the school bathroom. In building the case, the prosecution presented the testimony of 40 witnesses, including the survivor, and submitted 77 documents along with 14 material pieces of evidence. The case also stirred political controversy, as the investigation team was changed five times and the interim charge sheet initially did not include charges under the POCSO Act. Child Line was the first to receive information that a ten-year-old girl was raped in the school toilet. The Panoor police registered a case on March 17, 2020, based on a complaint filed by the child's mother.. Former BJP leader K Padmarajan found guilty in Panoor Palathayi POCSO Case
Bihar boosts BJPs morale in Kerala
KOCHI: With less than one month to go for the local body elections, the NDAs landslide victory in the Bihar assembly polls has come as a morale booster for the BJP rank and file in Kerala. The obliteration of the Congress has not only drained the confidence of its leaders but has also created an impression that the opposition is crumbling. In the Kerala context, the increasing trend of consolidation of Hindu votes and alienation of Christian votes are posing threat to Congress, and according to political observers, the Bihar results will further weaken its image. Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited Kerala in August, had set a target for the state leadership to raise the partys vote share to 25% in the local body polls. After achieving the 20% target in 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the national leadership has told the new state unit to consolidate its position as the third alternative. In the past week, many local CPM, CPI and Congress leaders have joined BJP, an indication of its growing influence. Though politicians term the defections as desperate moves for seats, BJP believes this will help shed the untouchable tag that has been posing hurdles in its growth. The political killings in Kannur started with CPM leaders joining the RSS in the 1960s. After that, CPM leaders were afraid to switch loyalty. Now, local leaders of the CPM are joining the BJP without fear. This indicates the changing role of the BJP in Kerala politics, BJP leader and journalist K V S Haridas told TNIE. The BJP also expects a Hindu vote consolidation in its favour in southern districts in the backdrop of the Sabarimala gold theft case. The arrest of former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president N Vasu and charges against CPM leaders, including ex-TDB president A Padmakumar, may work in its favour. The Bihar elections have wiped out the dynasty politics followed by Congress and RJD. This will serve as an eye opener to parties like SP, DMK and TMC, said BJP state vice-president K S Radhakrishnan. The result endorses the development politics of Narendra Modi. Naturally, refelctions of Bihar elections will have an impact in Kerala. The allegations against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls have failed to influence voters. BJP will make significant gains in local body polls and will grow as a formidable force after the 2026 assembly polls, he said. Political commentator A Jayashankar observed that though the Bihar results will provide an advantage to the BJP, the ultimate beneficiary will be the LDF. The result has drained the morale of the Congress and demolished Rahul Gandhis leadership. In Kerala, Congress stand in the Munambam issue, Palluruthy hijab issue, and its decision to cooperate with Jamaat-e-Islami have earned the wrath of the Christian community. The eroding support from the Christian and Nair communities will weaken the Congress. The ultimate gainer will by the LDF and this will pave the way for a third Pinarayi government, he said.
Woman under treatment at Kannur MCH found dead
Kerala HC suggests state move Supreme Court against ECs Special Revision drive
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Thursday suggested that it would be appropriate for the state government to approach the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission of Indias decision to conduct the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Kerala. During the hearing of the petition filed by the state government, Justice V G Arun said it would be better to approach the Supreme Court, as several other states have also filed Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) against the SIR. The court will pass an order on Friday on the states petition seeking deferment of the SIR until the local body elections are over. Advocate General K Gopalakrishna Kurup argued that the state has not questioned the validity of the Election Commissions SIR and that the writ petition is confined solely to seeking its deferment within the state until the local body elections are concluded. The state government contended that conducting the SIR simultaneously with the local body elections would hinder their smooth conduct. The general elections to the LSGIs are a massive exercise requiring the deployment of 1,76,000 personnel from government and quasi-government services for election-related duties, along with an additional 68,000 police and other security personnel for election-related security duties. The state pointed out that elections to the LSGIs in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam have been scheduled for December 9, while those in Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod are scheduled for December 11. The election notification will be issued on November 14. The last date for filing nominations is November 21, scrutiny will be on November 22, and withdrawals will be allowed until November 24. Counting will be held on December 13, and the last date for completing the election process is December 18. The guidelines show that the SIR involves a comprehensive and cumbersome procedure. The state would face an administrative deadlock if it conducted the LSGI elections and the SIR simultaneously, the Advocate General submitted. Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, counsel for the Election Commission of India, submitted that the SIR exercise was announced as early as October 27. BLOs were appointed and trained, and the SIR began on November 4. By now, 55 percent of the enumeration work has been completed, and the entire process is to be concluded within one month, ending on December 4. This exercise involves only obtaining the electors signature. The enumeration forms are pre-filled with the Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers, addresses, and other details. These forms are taken door to door by BLOs and agents of political parties, who obtain electors signatures before uploading the completed forms. More than half the exercise has already been completed, and the process is underway. The state should have approached the Supreme Court, Dwivedi submitted, adding that any intervention at this point by the High Court would interrupt the process mid-way.
