Unidentified woman found dead in Kochi; man seen sitting beside body detained
The police said it is suspected that George murdered the woman following a financial dispute and his attempt to abandon the body failed as he was allegedly drunk and too tired
Established under a strategic collaboration between Starbucks Coffee Company & Tata Starbucks, the FSP aims to empower 10,000 Indian coffee farmers by 2030 Starbucks will open its 500th coffeehouse in India this week in Delhi NCR a Starbucks Reserve location offering a premium and immersive coffee experience Reaffirming its long-term commitment to India, and its plans to deepen its coffee leadership in the market, Starbucks Coffee Company today announced the establishment of a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP). In collaboration with Tata Starbucks Private Limited, the FSP will connect local agronomists and farmers to global farming best practices through open-source agronomy. Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Starbucks re-affirm coffee leadership and announce a Farmer Support Partnership (FSP) to strengthen the coffee value chain from Bean to Cup Strengthening Indias coffee value chain from bean to cup Starbucks Coffee Trading Company, SARL (SCTC), Starbucks global procurement and trading subsidiary, will collaborate closely with Tata Starbucks to empower 10,000 farmers by 2030. The FSP based in Karnataka will combine Tata Starbucks deep local knowledge, Indias coffee-growing heritage, and decades of Starbucks global agronomy expertise. It will support farmers from Indias key coffee growing states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala to strengthen connections with Starbucks global network, drive innovation, and share best practices in farming and sustainability to ensure a sustainable future for India coffee. The FSP will set up technical model farms in partnership with farmers in India, incorporating global learnings, to embed best practices in coffee agronomy and test sustainable solutions. The FSP in India will serve as a hub for testing new varietals, provide knowledge on innovative farming techniques aligned to Indian practices and conditions, and share insights about other agroforestry initiatives to improve coffee quality, productivity and climate resiliency. The goal is to build upon traditional methods to help farmers improve both the quality of their crops and their profitability. The FSP will work closely with existing centers of excellence within the Starbucks global network. This includes partnering with Farmer Support Centers (FSC) in coffee-growing regions around the world, where agronomists collaborate directly with farmers on research, and learning from existing model farms within Starbucks supply chain. This network includes FSCs in the APAC region in North Sumatra, Indonesia and Yunnan, China and Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, Starbucks first company-operated coffee farm and headquarters to the Starbucks Costa Rica Farmer Support Center and Starbucks Global Research and Development team. Through the FSP, Indian farmers will also benefit from Starbucks 2026 global digital training tools, which will offer detailed online modules on agronomy, coffee quality, and C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices to foster ethical sourcing and ultimately enhance productivity and sustainability. It will also educate farmers about Regen-Ag (regenerative agriculture) practices and methods to reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints, and contribute to agroforestry and social development initiatives. The FSP will develop projects across the key Starbucks commitments of unlocking coffee productivity, increasing farm profitability and building climate resiliency over the next 5 years. To build capability and strengthen Indias entire coffee value chain, Tata Starbucks will also donate one million high-yield variety Arabica seedlings to farmers over the next five years. During his visit to India this week, Brian Niccol, chairman and chief executive officer of Starbucks said, India is one of our fastest-growing markets. Were partnering with Tata to shape the future of coffee in India, including supporting farmers, empowering communities, and delivering the highest quality offerings to our customers. Its a long-term commitment to build a stronger, more sustainable coffee ecosystem that benefits everyone, from bean to cup . Sunil D'Souza, Managing Director & CEO at Tata Consumer Products said, Through the past decade, together, Tata Consumer Products and Starbucks, have helped shape Indias thriving coffee culture and industry. With this new initiative, we are pleased to pair Starbucks global agronomy expertise with Tatas footprint in India to drive tangible impact and pave the way for the future of responsible coffee farming in India . Re-affirming Starbucks coffee leadership through differentiated and elevated experiences Since its inception in 2012 as a joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company and Tata Consumer Products, Tata Starbucks has been dedicated to delivering the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in India. This has set the stage for Indias ever evolving and dynamic coffee culture. This week, Tata Starbucks will celebrate the opening of its 500th coffeehouse in India, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey and reaffirming its long-term commitment to the market. As one of Starbucks fastest-growing international markets, India remains central to the companys plans for strategic and sustainable expansion, with continued focus on job creation and meaningful development opportunities for its partners (employees). The 500th coffeehouse will be the second location to offer a Starbucks Reserve coffee experience in Delhi NCR, engaging coffee enthusiasts with an immersive experience that showcases Starbucks coffee craft, heritage, and storytelling. The coffeehouse and its Starbucks Reserve experience underscore Tata Starbucks commitment to elevating Indias coffee craftsmanship through elevated store design, handcrafted beverages, and locally inspired innovations. As part of the global strategy to make Starbucks a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather to enjoy the finest coffee handcrafted by skilled baristas, Tata Starbucks will continue to focus on creating a differentiated and elevated coffee forward experience in India. It invites customers to experience the full flavor profile it offers - serving the worlds finest coffee and elevated offerings in a welcoming coffeehouse environment that has made it a beloved part of Indias coffee landscape. Sushant Dash, chief executive officer of Tata Starbucks said, As the largest specialty coffee player in India, we are proud to bring the Farmer Support Partnership in collaboration with SCTC, a meaningful step toward strengthening Indias coffee-growing community and securing the future of high-quality Arabica. Our commitment to India extends beyond growth, to investing in farmers, partners (employees) and customers to continue building a vibrant coffee culture. We will continue to serve the finest Arabica coffee from India and around the world, brought to life through the warm, welcoming third place experience that defines Starbucks . About Starbucks Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 40,000 stores worldwide, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or starbucks.com . About Tata Starbucks Private Limited Starbucks entered the Indian market in October 2012 through a 50/50 Joint Venture with Tata Consumer Products Limited and currently operates more than 497 stores in India across 81 cities, Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Alibaug, Amritsar, Anand, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhatinda, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Ghaziabad, Goa, Guntur, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Gwalior Haridwar, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Indore, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Jodhpur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolhapur, Kolkata, Lonavala, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mangalore, Meerut, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Mysore, Nagpur, Nashik, New Delhi, Noida, Pathankot, Patiala, Pondicherry, Pune, Raipur, Siliguri, Sonipat, Surat, Thrissur, Trivandrum, Udaipur, Vadodara, Vapi, Varanasi, Vijayawada, Varanasi and Vizag are cities in India. through a network of over 4,437 passionate partners (employees). Starbucks stores are operated by the joint venture, Tata Starbucks Private Limited, and branded as Starbucks Coffee - A TATA Alliance.
