GIS-based mapping of heritage locales in Fort Kochi, Mattancherry to be launched in February

Five ships to be dry-docked in Kochi; travel woes of Lakshadweep residents to worsen

KOCHI: The acute travel woes of hundreds of Lakshadweep islanders are set to worsen further as yet another ship will be taken out of service for dry-docking on February 2, leaving only a small vessel to connect Kochi with the islands. While passengers are crying foul over the lack of periodic maintenance, and poor planning that led to four of five vessels being rendered out of service, the Lakshadweep administration authorities promise to deploy back two of the main ships by March before the summer vacation rings in. The lack of sufficient number of ships has already resulted in a large number of islanders, including those who have arrived here for availing medical treatment, stranded, and forced to stay back for weeks altogether, while striving to get a ticket back home. For the last three months, only two ships -- M V Lagoons and M V Arabian Sea -- are conducting service. Now they are taking out M V Lagoons, a 400-passenger capacity vessel, for dry-docking from February 2. Even now, hundreds of people are stranded here and they are somehow extending their stay without sufficient money and food. Only the small ship M V Arabian Sea, with a passenger capacity of 200 people, will be in operation. The demand, though, is many times more. What has led to this situation is the lack of planning on the part of the authorities, who took all the ships together for repair and maintenance. With proper planning, they could have taken one ship out at a time, said Adhil Rasheed Thouseef, vice- president, NCP (SP), who is currently in Kochi. Though Adhil got a ticket back to Minicoy on January 29, he is running from pillar to post to get one more ticket for a family member who accompanied him. Many islanders are forced to stay back for weeks altogether, and have taken rooms in hotels and lodges in the city, which are in high demand now. Major ships to be deployed back soon Meanwhile, the Lakshadweep administration authorities justified the simultaneous dry-docking of the vessels and said major ships will be deployed back in time before the start of the summer vacation. All ships were not dry-docked for a long time. We wanted to carry out all the maintenance and deploy back the vessels by March before the start of summer vacation. We expect the maximum demand then, especially students and tourists. Well start deploying back the ships from next month, said a senior official. The repair of MV Kavaratti, which can carry 700 passengers, is nearing completion at Mumbai dry-dock. We plan to deploy the ship owned by Lakshadweep Development Corporation Ltd back to service in the first week of February. The vessels MV Corals, which can accommodate 400 passengers, and MV Lakshadweep Sea, that can carry 250 passengers, will start operation by March, the official said.

Agencies seize suspected ganja worth over 43 lakh in Kochi

Konkani awards for Kochi-based writers

TRAGIC! Infant, with heart ailment, suffers uneasiness onboard Kerala-bound flight from Qatar; dies at hospital

An infant, who developed some uneasiness onboard a Kerala-bound flight, died at a hospital in Kochi.

Infant dies after uneasiness on Kerala-bound flight

Kochi: A 11-month-old infant, who developed some uneasiness onboard a Kerala-bound flight, died at a hospital here, police said on Tuesday. The baby boy met with the tragedy while he was on his way to the home state from Qatar. Son of a couple hailing from northern district Malappuram, Fesin Ahammed, travelled to the state with his mother. A police officer said the infant developed some uneasiness onboard the flight and he was rushed to a hospital in Angamaly soon after the flight landed at Nedumbassery airport here. Born as a preterm baby, the boy was already struggling with health issues and was being transported to his home state for further treatment, police said.

11-month-old infant dies mid-air on flight from Doha to Kochi

KOCHI: An 11-month-old boy died mid-air on board a flight from Doha to Kochi in the early hours of Tuesday. The baby, identified as Fezin Ahmmed, was travelling with his mother when he developed sudden sickness mid-air on the Gulf Air flight. The toddler was rushed to the Angamaly Little Flower Hospital as soon as the flight landed in Kochi, said an airport official. However, the baby was declared brought dead by the doctors. The family hails from Kodithodi, Arimbra, Malappuram. The Angamaly police have lodged a case and are insisting on an autopsy. Further details are awaited.

Assault of Koothattukulam councillor: Four CPM activists held

KOCHI: Four CPM activists were arrested on Monday in connection with the alleged assault and abduction of Kala Raju, a CPM councillor with Koothattukulam municipality. The arrests of Arun Mohan, 40; Tony Baby, 34; Prince Varghese, 42; and Sajith Abraham, 40, came amid allegations that police were aiding the ruling party and had initially failed to take action against suspects. We have arrested four CPM activists in connection with the Koothattukulam incident, where the councillor was kidnapped. The suspects, who were also named in the list of identifiable persons, were apprehended based on CCTV footage and a detailed investigation, said Vincent Joseph, SHO of the Koothattukulam station. The arrests were officially recorded and the suspects were produced in court on Tuesday morning, he added. Probe team rejig Amid accusations of police complicity in the alleged attack on CPM councillor Kala Raju, the Muvattupuzha DySP was removed from his responsibility in-charge of the investigation. P M Baiju has been replaced by Aluva DySP T R Rajesh. The action followed Ernakulam district police chief Vaibhav Saxenas request for detailed reports from the additional SP and special branch DySP on the incident. Police sources indicated that further action against additional officials would depend on the findings of these reports. Meanwhile, Koothattukulam police have registered four separate cases in connection with the incident. However, no arrests have been made.

Malayali at Mahakumbh

KOCHI: Grandeur of a different kind and a solitude that looms over the crowd. The slow run of the Ganga embracing the Yamuna and the invisible Saraswathi at the confluence that is deemed holy. The grand fair held once every 12 years in such a setting invites hordes of different kinds of people. Among them are those from Gods Own land. Arun A S, a mechanical engineer from Thiruvananthapuram, is put up in one of the 18 sectors in the Tent City at Prayagraj and plans to stay there for all the days till the last Shahi snan on February 26, the day Kumbh mela would end. He claims the event is an opportunity to showcase how spirituality runs deep into the psyche of everything material around us. There are different kinds of activities and I handle the Gyan Kumbh, showcasing our ancient scientific systems to display the connection of soul with matter. Several people from Kerals are coming for it, including vice-chancellors of universities too. ISRO former chairman S Somnath would also be there, he says. Arun is enjoying the spiritual fervour clubbing work with sojourns to the Triveni Sangam, where he often treks to take dips during the chilly mornings with the backdrop at times occupied by the sadhus. Renunciates, different kinds of them unseen otherwise to the world, are an attraction for Ajish A S, who works in the construction sector. I will be visiting the Kumbhmela soon. About six people from across Kerala are coming with me. Its a spiritual journey for us, to experience peace in a place where prayer and festivities join to form an ethereal atmosphere, he says. Ajishs friends also include teams from Russia and other countries, who are planning travels to Prayagraj to meet him. Ashwin K, an architect based in Bangalore, is planning the Kumbh for other reasons. I have heard about the Kumbh and the spiritual circuit of Varanasi and Ayodhya. I wanted to visit for a while and felt this would be a nice opportunity, he claims. However, some came to know of the Kumbh through reels and social media and wanted to feel it for the liberating experience. Its about exploration, also a culture unwinding. I want to know about this place. The whole world is talking about it, says Krithika Radhakrishnan, who plans to visit in February. For those already at the site, the environment is charged. That is why minor flaws like lack of water in our tent or the 10 km walk till the Sangam for the holy dip in biting cold and jostling crowd seem like nothing. Its fun. More than the destination, the path gets prominence here. Kumbh is a feeling. And I am so lucky to have felt it, says Pallavi Viswanath, who feels the youngsters in Kerala are slowly grooving towards such festivities which may seem outwardly religious but are at its core, purely civilisational. There is also a lot of mysticism in the air and enigma about naga sadhus, aghoris and such cults. Kumbh is indeed the time for several such people to be here and discuss spirituality, philosophy and the relation between all these. Its a different world. A world unique enough to be called surreal, she says. Travel firms from Kerala are also planning packages for Kumbh. But the number of those arranging it on their own with help from the spiritual groups such as the akharas in the north is increasing. Kumbh fervour is spreading among Kerala youth particularly, observes Vijay Menon, who is visiting Prayagraj with a team of eight on January 29.

Thriving or Surviving?

BENGALURU: In a short time, Bengaluru has gone from being a sleepy city to the IT capital of India with people across the nation coming here to build successful careers. But how does the city fare in supporting working women? A recently released survey conducted by the Avtar Group put Bengaluru right at the top overtaking Chennai, Mumbai, and Hyderabad to become the best city for working women in India, based on criteria like city liveability, safety, womens representation in employment, inclusivity of women in organisations across industries, transport, quality of life, and more. We asked professionals is Bengaluru really the best place for working women? KM Chaitanya, film director The Kannada film industry has to go a long way in terms of inclusion. While we have a lot of women actors; technicians and women directors are few. The scenario is changing now with more and more women stepping in and becoming cinematographers, editors, associate directors and quite a few successful directors. In terms of creating a safe working environment, theres much that needs to be done. We need a committee of women who will oversee complaints about any kind of harassment at the workplace in the film industry. Lahari, advertising professional Within the creative industry in Bengaluru, theres an expectation to put in extra hours regardless of your gender. But when you end up staying in the office until midnight, there are no provisions to get home safely. This is especially uncomfortable for women who travel great distances to get to work. Corporations tend to have better facilities for women employees but the contrast is very stark. Anumitra Ghosh Dastidar, chef I have worked all over India in Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Goa, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Bengaluru. In the F&B industry, the ratio of women working as chefs is very low its a very male-dominated field. But Bengaluru has more possibilities. When I worked in Goa, no bus was available after 6pm so we would give earlier shifts to women. But here, there are women in my team who take the bus home at 10pm and feel safe doing so and we have not had any issues. Athul Madhav, programme manager, IISc Bangalore When it comes to work opportunities for women, Bengaluru is far better than Thrissur, Kerala, where I grew up. The representation and opportunities women receive are actually positive, and theyre doing a really great job. However, when it comes to safety, Im sceptical. Numerous horrific incidents involving working women have been reported in the media over the last two years. Personally, I know colleagues and friends who have experienced similar incidents. How can such a city be considered safe for women? Preethi Srinivasan, tennis coach As a tennis coach, I was definitely better recognised in Bengaluru compared to Chennai. I was not as guarded and didnt have to worry too much about how others perceived me because people were minding their own business. The remuneration was also better in Bengaluru because of the higher standard of living. The traffic is really bad but you can plan around that and still have a good work-life balance. Sneha Nair, student in Chennai I moved to Chennai from Bengaluru and can say that Bengaluru is definitely more inclusive. I live in a hostel for masters students and working women. Even though theyre taking rent from the working women, they demand that parents be present for admission and call parents if they break curfew. Its also common for flat owners to ask about their parents if renting to working women. They seem to think of women as dependents and not as individuals. Subhashree M, student One can see women from different cultural backgrounds in Bengaluru which is very comforting for women who are trying to live away from their homes. People in Bengaluru are also usually less judgemental than people in Chennai. A woman can go out partying, wear what she wants or even go for a jog in the morning without feeling judged.

From source of water to symbol of unity in Kochi

KOCHI: A hundred years ago, an entire locality in Ernakulam depended on a well to have access to clean water. This well, located at Kinar Junction, still stands proudly on the busy Tripunithura-Vaikom road. Behind it lies a story of community and history that spans nearly a century. The word kinar translates to well in Malayalam, and fittingly, the junction takes its name from this ancient well, located near the Tharamekkavu Temple. The nearby bus stop, once named after the temple, has long been known as Kinar Stop. The junction got its name from the source of life in the area, the well. It was a time when water was a precious commodity and piped water systems had not yet been established, says Arjunan B, a long-time resident and counsellor. It reminds us of the era when communities came together to solve problems and build resources that benefited everyone. So as per history, the well was dug nearly 100 years ago as part of a public drinking water initiative, he says. There was a time when only half of the sturdy red brick structure was intact. A part of the well got destroyed after an accident. The structure was hit by a lorry and it had to be reconstructed in 1990. It got rebuilt in 2010, as part of the Tripunithura Vaikom road widening, says Arjunan. The wells proximity to Tharamekkavu Temple adds to its cultural significance. According to the residents, in the past, both temple-goers and locals gathered at the well, not just for water, but to share stories and strengthen social bonds. The well was more than a water source it was a meeting place and a symbol of unity, says Arjunan. As time passed and modern infrastructure and pipelines were introduced, the communitys reliance on the well decreased significantly. However, locals mention that a few families in the area still depend on the well. The well never caused any crisis for the residents. For the people, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and pride, as it was the result of a collective effort. Kinar Junction is more than just a spot on the map; it stands as a symbol of unity, says Arjunan. Whats in a name Weekly column on the history of place names. Got any suggestions? Write to cityexpresskoc@newindianexpress.com

Bangladesh national arrested for illegal stay in Angamaly

KOCHI: The police on Monday arrested a Bangladeshi national staying in Angamaly for using fake documents. The arrested is Dilwar Hussain, 28, of Rohinpur, Bangladesh. Following a tip-off, the Angamaly police reached his rented house on Sunday night and took him into custody. In the interrogation, the accused confessed he was a Bangladeshi national. After crossing the Indo-Bangladesh border illegally, he reached Kolkata. From there, he reached Angamaly on a train around three months back. He was working at construction sites in Angamaly and staying with migrant workers. According to him, his family is still in Bangladesh, a police officer said. The police said Dilwar possessed an Aadhaar card and an expired Bangladeshi passport. The Aadhaar card had an address in Mumbai. We are verifying the address. Further investigation is conducted to identify the people who provided fake Aaadhar to Dilwar, an official said. A case was registered against Dilwar under section 14A for illegal entry to the country and section 14(b) for using forged documents to enter India. The accused was produced before a magistrate court which remanded him in judicial custody. Last week, police arrested a Bangladeshi woman who was staying with her boyfriend from Bihar at Bengali Colony at Kandathara. Police had recovered an Aadhaar card and PAN card which turned out to be fake. Police said agents operating in West Bengal help Bangladeshi nationals with fake ID cards and facilitate their stay in India illegally.

Kochi corporation launches project to help women travel safely

KOCHI: Aiming to study the problems faced by women during travel and to implement projects by incorporating solutions to them, the Kochi corporation has launched the project Mobilise Her. Implemented with financial assistance from the European Union, the project envisages a transport system that enables women and other gender groups to travel safely round the clock. The project is being implemented in Kochi in collaboration with the Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (C-Hed), Centre for Public Policy Research under the corporation, Urban Electric Mobility Initiative (UEMI), and the Delhi-based public research institute Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA).Inaugurating the project, mayor M Anilkumar said collective efforts are required to improve public transport facilities. The corporation is working to make Kochi city more pedestrian-friendly. If the activities of the Mobilise Her project can be combined with the activities of the local area plan prepared by the Kochi corporation, we will be able to bring great changes in the transport sector, the mayor said. The corporation has been working on the project for the past four months. The project will be implemented in the city in collaboration with various community and social organisations. Eighteen organisations have already been selected for the purpose. Infrastructure for a women-friendly transport system will also be developed as part of the project.

Sanju Samson treated unfairly by home state, say former cricketers, ex-KCA officials

KOCHI: Can a Team India cricketer who has several international and franchise commitments walk into their state team irrespective of whether they have attended a training camp for a tournament like the Vijay Hazare Trophy or Ranji Trophy? On Monday, Mumbai announced its squad for the Ranji Trophy game against Jammu and Kashmir, and Rohit Sharma, who is struggling for form after a disastrous tour of Australia, walked into the team after nearly a decade. And going by reports, Virat Kohli has made himself available for Delhis Ranji clash against Railways on January 30 to get himself much-needed match practice. There are no such mercies for Sanju Samson , the star Malayali wicketkeeper-batsman. Despite expressing willingness to play for the state team, he was not picked to the Kerala team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy (50-over national championship) as he had opted out of the training camp. Now, former Kerala cricketers and association officials have rallied behind the in-form Sanju, whose inability to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy may have affected his selection to Indias Champions Trophy team. P Balachandran, former state team coach, said Kerala Cricket Associations (KCA) decision was not fault proof. To exclude Sanju from the Kerala team was not a wise decision from the part of KCA, he said. However, Balachandran said Sanju could have stated the reason for his absence from the preparatory camp in a proper manner. A player and an association should have a good rapport between them, he said. Former Kerala captain Sony Cheruvathur said, There is no requirement for an international player like Sanju to attend a preparatory camp. Sanju is a person who likes to get involved and contribute actively to the domestic team. He said the star batter may have had valid reasons to stay away from the camp. Had Sanju been included, it would have been a great inspiration for the youngsters in the team as well. I dont think a player like Virat Kohli would be practising in a normal camp to get a place in the Delhi team. Such things are ridiculous, Sony said. Sanju also received sympathy from former India cricketers. Sanju Samson should go down as one of the most curious cases in recent times in Indian cricket, W V Raman posted on X. #SanjuSamson should go down as one of the most curious cases in recent times in Indian cricket.. #CricketTwitter #Cricket WV Raman (@wvraman) January 18, 2025 Former KCA secretary and ex-BCCI vice-president T C Mathew too felt the state association went overboard in dropping Sanju. Sanju Samson is not a child to be taught discipline in this manner. He is one of the most senior players in Kerala, he said. Mathew, however, felt Sanjus non-selection to the Champions Trophy squad should not be seen as a move against him. Sanju has established his position in the T20 squad, but isnt a regular in Indias ODI or Test squads, he said. Meanwhile, KCA president Jayesh George justified the decision to keep Sanju away from the Vijay Hazare team. KCAs stand is clear. Sanju Samson did not attend the camp. Subsequently, he was not selected to the team. There is no problem between Sanju and the association, he said on Monday.

Meet on AI-driven innovations begins in Kochi

Ernakulam Rural police chief seeks two separate reports on Koothattukulam fiasco

Image Shows Hungarian PM Viktor Orbn in Kochi, Not Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela

This image is from Kochi and not Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.

Kerala delegation in Davos for World Economic Forum meet for the first time

KOCHI: Kerala is attending the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual meeting at Davos (Jan 20-24), as the CPM-led government continues its efforts to engage with global leaders and multinational giants to invest in the state. This is the first time that Kerala is participating in the World Economic Forum, held at the Swiss ski resort of Davos. WEF, which is into its 55th edition this year, is hosting some of the world's wealthiest and most powerful people. Industries Minister P Rajeeve, who is leading the Kerala delegation for the five day meet, said Kerala's presence at Davos reflects the growing confidence of global stakeholders in Keralas industrial ecosystem and our commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships for growth. Kerala is attending the WEF at Davos as part of the 'Invest India' theme of the union government, he said. Kerala is showcasing its talented workforce, and pharma & biotechnology manufacturing at the Davos summit. Rajeeve told TNIE that Kerala is attending the WEF to lure investors to the state. Kerala is hosting the Invest Kerala Global Summit in Kochi on February 21 and 22. We are organising several preparatory programs including roadshows. WEF is a great opportunity to meet the investors at a single point. We are organising one to one meetings and round tables. Invest India and CII are facilitating these programs, he said. The Kerala pavilion at the WEF will showcase the potential of the state. Our agenda is to attract more investment to the state of Kerala. We are participating in some other programs also, Rajeeve said. Rajeeve will speak on Kerala's two most attractive themes for the global investors at the India pavilion viz., its highly talented workforce, and the pharmaceutical & biotechnology sectors at the India pavilion at Davos. 'Investing in People -- Reaping Economic Dividend' is scheduled on January 22 (Wednesday) at the India pavilion of WEF from 1-2 pm. Kerala is making focused investments in human capital laying a strong foundation for a knowledge-driven economy, societal resilience, and sustainable development, said the government officials. The theme on 'Kerala as emerging hub for pharmaceuticals and biotechnology' is scheduled on January 23 (Thursday) from 10 am to 11 am at the same venue. In this segment, the state will showcase its capabilities, infrastructure, and policies for fostering a conducive ecosystem for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. India has sent its largest-ever contingent for the five-day WEF, which includes three state chief ministers (Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana). With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and a highly skilled talent pool, Kerala has been steadily earning attention as an investor-friendly destination. Our presence at Davos reflects the confidence of global stakeholders in Keralas industrial ecosystem and our commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships for growth. This momentum gives us even more confidence as we gear up for the Invest Kerala Global Summit, where we aim to build on this progress and showcase Kerala as a hub of opportunities, the minister said. The Kerala delegation comprises the chief Secretary, the finance secretary, industries secretary, MD and ED of KSIDC, in addition to Minister Rajeeve.