e-Health project rolled out in 1,001 medical institutions in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health department has achieved a milestone by bringing 1,001 medical institutions under the e-Health project. This includes 19 medical college institutions, 33 district/general hospitals, 87 taluk hospitals, 77 community health centres, 554 family health centres, 99 urban family health centres, 15 specialty hospitals, 3 public health laboratories, and 114 other health facilities. So far, over 2.63 crore people have obtained permanent UHID registrations through e-Health. More than 6.73 crore people have sought medical care using temporary registration, and 16.85 lakh patients have been admitted through the e-Health system. Digital technology has been effectively implemented in the health sector, with recent initiatives including digital payment options, online OP ticketing, the MeHealth app, and Scan and Book facilities, said Health Minister Veena George. Through e-Health, patients can now book OP tickets in advance. The system also allows patients who need follow-up treatment to take advance tokens directly from the hospital. Advance tokens can be booked via the e-Health portal or the MeHealth app, significantly reducing waiting times. e-Health project district-wise TPuram: 150 Kollam: 61 PThitta: 37 Alappuzha: 65 Kottayam: 57 Idukki: 32 Ernakulam: 100 Thrissur: 99 Palakkad: 68 Malappuram: 106 Kozhikode: 89 Wayanad: 37 Kannur: 62 Kasaragod: 38
Kerala local body polls: NDA announces 42 candidates for Kannur Corporation
Kerala local body polls: CPI(M) announces new line-up for Kannur district panchayat polls
CPI(M) demands VACB probe into corruption in Kannur Corporation
Kodi Sunis mother approaches Kerala HC, seeking his transfer to Kannur prison
LDF finalises seat allocation for Kannur district panchayat polls
KSRTC deploys over 20 additional services to Bengaluru amid private bus strike
KOCHI: Hundreds of inter-state luxury private buses operating between Kerala and neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka stayed off the road as bus operators started an indefinite strike on Monday evening, citing tax and fine harassment by officials there. To lessen commuters woes, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation started operating additional services from Monday night. We have deployed over 20 additional services to Bengaluru alone from various depots, chiefly in the northern parts of the state like Kozhikode and Kannur. The buses are running full. We are planning to run 45 to 50 additional services on Tuesday, based on demand, said a senior KSRTC official in charge of the operations. According to him, the Karnataka RTC and the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation too have started deploying additional services. The KSRTC will deploy more buses based on the booking requirements. The Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat is also starting regular services from Tuesday, the official pointed out. The services will be fully stopped from Tuesday. The bus belonging to our association secretary was seized by the Karnataka authorities on Monday and levied a fine of nearly Rs 1.65 lakh. So we are having concern in operating the services unless the issue is discussed and resolved at the government level,said A J Rijas, president of Luxury Bus Owners Association, Kerala Chapter. The bus operators in Tamil Nadu, who first launched a strike alleging illegal tax and fine levying by the Kerala authorities, decided to continue their strike after talks with the Tamil Nadu Transport Minister failed, Rijas added.
Malappuram clinches hat-trick win in Kerala school science fest
Malappuram secures 1,548 points to claim the championship for the third consecutive year. Though Palakkad and Kannur record 1,487 points each, Palakkad takes second place on the basis of 17 first prizes it won and Kannur third.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Elections to local self-government bodies in Kerala will be conducted in two phases on December 9 and 11, State Election Commissioner A. Shajahan announced at a press conference on Monday. With the announcement, the model code of conduct has come into effect. Nomination papers can be filed until November 21, with scrutiny scheduled for November 22 and withdrawals allowed until November 24. Polling will be held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki, Ernakulam, and Kottayam districts on December 9, while Thrissur, Palakkad, Wayanad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod will vote on December 11. A total of 23,576 wards across 1,199 local bodies will go to the polls. Votes will be counted on December 13, and the entire election process will conclude by December 18.
Anusree, now a CPI(M) district committee member, is being positioned as the likely district panchayat vice-president if the Left front retains the council. The party is banking on new faces to strengthen its hold on the Kannur district panchayat
After Kuttanad, govt to expand water safari to Kannur, Kollam
KOCHI: Forget the laid-back backwater cruises, Keralas inland waters are about to get a booster shot of culture, tradition, and tourism. Following the announcement of the highly ambitious Kuttanad Safari, inspired by the desert safaris in West Asia, the state water transport department (SWTD) is set to replicate this culturally immersive tourism model in both Kannur and Kollam. The goal is to augment the tourist appeal by tailoring the safari experience to the unique traditions and waterways of the northern and southern regions. The initiative is set to redefine how visitors experience Kerala, diving deep into local art, authentic cuisine, and hidden histories. Well soon launch the Kuttanad Safari, which was conceived by the transport minister. This ambitious model, centered around Alappuzhas stunning Pathiramanal Island, is now slated for immediate replication in Parassinikadavu [Kannur] and Kollam to create a truly statewide water-adventure circuit, SWTD director Shaji V Nair told TNIE . The northern safari will course through the Valapattanam River, from Parassinikadavu. The draw here is theyyam, the sacred folk art of Malabar, turning a luxury cruise into a cultural pilgrimage. Visitors will be treated to this ritual art form, capitalising on the many temples in the Parassinikadavu region, the official explained. On Tuesday, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar launched construction work of an eco-friendly amphitheatre on Pathiramanal Island. In the south, the experience will be anchored around Munroe Island, leveraging its serene backwaters and intricate canals to offer a tranquil, yet deeply authentic rural experience. Munroe is a cluster of eight islands at the confluence of the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River. On Tuesday, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar launched construction work of an eco-friendly amphitheatre on Pathiramanal Island which will serve as the key staging post of the Kuttanad Safari. The theatre will be constructed in one-and-a-half months, following which we will launch the Kuttanad Safari. Its inspired by the desert safaris in the Gulf. There, they make use of the desert, here we use our lakes and backwaters. There, they use Land Cruisers, here we use our boats. With strong backing from the KSRTC budget tourism cell which will shuttle tourists to the safari from across the state Kerala is gearing up to firmly position these unique backwater spots on the world tourism map, the minister said. Investment in heritage The Kuttanad Safari pilot promises a full-day engrossing experience. Visitors will board in the morning, savouring an authentic local breakfast before heading to Pathiramanal. Here, the true magic happens: Forgotten cultural treasures like the ancient musical storytelling of villadichan pattu, live demonstrations of traditional coir-making, and intricate coconut-leaf weaving will take centre stage. The initiative will also support local artists and traders, making every ticket a direct investment in the regions heritage. The island will be declared a plastic-free zone, CCTV cameras will be installed to ensure the safety of visitors. Were also planning to start another boat service to facilitate site-seeing of tourists staying at resorts nearby that dont have their own boats. The tickets can be booked online, and the vessel will pick up visitors from the nearest jetty, the minister said.
