Bose Krishnamachari Resigns From The Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF)
The foundation has initiated the process of identifying an eminent person to serve as President of Kochi-Muziris Biennale.
Bose Krishnamachari resigns from Kochi Biennale Foundation
Bose Krishnamachari has cited pressing family reasons for his resignation, says KBF chairperson. The artist-curator was president of Kochi-Muziris Biennale and member of Board of Trustees of KBF
Kochi to host 9th edition of International Spice Conference from Feb 23-26
he 4-day conference with the theme -- Spice 360 Getting Future Ready-- will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and innovators from across the world to deliberate on the future of the global spice industry
LDFsees Indira Canteen proposal as bid to undermineSamridhi@Kochi
Round table on Cosmos Malabaricus project in Kochi
Mayor unveils 50-day action plan for Kochi
UDF wins Kochi Corporation standing committee chairperson elections
Orion Innovation Expands Kochi Presence with New Facility and Launch of OI Envision Studio
Water crisis grips residents of Perumpadappu in Kochi
Filmmaker Cyril Abraham Dennis on his debut, Watusi Zombie!
The film explores the life of Grindset Gabriel, a performer in pre-pandemic Kochi
126 families living along the Konthuruthy river puramboke complain that neither the court nor the Corporation has heard their grievances. In an interim order on December 16, 2025, High Court directed eviction, while entrusting the Corporation and the Revenue department to implement rehabilitation measures within four months
Vehicle linked to Operation Numkhor: Kochi City police register case
Case registered based on a petition by Muhammed Yahya, 22, of Edappally who purchased a Toyota Land Cruiser from a Delhi-based agent for 14 lakh in 2024. On September 23, 2025, in simultaneous Statewide raids across 30 locations, including the residences of actors, the Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate, Kochi, seized 36 high-value second-hand cars suspected to have been smuggled in from Bhutan
Complaints are rife that the existing agency was charging more than the subsidised rate agreed upon by the previous council
Mayors remarks on Latin Catholic support spark political row in Kochi
Ms. Minimol clarifies that her statement expressing gratitude for the overall support she received had been twisted
Complaints raised over flaws in UPHC assignments in Kochi Corporation
SmartCity Kochi exit row between Kerala government and Dubai-based Tecom Investment drags on
While Tecom insists that any exit shall be treated under provisions of the Indo-UAE treaty, the State government has objected, arguing that the project falls under the Original Framework Agreement signed between the parties
The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, Old Goa A Sitaram Ayurveda Experience . Overlooking hundreds of acres of tranquil reserve forests, this first of its kind private sanctuary is entirely dedicated to wellness in collaboration with Sitaram Ayurvedas 104-year tradition backed by deep knowledge around the healing science of Ayurveda. In a world filled with constant noise and distraction, the property invites discerning guests to pause, listen inward, and reconnect with their own rhythm. Every stay here is an intimate journey of restoration, where authentic Ayurveda supports each guests unique path to better health and lifelong wellbeing. The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, Old Goa - A Sitaram Ayurveda Experience With The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, we have created a pioneering wellness sanctuary in India that offers a comprehensive experience to address unique lifestyle needs and concerns of each guest. The stays here start from minimum 7 nights and are all-inclusive healing journeys focused on providing highly personalised programmes for medical wellness, rather than a recreational leisure escape. In essence, the retreat seamlessly combines transformative experiential luxury with authentic Ayurveda for deep restoration, says Kapil Chopra, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Postcard Hotel. In an industry-first collaboration with Sitaram, our intimate retreat supports long-term health, balance and wellbeing by integrating their century-old healing legacy of Ayurveda with the calm of nature, thoughtful design, nourishing cuisine, and perceptive service offered by The Postcard Hotel, adds Chopra. Dr. Vignesh Devraj, MD (Ay), Founder and Chief Physician, Sitaram Retreats, adds, The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat represents a meaningful convergence of place, purpose, and healing. At its core, Ayurveda is about restoring balance and tapping into the bodys innate potential to heal. Our retreat harmonises these ancient principles with guided consultations, medical insights and personalised care at every step of the tailored wellness programmes. We offer guests a holistic path to recovery and renewal in the privacy of their own space, as they reconnect with themselves and cultivate a path to better health and balance. Surrounded by pristine forests in Old Goa, the retreat encourages quiet reflection. At the heart of this estate stands a magnificent 300-year-old banyan tree, that defines the sense of place and atmosphere of calm. With only six thoughtfully designed rooms, it offers ultimate privacy where healing unfolds at an unhurried pace. The sunlit rooms rest beneath a canopy of trees, each with a private balcony overlooking lush gardens and the valley beyond. The sense of stillness and seclusion of Old Goa has been the focal point of conceptualising The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat. Enveloped by forests and open to light, air, and nature the spaces have been intentionally designed to slow the senses, allowing guests the freedom to turn inward and experience healing at their own pace, adds Kapil Chopra . Transformative hospitality with an authentic Ayurveda experience Beyond its serene setting, the retreat offers a deeply immersive journey into authentic Ayurveda. Each stay starts with a personalised consultation with resident physicians, who then create