Smooth darshan continues, pilgrim turnout crosses five lakh at Sabarimala
SABARIMALA: With crowd pressure easing considerably on Friday, Sabarimala witnessed a smoother darshan experience for devotees even as the pilgrim turnout crossed five lakh since the MandalaMakaravilakku season began on November 16. By 7pm on November 21, the pilgrim count stood at 4,94,151. On Friday alone, up to 7pm, 72,037 pilgrims completed darshan. Reports from the base camp and hill trek not only point to improved crowd flow, but also indicate that the queue has stretched longer in some spots. On various sections of the forest path, waiting periods are rising despite spot-booking controls being in place, said devotees. At the base camp at Nilakkal and along the Pampa-Sannidhanam route, organisers have stepped up various amenities for pilgrims. Those standing in queue for long periods are being provided seating, snacks, and water. Many devotees said the management measures had eased the climb. Officials said the challenge will be on maintaining smooth movement as large batches of devotees are expected to arrive in the days ahead. Meanwhile, the cap of 5,000 spot bookings per day continues to remain in force to avoid overcrowding. Based on sector-based capacity assessments, the TDB authorities have assessed that up to 66,936 pilgrims can be accommodated safely between Pampa and Sannidhanam at any given time, including 12,500 at Pampa, 2,500 around the darshan complex, 1,500 on the flyover, 1,200 at Thirumuttom and 800 on the precincts of Malikappuram. HC RELAXES CAP ON PILGRIM ENTRY Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Friday permitted the Sabarimala executive officer, in coordination with the chief coordinator and the special commissioner, to make minor modifications to the cap imposed by the court on the number of pilgrims visiting the hill shrine. If the inflow of pilgrims is low, the authorities can relax the rule and allow entry to more devotees provided the concentration of pilgrims shall, at all times, remain strictly within the green zone limits, the court said. Travancore Devaswom Boards counsel submitted that after the orders of the court and the curbs imposed on the inflow of pilgrims, crowd density has significantly reduced. It may be appropriate to permit the executive officer and the chief coordinator to take decisions based on the actual inflow of pilgrims. The court allowed the request and adjourned the case regarding crowd management to December 3.
Kerala HC breather for ADGP Ajith Kumar
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday quashed a Vigilance Court order directing an inquiry against ADGP M R Ajith Kumar in a disproportionate assets case. The court said the state governments sanction is needed to initiate proceedings against him in the case that had been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Meanwhile, the court also expunged all disparaging and adverse remarks against the chief minister, who had accepted the vigilance reports as part of official duty, in the order issued by the Vigilance Court. The court issued the order on a petition filed by Ajith Kumar seeking to quash the order of the Vigilance Court, Thiruvananthapuram, that rejected the report of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau giving a clean chit to the officer in an allegation regarding amassing of wealth, and constructing a house spending crores of rupees. The court said the governments sanction is needed to initiate proceedings against him in the case that had been registered under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The petitioners in such cases can re-approach the court if the government accorded the sanction to prosecute the ADGP.
New species of deep-sea octopus squid found in Kerala
KOCHI: Scientists at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have found a new species of deep-sea squid in the Arabian Sea. The species, scientifically named Taningia silasii (Indian octopus squid), is the second confirmed species of the globally rare genus Taningia and has been formally described in the international journal Marine Biodiversity. The specimen was collected from nearly 390m depth off the Kollam coast. Measuring 45cm in length, the squid belongs to the family of Octopoteuthidae, the adults of this species are known for their distinctive absence of tentacles, though they are true deep-sea squids. Principal scientist Geetha Sasikumar and technical officer Sajikumar K K led the research. Until now, Taningia danae found in Atlantic waters was the only known species in this genus. DNA barcoding showed more than 11% genetic divergence from the Atlantic species, confirming the specimen as a distinct species, said Geetha. Although called the octopus squid, it is a squid that possesses only eight arms and lacks the two long tentacles typically seen in other squid species. Members of this family can also attain large sizes, said Sajikumar. The species has been named in honour of marine biologist and former director of CMFRI E G Silas.