Kannan continues to make areca palm lice combs in Kannur, keeps alive legacy of timeless charm
KANNUR: Sitting in his small shed near the old bus stand in Kannur, 56-year-old Kannan, a craftsman from Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu, has been making traditional areca palm lice combs for more than three decades. Day after day, he carefully shapes each comb by hand, continuing a craft that has almost vanished with time. Despite modern trends and the rise of factory-made alternatives, his humble workshop still draws the attention of passersby who stop to admire and buy his handmade creations, keeping his age-old craft alive in the heart of the city. He came to Kannur with his father 36 years ago. It was from him that I learnt the art of making traditional combs. Using areca palm, he would craft each lice comb carefully, a process that takes around 15 minutes. Machines cannot achieve the perfection that handmade combs have, as true precision comes only through skilled hands and careful craftsmanship, Kannan told TNIE . The small shed stands as a symbol of his unwavering dedication, even as other shops around him have grown into larger establishments. From his modest workspace made of tarpaulin sheets, without doors or any modern setup, he continues to craft combs by hand, holding on to the same simplicity and passion that have defined his work for decades. His days are unpredictable. Some days, every comb he makes finds a buyer, while on others, only two or three are sold. Yet he continues to carry forward the legacy his father passed down to him. Kannan lives in a small rented room near the Kannur market and travels to Kanyakumari, where his wife and two children live, occasionally. Kannan recalled that there was a time when several small sheds around his produced combs, creating a lively scene of craftsmen at work. But after the Covid pandemic, almost everyone returned to Kanyakumari, leaving him as one of the few still practising the craft in Kannur. The biggest challenge now is the lack of a younger generation taking up the tradition, as most of the skilled artisans have grown old. And the art is slowly fading away, he said. In the past, Kannan used to make a wide variety of combs, but with the arrival of fibre and plastic alternatives, demand for the traditional ones has sharply declined. However, handmade lice combs continue to have steady demand, as many still prefer their quality and craftsmanship, he pointed out. Kannan lives in a small rented room near the Kannur market and travels to Kanyakumari, where his wife and two children live, occasionally.
LSGD identifies new sites for regional sanitary waste incineration facilities in Kerala
The proposed plants, each capable of processing 20 tonnes of waste per day, will be established in Kottarakara in Kollam, Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam, Kuttippuram in Malappuram and Kadannappalli in Kannur.
High-level panel gives nod for rural infrastructure works worth Rs 1,441 crore across Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A high-level committee chaired by the chief secretary on Saturday granted in-principle approval for various infrastructure development projects amounting to Rs 1,441.24 crore under NABARDs Rural Infrastructure Development Fund Tranche 31. The projects were recommended considering the normative allocation of Rs 550 crore under the tranche. Projects worth Rs 159.64 crore were approved for the forest department, including the construction of Rapid Response Units, forest station complexes, and infrastructure development for forest offices. Under the electricity department, Rs 199.70 crore has been sanctioned for installing 5,689 solar pumps for beneficiaries of the agriculture department. The water resources department has received a recommendation of Rs 176.42 crore for irrigation projects, mainly focusing on the renovation of canals under the Pazhassi and Karapuzha irrigation schemes. The Kerala Land Development Corporation was allotted Rs 261 crore for six projects, including the renovation and development of ponds in Thrissur, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Malappuram districts. Under the social justice department, Rs 73 crore was allocated for the construction of a 250-bed rehabilitation hospital and an academic block at the National Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The agriculture department has approved projects worth Rs 176.14 crore, including the establishment of 26 Smart Krishi Bhavans across 12 districts, infrastructure development in various paddy fields of Alappuzha district, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation activities in Kannur district. For the department of coastal shipping and inland navigation, Rs 217 crore was allocated for the construction of boat jetties at Mayyil and Mullakodi, along with six bridges across the TS Canal. The Kerala State Warehousing Corporation was allotted Rs 44.92 crore for modern warehouses and godowns, while the Kerala Agro Machinery Corporation has been sanctioned Rs 36.45 crore for infrastructure development related to the production of Vajra 120 power tillers. The local self-government department was allocated Rs 165 crore for projects under the Comprehensive Municipal Liquid Waste Management and Road Restoration project.
Lapses alleged in use of SC development fund in Kannur Corporation
Entries invited for short film contest at Kannur University
SC order: Kerala faces tough task to shelter lakhs of stray dogs
KOCHI: The Supreme Court order directing states to remove stray dogs from public places and rehabilitate them in shelters after conducting sterilisation and vaccination in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules has landed the state government in a tight spot. At a time when Kerala is preparing for the local body elections, it will be a Herculean task for the government to implement the order within the stipulated time. The state has to file a compliance report before the apex court after eight weeks, on January 13, 2026. We will hold discussions with the department of local self-government (LSGD) on implementing the order. It is difficult to find space to open shelters for stray dogs in all districts, Minister for Animal Husbandry J Chinchurani told TNIE. Kerala being a densely populated state, there is stiff resistance from the public against establishing ABC centres, she said. We have decided to open ABC centres in the districts of Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kannur this year. Recently, I went to Ochira in Kollam to lay the foundation stone for an ABC centre, where we had to deploy police because of protests. In Kannur, we have established a centre, spending `1 crore, but the local residents are demanding to shift it, the minister said. The state has 19 ABC centres functioning under the animal husbandry department. According to officials, 15,767 stray dogs were sterilised and 88,744 dogs vaccinated in 2024-25. In the current financial year, 9,737 strays have been sterilised and 53,401 vaccinated, till September 30. As per the 2019 livestock census, there were 2.89 lakh strays in Kerala and the results of the 2024 census are yet to be released. Stray dog case: Supreme Court directs authorities to move stray canines to designated shelters Despite the ABC drive, the stray dog population is estimated to have increased 30 to 40% after 2019. We opened a portable ABC centre at Nedumangad in Thiruvananthapuram district on October 29 and plans are afoot to open such centres in all 152 block panchayats. The government has set aside Rs 2 crore to establish ABC centres in all districts and the block panchayats have also arranged funds for the same. One portable ABC centre with air-conditioned operation theatre requires Rs 28 lakh. Kennels will be arranged at such centres, where the dogs will be kept under observation for five days after sterilisation. We had submitted a report regarding the plan before the Supreme Court, the Chinchurani said. The state has reported around 2.25 lakh dog-bite cases and 17 deaths during the first eight months of 2025. A rise in deaths due to rabies had spread panic in the state recently. The SC order has brought cheer to activists who have been demanding the culling of stray dogs. However, animal rights activists said the order is against existing rules. Activist Jose Maveli, who was reprimanded by the Supreme Court for announcing a reward to people who kill strays, said the order is a huge relief. As many as 21 cases have been registered against me at various police stations across the state for fighting to ensure the protection of the common man from dogs. I was made to tender an apology before the SC for raising my voice. The SC order will ensure the safety of the common man on the streets, he said. However, State Animal Welfare Board member M N Jayachandran said the SC order will send a wrong message. If you shift 10 dogs from the street to a shelter, another pack of dogs will arrive at the locality within a month. The real problem is improper disposal of slaughter waste, he said.