a programme tailored to individual constitutions (doshas) and health needs. Attentive care and medical insight at every step offer each guest a curated path towards balance, wellbeing, and lasting renewal. This is not a conventional holiday, but a careful immersion into Ayurveda where every element of each day from treatments to diet to rest is carefully crafted. Each wellness journey ranges from 7 nights to 14 or 21 nights, and unfolds at a gentle pace to support deep healing and balance. Mornings begin with traditional Ayurvedic rituals, mindful nature walks, and soulful yoga sessions, setting a calm and grounded tone for the day ahead. Then guided one-on-one consultations with resident doctors, are followed by treatments that may include healing massages, cleansing therapies, meditations, and holistic wellness sessions. Restorative dining is an integral part of each guests healing journey, tailored to individual doshas and guided by Ayurvedas principle that food is medicine. Prepared in consultation with physicians all nourishing meals served at specific times of the day highlight fresh seasonal produce, and can be enjoyed in serene pavilions that open to the Mandovi River. The all-inclusive packages at The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat offer a comprehensive wellness experience. Recommended stays start from 7 nights at an inaugural price of INR 3,40,000 for single occupancy, and INR 4,50,000 for double occupancy. Guests can also opt for longer stays of 14 to 21 nights for more long-term recovery and deeper restoration. Prices are inclusive of taxes, cover airport transfers and all aspects of the stay including daily meals and beverages, prescribed treatments and medications during the stay, private doctor consultations, and yoga sessions. Rooted in the essence of Ayurveda, personalised stays at The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat are not only for those looking for treatments, but also guests who are seeking good health to strengthen immunity and restore long-term balance. About The Postcard Hotel Kapil Chopra, along with a team of seasoned luxury hoteliers including Akanksha Lamba, Anirudh Kandpal, and Raman Bansal, embarked on a visionary journey to create extraordinary experiences for discerning travellers. In December 2018, they unveiled The Postcard Hotel a brand driven by boldness and ambition, committed to redefining the rules and elevating the standards of experiential luxury. The Postcard Hotel is now opening 8 new hotels in the next 12 months making it the fastest growing uber luxury hotel brand in the world. Today, The Postcard Hotels growing collection spans India and beyond. In Goa, its four retreats Old Goa, Saligao, Cuelim, and Hideaway capture the regions charm, while The Postcard on the Arabian Sea offers sweeping oceanfront serenity. In Gujarat, The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary immerses guests in the land of the Asiatic Lion, and The Postcard Mandalay Hall in Kochi brings art and heritage together in an evocative setting. Further afield, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam, and The Postcard in the Himalayan Willows, Leh, offer uncharted adventures and tranquil escapes. Internationally, the brand extends its philosophy through The Postcard Dewa in Thimphu, Bhutan, and The Postcard Galle in Sri Lanka each a celebration of place, culture, and understated elegance. @thepostcardayurvedaretreat . About Sitaram Ayurveda Founded in 1921, in Kerala, India Sitaram Ayurveda began as Sitaram Anglo Ayurveda Pharmacy with a mission to provide education and accessible Ayurvedic healthcare to all. With the support of royal patrons, inspiration from the Punkunnam Sitaramaswamy Temple, and dedication of pioneering founders Sitaram became Indias first Ayurvedic joint-stock company, established in Thrissur. Over a century later, its legacy continues to be trusted across generations, guided by tradition, and renewed through science. With 104 years of tradition, Sitaram Ayurveda is a living, evolving ecosystem rooted in the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda from in-house Ayurvedic medicine manufacturing and a dedicated R&D team that continuously innovates, to experienced Ayurvedic doctors who guide every formulation. The companys name embodies Ayurvedic ideals: Sita referencing abundance/harvest, and Ram indicating rest and wellbeing.
No elections in Kochi Corporation Standing Committees as UDF secures majority in all eight panels
Election to the posts of standing committee chairpersons will be held on January 13
EPFO Kochi office holds session with industry leaders
Maiden Kochi Corporation council meeting witnesses heated political debate over PMAY-U project
Kochi Corporation formulates action plan to combat mosquito menace
KochiMuziris Biennale to host a comprehensive seminar and sculpture exhibition in Irinjalakuda, revisiting the philosophy, modernism, and vision of Malayalam writer Anand
Kerala plans plastic recycling industrial park in Kochi
Brahmapuram near Koch has been identified as a potential site for the plastic recycling industrial park
AQI levels moderate in Kochi, claims PCB
PCB officials in the district attribute the spike in AQI levels to temperature inversion
Bank in Kochi receives hoax bomb threat
The threat messages reportedly claimed that ammonium nitrate had been planted at multiple locations inside the bank
IRCTC launches special five-day Dubai tour package
Jaipur: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation has launched a special Dubai tour package to coincide with Republic Day celebrations this month, officials said on Sunday. The four-night, five-day package, priced at Rs 94,730 per person, will allow tourists from cities Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad and Kochi to travel to Dubai 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 .
Indian artists are increasingly using their work to reflect on ecological crises, climate anxiety, and the human impact on nature. At events like the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, RB Shajiths massive painting series Wiping Out evokes reverence for forests, highlighting environmental loss.