Kerala cocoa gets global boost as Japanese chocolatier places major order after farm visit
KOCHI: When officials from a 100-year-old Japanese chocolate company arrived at Renny Jacobs farm in Kerala a few weeks ago, they werent there for courtesy. They spent two full days walking through his cocoa fermenting sheds, cracking open fresh cocoa pods, tasting pulp, studying the aromas rising from drying yards, and following Renny through mist-covered slopes in Idukki and Kottayam, where he has worked for more than three decades. By the time they boarded their flight back, they had placed a firm order: a full container load 13 tonnes of Indian cocoa. For Renny, chairman of India Cocoa, a company he owns, it felt like a moment that had been years in the making. They told me this was only the beginning, Renny tells the TNIE . And for Indian cocoa, which has long lived in the shadow of Latin American and African origins, it may indeed be the beginning of a new chapter. Renny knows what a turnaround looks like. He began his journey in the 1990s as the exclusive agent for Cadbury. The contract expired some years back, he says. That partnership shaped Indias early cocoa supply chain, but it also locked Indian beans into a low-end bracket, destined for bulk chocolate. When the relationship ended, most would have stepped away from the commodity. Instead, Renny chose to reinvent his role in cocoa. He decided to chase the one thing Indian cocoa had never been known for: flavour. He wasnt making an empty bet. The Western Ghats among the oldest mountain ranges in the world offer a natural canvas for flavour diversity. In Idukki, moist air moves through slopes layered with spice trees. In Pollachis shade-grown belts of Tamil Nadu, humidity wraps around every plantation. In Andhra Pradesh, cocoa thrives in Eluru and East Godavari districts. Every valley produces a slightly different profile, from bright fruit notes to mellow floral tones. Our geography gives us the unique flavours others dont have, says Renny. Yet, for decades, all that natural advantage was wasted at one stage: what happened after harvesting. Once cocoa beans were scooped out of pods, fermentation should have become the star of the process. Instead, it became Indian cocoas undoing. Farmers rushed through it, unaware of how dramatically fermentation influences flavour. Post-harvest handling was our biggest weakness, Renny says. Fermentation can either lift a bean or completely flatten it. To fix this, he began working directly with farmers, travelling across villages, building small fermentation units, teaching them how to manage temperature, timing, and turning cycles, and insisting on slow, controlled drying. He promised better prices for better beans and paid them, even when global prices were volatile. Cocoa prices are now soaring internationally, but Renny continues to offer premiums. If you want flavour, you reward the farmer. Thats the rule, he says. And the farmers have responded. In Kerala, the season is from April to June. He buys during these months, as the cocoa during these months offers quality. He buys cocoa from the Anamalai Hills region in November, December, and January, as these months offer him an excellent crop. And in Andhra Pradesh, its February, March, and April. This staggered rhythm means Renny can access fresh beans for nearly the entire year, a luxury most origins dont enjoy. As the quality improved, global buyers began to take note. The Japanese visit is only one part of the shift. Rennys premium batches carefully fermented, meticulously sun-dried, and sorted by region are now drawing interest from chocolate makers in Switzerland, the US, and other parts of Asia, like Korea. Some buyers start with tiny trial lots. Others, like the Japanese team, commit quickly. They said our beans were clean, bright, and unlike the India they remembered, Renny says. That one container order is only a fraction of his ambition. India Cocoa is now pushing towards a processing capacity of 1,000 tonnes, aiming to become the countrys largest premium cocoa processor and one of the most reliable flavour origins in the Asian region. From being Cadburys contract supplier to becoming one of the most important champions of premium Indian cocoa, Rennys journey reflects the larger transformation happening in Indian agriculture: a shift from volume to value. His fermenting units, drying yards, and training sessions scattered across three states are creating what India never had a disciplined, flavour-first cocoa culture. We have the soil, we have the climate, we have the uniqueness, he says, standing in the afternoon sun as fresh beans dry behind him. Now, we have the technique too. And the world is finally tasting the difference. Indian cocoa, once sold cheaply and quietly, is stepping into the global spotlight. And leading it is a man who believed the Western Ghats held their own flavour gold, long before anyone came looking.
Kochi's Chellanam 20-20 suffers collective meltdown after success in last poll
KOCHI: In the local body elections of 2020, Chellanam, a coastal village in Kochi, saw a unique collective gaining traction. Declaring an all-out war against all mainstream political parties, a WhatsApp collective that grew into a political party contested the elections and snatched power. Fast forward to 2025, Chellanam 20-20 is nowhere to be seen. The aspiring collective has lost ground and support, and matters have come to such pass that is it not contesting the elections this year. The attrition within the party defection of members and disintegration has led to the decline of the collective. Formed as a volunteering group during the Covid surge, like-minded residents of the village engaged in a daily battle with a battering sea, contested the ensuing local body elections, surprising all major fronts. Campaigning through social media and gathering support, Chellanam 20-20 contested in all 21 wards of the panchayat, winning eight seats. The collective has not held any activities or meetings under the party banner in the last few years. After snatching power in the panchayat, and losing it later in a no-confidence motion, the party has technically ceased to come together, said Simal Antony, who had won from ward 7 (Police Station ward) under the Chellanam 20-20 banner. Coming to this years elections, none of us who won last time as part of the collective is planning to contest, he added. Since the last civic polls, Chellanam panchayat has seen a dramatic turn of events and multiple presidents being sworn in. The LDF, with a clear majority under CPMs K D Prasad as its president, ruled the local body till October 2021 (for around 9 months). But the front was ousted after eight Chellanam 20-20 members and four UDF members voted in favour of the no-confidence motion. The change saw the UDF-Chellanam 20-20 alliance gaining power in the local body with the collectives K L Joseph becoming the panchayat president. Shortly afterwards, two members of the party -- Joseph and member Mary Simla -- defected to the LDF, and the alliance lost majority. The party disintegrated gradually and ceased operations completely. Chellanam 20-20 had joined hands with the successful collective of Kizhakkambalam Twenty20 in the last Lok Sabha polls, but its members told TNIE that there was no merger of the two apolitical parties.