Kannur Corporation denies graft charge, says STP yet to get clearance
Kannur University senate members flag data-fraud risk in exam registration process
Silence Alive: A cultural exploration through final farewells
Micheal Gleich has been on a quest to understand the denouement of human existence. The nuances of final farewells always intrigued him. Fascinated by the existentialism behind it and the numerous ways of bidding adieu, the Berlin-based journalist sought to explore how different cultures viewed life and death. Silence Alive: The Global Culture of Farewell, a photo exhibition currently on display at the Museum Park captures this exploration in a visual journey. Coordinated by Goethe-Zentrum, Thiruvananthapuram, the exhibition showcases Micheals frames from countries such as Malaysia, the UK, South Africa, Lebanon, Tunisia, Rwanda, France, Austria, Germany, and Kerala in India. The lingering silence is a common factor in almost all cultures. Even in those where there needs to be a showcasing of sound. Yet, the core of the rituals brings alive several emotions of traditions, of love and respect, of the relations shared with the elements, and finally, the question of existence, explains Micheal. Cemeteries are also places of silence and loving remembrances, and oases of verdant quiet amidst the bustling sounds of urban life. Micheal says that his background as a journalist helped him travel across the globe, during which he could find time to delve deeper into the subject. There are remnants of the relationship humans once shared with the elements before conflicts began changing indigenous cultures, he adds. For example, the cremation of bodies or offering them to fire. While it is common in places like India and Nepal, whereas in the Middle East, it is taboo. In Europe, cremation is still prevalent and nowadays, the process is more sought-after, as an urn of ashes takes up lesser space when compared to the space needed for burial. Micheal also reveals his deep interest in Indian funeral traditions. I visited Kannur, where I found the rituals to be deeply connected to water. A similar feature I have found in almost all cultures. There is a deep connection between death rituals and water. Another Indian destination he is keen to study is Varanasi, where death finds a final, celebrated space at Manikarnika Ghat. He also plans to visit South America to expand his research. And this research, Micheal says, is not about camera technique, expertise, or the equipment. Eyes should observe and the heart should see. I click that way, he smiles. The exhibition, inaugurated by filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan on November 5, will conclude on Saturday. Entry is free.
Vloggers throng sacred groves for Theyyam shoots, prompt photography ban
KANNUR: As theyyam season has returned to the sacred groves (kavu) of north Malabar, the clash between ancient ritual and modern media has reached a flashpoint. Vloggers and social media influencers are swarming the courtyards to capture reels and videos, prompting the temple administrations to restrict photography and videography inside the thirumuttam the most sacred ritual space. This years season began on October 27, and was marked by an untoward incident at a Kuthuparamba kavu where overcrowding led to a scuffle. The explosion of Theyyam videos on social media and the rise of special tour packages offered by travel agencies have brought in large groups of visitors, worsening the crowding in smaller kavus. Temple administrations say the restrictions were inevitable. Many vloggers, they claim, encroach upon the ritual area to shoot, posing serious safety risks -- particularly during performances involving fire. Several kavus have now begun including videography restrictions in their festival notices. Earlier, devotees and theyyam enthusiasts came to the groves with devotion and a love for the art. They followed every tradition and respected the sanctity of the place. But times have changed its now the age of Kantara, said theyyam enthusiast and theyyam calendar maker Prabhakaran Kovoor, referring to the influence of films that romanticised folk rituals. After such films, vloggers started visiting the sacred groves to shoot videos and post them on social media with mass movie songs. These reels get millions of views, which attracts even more vloggers, creating chaos, he added. Theyyam artists demand safer rituals as calls grow to reform dangerous traditions in Malabar A vlogger shooting Kandanar Kelan theyyam According to Prabhakaran, the problem is not limited to local influencers. Many travel agencies have started bringing foreign tourists to witness theyyam, but their guides often have no understanding of the rituals. They charge H3500 per head in theyyam package for the local tourists. For foreigners might go way higher. The guides associated with these agencies casually lead foreigners into the thirumuttam, and some even step into the ritual space to take record. A complete ban could hurt theyyams global reach, but there must be restrictions, he said. Certain theyyams like the Kandanar Kelan involve dangerous acts of fire and require large open spaces. When vloggers encroach upon the thirumuttam area we will not have enough space to perform. We have to put severe physical effort before each theyyam performance. Sometimes we cant even pass urine for hours due to heavy costumes. While performing with fire, we are taking extra risk. If we do not get enough space to perform it would lead to accidents, says theyyam artist Shanu Peruvannan. Traditional theyyam photographers, who have long documented the art for research and preservation, are also upset. Since we understand the sanctity of these groves, we maintain distance and take photos without disturbing the performance. But these new-age vloggers barge even into the makeup rooms to get exclusive visuals. This trend has to stop, said Priyesh M B, a theyyam photographer. However, not everyone supports a total ban. Santhosh Vengara, a travel agent who has brought foreign tourists to theyyam festivals for over two decades, believes the art form must remain accessible. Theyyam is a magnificent art that deserves global attention. Instead of banning photography outright, temple administrations should regulate it. They can issue passes to a fixed number of photographers and allocate specific areas for filming. This would help preserve order while generating revenue for the kavus and the artists, he suggested.