Stray dog attack exposes safety lapses at Kochi taluk hospital
The hospital has been without a compound wall for years after the previous one was demolished for proposed renovation works funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board
Kochi Mayor spreading falsehood regarding doorstep collection of biomedical waste, alleges LDF
The previous LDF council had never decided to charge 45 per kilogram for biomedical waste collection, says the LDF Parliamentary Party leader in the Corporation.
Over 3,000 drug cases registered in Kochi city limits in 2025
The rise in numbers reasserts the growing concern over drug use in the city, though increased police surveillance is cited as a reason for the figures going up
UDF mulls split terms for standing committee chiefs in Kochi Corporation
Elephant brought for temple fest collapses and dies in Kochi
The jumbo was not paraded after it showed some uneasiness
166 booked under KAAPA in Ernakulam in 2025
KAAPA was invoked against 58 people within the Kochi City police limits, while the Ernakulam Rural police used the law to rein in 108 alleged anti-social elements
KSRTC launches second double-decker bus in Munnar for sightseeing
Like the first bus, this bus too will operate on the Anayirankal route along the Munnar-Bodimettu stretch of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway. The new bus has 12 seats on the lower deck and 38 on the upper deck
Critically acclaimed Papa Buka to be screened in Kochi
It is an Indo-Papua New Guinea co-production directed by Biju Damodaran
Kerala rings in New Year on a high with record liquor sales of 125.64 crore
Among Bevco outlets, Kadavanthra outlet in Kochi topped the list with sales of 1.17 crore on New Years Eve
2026: What Kochi wants to sustain from the past year
Efficient public transport, child-friendly initiatives, and a vibrant environment for art and culture... this is what Kochi wants to take forward to 2026
KWML readying plans to extend Water Metro service to Thopumpady, Edakochi
Kochi Biennale painting gets backlash from Christian groups; artist defends work
Kochi: Noted artist Tom Vattakuzhy on Wednesday rejected allegations of distorting the depiction of Christs Last Supper in one of his paintings displayed at Kochi Biennale, a day after the Catholic Church had raised strong criticism against it. While speaking to a TV channel, he said the respective painting, part of the Biennales curated show, 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 .
Watch: Fort Kochi rings in the New Year with ceremonial burning of Pappanji effigy
Artwork Depicting Last Supper Sparks Protests By Church Groups In Kerala
An art exhibition at Kerala's Kochi-Muziris Biennale has been temporarily closed after protests erupted over a painting that Christian groups alleged insulted the depiction of Jesus Christ's Last Supper.
In One Year, VinFast Went From a Whisper to a Roar in India's EV Market
On a morning in New Delhi, the Bharat Mobility Global Expo buzzed with the familiar hum of Indias automotive giants. Visitors wandered between displays of combustion engines and gleaming show cars, the kind of scene Delhi has hosted for decades. But in one corner of the hall, the crowd slowed. Two premium compact electric SUVs sat under the lights, the VF 6 and VF 7, their sharp V-shaped signatures glowing long before anyone registered the name on the stand. VinFast has quietly climbed into the ranks of Indias top electric vehicle brands VinFasts debut in India on Jan 17 of last year caught even veteran showgoers off guard. The company had brought right-hand drive versions tailored specifically for Indian consumers, a quiet signal that it was here with purpose, not testing the waters. Still, few in the hall recognized the badge. Amid the hum of announcements and clicking shutters, one visitor leaned toward a friend and asked, Who are these people? That question did not hang in the air for long. In the weeks that followed, a group of Indian journalists traveled to Vietnam to see where the cars came from. What they discovered in the northen city of Hai Phong reframed everything. I had no idea VinFast is such a big group , auto journalist Swati Agrawal recalled. I saw the factory, the manufacturing plant, and not only cars, even scooters, buses, electric buses. Everything is being manufactured in one place. Three lakh cars per year. This is not a small brand. Her reaction points to a deeper story. VinFasts sudden visibility in India is not merely an export push. It is the latest chapter in Vietnams own industrial transformation, one that has accelerated quickly enough to catch even Asias seasoned automotive observers off guard. A 400-Acre Factory From Nothing By the time the expo lights dimmed, the next act of VinFasts India story had already begun taking shape in Tamil Nadu months earlier. To choose a location for its plant, the company surveyed fifteen sites across six states. Tamil Nadu, with its manufacturing-ready infrastructure and active support for green mobility initiatives, rose to the top. What happened next showed how the brand like to act. And its right there in the name: Fast. In late February 2024, when the groundbreaking ceremony began on a sun soaked, low lying tract of land near Thoothukudi, the site was still empty. By Aug 4, 2025, it housed Indias newest electric vehicle factory, a 400-acre complex with body shop, paint shop, general assembly, logistics warehouse, and supplier-ready zones. We entered India with nothing , CEO Pham Sanh Chau said at the inauguration ceremony. No land. No factory. No team. The only thing we had was a deep resolve and a belief that this area could become a leading hub for electric vehicles and auto components in South Asia . He gestured to the plant behind him. In just fifteen months, we transformed this land into a modern, highly-automated factory . When