Kochi to host 7th edition of India Boat & Marine Show from Jan22-24

The projects will not only boost infrastructure, but will also provide employment and support MSMEs

Attack on CPM councillor Kalu Raju: Four cases registered

KOCHI: Police have registered four separate cases in connection with the alleged attack on Kala Raju, a CPM councillor with Koothattukulam municipality, reportedly carried out by members of her own party. The first case, based on a complaint by Kalas son, names five CPM leaders and 45 identifiable individuals. They were booked for various charges including kidnap with intention, voluntarily causing hurt, rioting, wrongful restraint, and unlawful assembly. In addition to this, Koothattukulam police filed cases against both UDF and LDF workers for their involvement in related incidents, as well as a separate case against UDF activists led by Anoop Jacob MLA for protesting in front of the police station. However, no arrests have been made, nor has the vehicle used in the alleged kidnapping been taken into custody. We have registered four cases based on complaints received, and are taking steps to proceed with appropriate action, said Vincent Joseph, SHO of Koothattukulam station. He added that the vehicle involved would be seized and further action will follow.

Angamaly bypass project set to take off as land acquisition nears end

KOCHI: While the much-touted Angamaly-Maradu bypass project of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is caught in alignment fixation hurdles, another key project being implemented by the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala (RBDCK) to pass around the busy Angamaly town is set to take off. Once realised, motorists along the Thrissur-Edappally section of NH 544 can skip the Angamaly junction, where a serpentine queue of vehicles is a common sight. The nearly four-km four-lane bypass will start from the Karayamparambu signal junction and connect to the Angamaly railway station junction. It will run parallel to the railway line along the western side, while the proposed alignment of the 44.7-km greenfield highway project of the NHAI passes through the eastern side of Angamaly town. The land acquisition process for the `275-crore project, funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) has entered the last stage, and the final notification will be issued soon. The required land can be acquired when we receive the fund from KIIFB, said a senior RBDCK official. While the foundation stone was laid in January 2021, the project was delayed due to land acquisition hurdles. All hurdles have been cleared and we will start acquiring the plots upon receipt of the fund, the official pointed out. The Angamaly town is struggling to handle the huge volume of vehicles passing through the NH and the MC Road. It is the only key junction along NH 544 that doesnt have a flyover. Heavy traffic blocks have become a regular affair, especially in the Karayamparambu bridge-TELK section. A lot of travellers, especially those travelling to Kochi airport, are being affected. Since there is no alternative route to divert the traffic, bypass projects are crucial. With regard to the Angamaly bypass project, all activities relating to land acquisition such as the survey of plots, boundary marking, and fixing of compensation amount are completed. We have urged authorities to release the fund to start attaching land and complete the project on a war footing, said Angamaly municipal chairman Mathew Thomas. With regard to the Angamaly-Maradu Kochi bypass, the boundary stone-laying activity commenced from the Angamaly side in November 2024 but is progressing slowly. We are receiving a lot of grievances regarding alignment and compensation. We are striving our best to complete the land acquisition in a year. The Centre assured us that the funds for providing compensation will be allotted without any delay once the 3(D) notification (completion of land acquisition process) is issued, a senior NHAI official said. The `6,000-crore project will connect Karayamparambu near Angamaly to Kundannoor, decongesting the existing NH 544 and NH 66 sections from Angamaly to Aroor. Long-distance vehicles could bypass Kochi city and busy junctions like Aluva, Kalamassery and Edappally. Kundannoor Jn devpt to kick-start soon Meanwhile, the RBDCK is also set to kick-start the J10.53 crore project to develop the Kundannoor Junction along the NH-66 bypass. The junction has turned into a bottleneck despite the coming up of a flyover there. The main issue is the narrow service road and openings, though there is adequate space beneath the flyover. A total of 16.24 acres, mainly private land from the four corners of the junction, will be acquired. Two buildings (towards the Maradu side) will also be demolished. The 11(1) notification for land acquisition process will be issued soon, the official added.

Im considering switching to the UDF, says Kala Raju

KOCHI: Following the abduction drama on Saturday during which she claimed that fellow CPM councillors of Koothattukulam municipality assaulted her, Kala Raju is undergoing treatment at the Indira Gandhi Co-operative Hospital in Kochi. On Sunday, she spoke to TNIE about what led to the dramatic scenes and her future plans. Why is the CPM targetting you? My family had taken a loan of Rs 10 lakh from a co-operative bank controlled by the CPM, when municipality vice chairman Sunny Kuriakose was its president. The loan was secured by pledging a portion of our land in Koothattukulam town. My husband passed away during the Covid pandemic. Meanwhile, the bank issued a confiscation notice, refusing to consider a moratorium, or other concessions. I approached party leaders and expressed my concern. Leaders, including Sunny, intervened, claiming the party was helping us. They went on to sell the land for Rs 22.5 lakh and used the proceeds to settle the bank dues. CPM leaders claim that you struck a deal with the UDF to vote in their favour during the no-confidence motion.. There was neither a deal nor a verbal agreement between me and UDF councillors. However, I considered supporting the no-confidence motion against the CPM-led ruling front due to the partys dismissive approach towards me and my concerns. Have CPM leaders approached or contacted you after what transpired on Saturday? Some CPM leaders did contact me, but instead of offering genuine consolation, their words felt more like a warning, implying that what I did was wrong. Do you plan to switch to UDF? I have dedicated 25 years of my life to the CPM. Despite the shock of my husbands death, I remained committed to serving both people and party. However, after the humiliation I suffered, I am seriously considering this (shifting allegiances).

AICC secretary P.V. Mohan injured in road accident in Kerala

Accident occurred around 2.30 am on Pala-Ramapuram road in Kottayam when his vehicle, on the way to Kochi airport, swerved to avoid a collision with another vehicle

India's strength lies in truth of oneness: Mohan Bhagwat

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat emphasized India's strength in unity and its unique cultural heritage at a meeting in Kochi. He highlighted the Hindu philosophy's ability to offer solutions to global issues and described India's journey towards self-salvation. Bhagwat also stressed the importance of discipline, knowledge, and a resolute sense of purpose for national growth and development.

Familial discord, substance abuse, lack of social spaces driving teen suicides across Kerala

KOCHI: The recent series of unnatural deaths among teenagers across the state has placed the spotlight firmly back on unhealthy tendencies within the demographic. While it is virtually impossible to pinpoint the exact cause, most of the deaths have been linked to trauma or other psychological factors. These tendencies are most often seen in children studying in the eighth grade and above. Familial issues such as poor interpersonal relations, sparse communication within the family, lifestyle problems, and substance abuse contribute significantly to these tendencies, said Pranav, a Thiruvananthapuram-based psychologist who works with child protection cells of various NGOs. Pranav pointed out that the lack of accessible social spaces, such as playgrounds, can also affect childrens mental health. The crowded atmosphere at cafeterias, especially in the evenings, reflects the publics and particularly childrens need for comfortable and safe spaces for leisure, he added. Highlighting the importance of individual attention, Pranav said, Even in connected families, its essential for children to have individual support. In some foreign countries, there are systems in place to monitor a childs development from the time of conception. Unfortunately, we lack such support in our country. He also emphasised the challenges posed by the childrens tendency to resist. A child will rarely disclose feelings or admit problems to parents. They are unlikely to open up about experiencing abuse or other issues. This resistance is often a significant barrier to addressing their struggles effectively, he stressed. Commenting on tendencies among teenagers, Dr C J John, senior consultant psychiatrist at Medical Trust Hospital, said, Teens are increasingly exposed to influences that are not suited to their mental development. As their brains and minds are still under development, they are often deeply connected to their emotional world rather than grounded in reality. Unfortunately, social institutions like families and schools are neither fully aware of nor adequately address these psychological changes in teens. He added that dangerous normalisation also influences teens negatively. Many movies, social media content, and even news feeds normalise aggression, glorify suicides, and portray running away as an acceptable response to challenges. For instance, characters like Rangannan and Ambaan (two characters in the Malayalam film Aavesham who extol violence), were even featured on the state governments Praveshanolsavam (school re-opening) posters. When children are frustrated, they may lean towards these unhealthy tendencies instead of focusing on positive growth, he said. Addressing potential solutions, Dr John added, We must first acknowledge that the psychological world of a teenager is vastly different from that of adults. Identifying these differences is the first step. Then we should move to corrections after understanding behavioural changes and warning signs. Reflecting on his experiences, South Zone IG S Syamsundar said the negative tendencies observed among teens stem from a variety of factors. Beyond individual issues, factors such as academic pressure, unrealistic expectations, relationship failures, drug use, and numerous other reasons lead to these tragic incidents. Each case is unique and must be treated as such. However, we must also address the issue comprehensively, he added.

Rehab centre for women & kids in Ernakulam district remains a non-starter

KOCHI: It has been two years since the excise department received clearance for a dedicated de-addiction centre for women and children in Ernakulam district, but the project remains a non-starter. Excise officials cite non-availability of space and staff for the delay, even as narcotic cases involving the demographic are seeing a rise. It was in 2022, that former excise minister M V Govindan gave the green light for the de-addiction centre in Ernakulam. The department initially planned to start the de-addiction centre on the top floor of the Tripunithura Government Ayurveda Medical College Hospital. However, due to various concerns raised by college authorities, the plan was changed and Tripunithura Taluk Hospital was considered. But the taluk hospital campus is not large enough to take on another facility. While the project remains on paper, other government hospitals in the district are being examined for the project, an excise official said. Recruiting staff for the new centre poses another issue. Excise department to start de-addiction centre for women in Ernakulam district Noushad M, manager of the Vimukthi Mission in Ernakulam, said all attempts are being made to launch the project. We are looking for an appropriate location. The project has not been cancelled, he stressed. Currently, there are two government-run de-addiction centres in the district. Besides the facility at Muvattupzha government hospital, a de-addiction centre operates from the Ernakulam Medical College in Kalamassery. Between 2021 and July 2024 as many as 153 women and 147 children were arrested in narcotic cases registered by the excise department across the state.

Marappalam rail subway widening work to start soon

COIMBATORE: After a long delay, the district administration is all set to begin land acquisition to widen the Marappalam railway underpass located at Madukkarai on the Coimbatore-Palakkad main road at Madukkarai. The plan is to widen the underpass into a four-lane stretch to manage traffic in a better way on the interstate route. The Marappalam underpass, which was originally a wooden railway bridge, is located 2 kilometres from the Kochi-Salem National Highway. It is the only easy access point to the road connecting Kerala and Coimbatore and does not have toll plazas up to the border. The two-lane underpass was constructed by the British. Following renovation a few years ago, it was modified into a single-lane subway. As it can only accommodate one heavy vehicle alongside a bike, this creates a bottleneck, forcing other vehicles to wait in queues on both sides. Heeding to public demand, the Coimbatore district administration has initiated the widening work. Explaining the development, collector Kranthi Kumar Pati told TNIE that the Marappalam Road Under Bridge (RUB) is proposed to be dismantled and reconstructed as a four-lane carriageway with a railway box length of 82.70 metres and a width of 21.90m. The approved General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) with all necessary modifications was obtained from the Chief Bridge Engineer of Southern Railways in Chennai on December 31, 2024. Based on it diversion of traffic was requested from the Palakkad Railway Division on January 6, 2025. The Land Planning Schedule (LPS) for land acquisition is under preparation and it has to be sent to the government for approval the collector said. Meanwhile, local people have urged the district administration to renovate an abandoned underpass, which is located nearby. They suggest light vehicles be allowed through it. Narrow Marappalam underpass in TN chokes traffic

Metro fare hike may come into effect next week

BENGALURU: The recent announcement by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to hike ticket fares by around 43%, which led to severe criticism from commuters, has forced Metro officials to put the decision on hold. As per the original plan, BMRCL was set to announce the ticket fare hike on Saturday, January 18, a day after Metro officials met with stakeholders and committee members. However, no decision was announced until late Saturday evening. BMRCL sources told TNIE, So far, no decision has been made by the management to hike the fares. It might be announced in the coming week and will come into immediate effect. The 40-43% hike proposed will be revised as people have criticised the decision. BMRCL maintained that the fare revision, the first since its operations commenced, is necessary to provide services, maintain stations and trains, offer dedicated coaches for women (unlike BMTC), ensure time-bound services, maintain clean washrooms, and provide special services for senior citizens and people with disabilities. However, citizens remain unconvinced. Hiking the fare by 40% and above will pinch our pockets. We do not travel in the Metro sitting, but standing most of the time. We use the Metro because road travel in Bengaluru is a hassle. But the Metro cannot increase the rates when the government is unable to improve its public transport services, said Puneetha K, a Metro user. Commuters pointed out that if the ticket fares are hiked, Namma Metro will become the costliest compared to services in Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kochi. Veerain R, another Metro user, said, Public transport should be affordable. It doesnt seem like the Metro is in loss or needs money as the number of passengers per day is only rising. Comparing the Metro to bus transport is like comparing apples and oranges. For most, the Metro is not an end-to-end service. The entire monthly budget will be disrupted if the ticket rates are hiked. The state government can stop the Shakti scheme and manage finances instead, said an agitated Triveni L, a commuter.

Kerala government set to take full control of SmartCity Kochi

KOCHI: A month after the appointment of a committee to finalise the contours of the withdrawal of Tecom Investments from the joint venture, the Kerala government is set to take over the SmartCity Kochi project in a move that enables the government access to the 246-acre IT park at Kakkanad. Tecom, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding, held 84% stake in SmartCity Kochi, while the state government held 16%. The expert committee -- comprising Kerala State IT Mission director Sandip Kumar, Infopark CEO Susanth Kurunthil, and Overseas Keralites Investment and Holding managing director Baju George -- has met once, according to sources. When contacted, Minister for Industries P Rajeeve told TNIE, The plan is for the state government to take complete control of the project. However, it may take seven to eight months to get a clearer picture on what the final terms will be. He said the chief minister has clarified that the 246-acre park will function along the lines of Infopark, under the complete control of the state government. It has been made clear that the project will not go to a private party, Rajeeve stressed. He said the Tecom exit should be on mutually agreeable terms as international arbitration may prolong for several years. On whether the land available with SmartCity Kochi will be used for Infopark Phase III, the minister said, It has already been decided to make use of land pooling for the Phase III project to find the space needed for expansion. GCDA (Greater Cochin Development Authority) has been given the responsibility. The future of SmartCity Kochi became a topic of discussion after Tecom wrote to the state government, highlighting its inability to continue with the project. The governments announcement of appointing an independent evaluator to determine the compensation to be paid to Tecom had attracted widespread criticism.

93-yr-old from Andheri, 71-yr-old from Kochi put best foot forward

ISL Transfer News: Kerala Blasters FC Rope In Bikash Yumnam From Chennaiyin FC

The 21-year-old Indian defender Yumnam signed a long-term contract tying him to the Kochi-based KBFC.

Defence Rules the Night

The hosts solid defence earned a point, holding the Highlanders despite playing 10 men for over an hourreports Asian Lite News Kerala Blasters FC restricted NorthEast United FC to a goalless draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 on Saturday. The home team showed exceptional defensive prowess to hold the Highlanders at bay and secure a point despite playing with 10 men for over 60 minutes of the game. Jithin MS, who scored his opening goal of the season in the last match, came close to getting the Highlanders the lead

Spread of industries has made Kerala single urban entity: Minister P Rajeeve

KOCHI: Kerala has transformed into a single urban entity, with industries spreading across all parts of the state under this unified concept, Industries Minister P Rajeeve said on Saturday. He was inaugurating the KINFRA International Convention Centre in Kakkanad. Kerala is ranked first in Ease of Doing Business based on investors voting, and the government is making efforts to maximise this potential. Participating in global events like the World Economic Forum aims to connect with investors and invite them to Kerala. The presence of decision-makers at such platforms instills confidence among investors, which is why senior officials are also included in these delegations, he said. Over the past 15 years, Kerala has not been among the states with the highest number of strikes in India. Tamil Nadu leads in this regard. However, there is a widespread misconception that strikes and protests are rampant in Kerala. The minister stressed the importance of dispelling this myth. Compared to other states, Kerala incurs lower costs in attracting investors. The government is committed to providing the necessary land and infrastructure to facilitate investment. To promote comprehensive industrial development, nearly 50 events, including conclaves and roadshows, are planned, he added. Although Kerala boasts the highest number of five-star hotels, it often lacks adequate facilities for hosting international conferences, especially during the tourism season when accommodations are scarce. To address this, Rajeeve emphasised the need for more convention centres and other facilities, with agencies like KINFRA taking the lead. The event was presided over by Principal Secretary (Industries) A P M Mohammed Hanish. Other dignitaries included Collector N S K Umesh, KINFRA Export Promotion Industrial Park chairman Sabu George, Thrikkakara Municipal councillor M O Varghese, FICCI Kerala State Council former chairman Deepak L Aswani, ULCCS COO Arun Babu, KSSIA vice-president P J Jose, KINFRA Film and Video Park chairman Baby Uzhuthuvaal, and KINFRA managing director Santosh Koshi Thomas. The convention centre, spread over 51,715 sq ft across three floors, includes an air-conditioned hall with a seating capacity of 640, a mini hall for 100, a dining hall, kitchen, VIP guest rooms, lounge, boardroom, and other facilities. Suitable for global seminars, presentations, and conferences, the centre has already been booked for events starting January 25. The centre also features parking for approximately 700 cars, an open stage area for outdoor programmes, and direct access to the Infopark Expressway. Located just two kilometres from the Seaport-Airport Road, connectivity will further improve with the completion of Kochi Metros second phase.