Wedding held in Kochi hospital after bride suffers spinal injury
Mayavi represents LDF: Kothattukulam candidate becomes overnight social media star
KOCHI: Whats in a name, people may ask. For Maya V, the LDF candidate for ward number 26 in Kothattukulam, a good name means great fame. When the CPM picked her as candidate, everything was normal. But within a day, she became a star on social media as memes comparing her with Mayavi, the mischievous and playful goblin from a cartoon series published by a childrens magazine. People were creating memes based on the movie Mayavi with actor Mammootty in the lead role. Everything was normal till I went to bed two days ago. In the morning my comment box was filled with notifications. I enjoy the trolls and I am happy that it gave me big publicity. There were memes with Dakini, Kuttoosan and Luttappi, the evil characters of the cartoon series looking at me with jealous eyes. People welcome me with smiles and it is a big advantage in an election. Today, as I went to file the nomination media persons were eagerly waiting for me. It is an honour, says Maya V. A stand up comedian by profession, Maya V has been participating in a comedy programme of a popular TV channel for the past three years. A resident of Pavithreswaram in Kollam district, Maya settled down in Koothattukulam after her marriage with Siji Damodaran, who works as a chef in Ernakulam. My mothers name is Vasanthi and the initial V was added to my name during school admission. After all Mayavi of the cartoon series is a good character, she said. Maya V is locked in a triangular fight with Bhaskaran of the UDF and Jayan of the BJP in her ward.
Providential escape for German tourists in Chinese net mishap in Fort Kochi
Thiruvananthapurams Gen Z has something to say
Kerala is once again sliding into the election season, with the local body polls set to be held on December 9 and 11. Across the state, walls are sprouting posters, flex boards, and party colours. Small campaign offices have appeared in lanes and junctions. Political parties have now placed their candidates on the field, and campaigning is in full swing. But this election has a new audience watching from the front row Gen Z. The 13-to-28 crowd, stepping into civic life with a mix of scepticism, curiosity, and the tech-era clarity. Some are voting for the first time; others are just beginning to understand the dynamics of local governance what a ward is, what a panchayat does, who controls the streetlights, why a pothole doesnt get fixed for months..... Whether they know it or not, Gen Z has emerged as a decisive force in this electorate, and the future that these elections are building towards. Here is a sample of how Gen Z views the local body polls, how connected they feel to the political process, and what changes they hope to see in the city once the results are announced on December 13. Chalai Market needs a makeover Gokul S Vijay, 24, social media manager Its been four to five years since the renovation work began at Chalai Market, but we still havent seen much progress. The condition of the roads in and around the market is poor. Large vehicles pass through very narrow lanes, creating congestion. Almost all major market-related activities in the city depend on Chalai, but the physical space and infrastructure there are not enough to handle the volume of business. A complete and well-planned redevelopment of the market is one of the urgent needs. Compared to many other districts, Thiruvananthapuram maintains its roads reasonably well. However, parking remains a major issue, especially in busy areas like Thampanoor. Another important concern is waste management. While waste is collected regularly, I have heard that much of it is sent to Tamil Nadu cement plants for burning. That means we still do not have a fully functional and sustainable waste management system, and this needs to be addressed seriously by the new administration. Gokul S Vijay Adwaith Nair Focus on suburban roads Adwaith Nair, 17, Class 12 student I have become more familiar with the candidates and political discussions this year. But the excessive noise from campaign vehicles and loudspeaker announcements are disturbing. The roads in suburban/rural areas are in bad shape. Improving them should be a priority. Also, many students do not always want to study at home, so setting up small community libraries or study spaces in each locality would be a great support. Need more spaces like Manaveeyam Veedhi Xavior Raymond, 25, content writer Among Gen Z, there is a strong sense of awareness, even if society assumes otherwise. Most of us have our own individual politics, even if we dont always express them through party affiliations. Over the past five years, Thiruvananthapuram has seen major improvements in infrastructure, roads, and waste management. But one thing the city still needs is more public spaces where people can gather, relax, and enjoy the evenings like Manaveeyam Veedhi. Compared with cities like Kochi, Thiruvananthapurams nightlife is still limited. More such open community spaces in the city would make a big difference. Xavior Raymond Bhadra Vineeth Mohan Campaigns often ignore flats Bhadra Vineeth Mohan, 17, Class 12 student I used to live in a flat until recently, so I was not very exposed to the election process as campaigns rarely reach apartments. This time, candidates visited our house, which was new to me. If you ask me, one major area where the local body needs to improve is Primary Health Centres. I often go with my grandmother, and while the facilities exist, the atmosphere is not hygienic. Many essential services, like scans, are not always available there. Strengthening these will provide affordable private care. We also realised, when my grandmother became wheelchair-dependent, that many public places in the city lack proper accessibility. Improving infrastructure and making the city more disability-friendly should be a priority for the next local government. Need more streetlights Aksana Mujeeb, 18, psychology student With the ongoing road works, commuting has become difficult. And many places still dont have proper streetlights, which makes travelling at night unsafe. For students like me, the only free time is after college, which is usually at night. To feel safe while going out, measures like well-lit roads and better security should be ensured across the city. Aksana Mujeeb Archana Sathyan, Need a safe city Archana Sathyan, 20, engineering student I hope for a city where we can move around with freedom and without fear. The local body has an important role in ensuring this by installing and maintaining proper streetlights, setting up CCTV cameras in public spaces, and making roads and walkways safer for women. These are basic responsibilities that can directly improve safety, especially for youngsters who travel. Youth gives hope Abhimanyu Jaala, 24, freelance journalist Since the last two election cycles, political parties have been giving more space to young candidates. This gives me hope. One urgent issue we must address is the drainage problem. Even a small spell of rain leads to flooding in the city, causing inconvenience and disruption to daily life. Despite being one of the most well-planned cities in Kerala, this remains a major challenge that needs immediate attention. Abhimanyu Jaala
Orthodox leaf tea prices rise at Kochi auctions on export demand
High prices in North India has forced buyers to scout for tea from the South Indian auctions, say traders
A wedding against all odds: Bride injured in accident marries in hospital
KOCHI: What began as a morning of excitement for Avani, a native of Thumpoly in Alappuzha, turned into an ordeal no bride imagines. She had left home early on Friday, eager to get her bridal makeup done before heading to the temple for her wedding. But an unexpected accident involving Avani and her brother-in-law abruptly diverted her journey to the hospital. Initially rushed to Kottayam Medical College Hospital, she was later referred to VPS Lakeshore Hospital in Kochi for specialised care. Despite the intense pain from her spinal injury, Avanis determination, and that of her groom, Sharon, remained unshaken. What unfolded next was a rare, deeply emotional moment inside the hospital. As Avani lay on a bed in the emergency ward, Sharon tied the thali around her neck, fulfilling their wedding vows with close family members standing as witnesses. Avani was admitted to the emergency department. Her marriage was scheduled between 12:15 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. The grooms family requested that the ceremony be held at the hospital. With the managements permission, we arranged the wedding here, said a spokesperson for VPS Lakeshore Hospital. Soon after the ceremony, Avani was shifted to the ICU. She is scheduled to undergo spinal surgery on Saturday under the care of Dr Sudhish Karunakaran, head of neurosurgery, VPS Lakeshore Hospital. Meanwhile, guests who arrived for the wedding at the venue in Alappuzha were treated to a sumptuous meal, as planned earlier.