the first VF 6 and VF 7 rolled out that morning, they were the first VinFast vehicles to be made-in-India, by the hands and minds of Indian people, for Indian customers. They are a symbol of the aspirations and resilience of the Indian people as they reach for a better, cleaner future , Chau said. The plant is expected to create 3,000-3,500 direct jobs and several thousand more across the supply chain as auxiliary partners move into the region. Suppliers have already expressed readiness to relocate workshops near the factory, a sign of confidence in Thoothukudis rise as an automotive production base. In parallel, VinFasts India team has moved quickly to build the retail and service backbone that can make or break an EV brand in this market. By end of 2025, the company had opened 35 dealerships, stretching from Delhi, Gurugram and Noida in the north to Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi and Hyderabad. Yet the most unusual part of the ecosystem lies in aftersales support. VinFast partnered with RoadGrid, myTVS and Global Assure with the aim of creating a full-fledged third-party service centers before the first customer deliveries. Global Assure will operate a round the clock helpline, roadside assistance and mobile service. RoadGrid and myTVS will handle charging, maintenance and diagnostics, including support in areas where VinFast does not yet have a showroom. For a country where questions about EV service often outweigh questions about EV design, this infrastructure may prove decisive. Financing, long a barrier for EV adoption in India, has also been addressed through agreements with major banks including HDFC Bank, Yes Bank, Axis Bank, and others. These arrangements offer everything from dealer inventory financing to 100 percent on-road customer loans, with bank officers stationed directly in showrooms for simplified approval. This is how you support an EV transition , one banker at the Chennai showroom launch said. You do not just sell cars. You build systems . And in the months since customer deliveries began, VinFast has quietly climbed into the ranks of Indias top electric vehicle brands. Industry registration data shows the company already placing among the countrys top 10 EV brands, a notable shift for a name that was unfamiliar to most Indians at the start of the year. Its early momentum, built on steady deliveries and expanding visibility on the roads, has reinforced what many analysts have begun to observe. I love one thing about Vingroup , Swati says. They know what they are doing. And if they have a plant in India, people will think you are not going to just sell the product and leave . She adds, In India, if you give good price, good range, and good service, the customers are yours. Why this first year matters The rollout of Made-in-India VF 6 and VF 7 has already begun shifting industry perception. In April 2025, ABP Live named the VF 7 Most Awaited New Car, praising its design and advanced features. At the Jagran Hi-Tech Awards later in the year, VinFast was named EV Manufacturer of the Year, and the VF 7 won EV Disruptor of the Year. VinFast embodies the spirit of innovation and progress driving Indias EV transformation, said Jagrans auto editor Arjit Garg. He commented that the company has displayed a rare clarity of direction for a newcomer and a people-first vision that aligns with Indias long-term mobility goals. VinFasts long-term commitment became even more visible on Dec 4, 2025, when VinFast signed a new MOU with the Government of Tamil Nadu to expand its Thoothukudi facility by an additional 200 hectares. The second-phase investment will add production lines for electric buses, e-scooters and charging infrastructure, deepening localization and strengthening Indias emergence as a regional manufacturing hub. For many observers, the expansion underscored that the companys commitment runs far beyond its initial launch. With the factory inaugurated, dealerships opening, service networks activating and customers already booking, VinFast enters 2026 as a steady companion in Indias electric transition, intent on growing with the country. Indian visitors to Vietnam say the brands trajectory feels familiar yet refreshing. Piyush, a journalist and content creator, thinks back to the sight of VinFast cars filling Vietnams streets. I can imagine something similar happening in India, he says. Maybe after five or six years.
Outlet manager, youths booked after alleged ruckus over chicken dish in Kochi
Kochi rings in New Year with carnival fervour
Fort Kochis viral Christmas tree shines bright with more than 100,000 lights
A rain tree in Fort Kochi, over 200 years old, decked up with sparkling lime yellow lights has become the most popular Christmas tree in the country
Traffic block: Idukki Collector bans road-widening work
Works on Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway continues to cause hours-long traffic blocks on the route to Munnar
He says his work is not a distortion of The Last Supper as alleged by those opposing it. A statement by the curators says the artwork depicts Mata Hari, a historically documented figure and a convicted spy
The work in question is a painting by artist Tom Vattakuzhy displayed as part of Edam exhibition at Garden Convention Centre in Kochi. The venue was shut down temporarily on Tuesday after protests by various groups
Superstar Mohanlals mother Shantakumari Amma passes away in Kochi
Kochi: Shantakumari Amma, the mother of Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal, passed away at her residence in Kochi on Tuesday. She was 90 and had been bedridden for the past decade following age-related ailments. Doctors who reached the house later certified that she had breathed her last. Shantakumari Ammas passing marks a deeply personal loss for 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 .