Two flat complexes to rehabilitate 394 families in Fort Kochi ready

KOCHI: After significant delays, the construction of two flat complexes designed to rehabilitate landless and houseless families in the Kalvathy, Thuruthy, and Koncheri colonies in Fort Kochi has been completed under the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) programme. The project will benefit 394 families, with one complex built by the Kochi corporation and the other by the Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML). The corporations 11-storey flat complex consists of 199 residential units, constructed at a cost of Rs 41.74 crore. Each unit includes a dining/living area, a bedroom, a kitchen, a balcony, and two toilets. The complex also features 81 parking slots, a 105 KLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), three elevators, and three staircases. The ground floor accommodates an anganwadi and 14 shop rooms. The second flat complex, funded by the CSML, comprises 195 residential units. This 13-storey building, constructed at a cost of Rs 44.01 crore, includes parking for 68 cars and 17 bikes, as well as rooftop solar panels. The flat complexes will be inaugurated in March, once the sewage treatment plants are fully operational, said Mayor M Anil Kumar, following a visit to the site. In addition to the 105-KLD STP in the first tower, a second 100-KLD STP and a 300-kg waste collection plant are being constructed. The corporation began the construction of flats in 2017, but work was halted for some time. Originally, the project was designed to benefit 755 families. The plan includes building apartments for 394 families, a double-storey building for six families, and renovating homes for 88 families.

E-feeder buses to connect every boat service at Kakkanad metro terminal

KOCHI: Kochi Water Metro Ltd (KWML) expects a major boost in ridership on the Vyttila-Kakkanad section with the deployment of three e-feeder buses, providing last-mile connectivity to Infopark and Collectorate from Kakkanad Water Metro terminal next week. To tap the full potential, the Metro Connect buses operating on the Chittattukara-Infopark and Chittattukara-Collectorate routes will link each and every boat service arriving at the terminal, even as KWML is set to increase the frequency of boat services from Monday. While the e-feeder buses will be operational on Aluva-Airport and Kalamassery-Medical College routes from Thursday onwards, the vehicles will be deployed in the Kakkanad sections from next week. Well increase the frequency of the services from Monday, thereby reducing the wait time between boats to 20 minutes during peak hours. We will lower this further to 15 minutes in another three months when construction of a second pontoon at Vyttila terminal is completed, said Sajan P John, COO, KWML. Currently, wait times on the sector are 25 minutes during peak hours and 30-35 minutes during non-peak times. While the original plan was to construct three pontoons, only one has so far been set up. The same has rendered it difficult to increase the frequency of services. A total of four boats, including one spare one, are deployed in the sector. The water metro operates on five routes High Court-Fort Kochi, HC-Vypeen, HC-South Chittoor, South Chittoor-Cheranalloor, and Vyttila-Kakkanad, which sees the most daily commuters. Its mainly tourists who take the other routes. But daily commuters, including residents and Infopark employees, travel in boats operating on the Vyttila-Kakkanad section. We expect a substantial rise in ridership with the deployment of e-feeder buses, probably from next week, the official said. While ridership remained more or less the same in the first year of operation, it has seen a gradual rise in recent months. Daily ridership on the Vyttila-Kakkanad sector now averages 1,500, against our long-term goal of 2,500. Average daily ridership in December was 7,700, which is very encouraging, the official noted. Water metro authorities say a substantial increase in daily commuters would contribute to decongesting roads and solve the acute parking problems on Infopark campus. A metro boat takes just 25 minutes to cover the section. While a ticket is priced at Rs 40, those availing monthly pass can travel cheaper -- at Rs 12 per trip. The feeder-bus operation has been our long-term demand. Well now give publicity to the water metro services and urge employees to use the eco-friendly mode of transport, said Anish Panthalani, co-founder of Progressive Techies, a socio-cultural organisation of software employees. Meanwhile, the Metro Connect buses started regular operation on the Aluva-Airport, Kalamassery-Medical College and Kalamassery-Cusat routes from Thursday. The services are a hit, especially in the airport section, where 1,345 commuters used the facility, while 510 people travelled on the Kalamassery route on the inaugural day. A total of four buses have been deployed in the airport sector, replacing the private feeder buses, while two are conducting services on the Kalamassery routes. The ticket fare is Rs 80 for the airport feeder services and Rs 20 for a five-km distance travel in other routes. In the airport route, the buses are available at a frequency of 20 minutes during peak hours and half an hour during non-peak hours. The services will start from Aluva at 6.45 am and the last trip from airport to Aluva is at 11 pm. We will deploy buses in the High Court-MG Road circular, Kadavanthra-KP Vallon Road circular, Kakkanad Water Metro terminal-Infopark-Kinfra Park and Kakkanad Water Metro terminal-collectorate routes in a phased manner soon, a Metro spokesperson said.

Kerala government issues order granting primary permission for Palakkad IMFL plant

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has issued an order giving primary permission to Oasis Commercial Private Limited to establish a unit at Kanjikode in Palakkad to produce extra neutral alcohol and other liquor products. The taxes department in its order dated January 16 has stated that permission has been given based on the governments decision to promote production of extra neutral alcohol in the state and give permissions to distilleries and units which come forward for it. The decision is based on the 2023-24 state liquor policy, the taxes department said. On the basis of the new liquor policy, the department gave permission to Oasis to start an ethanol plant, multi-feed distillation unit, Indian-made foreign liquor unit, a brewery, a malt spirit plant, a brandy unit, and a winery plant. It has also been instructed that only broken rice should be used as raw material for the production of extra neutral alcohol. The IMFL bottling unit will be set up in the first phase. In the second phase, an extra neutral alcohol and ethanol unit will be set up. In the third phase, a power generation unit will be set up and a brewery in the last leg. The company has also agreed to only use agricultural products from the state as raw materials. All criteria put forwarded by the MoEF would be met. Kerala Water Authority has given permission to supply water for the production, the company said. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan Huge corruption involved in granting licence to brewery, says V D Satheesan Kochi: Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan has asked Excise Minister M B Rajesh to respond to his allegations regarding granting of permission to start a brewery unit in Palakkad, instead of diverting the issue. He was speaking to reporters at the Kochi airport on Saturday. Satheesan said that the owner of the company that has been given permission to set up the brewery in Palakkad, was arrested in Delhi for breach of liquor policy and the company is facing several allegations in Punjab as its unit has been accused of polluting groundwater around 4km of its location. He also came out against the minister for diverting the issue. The minister had said that the allegations were being raised as part of the rift in Congress state leadership. Satheesan also claimed that huge corruption is involved in the deal and the excise minister and the CM are part of it. The land was given for brewery under the disguise of setting up a college. For this government, a brewery and a college are the same, he said.

Amid no-trust move, CPM councillor Kala Raju accuses partymen of abduction, assault

KOCHI: Dramatic scenes unfolded in front of Koothattukulam municipal office on Saturday as a CPM councillor was abducted and held captive for seven hours allegedly by members of her own party over suspicion of defection. Councillor Kala Raju, representing Koothattukulam ward, who arrived at the municipal office to attend a discussion on the no-confidence motion moved against the LDF, was allegedly dragged and forcibly pushed into the car of the municipal chairperson and taken to CPM area committee office. Kala Raju, who was dropped at her residence around 4.30 pm, told mediapersons that she was abducted by CPM men, who also assaulted her. I was beaten up and taken to the CPM area committee office. They tried to tear my clothes and threatened to chop off my legs. I was forced to support the no-confidence motion as the party did not heed to the complaints I had raised four months ago, Kala Raju told reporters. The Koothattukulam police have registered a case against CPM area secretary P B Ratheesh, municipal chairperson Vijaya Sivan, vice-chairman Sunny Kuriakose, councillor Suma Viswambharan, CPM local secretary Febeesh George and 45 others on charges of abduction, wrongful restraint, physical assault and rioting based on a complaint filed by Kalas son Balu and daughter Lakshmi. The Opposition UDF had moved the no-confidence motion alleging corruption behind the construction of isolation ward at the Koothattukulam government hospital. The motion was scheduled to be taken up for discussion at 10am on Saturday. Commotion in front of Koothattukulam municipal office as Kala Raju arrived along with UDF councillors to attend the discussion on no-confidence motion on Saturday We didnt attack or abduct Kala Raju Continued from p1 Express News Service @ Kochi The LDF has 13 councillors while the UDF has 11 members. An independent councillor also extended support to the UDF. According to Opposition leader Prince Paul John, Kala Raju had informed the Congress leadership that she will support the no-confidence motion. The 13 councillors supporting the motion arrived at the municipal office in three cars at 10.05 am on Saturday. Meanwhile, around 50 CPM supporters had gathered in front of the office. When Kala Raju got down from the car, they allegedly pulled her by hair, pushed her into the chairpersons car and drove away, he said. The court had ordered protection to us, but the police stood mute witness to the abduction. Kala Raju was dragged her by hair and she suffered injuries to ears and lost her earrings. She was pushed into the car of the chairperson, while the area secretary yelled at supporters to kill her. She was brutally beaten up. Kala Rajus children emailed complaints to the DGP and the chief minister after which the police registered a case. Around 4pm, the CPM area secretary called Kalas son Balu and asked him to take her from the area committee office. He insisted that the police should rescue her and conduct a medical examination test. She was later dropped at her house at 4.30pm, Prince said. Refuting allegations of abduction, vice-chairman Sunny Kuriakose said three women councillors of the LDF were injured in the attack. We had decided to abstain from the no-confidence motion voting. When we arrived at the municipal office, the UDF councillors tried to stop us which led to a scuffle. Three of our women councillors Vijaya Sivan, Ambika Rajendran and Suma Viswambaran have been admitted to the hospital with injuries. We didnt attack or abduct Kala Raju who is a CPM councillor, he said. Piravam MLA Anoop Jacob, Muvattupuzha MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan and the DCC president visited Kala Raju and shifted her to a hospital in Kochi after she complained of chest pain.

No citizen should ever have to visit a government office

The state governments declaration of the internet as a basic right made headlines. Can you tell us the context of that move and the status of the free internet connection project? Kerala was one of the first states in the country to announce the internet as a basic right to its citizens. Other countries, such as Finland, have made the internet a basic right. Food, shelter, clothing, and bandwidth are the new norm. We cant live without these four now. That was an important announcement by the government because, if you take mobile phones, Kerala is deeply connected. There is 104% connectivity here. But If you look at the number of families who have fibre connectivity, its somewhere around 20%. We have Airtel, BSNL, Jio, Asianet, etc, and yet have covered only 20 lakh families out of a total of 85 lakh. So, from purely a market perspective, its a big market and a big opportunity. And two, all these people require fibre connectivity. Whats the total number of KFON connections given so far, including BPL, commercial connections, and institutions? We have reached 76,000 connections. We have connected all government institutions 13,438. The balance are all private homes, around 51,000. Our target is to give 1 lakh connections by March this year, inclusive of commercial, BPL, and institutions. Why should a person get a KFON connection when other private players are offering the same service? This is a public choice theory service. Everybody is there in the market. People can choose, and why should they come to us? If I dont maintain an SLA (a contract between an internet service provider and a customer that defines the expected quality of internet service), nobody would come to me. We offer an SLA of 99.9%. (which means the service is expected to be available at least 99.9% of the time). Thats the industry standard. Airtel, Jio, and other private players offer 99.9%. If I dont maintain that, we are finished. We have 68 teams, each team has five persons and a vehicle, who are patrolling. If theres any service disruption, they will ensure speedy restoration. We are not compromising on the quality of service. All 76,000 connections are running without any service disruption. Why should the state government be in a sector with cut-throat competition from private players? Thats a policy decision by the government. We are on par with any ISP because its stable. We are providing our service to the secretariat, Kerala assembly, collectorates, and all government offices run on KFON connection. But there are 1 lakh plus government offices in Kerala. Thats another opportunity that awaits me. We are providing the full bouquet of services, including leased lines that others are providing, except IPTV (internet protocol TV) and OTT. For IPTV and OTT, we have received the boards approval, and we will apply for the licence. You have connected most of the government offices and institutions. Has the government worked out the benefits received and the expenses saved because of KFON? I have visited 30-40 panchayat offices and found that they have 5-6 internet connections, which is mind-boggling. The entire government runs on e-office, and the panchayat uses several software applications like K-SMART (Kerala Solutions for Managing Administrative Reformation and Transformation), making downtime unacceptable. I have written to the government, stating that KFON needs to be the primary connection. They can have a secondary connection for safety, but our ring architecture ensures almost zero downtime. We prioritise redundancy, which is an advantage KFON offers. Do government offices pay KFON for the service? My regret is that government offices are utilising our services without paying. Ive informed the government about the significant investment of nearly Rs 1,000 crore and the need for a return on investment. Im not seeking a monopoly, but I believe KFON should be the primary connection. The issue is that government offices assumed KFON would be free and theyve been paying for other connections by other companies. They need to pay us, and its pending since October 2023. Initially, the government agreed to support us directly from the budget, with an expected budgetary support of Rs 250 crore. However, the finance secretary decided not to pay from the budget and asked me to bill consumers and institutions individually. How much is pending? As of now, we have to get around Rs 30 crore from the government. Going forward, I think its going to increase because various government institutions have taken internet lease lines. If I am going to replace it, there will be more revenue. Have government institutions disconnected private internet lines? They have started disconnecting private lines. But sometimes they say they want a secondary connection because they cannot afford to have only one connection. Theres a committee chaired by the IT secretary, of which I am a member. Mostly, we agree. There was a proposal to provide free Wi-Fi in public spaces. Whats the status now? We have submitted a proposal for Wi-Fi in public spaces. Its called KFi. Theres another proposal KSWAN (Kerala State Wide Area Network)-KFON integration. These proposals are pending with the government. The IT Mission has provided free Wi-Fi in 2,000 locations. It has been pretty successful. We are now proposing to spread it to 4,008 locations. We are awaiting government clearance, and once it comes, all public spaces in Kerala will have free Wi-Fi. Are you in a position to give on-demand connections? Yes. We have the KFON app on phones, KFON on the website, and a toll-free number. These three are the methods to reach us. We have a 24x7 call centre too. We are providing connections on demand. Whats the status of K-SMART which ensures hassle-free issuance of certificates? K-SMART is a mobile app-based e-governance system for local bodies in Kerala. It aims to provide a variety of services to citizens through an online platform. We launched K-SMART on January 1, 2024, in Kochi. There were initial hiccups. If you take buildings, the data was an enormous 200 crore records, which we had to move to digital. We made some miscalculations and took the job lightly. By the time we upload 50 crore records, there will be technical issues and we have to rework. From January 1, 2025, we have launched K-SMART in panchayats. My personal vision for K-SMART is that everything should happen over mobile phones and nobody should be made to visit government offices. No citizen should ever visit a government office. What we offer is joyful citizens, joyful employees, and efficient government. Now, marriage certificates can be downloaded through the app. Birth certificates will be issued within six minutes while death certificates in around 10 minutes. How many local bodies have come on board for the e-services? From April 1, this will be implemented in 941 grama panchayats, 152 block panchayats, and 14 district panchayats. All activities in local bodies will be on K-SMART. At Karakulam, on the third minute of a marriage, the marriage certificate was handed over by the minister to the couple on stage. My target is to have certificates issued before people ask for them. Thats what I mean by predictive governance. We have so much data with us. Our governance is file-based. If a person has any requirement, they have to visit each department concerned, where his petition will be filed. Currently, K-SMART is data-centric. But it can be human-centric. The activities linked to each department can be easily accessed. For us, technology-wise, it is not a challenge. But our problem is that we are all in silos. If we break these silos, we will be at the next level of governance. K-SMART can power that change. We can bring everything to one platform. How connected are we compared to Singapore or Malaysia? I stayed in Singapore for a year. They have an integrated system. In our country, at any point in time, there will be some kind of survey taking place. So, there are several persons of the same name in the database. But there is no mechanism to uniquely identify a person. This is an essential problem of governance. Now, the name of a person is written in different ways at various departments. To overcome that, when I was in Tamil Nadu, a government order was issued for family-based data. In this, we ordered that one mother department will identify a person uniquely. Other departments can only add metadata about the person. So, all the personal details of a person can be kept constant. It can be linked to an Aadhaar card or other unique number. Other details can be added further. This is not done in Kerala, and India. This is a huge area that needs reforms. Is there any resistance from the part of government employees against these reforms? In the initial stages of K-SMART, there was confusion among government employees. They were never used to it. Our panchayats are computerised but urban local bodies arent. There were connectivity issues. But those simple issues are over. Now, they find it very easy for them and consider it a productivity tool. What took three hours earlier now takes three seconds. So the volume of work is coming down. But my personal feeling is that the time has come to upgrade the skills of employees. Earlier, we had typists. But now we are all typists. As there is no requirement for typists now, it doesnt mean that people have gone out of job. We need higher levels of skills. As AI comes in, the skill set of people will improve, and nobody will lose their jobs. Where do Kerala and Tamil Nadu now stand regarding the implementation of citizen services? Whats Keralas strength? As far as citizen services are concerned, Kerala is No. 1, no doubt about that. Around 900 services are online. When our former chief secretary V P Joy sir assumed office, he pushed the e-office a lot. He also promoted e-sevanam, a bouquet of services of all government departments. But ideally, one should be directed to other websites as well. That facility is not there at present. Thats a disadvantage of e-sevanam. If you are a citizen in Kerala, you can go to e-sevanam and log in. If there are 10 departments, you have to log in 10 times on different websites. There should be a facility to go to any department with a single sign-in. Thats what were providing through K-SMART. In Tamil Nadu, not many services are online compared to Kerala. Where does Tamil Nadu excel? I was in charge of the system that works on the lines of KFON in Tamil Nadu. There, the project is called Bharat Net. Thats still at the halfway stage in terms of connectivity. Coming to areas where Tamil Nadu excels, the land allotment process is much faster there. And compared to other states of India? Nowhere in the country is it as extensive as it is in Kerala. Here, right up to the panchayat office, all have been turned into e-offices. Thats a big advantage. In the future, do you see just one card for a citizen, instead of separate cards for Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, etc? What I say is that its the people who give us the salary. And they have to stand for hours before us to get the services. That shouldnt occur. Thats a paradox in governance. Thats the British style. Every government office should become a back office. Theres no need to even reveal the name of the government office. Thats my concept. In offices like Microsoft and Facebook, I have visited their back offices which are massive. But we see only the front office. We dont deal with the back offices at all. Why should we deal with the back office? It is when we deal with such back offices that issues like corruption crop up. This should be minimised, and it can be. K-SMART is the best example. Whats the next stage of KFON? Were doing something very unique in the country connecting the unconnected. The idea developed within the team to connect tribal areas. We selected a village in Thiruvananthapuram Kottur. There are 27 hamlets. We connected two. Ninety-three families of Chonampara and Aalipara have benefitted from this, and the good thing is life has changed for them. These are deep in the forest, and they dont have any connectivity. The initiative was supported by South Indian Bank as part of their CSR. Inspired by this, we have connected Panthaladikunnu in Wayanad and Attappadi. We connected around 100 families. Now we are consumed by this. So, I have spoken to Renu Raj, the director of tribal welfare, to connect all 1,600 tribal habitations in Kerala. For a year, we can do with CSR funds. Maybe through this, I can request all companies to spend money on CSR and connect the tribal hamlets. The government has provided them with good houses but they dont have any option to connect. They have to move from one rock to the next to get connected. I feel that I must connect them. What does the consumer use this data for? Have you noticed any pattern in Kerala? The pattern is clear. More than 60% is on entertainment. Thats natural as well. E-governance doesnt require much data. But that is an essential part, and we cant deny them. Whats the status of the Work Near Home project? Any expansion plan? For a work-near-home setup, you will get an 80% interest-free loan through KSITM (Kerala State IT Mission). Two such centres have been set up. We are talking to people. These spaces should not be near the Cyberparks, Technopark, or Infopark. Thats a condition set by the government. In semi-urban areas? Our idea is to take it to village panchayats. But we dont know if people are working there. There will be people who are working from home. But there is no huge demand. We plan to come up with 10 such centres across Kerala. You have worked with the Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments. What differences have you felt? The main difference is the process. Kerala is very process-driven. Tamil Nadu is not so. For example, if we have to sanction land to set up an industry in Tamil Nadu, you get the approval immediately. But in Kerala, one has to go through a big chain of procedures. It takes a lot of time. This is the bureaucratic delay I was talking about. This is because everyone is afraid of getting blamed. The bureaucratic levels are afraid of the petitions and RTIs that theyll have to answer. However, this makes the process very clean. In Kerala, there is no political interference. Thats not the case in Tamil Nadu. In Kerala, auto-escalation is the only solution that can boost growth. How do you see the political class responding to new ideas? Are they receptive? Yes. Very much. Do you know who gave me the K-SMART idea? Govindan Master. He contacted me with the idea because he wants the system to change. That shows the positive attitude the political class at the top has when it comes to good governance. Be it any party. The only issue that casts a shadow is the delay in file movement. The crux of governance is file movement. Do you think the CM is frustrated by this so-called apathy in the bureaucratic system? This is because of the absence of an incentive system in the government system. There should be a performance incentive and non-performance disincentive. We are paying salaries with money from the taxpayers. The babus (government servants) need to do their work instead of sending out queries. The leaders need to have the wherewithal to overrule the decisions made by those down the chain. The leaders can do so while giving a reason for their decision. All this will speed up the process of file clearance. Many files get rejected for minor reasons. That is not so in TN. There I could take the file directly to the CM, and get it signed and approved in a day or two. Here, though the political class is ready to sign the files, the time it takes for the files to reach them is very long. Are you saying that there is intent but no on-the-ground realisation? Ahh... how do I say it? Things are improving (laughs). Computerisation has brought in a lot of improvement. What about ease of doing business? We are far ahead of other states in the country. However, we need to compare ourselves with other countries, like Singapore, which are way ahead.

