Kerala's AI cameras catch 98 lakh offenders, MVD collects Rs 400 crores in fines since June 2023

KOCHI: The Kerala governments decision to install Artificial Intelligence (AI) cameras across highways to crack down on traffic offences, a move that had stirred up controversy over its huge cost, is paying dividends. The latest figures reveal that 98 lakh offenders were caught and the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) issued fines amounting to Rs 631 crore since the AI cameras were installed in June 2023. Of this, around Rs 400 crore has been collected. In the fiscal that ended March 31, 2025, fines to the tune of Rs 273 crore were imposed through e-challans for traffic violations detected by the camera. Of this, around Rs 150 crore has been collected by the department so far. The remaining amount will be collected over the next few months. Since the cameras installation, the MVD has collected over Rs 400 crore in fines for various offences, officials told TNIE. There is definitely a significant positive impact. Now, people are more conscious about the fact that they are under surveillance and try to follow rules more diligently, said Transport Commissioner Nagaraju Chakilam. Riding without helmets most detected violation The transport commissioner said at least 10% more AI cameras should be installed for maximum coverage in the state. Nagaraju said more cameras would be installed on the new stretch of NH66 and state highways. The fully automated traffic enforcement system was brought in by the MVD as part of Safe Kerala project. A total of 726 cameras were installed across major traffic hotspots in the state at a cost of Rs 230 crore. The project includes 675 AI cameras, four speed cameras, four mobile speed cameras, 18 red light cameras and 25 parking cameras. Barring 4-5% of the cameras that are under maintenance, the rest are live 24 hours, Nagaraju said. Riding without helmet is the most detected violation. Driving without fastening seat belts and triple riding on two-wheelers are next. While the MVD is collecting a significant amount as fines, the question whether AI cameras have helped in reducing road accidents remains. From the numbers, we understand that enforcement has been tightened, yet the final debate should be on its impact on road accidents; how much the changes have helped reduce the deaths, said D Dhanuraj, chairman of Centre for Public Policy Research, a Kochi-based thinktank.

Woman sustains serious injuries as cracker misfires during temple festival in Kochi

Kochi port records highest-ever cargo throughput in 2024-25

Liquid bulk cargo accounted for the largest share of the cargo handled at the port

Waste-free status for 89 local bodies in Ernakulam

Seven local bodies in Ernakulam, including the Kochi Corporation and four municipalities, were not able to meet the set dealine

Sanitation workers trust seeks suitable persons to contest as Independents in local body polls

The Kochi Corporation Sanitation Workers Charitable Trust plans to field Independents in all 74 divisions

Uber launches Uber for Teens in India

The service has been launched across 37 cities in the country, including Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, and Bhubaneswar

Ola Electric continues to lead the E2W market during FY25

KOCHI, Apr 2: Ola Electric, Indias largest pure-play EV company, has announced that it registered 3,44,005 units in FY25 with a market share of 30 per cent, maintaining its leadership position in the E2W industry. The company also shared that it registered 23,430 units for the month of March 2025 (as per VAHAN) with strong demand across urban and rural markets. Furthermore, the company shared that it has nearly cleared the February backlog and expects to complete the remaining February [] The post Ola Electric continues to lead the E2W market during FY25 appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

2017 Walayar rape-murder case: Kerala HC gives relief to parents of two girls

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday through an interim order asked the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) not to take any action, including arrest, against the parents of two Dalit girls who were allegedly raped and murdered in Walayar in 2017. The Walayar case refers to the deaths of two Dalit sisters, aged 9 Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Kerala: Man, nephew drown in river during Eid picnic

KOCHI: A man and his nephew drowned while taking a bath in the Idamalayar river at Vadattupara near Kothamangalam during Eid picnic on Tuesday. The deceased are Sidheek, 38, a resident of Aluva, and Aboofayiz, 22, a resident of Kalady. Sidhiq, a fire and rescue services personnel with the Kothamangalam fire station, said the incident occurred around 1 pm. A 20-member group of family and relatives, who had arrived in three vehicles, had gathered at the Palavanpadi region of Vadattupara for a picnic in connection with Eid-ul-Fitr. While spending time by the river, Sidheek and Aboofayiz stepped into the water to take a bath but lost control and were swept away by strong currents, he said. We received an alert from one of their relatives around 1.15 pm, but we had to cover nearly 25 km to reach the spot. Despite our efforts to retrieve them and rush to the hospital, their lives could not be saved, said Sidhiq. He said the riverbank, though scenic and resembles a beachside, is a known accident-prone area due to strong underwater currents. Its a popular destination attracting both local and foreign tourists. We have attended nearly five to six similar drowning cases here recently, he said.

Toddler drowns in pond near maternal home in Kerala's North Paravoor

KOCHI: A two-and-a-half-year-old girl fell and drowned in a pond near her home in Chettikad in North Paravoor on Tuesday. Juhi Elizabeth, the daughter of Kongorpilly residents Joshy and Jasmine, is the deceased. An officer with the North Paravoor police station said the incident occurred while Juhi was playing with her five-year-old brother in the courtyard of the home. The childrens father is working in a Gulf country, and they were staying with their mother at their maternal home in Chettikad. It is summer vacation, and the siblings were playing outside when they wandered near the pond. It is suspected the child slipped and fell in the pond. At the time, the elders were engaged in household work, said the officer. The family was alerted when they heard the boys cries. Juhi was rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital, but could not be saved, said the officer. The inquest procedures have been completed and the body will be handed over to the family after the postmortem examination on Wednesday morning, he said.

Kochi: Shop to your hearts content at Midnight Market on April 5, 6

KOCHI: Here is an opportunity for Kochiites to go shopping late at night. The WENderland Midnight Market is set to entertain shoppers from 4pm to midnight, at Rajendra Maidan on April 5 and 6. Curated and organised by the Kochi chapter of the Women Entrepreneur Network (WEN), the initiative aims to show that the city is not only a thriving hub of fun and entertainment, but also one that prioritises safety, especially for women and children. We have been assured the support of the district administration and Pink Police. We are also in talks with the Kochi Metro to operate feeder buses and metro services late into the night on the two days, said WEN Kochi chapter chair Nimin Hilal. Visitors can shop at an array of stalls, choosing anything from jewellery, clothes and toys to books and more. Visitors can also engage in thrilling games and activities at the game zone by Decathlon, the events sports partner. The Midnight Market is supported by the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), with Kochi Metro serving as the official travel partner. Entry tickets cost Rs 100 per person. A family pass (for four persons) is available at Rs 250. Entry is free for children aged below 10 years, while students carrying ID will get a 50% discount on entry fee.

No concession during summer vacation: Ernakulam private bus operators

KOCHI: The Ernakulam District Private Bus Operators Association has announced that students attending classes during the summer vacation will not be granted concession fares. Thus, students commuting in private buses for vacation, special, and tuition classes from April 1 to May 31 will have to pay the full fare for the distance travelled. The decision is applicable across the state, according to the association. The regular academic year in Kerala for Classes 1 to 12 begins on June 1 and ends by the end of March. But many schools and private tuition centres remain open through the vacation for special classes. We accept the government-approved concession fares for students from June 1 to the end of the academic year. The minimum charge for students in the state is Rs 1. For a litre of diesel, we have to pay at least Rs 94. So, only if 90 students travel do we get the money equivalent to a litre of diesel. Students avail this concession even when they are ready to pay huge sums of money to their private schools and coaching centres. Bus operators have to suffer the loss, said K B Suneer, Ernakulam District Private Bus Operators Association president. The government should take the initiative to increase the student fares set a long time ago, in tune with the times, he added. Private bus operators had organised protest gatherings in Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kottayam in February, raising their demands.

Road along Metro phase-2 corridor in Kochi not to have uniform width: RTI reply

KOCHI: Amid reports of changes incorporated in the original alignment of Kochi Metro Phase 2, also referred to as the Pink Line, it has been revealed that the road along the 11.2-km-long corridor connecting the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with Infopark wont have uniform width. In its reply to an RTI query, the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) said land has been acquired such that the road along the stretch from Palarivattom to Infopark will have a width of 22 to 26 m, and that 2m on both sides is meant for construction of drainage. Land has been acquired in the stretch from Palarivattom to Infopark not in a uniform width, the RTI reply to the specific query said. However, to another query, the RTI reply said no concession has been granted to any of the owners during the land acquisition process. The phase 2 alignment runs in a zigzag manner. If one inspects the stretch from the turning just after Palarivattom POC till Vazhakkala, it can be seen that areas like Alinchuvadu, Chembumukku and Vazhakkala have lesser width, even less than 20 m. This may not fully resolve the current traffic congestion issue, said Raju Vazhakala, an RTI activist. Currently, the section from Palarivattom to Vazhakkala witnesses heavy traffic congestion and it was expected to ease with the road development activities as part of the Pink Line construction.D Dhanuraj, chairman of the Centre for Public Policy Research (CCPR), said a further study on possible traffic congestion is needed if the road width is less at certain points. The coming up of a metro system is said to decongest roads, though I favour a dedicated bus corridor for this. A study should be done on whether the bottlenecks will lead to traffic congestion or not, and the solutions, he said. When contacted, a KMRL official entrusted with the construction activities of the section, said the entire stretch will be at least 22 m wide, except in the Padamugal-Kakkanad stretch. Were following the existing road width in this section as its more or less a one-way system and there is no heavy traffic, he added. The 11 (1) notification with regard to land acquisition for the second phase was published in the gazette on December 21, 2018. It said 221 cents of land from 42 land owners were being acquired in the Edappally South village jurisdiction, while 254 cents were being acquired from 152 landowners under the Vazhakkala village jurisdiction. As many as 232.22458 cents of land have been acquired from 21 land owners, and a sum of `11.6 crore distributed so far to the owners, the RTI reply said. However, the authorities refused to give a reply to a query on the compensation provided to shop owners, saying the data is yet to be codified. The Kochi Metro Phase 11 project involves the setting up of a metro line from JLN Stadium to Infopark via Kakkanad, at a cost of `1,957.05 crore, with a length of 11.17 km and 11 stations Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium, Palarivattom Junction, Palarivattom Bypass, Chembumukku, Vazhakkala, Padamughal, Civil Station Jn, Cochin SEZ, Chittethukara, Kinfra and Infopark.

How can accused demand CBI probe, Kerala HC asks actor Dileep

KOCHI: How can an accused in a case demand a CBI probe? A division bench of the Kerala High Court posed the question to actor Dileep, the eighth accused in the 2017 actor assault case, while hearing his plea challenging a single judges dismissal of his request for a CBI probe. Dileep submitted that a CBI probe was essential to ensure fair and impartial investigation into all the aspects of the case, particularly the real nature of the incident and the conspiracy that led to the registration of the case. He contended that though the chargesheet was filed on April 17, 2017, the mobile phone used to record the sexual assault had not been recovered, and the investigation should have continued to locate the device. The division bench remarked, You (Dileep) are using this writ petition as a defence for the trial. The prosecutor submitted that the trial had been completed and the prosecutions arguments were over. In fact, Dileep did not pursue the matter for the past six years, and there was no point in keeping it pending. Observing that the case had been repeatedly adjourned over the years, the court posted it for final hearing on April 7.

Congress MPs from Kerala in tight spot as Church toughens stand on Waqf Bill

KOCHI/KOTTAYAM : The Congress MPs from Kerala, especially the Christian members, are in a tight spot after the party took an official stand to oppose the Waqf Amendment Bill, which will be tabled in Parliament on Wednesday. BJP has taken a stand in Kerala that the dispute over Munambam land between the Kerala State Waqf Board and 600-odd families, mostly Christians and Hindus, who are living in the 400 acres of land for generations, can be resolved in favour of the residents once the Bill is passed. The BJP is creating a false narrative that the people of Munambam will get their land immediately after the Waqf Amendment Bill is passed. A settlement to the Munambam dispute can come only through a verdict of the court, where the case is pending, said a Congress MP, who wished not to be named. What the BJP is trying to do is to divide Muslims and Christians through the Waqf Amendment Bill, he said over the phone. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal made it clear in no uncertain terms that the party would oppose the Bill. In the introduction stage itself, the INDIA alliance and all like-minded parties had a clear-cut stand on it. This Bill is targeted legislation and is fundamentally against Constitutional provisions. We are going to oppose the Bill... This is what has been decided unanimously by the INDIA alliance parties. We request other like-minded parties also to vote against this Bill..., he said. After Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) and Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) urged the Kerala MPs to vote in favour of the Bill, the Church-backed Deepika Daily on Tuesday wrote an editorial warning the parliamentarians that the future generations would hold them accountable if they fail to back the legislation. Acknowledging IUML MP Haris Beerans decision to challenge the Bill in the Supreme Court if it is passed, the Deepika editorial sought to remind that the people of Munambam too are fighting for their constitutional rights. We once again appeal to the Congress and the CPM to vote in favour of amending the Waqf Act, which has brought hundreds of families to the streets in Munambam, the editorial said. The firm stand taken by the Catholic church has put the Congress MPs from central Kerala on the defensive. CPM has also made it clear that the party will oppose the Bill. The pressure of the Congress and CPM may stem from the belief that the votes of certain communities are traditionally theirs and that those of others will be lost if they are not considered from time to time. Whatever the case may be, do not trim secular and democratic values just to fit the Waqf footwear, the editorial cautions. A Christian MP from Kerala told TNIE that if there are common grounds in which Muslims and Christians agree, the Congress would support those clauses in the Bill. Congress is a national party, and we cant take a Kerala-specific stand on the Bill, he explained the partys helplessness. Both Congress and CPM have issued a whip to all MPs to be present in Parliament on Wednesday when the Bill is presented. The Congress three-line whip asked its MPs to be present in the Lower House for three days, according to reports.