1,200 police to be deployed for crowd management at New Year revelry in Fort Kochi
New Year celebrations, mainly the burning of Pappanji effigies, will be held this year at Parade Ground and Veli Ground
Global spice routes conclave to unveil heritage network
The three-day event to be held in Kochi from January 6 will explore new ways to strengthen cultural and heritage tourism among a host of countries which are part the famed global trade corridor
Mohanlal's mother Santhakumari passes away at 90 due to..., Mammootty pays final respects
Mohanlal's mother Santhakumari spent most of her life in Thiruvananthapuram, before Mohanlal brought her to Kochi following a stroke. The medical episode left her paralysed, and she remained bedridden for nearly a decade.
Actor Mohanlal's mother Santhakumari passes away
She was 90. The death occurred at the actors residence at Elamakkara in Kochi. Santhakumari had been ailing for some time owing to neurological disorders
Major fire guts several shops in Kochis Broadway
No casualty was reported though the blaze is estimated to have caused losses to the tune of lakhs of rupees
Pappanji to be burnt at Kovalam Crafts Village
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Bringing the long-running Fort Kochi Pappanji tradition to Kovalam, a 40-feet-high effigy has been set up at the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village and will be set on fire at midnight on December 31 as part of the New Year celebrations. This is the first time Kovalam is formally adopting the Pappanji ritual, believed to symbolise bidding farewell to the old year and its troubles. The effigy has been built over 10 days by a team of around 10 artists. The structure has been designed to be visible from a distance inside the campus. Chief Operating Officer T U Sreeprasad added that the preparations were in the final stage. Public viewing of the effigy will be allowed till 3 pm on December 31. From 7 pm, stage programmes will commence at the venue, which will continue till midnight. The burning of the effigy along with a fireworks display will mark the beginning of the New Year. As Kovalam is now joining the list of venues hosting Pappanji burning, organisers expect the event to grow into an annual New Year attraction similar to the Fort Kochi model, though on a smaller scale to begin with. The celebrations are being held under the banner Epilogue, the fourth edition of the New Year event at the venue.
ED quizzes Malayalam actor Jayasurya, wife in money laundering case
KOCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday interrogated Malayalam actor Jayasurya and his wife Saritha Jayasurya, in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged cheating scam involving an online investment platform. According to sources, the ED received information indicating that Jayasurya had entered into an agreement to serve as the brand ambassador of an online bidding application named Save Box. The platform is an alleged fraudulent investment scheme operated by Swathik Rahee, also known as Swathi Rahim. The case originates from at least four FIRs registered by the Thrissur police, which allege that investors were cheated through the Save Box scheme. The ED had earlier recorded Rahims statement, in which he claimed that a portion of the funds collected from investors was diverted to the film industry, with certain transactions allegedly involving the 47-year-old actor. As per the official, Rahim told investigators that a part of the money was paid to Jayasurya for endorsing the scheme as its brand ambassador. He further alleged that around Rs 30 lakh was paid to the actors wife. While a portion of the sum was allegedly paid in cash, the rest was transferred to a bank account in the name of the boutique run by her. Based on these claims, the ED summoned Jayasurya and his wife to verify the allegations and to examine the nature of their association with the scheme. The agency is currently probing the proceeds of crime generated in the case, the source added.
Central funding delay risks choking Jal Jeevan Mission rollout in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala faces delays in the release of central funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), aimed at ensuring piped drinking water to rural households, according to senior officials. Before the implementation of the project, just 17.50 lakh (25.06% of the total) rural households in the state had access to piped drinking water. Since the Union government launched JJM in August 2019, the number of connections has increased to 38.71 lakh households, covering nearly 55.54% of the total 69.82 lakh rural households. When the project began, only three districts Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Thrissur had over 25% coverage. At present, seven districts Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Palakkad, Kannur and Thrissur have crossed 50% coverage. Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Malappuram have achieved over 45% coverage, while the remaining districts have crossed 30%. So far, 117 panchayats have achieved 100% coverage, enabling them to divert funds to other development sectors. Before the project, only 116 panchayats had over 50% coverage. Currently, 403 panchayats have crossed the 50% mark. Among assembly constituencies, nine Dharmadam, Kalliasseri, Kannur, Beypore, Vypeen, Ernakulam, Kochi, Aroor and Vaikom have achieved 100% coverage, while 73 have crossed 50%. According to senior officials with the Kerala Water Authority (KWA), the project was initially scheduled for completion by March 2024. It was extended to March 2025, and further to December 2028, as was announced in the Union Budget 2025-26. The total estimated cost for achieving 100% coverage in Kerala is Rs 44,714.79 crore. So far, Rs 11,643.59 crore has been spent in the state. Of this, Rs 5,610.30 crore was central share, with the remaining Rs 6,033.29 crore made available by the state. KWA officials said the state could increase coverage from 55.54% to nearly 75% by December 2026 if the Centre ensures timely release of funds. Though the project has been extended, the Union cabinet is yet to approve fund allocation. From March onwards, no central funds have been released. Yet, we carried out work worth nearly Rs 6,000 crore between March and December 2025, which will ensure connections to about eight lakh households. Half of this amount has to come from the Centre, a senior official said, requesting anonymity. Sources said the state arranged its share of the spend from March to December through Nabard, but further delays in central fund release would affect the pace of the project. With the deadline extended to 2028, senior state government officials fear prolonged delays in fund allocation. However, many believe that if funds are released on time, Kerala can achieve 100% rural piped water coverage by 2027. This is a crucial project as cities are expanding into nearby rural areas. Ensuring water availability will encourage people to move to rural regions close to cities. The project needs to be accelerated, a senior official from the state revenue department said.