Kochi metros electric feeder buses rake in 1.18 lakh on January 16

Kochi Dialogue 2025 concludes

LDF councillor 'abducted' ahead of 'no confidence' motion in Koothattukulam municipality, Kerala

KOCHI: Dramatic scenes unfolded in Koothattukulam municipality on Saturday morning after a CPM councillor was abducted minutes before a no-confidence motion moved by Opposition UDF was scheduled to be taken up for discussion. Councillor Kala Raju was whisked away forcefully in the official vehicle of the municipality chairperson soon after she arrived there, even as several police personnel turned moot spectators. Earlier, Kala Raju had given indications that she would vote in favour of the UDF in the event of a no-confidence motion against the ruling LDF. Following the incident, the UDF members boycotted the council and staged a protest, which was led by former Congress minister and Piravom MLA Anoop Jacob. The protestors picketed the police station and staged a sit-in for several hours, demanding action for the release of the councillor. A tense situation prevailed in the municipality premises as members of both fronts assembled and shouted slogans against each other. The municipality is governed by the LDF, which has 13 members. The Opposition UDF has 11 members and there is also an Independent in the 25 ward council. The LDF decided not to attend the council meeting today after receiving the notice of the no confidence motion. It all started a few days back when the UDF alleged corruption in the setting up of an isolation ward in the Community Health Centre at Koothattukulam. The Opposition moved an adjournment motion, demanding vigilance probe in the construction done at a cost of Rs 1.79 crore. However, the ruling LDF denied permission for the same as the UDF moved a no confidence motion, alleging corruption. Anoop Jacob MLA told TNIE while holding a sit-in protest at the police station premise that Kala Raju had defected due to the infighting within the CPM and promised to vote for us. This would have resulted in the LDF losing the majority. They abducted her in the official vehicle of the municipal chairperson after assaulting her. The police were moot spectators and refused to lodge an FIR at first. However, her children came and lodged complaint, following which a case was taken. We demand immediate action to find out her whereabouts and release her from forceful custody, he added.

INTERVIEW | We have to be fake to be normal in society: Saharu Nusaiba Kannanari

KOCHI: Saharu Nusaiba Kannanari, with his debut published work, has been garnering accolades across India and beyond. His novel, Chronicle of an Hour and a Half, made it to the final shortlist for the JCB Prize for Literature and subsequently won the coveted Crossword Book Award for Fiction in December. The story is set in a small village in northern Kerala at the height of the monsoon. Narrated through multiple voices, it recounts events that unfold in 90 minutes. An affair, a multitude of characters caught in its web, and bystanders all converge on a tragic conclusion a mob lynching, triggered by WhatsApp messages. At the heart of the narrative, amid the rising tide of violence in misogynistic men, stand two women. Saharus poetic, graphic, and melancholic prose refrains from casting a judgemental eye on any of his characters. While praise continues to pour in, Saharu (short for Saharuddin), born and raised in the small town of Areekode in Malappuram, remains steadfast in his focus. His passion lies in writing and weaving tales that have remained untold. His next book, The Menon Investigation, is set for release mid-year, with another work nearing completion. A keen observer of politics, religion, and human emotions, Saharu declares that in fiction, we have to speak the truth. Excerpts: Moral policing, misogyny, and the fragility of masculinity are some of the main themes in Chronicle of an Hour and a Half. Youve given almost all of these characters a voice. Can you tell me about your approach to writing these themes? I am not someone profound. In fact, I consider writing my job, not a dream or passion. What I try to do is tell a story as realistically as possible. And realism is this: all of us are imperfect. In that novel (Chronicle), the person who was murdered provoked the incident by beating up his friend. His moral policing on an individual level becomes, in another case, a cause for mass instigation. One thing I tell myself, and preach, is that a novelist should be the most common specimen of the species, not exceptional. Writing is just an extension of that understanding of society. Eventually, as you write, the story has to speak. By treating writing as a message-giving activity, we strip it of its essential requirement: giving words to human complexity. I would say a novel is a modern form of heresy, except instead of abusing God, we abuse human beings. You have been writing for years without being published. I read that you worked as a contract lecturer without a salary for years. And you consider writing your job I never treated teaching as my job. Which is why, when my hours were over, I would always return home to my room and my computer to write. If I had taken teaching as a job, I would have been much more engrossed in it. I love literature. I may speak about the lack of conversionary power in novels, but I am also deeply, deeply in love with literature. If you read great literature, you become charged by it. Eventually, you begin to leak, like a battery. You say literature doesnt have conversionary power. But doesnt it have the power to influence, to inspire change? For example, it made you a writer... Oh, I wanted to be a writer even before I read a book! Heres why. I am very proud of my mother. She spent her life bringing us up. She was an anganwadi teacher for 19 years, then a peon in a school for 7 years. One day, in the library, I saw names on the spines of books. One name struck me the authors middle name was his mothers name. I decided that, one day, I would create an occasion where my mothers name (Nusaiba) would appear beside mine on the spine of a book. In a sense, I am accomplishing a childish dream. To answer your question, let me put it like this: consider football, its an activity people enjoy. Isnt it the same with reading? Eventually, human endeavours are a search for pleasure. When I read, I am drawn to the inventive power of language, the stylistic elements, the meaning, the metaphorical power. I am pretty much always in my room. I hardly have any worldly experiences. My attachment to literature is quite serious. Which was the first book you read? Was it the one you noted in the library? No, I didnt read that one. The first book I read, other than a textbook, was by Jiddu Krishnamurthy. I was in college. His writing had rebellious qualities, especially for someone like me who came from a different background a Dravidian, born and brought up in Islamic culture, and educated in a madrasa. Who are the authors who have impressed you? Shakespeare, James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, Bronte, Saadat Hassan Manto, Sartre, to name a few. You speak about how religion lacks true conversionary power. How did you become a non-religious person? I think abusing God helps (laughs). I dont think leaving religion necessarily makes a person better. But calling out religion and recognising it as a farce are stepping stones to intelligence. Religion is just a herd mentality at the end of the day. How do stories come to you as scenarios, things around you, or as characters? When a story comes, as in Chronicle, I usually know the main incident. I didnt know all my characters, but I knew Nabeesumma and Reyhana, and I wanted them to speak in the first person. That made me write the other characters in the first person too. India is an extremely repressive society. What such a society needs is a release. These women spoke with once-in-a-lifetime outrage. Some may find Nabeesummas words too sentimental, but thats because shes a typical mother whose life revolves around her children. Is she a reflection of your mother? No, my mother is a different person. Shes soft-spoken and has different sensibilities. I think its amoral to use real-life people as instruments in a story. As a writer, one should develop the competence to imagine characters. Coming back to your job as a teacher. You worked without pay for years Contract employment is a modern form of bonded labour. Thats why, looking back, I remained poor. At the time of receiving the Crossword Award, I had just Rs 3,000 in my bank account. I have taught for 12-13 years, but I still dont own a car. My laptop is about 10 years old a gift from friends. The evidence suggests I am poor. Theres no reason to be so poor after working so long. Yet, I am. Why? Because my employer the government didnt pay me. They think its okay to not pay people, yet claim to be pro-worker. The most basic requirement for hiring labour is paying for it. If you cant adhere to that, why say empty words? I vote for the CPM, but the moment I start believing its a communist party, I will stop. I vote for the communist party here because its not a communist party! Take Stalin, Kim Jong all of them went the dictatorial way. Maybe the scripture is bad. Moreover, if you are in an electoral democracy, you cannot sustain any radical ideology. So they lie. Not just them, human beings lie a lot. In fact, human beings have very little honesty. There are certain fundamentals to these fakeness. We have to be fake in order to be normal in this society. Because society doesnt want truth it wants fiction. Telling the truth often becomes a radical act. And that is why, in fiction, we have to speak the truth. Is that what youre trying to do with writing? Yes, but that doesnt mean I am a prophet of truth or have some moral vantage point. Truth can be entertaining, sad, or miserable. But ultimately, truth is useless. For truth to have a positive impact, society must reflect on it. If society rejects it, it becomes mere entertainment. Now that Chronicle has achieved massive success, are you worried about the next? And will it follow a similar theme? I have said what I wanted to say about the regressive nature of Kerala society and how it views sex in the first novel. That is done. The Menon Investigation has none of that. It is about a police investigation of a cold case. And the third one is a political satire. And I am not worried about the next book (laughs). I expect myself to write bad books. Every author in the world has written a bad book, and I dont think I am going to be an exception. In fact, Chronicle is my fourth book; the first three were never published. Chronicle was written in 2019, and The Menon Investigation in 2022. Its just that they are getting published now. I am a slow writer, though my novels are short. However, I love reading long works and reread them often. Like Ulysses, The Recognitions... but I am not writing like that because I dont have the confidence that I would be able to finish it and publish it any time soon. Im afraid that it would take five years to write and another five to edit, and I wouldnt be able to live that far. While beginning to write, one is always afraid that you are becoming a minor version of a great author you have read. You are always searching in your head whether this sentence, characterisation, or the idea are from something you read before. All that said, literature is not without limitations. At the end of the day though, only very few people read literature. Some writers consider themselves rockstars. Thats not true. I believe we have to consider ourselves as the commonest specimen of the species (laughs).

Food street at Panampilly Nagar to open in March

KOCHI: One thing Kochi never falls short of is food spots. The city has seen a surge in cafes and restaurants lately, offering a wide variety of cuisines. Now, imagine a street dedicated entirely to food - a place where a myriad flavours come together in one location. For foodies and anyone looking to unwind at a lively spot, even late into the night, a state-of-the-art food street is being developed in Kasturba Nagar, near Panampilly Nagar. The project is a part of the Centres Modernisation of 100 Food Streets initiative. It is a collaborative effort of GCDA (which owns the land), city corporation, National Health Mission (NHM), and the Kerala Food Safety Department. Construction activities are underway, and according to the officials, the project is set to be completed by February. The primary goal is to bring together a variety of cuisines while maintaining high standards of food quality, hygiene, and safety, all under one roof, says a GCDA official. Many people hesitate at the thought of street food, mainly due to concerns about hygiene. However, with regular monitoring and the involvement of dedicated agencies, the safety of the food and cleanliness will be ensured. This initiative will not only attract food lovers from different regions, but also create numerous employment opportunities. The food street will feature 20 outlets, and the auctioning of kiosks for leasing to vendors will begin gradually. The area will also have ample seating arrangements, lighting, toilets, solid and liquid waste management systems, sufficient parking space, and amenities for entertainment programmes. To make the food street even more appealing, plans are in place to add recreational facilities. Kasturba Nagar was chosen because, as part of the city beautification project, efforts were already underway to transform the area into a vibrant spot with a scenic walkway and other amenities, the official adds. The project will boost the food tourism sector. We expect the food street is set to be fully operational by the first week of March.

Squeeze me, please: Zesty, tangy goodness of oranges

KOCHI: When it comes to a refreshing and revitalising drink, only a few can compete with the bright, tangy goodness of oranges. Known for its zesty nature and vibrant colour, the fruit is undeniably a global favourite, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and citrusy tang. One will be surprised to learn that there are over 600 different varieties of oranges worldwide, though only about 10 to 15 are recognised, such as the Navel, Cara Cara, Blood Oranges, and Tangerines. A powerhouse of health benefits, these have an exciting array of flavours, textures and uses. In short, oranges have something for everyone. First things first: why is orange orange? Well, orange is orange because of a group of pigments called carotenoids. When an orange is unripe, it contains chlorophyll, the green pigment. As the fruit ripens, the chlorophyll breaks down, allowing the yellow and orange carotenoids to become visible, giving the fruit its characteristic colour. Interestingly, carotenoids are also responsible for the colour of other fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes. Orange wasnt orange before oranges! Believe it or not, the word orange has an intriguing linguistic history that stretches across continents. It all begins with an ancient Sanskrit word called naranga.Interestingly, it passed through many languages like Persian (narang), Arabic (naranj) and Old French (orenge), before finally becoming orange in the 14th century. The word was widely adopted in English by the 16th century. It wasnt long before the name for the fruit was also used to describe the colour, thanks to its striking hue. And, what we now call the colour orange was directly inspired by the fruit itself. Sting in the eyes Remember that sneaky little trick as a kid? Youd press an orange just right, and with a quick squeeze, a burst of citrus oil would shoot out, catching someone off guard. The result? A sting in their eyes and a look of surprise as they rubbed their eyes, trying to shake off the sharp blast. It was all in good fun of course, but that spray of limonene, the powerful citrus oil, was a reminder of just how potent the peels aroma and oils can be. Health powerhouse An orange can provide your full daily dose of Vitamin C, boosting immunity and promoting glowing skin. Loaded with antioxidants, oranges help fight off free radicals, while fibre supports digestion and heart health. The potassium in oranges aids in maintaining healthy blood pressure, and their natural sugars offer a quick energy boost. They are indeed a delicious, nutrient-packed choice your body will thank you for. Slices of history Well, oranges are believed to have originated over 4,000 years ago in Southeast Asia, particularly in regions of southern China, India and Vietnam. They started spreading westward, especially in the Middle East through Arab traders by the 9th century. Sweet oranges were cultivated in China and spread to Europe and America. By the 19th century, oranges were widely cultivated in Florida and California. In the 20th century, orange juice became popular globally, cementing the tangy fruits place as a health staple. Indian zest India is one of the worlds largest producers, with a thriving citrus industry supporting millions of farmers. The fruit thrives in regions like Nagpur, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The first significant cultivation of oranges, particularly in Nagpur is believed to have started around the 18th century. Nagpur oranges, known for their sweetness and juiciness, are a celebrated variety and are considered one of the finest citrus fruits in the country. Interestingly, Nagpur is often referred to as the Orange City. India produces around 10-12 million metric tonnes of oranges annually. The country exports around 3000,000-400,000 metric tonnes of oranges annually, reaching markets across the Middle East, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, contributing nearly Rs 2,000-2,500 crore to its economy. Did you know? Oranges are water-rich. About 86% of an oranges weight is water, The Cara Cara orange, with its pinkish-red flesh, is considered one of the sweetest varieties, often compared to candy. During the Renaissance in Europe, oranges were so rare and expensive that they were often considered a symbol of wealth and prestige Botanically, an orange is classified as a hesperidium, which is a type of berry with a leathery rind. So, orange is technically a berry The sweet orange is a natural hybrid between the pomelo and mandarin Now that you know all about the benefits, history, and versatility of oranges, its time to bring this powerhouse into your kitchen. Lets dive into some delicious orange-inspired creations that will leave you craving oranges! Honey Orange Salmon Ingredients Orange juice: 20 ml Salmon: 1 piece (250 gm slice) Chopped orange flesh: 30g Soy sauce: 5 ml Salt: to taste Crushed black pepper: 10g Honey: 10 ml Garlic paste: 5g Olive oil: 20 ml METHOD Mix orange juice, chopped orange flesh, soy sauce, salt, crushed black pepper, honey, garlic paste, and a portion of the olive oil in a bowl. Now apply this mixture evenly over the salmon slice, ensuring it is well coated. Let the marinated salmon rest for 30 minutes to enhance the flavour. Heat the remaining olive oil in a flat pan (tawa) over medium-low heat. Place the marinated salmon in the pan and shallow fry each side for about 5 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Adjust the heat to prevent burning. Garnish the cooked salmon with fresh orange slices. Sex on the beach Ingredients Ice Vodka: 50ml Peach schnapps or peach iced tea: 25ml Orange juice: 2 oranges Cranberry juice: 50ml Orange slice to garnish METHOD Pour vodka, peach schnapp/iced tea, and juices into a large bowl and stir. Fill two glasses with ice. Pour the drink into the glasses and mix well. Enjoy. Orange cheesecake INGREDIENTS FOR THE BASE Digestive biscuits: 200g Unsalted butter (melted): 80g FOR THE FILLING Cream cheese: 250g Orange zest: 1 tsp Orange juice (freshly squeezed): 50 ml Granulated sugar: 100g Whipping cream: 200 ml (chilled) Gelatin: 10g (or 2 tsp) Water: 30 ml (to dissolve gelatin) FOR TOPPING Orange juice: 100 ml Granulated sugar: 50g Gelatin: 5g (or 1 tsp) Water: 20 ml (to dissolve gelatin) Orange slices (optional): for garnish METHOD To prepare the base, crush the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or by hand. Mix the biscuit crumbs with melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan (8-inch) to form an even layer. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to set. For the filling, in a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add orange zest, orange juice, and sugar. Mix well until the sugar dissolves. Dissolve the gelatin in water by heating gently over a double boiler or microwave. Allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the cream cheese mixture. Whip the chilled cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Pour the filling over the chilled biscuit base and smooth the top. Refrigerate for 4-6 hours or until set. For the topping, heat orange juice and sugar in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Dissolve gelatin in water and add it to the orange juice mixture. Let it cool slightly. Pour the topping gently over the set cheesecake. Refrigerate for another 2-3 hours until the topping is firm. Once fully set, carefully remove the cheesecake from the pan. Garnish with fresh orange slices and cheese cream. Slice and serve chilled. Orange chicken Ingredients Egg: 1(beaten) Skinlesschicken breasts: 2 Ground white pepper: a pinch Self-raising flour: 6 tbsp Cornflour: 4 tbsp Vegetable oil: 2-3 tbsp Orange: 1(sliced quartered or halved) Shredded lettuce For the orange sauce Cornflour: 2 tsp Double-strength orange cordial: 4 tbsp

Chendamangalam triple murder: Rithu arrogant, consumed by rage, impossible to predict, say residents

KOCHI: Despite varying accounts about the academic and professional background of Rithu Jayan, the accused in the Chendamangalam triple murder case , his neighbours, local residents, and even the cops unanimously agree on a single point - he is perceived as an arrogant, volatile individual consumed by anger. Amid the deep grief over the tragic loss of three lives from a single family, Chendamangalam residents shared their experiences of the accuseds troubling behaviour and violent tendencies. Hes a psychopath, intoxicated by drugs, and even involved in drug peddling. No one is willing to cooperate with him in anything because its impossible to predict his thoughts or actions, said Udhayan, a local resident and a handloom worker. He (Rithu) operated a mechanic workshop here in Karimpadam for some time. But after a police complaint and subsequent custody, he fled to Bengaluru and has rarely been seen here since, he said. On the accuseds family background, Ramesan, another Karimpadam resident, said, His father was a private bus conductor but has since stopped working. Even his parents are afraid of him. He is arrogant, completely indifferent to his family and relatives. Ramesan added that they came to know he is a suspect in various cases and is even part of the rowdy list through media reports after he committed the crime. Rama, who runs a hotel in Chendamangalam, said, He was my sons classmate at the Paliyam Government HSS. From those days, he was a troublemaker - always involved in drug abuse. I used to warn my son not to associate with him. Rama also recalled Rithus disruptive behaviour at her hotel, often stirring up arguments. Chendamangalam triple murder: Probe reveals accused was fully conscious of gruesome act Hes a nuisance to everyone in this area, said a neighbour who wished to remain anonymous. Even when not directly abusing anyone, he would use foul language or make obscene gestures, pretending to talk on the phone. If anyone dared to respond, hed become confrontational and escalate the situation into a direct attack. The neighbour also criticised Rithus parents for their silence and inaction, even as he created chaos in the community. The police officers too echoed these sentiments. He has a history of psychopathic behaviour. Hes been booked for various offences, including vehicle theft and criminal intimidation, at multiple police stations. Once, we detained him following complaints from neighbours but was released after his father promised he wouldnt repeat his actions, said a police officer. The officer dismissed claims that polices leniency enabled the tragic murders, asserting they had acted appropriately within the legal framework.