KSRTC floats tender to give courier service pro touch

KOCHI: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) plans to take its courier service to the next level by initiating measures to appoint a professional agency to run its popular logistics initiative, a development expected to give other courier companies a run for their money. Despite the success, authorities have courted sharp criticism for mismanaging the service in the face of growing demand. Critics cite poor infrastructure facilities including tiny counters, lack of personnel, and unsafe handling of consignments as coming in the way of the service, which has seen a 40% rise in annual customer demand. The courier initiative has received massive public support over a short period of time. Now were taking the service to the next level, where a professional firm will be entrusted with the operation. Shortcomings with regard to infrastructure and service delivery will be addressed, a senior KSRTC official said. Annual revenue of the logistics wing has been growing at nearly 40%. A contractor will help scale up manpower and hardware in keeping with growth in business. Also, a professional agency will ensure that counters are operated throughout the year, including on Sundays and national holidays, he added. Launched in mid-2023, the venture helped the corporation to rake in `3.73 crore in revenue in little over a year, with average monthly revenue rising to `50 lakh. The parcel counter at Vyttila Hub has been the best performer with average revenue of `30 lakh a month. The corporation has 46 parcel counters in the state, besides one each in Coimbatore and Nagercoil. The current software caters only to basic requirements. With volumes rising substantially, a fool-proof computerised system is the need of the hour. The same will ensure faster registration and clearance, accountability and quick delivery of consignments, the official pointed out. As per the tender documents, the contractor shall establish computerised courier and logistics services counters at depot headquarters and other important bus stations, carry out required civil and electrical works, and provide required hardware, manpower, equipment and furniture within 30 days from the date of entering into the agreement. The contractor is also required to make arrangements to ensure that counters are under CCTV surveillance. The DVR should be capable of storing data for a minimum period of the previous 30 days. The KSRTC promises to deliver the consignments anywhere in Kerala within 16 hours using its fleet of buses. The contractor must ensure that parcels are loaded into the appropriate buses. Every misdirected parcel will invite a penalty of `50. Every violation leading to damage or missing parcels will be penalised at the rate of `500. This is besides recovering the shipment value of the item to the extent of loss or damage, the official said. Currently, a major challenge is the lack of space and personnel at counters. For instance, the facility at Vyttila hub has a small cabin and often staff is forced to keep consignments outside the counter.

Made in Kerala boats making waves in India and beyond, orders pour in

KOCHI: Kerala is becoming a boat manufacturing hub, especially in the small vessel category, as evidenced by the number of boatyards operating in the state. As per the statistics from the Kerala Maritime Board (KMB), the authority has issued accreditations to around 80 to 85 boatyards in Kerala, most of them concentrated in Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam. And many of these boatyards boast of orders not only from other states but also countries like Canada and Israel. Joy Jacob, the CEO of Matha Marines located at Nettoor, says Keralas boat-building industry has shown significant improvement. We are experiencing steady demand from private individuals and successfully supplying boats to meet their needs, Jacob tells TNIE. According to him, their boats are in high demand, not only within India but also globally. We have been successfully supplying our boats to various states. We have also been receiving inquiries from international clients. We are excited about the prospect of expanding our exports and making our presence felt in the global market, he says. Aiswarya Joseph of Aismar Boat Builders, which has a legacy tracing back to the Portuguese era, says the same. She says orders from other state governments are pouring in, especially those from their tourism department and water transport authorities. There are not as many orders from within Kerala, she says. For both Matha Marines and Aismar Boat Builders, a big chunk of their revenue comes from orders received from other states and exports. Aiswarya says the entry of new players in the sector is a pointer towards the markets health. She says theirs was the first boatyard to build a fibreglass houseboat in India, in 2002. We also built Keralas first Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) approved seagoing passenger fibreglass catamaran, besides building and delivering Indias first IRS passenger fibreglass restaurant boat. It was made for a private party in Dubai. The vessel was taken in a single voyage to its operational location, says Aiswarya. The catamaran was built for `3.5 crore. Aismar has also built boats for the Indian Navy. Aiswarya says they have also built many boats for other state tourism departments, including Maharashtra, Assam and Kerala. As for the turnover, she says, It depends on the nature of the contract. Since the product has huge expense machinery, we sometimes do labour contract. So that the client need not pay tax twice, says the young boat builder, adding that generally, the revenue ranges from `50 lakh to `1 crore per year. Another facet highlighted by Sandith Thandasherry, founder and CEO of Navalt Group, is that the market in the sector is limited to smaller boats. However, the solar-powered boat sector is emerging at a fast pace. We recently had five international orders of which we have already delivered one placed by Canada. More than 44 of our boats are operational in around eight Indian states. Navalt has received orders from Israel for two 60-seater solar boats, Sandith says, adding the urus (a type of dhow) from Kerala also have good market in the Middle East. But there are problems too, says Joy. Despite our growth, we are facing challenges in accessing adequate financial support from banks. The current banking facilities fall short of our expectations. To boost the industrys potential, increased government support is needed for small-scale boat-building enterprises like ours. Enhanced government backing would enable us to expand operations, generate more jobs and contribute to the states economic growth, he says. Aiswarya says tourism, especially the one tapping our inland waterways, needs to be given a big push. Unlike other states, we are lagging in this direction. Once that happens, domestic market will also get a big push, she says.

Cheers & jeers: Bevco gets excise licence for premium outlet in Kochi Metro station

City residents will soon have more modern and convenient options to purchase liquor as the Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) is all set to launch premium outlets at the Vyttila and Vadakkekotta metro stations. According to a top official, Bevco has received the Excise licence for the Vyttila station outlet, while its application for the one at Vadakkekotta is being processed. The licencing procedures are expected to conclude by next week. Once approved, we will enter into a lease agreement with Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) regarding the space. Then, activities such as interior works will be initiated, the official tells TNIE. The first premium outlet of the two will be located on the first floor of Vyttila metro station, with entry and exit points separate from those for commuters. The Kochi Metro, known for its clean and secure premises, offers 24/7 CCTV surveillance and a safe commuting environment, the official adds. By starting premium liquor outlets within metro stations, Bevco can ensure that customers including tourists, corporate delegates, and IT professionals have access to a world-class shopping experience. While this first-of-its-kind initiative is expected to bring substantial non-operational revenue to the Kochi Metro, it has also, understandably, drawn mixed reactions. TNIE analyses the key aspects and arguments. Many believe the initiative will enhance Kochis liquor retail landscape, boost revenue, and enhance the citys image as a modern metropolitan hub. As Kerala continues to attract global businesses and tourists, the introduction of premium liquor outlets in strategic locations could up the standard. A snap from the Vyttila metro station Ease of doing boozeness With this move, supporters highlight, Kochi aligns itself with some global metro cities where premium liquor stores are integrated into transit hubs, catering to the needs of modern urban professionals and travellers. The novel concept should be viewed rationally rather than opposed blindly, says G P Hari, an urban transport expert. The licence will only be granted if all conditions, such as the minimum distance from educational institutions, are met. Also, only premium liquor brands priced above Rs1,000 will be sold. Customers will not be allowed to open bottles inside the station or on metro premises. In other developed countries, liquor bottles are available even in grocery stores. The former additional general manager (urban transport) of Kochi Metro adds that the move will result in higher ridership in metro trains and also in first- and last-mile connectivity options such as autorickshaws. Some believe the initiative will enhance the citys appeal for tourism, business conferences, and the growing IT sector by improving access to quality liquor in a sophisticated setting. Kochi, a key hub for international tourists and business travellers, frequently hosts MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) events, says a top tour operator. However, visitors often struggle to purchase premium liquor due to the overcrowded and uninviting conditions of existing outlets. While airport duty-paid shops and high-end bars cater to some, their accessibility remains limited. With modern liquor stores at metro stations, tourists and corporate delegates will have a hassle-free option to purchase premium brands without the inconvenience of visiting congested outlets or paying exorbitant bar rates. Representational image Boost to nightlife? Kochis IT sector, particularly the Infopark and SmartCity hubs, has been expanding rapidly, attracting young professionals and global tech firms. A vibrant nightlife is a key component of any major IT city, offering recreational and social engagement for professionals working long hours. By introducing premium liquor stores in secure and sophisticated metro station environments, Bevco is addressing the demand for a more refined experience, says Anish Panthalani, president of Progressive Techies, a socio-cultural organisation of IT employees. IT professionals, many of whom work in shifts and prefer late-evening outings, will benefit from the accessibility of high-quality liquor in a controlled and safe setting, rather than the usual crowded outlets. Opposition and concerns Not all are excited about the move. Some raise concerns about the initiative, questioning both its feasibility and social impact. Right now, commuters, especially women, can travel freely through the metro compounds. Saying that it is a premium outlet doesnt mean anti-social elements will not drop by and cause trouble. We have been protesting against the move from the start, says V C Jayendran, convener of Tripunithura Rajanagari Union of Residents Associations, an umbrella body of nearly 140 residents associations. There is also the issue of parking at stations like Vadakkekotta, which is in a heavily congested area. Moreover, some religious institutions are located within 50 metres of the station. There are questions about the viability of these liquor outlets as well. While it is good to extend such facilities to the general public, I doubt how many tourists or travellers will actually use them, says Abraham George, former Kerala Travel Mart president and a member of the Kerala Tourism Advisory Board. Tourists typically prefer to have a drink or two at the restaurants or hotels where they stay, often at destinations like Fort Kochi, for example. While the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether premium liquor in metro stations will pep up Kochis urban landscape or become another contested issue in the citys development narrative.

kerala High Court calls for strict action on reckless driving

State govt. files action-taken report following an accident in which a woman was killed at Menaka reportedly due to reckless driving of buses

Two of a tour group drown Edamalayar in Ernakulam

The deceased were part of a group of around 20 relatives who had come to the river in four vehicles

Thrikkakara municipalitys bid for waste dumping-free status hits roadblock

Residents allege municipal waste has not been handled properly, while municipality officials say new treatment plants and stricter measures will ensure sanitation

Midnight market by women entrepreneurs in Kochi on April 5, 6

The event will showcase Kochi as a vibrant hub of fun and entertainment while highlighting its commitment to safety, especially for women and children, say the organisers

Kerala HC refuses to ban screening of L2: Empuraan

NGT sets one-month deadline to submit report on rejuvenation of Edappally, Perandoor canals

An order issued by the tribunal on August 20, 2024, said that the detailed project report (DPR) was not yet ready, though the KSPCB had assured it would take urgent action

Kerala HC refuses to ban 'Empuraan'; asks petitioner to show FIR that the movie incites violence

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Tuesday refused to pass an interim order banning the screening of the Mohanlal starer film ' L2: Empuraan ' in theatres. The court issued a notice to the central and state governments and directed them to file statements, if any. Justice CS Dias said that notice to the other respondents, including actor Mohanlal and director of the film Prithviraj Sukumaran are dispensed with. The court issued the order on the petition filed by VV Vijeesh, District Committee member, BJP, Thrissur, seeking to immediately halt the further screening of the film in theatres in order to prevent further controversy and avert any potential communal unrest. He also sought a directive to the state police chief to conduct a thorough inquiry into whether any conspiracy had been hatched by any person with the intent to incite communal riots through the film. When the petition came up for hearing, the court asked the petitioner-- Have you watched the movie Empuraan? Was it not certified by the censor board? The statute contemplates that before the release of the movie, it has to be certified by the Board. The film was certified by the Board and released. What is the point in raising objections now? The court asked the petitioner to show any FIR filed by the police for inciting violence based on the movie. You (Petitioner) are precipitating it. You are unnecessarily giving publicity to such things. I am suspecting your bona fide. This is publicity oriented litigation, nothing else, said Justice CS Dias. The state attorney advocate N. Manojkumar presented the decision in Sebin Thomas Vs. Union of India to argue that once certification has been issued by statutory authorities, there is a presumption that the movie is fit for certification. He also submitted that as of today, no crime has been registered by the state police. In light of these submissions, the petitioner's plea for interim relief is declined. Post after holidays, held the court. 'Empuraan' row: Mohanlal-starrer undergoes 24 cuts, antagonist's name changed from Bajrangi to Baldev The petitioner alleged that certain portions of the film unnecessarily reference the 2002 Godhra communal riots. Additionally, one scene contains unwarranted remarks about the Ministry of Defence while portraying central investigation agencies in a manner that undermines their credibility and integrity. Despite filing a representation before the central government requesting immediate action against the film, no action has been taken. Since the film's release, multiple rumors and controversies have emerged, and its continued screening poses a potential risk of inciting communal violence and disturbing public order. The petitioner also alleged that the films director, Prithviraj Sukumaran, consistently targets the NDA government with the intent of tarnishing its reputation through his films. Furthermore, the petitioner claimed that Empuraan's producers, Antony Perumbavoor and Gokulam Gopalan, are already facing an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate for unauthorized foreign funding. The film portrays the ED in a manner that undermines its credibility and integrity, stated the petitioner. BJP Thrissur district committee moves Kerala HC seeking a ban on 'L2: Empuraan' film