Kochi Muziris Biennale 2025: A behind the scenes look at the work by the production team
What goes on behind the scenes of Indias biggest art extravaganza, the Kochi Muziris Biennale
ED raids residences of former MLA P.V. Anvar, relatives in Kerala in load fraud case
Multiple teams of the ED from Chennai, Kochi and Kozhikode units, supported by the Central police force, began the raid at six houses soon after dawn
Malabari chicken curry among new dishes on Air Indias global menu
KOCHI: Air India on Thursday announced the introduction of its new global menu across its fleet. The menu draws inspiration from Indias diverse culinary tapestry, from the royal kitchens of Awadh to the coastal flavours of southern India, while incorporating global influences through Pan-Asian, European Bistro, and geo-specific star dishes. The new menu, which includes Kerala-style Malabari chicken, has been introduced on most international ex-India routes, including flights from Delhi to London Heathrow, New York, Melbourne, Sydney, Toronto and Dubai; from Mumbai and Bengaluru to San Francisco; and from Mumbai to New York, to name a few. It will be progressively rolled out across all international sectors as well as on domestic routes. The menu weaves a delicious story that combines the flavours of India with influences from global cuisines. To strike a chord with every traveller, there is a portfolio mix of region-inspired meals and global cuisines such as European bistros and pan-Asian. The region-inspired meals like south-Indian cuisine brings alive the heritage of India giving the travellers an authentic dining experience, the airline said. Guests travelling First Class will enjoy gourmet meals, artisanal breads, signature desserts, and bespoke wine and champagne pairings. Business Class offers multi-course gourmet meals with customisable options and curated beverage pairings, while Premium Economy and Economy feature upgraded meal trays with balanced, wholesome options with familiar regional flavours and enhanced presentation. Signature Indian dishes to be served include Awadhi Paneer Anjeer Pasanda (Veg Awadhi Thali), Murgh Massalam (Non-veg Awadhi Thali), and south Indian platter in First and Business Class. Rajasthani Besan Chilla, Malabari chicken curry, and Malai Palak Kofta in Premium Economy. At the very core, the new food and beverage enhancements draw inspiration from Air Indias commitment to continuous innovation and transforming the customer experience. We are reimagining the inflight dining experience that resonates with the tastes and preferences of global travellers. Our thoughtfully curated menu caters to guests from different cultural affinities who prefer delectable gourmet meals, said Rajesh Dogra, chief customer experience officer, Air India.
Trans woman moves Kerala HC to contest from women-reserved seat in Thiruvananthapuram
KOCHI: Amaya Prasad, a trans woman candidate of the Congress, approached the Kerala High Court on Thursday seeking a directive to the returning officer to accept and process her nomination under the women-reserved category for the Pothencode division in Thiruvananthapuram, and to permit her to contest the election as a woman in accordance with her legally recognised gender identity. In her petition, Amaya said she is a trans woman who has undergone complete medical, psychological and legal transition, and has been officially certified as female under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. She said she seeks to contest the upcoming district panchayat election from Pothencode division, which is reserved for women. On November 19, when she approached the returning officer to file her nomination, she was informed that, in the absence of an express provision in the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act or Rules allowing trans women to contest from women-reserved seats, her nomination was likely to be rejected and that she must obtain directives from the High Court. This stance, Amaya argued, violates her statutory right to a self-perceived gender identity. Amaya said several court orders had recognised that transgender women are entitled to be treated as women for all legal purposes, including political participation. The court admitted the petition and issued notices to the State Election Commission and the Union and state governments.