Evidence to prove accused had no legal insanity crucial; cops say current focus on building case

KOCHI: As the medical insanity of 28-year-old Rithu Jayan who murdered three neighbours including two women at Perepadam near Chendamangalam is under scrutiny, the evidence to prove the accused had no legal insanity is crucial in such cases. Perepadam residents claimed that despite complaining several times to the police, Rithu a troublemaker involved in multiple criminal cases was let off considering his mental health issues. According to Ernakulam Rural Police Chief Vaibhav Saxena, the medical insanity aspect will be covered at the later stages of the probe. Our current focus is to collect concrete evidence against the accused so that we can present a strong case before the court, based on which he would get the appropriate punishment. He was a troublemaker included in the rowdy list of the police station. He was also remanded in one case, Saxena said. G Mohanraj, who has appeared as a special prosecutor in several sensational murder cases, said legal insanity is crucial in cases like the triple murder in Chendamangalam. Mohanraj was the special public prosecutor in the case relating to the rape and murder of a five-year-old at Aluva, in which accused Asafak Alam was granted capital punishment. In that particular case, defence lawyers had tried to present Asafak Alam as a mentally unstable person. In such cases, courts give prominence to the legal sanity of the accused over medical sanity. If the accused runs away after the murder, it implies that he was aware of the consequences and he was not legally insane. Similarly, if the murder is committed following a provocation, like disputes between neighbours, it shows that the accused had a motive and he was not legally insane. So, medical insanity alone is not enough in such cases, Mohanraj said. Vinishas daughters and sister inconsolable The court shows no lenience if a person commits a crime under the influence of alcohol or drugs, he added. According to the police, Rithu, after committing the murder, fled from the house on the motorcycle belonging to the injured Jithin. He was intercepted by the police after seeing him riding a motorcycle without a helmet. While being taken into custody, Rithu told the cops about the murder. His relatives claim that he was being treated for depression, but we couldnt get any medical records stating that he was mentally unstable, Munambam DySP Jayakrishnan S said. He said there were disputes between both families for the past few months. The deceased persons had filed a complaint against Rithu and family. And Rithus family had given a counter-complaint against the deceased persons. Our probe reveals that he was mentally stable while committing the murders, the officer said. Regarding the allegation of little action against Rithu despite complaints, Jayakrishnan said he had been included in the rowdy list at the Vadakkekara police station. It is not true that the police had not taken any action against him. Considering his troublemaking nature, we had included him in the rowdy list. Thereafter, we collected information about him regularly from residents and ward members. We spoke to the ward member last month about him. We were then informed that he had gone to Bengaluru. He returned to the place just two days before committing the murders, the Munambam DySP said. 16-member special probe team formed The police on Friday constituted a special team to investigate the murder of three members of a family at Perepadam, Chendamangalam, by their neighbour the day before. Ernakulam Rural Police Chief Vaibhav Saxena formed the 16-member team, which will be led by Munambam DySP Jayakrishnan S. Two CIs and four SIs are part of the team. They will interrogate the accused soon.

Chendamangalam bids murder victims farewell

KOCHI: Even under a scorching sun, Karimpadam, nearly two kilometres away from Chendamangalam, looks gloomy. And a reflection of the grief is etched on the faces of the local residents. The stillness was broken only by the wailing sirens of ambulances and the sound of the escorting vehicles. This is where the bodies of three persons of a family, who were murdered by their neighbour on Thursday evening, were brought for the public to pay homage. When three ambulances, carrying the bodies of the victims, reached Karimpadam in succession, the cousin-sister of Vinisha, one of the deceased, fainted and had to be rushed to a hospital. A heart-wrenching cry of ammaa from the elder daughter of Vinisha brought tears to the eyes of a large number of people gathered to pay their final respects. The ambulances - carrying the bodies of Venu, 65, his wife Usha, 62, and their daughter Vinisha, 32 - left the Kalamassery Medical College Hospital after the postmortem procedures at 3.10 pm on Friday. The bodies were taken to the house of Ushas elder sister in Karimpadam, to allow the deceased a final farewell among their relatives and well-wishers. The sound of the ambulance sirens brought anguished cries from those gathered there. While the three coffins were placed side by side on tables, a neighbour called out, Ushey..., hoping for a response. Overwhelmed by grief, Ushas younger daughter broke down, asking, Why did mother call me yesterday if she didnt want to talk again? Her voice faltered, and she fainted, only to be carried inside by those around. We were like a single family, despite living separately, said Sharada, a neighbour. After the public homage, the bodies were taken to the Murikkumpadam public crematorium around 5.15 pm. Amid the heartbreak, all eyes turned to Vinishas children, who stood in silence, gazing at the coffins as if they had lost everything. Chendamangalam triple murder: Probe reveals accused was fully conscious of gruesome act

Poor app engagement times out Supplycos delivery service

KOLLAM: Supplyco has discontinued its Supply Kerala delivery service introduced to offer doorstep delivery of essential goods. The service was phased out due to limited customer engagement with the app for online purchases. Launched by the civil supplies department, the Android app aimed to ensure fast delivery of essentials, particularly in rural areas. However, it garnered just three orders and fewer than 500 downloads over the past three years. Via the app, customers could place orders by selecting their nearest Supplyco outlet. The distribution network of over 500 Supplyco supermarkets across the state was expected to create job opportunities for more than 10,000 youth. Additionally, the app provided information on newly launched products. Despite these features, the app was removed from the Play Store after failing to gain traction among users. In the past three years, we have received only three orders through the app. After the first six months, we didnt receive a single order. Initially, we thought cities like Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi might see success, but there was no significant uptake there either. The main issue was that we charged extra for delivery, while several other delivery apps offered free delivery. In a market where private delivery services are more effective, we couldnt compete, a source with Supplyco told TNIE . Launched in 2021, the app made home delivery available within a 10km radius of Supplyco outlets in both rural and urban areas. Delivery charges were based on weight and distance. For example, an order weighing 5kg to be delivered within 4km incurred a charge of Rs 35 plus GST. Special offers were available for orders over Rs 1,000. Another source with the civil supplies department revealed that the app was never actively promoted by the outlet managers at Supplyco supermarkets. The Rs 35-charge was a huge deterrent. Due to this fee, many officials at the outlet would directly engage with customers, offering home delivery without any charge. As a result, managers at several Supplyco supermarket outlets chose not to promote the app, the source explained. Food and Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil acknowledged that the apps failure stemmed from a lack of market research. The issue was that the supply company mainly serves middle-income consumers seeking subsidised goods, and these customers generally do not use delivery apps for such purchases. This hindered the apps success in urban areas. In towns, better delivery apps are available, and people dont order subsidised goods through them. In rural regions, people preferred to buy directly from Supplyco stores. The entire initiative had flaws which led to its rollback, Anil said.

Chendamangalam triple murder: Probe reveals accused was fully conscious of gruesome act

KOCHI: Refuting the claims that the accused in the Chendamangalam triple murder case is mentally unstable, the police investigation has revealed that the 28-year-old man who killed his neighbours was fully conscious of the crime he was committing. Terming the crime intentional, the police said the accused, Rithu Jayan, was not in an intoxicated state either. On Thursday evening, Rithu bludgeoned his neighbours Venu, 65, his wife Usha, 62, and their daughter Vinisha, 32, of Kizhakkumpuram, Chendamangalam, to death using an iron rod. Vinishas husband Jithin suffered grave injuries in the attack. Our initial probe revealed that the accused reached Venus house with the intention of killing Jithin. He was holding an iron rod and also carried two kitchen knives in his pocket. He confessed to the crime during the interrogation. There were altercations between the two families on several occasions. He was also agitated about Venu and family filing a police complaint against him, said a police officer. On Friday, police took Rithu for medical examination. The results revealed that he was not intoxicated while committing the murders. Whether the accused is mentally unstable will be checked during investigation. However, as of now, there is no such indication. He is cooperating with the investigation, said Jayakrishnan S, DySP Munambam, who is investigating the case. Following the triple murder, residents had claimed that Rithu had earlier escaped severe police action citing mental instability. Triple murder: Accused remanded in judicial custody, shifted to Aluva jail After around an 18-hour interrogation, Rithu was produced before a magistrate court in North Paravoor on Friday evening. The court remanded him in judicial custody for 14 days, following which he was shifted to the Aluva jail. The police will file a petition seeking his custody on Saturday. Police are also probing Rithus stay in Bengaluru. He clashed with people wherever he went. We have information that he caused some problems in Bengaluru as well. However, he has denied it during the interrogation. But we are collecting details about his stay in Bengaluru, Jayakrishnan said. Meanwhile, Ernakulam Rural Police Chief Vaibhav Saxena said a comprehensive probe is being carried out in the case. Our team is collecting all possible evidence against the accused. His entire background is being checked. He was a troublemaker. Our preliminary assessment is that the murder was the result of disputes between neighbours, Vaibhav said. A large number of police personnel were deployed at the magistrate court in North Paravoor when the accused was produced before the court on Friday evening. Though some people attempted to reach near the accused on the court premises, the police managed to drive them away.

Demolition of building housing Ernakulam KSRTC bus station to begin soon

KOCHI: The demolition of the over five-decade-old building that still houses the Ernakulam KSRTC bus station will get under way soon, and a new terminal, to be modelled after the Vyttila Mobility Hub, will be set up on 2.9 acres of land at Karikkamuri. However, no ownership of land will be exchanged with the Vyttila Mobility Hub as decided earlier. This was decided at a high-level meeting led by Industries Minister P Rajeeve and Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar in Thiruvananthapuram. The order directing demolition of the old building will be issued next week. The tender process will be completed on a war footing and the demolition will begin thereafter, said P Rajeeve, who is the minister in charge of the district. However, it was decided that the ownership of land at Karikkamuri and Vyttila wont be exchanged. Earlier, it was agreed that the right of possession of the proposed land at Karikkamuri, owned by KSRTC, would be given to the Vyttila Mobility Hub, and in exchange the corporation would get certain land at the Vyttila Hub. The change will be incorporated in the Memorandum of Understanding as well, he said. A new swanky bus terminal will be set up in the adjacent Karikkamuri on the model of the Vyttila Mobility Hub. For this, 2.9 acres of land there will be handed over to the KSRTC. The KSRTC will be exclusively given the rights over six bays in the new terminal, which will also have facilities like Station Masters Office and the facilities for employees. The KSRTC will be exempted from paying the user fee. All revenue modes will be explored to generate income from the new terminal. The new building will have a waiting area, various kiosks for medical shops and refreshment stalls, a drop-off area for passengers, separate entry and exit points for private vehicles, and proper drainage facilities, besides other facilities for passengers. At Vyttila hub, the KSRTC will be given the right of operation and also the facilities for the Station Master office. The new terminal can be accessed by both private and KSRTC buses. The Kerala State Construction Corporation has been entrusted with the construction of the new terminal, for which the Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) has set aside a sum of Rs 12 crore. With the construction of the new bus terminal, the city will have two separate hubs for private and KSRTC buses. The KSRTC Mobility Hub at Karikkamuri will benefit passengers by providing them easy connections to the Ernakulam South railway and metro stations, the minister added. Besides the ministers, Ernakulam MLA T J Vinod, Transport Secretary K Vasuki, Transport Commissioner C H Nagaraju, Additional Transport Commissioner P S Pramoj Shankar, District Collector NSK Umesh, District Development Commissioner Aswathy Nair and Smart City Mission CEO Shaji V Nair attended the meeting.

Clint Art Gallery to be set up in Kochi in six months

KOCHI: The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has decided to establish the Clint Art Gallery in memory of young artist Edmund Thomas Clint. The 3,000-square-foot gallery is expected to be completed in six months. The project is carried out utilising Rs 58 lakh from the plan fund of GCDA. The building complex at Kadavanthra, owned by the authority, will be converted into an art gallery. A Clint Memorial Art Gallery has been the dream of his relatives and art lovers for over 40 years. Around 30,000 paintings of Clint, which were with his mother Chinnamma, his belongings, and the awards he received will be exhibited at the art gallery, said Chandran Pillai, the GCDA chairman. The construction work of the art gallery will begin next week. The facility will be utilised to conduct painting workshops and camps. Also, a library will be set up at the centre. Clint was someone who loved to listen to stories. By setting up a library and reading space, we aim to make the gallery a perfect tribute to him, he said. The chairman added that an exhibition of paintings by young artists in the city will also be organised at the gallery. Young artist Clint, who created around 30,000 paintings in just seven years, passed away in 1983.

KMA management convention concludes in Kochi

KOCHI: The Annual Management Convention conducted by the Kerala Management Association (KMA) saw discussions on various aspects of management industry. The two-day event concluded at Grant Hyatt, Bolgatty, on Friday. In the era of quick commerce, experts opined that Kerala has immense potential for creative enterprises. Indian food and grocery business worth Rs 600 crore is now the fastest-growing industry in the country, affordable fashion will dominate the fashion sector and significant transformations are happening in the energy sector. In the convention, business giants from India shared their insights. Hari Menon, co-founder of BigBasket.com commented that the future of retail lies in quick commerce, which, while currently focused on groceries, will expand to include clothing and electronics as well. Prasad K Panicker, executive chairman of Nayara Energy delivered the keynote address. He spoke about the companys ventures into solar energy, hydrogen generation, and ethanol production to align with national goals while exploring untapped opportunities. Embracing innovation key to success: Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Stretch between Mangalavanam and Durbar Hall in Kochi to be declared silent zone

Director Ranjith seeks to quash sexual harassment case in Kerala HC

KOCHI: Malayalam filmmaker and former chairperson of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, Ranjith, has approached the Kerala High Court in an attempt to quash the sexual harassment case registered against him following a complaint by a Bengali actress. The Ernakulam Town North Police had registered an FIR against Ranjith under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for assault or the use of criminal force against a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty, and Section 509 for words, gestures, or acts intended to insult a woman's modesty. The court has issued a notice to the state government and the complainant. The petitioner argued that the complaint was false and part of a conspiracy between the actress, filmmaker Joshy Joseph, and his associates to remove Ranjith from his position as the Chairman of the Kerala Chalachitra Academy. Karnataka HC relief for director Ranjith in unnatural sex case Ranjith claimed that the statements of Joshy Joseph and his friends would clearly reveal that the entire story was fabricated by them with the assistance of the complainant. He also stated that there was no allegation of assault or the use of force by him. The alleged incident reportedly occurred in 2009, yet the complaint was only filed on 26th August 2024, 15 years later. Ranjith contended that the Magistrate's court should not have taken cognizance of the offences alleged to have occurred in 2009. According to the actresss complaint, Ranjith invited her to his apartment in 2009 during the pre-production phase of the Malayalam film Paleri Manikyam: Oru Pathirakolapathakathinte Katha, under the pretext of discussing a film project. She accused him of inappropriately touching her with sexual intent.

K Aravindakshan's novel 'Gopa' gets Odakkuzhal award

KOCHI: K Aravindakshan's critically-acclaimed Malayalam novel 'Gopa' has been chosen for Guruvayoorappan Trust's Odakkuzhal Award for 2024. The award ceremony will take place on February 2 coinciding with the death anniversary of Mahakavi G SankaraKurup at a function at Mahakavi G Auditorium in Kochi. The function will be presided over by renowned writer and Parishad president C Radhakrishnan. K Aravindakshan is recognised as one of the leading contemporary writers in the Malayalam literary scene, with a diverse portfolio that includes novels, short stories, and essays. His literary contributions have been acknowledged with several accolades, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1995 for his notable work, 'Gandhiyude Jeevitha Darshanam', and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Endowment for Best Essay in 2015. The Guruvayurappan Trust, established by Mahakavi G Sankara Kurup, India's first Jnanpith laureate, has been presenting the Odakkuzhal Award annually since 1968, celebrating outstanding literary achievements in Malayalam. Aravindakshan was born on June 10, 1953, to Kumaran and Karthyayani in Venginissery village, Thrissur district.