BJP Thrissur district committee moves Kerala HC seeking a ban on 'L2: Empuraan' film

KOCHI: The BJP Thrissur District Committee member on Tuesday approached the Kerala High Court seeking a directive to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in New Delhi to immediately ban the screening of the Malayalam film ' L2: Empuraan ' in theatres to prevent further controversy and avert potential communal unrest. Soon after the release of the film,it faced a backlash from a section of people over some scenes, including ones seen as referring to the 2002 anti-Muslim riots in the Gujarat state. The petitioner, V.V. Vijeesh, stated that certain portions of the film unnecessarily reference the 2002 Godhra communal riots. Additionally, one scene contains unwarranted remarks about the Ministry of Defence while portraying central investigation agencies in a manner that undermines their credibility and integrity. Five days on, L2: Empuraan continues to divide opinion The petitioner submitted that, despite filing a representation before the central government requesting immediate action against the film, no action has been taken. Since the film's release, multiple rumors and controversies have emerged, and its continued screening poses a potential risk of inciting communal violence and disturbing public order. The petitioner also alleged that the films director, Prithviraj Sukumaran, consistently targets the NDA government with the intent of tarnishing its reputation through his films. Furthermore, the petitioner claimed that Empuraan's producers, Antony Perumbavoor and Gokulam Gopalan, are alreadyfacing an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate for unauthorized foreign funding. He asserted that the film portrays the ED in a manner that undermines its credibility and integrity. Censor Board could have intervened more effectively while censoring 'L2: Empuraan', say BJP leaders

Kochi Fake Loan App Scam Part Of Chinas Plan To Attack India's Fintech? Exclusive From ED Sources

Similar scams amounting to Rs 1,000+ crore have been reported across India. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) are investigating 300+ fake loan apps, ED sources to News18

Mohanlal was aware of L2: Empuraan story, only two minutes removed in re-edited version, says producer Antony Perumbavoor

On whether the makers agreed to carry out voluntary cuts following threats from right-wing elements, Antony says it is our responsibility to make required corrections if the content hurt even a common man, but it was not following any threats

Accused in alleged theft arrested in Kalady

Cochin Oriya Association celebrates foundation day

Two Twenty20-ruled panchayats to foot 25 per cent of household power, gas bills

KOCHI: With eyes set on the upcoming local body elections, two Twenty-20 ruled panchayats in Ernakulam district Kizhakkambalam and Aikaranad have announced more welfare projects for financial year 2025-26. Adding to the initiatives already in place, the two panchayats have decided to foot 25% of household power and gas bills. The local bodies will meet 25% of the electricity and cooking gas expenses of households to ensure that people dont suffer because of the rising electricity and cooking gas bills, Twenty20 coordinator Sabu Jacob told reporters on Monday. An amount will be set aside from the panchayat surplus fund to pay the bills. The money will be paid directly to the accounts of consumers. Kizhakkambalam panchayat has a budget surplus of Rs 25 crore for 2025-26, while Aikaranad has Rs 12 crore. According to officials, the money will be returned to the people. Sabu said the amount has been set aside after completing all development and welfare activities. In the next phase, the two panchayats expect to increase the payment to 50% for all ration card holders, except those holding white ration cards, benefiting around 75% of the households within their jurisdictions. Also, a monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 will be provided to cancer patients in the two panchayats. Projects worth Rs 71 crore have been included in this budget along with the distribution of bio-bins to all households to ensure effective waste management, Sabu said. They have also decided to distribute study tables for school and college students and beds for the elderly. The Twenty20 coordinator emphasised that the panchayats generated the surplus through corruption-free governance. With quality construction of roads and bridges, annual maintenance works were no longer required. We avoided unnecessary expenses and increased income efficiently. An average of Rs 2.5 crore was set aside every year in both panchayats, he pointed out. This is the first time that panchayats have been able to save such high amounts even after completing development and welfare activities, Sabu claimed. The state government which is incurring daily expenses by borrowing money even to pay salaries should take these panchayats as a model, he said.

Union ministers welcome CBCI, KCBC move urging MPs to back Waqf Bill

KOCHI: The statements by Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) and Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) urging political parties to back the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, which regulates waqf property in the country, has found resonance with members of the Narendra Modi cabinet, including Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Both CBCI and KCBC said the Waqf Amendment Bill will help the people of Munambam to fully restore the rightful ownership of their land. State BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar and former chief K Surendran also hailed the stand taken by bishops bodies. As the Waqf Amendment Bill is set to be introduced in Parliament, CBCI urges political parties and legislators to adopt an unbiased and constructive approach to the issue.The rightful ownership of land must be fully restored to the people of Munambam, said a CBCI statement on Monday. KCBC, in a statement on Saturday, urged the MPs to vote in favour of the bill. Both the leading fronts in Kerala the UDF and the LDF have taken a stance against the legislation. The state BJP, which has been striving to woo the Christian community, has said the bill will do away with unjust and unfair provisions that question the right of residents of Munambam, in Ernakulam, to land that they have legally owned and occupied for generations. Around 600 Christian and Hindu families fear that they may lose around 400 acres of property after the Kerala State Waqf Board staked claim to the land. Taking to X, Rijiju posted, I welcome the request by the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) to all MPs of Kerala to support the Waqf Amendment Bill as a Minister and as a minority community member. This act is not against any community - that is propaganda being spread to poison the minds of some. Prime Minister @narendramodi ji & our Govt strives to protect the rights of every Indian citizen and will continue to do so. I sincerely hope all Kerala MPs will support this Bill in the interest of all people and not sacrifice the interest of people for petty appeasement politics. Rijiju also reposted the CBCI statement saying it is the duty of those in politics to care for and address problems and challenges faced by our people. For example hundreds of families in Munambam, Kerala have suffered and continue to seek a solution to protect their properties and homes. Welcoming the stand taken by KCBC, Nirmala posted, A welcome step by the KCBC. Their call is for amending the sections which are unfair and anti-constitutional in the existing Waqf Act. Kerala Catholic bishops put weight behind Centres Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, and Shoba Karandlaje too welcomed the CBCI stand. Speaking to a media outlet, Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, KCBC and many other Christian organisations are asking the MPs from Kerala to take a stand on the Waqf Bill and vote in favour of it. He highlighted why this has become a necessity since in Munambam hundreds of poor families are under the threat of having their land being seized by the Waqf.

New trend taking shape in Kerala as expats seek home away from home

KOCHI: Paul Johnson (name changed), a Keralite working for the United Nations in Vienna, recently built a 3,000 sqft home in Koratty, his hometown in Thrissur district. Though he and his wife are settled in the Austrian capital, they see their new home in Kerala as a place to spend nearly half the year after retirement. Our children see it as a way to reconnect with their roots. Additionally, healthcare in Kerala is more accessible, with shorter wait times compared to Europe. Many overseas insurance companies now accept bills from Keralas super-specialty hospitals, says Paul. He is not alone in this endeavour. At least 8-10 retired Malayali professionals with the UN have either built or are in the process of constructing homes in Kerala. The trend is gaining traction among expatriates who want to maintain a link with their homeland while escaping the harsh winters of Europe and North America. A retired couple from Vienna spends October to March at their home in Athirampuzha, Kottayam, to avoid the chill. Owning a vacation home in Kerala is relatively inexpensive, as most NRIs already have ancestral property. They can build a house tailored to their budget and needs, Paul adds. Beyond affordability, the state offers practical advantages. Household help, drivers, and rental cars are readily available at reasonable rates. Recognising this demand, developers are creating residential spaces catering specifically to the needs of expatriates. In Koothattukulam, Ernakulam, Angelo John aka Johny is developing guest homes on a 15-acre plot. We plan to build 10-15 homes on plots ranging from 5 to 20 cents, he says. These homes will be available for purchase or short-term rental by returning expatriates. Many NRIs prefer independent accommodation to staying with relatives. We aim to offer the full package, including food and recreational services. When owners are abroad, the property will be listed on Airbnb, ensuring maintenance and generating rental income, Johny explains. This growing interest in vacation and retirement homes signals a shift in Keralas real estate market. A significant number of Malayali expatriates who migrated in the 1990s to the US, Europe, and the Gulf are now reaching retirement age. While this trend is not as widespread as the construction boom fuelled by Gulf remittances in the 1970s and 1980s, it marks a new phase in Keralas migration story. Back then, returning migrants built opulent homes, particularly in central and northern Kerala. And, the new trend comes at a time when many of the houses built in 1980s and 1990s are lying vacant, especially in central Kerala.

Five days on, L2: Empuraan continues to divide opinion

KOCHI: Five days into its theatrical release, L2: Empuraan continued to spur heated debates, accusations and trolls. While industry insiders and political parties voiced support for the Mohanlal-starrer, the Sangh parivar, including RSS mouthpiece Organiser, continued its attack on the flick. On Monday, ministers Saji Cherian and P Rajeeve, filmmaker Ashiq Abu and others expressed solidarity with Prithviraj Sukumaran, director of the movie. The film should be watched by everyone. It gives a message that humans are united. The technology employed also matches global standards, said Saji Cherian. Rajeeve said he watched the movie before the re-edit and called on everyone in the state to join hands to oppose moves against it. Speaking at an event in Angamaly, BJP leader B Gopalakrishnan levelled serious allegations against Prithvirajs mother, Mallika Sukumaran, and wife, Supriya Menon. She [Mallika] has been criticising Major Ravi directly and Mohanlal obliquely. There is also someone at her home, her daughter-in-law. She is an urban naxal. Mallika Sukumaran, who posted a note on social media on the controversy surrounding Empuraan, should put her daughter-in-law in place, he said. CPM politburo member M A Baby backed the makers. The mouthpiece of the RSS, which controls the BJP government, has been writing against the film, alleging that it is anti-national. However, the public has realised that these claims are false, he said in Kochi. Meanwhile, urging the public to be mindful of posts on social media, actor Asif Ali said, Cinema should be considered cinema. Its purpose is entertainment. That is my perspective.

Ernakulam General Hospital sets its heart on another milestone in Kerala

KOCHI: A district-level hospital that performs open heart surgeries, kidney transplants and more than 1,300 keyhole surgeries may seem a myth. However, with infrastructure development, team building and resources, the Ernakulam General Hospital (GH) has been achieving milestones one after the other, bringing hope to people in Ernakulam and nearby districts. The GH is set to create history by becoming the first district-level hospital to perform a heart transplant. It will be executed under the heart transplant programme set to be launched this month. Ernakulam GH became the first general hospital in Kerala to perform an open heart surgery in 2021 and in November 2023, became the first district-level hospital in the country to perform a kidney transplant. The heart transplant programme will be launched by April. We have developed our own team to perform the surgery. So far, we have performed five renal transplants. The hospital received the licence from the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO) to perform heart transplant in December 2024, said Dr Shahirsha, the Ernakulam GH superintendent. He said the hospital is planning to perform the heart transplant, which costs around `8 lakh to `9 lakh, for free for at least the first few cases. The patient will have to take care of the follow-up treatment. The programme is being launched with the support of CSR funds of several companies, Dr Shahirsha said. Established in 1845, the Ernakulam GH is one of the oldest public sector hospitals in Kerala and is funded by the state government. Dr Junaid Rahman, its former superintendent, said from the early 2000s, the superintendents, doctors and staff have been taking initiatives to improve the services provided at the GH. In 2011, we became the first government hospital to get accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH). Establishment of the new block and super speciality departments helped provide quality care to patients, he said. Dr Shahirsha said like any other government hospital in Kerala, they too faced financial crisis, and many departments were in a shambles. However, consistent efforts from the public, staff and the authorities helped, he said. The oncology ward 1,700 colorectal surgeries As many as 1,700 colorectal surgeries have been performed in the hospital so far. The achievement was highlighted by Health Minister Veena George. Ernakulam General Hospital recently achieved a new milestone in cancer surgery with more than 1,700 colorectal surgeries conducted so far. Of these, around 1,300 are laparoscopic keyhole surgeries. The most common surgeries performed for cancer treatment are on the abdomen, colon, hernia, pancreas, and oesophagus, she said on Facebook. The minister said most of the cases that come to the GH are complicated. So, we promoted minimally invasive procedures. This reduces hospital stay and ensures easy recovery. When a patient leaves in three or four days, another can occupy their bed, ensuring treatment for more people at an affordable cost, she wrote. As a district-level hospital, the Ernakulam General Hospital is setting an example before the country. It is equipped with state-of-the-art treatment facilities such as a LINAC (Linear accelerator) for radiation therapy, a central lab with advanced technology that operates 24 hours a day, a cardiac cath lab for angiography and angioplasty, colour doppler, and echocardiography, Veena posted. Team building Along with infrastructure development, several programmes were launched to train and motivate the hospital staff. The team building helped in conducting the first open heart surgery, said Dr Shahirsha, emphasising that strengthening the team is one of the reasons for the GHs success. Better work culture also made the hospital more accessible for patients, according to Dr Junaid. Over time, we could develop a better work culture among doctors and staff. The staff became more approachable. The palliative care department helped inculcate the culture of care among staff. This work culture has had a huge impact on the success of the hospital, he said. Next steps The GH is planning to set up a dietary and nutrition block, a community pharmacy, a maternal and child health division, and establish ENT implant surgeries. The hospital has been selected to be transformed into a health hub. Through establishing more departments and providing quality treatment and services, we aim to be a health hub in the public sector, said Dr Shahirsha. Dr Junaid said since the start, the principle the hospital followed was to charge only the actual amount of the procedure. This, he said, helped people in Ernakulam and nearby districts. Dr Junaid said the contribution of private parties and peoples representatives in the GHs development is notable. Several development projects in the hospital were carried out using CSR funds of industries in and around Ernakulam. The peoples representatives, the MLAs and MPs, were also keen on the development activities, he said. Facilities 743 bed capacity Cancer block with 104 beds, specialised ICUs and separate wards for male and female patients Largest dialysis unit with 54 dialysis machines that can treat 160 patients a day in three shifts First district-level hospital to perform kidney transplant Comprehensive palliative care unit

Kerala HC grants divorce citing husbands neglect of family life

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has observed that a husbands disinterest and indifference toward family life and his lack of intimacy with his wife indicate his failure to fulfill his marital duties. While granting divorce to a woman who claimed that her husband showed no interest in sexual relations or family life but was compulsively pursuing spiritual activities such as temple visits, the court said, A marriage does not grant one partner the authority to dictate the spouses personal beliefs, whether it is spiritual or otherwise. Compelling the wife to adopt his spiritual life, causing emotional distress to her, amounts to mental cruelty.The husbands disinterest in family life indicates his failure to fulfill his marital duties. The wife alleged that her husband was a person having superstitious beliefs who is not interested in having sex with her and not interested in having kids. Due to his attitude, she was put through severe mental agony and pain. He often goes on pilgrimage, leaving her alone. She is an ayurvedic doctor, and he did not permit her to join the PGcourse, and he compelled her to lead a life based on superstitious and false beliefs. Hence, her husband treated her with cruelty, she argued. Refuting the allegations, the husband informed the court that he has no superstitious and false beliefs, and he has not subjected her to cruelty. The court said that the mutual love, trust, and care between the spouses had been lost, and the marriage had been irretrievably broken. The court also upheld the order of the family court granting the divorce.