Panchayats in Kerala turn self govts with pioneering projects
KOCHI: From reducing carbon emission, fighting cervical cancer, and reviving rivers to radio park for elders, palliative care, menstrual hygiene, and veterinary care on wheels...the projects implemented by local bodies in Kerala over the last five years have been innovative, diverse and people-centric. The state governments achievements in digital literacy and extreme poverty-eradication were made with the support of local bodies. Around 152 local bodies have joined the net-zero carbon campaign to cut greenhouse gases, ensure safe disposal of waste and implement energy efficient practices. The degree for all scheme implemented by West Kallada panchayat, the journey of happiness taken up by Aruvappulam panchayat for the disabled, the music troupe for disabled launched by Elikulam panchayat and the Bhoomika biodiversity park project of Kodakara panchayat are examples of pioneering and unconventional projects launched by rural local bodies. Local bodies in Kerala have transformed into local self governments and have more responsibilities and functions, too. During the past five years the state government distributed Rs 70,000 crore to local bodies as development fund, maintenance grant and special purpose fund. No other state has implemented such devolution. Besides, special drives for digital literacy and eradication of extreme poverty were successfully implemented with active participation of local bodies, Local Self-Government Minister M B Rajesh told TNIE . The Planning Board has a resource group that provides guidelines on identifying projects. Besides, there is a core coordination committee headed by the minister which helps local bodies streamline projects based on guidelines. Representatives of all departments are members of this committee, which meets every month. We have published guidelines for implementation of projects in local bodies. When they come up with innovative ideas we hold discussions on making them feasible. Projects that do not fall under guidelines are considered by a state-level committee, said Planning Board member and resource group head Jiju P Alex. The state governments achievements in digital literacy and extreme poverty-eradication were made with the support of local bodies. For its part, the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) provides training to elected representatives and employees of local bodies. Over the past five years, it bagged two national awards for capacity building of local bodies. Kodakara panchayat transformed an abandoned funeral ground into a biodiversity park by availing funds from the state biodiversity board and the CSR initiative of Apollo Tyres. A butterfly garden, herbal garden, sacred grove and Miyawaki forest have all been developed on the 74-cent plot. A gymnasium, yoga centre and library function in the space previously used for funerals, says panchayat president Ambili Soman. In 2024, Perumbadappu panchayat in Malappuram won the national award for initiatives aimed at poverty alleviation and livelihood protection. The panchayat has spent Rs 2.72 lakh for poverty alleviation, points out president Bineesha Mustafa. In 2023, Alappuzhas Veeyapuram panchayat won the award for best self-sufficient infrastructure. Manickal in Thiruvananthapuram was second in the best panchayat category at the 4th National Water Awards instituted by the Jal Shakti Ministry for implementing schemes for revival of rivers and enriching water resources.
Kochi looks at bleak cruise season as Red Sea tensions cut big liners
KOCHI: Kochis 202526 cruise season is shaping up to be one of the weakest in recent years, with the port witnessing a distinctly lukewarm flow of foreign liners and little sign of recovery through the rest of the season. The World Odyssey may have opened the season under the Semester at Sea programme, but beyond that, the arrival list looks unusually thin. According to Cochin Port Authority data, only 14 foreign cruise ships have visited so far this financial year. Between October 2025 and May 2026, the core cruise season, just eight foreign liners are expected. Port officials say the decline is largely driven by the continuing volatility in the Red Sea. We saw many cancellations after the Red Sea issue and the Houthi attacks, a senior official said. The attacks, triggered by the Gaza war, have severely disrupted the Red Sea shipping corridor, forcing cruise companies to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope a longer, costlier route that has led many to drop Asian itineraries. The geopolitical uncertainty has particularly hit long-distance voyages that bring large foreign cruise liners to Kochi. The weakness is visible in the seasons line-up. Travel Agents Federation of India (TAFI) Kerala committee member Paulose Mathew notes that only one major foreign liner, Royal Caribbeans Celebrity Millennium, is scheduled, and even that for just two calls. Except Celebrity Millennium, all other ships have a capacity of less than 1,000. Where are the big vessels with over 2,000 passengers? he said. Kochi had seen strong cruise movement before the pandemic. In 201819, 49 ships brought in 65,000 passengers. Covid froze the sector, with gradual recovery in subsequent years. This year, the slowdown is unmistakable. Both tourism and port officials admit that the Red Sea crisis continues to cast a long shadow over Kochis cruise prospects. Kochi had seen strong cruise movement before the pandemic.
Renewed visa Israeli gift for Kannur womans heroics during Hamas attack
KOCHI: There are many real-life heroes among us who dont court attention, but end up getting recognised nonetheless. During the Hamas offensive of October 7, 2023, Sabitha Baby displayed great presence of mind and bravery in safeguarding the elderly couple she was caring for in Kibbutz Nir Oz, a settlement in southern Israel, near the Gaza border. And, as it ended up, the 40-year-olds effort didnt go unnoticed. The Israeli government has approved Sabithas second-term B1 regular work visa, which is automatically renewed annually for every five-year term. This is a gracious gift from the Israeli government. Now, if I want to stay beyond five years, I can renew my visa, Sabitha told TNIE by phone from Nir Oz. The standard duration for an Israeli caregiver work permit/visa (B1) is five years and three months. The countrys regulations permit extensions or re-employment under specific guidelines for caregivers who have been in the country for between 52 to 63 months. New guidelines allow workers to take on temporary positions while still in Israel, up to the 63-month limit. Prior to October 7, 2023, Israel used to recruit workers from Gaza, said Sabitha, who hails from Kannur. However, this stopped after the Hamas attack. The need for trained caregivers and workers in other sectors increased. The elderly couple who were under Sabithas care passed away not long after this. At the time, she had completed three years and eight months in her caregiving role in the country. Taking a job with another employer, she continued working in Israel for four years and five months. The Israeli government allows a caregiver to stay back for a year, under a humanitarian visa, if the patient being cared for dies during the period of the visa. After the surviving member of the couple she was caring for was transferred to a nursing home, Sabitha only had a few months left on her visa. So, she decided to apply for jobs that open up when contracted caregivers take vacation leave. Around the time, I received a call enquiring whether I would be ready to work in Nir Oz. I was contacted by Dalit, the daughter of the elderly couple, Rachel and Shmoulic, whom I had been taking care of when Hamas struck. She asked me to come back as she had a job for me in the community. I was contracted to look after an elderly woman named Margalit Moses, who had been abducted by Hamas. She was released as part of the second ceasefire deal, said Sabitha. Good fortune smiled on Sabitha when the Moses family and Dalit moved papers highlighting her contribution in safeguarding Israeli citizens. The government cleared the papers within two hours and granted me a regular visa. This is a rarity in Israel, added Sabitha. Reliving the memories of the Hamas offensive, Sabitha said, The house we lived in had been converted into a transit spot by militants. Hence, it was not burnt down. All other houses on both sides of the streets had been looted and gutted, their occupants either abducted or killed. Sabitha and her colleague Meera managed to barricade the safe room of the house for more than 12 hours. Since arriving in Israel in 2021, I have witnessed frequent bombings. But, October 7, 2023, was something very different. We were saved by the grace of God, she reminisced.