CAT orders IAS officer B Ashok to continue as Agriculture Principal Secretary

KOCHI: The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Ernakulam on Friday ordered B Ashok IAS to continue as principal secretary to the Government (Agriculture) and as Agricultural Production Commissioner. The decision overrules the order of the state government to appoint him as the head of the newly constitutedLocal Self Government Reforms Commission. The Bench, comprising Justice K Haripal and Member V Rama Mathew, issued the order after Ashok, a 1998-batch officer, moved a petition with CAT challenging the government order appointing him as the head of the newly constituted Local Self Government Reforms Commission. During the hearing, the government pleader submitted that Tinku Biswal, Revenue Secretary, hasbeen given the additional charge ofPrincipal Secretary to the Government (Agriculture) and Agricultural Production Commissioner. However, the CAT Bench directed Ashokto continue inhis current role. Advocate Girija K Gopal, the counsel for Ashok, argued that the post of Local Self Government Reforms Commission, to which the applicant was being deputed, is not equivalent to the position of Principal Secretary. The State Government's determination of equivalence lacked proper consideration of the nature and responsibilities of the posts. Furthermore, the decision was made without formally constituting the Commission or determining its staff structure, including the fact that it should be led by an officer of Principal Secretary rank. The appointment order was issued as a forced or mandatory deputation, compelling the applicant to leave his cadre post without obtaining his consent. The order also violated the mandatory requirements of the All India Services (Cadre) Rules, 1954, the Consolidated Deputation Guidelines for All India Services, and the Indian Administrative Services (Pay) Rules, 2016, as well as binding judicial precedents. Therefore, the Tribunal found the order liable to be set aside. Ashok has been serving the state government in various capacities, including a central deputation with the Union Government. Since January 1, 2023, he has been serving as principal secretary to the Government (Agriculture) and Agricultural Production Commissioner. He also holds additional charges as vice chancellor of Kerala Agricultural University, managing director of KABCO, and project director of KERA, as assigned by competent authorities. His 26-year career in the Indian Administrative Service has been marked by unblemished and meritorious service in various important assignments within the State Government, the counsel argued. Ashok also contended that the role of the Local Self Government Reforms Commission would involve critically analysing various state and central government policies. Consequently, the commission's report could potentially constitute misconduct, thereby adversely affecting his career prospects.

Tea arrivals at Kochi auctions impacted by winter

Prices rise as North Indian estates closure forces buyers to procure from South India

Cochin International Airport rolls out fast-track Immigration; complete process in 20 seconds

KOCHI: The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has rolled out a fast-track immigration program, an initiative by the Ministry of Home affairs to expedite immigration procedures, making international travel seamless and secure. Leveraging biometric technology, the program enables travellers to complete the immigration process in just 20 seconds. Indian citizens and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders can avail the facility for free initially. With the launch of the FTI-TTP (Fast Track Immigration -- Trusted Traveller Program), international travellers can complete immigration procedures in seconds after one-time registration at the Ministry of Home Affairs dedicated portal. OCI cardholders are eligible to submit applications through the portal. Once documents, including passports, are successfully uploaded, applicants can proceed to biometric enrolment. Enrolment for facial and fingerprint scanning has been set up at the FRRO office and immigration counters at Kochi Airport. Upon successful registration, travellers can use smart gates for future international arrivals/departures, bypassing long queues at immigration. A total of eight biometric e-gates, with four each in the arrival and departure areas, have been set up to facilitate fast-track immigration services. At the gate, travellers can scan their passports, and the gate opens if prior registration is done. The process is completed once the second camera recognises the face of the passenger. Besides Kochi airport, the facility is being implemented in six major airports -- Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad. The Home Ministry already launched the facility at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), New Delhi, on June 22, 2024. The Digi-Yatra system, enabling seamless boarding for domestic passengers, is already operational at CIAL.

Wildlife photographer Raghav Mehta showcases his bird photographs in an exhibition in Kochi

An exhibition of photographs by Raghav Mehta showcases the beauty and brilliance of birds in their natural environments

Hark, where is our park

KOCHI: It once used to be a favourite hangout for families, and children couldnt get enough of the entertainment options air-balloon bounce, toy train rides, trampoline, pedal-boating, and more. On weekends and holidays, the Thanneerchal Park in Irumpanam would buzz with activity. Today, however, the once-vibrant park tells a different story. It resembles a ghost park. Situated on 2.5 acres by the scenic lake along Refinery Road, the park set up by the Tripunithura municipality at a cost of Rs 4.5 crore a decade ago has fallen into a state of gloom. Once a hub of joy and recreation, much of its equipment now lies rusting or broken beyond repair. Its quite a disheartening sight. As one of the few recreational spaces in the region, the park has suffered from neglect for over a year. Poor maintenance has rendered most of the play equipment useless, which is a significant reason why there are no takers for its operation, despite the municipality holding tenders multiple times. It appears there are no takers due to the high maintenance cost involved about Rs 40 lakh to restore the park, says V C Jayendran, convenor of TRURA (Tripunithura Rajanagari Union of Residents Association), a council of nearly 140 residents associations. The municipality also moved equipment like toy trains to the smaller Mekkara Childrens Park. This was a popular destination for families because of the ample parking, walkway, and refreshment outlets. Now, all the outlets are closed, and the park resembles an abandoned township. Jayendran adds that the contractor, who managed the park for several years after its opening to the public in May 2015, withdrew, citing the huge rent and maintenance costs. Tripunithura residents are, obviously, disappointed. We used to visit the park on weekends with our children. The place would alway be lively, with little ones frolicking around, says Gayatri Raj, a local resident. The park was well-planned and featured several recreational equipment for children. There were boating facilities for families and dedicated pedestrian pathways. People would come here for walking or jogging. Its sad to see the place in a neglected state. Childrens play equipment such as the trampoline are now in a dilapidated state That the park was a popular destination is evident in the figures of revenue collection since its inception. It generated `81,32, 425 in the initial period from June 1, 2015, to May 31, 2018, according to an RTI response from the municipality. The next four years, from December 2, 2018, to March 19, 2022, saw a revenue of `46,58,359 despite the pandemic pause. However, the revenue collection dipped thereafter, when the municipality directly ran the park after failing to get bidders during tendering. The income from the park was `4,10,152 for the period from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, and `3,22, 880 from January 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024. The park was among the best in Ernakulam district at one time, especially considering the boating facilities. There were five or six pedal-boats, which are all in a dilapidated state now, rues P M Vijayan, a resident of Thiruvankulam, who is now coordinating efforts to revive the park. Now the children in the area have only one other option in the locality, a private facility named Kids Park, which charges Rs 500 per child. Here, the children could play for hours at Rs 20 per head. Authorities should stop their indifference towards the park. Some visitors still stop by to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. And the municipality continues to charge entry fees Rs 30 per head for adults and Rs 20 for children often leading to disputes. People question why they should pay the full charge when the facility is in ruins. Meanwhile, TRURA is planning a protest to urge the authorities to prioritise the renovation of this much-loved recreational space. We are planning to hold a dharna in front of the Passport Office at Karingachira on Saturday, says Jayendran. Children already have limited open spaces to play, and are glued to mobile phones. Authorities must ensure the consistent maintenance of such facilities. Jayendran adds that the municipality had earlier attempted to set up a collection facility in the park as an area for waste collected from households and commercial establishments. They were forced to abandon the plan after a 25-day protest by residents, he says. Now, its time for another protest. The boating point is now overrun by wild growth

Winged wonders at Durbar Hall

KOCHI: Birds have long been an integral part of folklore and culture across the globe, carrying myths passed down through generations. At Durbar Hall Art Gallery, a glimpse into these tales and their beauty is offered through a collection of magnificent bird clicks by Raghav Mehta, a wildlife photographer from Punjab. Each photograph on display includes a description of the bird species featured, its habitat, and a brief explanation of its symbolic significance. Emerald Hope showcases an emerald dove shimmering in its green feathers, while Fluffy Mush captures an owl couple sharing affectionate gestures. Among the exhibits are images of hummingbirds and tulips, with green tones dominating most of the photographs, complemented by vibrant colours and the evocative emotions of the birds. One striking frame features a kingfisher gazing directly at the viewer, as if it has a tale to narrate. I captured this frame during the dry season in Thattekad, says Raghav, who hopes to inspire conservation efforts through the exhibition. Pointing to a violet-green swallow, he explains that the bird is known for its aerial acrobatics. Sailors in the past figured out that they were nearing land when they saw a swallow, so it is viewed as a symbol of hope, he smiles. A self-taught photographer, Raghav developed an interest in bird photography after joining the National Audubon Society in the US. He shares that capturing the flight of a short-eared owl one of the displayed images was particularly challenging. These owls migrate to India during winter and can be found in Gujarat. The temperature there at the time would have been around 10 degrees Celsius. I spent about three years studying their behaviour before clicking them during their hunting period, says Raghav, whose wife Shruti hails from Kochi. The exhibition concludes on January 19.

A three-decade struggle for native breeds

KOCHI: The mother was lying dead, and the calf, just three days old, was sucking her udder, unaware of her death. It was a terrible scene and continues to haunt me even after decades, Dr Sosamma Iype, the celebrated animal conservationist who brought the Vechur cow back from near extinction, gets emotional as she reflects on her three-decade-long struggle. I dont know whether it was professional jealousy or vengeance. One day, a few cows were found dead in the cattle shed at the veterinary college in Thrissur. An investigation led by police IG Sandhya revealed that the cows were fed grass laced with poison. When I visited the cowshed, the calf was desperately searching the udder of its mother for milk. On another occasion, a cowshed caught fire, and a few cows were charred to death. I dont know whether it was a deliberate act or accidental. Sosamma, who was in Kochi to inaugurate the Winter School organised by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, shares her long battle for conserving native breeds. At the time when she set out, the government was promoting crossbreeding in cattle to improve milk production, using high-yield exotic breeds like Holstein Friesian and Jersey. However, Sosamma argued for the conservation of native breeds. Despite being warned that this stance went against government policy, she responded that research work contributes to evolving policy. I needed a computer to record the research data. But the communist government was against computers, she recalls. So I requested Keltron to provide a computer and record it as a data storage cabinet. Thanks to her relentless efforts, the population of Vechur cows has now surpassed 25,000 in Kerala. Born into an agricultural family in Niranam near Kuttanad, I had basic knowledge about rearing cows, and we had a Vechur cow at home. It was my natural choice to pursue a bachelors course in veterinary science at the Kerala Agricultural University Veterinary College in Mannuthy. After the course, I joined the animal husbandry department as a veterinary officer, she says. Later, I joined the college as a lecturer in 1977. During one of my classes, I shared my knowledge about Vechur cows with my students, who grew curious. A few of them explored Kottayam district to locate the original breed. That was the beginning. Over time, her team gathered 29 Vechur cows and began breeding them. Securing funds for the project was the biggest challenge. I presented a proposal for `25,000 to the then vice-chancellor E G Silas, who sanctioned `80,000, Sosamma recalls. Later, I discussed the project with the head of Indian Council of Agricultural Research during a conference in New Delhi. A week later, he visited Mannuthy and sanctioned `1 lakh. We then purchased healthy bulls and started distributing cows. Notably, Sosamma has also spearheaded efforts to revive the slightly larger Kasaragod dwarf breed as well. It is true that farmers need high-yielding breeds for their livelihood. However, we must conserve our native breeds, says Sosamma, who is associated with the Vechur Conservation Trust and Rashtriya Gokul Mission. Farmers prefer the dung of native breeds as manure. Increasing the genetic percentage of foreign breeds is not advisable. Foreign breeds struggle to survive in our environment as they have low resistance. Moreover, the quality of cow feed available in the market is a concern. Milk from cows fed with natural grass is of superior quality and is in high demand in countries like the US. On the nutritional value of Vechur cow milk, she notes, the fat globules in Vechur cow milk are smaller compared with other breeds. This means better digestion, absorption. Ayurveda doctors say Vechur cow milk is beneficial for certain health issues. More research is needed in this area, she says.

Breaking the curve

KOCHI: Adolescence is a transformative period of growth and self-discovery. For some people, it also becomes a time of grappling with idiopathic adolescent scoliosis (IAS), a condition marked by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It is the most common type of scoliosis, accounting for 80% of cases. Often identified during routine health screenings or through parental observations of uneven shoulders or hips, the condition is confirmed using X-rays. Although the exact cause remains unclear, factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, and rapid growth spurts are said to contribute. Early detection plays a pivotal role in effective management. The condition affects adolescents physically and emotionally. Mild cases may cause minimal discomfort, but more severe curves can lead to chronic pain, restricted mobility, and visible deformities. These physical challenges often exacerbate psychological struggles, including reduced self-esteem and social anxiety, during a critical developmental stage. Treatment for IAS is typically determined by the severity of the curve and the patients growth phase. Mild cases are monitored regularly, while moderate curves (25-40 degrees) often necessitate bracing to prevent progression. Severe cases (over 40-50 degrees) may require surgical intervention. The Schroth Program: A non-surgical solution This has emerged as a highly effective, non-invasive treatment option for scoliosis. The program is particularly effective during growth spurts, when the spine is more adaptable. Developed by Katharina Schroth, this specialised physiotherapy method addresses the unique needs of individuals with scoliosis by focusing on three-dimensional correction, which targets the spines lateral curvature, rotation, and sagittal alignment. The other element of the Schroth Program is breathing techniques. In this, patients learn to expand collapsed areas of the rib cage, improving respiratory function and overall posture. The last is muscle symmetry, wherein exercises are designed to strengthen underused muscles and elongate tight ones, restoring balance and stability to the spine. Each Schroth program is tailored to the individuals specific curvature pattern, physical capabilities, and goals. A therapist guides the patients through these customised exercises, ensuring proper technique and gradual progression. This personalised approach maximizes outcomes and fosters long-term adherence. Numerous studies affirm the efficacy of the Schroth method. Research published in scoliosis and spinal disorders highlights significant improvements in posture, curve stabilization, and quality of life among participants. Another study in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice demonstrates that Schroth exercises outperform general physical therapy in reducing pain and preventing curve progression. Importance of early intervention Early interventions can profoundly impact the lives of those affected by this condition. Parents play a crucial role in supporting their childs therapy journey by fostering a positive attitude and ensuring consistency. The Schroth program is often part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes bracing and regular monitoring. By focusing on three-dimensional correction, breathing techniques, and muscle symmetry, this method enables adolescents to take an active role in their recovery. For those who are navigating the complexities of scoliosis, the Schroth method represents a beacon of hope, proving that it can lead to profound improvements in quality of life. Benefits of the Schroth Program Curve Stabilisation: Regular practice can halt or even reduce curve progression, potentially eliminating the need for surgery. Enhanced Posture: Targeted exercises improve spinal alignment and minimise visible deformities. Pain Relief: Addressing muscle imbalances and improving spinal mechanics alleviates discomfort. Improved Lung Function: Breathing techniques enhance respiratory capacity, particularly in cases where scoliosis impacts lung function. Empowerment: Active participation in therapy fosters confidence and a sense of control over ones health. The author is chief physiotherapist at SP Medifort Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram

The dark world of looted art

KOCHI: The nations burglars have long been compartmentalised in a hierarchical system. The upper echelons comprise the privileged lot of corrupt politicians and bureaucrats, ruthless humans with mercenary motives disguised as businessmen and a host of other such parasites. The middle rung consists of those we encounter in our daily lives who fleece us on a small scale level. They are the only ones we sometimes have the courage to argue with and call them out. At the bottom of this chain lies the quintessential robber the pickpockets, chain snatchers, thieves and the rowdies. They typically fill most Indian prisons, taking turns to vacate and return after a short gap. And what about those who steal artworks? India has thus far seen only one category the smugglers. They have operated in different forms though. Centuries ago, the invaders plundered the land of its cultural heritage, often destroying sculptures and architectural marvels in the process. They came in droves at various points in our history and looted us. Then came the colonists, who took away a sizable chunk of our ancient art and culture in shiploads across the seas. World-class museums were built to house these looted antiques and priceless artefacts. Today, we flock to these institutions as part of our package tour itinerary to gape at all that we have lost to might. Eventually, with Indias freedom, came the most dangerous version of the art thief the idol smuggler. One name stands out in the murky world of idol smuggling Subhash Kapoor, who made millions by selling these stolen treasures. Kapoor collaborated with a Chennai art dealer who would target temples and monuments and orchestrate the heist. The stolen goods were sent to Hong Kong and then to Kapoor in New York. Contemporary Indian art also has demand. A painting by SH Raza, valued at Rs 2.5 crore was stolen from a Mumbai auction warehouse. The owner of the painting had given it to the auction house, hoping to sell it and it was only later, when the auction came up that it was discovered to be missing. Art thieves may be polished and sophisticated it is important that we, as citizens of this country, understand that our heritage is invaluable and ensure its safety, for it is art and culture that speaks for a nations history. Jitha Karthikeyan jithakarthikeyan2@gmail.com (Jitha Karthikeyan is an artist and curator, passionate about making art accessible to the larger public)

Three of a family hacked to death in Kerala's Chendamangalam

KOCHI: A dispute between neighbours over a police complaint ended in the gruesome murder of three members of a family, including two women, at Chendamangalam in North Paravoor on Thursday. One person has been arrested. The deceased are Venu, 65, his wife Usha, 62, and their daughter Vinisha, 32 of Kizhakkumpuram ward in Chendamangalam panchayat. Vinishas husband Jithin (Kannan), suffered critical injuries and is undergoing treatment at Aster Medcity. Two children of Jithin and Vinisha who were present in the house at the time, managed to escape unharmed. Rithu Jayan, 28, their neighbour, has been arrested. The police said he has multiple criminal cases registered against him in the Vadakkekara and North Paravoor police stations. Kizhakkumpuram residents said the crime was a result of long-standing conflicts between the neighbours, primarily due to Rithus alleged drug use. An officer said around three months ago, Venus family and other neighbours had filed a police complaint against Rithu. The two families have been in dispute for a long time. Venus family had filed a police complaint a few months ago over disturbances caused to them by Rithus drug use. Though the police initially responded, the accused persons family convinced them that he was not causing further trouble, said Vishal, a resident. He claimed Rithu, however, had earlier threatened to kill the entire family by setting them on fire. Venu , Usha & Vinisha Sources in the police said Rithu committed the murder around 6pm. He trespassed into Venus house armed with a hatchet and an iron pipe. There, he entered into an argument with Jithin and attacked him. Vinisha, Venu and Usha tried to intervene, but were hacked to death by the accused, said the source. Meanwhile, Vishal said the children ran away from the attacker and managed to escape. After the crime, Rithu fled too. Helmet-less outing led to arrest The crime came to light when police officials spotted Rithu riding a two-wheeler without a helmet. He was intercepted and taken to the police station where he informed them about the murder. A police team then rushed to the deceased persons house. The accused claimed to have been agitated after learning that his neighbour made objectionable comments against his mother and sister. He said the neighbour made similar comments on Thursday too, which provoked him into attacking them. His claims have to be verified, though, a police officer said. The officer said after Venus family and other neighbours approached the police with a complaint against Rithu around three months ago, he had gone to Bengaluru and returned recently. He was a mechanic. One of the weapons he used was an iron pipe used in motorcycles, while the other was a hatchet. He hit the victims on the head with the iron pipe before hacking them to death, said the officers. While Rithu uses drugs, he was not under its influence while committing the murders, said the police. Meanwhile, Kizhakkumpuram ward member Divya Unnikrishnan said Rithu was involved in criminal activities. He was a trouble maker and involved in similar clashes before. Police knew about his actions and regularly contacted me to ask about him, she said. One critical The public relations officer with Aster Medcity said the condition of Jithin, husband of deceased Vinisha, was critical. He suffered severe head injuries and is in a critical condition. The doctors are doing their best, and a CT scan has been planned to assess his injuries. Charges Rithu has been booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 332(a) for house trespassing, 103(1) for murder, 118(1) voluntarily causing hurt using weapon and 109 for attempted murder Accused Involved in multiple cases: cop Ernakulam Rural Police Chief Vaibhav Saxena said Rithu was involved in drugs case in Thrissur, a motorcycle theft case in Kochi city and other cases in Ernakulam Rural police limit. Our preliminary probe reveals he was not intoxicated when he committed the murders. However, we will conduct tests to determine whether he used drugs. It is learnt he had undergone de-addiction treatment. A few months ago, he had damaged the gate of a neighbours house. After this, he went to Bengaluru and returned recently, he said. Vaibhav said Rithu was included in a rowdy list of Vadakkekara police station.