Kochi Mayor promises corruption-free governance, to hold public hearings
She says a special drive will be conducted to collect tax dues without overburdening citizens to ensure the Corporations financial stability
Kochi Mayor unveils 50-day action plan ahead of Assembly polls
V.K. Minimol says action plan will aim at finding solutions to multiple challenges, including waterlogging, waste management, mosquito eradication, and stray dog menace
A mistrial, a matriarch, a memory. An exhibition at the Kochi Muziris Biennale, tells the story of Eliamma Matthen, whose inter-generational fight against one familial injustice, changed the very trajectory of her life and her family. In Lilies in the Garden, explore the role of women as witnesses to injustice, keepers of history, and agents of creative survival
Rishikesh forest survey sparks mass rail blockade; protesters clash with police
DEHRADUN: Tensions erupted in Rishikesh today as hundreds of local residents, fearing displacement due to a Supreme Court-mandated survey of forest land, staged a dramatic protest on active railway tracks. The blockade, led largely by women, brought rail traffic to a standstill and escalated into clashes with security forces. The disruption occurred near the Mansa Devi Railway Crossing, where residents gathered to express outrage over the Forest Departments demarcation exercise. The survey follows Supreme Court directives concerning encroachment on designated forest areas. We will give up our lives, but we will not give up our land, chanted protestors, many of whom have occupied the land for decades, as they sat firmly on the tracks. Rail operations were immediately affected. The Gangotri Express, heading towards Yog Nagari station, and another train arriving from Kochi were delayed for nearly an hour and a half, causing significant inconvenience to passengers and disrupting the wider network schedule. The situation turned tense when, during attempts at negotiation, stones were allegedly hurled at security personnel. Police reportedly responded with a lathi charge to disperse the crowd, but demonstrators remained resolute. Additional PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) units were deployed, and senior administrative and police officials are currently at the site. The dispute originates from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in which the Supreme Court directed the Forest Department and District Collector to survey and reclaim vacant forest land. Local councillor Abhinav Singh Malik sought to reassure residents, stating, This action is being taken under the highest courts order. Only demarcation is underway. There is no need to panic. The next hearing is on 5 January, which everyone is awaiting. Malik added that a committee could be formed, if necessary, to present the residents case before the Supreme Court. Protesters are demanding that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal be invited for dialogue, urging the government to convene a special assembly session to grant rights over the occupied land through legislation. The dispute concerns roughly 2,866 acres of land in the Rishikesh region. Records show that the land was leased for 99 years to the Pashu Lok Seva Mandal Sansthan on 26 May 1950, with the lease expiring in 2049. The terms specified its use for animal husbandry, horticulture, fodder production, and allied activities. Subsequent inquiries revealed the land was allegedly used for unauthorised commercial activities and sub-let to third parties, violating the original lease agreement.
Pappanji to be set ablaze at two venues in Fort Kochi this New Year
The effigy put up by the Cochin Carnival Committee will be burnt at Parade Ground, while Gala De Fort Kochi, a local charity club, has received permission to burn the effigy it erected at Veli Ground
Days after India's aviation ministry issued a 'no objection certificate' to AlHind Air and FlyExpress, Kochi-based Alhind Air airlines, has put over 120 of its employees on a o work, no pay leave. Here's why.
Ola Electric fast-tracks rollout of 4680 Bharat Cell powered vehicles
New Delhi: Ola Electric on Sunday said it has scaled up deliveries of its 4680 Bharat Cell powered S1 Pro+ (5.2 kWh) across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, and Karnataka. The company has commenced deliveries across Coimbatore, Kochi, and Hyderabad, along with continued ramp-up in Bengaluru, Ola Electric said in a statement. The S1 Pro+ (5.2 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 .