Pen strokes or pixels? The great debate around AI in art

Once, in Japan, there lived a dreamer named Hayao Miyazaki. With a sketchbook in hand and many stories in his mind, he longed to create something that felt alive, something that could capture the magic hidden in everyday moments, tender emotions, and visually rich landscapes. Together with his friend Isao Takahata, Miyazaki founded Studio Ghibli. Instead of the loud, flashy visuals that were popular in animation at that time, they created scenes with hand-drawn frames painted with soothing colours and minute details. Even a five-second animation can take around 100 artists an entire week to complete. Movies made this way at the studio like My Neighbor Totoro , Spirited Away , Kiki's Delivery Service , Porco Rosso , Howl's Moving Castle , and The Wind Rises didnt take long to gain popularity, creating worlds that everyone wished to be part of. Kiki's Delivery Service film poster Spirited Away film poster My Neighbor Totoro film poster Howl's Moving Castle film poster Porco Rosso film poster The Wind Rises film poster Decades after its founding in 1985, Studio Ghibli has suddenly become a buzzword on social media. From Instagram to X, users are flooding timelines with Ghibli-style portraits, transforming their favourite memories into whimsical, hand-drawn scenes. The art style holds a special place in peoples hearts, especially those who grew up watching Japanese animation aired on DD, like The Jungle Book: Adventures of Mowgli , etc. This surge in popularity follows OpenAIs recent update to ChatGPT, introducing advanced image-generation capabilities that mimic the Ghibli aesthetic. While many admire it as a cute trend, others criticise the implications of AI-generated art and its impact on human creativity, sparking discussions about the intersection of technology and art. In The Wind Rises , a single four-second hand-animated scene took one year and three months to complete. But now, with AI, anyone can recreate it with just a click. Miyazaki took a stand against AI years ago, and using the art of someone like him without acknowledgement feels like exploitation. As an artist, AI feels threatening to me. I used to work as a freelance artist for a company, but now they have switched to AI-generated work. It lacks the life and soul that human hands bring, but they see it as more feasible and profitable. I cant say if its entirely good or bad, but everyone should approach these tools responsibly. Maybe debates should focus more on how we use AI rather than blaming the technology, says Jazila Lulu, a second-year BFA painting student from the Fine Arts College, Thiruvananthapuram. According to Seby Sam, a teacher at an AI institute, multinational corporations are pushing for the right to use copyrighted content for AI training. If these rights are granted, art and other copyrighted materials will lose their value. Again, it is an issue of capitalism. While its okay to use AI to create something new, copying someones work is unjust. Any content generated by copying should come with fair compensation to the original artists. Otherwise, it will be like destroying a persons life and dreams that took years to build, Seby asserts. A Studio Ghibli inspired artwork sourced from social media A Studio Ghibli inspired artwork sourced from social media A Studio Ghibli inspired artwork sourced from social media A Studio Ghibli inspired artwork sourced from social media A Studio Ghibli inspired artwork sourced from social media A Studio Ghibli inspired artwork sourced from social media A Studio Ghibli inspired artwork sourced from social media A Studio Ghibli inspired artwork sourced from social media A Studio Ghibli inspired artwork sourced from social media Even in the early days of AI, its influence on art and human expression sparked debates. But the bigger question remains: Can technology really kill art, or is it just changing how we create and experience it? Art has always been manipulated and recreated in different ways; its not something new, says veteran artist Tensing Joseph. From ancient cave art to classical paintings like the Mona Lisa, artists have continually adopted compositions, materials, and colour schemes from older works. Recreating art with new tools doesnt mean art is dead; its just part of the ongoing evolution of art history. When photography first emerged, people said the painting was dead. But photography became just another medium in the vast landscape of art. Its the same with AI today. Technologies are just tools; they cant replace human emotion, imagination, philosophical thought, or psychological expression. Its the human that conceives and creates art. Murali Cheeroth, Chairperson of the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, believes that when an artist has imagination and a strong concept, technology can be a powerful tool. However, he warns that celebrating mediocrity could be a real concern. A real artist always invents, innovates, explores, and experiments. If our education system encourages critical thinking and imagination, we dont need to fear any tool. A tool is just a means of expression; it doesnt control us we control it. Good art and genuine creativity will never be destroyed. In many advanced countries, education is thoughtfully designed to teach technology responsibly. Instead of fearing AI, we should focus on how to use it creatively and meaningfully in art education, he says. Narayanankutty K, principal at the College of Fine Arts Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, shares a similar opinion about incorporating AI into art education. He says, Every tool we use in art has evolved over time. We cannot turn away from this. Instead, we must learn to use these tools in a way that makes them our own. A person without talent and creativity cannot do anything, even with the most advanced tools. They must know how to use them to improve the quality of their work because thats what the industry demands. He further points out that the new generation must learn these tools effectively. Students who study art in traditional ways may have to compete globally with others who have mastered advanced technologies. Our art education syllabus does not yet include AI tools, but discussions are underway to revise it through the Kerala State Higher Education Council. A workshop planned for April will provide more clarity on this. Studio Ghibli cofounder Hayao Miyazaki While AI-generated art continues to spark debate, one major issue that remains overlooked is data privacy. People are uploading personal photos onto AI platforms without realising that their data might be used for training purposes. If the persons intent is malicious, it could harm them, warns Seby. When computers were introduced, people feared job loss. But in India, they actually created more jobs. Jobs are lost only when people are unwilling or unprepared to adopt new technology. AI will not take away jobs; rather, a person who knows how to use AI will replace someone who refuses to adapt. Thats how every technological shift has worked, says G Vijayaraghavan, founder and former CEO of Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram. In art and creativity, there may be concerns about intellectual property. But many paintings are inspired by things the artist has seen; it's not a direct copy but a reflection of their imagination. Similarly, AI can create art, but people may not appreciate it as much as human-made art. Take filmmaking, for example. AI can generate scenes, but the human touch makes a movie unique. The same applies to the medical field. Robotic surgery is possible, but people still seek the best doctors because skilled professionals know how to use advanced tools effectively. Theres no need to worry about AI replacing art as long as we adapt to change, he adds. As the conversation around AI and art evolves, one thing is clear: Technology is not the enemy. How we choose to use it will define the future of creativity.

Breaking into film industry is just step one; sustaining it is real challenge

Sandeep Pradeep is a dreamer one who breathed cinema with every heartbeat from a young age. At just 15, he was already making short films, driven by his passion for acting. Yet, like many dreamers, he feared the uncertainty of the path ahead and briefly considered other career options. But fate, as if hearing his wish, nudged him back to where he belonged in front of the camera. His debut in Pathinettam Padi was just the beginning, but it was his role as Basils brother in Falimy that truly put him on the map. Now, with a key role in the much-anticipated Alappuzha Gymkhana , hes ready to take another step forward, confident that this film will be another milestone in his journey. In a chat with TNIE , Sandeep opens up about his passion for cinema, the challenges along the way, and whats next. Sandeep Pradeep How did you find your way into the film industry? Cinema was always my dream, and acting was my ultimate goal. I did my first short film when I was in Class 10, and by the time I reached my third year in college, I had been part of almost 20 short films. That journey introduced me to Falimy s director, Nithish Sahadev, who reached out after watching one of my films. My first feature film was Pathinettam Padi , which I landed through an audition. I later acted in Ek Din , a festival film, followed by Antakshari , released on OTT during the pandemic. Then came Falimy , which became my breakthrough. Its success brought in many offers, including one from Khalid Rahman, a filmmaker I had always dreamed of working with. I didnt hesitate I just knew I wanted to be a part of Alappuzha Gymkhana . Khalid Rahmans films are highly anticipated. How do you feel about being part of his next project? Im really excited. Rahman ikka stands out in every genre. Each of his films has a unique identity Unda isnt like Anuraga Karikkin Vellam , and Thallumala isnt like Alappuzha Gymkhana . When the announcement came out, many assumed it was a mass boxing film, but its actually a sports comedy. The idea was to take an aggressive sport like boxing and give it a fun twist. My character, Shifaz Ahmed, is fun, impulsive, and a bit overconfident. Without giving too much away, I can say hes a core member of the group. I have complete confidence in this movie and in Khalid Rahmans vision. Your physical transformation for this role has been a hot topic. How did you prepare? Rahman ikka wanted us to look like real boxers but without excessive muscle bulk as our characters were around 17-18 years old. My weight category was around 64-65 kg, so I focused on building muscle while maintaining that weight. The training was intense morning gym sessions, evening boxing practice, high-intensity cardio, and a strict diet. Our coaches Ali Shifaz (bodybuilding) and Jofil (boxing), guided us through them all. The transformation took four months, and even during the shoot, we had a small gym on set. If someone didnt have a shot, they would head straight to the gym. Alappuzha Gymkhana poster You also have a background in VFX. How did that come about? When I told my family I wanted to study acting, they were unsure about it. They encouraged me to pursue something more stable. So, I chose VFX, which was still connected to cinema. I studied in Bangalore for three years and worked there for a year before shifting my focus entirely to acting. Whats next after your big break? Breaking into the industry is just the first step; sustaining it is the real challenge. After Falimy , I didnt expect big offers, but I was fortunate to land significant projects. Ive completed my first lead role in Padakkalam , produced by Friday Film House, which will likely be released in May. Im hopeful it does well. There are a few more projects in the pipeline, with announcements expected later this year.

Kadammanitta Foundation award presented to M. Leelavathy

Abandoned vehicles used as barrier against waste dumping along Seaport-Airport Road

Excise registers 338 NDPS cases in Ernakulam in first quarter of 2025

A total of 335 arrests recorded in Ernakulam in the first three months of the year; department conducted 3,757 raids, including 48 joint operations with police and Customs, and checked 6,528 vehicles

Faced with flak, tourism and civic agencies attempt to restore Fort Kochi beach to its past glory

Corporation mulls a floating boom barrier that protrudes into the sea to prevent the deposit of trash and seaweed on the beach, says Mayor M. Anilkumar

Man arrested under PITNDPS Act

Corporations proposed handbook on signature projects draws Opposition flak

FEFKA condemns online attacks against Mohanlal, Prithviraj

Insistence by man that wife adopt spiritual life amounts to mental cruelty, says Kerala HC

It upholds family courts order granting divorce to the woman and observes that marriage does not grant one partner the authority to dictate the spouses personal beliefs, be they spiritual or otherwise

Tiruppur MP meets Union Minister, reiterates request for six-lane expressway between Salem and Chengapalli

His petition emphasised that the highway is a crucial route connecting Salem, Namakkal, Erode, and Coimbatore with Palakkad, Thrissur, and Kochi in Kerala

Union Ministers welcome KCBC's letter to Kerala MPs seeking support for Waqf Amendment Bill