Kerala HC: Workplace law must also tackle intersectional bias against women

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has suggested that new legislation being drafted by the state government to protect women in workplaces, in the wake of shocking revelations in the Justice Hema Committee report, should also address the issue of intersectionality to address multi-layered discrimination faced by women. Although we have tackled to some extent discrimination in specific areas like caste, gender, and sex, intersectionality has not been addressed in any of the legislation. That is one area in which we need to be pioneers. This is likely to be the first-of-its-kind legislation by any state. Intersectionality means discrimination on multiple levels. For example, a Dalit woman faces discrimination not only because she is a woman but also due to her social status. She may be subjected to sexual violence, which is terrible in itself. However, when she approaches law enforcement agencies, she faces further discrimination because of her social status... Those kinds of issues should be addressed in the new legislation, the division bench, comprising Justices Jayasankaran Nambiar and C S Sudha, said. The court made the remarks while considering petitions linked to the Hema panel report. Besides intersectionality, everything related to women should be addressed. For instance, economic inequality, the bench said. When the petitions came up for hearing, the state government said the special investigation team (SIT), probing complaints based on the Hema report, has received eight more complaints from victims. Five of these have been registered as FIRs. Investigation into the 35 cases already registered by the SIT is progressing, and a report has been filed, the court was informed.

Lack of valid papers: Bangladesh woman, companion held in Kochi

KOCHI: The police on Thursday arrested a woman from Bangladesh, who lacked proper documents, as well as a Bihar native from Bengali Colony in Kandanthara. Taslima Beegum, 28, of Khulna Sadar in Bangladesh, and her male companion Shakti Kumar, 32, of Nawada, Bihar, were arrested from the colony where they reached on Wednesday after staying at various lodges in the city. Taslima crossed the border into India with an agents help. She travelled to various locations and reached Bengaluru, where she met her male companion. The duo kept travelling to multiple places before reaching Kerala, said the police. The police found her carrying fake Aadhaar and PAN cards, which she claimed were arranged by the agent. They have also warned strict action against property owners who give houses on rent without verifying proper documentation.

Embracing innovation key to success: Rajeev Chandrasekhar

KOCHI: Emphasising the transformative power of innovation, former union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar highlighted how success, whether for individuals, organisations, or governments, will be determined by the ability to embrace it. He was speaking after inaugurating the 42nd Annual Management Convention of the Kerala Management Association (KMA), which began in Kochi on Thursday. Chandrasekhar said the transformative power of innovation is not limited to startups or technology but extends to policy-making as well. In his keynote address, Angelo George, CEO of Bisleri International, discussed the need to adapt marketing strategies to meet the expectations of digital audiences. He noted the shift in consumer preferences towards products that support sustainable development and cited Bisleris ability to operate seamlessly during the pandemic as a testament to resilience and adaptability. Captain Ibrahim Alblooshi, executive director of Dubai Port Authority, participated as the special guest and spoke about the necessity of embracing change to foster innovation. The convention also recognised the contributions of Dr Ahmad Alungal, executive vice-president of Abeer Medical Group, and Yash Radia, CEO of MPRS Shipping and Logistics International Business, who were felicitated on the occasion. The theme of this years convention, Innovate to elevate, sets the stage for thought-provoking discussions. KMA president Bibu Punnooran presided over the inaugural session, while convention chair K Harikumar extended a warm welcome to attendees. Dr Anil Joseph, honorary secretary of KMA, expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and participants.

Special privileges for Boby Chemmanur: Prisons department launches probe

KOCHI: The prisons department on Thursday launched an inquiry into the allegation that businessman Boby Chemmanur was given special privileges at the District Jail in Kakkanad. Following the direction of the director general of Prison and Correctional Services, Balram Kumar Upadhyay, DIG of Prisons (Headquarters) M K Vinod Kumar is conducting the inquiry. Vinod on Thursday visited the District Jail in Kakkanad as part of the inquiry. He spoke to the jail superintendent and other officials as part of the inquiry. He also checked CCTV camera footage. The allegation is that DIG of Prison (Central zone) P Ajayakumar on January 10 visited the jail and met Boby. It is alleged that three friends of Bobby also accompanied the officer. Their names were not recorded in the visitors register. Also, the visitors were allowed to interact with Boby privately. Following the allegation, Ajayakumar submitted his response to Balram on Wednesday. According to him, he reached the jail as part of an inquiry into a complaint. He knew Boby and interacted with him in the presence of the jail superintendent at his room. He only checked about the health condition of Boby. Earlier, the state Special Branch had collected information about the incident at the jail. Later, a report was filed to ADGP Intelligence. There are reports that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan spoke to Balram after the allegations surfaced.

Amicus curiae suggests regulatory authority for entertainment industry

KOCHI: The amicus curiae appointed by the Kerala High Court has filed a report suggesting to constitute Kerala Entertainment Industry Regulatory Authority (KEIRA), an overarching body to regulate and develop the entertainment industry. KEIRA should exercise comprehensive oversight and regulatoryfunctions over the industry, including bodies like the Chalachithra Academy and Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC) and cinema collectives. The report stated that centralising these functions will help streamline the regulatory process while allowing for greater coordination between various stakeholders, thereby ensuring transparency, accountability, and growth within the sector. The authority ought to have a large membership, to ensure the representation of all stakeholders. The ex-officio members could be thesecretary of the department of cultural affairs, Kerala, the Director of KSFDC, and a representative from the Kerala StateWomens Commission. A gender-justice activist with experience in gender rights and sexual harassment cases should also be included in the authority. KEIRA should have the authority to ensure compliance with industrial standards, codes of conduct, and applicable laws, as may be compiled in the Compliance Blueprint. It also suggestedthat Kerala Entertainment Industry Tribunal (KEIT)address various issues plaguing the entertainment industry.

Dog adoption website set for launch as Kochi corporation looks to tackle stray menace

KOCHI: The Kochi corporation is set to launch a website for adoption of street dogs, besides developing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre, in a bid to tackle the stray menace in the city. A website will be launched exclusively for pet (dogs) adoption within a month to deal with stray menace, said T K Ashraf, health standing committee chairman. Besides, 30 cages, each capable of accommodating three dogs, have been installed in Brahmapuram. We are in discussions with various organisations to set up more cages. These cages will act as shelter homes can be used to accommodate around 100 dogs. With the launch of the website, the public can adopt the dogs easily, Ashraf said. The council meeting on Thursday discussed the issue. Ashraf said the ABC centre in Brahmapuram will be renovated soon with the cooperation of BPCL, that has promised to contribute Rs 1 crore for the development of the ABC hospital. However, at the meet, the councillors alleged that despite multiple efforts, the corporation had failed to tackle the issue. Ashraf said people have been feeding the strays leading to a rise in the dog population. Third Ro-Ro likely to be operational in a year Kochi: Construction of the third Ro-Ro, aimed at making transportation easier for residents of the Fort Kochi and Mattancherry regions to Ernakulam and Vypeen, and for tourists looking to visit Mattancherry and Fort Kochi, will be completed within a year. The Kochi corporation, with the assistance of Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML), handed over J14.9 crore, including GST, to the Cochin Shipyard on Thursday. We requested the shipyard to complete the work six months early. The shipyard officials have agreed to complete it in 12 months, said Kochi Mayor M Anilkumar.

Grant of compensation for rehab victims a policy decision, says Kerala HC

KOCHI: Kerala High Court on Thursday declined to interfere in a plea seeking to enhance the compensation announced by the state government to rehabilitate the survivors of the deadly landslides that hit the hilly areas of Wayanad last year. The court orally observed that the survivors, who want to opt out of the proposed township, cannot demand more money than what the state government has offered as it is not something that they can ask for as a right. The Bench comprising Justice A K Jayasanakran Nambiar and Justice Easwaran S made the observation when a suo motu case registered in the wake of the Wayanad landslides came up for hearing. The court orally observed that unlike in the case of land acquisition, the residents do not have a right. No obligation could be attributed to the state. It was a natural disaster and as a welfare state, the state has certain funds and it is using the money not only for the benefit of one or two persons but for all those affected by the landslides. There has to be an equitable distribution of resources and money. The state cannot look into the individual preferences of some survivors. It is a humanitarian gesture by a welfare state. With the available resources, the government has to distribute the resources equitably. Therefore, individual preference has to take a back seat, it said. Senior advocate Ranjith Thampan, amicus curiae, sought a directive to the state government to consider the demand for enhancement of the amount being announced for those who want to live outside the proposed township to Rs 40 to 50 lakh from Rs 15 lakh. He submitted that many survivors had informed him that the amount was grossly inadequate since they had not only lost their residential houses but also their livelihood. The amicus curiae also sought a directive to the government to ensure speedy removal of debris accumulated in the affected areas including from rivers.

Coconut trees in Tirupattur hit by black-headed caterpillar

TIRUPATTUR: Coconut cultivation spanning across 10,500 acres in Tirupattur district is severely affected by black-headed caterpillars, as per farmers. As many as 75,000 farmers are affected due to the infestation. Farmers say while some of the fields are entirely damaged, a few of them are 25% impacted. The district administration has confirmed that 480 hectares (1,186 acres) are the worst hit. Farmers explained that the pest spreads rapidly during the summer. As one of the major crops of the district, coconuts are critical to the livelihoods of these farmers. In affected villages like Kundanimedu, Ambalur, Sammandhikuppam, Eklaspuram, and Sankarapuram, numerous coconut farms have dried, with fronds turning brown from the pest attack. K Nagarajan, a farmer from Kundanimedu, which is one of the worst-hit areas, shared that the pest had been spreading across the district for three years and reached his farm recently. The horticulture department gave us packets of parasitoid wasps that kill the caterpillar, but we are unsure about how many wasps to release, said Nagarajan, who cultivates coconuts on two acres. S Anandan, another farmer with one and a half acres, said that infested trees stop yielding for up to three years. Similarly, M Babu, a farmer from Ambalur with a two-acre farm, said coconut farming requires `40,000 per acre annually for ploughing, pesticides, and fertilizers. In normal years, we earn `1 lakh per acre, but this pest reduces yield by 90%, leaving us in financial distress, he said. The fronds from affected trees cannot even be used for roofs, brooms, and husks cannot be used as fuel for firewood, they said. Coconut farming is a sole source of income for many. M Devaraj (74) of Kundanimedu, who has been farming since he was 16-years-old said, At 74 years of age I cannot switch my profession. If my farm doesnt earn, I am left with nothing. Stating that many farmers did not know how to use the parasitoid wasps, Babu said awareness needs to be created for the farmers on the ground. A Ashokan, an activist who was also a farmer recalled a similar infestation from 1986-1988, when local centres in Ambalur and Periyapettai supplied wasps to control the pest. These centres were later closed, forcing farmers now to source wasps from Krishnagiri, about 130 km away. Most wasps die during transport, making this solution less effective, he said, urging authorities to establish local wasp production centres, provide free pesticides, and compensate farmers with `1 lakh per tree. He noted that it takes up to five years for affected trees to recover. Tiruvannamalai MP C N Annadurai brought the issue to the National Bureau of Agriculture, last month. Following his efforts, a team of scientists from Bengaluru, Kochi, and the Coconut Development Board inspected the region and suggested measures. Annadurai noted the pest is spreading to neighbouring districts like Krishnagiri and Tiruvannamalai and assured to push for swift solutions. S Deepa, Deputy Director of Horticulture, explained that the infestation is concentrated in Natrampalli, Madhanur, and Alangayam blocks. We are sourcing braconid parasitoids from Dharmapuri to provide to farmers. We have also sent a proposal requesting the establishment of an Integrated Pest Management for controlling black headed caterpillar in Tirupattur, she said. The proposed centre would employ methods like light traps, which attract and kill adult caterpillars, and parasitoid wasps, which lay eggs on the caterpillar larvae. When the eggs hatch, the caterpillars larvae are killed, said R Seeniraj Joint Director of Agriculture. He added that the pest spreads through the air and damages leaves 80 to 90 ft high on trees, making control efforts challenging. Addressing a query about delayed action, Deepa said, Coconut farming came under the horticulture department only seven months ago. We have been taking measures since. Collector K Tharpagaraj assured that awareness campaigns are going on and would intensify in coming days.

Tharoor urges Kerala govt to swiftly resolve Waqf land dispute in Munambam

Kochi : Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Thursday urged the Kerala government to act swiftly in resolving the Waqf land dispute in Munambam and appealed to them not to turn it into a communal issue. Residents in Cherai and Munambam in Ernakulam district allege that the Waqf Board has been unlawfully claiming their land and property, despite them holding registered deeds and land tax receipts. Protesters from Munambam village have urged Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to find a lasting solution to their ongoing land dispute with the Waqf Board. Interacting with reporters after visiting the locals who have been on a hunger strike for the past 96 days, Tharoor said, It's not a Muslim-Christian issue, it's a technical-legal issue and should be resolved in that way. So let's not make it a communal conflict. It's an administrative, legal confusion which should be clarified in the earliest possible moment, he said while urging the state government to act immediately to resolve the issue. The MP from Thiruvananthapuram said, My appeal is no one should wait much more and the state government should not delay in establishing the facts on file what is happened. Whatever judicial process has already begun should be expeditiously concluded so that these people should get their lands, he added. Responding to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's remark that India got rue independence after the Ram temple consecration, Tharoor said, Independence was won with a lot of sacrifices and hard work of a lot of people in our minds, starting with Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation. Bhagawat may have several other ways of being happy in his political career or political interests but it's not the right category in which it was discussed, he added. How can any responsible Indian denigrate the achievements of freedom fighters who have given their lives in several cases as well as their freedom in British jails to fight for the freedom that we take for granted today, he posed. Welcoming the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, the former union minister said, durable and permanent peace should be established.

KMAs annual management convention held in Kochi

Kochi Corporation to crack the whip on unauthorised hostels

Additional secretary to submit report based on a comprehensive probe

Kochi Corporation serves notice on Kerala Blasters demanding entertainment tax for matches at Kaloor stadium

Third ro-ro ferry to be rolled out in a year, says Kochi Corporation

RetiredKerala HC judge loses Rs 90 lakh in bogus share trading app

KOCHI: Retired Kerala High Court Judge Sasidharan Nambiar has become the latest victim of a cyber scam after he lost Rs 90 lakh through a bogus share trading app. Justice Nambiar 'invested' in the bogus share trading app titled 'Adithya Birla', a name that's eerily similar to the Mumbai-based financial major Aditya Birla group, according to the police. Hill Palace Police Station, Tripunithura, registered a case and launched a probe into the incident. The modus operandi of the fraudsters is as follows. First, he was added to the WhatsApp group named 'Adithya Birla', later a link was sent to him for share trading offering 850% profit on investments. Between December 4 and December 30, Justice Nambiar 'invested' around Rs 90 lakhs. But after that, neither the promised profit nor the invested money was returned. Police have registered a case against Ayana Joseph and Varsha Singh, which the police suspect are the bogus names used by fraudsters. The case was transferred to Kochi Cyber Police for a detailed investigation. Justice Nambiar, who stays in Eroor in Kochi, retired from service in 2013. Between December 12, 2024, and December 30, 2024, Rs 90 lakhs was transferred from bank accounts via IMPS and RTGS. However, neither the promised profit or invested money was returned till now, as per the FIR. The case was registered charging BNS sections 316(4) for criminal breach of trust, 318(4) for cheating and dishonestly inducing someone to deliver property and section 66D of the Information Technology Act for cheating by impersonation. The case was registered on January 5 following the complaint by Justice Nambiar. Hill Palace police have decided to hand over the probe to Ernakulam Cyber Police to conduct further investigation. We started the investigation based on bank accounts into which the money was transferred. We suspect that bogus bank accounts were used to transfer the amount. The details of the bank account holders were collected and attempts are being made to trace these persons. These accounts will be frozen soon, a police officer said. Over Rs 700 crores were swindled by cyber fraudsters from Kerala in the year 2024.Police also blocked close to 36,000 bank accounts that were found involved in organised cyber scams. The number of such cases are increasing at an alarming rate annually.

Kerala HC: Probe installation of illegal boards in front of Secretariat

KOCHI: Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the State Police Chief to constitute a competent team of officers to ensure that an investigation into the complaint of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation on the installation of the board in front of the Secretariat is conducted and completed swiftly. The probe shall reveal the names and identities of the persons who are responsible; as well as that of the printer/advertisement agency responsible for putting it up, held Justice Devan Ramachandran. The court also directed the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation to file a report indicating the amount of fine imposed/collected; the expenses incurred and the strain taken for disposal of the huge board. The court took the stern decision after considering the submission of Amicus Curiae that a huge board was installed in front of the State Secretariat, apparently under the aegis of the Kerala Secretariat Employees Association (KSEA). He further reported that the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation removed it immediately, presumably because the illegal action was widely reported in the media. The court said there are larger issues involved in this matter. If the illegal board had been installed by an association of government employees, then certainly, it is in breach of Government Orders, and judicial directives; and the persons concerned would have to face disciplinary action, apart from penal provisions being attracted. Case registered against employees association The Cantonment police have registered a case against the Secretariat Employees Association for installing a flex board outside the Secretariat premises. The board was placed in an area that has been demarcated as a plastic-free zone. It was placed in connection with the inauguration of the association building and it had a cutout of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The High Court had banned erecting flex board in public places. The corporation officials directed the association to take the flex board down. However, they did not pay heed and following which the corporation officials pulled it down.