Over 4 kg of suspected hybrid ganja seized at Kochi airport
Kochi metro and water metro to operate additional services on New Years Eve
On the night of December 31, Kochi water metro services will resume after a short break on the High CourtMattancherry and High CourtVypin routes
New airlines that got green signal from Centre will struggle to offer competition, say experts
NEW DELHI: The sudden clearance to operate in Indian skies given to two airlines that had been awaiting the nod for nearly a year appears to be a strong message from the Centre in light of the disruption caused by Indias largest domestic carrier IndiGo from December 1 to 9. The two new airlines are Kozhikode-based Alhind and Hyderabad-headquartered FlyExpress, while Shank Air, based in Uttar Pradesh, was also given the nod last year and plans to begin operations in 2026. Aviation professionals and experts, however, unanimously feel there is no way the newbies can take on dominant players like IndiGo or the two airlines from the stable of the Air India Group Air India and Air India Express. Captain C S Randhawa, president of the Federation of Indian Pilots, is quite critical of the decision. Stating that the newbies can never break the duopoly exercised by the existing airlines, he added, All these three airlines have neither enough funding nor expertise. The best of airlines have not survived. No regional airlines have survived in this country. These airlines are not a threat to any operating airlines in the country as they cannot survive on non-UDAN routes. They face the challenges of finances, aircraft leasing, pilot availability, sustainability, competitive fares and reliability, he stated. The government needs to get fuel under GST and give subsidies to encourage big corporate houses to enter aviation with a big bang to break the monopoly or duopoly. Regional airlines only increase regional connectivity. There is an urgent need for the government to have a relook at the aviation policies of the country, Captain Randhawa explained. He also claimed that Alhind had shut its Kochi office and terminated all employees. Shank Air was still struggling to obtain certification for Air Operator Certification and get aircraft on lease, he added. Training the specific pilots to operate the ATR aircraft or smaller aircraft would take more than eight months. The average life of a regional airline is approximately 3-7 years. Therefore, such airlines starting up with 1 or 2 aircraft fail in prolonged operations and shut shop, he added. Aviation expert Captain Mohan Ranganathan gave zero chances of the new airlines offering any competition. Where are the captains? The title of a 1971 Robert Stirling novel 'Shell Never Get Off the Ground' is apt to describe their situation, he said. A representative of the other leading pilot association, Airline Pilot Association of India, told TNIE, Where are the big aircraft for these airlines to start their operations? IndiGo presently has 434 aircraft and it took them two decades to reach this position. The new airlines need to lease A320 aircraft only from them. Orders placed at Boeing by Air India for the 737s are getting delayed. It will take the new airlines at least two decades to reach the position of these airlines. Spicejet and Akasa Air have been around for some time but they have between 20 and 30 aircraft each and cannot match up to the airlines yet, he added. Captain G R Gopinath, who pioneered the low-cost airline concept in the country through his Air Deccan, said, Permitting new airlines to operate is good for the country as the industry will become more vibrant. The public stand to benefit as the prices will be kept under check. Airlines will become more effective and service-minded. It is good that the government is doing it and it will benefit all. In an earlier interaction with TNIE in Kerala, Alhind CEO Reena Abdul Rahiman said the Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi-Kozhikode sector was their priority. To facilitate this, the company had started a base in Kochi airport as early as August 2024. Alhind Air will begin its operations with two ATR 72-600 aircraft, with plans to scale up to seven within the first year. Alhind Air is also mulling operating in certain routes under the UDAN scheme like Kochi-Mysuru, the airlines operations manager T C Vivek had informed TNIE. Alhind Group, with a turnover of over Rs 20,000 crore and more than 130 offices in India and overseas, is headquartered in Kozhikode and has a regional office in Delhi. This reporter repeatedly tried reaching the offices of Alhind and Shank Air but got no response.
UP man on the run after alleged highway robbery held from Kochi
New Mayor V.K. Minimol vows crackdown on corruption, focus on mobility
The new Mayor of the Kochi Corporation outlines her priorities and vision for the city, which she says are aligned with the broader agenda of the UDF and will be reflected in the maiden budget to be presented by the new governing committee in the coming months.
New Mayors, municipal chairpersons take charge in Kerala
V.V. Rajesh takes over as the first BJP Mayor of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, four United Democratic Front Mayors, three of them women, take oath in Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, and Kannur Corporations. The lone LDF Mayor, O. Sadasivan, sworn in as Mayor of the Kozhikode Corporation
Kochi Muziris Biennale: How the Indian art world sees it
The countrys top gallerists, collectors and curators weigh in on what the Kochi Biennale means to them
Congress leaders V K Minimol, Niji Justin, P Indira and A K Hafeez elected Mayors of Kochi, Thrissur, Kannur and Kollam; O Sadashivan of CPM in Kozhikode
BJP State Secretary and Kodunganoor ward councillor VV Rajesh elected as first BJP mayor in Kerala
The Bharatiya Janata Party achieved a historic win in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. V V Rajesh became the mayor, marking the BJP's first municipal corporation victory in Kerala. The United Democratic Front secured victories in Kollam, Kochi, and Thrissur Corporations. The Left Democratic Front won in Kozhikode, and the UDF is set to lead Kannur.
Four-time councillor V.K. Minimol elected as Kochi Mayor
Projects commissioned, India set to overtake US in metro network length
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Railways has claimed that India is on course to overtake the United States in total metro network length as ongoing projects are commissioned. Metro and suburban rail networks are currently operational across 1,090 km in 26 cities, including both major metros and Tier-2 cities, making urban mobility faster and more economically affordable for low- and middle-income groups. The Ministry further stated that despite the rapid expansion of metro and suburban rail services, no fare hike has been implemented so far by the government, reflecting its concern for low- and middle-class commuters. Speaking to this newspaper on Wednesday, an official at the Ministry said that Indias metro network has grown exponentially from just 248 km across five cities in 2014 to 1,090 km in 2025, spanning 26 cities- both metro and Tier-2. This represents a remarkable 340% growth over the past decade. He said that metro expansion has taken place not only in major cities but also in Tier-2 cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Kanpur, Nagpur, Pune, Surat, Agra, Lucknow, Jaipur and Kochi. He added that metro services were operational over just 27 km in 2002, which increased to 50 km in 2004, 101 km in 2009, 249 km in 2014, 647 km in 2019, 945 km in 2024 and 1,090 km in 2025. According to the official, the commissioning of metro lines has increased nine times compared to pre-2014 rates, with the aim of accelerating urban transport infrastructure under the NDA government. Highlighting the work done on metro and suburban rail services during the current NDA government, the official said that urban mobility has been made affordable and efficient, with metro travel costing 5060% less per passenger-km than private vehicles. He said this has significantly reduced daily commuting costs and eased traffic congestion on roads. Citing figures, the official further added that affordable fare slabs, typically ranging between Rs 20 and Rs 60 at launch in cities such as Bhopal, demonstrate accessibility for low- and middle-income commuters. He further stated that average daily metro ridership across the country now stands at around 1.15 crore, which is four times higher than the 28 lakh daily ridership recorded in 2014.