Ongoing interstate pvt bus strike, festive rush send airfares soaring in Kerala
KOCHI: The ongoing indefinite strike by several private-bus operators across south India has seen airfares go through the roof, particularly on key sectors such as Kochi-Bengaluru and Kochi-Hyderabad. This, coupled with the early rush for Christmas booking has pushed flight ticket costs to new highs, with some fares more than double their normal range. Ticket prices on Kochi-Bengaluru route for Thursday ranged from Rs 8,730 to a staggering Rs 29,400, compared with the normal range of Rs 2,300-7,000. And, fares on the Hyderabad-Kochi sector for December 21 (Sunday) hover from Rs 12,418 to Rs 27,900, far exceeding the normal Rs 3,200-5,000 range. According to Biji Eapen, national president of the IATA Agents Association of India, the average flight ticket price for the week leading up to Christmas has already breached the Rs 10,000 mark and is expected to skyrocket further as the festival season approaches. Airfares from Kochi to sectors like Bengaluru and Hyderabad have rises, while those for the Christmas season have skyrocketed. The situation will be worse as we near the festival season. The continuing strike by inter-state private bus operators is a key factor. Airlines follow a dynamic pricing system despite instructions from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to increase flight capacity and cap fares during the festive season and publish on their websites in advance the move to hike fares. The sector is unregulated. In fact airlines can increase the demand artificially by showing lower seat capacity, he pointed out. Bus operators crisis The root cause of the current travel chaos lies in the ongoing protest by inter-state private bus operators, who are demanding relief from what they describe as unfair taxes levied by Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. While a small group of operators have resumed service, the majority are continuing the strike, said Rijas A J, vice-president of the Intercity Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India and owner of Sona Travels. The financial burden is immense. An operator must pay Rs 12 lakh as tax for running a single service (two buses) for a 90-day period. This unsustainable cost is pushing bus owners into a crisis, with many fearing their assets could be seized by lending institutions by early next year. We also cant increase ticket prices as the same will result in a drop in demand. This is especially so with the newly launched Vande Bharat service on the Kochi-Bengaluru sector, Rijas said. The crisis has impacted even major players. FlixBus, a multinational giant, has reportedly threatened to halt operations in sectors like Alappuzha-Bengaluru and Alappuzha-Hyderabad due to the tax issue, having already drastically cut down on services. With private bus travel largely unavailable, travellers are increasingly reliant on KSRTC and rail alternatives. A senior KSRTC official confirmed that the corporation continues to operate additional services to Bengaluru. Furthermore, the Railways has stepped in, announcing the augmentation of coaches in trains destined for Chennai, such as the addition of one sleeper coach to Train No 22640 (Alappuzha-MGR Chennai Central Express) for several days in late November.
Kochi to host Konkani literary conference
Alliance Air, under the Government of India, connectssmaller cities and Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns to the main aviation network,bringing remote regions into India's aviation network. Building on this regional focus, the state-owned carrier introduced the Fare Se Fursat (One Route, One Fare) model last month, marking a significant step towards affordable, uniform ticketing across its routes. The initiative covers sectors such as Delhi-Shimla, Shimla-Dharamshala, Hisar-Chandigarh, Jabalpur-Jagdalpur, and Jalgaon-Ahmedabad, among others. These routes underscore the enduring significance of a public airline in connecting diverse geographies and fostering balanced regional development. Further connections such as Vidyanagar-Bengaluru, Kochi-Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar-Rourkela, and those in the northern and northeastern regions, including Guwahati-Aizawl, Imphal-Dimapur, and Jorhat-Tezu, demonstrate the airlines expanding network. By bringing previously unexplored destinations into focus, Alliance Air supports the governments effort to strengthen regional air connectivity. Meanwhile, the introduction of Fare Se Fursat reflects a well-structured measure to encourage domestic air travel and reinforce Indias aviation ecosystem. Industry experts view this model, launched under the broader framework of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity programme, as a potential turning point for affordable and inclusive air travel nationwide. Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman Sky One The purpose of aviation itself is to make air travel more people-oriented. One of the major concerns for passengers has always been the airfare. During peak seasons, they often have to pay higher prices, and when booking at short notice, they bear the impact of volatility. And if the state comes forward to address this concern, it is undoubtedly a positive step , ,said Jaideep Mirchandani, group chairman of Sky One . According to the official statement, Alliance Air will introduce a single fixed fare that remains unchanged, regardless of the booking date, even on the day of departure. This pilot initiative will be in effect from October 13 to December 31, 2025. Although it will initially apply only to selected routes, further decisions will be taken after assessing its operational feasibility and passenger response. The key question however is just who stands to benefit the most from this move? I think passengers who travel frequently between Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities will benefit the most. Alliance Air generally operates on short and medium routes under the UDAN scheme. Its fleet mainly consists of ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, which are suitable for smaller airports and can carry up to 72 passengers. The airline also operates a few ATR 42-600 aircraft with a capacity of 48 passengers and one Indian-made Dornier 228 aircraft that can accommodate 17 passengers. Naturally, this approach will make air travel more people-friendly, added Mr Mirchandani . The aviation expert says that measures related to fares and amenities, which may seem insignificant to high-net-worth individuals, hold great value for the common traveller. Without assigning blame, he points out that initiatives such as UDAN Yatri Cafes, offering tea for Rs 10, coffee for Rs 20, and snacks for Rs 20 at airports, can make a real difference to regular passengers. Gone are the days when air travel was seen as a privilege of the elite. It should be accessible to more people, ensuring dignity and affordability. We are now addressing one of the biggest concerns of passengers: airfare. I am curious to see howthis move will impact private airlines in the country after the pilot phase. It will be interesting to observe how they adapt and incorporate similar measures within their domestic realms , concluded Mr Mirchandani .