KOCHI: The Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) letter to all Kerala Members of Parliament (MP) urging them to back the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill found resonance among the Narendra Modi cabinet members. The bill, which seeks to do away with unjust and unfair clauses detrimental to the Munambam people, has been hailed as necessary by the KCBC and supported by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar too hailed the KCBC stand. In a statement on Saturday, KCBC urged the MPs in Kerala to vote in favour of the Waqf Amendment Bill. Both the leading fronts in Kerala -- UDF, comprising mainly the Congress, and the Muslim League, and the LDF, comprising the CPM and CPI, among others -- have taken a stance against the Waqf Amendment Bill. The BJP in Kerala, which is wooing the Christian community into its fold in the state, has taken a stand that the bill, when passed will end the Munambam residents' fear. Around 600 Christian and Hindu families fear that they may lose 404 acres of property inhabited for generations in Munambam coast in Ernakulam after the Kerala State Waqf Board staked the claim on the land. Kerala HC declines to pass interim order to proceed with inquiry into Munambam land issue Taking to the X (formerly Twitter), Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju posted, I welcome the request by the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) to all MPs of Kerala to support the Waqf Amendment Bill as a Minister and as a minority community member. It is the duty of those in politics to care for and address problems and challenges faced by our people. For example hundreds of families in Munambam, Kerala have suffered and continue to seek a solution to protect their properties and homes. This act is not against any community - that is propaganda being spread to poison the minds of some. Prime Minister @narendramodi ji & our Govt strives to protect the rights of every Indian citizen and will continue to do so. I sincerely hope all Kerala MPs will support this Bill in the interest of all people and not sacrifice the interest of people for petty appeasement politics. I welcome the request by Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) to all MPs of Kerala to support the Waqf Amendment Bill as a Minister and as a minority community member. It is the duty of those in politics to care for and address problems and challenges faced by our people. For pic.twitter.com/GQR8kr1Zgz Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) March 30, 2025 Union Finance Minister Sitharaman welcomed the stand taken by the KCBC. She posted, A welcome step by the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC). Their call is for amending the sections which are unfair and anti-constitutional in the existing Waqf Act. Kerala Catholic bishops put weight behind Centres Waqf (Amendment) Bill. Not to be left behind, Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, Kerala Catholic Bishop's Council and many other Christian organisations are asking the MPs from Kerala to take a stand on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and vote in favour of it. He highlighted why this has become a necessity since in Munambam in Kochi hundreds of poor families are under the threat of having their land being seized by the Waqf. This is an issue for which they have been agitating for months and years, and it is time that the MPs of Kerala do what their duty to do, which is to help people who are in trouble, help people and solve their problems rather than only play appeasement politics... The Waqf (Amendment) Bill is not against any community. It is about aligning a law to the constitutional values of India... Kerala HC quashes government's Munambam Waqf land issue commission; setback for state govt

Japan Confirms The Beginning Of Cherry Blossom Aka Sakura Season For 2025

The first cherry blossoms were seen in the southwestern city of Kochi, on the island of Shikoku.

Old Netravathi Bridge to be closed for traffic for a month to facilitate its rehabilitation

As the NHAI takes up the rehabilitation, Mangaluru City Traffic Police will facilitate two-way traffic on the new bridge on Kochi-Panvel NH 66

Youtuber held for blocking convoy of Priyanka Gandhi MP

THRISSUR (Kerala), Mar 31: A YouTuber has been arrested here for allegedly blocking the convoy of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, police said on Monday. The Mannuthy police took Aneesh Abraham, a resident of Elanadu, into custody in connection with the incident and released him later on station bail, a police officer said. His car was also seized. The incident occurred around 9.30 pm on Saturday at Mannuthy Bypass Junction while Vadra was travelling from Vandoor, Malappuram, to Kochi [] The post Youtuber held for blocking convoy of Priyanka Gandhi MP appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Youtuber held for blocking convoy of Priyanka Gandhi MP in Kerala

THRISSUR: A YouTuber has been arrested here for allegedly blocking the convoy of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, police said on Monday. The Mannuthy police took Aneesh Abraham, a resident of Elanadu, into custody in connection with the incident and released him later on station bail, a police officer said. His car was also seized. The incident occurred around 9.30 pm on Saturday at Mannuthy Bypass Junction while Vadra was travelling from Vandoor, Malappuram, to Kochi Airport, after attending several programmes in her constituency and Malappuram district, police sources said. According to police sources, the accused allegedly stopped his car in front of the convoy, reportedly irked by the honking of the pilot vehicle of the Wayanad MP. When a police team led by Mannuthy Sub Inspector attempted to clear the block, he allegedly engaged in a confrontation with them. Police have registered a case against him for deliberately driving into the convoy, endangering lives, and disobeying police directives, police officers added.

Birds check in as Mattancherry Jain temple gets 300-room birdhouse

KOCHI: An abode for birds, which the principles of faith demanded. That was the concept behind the 30-metre-high construction on the Jain temple premises in Mattancherry. The enormous birdhouse, intended to serve as home to 300 birds, was inaugurated at 9am on Sunday by temple trustee Manikant Khona. And by 12.30pm, a flock of birds regulars at the feeding ground in the temple courtyard perched on their new mega-home for the first time. For the past 25 years, the community here has been feeding the birds regularly. Since the birds had abandoned the small birdhouse we had earlier, we decided to build a new one that aligned with our faith, as a contribution to the community, said Namrata Khona Samra, a representative of womens collective JoyGivers which contributed the temple birdhouse. Our initial idea was to build this using mud, like in the temples in the north. But as we found that it wouldnt be suitable for the weather in Kerala, it was built in concrete, she added. The 120-year-old Jain temple in Mattancherry is one of the oldest and the liveliest of its kind in the state. The birdhouses design is inspired by the Jain concept of Jeevadaya (compassion towards living beings) and it has been built in the concept of the 14 stages of human life by architect Madan M J. According to him, the birdhouse project named Jeevashraya took only a year in planning, designing, and construction. The birdhouse is built as an upright structure, adhering to the spiritual concepts of Jainism. The idea was pitched last March and we were able to present the completed structure after exactly a year. The construction holds 300 separate compartments, designed for the birds to nest comfortably, Madan said. Detailed wall inscriptions on Jainism and the temple set up around the birdhouse to help tourists visiting the heritage spot were also inaugurated on the day.

SI suspended for stealing from purse of man run over by train

KOCHI: A sub-inspector with the Aluva East police station was suspended on Sunday for allegedly stealing Rs 3,000 from the purse of a Rajasthan native who got run over by a train two weeks ago. District Police Chief Vaibhav Saxena placed Grade SI Saleem P M under suspension pending inquiry. The Rajasthan resident was run over by the train near Aluva railway station on March 19 after he tried to alight from the moving train. The police reached the spot and conducted the inquest. A purse was recovered from the deceased, which the police kept at the police station after counting the money. Sources said the purse had Rs 8,000 initially. However, when the money was counted a few days later, Rs 3,000 was found missing. CCTV footage from the station showed Saleem taking the money out of the wallet, the police said. Saleem claimed he took the money to pay a youth who had helped the police conduct inquest procedures of the mutilated body. It is usual for the police to seek the help of locals in such cases and hand them a small amount in return.

Amid waste management issues, Fort Kochi to get Green Tourism Destination tag

KOCHI: Fort Kochi beach, one of the most visited international tourist spots in Kerala alongside Kovalam, is set to be declared a Green Tourism Destination. However, authorities continue to grapple with the persistent issue of waste accumulation. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), in collaboration with the Kochi Corporation and the Cochin Heritage Society, has ramped up efforts to address garbage disposal at Fort Kochi. The local self-government department is expected to officially declare the beach a Green Destination within the next few days. Weve doubled the number of Clean Destination Staff at Fort Kochi beach to 24. While DTPC employs 14 staff, the Cochin Heritage Society provides the remaining 10. Additionally, 40 waste bins have been placed across the beach with the help of the city corporation to curb littering and ensure proper waste disposal, DTPC secretary Lijo Joseph told TNIE. Fort Kochi follows in the footsteps of Kuzhupilly Beach, while Cherai and Munambam beaches were officially designated Green Tourism Destinations on March 29. The local self-government department has completed the paperwork for Fort Kochi. Koorumala, a popular hill station in Elanji panchayat, has also been declared a Green Destination. Our goal is to promote sustainable waste management, hygiene, cleanliness, and environmental conservation at these sites. We are also working to significantly reduce the use of single-use plastics, an official said. A mega cleaning drive, led by local MLA K J Maxy, was conducted at Fort Kochi on Sunday, resulting in the collection of 40 bags of waste, primarily sea debris. Waste management solution Despite Fort Kochis popularity, cleanliness remains a persistent issue. A significant amount of waste is washed ashore via the Vembanad Lake, exacerbating the problem. Authorities are now considering long-term measures to tackle this challenge. A budget of `5 crore has been allocated to restore the beach to its former glory. During recent discussions with the tourism department, officials confirmed that a `3 crore project for beach restoration has been finalised. However, there is currently no mechanism to prevent waste, including plastics, from being carried in by the Vembanad Lake. I have discussed this with the mayor, who suggested a possible solution to intercept garbage before it reaches the shore. We are evaluating its implementation using the allocated funds, Maxy said. In addition to waste accumulation, coastal erosion is another major threat. Over the past three decades, the beach has drastically shrunk from its original 30-acre expanse. Land reclamation for the Vallarpadam container terminal has altered water flow patterns, accelerating coastal erosion. Relentless waves continue to wear away the shoreline. The tourism department had commissioned IIT-Madras to study the issue at a cost of `27.4 lakh, but no concrete action has been taken so far, said former mayor K J Sohan.

Commission calls for city-specific hubs, road map for urbanisation in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Constituted by the state government in December 2023, the Urban Policy Commission (UPC) has submitted its final report to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wherein it has recommended a slew of measures, including setting up of city-specific hubs to exploit local potential and preparation of a road map for urbanisation by addressing all concerns. The report calls for developing Thrissur-Kochi as the financial technology (fintech) hub of the state. It also proposes growing Palakkad and Kasaragod as industrial smart cities and the Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam knowledge corridor, to foster research and innovation. Kannur must be promoted as a fashion city, while Kannur-Kasaragod and Thrissur-Ernakulam should be leveraged as education-health hubs, the report said, calling for branding Kozhikode as the City of Literature, drawing on its rich literary heritage. Another key recommendation is the setting up of six directly elected Metropolitan Planning Committees (MPCs) linked to the municipal corporations of Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Kollam, Thrissur, and Kannur. According to the report, the MPCs will be responsible for steering the process of urban development in and around the respective areas. Planning areas of the MPCs should be delineated on the basis of population size and density, connectivity, ubiquity, land use, and other relevant criteria, it says. The report also proposed the launch of the Jnanashree programme, which would provide sustained technical support to institutions, covering technology, planning, management, finance, legal and other aspects at all levels of administration. Panel calls for introducing targeted green fee on urban devpt projects It calls for introducing a targeted green fee on urban development projects to fund disaster risk reduction initiatives, including resilient infrastructure and emergency response systems. Another key proposal is elevation of the steering committee to the position of city cabinets, headed by mayors. Initially, this will be implemented in the municipal corporations and a chief executive, jointly selected by the state government and urban local governments, shall be appointed to municipal corporations. The chief executive will perform the role of the secretary. The city police commissioner will also be part of the city cabinet as an ex-officio member, the report says. It also highlighted the need for formation of specialised cells for solid waste management, climate and disaster management apart from setting up city-level urban observatories. Another proposal is to transform state universities into globally competitive research and innovation centres and to strengthen the university-industry-government triple helix model. The state should move towards Industrial Revolution 4.0 by strengthening MSMEs, leveraging high technology and collaboration between educational institutions and private investors, and reducing the licensing-approval window to 7-15 days, it added. Local Self-Government Minister M B Rajesh said the commission has drafted the framework of a comprehensive policy that will address the challenges and opportunities of urbanisation. The policy will power the development of the state over the next 25 years. The government will now examine the draft before giving its final approval, the minister said..

Involvement of minors in narcotics cases rising

KOCHI: As Kerala grapples with a growing drug menace, the rise in involvement of minors in drug trafficking and drug abuse cases has baffled enforcement agencies. The trend, they say, indicates peddlers are deliberately targeting school students. According to the excise department, 170 minors have been caught for the smuggling and trading of drugs since 2022. The officials report a surge in cases registered against minors under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act since 2022. It rose from 23 NDPS cases in 2021 to 40 in 2022. In 2023, as many as 39 NDPS cases were registered against minors. In 2024, this rose to 55 cases. This year, alarmingly, 36 NDPS cases have already been registered against minors in the first two months. The most concerning trend is the increasing drug abuse among schoolchildren. The rising number of NDPS cases involving minors suggests that drug peddlers are now deliberately targeting school students. Unfortunately, many parents remain unaware that their children are using drugs or are involved in its trade, a senior excise officer said. Earlier this month, the Tiruvalla police arrested a Kuttapuzha native who had been using his 12-year-old son for drug peddling. During interrogation, he admitted using his child to deliver drugs, assuming the police would not suspect a minor. Similarly, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has frequently come across cases in which minors were used as drug couriers. Following regular crackdowns on individuals smuggling drugs and ganja via trains from Odisha and West Bengal, traffickers have started using women and children as carriers. Typically, a mother and child are hired to transport ganja, earning up to Rs 5,000 per trip. Such cases have increased significantly in recent years, prompting us to be more vigilant. We hand over the accused to the excise and police personnel for further action under the NDPS Act, an RPF official in Kochi said. Drug peddlers are also exploiting legal loopholes to involve minors in trafficking. Since 2021, 86 minors have been convicted in NDPS cases registered by excise, with only one found not guilty. However, the penalties for juveniles remain minimal, with the maximum punishment often limited to a Rs 4,000 fine. Juvenile offenders (aged below 18 years) involved in NDPS cases are handled under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act. The Juvenile Justice Board frequently grants bail in such cases. Our priority is to ensure these children do not commit similar offences again. We provide counselling to their parents and monitor the juveniles closely, the excise officer said.