First wife must be heard for registration of Muslim mans second marriage, says Kerala HC
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has held that the first wife of a Muslim man should be heard before registering his second marriage in accordance with theKerala Registration of Marriages (Common) Rules 2008. Justice P V Kunhikrishnan said the first wife cannot be a silent spectator to the registration of her husbands second marriage, though the Muslim Personal Law permits men a second marriage in certain situations. He said if a Muslimman wants to register his second marriage under the Kerala Registration of Marriages (Common) Rules 2008, when his first marriage is in existence and the first wife is alive, the woman should be given an opportunity of hearing. The court said in such situations,religion is secondary and constitutional rights are supreme. Let the Muslim women also get an opportunity of hearing when theirhusbands remarry, at least at the stage of registering thesecond marriage, said the court. Refer parties to court if 1st wife raises objection The HC observed that 99.99% of Muslim women will be against their husbands second marriage when their relationship is in existence. They may not disclose the same to society, it said. The court issued the order on a petition filed by Muhammad Shareef of Kannur and his second wife, challenging the decision of the Thrikkaripur grama panchayat secretary to not register the marriage between them. According to the petitioners, they are Indian citizens and followers of the Muslim customary law. As per the Muslim Personal Law, a man is entitled to have four wives at a time. Therefore, the registrar is bound to register the second marriage, in accordance with thelaw. The second marriage happened with the consent of the first wife, stated the petition. The court declined to accept the plea to register the second marriage as the mans first wife was not a party in the proceedings before the High Court. I dont think the Holy Quran or the Muslim Law permits an extramaritalrelationship with another woman when his first wife is alive and his first marriage with her is in existence, and that also, without the knowledge of his first wife, the single judge said. The Holy Quran is silent about the consent of the first wife forthe second marriage of a Muslim man when the earlier marriage isin existence. However, it does not prohibit the option of obtaining consent from the first wife, or at least informing her before hemarries again, the court said. Equality in gender is a constitutional right of everycitizen. Men are not superior to women. Gender equality is not a womens issue, but a human issue, said the court. It pointed out that a Muslimman cannot march over his first wife for registering his second marriage in accordance with the Kerala Registration of Marriages (Common) Rules 2008, without giving notice the first wife, when her maritalrelationship with him is in existence. However, if thesecond marriage occurs after pronouncing talaq to the firstwife, there is no question of giving notice to the first wife. Ifthe first wife objects to the registration of the second marriage of her husband, alleging that the second marriage is invalid, theregistrar shall not register the second marriage, and the parties should be referred to the competent court to establish the validityof the second marriage as per their religious customary law, the court said.
Striking a chord: B'luru designer duo reinvents Indian matchbox art
A chubby cherub flies around with sparklers in his hands as Baby Youre My Firework in retro typography floats above, one of Raja Ravi Vermas muses holds a sliced watermelon declaring Make Art Not War, and a saree clad woman confidently rides a motorbike as the accompanying text reads Bullet Rani. These are all miniature pieces of art painted in bold colours and drawn in a style thats familiar. While todays matchboxes may stick to a few standard designs with the brand prominently displayed, a few decades ago, matchboxes had a huge range of art and messaging adorning them. Designers Kevin Thomas and Sonal Nagwani are trying to revive this art form through their quirky and collectible matchboxes. We realised matchbox art was fading compared to its heyday in the 1900s when people used to collect and make them for all kinds of reasons the alphabet ones (with A for Apple, B for Ball, etc) were used to teach children, tuberculosis awareness was spread through them, and religious drawings were kept in pooja rooms at home. They were also used as advertising for soaps, oils, beedis, even handloom promotions, explains Thomas, adding that as a utility item, they reached every home, democratising art. Kevin Thomas and Sonal Nagwani Maachis, the project Thomas and Nagwani started after quitting their startup jobs, seeks not only to preserve this art form but revitalise it by making it relevant to todays youngsters. We wanted to bring in nostalgia and turn their attention to something meaningful, says Thomas. He explains their process, saying, We go through the archives of collectors that we know and find designs that can connect with something in the present. For example, the swathantra matchbox is a vintage one about the freedom movement. We reinvented that design to Happy Pride for Pride Month. We also try to find things that have local relevance like the Anti Nazar matchbox based on the belief in the evil eye. Their designs feature a mix of phrases from pop-culture (Baby Youre My Firework and Patakha Guddi referencing songs, one about making a wish at 11:11, etc), and more socially aware designs like one based on the story of Nangeli, a woman from Kerala who cut off her breasts to oppose the tax levied on lower caste women covering their breasts. We try to keep a balance of fun designs, forgotten history, and political ones. We dont want a harsh tone but play with satire. Thats how the factory-made matchboxes of the past were too; you would see a lot of funny, nationalism-driven or protest-oriented imagery along with artistic designs, he notes. The boxes are not made of cardboard but of wood, intended as reusable collectibles. Having started the project last year, Thomas and Nagwani had a low-key presence until a reel gained attention on Instagram, now the video has over one million views and the account has nearly 55,000 followers. We were doubtful about whether people would connect with our art. But when it [the video] started getting attention, we gained a community that could support us. It opened many doors for collaborations. There are many matchbox collectors with huge collections of 20,000 to 50,000 matchboxes, but they are mostly on Facebook groups and arent able to go beyond that circle. We wanted to open that world up, says Thomas. Since then, theyve collaborated with indie artistes like Peter Cat Recording Co. for matchboxes based on them and local visual artists. Weve also expanded into enamel hand-painted artwork collaborating with Surabhi, an artist from Kannur. Enamel painting itself is a fading art form, so it felt meaningful to revive and support it alongside matchbox art, adds Thomas.