Mob lynching: Kerala govt announces Rs 30 lakh aid to victims family
KOCHI, Dec 24 : Kerala government on Wednesday announced financial assistance of Rs 30 lakh to the family of Chhattisgarh native Ramnarayan, who was killed in an alleged mob lynching incident near Walayar in the northern Palakkad district. Addressing a press conference here, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said a Cabinet meeting decided to grant the aid to the family of Ramnarayan, from the Chief Ministers Distress Relief Fund. Of the total Rs 30 lakh being granted, Rs five lakh each [] The post Mob lynching: Kerala govt announces Rs 30 lakh aid to victims family appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
London-Based Odia Diaspora Sweta Mohanty and ParthaSarathi Panda Champion Modi 3.0 Art Exhibition
KOCHI, Dec 24 : A remarkable exhibition titled Modi 3.0 was inaugurated last evening at the Nehru Centre in Londonoften regarded as one of the worlds leading hubs for artfeaturing works by talented artists who travelled from India specifically to showcase their creations. The title itself reflects the inspiration behind the exhibition, as the artists collectively captured the prevailing sentiment of India and Indians across the worldone defined by confidence, optimism, and pride in the nations progress. Through diverse styles [] The post London-Based Odia Diaspora Sweta Mohanty and ParthaSarathi Panda Champion Modi 3.0 Art Exhibition appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
IUML to get one-year term for Deputy Mayors post in Kochi Corporation
Kochi mayor row: Congress leaders express differing opinions
While K.C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala urge party members to respect the decision-making process, others such as Ajay Tharayil and Mathew Kuzhalnadan voice concerns about exclusion of two-time councillor Deepthi Mary Varghese
Internal dissent within Congress over selection of Kochi mayor candidate intensifies
KPCC general secretary and two-time councillor Deepthi Mary Varghese alleges selection process discrepancies
Congress picks V.K. Minimol, Shiny Mathew for split mayoral term in Kochi Corpn.
Actor Chacko gets clean chit in drugs case
Kochi police have dropped drug charges against actor Shine Tom Chacko and a co-accused after forensic reports confirmed no narcotic substances were found. The case, which gained attention in April following a hotel raid where the actor allegedly jumped into a pool to evade police, has now concluded with clean chits for both individuals.
Congress core committee yet to reach consensus on mayoral candidate in Kochi Corporation
The core committee comprises of UDF chairman Dominic Presentation, District Congress Committee president Mohammed Shiyas, and senior leader N. Venugopal
Two tanks within Kochi Corporation limits need urgent intervention, says KWA
The assessment was done in the wake of the recent incident at Thammanam, where a 1.35-crore-litre water tank burst, leading to water supply disruption and causing significant damage to nearby properties
Forensic report clears actor Shine Tom Chacko of drug use charges
The drug case was registered after Shine Tom Chacko created quite a stir by fleeing a hotel in Kochi during a raid conducted by District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force in April
Bansuri workshop in Kochi from December 23
Kerala HC sets aside Sabarimala airport land acquisition process
Kochi: The Kerala High Court has set aside crucial stages of the land acquisition process for the proposed Sabarimala greenfield airport, holding that the state failed to properly assess the minimum land actually required for the project. On December 30, 2022, the state government issued an order granting sanction for the acquisition of 2,570 acres 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 .
Cultural resistance required to protect Constitution and democracy: Kerala CM
The Citizenship Amendment Act and the idea of One Nation, One Election are attempts to destroy federalism, the Chief Minister alleges in his inaugural address at the Indian Cultural Congress 2025, organised by the Department of Culture, in Kochi
Election campaign materials litter Kochi despite government circular, High Court directive
Circular issued by Local Self-Government dept. stated that if candidates/parties failed to comply, local body secretaries should remove the materials and cost collected from candidates
Cop who slapped pregnant woman suspended a year after the incident
A police inspector in Kerala was suspended a year after he pushed and slapped a pregnant woman inside a police station in Kochi, an incident that highlights police brutality and violence against women. Closer circuit television (CCTV) footage released online showed Inspector KG Prathap Chandra assaulting a pregnant woman inside the Ernakulam North police station 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 .