Kochi corporation failed in allocating funds, says Opposition

KOCHI: Opposition councillors of the Kochi corporation on Sunday accused the corporation of failing in preparing a proper plan to spend the fund earmarked by the state government for the 2025-26 financial year. While the state government allocated a plan fund of Rs 88 crore in the budget, the plan prepared by the corporation for the fiscal is only for Rs 82 crore, the UDF councillors alleged. The government had issued an order saying local self-government bodies should formulate an annual plan in accordance with the allocation of the 2025-26 state budget. However, projects that came before the council for approval were based on the old government order dated November 25, 2024. An annual plan that leads to loss of crores cannot be approved, said Antony Kureethara, leader of opposition in the corporation. M G Aristottil, the UDF parliamentary party secretary, urged the finance committee to immediately allocate funds accordingly and prioritise projects that can be completed during the term of this governing body. The officials are responsible for answering why bills for work worth crores of rupees are pending though the fund has been received in full, he said.

Mohanlal-starrer 'L2: Empuraan' helps revive theatres

KOCHI: The release of Mohanlals L2: Empuraan, despite controversies, has played a significant role in reviving theatres in Kerala, which had been struggling with low footfall since the pandemic. Since the movies release on March 27, around 750 theatres across the state have seen packed screenings. With reports of the film undergoing re-censoring , there is a surge in demand to watch the current version before the revised edition is released. Expectations were high ever since the film was announced, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Theatres across the state have been running housefull for the past four days, with several even hosting 24-hour screenings, said Liberty Basheer, a theatre owner. Typically, the success of a film is determined by the response of youngsters and social media post its release. However, L2: Empuraan has defied this trend. The box office collection continues to rise. Empuraan was highly anticipated, and since advance bookings opened, there has been an unprecedented rush. The film has significantly benefited theatres, said M C Bobby, an office-bearer of the Film Exhibitors United Organisation of Kerala (FEOUK). Despite a revised version set to release next week, theatre owners believe that L2: Empuraan will continue to draw audiences, as it offers a true theatrical experience. We expect the film to remain successful even after the re-censored version is released. Prithvirajs direction and stunning visuals make it perfect for the big screen. Additionally, the film has strong star power, ensuring sustained audience interest in the coming weeks, said Bobby. Basheer pointed out that the controversy surrounding the film and its subsequent re-censoring have only fuelled its popularity. With reports of certain scenes being edited, there is now a huge demand to watch the film in its original form. Fans and movie lovers are eager to see it before the new version is exhibited, he said. Meanwhile, L2: Empuraan is reportedly the first Malayalam film to enter the 100-crore club within 48 hours of release and has emerged as the biggest Mollywood grosser overseas. In recent years, films such as 2018, Manjummel Boys, Premalu, and Aavesham have performed well in theatres. The release of Tamil films like Rajinikanths Jailer in 2023 and Vijays G.O.A.T in 2024 also created massive opening-day rushes in theatres, but the momentum didnt last long, said Basheer. According to him, the release of mass entertainers like L2: Empuraan can give the industry a much-needed boost. Mollywood, being a relatively small industry, cannot frequently produce large-scale films like L2: Empuraan or Lucifer, as their budgets are enormous. However, releasing such big films occasionally can rejuvenate the industry, benefiting both producers and theatre owners while also satisfying audiences, he said. The success of Empuraan has led to the postponement of several other Malayalam film releases. The next major releases are expected on April 10.

Jacobite Church welcomes new Catholicos

KOCHI: The faithful and officials of the Jacobite Syriac Orthodox Church welcomed Joseph Mor Gregorios, who was anointed as the new Catholicos, the head of the Malankara Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church, as he returned to Kerala on Sunday after the ceremony in Lebanon last week. The prayers and ceremony held at St Athanasius Cathedral in Puthencruz to celebrate the occasion were attended by thousands of people from across the state. Mor Clemis Daniel Kourieh, Archbishop of Beirut, Mor Timotheos Matta Al-Khoury, Archbishop of Homs, Mor Boutros Kassis is the current Syriac Orthodox Archbishop of Aleppo, and Mor Christophorous Markose, Patriarchal Secretary for Malankara Affairs, also attended the event, representing Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, the Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Bishops and priests received the new leader at Kochi Airport. Speaking at the event, Union minister George Kurian said that he is proud to address him (Joseph Mor Gregorios), the Catholicos of the church. It is a blessing from God, and I wish you the best. The blessing to become the Catholicos is the result of the doings and pure thoughts, he said. The Catholicos also paid a visit to the tomb of Thomas Mor Gregorios Thomas I at St Athanasious Jacobite Syrian Cathedral and prayed before the event. Baselious Mar Cleemis, Mar Raphel Thattil, Archbishop of the Syro Malabar Church, and other religious heads also attended the event and prayed for the Catholicos. Minister for Law and Industries P Rajeeve, representing the state government, honoured the Catholicos and offered the support of the state government for the activities of the church. K V Thomas, the Kerala state special officer in Delhi, MP Benny Behnan, MLA Sreenijin, MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan and others attended the ceremony. Joseph Mor Gregorios was anointed by Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, the Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church, on March 25. Catholicos is the second-highest title in the Church after Patriarch.

North India off radar as Southeast Asia tours lure cost-conscious Malayalis

KOCHI: An increasing number of middle-class families from Kerala are choosing Southeast Asian destinations over popular Indian tourist locations to unwind this summer. While Thailand, Malaysia, and Bali top the chart, Vietnam has also made it to the list of preferred getaways. Factors shaping the trend include cost with international packages costing more or less the same and in certain cases even less and connectivity to destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) and Phuket (Thailand). We visited Bali and Vietnam instead of the usual north Indian locales during the last two vacations. Vietnam was very memorable, with the spectacular beaches of Da Nang and bustling Hanoi catching our imagination. The whole weekend package cost us just around Rs 55,000 per head, said Vinod Kumar K S, a resident of Elamakkara, Kochi. With a substantial rise in visitors flying out of the country, tour operators are now focusing on rolling out international packages and competing with each other in offering incentives. Were rolling out nearly 500 Southeast Asian packages this summer. Thailand is the most preferred destination, followed by Malaysia and Vietnam. The shift in trend is clearly visible with families realising that they can hop on an international tour at a reasonable price. For instance, while a basic Kashmir package will cost Rs 60,000 to Rs 65,000 per person, a Malaysia trip with premium accommodation will put one back around Rs 50,000, Anu Sebastian, general manager of Kochi-based Gooout Tour & Travels Pvt Ltd, told TNIE. Even last weeks earthquake in Myanmar has failed to douse the enthusiasm of visitors. Authorities there have worked round the clock to ensure that the tourist flow is not disrupted. There were no flight disruptions. Another batch of visitors left on Saturday morning, she added. The two main factors determining package price are airfares and accommodation. High domestic airfares are contributing to this trend. Even a planned return trip to Kashmir can cost around Rs 30,000 per head, while that to a Southeast Asian destination like Malaysia can be limited to Rs 15,000. A days stay at Srinagars Taj Dal View costs around Rs 50,000, Anu pointed out. During our visit to Vietnam, we stayed at a premium hotel in Ho Chi Minh for Rs 3,000 per night and at a beach-front facility at Da Nang for Rs 4,000, Vinod said. Various players in the sector vouch for the changing preference of travellers opting for the Southeast Asian destinations. One can now visit the United Kingdom at the price of a Kashmir trip. Families are also flying out more to Sri Lanka, Johny Abraham, managing director, Intersight Tours & Travels, said. A family trip to Thailand will cost less than that of, say, a Delhi-Agra-Jaipur trip. Those who have a little more budget are visiting European countries. Increased flight connectivity has lowered travel costs. For instance, Air Asia is set begin direct flights, thrice a week, between Phuket and Kochi from April 11, said Jinu Manuel, operations manager at GTH, another tour operator based in Kochi.

KSINC drops plan to operate package tours from Marine Drive to Kakkathuruthu island

The agency cites a year-long delay by local bodies and Fisheries dept. in removing two unlicensed nets obstructing safe navigation along the waterway as the reason for not proceeding with its plan

Kochis port connectivity highway caught in delay over demand for alignment change

National Highways Authority of India has agreed to change of alignment, provided Cochin Port Authority hands over 100 crore as additional expense for the purposeose

'Empuraan' row: Deliberate attempt to isolate Prithviraj, says his mother and actor Mallika

KOCHI: Following the social media post against Prithviraj, the director of the film ' Empuraan ', his mother and artist, Mallika Sukumaran, on Sunday said there were concerted attempts to attack and isolate her son over the film. If you feel there is a problem with the movie 'Empuraan', everyone in the crew is responsible for it. They all read the script and watched the scenes shot. If an edit was required during the shooting, Murali Gopi, the writer, was willing to make changes as well. And after the movie is released, how can Prithviraj be solely responsible for it? she asked. Mallika also said that her response comes as there is a deliberate attempt to spread the rumour that Prithviraj cheated Mohanlal and producers, including Antony Perumbavoor, by making the film ' Empuraan ', and some media have now taken it up. Knowing what happened behind the scenes of this film, I am deeply hurt by the attempts of some people to isolate and attack Prithviraj. I want to make it clear that there is not a single shot in the movie that neither of them (Antony Perumbavoor and Mohanlal) knew about. There is nothing in this movie that Mohanlal does not know about. Neither of them say that they did not know about any of this, she added. Responding to Major Ravi's Facebook Live, Mallika said that his remarks were unnecessary. Why did he make such a statement? Neither Mohanlal nor Antony would ever say that Prithviraj cheated. And I don't know if Ravi benefits from isolating Prithviraj, she said. Mallika's response on Facebook comes following the social media posts criticising Prithviraj for making the film and as the makers decided to move for a re-edit and re-censoring of the film. Empuraan row: Mohanlal issues apology for 'distress' caused, assures to remove controversial portions

RSS mouthpiece Organiser continues to attack 'Empuraan', says it is 'anti-Bharat and anti-Hindu'

KOCHI: Continuing its attack on the makers of 'Empuraan' film, Organiser, the RSS mouthpiece, on Sunday, said the film is anti-Bharat and anti-Hindu as it undermines Bharat's nationhood, culture, constitution and democratic institutions. The article titled 'Unmasking the anti-Hindu and anti-Bharat narrative in Malayalam film Empuraan' in the Organiseralso specifically targeted Prithviraj Sukumaran saying through his directorial choices the actor-turned-director appears to use cinema as a medium of subversion. The first part, 'Lucifer', subtly introduced the idea that political parties in Bharat are mere puppets controlled by unseen foreign entities. The second part, 'Empuraan', takes this further by targeting India's investigative agencies, law enforcement, and judiciary -- institutions crucial to the nation's democratic framework. The message is clear: the audience is meant to distrust those entrusted with upholding justice, said the article. Empuraan continues this trend, reinforcing the belief that the system is beyond redemption, the article reads. Empuraan to undergo 17 cuts: Producers decide to make changes in film following right-wing fire Organiser said the film's plotline, steeped in layers of subtext, appears to follow a calculated pattern aimed at pushing an anti-national and anti-Hindu agenda. This is not an isolated case but rather part of a longstanding ideological movement in the film industry in Kerala, led by actor-turned-director Prithviraj. The 3-hour-long-film has sparked outrage for whitewashing Islamic terrorism while casting the Hindu community in a villainous role. The Gujarat riots -- a tragic and complex chapter in Bharat's history -- are depicted with a slanted narrative, conveniently distorting facts to fit a divisive political discourse. More disturbingly, 'Empuraan' disregards the horrific massacre of 59 innocent Ram devotees in Godhra, trivialising their suffering while shifting blame elsewhere. The film revives painful memories but does so in a way that sows seeds of discord, undermining the nation's unity and its democratic institutions, Organiser said. Empuraan row: Mohanlal issues apology for 'distress' caused, assures to remove controversial portions India's constitution upholds freedom of expression, but this liberty is not absolute. ..if the intent goes beyond critique and seeks to undermine the integrity and unity of the Indian nation, every patriotic citizen has the right to speak out against it. They will undoubtedly rise in strong opposition, the article said. This is the third article published by the RSS mouthpiece in as many days against 'Empuraan'.