SIR of voters list begins in Kannur; writer T. Padmanabhan fills first enumeration form
BENGALURU: In a heart-rending incident, a domestic help allegedly killed her employers four-year-old shih tzu in a cruel manner after getting frustrated with its barking. She reportedly slammed the dog against the lift door and later strangled it, in an apartment on Kannur Road in Bagalur police station limits last Friday. The accused Pushpalatha (29), a native of Tamil Nadu, resides in the same apartment building. According to police, Pushpalatha had been working at complainant Rashikas house for more than three months. On Friday afternoon, while returning after walking two dogs, both shih tzus, she allegedly smashed a pet named Goosi against the lift floor. She then dragged the dogs body to the house and claimed it had died in a road accident. Rashika grew suspicious and checked the apartments CCTV footage, and found the video showing Pushpalatha killing the dog. Based on the video, she filed a complaint. A case was registered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Section 325 (Mischief by killing or maiming an animal) of the BNS. Police said Pushpalatha was taken into custody on Sunday, during which she confessed that she acted out of frustration over the dogs continuous barking and that the dog wouldnt move even after she pulled several times, which angered her. Meanwhile, Rashika lodged a complaint against Pushpalatha for allegedly stealing gold jewellery from her house. After the dogs death, Rashika checked her wardrobe and found a gold chain, a diamond ring and a gold ring missing, Suspecting Pushpalatha, she registered a separate theft case, police said.
Early local body push by Congress to regain lost ground in elections
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a strategic move ahead of the crucial assembly election, the state Congress has done the unthinkable - announcing a 47-member candidate list for the Thiruvananthapuram corporation while finalising the names for the remaining five corporations and other local bodies. Both the CPM and BJP are yet to release their candidates list, making Congress the first to make a decisive start in the local body election preparation. In a surprise decision, the party has fielded former MLA and KPCC general secretary K S Sabarinathan, as the mayor candidate in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation. The leadership has projected this as a model to be followed in other corporations. In Kochi corporation, KPCC general secretary Deepti Mary Varghese will contest, while in Thrissur corporation KPCC secretary John Daniel is on the list. These decisions are the outcome of the brainstorming session held in Wayanad under the banner Mission-2025, a KPCC office-bearer said. For the first time, the party has entrusted six seniors with the charge of corporations - Opposition leader V D Satheesan (Ernakulam) three former KPCC presidents - Ramesh Chennithala (Kozhikode), K Muraleedharan (Thiruvananthapuram), K Sudhakaran (Kannur), working president P C Vishnunath (Kollam) and AICC secretary Roji M John (Thrissur). The 2020 local body election results were disastrous for the party as we lost five corporations except Kannur. In Ernakulam and Thrissur, we lost power because of rebels. Having lost two consecutive assembly elections, this local body election is a do or die battle for Congress, said a senior leader. According to party sources, the current blueprint was proposed by AICC general secretary K C Venugopal during the Mission 2025 session in Wayanad. Venugopal reportedly advised the state leadership to field former MLAs and senior leaders in the local body elections. Apart from Sabarinathans name, he also suggested that former minister V S Sivakumar contest in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, said a leader who attended the meeting. The party has given top priority to strengthening its base in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, where it currently has only eight councillors. If we fail to perform well here, it will have a direct impact in the southern districts in the assembly election, said a senior office-bearer. To prevent the emergence of rebel candidates, the leadership has directed the district Congress presidents and KPCC leaders not to propose any names other than those recommended by ward committees.
Man, stabbed by relative, succumbs to injuries at Kelakam in Kannur
Three-month-old baby found dead in well in Keralas Kannur; case registered
Three Karnataka pharmacy students drowned to death in Kannur
KASARAGOD: Three pharmacy students from Karnataka who were on a leisure trip to Kannur drowned near Payyambalam beach on Sunday. The deceased are Afnan Ahmed, 26, from Hole Narsipur in Hassan district, Mohammed Rehanuddin, 26, from Bidar, and Mohammed Afroz, 25, from Hiriyur in Chitradurga district. They were among eight DPharm students from Al Ameen Pharmacy College in Bengaluru, who were in the state for the weekend. The students first went to Wayanad, and reached Kannur on Saturday night where they stayed in a resort at Payyambalam. Around 11am on Sunday, they decided to venture into the sea. Sources in the police said the trio entered the sea first, and the rest followed. One of the deceased did not swim and started drowning. The other two rushed to help him but were swept away. The remaining five raised an alarm, following which fishermen in the area and lifeguards on the beach rushed to rescue them. Afnan and Rehanuddin were pulled out of the sea and rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors declared them dead. Personnel from the Kannur fire station rushed to the beach and recovered the body of Afroz after a two-hour search.