Gen Z redefines love: New lingo, modern relationships, and evolving perspectives on commitment

KOCHI: Gone are the days when love letters took weeks to arrive, stolen glances marked the beginning of a romantic journey, mixtapes and handwritten notes passed in class carried deep stories, and waiting by a landline for a scheduled phone call was both the most anxious and exciting moment. In todays hyper-connected world, where romance often blossoms in DMs and is sealed with emojis, Gen Z has redefined the language of love. From the uncertain nature of situationships to the hurtful silence of ghosting, the mind games of breadcrumbing, and the unexpected return of zombieing, modern relationship lingo is peppered with quirky terms. Whether these terms are meaningful or not, exploring the concept of love has perhaps never been more linguistically creative. As older generations struggle to keep pace with this new lexicon, Gen Zs evolving language around love and connection reveals much about how they perceive relationships, identity, and communication in todays world. Nowadays, the concept of love is complicated to talk about and even more to define, says Humayoon Hussain J A, a student at Rajagiri College of Management and Applied Sciences, Ernakulam. Our generations take on love has evolved alongside changing lifestyles and relationship norms. Todays love feels like a mix of old-school emotions and digital influence. But the speciality is that here self-love often matters more. Also, I think our generation is able to adapt, evolve, and create our own rules. Gen Z is more realistic Megha M S, another college student in Thiruvananthapuram, echoes similar views. The way relationships are built nowadays is based on how connected and comfortable we feel with someone. Its no longer just about outer appearance, attraction, or a momentary glance that leads to love. Thats a rarity now, she says. Gen Z is more realistic. Earlier, relationships meant something that led people to marriage. But now everyone is taking time, dating, knowing many people, and deciding what they want. I think this is because our generation is more aware of priorities such as stability, mental wellness, etc. We are giving these factors more importance over fleeting emotions. In this context, Megha adds, its natural for the concepts of love and relationship to get numerous interpretations. These ideas and situations lead to fast-evolving terminology, she smiles. S Prema, assistant professor in linguistics at the University of Kerala, observes that the increasing cultural contact with the rest of the world has contributed to this shift in language evolution. In Malayalam, for instance, the word adipoli combines two negative words to create a positive meaning. This was a new addition to the language; it was not used traditionally, she notes. In linguistics, such newly formed words or phrases that gain popularity or institutional recognition are called neologisms. These words may originate from existing terms but dont necessarily retain their previous meanings. New words, Prema continues, naturally emerge when we start using or encountering new things. This is an unconscious feature of language and society. As the saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention this applies here as well, she says. Language, as we know, constantly evolves. Its impossible to restrict or reject the introduction of new words. A look at how popular dictionaries have been adding new words on a regular basis is a clear indication how new-gen lingo just cannot be ignored. They can, of course, be brushed aside at the cost of embarrassment or being left out in social circles. Story of Convincing Star Anju Maria Sebastian, an assistant professor of English, highlights how social media plays a major role in spreading and creating new terms. She cites the example of the moniker Convincing Star given to actor Suresh Krishna. Convincing Star viral, and now the title has become a way to describe someone with traits akin to some of the convince-and-cheat roles played by the actor. This shows how language keeps changing. We better adapt and grow along with it, she laughs. Meenakshi Ramesh, a fashion technology student from Kochi, offers a different perspective on modern relationship lingo. I think people are now using these terms to normalise certain behaviours. For instance, actions like cheating is being casually justified by calling it benching, she points out. Its as if common red flags are being renamed to allow guilt-free movement from one relationship to another with the excuse, I am just benching them. This indicates a reluctance to invest deeply in relationships. The mentality seems to be, If it has a term, then its not wrong. Thats something we should be wary of. Commitment issues, Meenakshi adds, are common now. Many in Gen Z are not emotionally prepared for serious relationships but still want to experience what being in one feels like. Also, most are focused on their careers and turning love into something more like a pastime, she believes. It often seems about fitting into something cool thats trending online. While its made to sound cool, I dont think it really is. Psychologist Merryn Tharakan acknowledges GenZs fear of commitment, but also points out some positive aspects. The fear of commitment is definitely present, especially now that relationships are more accessible. The fear of missing out on possibilities has diminished because theres a belief that if this doesnt work, something else will come along there are plenty of fish in the sea. But I think this generation is becoming more aware of what they need within themselves before expecting it from a partnership, she highlights. They are learning to anchor themselves as the source of their own happiness, focusing on mental health and self-development. Though some of these efforts are slightly misconstrued, many are heading in the right direction. Scope for studies on neologisms Sindu M, a parent and a high school teacher, views this change as healthy. I think Gen Z is viewing things more practically and clearly. There are still many people who live without moving forward in life because of old notions of love, she says. Similarly, when someone realises after several years of being in love that things wont work out and communicates it, others cant accept it and resort to dangerous acts. There are also people stuck in unhealthy or toxic relationships. Compared with that, this generation seems better-prepared to deal with life. Merryn notes that terms like narcissist and breadcrumbing, long part of psychological discussions, are now widely used by mainstream audiences, especially younger people, to describe their experiences. This rapid evolution of language calls for deeper study, says Prema. There is growing research on neologisms. This field has significant scope for further exploration, and we can expect more studies in this area, she concludes. Well, meanwhile, lets all brace for Gen Alpha! Love bombing: It involves showering a new partner with excessive attention, gifts, and time at the beginning of a relationship. However, once the honeymoon phase ends, the love bomber often loses interest and becomes distant. Affordating: A budget-friendly way of dating that involves choosing low-cost date activities and splitting expenses equally. Delusionship: A situation where you find yourself imagining someone youre not officially in a relationship with yet. Hot-girl summer: Prioritising ones own happiness and having fun. Nanoship: A short-term, casual connection thats free of expectations and long-term commitment. Zombieing: When someone who previously ghosted you reappears out of the blue, wanting to reconnect. Cookie jarring: When one pursues a relationship to have as a back-up plan or safety net, with no real love. Love haze: The initial stages of a relationship where you overlook red flags Situationship: A situationship blurs the lines between friendship and commitment, lacking defined boundaries or expectations. Its that uncertain complicated space where connections grow and thrive. Ghosting: Ending a relationship or communication with someone abruptly and without explanation, typically in the context of online dating or texting. Breadcrumbing: Sending flirtatious but non-committal messages or signals to keep someone interested without making a serious commitment. Roommate syndrome: When a romantic relationship begins to feel platonic once cohabitation begins. Benching: Keeping someone on the sidelines or in reserve as a potential romantic option, without fully committing to them or investing in the relationship. Flirtationship: Casual flirting for fun, without emotional attachment. Textlashionship: A romantic relationship based on messaging/chatting only. Cushioning: Having backup options, to soften the blow if a primary relationship ends. Rizz up: To attract someones attention and make them like you in a romantic or sexual way, or to try to do this by behaving in a particular way

Raising emotionally resilient children

KOCHI: Emotional intelligence is vital for every child. It involves the ability to understand, express, and manage their own emotions, as well as recognise and respond to the emotions of others. These skills help children navigate social situations, make thoughtful decisions, foster better relationships, achieve academic success and handle challenges in a healthy manner. Like adults, children also experience a wide range of emotions. However, they arent taught how to manage them or cope effectively. While emotions are a natural part of life for everyone its crucial to help kids develop healthy coping mechanisms that can empower them to face their fears, calm down when upset, and find ways to lift their spirits. Before they are taught about coping strategies, children should be able to recognise and label their feelings first. Providing them with the right words to describe emotions is essential, as they may not have the vocabulary to express themselves. You can help by reading books, using feeling faces charts, or discussing emotions. One can also use role-play activities so that kids can understand different perspectives. For example, by putting themselves in someone elses shoes, they can better grasp how actions and words affect others, fostering empathy and compassion. Another way to help children understand their emotions is by encouraging them to talk about how they feel in a safe and supportive environment. When children feel comfortable sharing without fear of judgment, they can work together with adults to find solutions. This approach not only builds emotional intelligence but also teaches empathy through real-life experiences. Most importantly, listen to their concerns and validate their emotions and let them know that their feelings matter. Kid-friendlycopingmechanisms A few slow, deep breaths can help kids relax both their minds and bodies. Exercise is a great way for kids to release excess energy when theyre nervous and lift their mood when theyre down. Creative activities like painting, colouring, doodling, or sculpting with clay can be effective coping strategies. Reading can offer a temporary distraction. Playing a board game or kicking a ball outside helps shift their focus and refresh their mind. Musicwhether making it or listening to calming tunescan have a positive impact on their emotions. Laughter is a great way to take a mental break. Watching a funny video can help kids feel better. Teach kids to speak kindly to themselves by asking, What would you say to a friend with this problem? Learn the difference There are two types of coping skills: healthy ones that help children manage their emotions, and unhealthy ones that avoid dealing with the issues by distracting them. Unhealthy coping mechanisms include acting out, substance use, violence, and more. Children who learn healthy coping skills early on are likely to have significant advantages in life. They are less likely to engage in substance use, criminal activity, or experience mental health issues. Remember the part you play Allow the child to feel their negative emotions. Its normal for them to feel angry, sad, or scared, and these emotions are part of the healing process. Just be sure these feelings dont last too long. When your child makes a mistake, such as breaking something in anger or avoiding an activity due to nerves, turn it into a learning opportunity. Help them improve their coping skills so they feel more confident in managing discomfort moving forward. Always note that anycoping skill can become harmful if overused. For example, screen time is often used as an escape. Make sure your child isnt relying on screens to avoid problems but is instead using them in a healthy way to cope. Mind and body Got health concerns you want to share with a doctor? Are you looking for credible answers regarding symptoms, medicines or lifestyle disorders? Write to us on cityexpresskoc@newindianexpress.com, and we will get healthcare professionals to answer them. The author is the senior occupational therapist and honorary secretary of All India Occupational Therapist Association (AIOTA).

INTERVIEW | Populist govts putting barriers to migration

KOCHI: Migration has been a major concern in Keralas higher education sector, with students heading to countries like Canada, the UK, the US, and several European nations. However, this trend could soon change, says Philip G Altbach, Professor Emeritus at Boston College. Speaking to TNIE on the sidelines of the International Conclave on Next-gen Higher Education, he highlights how populist policies could halt student migration. Youve shared grim news about migrations future. How bad is the situation? Its not promising. Populist governments are enacting laws to discourage migration. For instance, under the Trump administration, obtaining a student visa is becoming harder. There are also discussions in the US about ending Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allowed graduate students to stay for an extra year or two. So, is there a solution? Not until the policies change. Like what happened during the first Trump government. Higher education systems and research under populist governments dont thrive. Do you think this situation would be a boon for the higher education sector in the state and also the country? How should we strengthen our higher education system and retain these students here? Yes. The higher education system in Kerala and the country needs to be developed to make the most of the situation. But, migration has been a long-term problem in the state. As you know well, there is a tradition here of exporting people and many Keralites want to work abroad. They might get educated here, but then they leave. Thats not likely to change anytime soon, unfortunately. You mentioned foreign universities expanding to countries like India as a distant dream. Why do you think that, despite government efforts to attract them? According to the National Education Policy, the doors have been opened. But as in everything in India, there are large stumbling blocks once the door is open. The bureaucracy and lack of clarity in rules and regulations and so on. Also, I dont think that foreign universities in general want to spend a lot of money on infrastructure and that sort of thing. There are a couple of them here in different parts of India, but I dont think it is gonna happen in Kerala soon. But we can see foreign universities signing MoUs with higher education institutions in the state offering specific courses. How do you see this panning out? Yes, I think that is going to happen and is happening. That is indeed a growth area. Not branch campuses, but joint degree programmes, student exchange programmes and such will be possible on an increased scale with the new developments such as these.

Successful Palarivattom model is road ahead for Vyttila: Experts

KOCHI: With Vyttila junction continuing to experience chronic traffic congestion during peak hours, experts have called for replicating the successful traffic island model of Palarivattom bypass junction to ensure the free flow of vehicles at Keralas busiest junction. A new proposal, conceived by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) officials and already submitted to the PWD minister, suggests a loop system, which will integrate the traffic with Vyttila Hub. The major objectives of the proposed plan, which can be implemented without much financial implications, are to eliminate traffic signals and crossing of paths. The same was successfully tried out in Palarivattom and recently in Kalamassery, along the NH section. It can be done at Vyttila by redirecting the vehicles proceeding to Tripunithura and Alappuzha sides from Kochi city and Edappally through the western end of Vyttila hub, a senior KMRL official said. As per the plan, vehicles coming from the city side must take a left turn at Vyttila junction and proceed ahead to Vyttila bus stop (towards Edappally) before taking a U-turn beneath the flyover. They have to go through the NH service road and take a left turn after the Kaniyampuzha turn to enter the hub. Two U-turns beneath the flyover should be constructed -- one at the northern side near Vyttila bus stop and the other at the southern side. A new road should be constructed before Vyttila metro station to facilitate vehicles taking a left turn after Kaniyampuzha road and proceeding towards Tripunithura via the hub. The vehicles going to Alappuzha side should enter the hub in similar fashion, but take the new road being constructed by CSML before the Vyttila metro station, to reach Vyttila Junction and further proceed via service road, the official explained. As per the plan, a one-way system (vehicles proceeding only to Vyttila junction) should be implemented in the stretch from hub exit to Vyttila Junction. Effective road-traffic circulation to avoid traffic signals is vital as the junction remains a bottleneck even after the PWD constructed a six-lane flyover in 2021. Currently the land at hubs western end remains idle and can be used to redirect the traffic, the KMRL official added. The new proposal comes even as the MVD has drawn up a tentative plan to decongest the junction. Talks are on with various stakeholders regarding its implementation. The plan involves scaling of portions of the 16-m roundabout beneath the flyover at the junction and also chipping off the edges of traffic medians to facilitate direct entry of buses to the hub through the Kaniyampuzha road, an MVD official said. However, experts are of the view that this again involves the crossing of vehicle paths, which would render it less effective. Wed earlier suggested a plan to decongest the city by avoiding direct crossings and constructing a parallel road within the hub that passes before Vyttila metro station so that the traffic can be rerouted through the hub. Avoiding the crossing of paths and traffic signals are crucial to any plan to decongest the busy junction, said D Dhanuraj, chairman of the Kochi-based think tank Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR). CSML is constructing a new road to Vyttila metro station. Authorities should use that to redirect the traffic to Tripunithura side through the western end of the hub. Weve taken up the issue with concerned authorities, said Sunitha Dixson, Vyttila councillor.

15-yr-old boy dies after falling from 26th floor of apartment building

KOCHI: A 15-year-old boy died after falling from the 26th floor of an apartment in Tripunithura on Wednesday. The incident occurred around 3.30pm, and a staffer at the building found the body and alerted the police. While the incident happened, only his younger sister was present in their flat. The preliminary investigation suggests that the boy jumped from the balcony. Based on accounts from his parents and relatives, he was active and cheerful. Hill Palace Station House Officer Ananda Babu K B said the boy had recently shifted school after being involved in a fight. Two days ago, he was also involved in a conflict with some students at his new school. Following this, the school authorities called his parents for a meeting. Minutes before the incident, the boys father was returning from the school after attending the meeting. While on the way, he called home, but his daughter answered the phone. He asked her to pass the phone to the boy, who was then standing on the balcony. However, the boy told her he would call back later. Shortly afterward, his father tried calling him directly on his mobile phone, only to find it switched off, the officer said.

Air Kerala names CIAL as operational hub; first flight in June

KOCHI: Air Kerala has declared Cochin International Airport (CIAL) as its operational hub, with the first flight scheduled to take off from Kochi in June. An initiative of ZettFly Aviation, Air Kerala will be the first airline based out of Kerala. The ultra low cost carrier (ULCC) will connect domestic routes across southern and central India. The initial phase of the project will see five aircrafts with 76 economy seats, with Malayalis comprising nearly 50% of the cabin crew. The aircraft aims to connect sparsely connected short domestic routes within Kerala and neighbouring states with prices slightly above the rates of 2AC train tickets and Volvo bus tickets. Our primary aim is to familiarise common people with aircraft journeys, and to create a habit of flying accessible to all, said CEO Harish Kutty. After the first phase of launching domestic flights, the company is looking forward to expanding to the highly in-demand international routes from Kerala like the GCC and others, he said.

Seven CoEs being set up to bolster higher education in Kerala: Minister R Bindu

KOCHI: In a bid to bolster the higher education sector in Kerala, the state government has given an administrative sanction to set up seven Centres of Excellence (CoE).The announcement was made by Higher Education Minister R Bindu at the concluding session of the International Conclave on Next-gen Higher Education at Cusat in Kochi on Wednesday. According to the minister, another step to be taken towards reforming the higher education sector in the state is presentation of a bill for necessary amendments to acts of various universities in the state. She said that the bill will enable realisation of ideas like constituent colleges and college clusters. As for the seven CoEs, she said, Besides administrative sanction, funds also have been allocated for the preliminary activities of the centres of excellence. The seven centres are the Kerala Institute for Science, Technology and Innovation (KISTI), Kerala Institute for Advanced Studies for Social Science and Humanities (KIASSH), Kerala Network for Research Support in Higher Education (KNRSHE), Institute for Gender Equity, Centre of Excellence for Teaching, Learning and Training, Centre for Indigenous Peoples Education and Kerala Language Network. Bindu further said that the CoEs are being set up based on the recommendations made by the Syam Menon Commission. It has also been decided to form a suitable curriculum for PG. Steps will also be taken to enhance quality of every higher education institution in the state by ensuring hand-holding and resource sharing between premier institutions, and other developing institutions, she said.

Industries Minister P Rajeeve: Metro achieving operating profit a matter of pride

KOCHI: Noting that none of the metro systems around the world is profitable in absolute terms, Industries Minister P Rajeeve on Wednesday said that the Kochi Metro achieving operating profit is a matter of pride. He was speaking after flagging off the e-feeder buses of the Kochi Metro that would operate in six identified routes in the coming days. No where in the world is a metro system profitable in absolute financial terms, but we have to consider the added benefits such projects would bring in like cutting environmental pollution and increasing productivity, he said. Enough parking spaces could not be acquired at the start of the metro project and the connectivity services are being run to overcome that shortage. The same would be a profitable venture for KMRL, Rajeev said. The Kalamassery region is set to change soon with several high-profile projects being implemented. They include a new block at Kalamassery Medical College Hospital, Seaport- Airport Road development, and Rs 900-crore logistics park. MP Hibi Eden, MLAs K N Unnikrishnan and Anwar Sadath, KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera and Additional General Manager Gokul T G spoke on the occasion. The feeder buses in the Aluva-Airport and Kalamassery-Medical College would start regular operation on Thursday morning. The services in the High Court-MG Road circular, Kadavanthra-Panampilly Nagar circular and Kakkanad Water Metro terminal-Infopark and Collectorate services will be deployed in a phased manner.

Coast Guard rescues 54, including 23 children, stranded at sea

KOCHI: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) rescued 54 passengers 23 children, 22 women and nine men who were stranded mid-sea as the fishing boat in which they were travelling started drifting following an engine snag on Tuesday. According to the Kavaratti district headquarters of the Coast Guard, a fishing boat named Mohammed Kasim-II was transporting passengers on a pilgrimage from Kavaratti island to Suheli island when it started drifting. The boat sent a distress call to the district administration who in turn contacted the Coast Guard. The ICG diverted off-shore patrol vessel ICGS Saksham to the area and located the boat around 10 nautical miles off Suheli around 5pm. All 54 passengers were shifted to the ship and were provided with food and first aid. They were transported to Kavaratti and handed over to the district administration on Wednesday morning. The Coast Guard has issued a strict warning to maintain maritime safety protocols and exercise extreme caution, especially regarding overloading of vessels with passengers.

University of Michigan-Flint exploring Kerala tie-ups

KOCHI: The University of Michigan-Flint in the United States is in talks with three colleges in Kerala - including Baselius College, Kottayam - for possible collaborations, such as student exchange programmes. The director of the universitys Centre for Global Engagement, Zachariah Mathew, told TNIE that global universities find immense scope in the high-calibre academic space of Kerala. What we primarily look up to is the integration of curriculums in the universities here to the varsities abroad, said Mathew, who is in Kochi to attend the higher education conclave at Cusat. Many academic curriculums in Kerala are of high calibre, like medicine, public health administration, ecology and sustainability studies, etc, for example. We can definitely bring short-term students from abroad here to courses like these and similarly make a space for the faculty here to engage in these exchanges abroad as well. Since taking over the chair at Michigan-Flint, he has initiated talks with three colleges in Kerala for possible collaborations, Mathew said. I am a person who migrated from Kerala 25 years ago because of the lack of opportunities here. But now the scenario is changing, he said. Kerala has been facing the issue of huge numbers of students flocking to foreign universities in recent times. Mathew said the Study in Kerala initiative by the government would indeed be a solution to this problem, to a certain extent. Students move out of Kerala mainly for the experience, not solely for education. Here we do not have much cultural integration and exposure as we have in universities abroad. Now the government here is creating a space for that, Mathew said.