Baselios Joseph installed as Catholicos of Jacobite Syrian Church

Representative of the Patriarch of the Universal Syrian Orthodox Church Ignatios Aphrem II in Antioch read out the Patriarchs charter of installation of the new Catholicos

ED may file money laundering case in offence committed before PMLA, says Kerala HC

Bench makes the observations while dismissing petitions filed by Shamsuddin, former Deputy Controller of Explosives, Ernakulam, and others challenging the ED case registered against them

KCBC appeals to MPs to vote to amend Waqf law

Sections in the Waqf Bill that are not in keeping with the Constitution and are unfair should be amended, says bishops council

Empuraan row: Mohanlal issues apology for 'distress' caused, assures to remove controversial portions

KOCHI : Amid backlash from the Sangh Parivar, including the RSS, regarding Empuraan , Mohanlal, the lead actor in the film, expressed his regret for the distress caused, stating that his films do not intend to promote hatred toward any political ideology, organization, or religious group. In a post on Facebook, Mohanlal said, I have learned that some of my dear well-wishers have been deeply troubled by certain political and social themes in Empuraan . As an artist, it is my responsibility to ensure that none of my films spread animosity toward any political movement, ideology, or religious community. I sincerely regret the distress this has caused, and the Empuraan team and I fully acknowledge our responsibility in this matter. With this realization, we have collectively decided to remove such elements from the film, Mohanlal wrote. Reflecting on his decades-long career, the veteran actor emphasized his bond with his audience. For the past 40 years, I have lived my cinematic life as one among you. Your love and trust are my greatest strengths, and beyond that, there is no Mohanlal, he said. The statement comes amid growing discussions regarding Empuraan s narrative choices, with Mohanlal and his team taking proactive steps to address the concerns raised by certain sections of the audience. Following the controversy, the Prithviraj Sukumaran-directed film's producers had decided to make 17 cuts , including scenes showing violence against women and riots, in the three-hour-long film. Directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, L2: Empuraan has faced intense criticism from Hindutva groups, who have accused the film of maligning their ideology and promoting an allegedly anti-national agenda. Earlier, BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday said that he would not watch the much-anticipated Mohanlal-starrer L2: Empuraan , asserting that any film which distorts the truth to craft its narrative is destined to fail. Chandrasekhar said, I have come to know that the makers themselves have made 17 amendments to the movie and that it is undergoing re-censorship, he said. He said, A movie should be watched as a movie; it cannot be viewed as history. Moreover, any movie that tries to construct its story by distorting the truth is bound to fail. So, will I watch this sequel to Lucifer ? No. Am I disappointed by this type of filmmaking? Yes, Chandrasekhar added. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has condemned the 'hate campaign' launched by the Sangh Parivar against the cast and crew of the Malayalam movie Empuraan . He expressed concern over the 'atmosphere of fear' created by right-wing groups. In a Facebook post, the Chief Minister shared that he had watched Empuraan , which is poised to elevate the Malayalam film industry. This comes at a time when the movie's makers are facing attacks from the Sangh Parivar. He stated that the right-wing groups were angered by references in the movie to one of the worst genocides the country has witnessed. Pinarayi also pointed out that the producers of Empuraan had been forced to make cuts and submit the movie for re-censorship. He emphasised that it is not befitting of a democracy for artists to be attacked by fundamentalists simply for taking a stand against communalism or for portraying its horrors. Describing attempts to destroy or ban artistic works as the 'latest manifestation of fascism,' the Chief Minister urged the state, which upholds secular and democratic values, to unite in raising its voice against such groups.

CAG flags gaps in emergency and trauma care facilities in Kerala government hospitals

KOCHI: At a time when the states health sector is praised as the best in the country, the CAG report for the year 2024 on health services reveals that most public sector hospitals in the state lack facilities for emergency and trauma care. With the number of accident cases reported in the state increasing, experts have raised concerns over the lack of life-saving facilities in public sector hospitals. According to the report, in the 14 test-checked district hospitals, general and taluk hospitals, emergency OT is available in three hospitals, and a trauma ward was available only in one district hospital, forcing the public to depend on private sector hospitals. The report also stated that 11 out of 14 hospitals have treatment facilities for assault, bowel, head, and stab injuries. Dr Sunil P K, the president of the Kerala Government Medical Officers Association (KGMOA), said that at least one hospital in a district should have a full-fledged trauma care unit. We have an emergency department functional at the hospitals. However, these units lack basic facilities, including a blood donor unit, emergency OT, multi-specialty doctors, and an emergency OP. At least one or two full-fledged public sector hospitals in a district need to have full-fledged trauma care units to facilitate immediate treatment for the patients and save their lives, especially when the accident rates are increasing in the state. We cannot refer these patients to different hospitals when their condition is critical, he said. Dr Sunny P Orethel, the superintendent of Rajagiri Hospital and the former superintendent of Ernakulam General Hospital, said that setting up full-fledged trauma care units in district hospitals can benefit common people. When the nearest public sector hospital lacks basic facilities, the ambulance drivers and public take the patient to any private hospital. Not everyone may be able to afford treatment at a private hospital. However, considering the condition of the patient, shifting may also be difficult. Even if we shift, most of these government hospitals and medical colleges may not have the basic trauma care facilities, he said. The Triage Guidelines 2021 recommend categorising patients as red (immediately life-threatening), yellow (urgent, but not immediately life-threatening), or green (non-urgent) based on factors like mental status, vital signs, and injury severity, with the most critical patients being prioritised for immediate treatment. However, according to Dr Sunil, most of the public sector hospitals in the state have not been able to implement the system. We need to appoint more specialist doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff to ensure better quality care for the patients, he said. Dr Sunny added that not just the hospitals under the Directorate of Health Services, several government medical colleges too, do not have trauma care facilities. Though these general and district hospitals have been upgraded over a period of time, the facilities have not improved. More attention should be given to these hospitals as they serve a larger population, he emphasised. Basic needs for a trauma care unit Specialist doctors in ortho surgery, neurosurgery, and general surgery. Full-fledged blood bank Facilities for MRI and CT scans. Facilities available in general, district hospitals Emergency OT - 3 Emergency ward - 5 Trauma ward - 1 Triage procedure - 6 Blood bank in proximity to emergency - 4 Mobile X-ray for the emergency room - 4 Laboratory, side lab for emergency services - 3

Kochi Mayor inaugurates Penbox distribution

KOCHI: In an eco-friendly move, the Kochi Corporation has launched the initiative Penbox at School. The distribution of pen collection and recycling box was inaugurated by Mayor M Anilkumar on Saturday at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School. The project aims to raise awareness among students on the sensible use and disposal of pens and recycling of used pens. The project implemented at a cost of Rs 10 lakh will be carried out in 46 government schools within the corporation limits.

GCDA budget focuses on Infopark land pooling and sports projects

KOCHI: The GCDA has announced its budget for 2025 with focus on major infrastructural projects, sports facilities, urban rejuvenation and beautification projects. For the proposed Infopark phase 3 development, an amount of Rs 1.5 crore was set aside for preliminary works. The procedures to identify the 300 acres that would be acquired by land pooling are under way. While an IT corridor will come up on 100 acres, the rest of the land will be used to develop a carbon-neutral township that focuses on zero-waste, inclusivity and seamless connectivity. A total of Rs 50 lakh was proposed for the project in the state budget 2025 as well. Detailed rules and regulations for land pooling in the state have been formulated by the government. As we are new to the concept, the government has assured that the problems that arise due to the rules will be resolved then and there, GCDA chairman K Chandran Pillai told reporters. At least 30 projects related to sports infrastructure development have been proposed. These include a multi-purpose sports facility in Keezhmad panchayat to be set up with Rs 3 crore allotted from state sports department, a mini sports activity area in Edathala panchayat and a sports activity centre near the Paravur housing scheme site of GCDA, each spending Rs 50 lakh. The existing project of Ambedkar Stadium renovation and development of sports city are estimated to be completed with Rs 125 crore, of which Rs 1 crore would be allotted from GCDAs funds. Apart from these projects, a sum of Rs 9 crore will be used for developing unused open spaces in nine municipalities for recreational activities and public programmes. To resolve traffic and transportation issues, proposals for two bus terminals, one in Tripunithura and another in Chellanam, have been made in the budget. The proposed terminal in Tripunithura will be built on 5 acres of land near railway and metro stations, converting the region into a transport hub. The land will be identified through land pooling and land acquisition methods, and the development will be on a PPP model. A similar project is proposed in Chellanam too. As part of urban development and rejuvenation, an exclusive food street is being proposed near Kasturba Nagar using Rs 1 crore from Union government and GCDA funds. The street that will be open to the public in May 2025 will have 20 restaurants, differently-abled friendly facilities and adequate parking. Additionally two food hubs will be developed in Maradu and Kakkanad spending Rs 65 lakh. The scheme will see the renovation of M K Arjunan Master ground and stage using Rs 4 crore KIIFB fund, renovation of Kasturba Nagar walkway using Rs 2 crore from KIIFB and beautification of Vyttila and Palarivattom flyovers. Additionally, a sum of Rs 25 lakh has been allocated for the development of tourism and heritage circuits in Fort Kochi, Tripunithura and Aluva.

Kerala: Probe reveals man procured over 50 fake notes from Bangladesh

KOCHI: Police investigating the seizure of counterfeit currency notes in Perumbavoor suspect that the accused, Salim Mandal, brought a bundle of over 50 fake notes from Bangladesh. A team from the Perumbavoor police will soon travel to Murshidabad, West Bengal, for further inquiries. The investigation began on March 21 after the police team probing a mobile phone theft on a train in Alappuzha, raided the rented house of Salim, a Bangladeshi national, in Perumbavoor. During the search, officers recovered 17 counterfeit notes of Rs 500 denomination. Although the accused has not disclosed the exact number of fake notes he obtained from Bangladesh, we found a photograph on his mobile phone showing a bundle containing at least 50 counterfeit notes. Evidence suggests that Salim used these fake notes for transactions in both West Bengal and Kerala. We also suspect he had smuggled counterfeit currency from Bangladesh multiple times, an officer said. Despite the poor quality of notes, police are concerned about the gang that prints and distributes it in Bangladesh. Authorities have received intelligence reports about an agent in Bangladesh who allegedly supplied the counterfeit currency at half the price. We are coordinating with West Bengal police as part of the investigation. Additionally, we are gathering information from other law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Our team will be dispatched to West Bengal next week for further inquiries. We suspect that Salim was part of a network involved in smuggling counterfeit currency from Bangladesh, the officer added. Salim and his mother illegally crossed over to India and has been residing in Kerala for the past 18 years. Although he initially worked as a labourer in Perumbavoor, he later switched to trading stolen electronic goods. Most of the stolen items were sold in Bangladesh. He did not engage in theft himself but purchased stolen mobile phones, laptops, smartwatches, and other electronic devices from burglars. After accumulating around 50 stolen items, he would travel to West Bengal, cross the border into Bangladesh, and sell them. In addition to cash, he also received counterfeit currency in exchange, an officer explained. The case may soon be transferred to the district crime branch for a more detailed probe. Considering the cross-border nature of the crime, which requires extensive investigation in West Bengal, we are evaluating the possibility of a crime branch inquiry. A final decision will be made next week, the officer stated. note the point 17 counterfeit notes of Rs 500 denomination seized from the rented house of a migrant worker The accused- an illegal migrant- has been residing in Kerala for the past 18 years

Police seize Rs 2.7 crore from autorickshaw near Island in Kerala

KOCHI: Police on Saturday seized unaccounted money worth Rs 2.7 crore from an autorickshaw parked near Kannengatt Bridge, Willingdon Island, Kochi. The autorickshaw driver and a migrant labourer who was present in the vehicle were taken into custody. The apprehended are Sabish Ahammad, 25, of Bihar, who is an employee of a garment shop on Broadway, and Rajagopal, 40, of Tamil Nadu, residing in Kadavanthra. The cash allegedly belongs to the garment shop owner. According to police, the autorickshaw had been parked on the walkway for over an hour. A police team from the Harbour Station which was patrolling the area grew suspicious and searched the vehicle. Three large shopping bags filled with cash were found during the search. Soon, the owner of the garment company residing in Elamakkara arrived at the place. He claimed that the cash belonged to him and was meant to be handed over to a middleman for a property transaction. However, the police did not accept the explanation at face value. Bank officials were called to the spot to count and verify the seized cash, and Income Tax officials were also informed about the incident. Police officials said that the cash would be handed over to Income Tax officers for taking further action.

GCDA Budget mulls land pooling for third phase of Infopark development

Of the 300 acres, a total of 100 acres will be set apart for IT firms, while hotels, hospitals, sports and recreational arenas will be built in the remaining space; software-backed automated parking lots to be readied at multiple places in Kochi

CISFs coastal cyclothon reaches Kochi

IOS Sagar to set sail from Kochi to the Indian Ocean Region with personnel of nine navies

The crew of India and nine friendly countries in Asia and Africa will jointly operate the vessel as part of a six-week-long mission including watch keeping and surveillance. Personnel are undergoing training at SNC Kochi and the vessel will be flagged off from Karwar on April 5

V.K. Minimol steps down as works standing committee chairperson of Kochi Corpn.

Watch: Scotland-Based Digital Creator Gives 9.1 Rating To This Boost Drink In Kochi

In the video, the vendor can be seen mixing the ingredients in an incredibly unique way.

Kerala HC dismisses plea for vigilance probe against CM Pinarayi, daughter on CMRL-Exalogic transactions

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday dismissed two petitions seeking a vigilance investigation into the alleged illegal financial transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T Veena, and three UDF leaders. The petitions were filed by Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan and the late Gireesh Babu of Kalamassery. An unnecessary investigation or an enquiry into an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act against a public servant based on suspicions may cause a blemish on his career or reputation. Being called to appear before a criminal court as an accused is a serious matter that affects ones dignity, self-respect, and image in society, said Justice K Babu. The complainants alleged that CMRL paid Rs 1.72 crore to Exalogic Solution Pvt Ltd and Veena T, which was a bribe paid to Pinarayi Vijayan for doing favours and misusing his official position. Besides, MLAs Ramesh Chennithala and P K Kunhalikutty and former public works minister V K Ebrahim Kunju, and A Govindan were also alleged to have received illegal gratification. The complaint was based on the order of the Interim Settlement Board, New Delhi, wherein many admissions were made by CMRL officers that would reportedly disclose offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The IT department had found that CMRL has been systematically inflating its expenses and made payments in cash to several individuals, including media houses and politicians. T A Shaji,Director General of Prosecution, submitted that the statement made by the authorised officer of CMRL before the Interim Board for Settlement based on certain loose papers regarding the receipt of money by political leaders cannot be treated as a fact constituting the alleged offence. Senior advocate P Vijayabhanu, counsel for CMRL, submitted that the confession alleged to have been given by the Chief Financial Officer of CMRL before the Interim Board for Settlement has no evidentiary value, and the same cannot be relied upon to set the criminal law in motion. The court said the complainant could only place certain materials highlighting suspicions based on the allegations in the complaint and not facts constituting the alleged offences. The court made it clear that rejection of the complaint does not preclude the complainant from filing a fresh complaint with adequate materials in the future. CMRL pay-off case: MLAs plea for confidential branch info dismissed THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Information Commission has disposed of the appeal filed by Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan seeking information from the confidential branch of the police headquarters on the alleged corruption involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Exalogic Solution owned by Veena Vijayan, the daughter of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) V Hari Nair passed the order dismissing the MLAs appeal, saying the confidential branch was excluded from the purview of the RTI Act.