Covid death relief only for 500 docs kin: RTI
NEW DELHI: Only 500 families of doctors who succumbed to COVID-19 during the first and second waves have been compensated by the government so far, latest RTI data has revealed. Though the union government has always maintained that they dont have data on the total number of doctors who died during the pandemic, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has put the number at nearly 1,600. According to the RTI, the government has paid compensation to 500 families of doctors so far. The latest figure of families of doctors who have been compensated so far comes in the backdrop of the Supreme Courts order of October 28, which observed that Society will not forgive us if we dont take care of our doctors and dont stand for them. The apex court was considering a plea that raised the issue of the eligibility of private doctors under the governments insurance scheme, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP), announced on March 30, 2020. The SC, which heard the matter after nearly two years, underlined the need to support doctors who put themselves on the line during the COVID-19 pandemic, even if they were working in private hospitals, and lost their lives during the pandemic. According to Dr KV Babu, who has been pursuing the issue since 2022, although the government does not have data on the number of doctors who are beneficiaries of the insurance scheme, a rough estimate indicates only 500 doctors families have received compensation so far. As per the scheme, insurance coverage of `50 lakh would be provided to healthcare providers, including community and private health workers, who succumbed to COVID-19. In his RTI, filed on September 22, Dr Babu had asked for the total number of beneficiaries under the scheme who died of COVID-19 and the amount disbursed to them from March 30, 2020, to date; the total number of doctors who are the beneficiaries and the amount disbursed to them till now and state-wise data from Delhi and Kerala. To the RTI queries from the Kannur-based ophthalmologist, The New India Assurance Company Ltd., which is disbursing the compensation, stated that the total number of claims settled by them for all health workers under the scheme is 2,294. Total amount disbursed is `1147 crores up to 11 June 2024. We were directed by the Ministry to hand over all the pending original PMGKP claim documents to the concerned department of the Ministry. Accordingly, we have handed all original files to them on 12th June 2024. They will handle all the pending as well as future claims. Hence, data is not available as on date, said the insurance company.
Three Pharma students from Karnataka drown in Kannur
Multi-level parking facility opened in Kannur
Aviation growth story piggybacking on foreign travel: AAI report
NEW DELHI: The growing desire for international travel continues to fuel Indias aviation growth story. According to the latest data released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the first half of the current financial year, foreign travel has surged by nearly 7% compared to the same period last year. The Air Traffic Report, made public on Wednesday, shows that 3.95 crore passengers travelled abroad from India between April and September 2025, up from 3.69 crore during the same period in 2024. Overall passenger traffic grew by 2.6%, with 20.21 crore people flying in the six-month period this year compared to 19.69 crore last year. Domestic air travel recorded a modest 1.6% increase, with 16.25 crore passengers this year versus 15.99 crore in the previous fiscal period. The total Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) arrivals plus departures rose by 2.8%, reaching 15.77 lakh in AprilSeptember 2025 compared to 15.35 lakh last year. Thanks to airlines regularly announcing new international routes, several relatively smaller airports such as Surat, Coimbatore, Guwahati, Jaipur, Varanasi, Mangaluru, Kannur, Bagdogra, Pune, Indore, and Udaipur have registered strong double-digit growth in international passenger traffic. Among them, Bagdogra and Coimbatore posted remarkable increases of 51% (13,492 flyers) and 50.5% (1,60,597 flyers), respectively, in AprilSeptember 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Among major airports, Bengaluru recorded an impressive 28.9% surge in international traffic, handling 34,58,308 passengers in the first half of the current financial year. Hyderabad showed substantial growth of 19%, while Mumbai registered a 5.6% increase. Delhi, however, saw a slight 0.5% decline. Domestic Travel Trends Sindhudurg Airport reported the highest growth in domestic passenger traffic, with an 84.1% increase and 21,936 flyers over the previous financial year. Other airports that recorded notable growth include Kishangarh (65.7%, 59,421 flyers), Darbhanga (64.3%, 3,86,174), Gorakhpur (57.5%, 5,62,596), Cuddapah (53.9%, 33,973), and Pithoragarh (56.5%, 8,215). Airports such as Tiruchirappalli (55.6%), Tirupati (42.9%), Jeypore (42.1%), Bilaspur (38.1%), Rajahmundry (33.7%), and Kurnool (22.9%) also posted impressive domestic growth figures. Among major airports, both Delhi and Mumbai reported negative growth in domestic travel. The closure of Terminal 2 at IGIA and changes in flight schedules significantly impacted Delhis numbers, which dropped by 5.8% to 2,64,91,445 passengers, compared to 2,81,07,645 last year. Mumbai saw a 0.8% dip, handling 1,91,02,987 passengers. Meanwhile, Hyderabad registered strong domestic growth of 11.3% with 1,26,64,800 flyers, while Chennai saw a 5.1% increase with 83,79,339 passengers.
Safety concerns over stadium in Kannur mount ahead of football league
The ground will serve as the home venue for Kannur Warriors FC, which will play its first Super League Kerala match here on November 7
State-wide crackdown nets 263 in cyber financial fraud cases
The Ernakulam Rural police recorded the highest number of arrests in the drive, nabbing 43 suspects. Malappuram came second with 30 arrests, followed by Kannur City and Kozhikode City
The protesters shouted slogans demanding the Ministers resignation, holding him responsible for the alleged gold theft in Sabarimala
The 2025 local body polls are being held for 23,576 wards, excluding 36 wards of the Mattannur municipality in Kannur, where elections are due only in 2027
Two multi-level parking centres to be opened in Kannur city on Nov. 1
The fully-automated parking centres were built at a cost of 12.4 crore under the AMRUT project
Congress high command issues stern warning to Kerala unit
NEW DELHI/TPURAM: Worried over the deepening factional feud within the Congress in Kerala, the partys central leadership has bluntly told the state leaders to mend their ways and project a united front before the people ahead of the crucial local body and assembly elections. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi held closed-door one-on-one meetings with state leaders, sources said. Incidentally, AICC general secretary (organization) K C Venugopal and general secretary in-charge of Kerala Deepa Dasmunshi did not attend the meetings, they said. A leader told TNIE that he has conveyed to the leadership that the open fights between top leaders are impacting the prospects of the party in the upcoming elections. Another leader said he discussed the disquiet in the party over the recent Youth Congress rejig. State party chief Sunny Joseph, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan, senior leader Ramesh Chennithala, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Kannur MP K Sudhakaran were among the leaders who were present. Sudhakaran told reporters after the meeting that a section of leaders is responsible for spoiling the atmosphere of unity in the party. When asked about Sudhakarans remarks, Kharge responded that everything cant be discussed with the media. Satheesan reportedly informed the leadership of his resentment in the delay in publishing the new list of KPCC secretaries. UDF convenor Adoor Prakash expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of consultation when the KPCC general secretary list was prepared. According to sources, the leadership is increasingly concerned over the divide within the state unit and conveyed that it could have serious consequences for the partys poll prospects. However, Kharge told reporters that there was no factionalism in Kerala and the party will return to power in the state. We are holding discussions with all leaders. Later, we will meet younger leaders. After collecting the feedback, we will process it and see what is to be done, he said. Dasmunshi said there are many points to be noted and discussed for the upcoming elections. I am happy that the high command has taken every small issue into consideration. It shows that they are so serious about Kerala, she said. There is no factionalism in the Congress in Kerala. Its all created by the media, the LDF and the BJP. All are unitedly standing for the Congress, she added.