'L2: Empuraan' movie leak, producers association steps up fight against piracy

KOCHI: Following the online leak of the pirated version of Mohanlal-starrer 'L2: Empuraan' , just hours after its release on Thursday, the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) has taken steps to combat film piracy and protect newly released movies. To tackle the issue, KFPA has formed a special team of professional ethical hackers to track and prevent piracy, which is affecting the film industry. The initiative aims to identify and prosecute those who download, watch, and distribute pirated films. Watching and sharing such content is a cybercrime and copyright infringement, and those involved will face strict legal action, including imprisonment, KFPA stated in an official release on Friday. The cooperation from audience, technical experts, theatre owners, cyber cells, and investigative agencies to safeguard the industry is needed, said B Rakesh, the secretary of the Kerala Film Producers Association. He also urged the state and Central governments to take stringent measures against film piracy. 'L2: Empuraan' collects nearly Rs 43 crore KOCHI: Mohanlal-starrer L2: Empuraan, the sequel to 2019 hit Lucifer, has collected nearly Rs 43 crore worldwide in just two days of its release. Global domination! $5M+ and counting. #Empuraan rewrites the rules of the overseas box office. A historic achievement! actor Mohanlal wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday. Directed by Prithviraj, the film has been released in Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada and Telugu. A middling midpiece of a still-enticing franchise

Nepali woman assaults four cops on night patrol

KOCHI: A Nepali woman assaulted four police officials while she and her companion were being taken to the police station at Kuttipara near Ayyampuzha in the early hours of Friday. The police arrested Sanch Maya Limbu, 38, and Suman, 36, both Nepali nationals who are working at a firm in Ayyampuzha. According to the police, a patrolling team found the duo standing suspiciously by the roadside at Kuttipara at night. When the officers approached them, the duo tried to flee on a scooter. However, the police team chased and intercepted them at an isolated area. As the officers were shifting Suman to the police vehicle, Sanch punched sub-inspector George C A in the face. When civil police officer Arun Johnson intervened, she attacked him as well, causing him to fall to the ground, where both suspects then kicked him. Hearing the commotion, residents gathered and prevented the duo from escaping.The police managed to take both individuals into custody.

Private bus owners go for the lease route to drive profits

KOCHI: An alarming trend in the private transport sector has come to light, with a police report revealing that many bus owners are leasing their vehicles to independent driver-conductor groups instead of employing staff directly. According to the report by the assistant commissioner of police (traffic), Kochi city, the practice prioritises profit over passenger safety, often leading to reckless driving, mismanagement and increased road accidents. Authorities are now set to scrutinise the financial records of these bus owners to determine whether they have been collecting a fixed rent from these groups instead of paying regular salaries, a practice officials say raises serious accountability concerns. The report was filed following a Kerala High Court directive to submit an action-taken statement regarding an accident in which a young woman who was riding pillion on her husbands two-wheeler was crushed to death at Menaka on March 14 allegedly due to rash driving by two private buses owned by the same person. An investigation team has been constituted to conduct a detailed probe, and it will examine operational violations, illegal hiring practices, and other aspects to determine accountability. The report said the root cause of such an accident is the malpractice and operational violations by private bus permit holders. In this case, both buses belonged to the same owner, indicating issues related to their renting to groups and unauthorised hiring practices. If there is no proper documentation of salary payments, it may indicate an illegal hiring and management system, which will be examined as part of the investigation, stated the report. CCTV footage from various locations has been collected to analyse the movement and behaviour of the buses before the accident. They provide critical evidence of speeding, unauthorised stops, and possible competitive racing, all of which will be examined by the special probe team. Meanwhile, the report said random inspection drives will be initiated to verify conductor licenses and check whether unqualified staff are employed. This will help identify and take action against bus owners illegally renting their buses to unauthorised groups. Strict actions will be taken against bus owners operating under illegal rental systems and cancellation of permits will be recommended for buses found violating rules, said the report. KV Manoj Kumar, senior government pleader, informed the HC that a request was submitted by the deputy commissioner of police to the transport commissioner on the necessary actions on private bus operations and safety measures following the accident at Menaka, along with instructions for rescheduling private bus timings in the city. Swinging into action Steps taken by traffic police to curb dangerous driving practices and improve public safety A strict lane traffic control system has been implemented for private bus services in Kochi city to prevent overtaking Private bus operators have been instructed to maintain the left lane consistently without fail All police officers in the city have been directed to ensure private buses maintain a speed limit of 35 km per hour Private buses must keep their doors closed during journeys and avoid blaring horns CCTV cameras are being used to monitor the speed of private buses near school areas The Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) has been strengthened with efficient police personnel, enabling remote traffic monitoring from the control room

Little Big Festival in Kochi promises to be a jolly outing for children, parents

KOCHI: The Little Big Festival, touted as Keralas first exclusive childrens fest, will be held on April 5 and 6 at the Sacred Heart College ground in Thevara. Open from 2pm to 9m, the fest will feature over 40 fun-filled activities for children aged 2 to 12, including workshops and performances such as designing, skating, origami, drawing, book reading sessions, painting, talent hunting, puppetry, storytelling, carving, baking, and clay modelling. Sana Aesha, the brain behind Little Big Festival, says the idea is to offer children a break from gadgets and encourage contemplation, curiosity, and a sense of wonder. There will be something for every child whether they love art, movement, music, getting their hands messy, or just running wild and free, she adds. We wanted to create something that feels like childhood itself messy, joyful, chaotic, and full of wonder. Children today are growing up with so many structured activities, screens, and predictable outcomes. We wanted to give them a space where they can just be. This festival is about bringing back the wonder of childhood. And, of course, there will be activities and workshops for parents as well. For more details, contact: 6238552942

Compressed biogas plant at Brahmapuram ready, production to begin soon

KOCHI: Giving a boost to effective waste management in the city, the construction of the compressed biogas plant (CBG) at the Brahmapuram waste dumping yard has been completed. The plant which has a capacity to treat 75 tonnes of biodegradable waste daily can process the waste from Kochi Corporation and nearby local bodies. The treatment of biodegradable waste and production of compressed gas are expected to begin by the end of April, following the trial run which began a few days ago. The capacity of the plant is expected to be increased to 150 tonnes per day gradually. The CBG is being set up by the Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) at a cost of Rs 90 crore on the land recovered after biomining. The gas produced will be transported to the refinery via a pipeline. The construction of the second biodigester will be completed within a few days. Although the construction period was expected to be 18 months, we could complete the work six months early. The corporation authorities gave all permissions and provided all assistance for the timely completion of the work. Whenever there were obstacles, the BPCL management and the Kochi Corporation were able to resolve the issues as soon as possible, Mayor M Anilkumar said. BPCL Kochi Refinerys proposal to set up an MSW (municipal solid waste)-based compressed biogas (CBG) plant at Brahmapuram was approved by the state government in November 2023 to solve the long-standing problem of waste management and fire outbreaks at Brahmapuram. Meanwhile, the construction of a biomedical waste treatment plant with a capacity of three tonnes per day that can facilitate the incineration of sanitary waste, including soiled sanitary napkins and adult diapers, is also in progress at Brahmapuram. Recently, Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan visited the Brahmapuram site and reviewed the progress of work.

Four dupe TN traders of Rs 50 lakh by selling fake gold-rich soil, arrested

KOCHI: The Kochi police on Friday arrested four Gujarat residents who allegedly defrauded goldsmiths from Namakkal in Tamil Nadu of Rs 50 lakh by providing soil that they falsely claimed contained gold particles. Surat residents Sandeep Hasmukh Bhai, 37, Vipul Manji Bhai, 43, Dharmesh Bhai, 38, and Krupesh Bhai, 35, were picked up from their hideouts in the city. In addition to the Rs 50 lakh, the suspects had also obtained a cheque worth Rs 18 lakh from the victims, the police said. The police said the suspects had rented a building on North Janatha Road in Palarivattom and set up a fake gold-processing unit. The victim goldsmiths learnt about the unit last month through agents, the police said, adding that the accused told the victims that they were in possession of soil containing high quantities of gold particles, collected from gold factories across India. Describing the elaborate fraud, an officer said approximately 500 sacks of the soil were stored at the unit and the goldsmiths were given 5 kg as samples for verification. The suspects had a special table with a weighing scale set up at their office in Palarivattom. When the sample was placed on the scale, one of the accused, who was hiding under the table, injected a gold solution into the sample with a syringe through a hole. As a result, the victims were tricked into believing the soil was rich in gold, the officer said. After they processed the sample and discovered more gold than expected, the Tamil Nadu goldsmiths paid Rs 50 lakh as well as two cheques totalling Rs 18 lakh to purchase five tonnes of soil on March 18. However, upon further examination of the soil, the goldsmiths realised the fraud and approached the police. Analysing CCTV footage from the area, the police tracked down and arrested the accused. They also found that similar cases of fraud had been registered against the four at police stations in Sendamangalam in Tamil Nadu as well as the Ernakulam North police station. Preliminary probe revealed the accused had been operating the fake gold-processing unit in Kochi for two years. Before July 2024, they had a similar operation in Ernakulam North, where they deceived a Mumbai resident similarly. The victims are traditional goldsmiths who collect soil and extract gold particles from it, said SI Harishankar O S, who led the investigation. ACP P Rajkumar and Palarivattom SHO K R Rupesh supervised the probe.

Dry & wry: 'Droughtscape' in Kochi's mangrove ecosystem?

A strange scene, bordering on the surreal, is unfolding at Elamkunnapuzha, a serene panchayat in Vypeen. A barren stretch of land, located opposite the LNG terminal, has been drawing a beeline of visitors over the past few days. Social media influencers, photographers, and curious folk are flocking to the site, sharing visuals, and sparking online queries about the location. At first glance, the area seems to mirror the drought-ravaged landscapes of Rajasthan, particularly the arid plains of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. Rather than question how such a phenomenon could appear in a coastal panchayat, many seem captivated by the unusual sight. This intrigue, however, led our photographer to explore the site. He noticed the soil had caked up, with deep cracks and an uneven surface. As he went further, his legs sank into the earth, revealing that beneath the dry expanse, swamp-like patches lurked. (Visitors are advised to be cautious.) Now, what is causing this bizarre phenomenon? Vypeen-based environmentalist Manoj I B points out that the area was once a thriving mangrove ecosystem. Its sad that no one is questioning how a mangrove ecosystem, by nature marshy and waterlogged, could resemble a drought-hit area, he shrugs. Mangroves thrive in conditions where water is present throughout the year. The only possible explanation is the dumping of mud slurry, likely from construction sites. Swipe to see more frames Manoj adds that the area was home to a 400-acre mangrove forest, many parts of which have already been damaged by the construction of the LNG terminal and the IOC plant. The dominant mangrove species on this land is avicennia, he adds. The root system of these mangroves is made up of aerial pneumatophores, or shwasana verukal, which help the plants absorb oxygen from just above the ground level, especially in marshy, salty environments. But with slurry piling up, the pneumatophores get submerged and do not get the oxygen. As a result, the plants die. Manoj, who is an expert in urban reforestation, believes this ecosystem may have formed naturally when the island of Vypeen emerged in 1341. While people around the world are working to conserve mangroves, we have allowed its rampant destruction, he rues. Panchayat president Rasikala Priyaraj says the land, which falls under the jurisdiction of Cochin Port Authority, is classified as a special economic zone. Mud waste, construction debris, all these are dumped here, she concurs. This practice has been going on for some time now. It appears that some local parties may also be involved in this activity. We had written to the Port Authority. They initiated some efforts in the past, but nothing substantial emerged out of that. Rasikala says CCTV surveillance could help prevent dumping. Our biodiversity management committee is working on a report to safeguard the ecosystem, she says. Manoj says the scale of the damage needs to be addressed in a detailed way. This, after all, is about the destruction of a biodiversity hub, he says. The situation may improve with rainfall. But, the damage done is extensive and revival will take years. If dumping continues, things will be beyond repair.

CPI(M) stages march to ED office in Kochi

The march was part of the CPI(M)s decision to launch a grassroots campaign to expose what it alleged to be the BJP-led Central governments brazen politicisation of the ED

Two arrested in Kochi on charge of assaulting cops

Four arrested in Kochi on charge of cheating goldsmiths of 68 lakh

The accused reportedly lured the victims by convincing them that they had sand containing gold dust collected from a jewellery outlet