Driver killed after truck plunges into gorge in Keralas Kannur
1 killed, 18 injured as tourist bus overturns on MC Road in Keralas Kottayam
The bus, travelling from Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur, overturned while negotiating a curve around 2 am. 49 people were onboard at the time
Isolated heavy showers to continue in Kerala; yellow alert for six districts on October 26
Yellow alert for Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Thrissur
Shift tribal students from unfit govt school to safe premises in Wayanad: Priyanka Gandhi
Wayanad(Kerala), Oct 23: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday urged Kerala Minister O R Kelu to shift the tribal students of an unfit government school in Wayanad to a safe institution within the district. The Congress MP asked Kelu, the state Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes, to reconsider the decision to relocate them to a school in the neighbouring district of Kannur. Priyanka, the MP from Wayanad constituency, claimed that the governments decision [] The post Shift tribal students from unfit govt school to safe premises in Wayanad: Priyanka Gandhi appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kerala rains: IMD withdraws red alert, puts 10 districts on orange alert
Yellow alert sounded for Kasaragod, Kannur, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday
Security breaches at womens hostels in Kerala call for safety audit
While a man allegedly sexually assaulted a techie woman at a hostel room in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, a youth was nabbed in Kannur for reportedly trespassing into a womens hostel at Thavakara in Kannur the next day
Local residents said water levels rose rapidly following hours of intense rainfall in upper catchment areas
Kerala braces for potential flooding, strong winds as North East Monsoon intensifies
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rains in North Kerala.It has put Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod under an orange alert
The accused has been identified as PP Rajesh, who represented the fourth ward in the Koothuparamba Municipality in Kannur district
Project to support children of incarcerated persons launched in Kannur
SPRUHA Plus targets children aged between eight and 18 years, offering holistic care through legal, emotional, and educational support
The Kerala Excise Department has announced a provisional shortlist for Civil Excise Officer Trainee positions in Kannur. Candidates who passed the Endurance Test can now check their names. Those listed will proceed to the Physical Measurement and Efficiency Test. Applicants should monitor the KPSC website for further details on the upcoming tests and final selection.
Initiate measures to restore mangroves in Kannur, HC tells govt. agencies
Initiate measures to restore mangroves in Kannur, HC tells govt. agencies
Kannur University faculty chosen for Inherit Fellowship
Two Migrant Workers Killed, One Injured in Lightning Strike in Kannur
The victims from Assam and Odisha were walking back to a quarry when lightning struck suddenly in Keralas Kannur district
Passenger injured in stone-pelting at train in Keralas Kannur
Passenger suffers hand injury when a stone struck him while he was seated by the window. The display screen of his mobile phone is also damaged
Tension at Peralassery in Keralas Kannur as bomb thrown at womans house linked to BJP office
The attack occurred ahead of scheduled inauguration of BJP office on Peralassery temple road on Wednesday
Young Theyyam artiste found dead in Kannur
Amoebic infection confirmed in three-year-old boy in Keralas Kannur
Lab analysis of cerebrospinal fluid samples confirms presence of amoeba species, raising concerns of amoebic meningoencephalitis. The childs condition is reported to be stable
Odisha native succumbs to burns from gas cylinder fire in Keralas Kannur
Four Odisha natives were injured in the fire incident
Man from Tamil Nadu gets new lease of life at Kozhikode MCH
Prashanth, 32, of Tirupathur met with a road accident in Kozhikode while travelling to Sabarimala from Kannur
Suresh Gopi hits back at critics of his Kalungu talks, defends remarks on democracy
Jayarajan brothers are upset and fears that C. Sadanandan will bring development to Kannur, says Suresh Gopi on M.V. Jayarajan and P. Jayarajans criticism against Mr. Sadanandan
Minister Suresh Gopi offers to step down, wants Sadanandan Master to replace him
Kannur: Union Minister Suresh Gopi on Sunday expressed his desire to step down from his ministerial post and recommended BJPs newly elected Rajya Sabha member C Sadanandan Master as his replacement in the central cabinet. Addressing party workers at a function here, which was also attended by Sadanandan, Gopi said the senior leaders nomination to Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
e-waste collection drive nets 97,678 kg across 93 urban local bodies in Kerala
92,743 kg e-waste and 4,935 kg was hazardous e-waste collected. Ernakulam tops in e-waste collection and Kannur in hazardous e-waste collection
IMD predicts heavy rains in Kerala, issues orange alert in 3 districts
The IMD issued an orange alert for Idukki, Kannur, and Kasaragod in Kerala on Saturday, predicting very heavy rains, while Pathanamthitta, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad received yellow alerts for heavy rain. Thunderstorms and gusty winds up to 40 kmph are expected due to a cyclonic circulation over the southeast Arabian Sea between October 1115.
Orange alert for three districts in Kerala after heavy rain alert
Orange alert for Idukki, Kannur and Kasaragod and yellow alert for Pathanamthitta, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad on October 11
CM to inaugurate new CPI(M) district office in Kannur on October 20