Beauty is most beautiful when it is simple. Trust a neurosurgeon, someone who has studied the labyrinths within the brain, saying that. The contours are difficult to manoeuvre, yet their beauty lies in their precision. Surgical precision. Immersed in one of her favourite paintings with an injured hand. Dr Usha Shajehan, who was a neurosurgeon for over two decades, probably understood the simplicity of beauty best through her profession. Her paintings, to be exhibited at the Vylopilly Samskriti Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram from November 22 to 26, will reflect this understanding amply. The 140 paintings that will be on display were created over the past year. A friend, Leela, the wife of Prof. I S Gulati, urged me to take up painting again. I had not painted for the entirety of my career, when complex brain surgeries filled up my time, says Dr Usha. During that phase, there was no mood for colours or sketches. But somewhere within me lingered a passion that had been awakened long ago, when I was 18. A friend named Sreedevi saw my biology sketches and told me I could sketch and paint. That stirred something within me. I did some artworks then, but on entering the medical world, I kept them as a cherished memory. Dr Ushas painting spree restarted last year when she was asked to touch up some prints of Jamini Roy that hung on Leela Gulatis wall. That exposed me once again to the world of paintings, she says. Some of Dr Usha's works: Quiet Majesty 'Ignite your soul' From then on, it was quite a passion unleashed. I painted relentlessly over 140 frames in a year. Some days, it used to be more than two paintings. Dr Ushas paintings reflect her penchant for simplicity, as does her attitude. What I see around me is a beautiful piece of poetry called life. And that is what strikes me the most. I want to paint it in all its lucidity. It shouldnt spark any intellectual tug-of-war, she says. Aligned with this thought, she paints an elephant basking in all its majesty, letting nature reveal itself through little nuances. So too are her watercolours of the verdant life in the woods. The gurgling ponds, stretches of greenery around softly undulating hills, and wildlife that reflects a quiet contentment in serene, simplistic environs. 'Waiting' 'Guardian Angel' It is the simple, organic happiness that I wanted to capture. Thats what most people seek. Havent you seen how works by Raja Ravi Varma or Jamini Roy even now fill souls with a unique sense of charm and calm? The beauty of nature, of life, of everything around me that naturally, seamlessly, and effortlessly stretches beyond the apparent towards the innate is what appeals to meand what I paint. I dont go looking for it. It just happens. I call it a higher influence a touch of grace or a feeling of oneness, quite Advaitic in a way, says the Kochi-born doctor based in Thiruvananthapuram. Drs Usha and Shajehan She loves working her brush inspired by the photographs taken by her husband, Dr Shajehan Shivasankara Pillai, who was also a neurosurgeon. He is an avid photographer, whose works form a body on their own. We travel quite a bit, and these journeys inspire both of us. I also take inspiration from his photographs and paint accordingly, says Dr Usha, who is also a keen cyclist, swimmer, and explorer. The couple quit medicine three years ago. We had enough of the field, although we enjoyed every bit of it. We felt it was time to delve into something that connected with our core, says Dr Usha. I learnt a lot from my profession diligence, nuanced discipline, steadfastness, and above all, fast and precise work. These now help me in pursuing my passion. Dr Ushas upcoming exhibition will be inaugurated by her good friend, Wing Commander S K G Nair (retd), who will do the honours in a very informal manner. If celebrities come to inaugurate, it becomes more of a publicity gimmick. I responded to a friends request to conduct the exhibition. Yet, to me, this is a very personal space. I wish to share it with those who want to be in the same space. The paintings selected too are that way, she says. The slow pace Dr Usha has tuned herself to defines most of her paintings, which are classified into collections such as Sunset, Waterscapes, Divine Presence, Fields, and Light and Shade. There are works in different media too watercolour, pastels, acrylic, etc. 'A Taste of the Past' I am an untrained painter who learnt the colour choreography all by myself. Training would have stripped me of my instinct. The instinct, I feel, is natures way of connecting to me, she says, pointing to her first oil pastel, painted at the Vazhalikkavu Bhagavathi Temple at Thozhupadam in Thrissur. I painted with a sling because I had injured my arm in a fall. But the entire scene created in me an undying urge to paint. I titled it Ignite Your Soul to show how the call from the soul cannot be ignored.
Kerala local body polls: Fed up with neglect, Mundamveli apartment residents to field own candidate
Residents of P&T Apartment Complex at Mundamveli have decided to boycott candidates of all major political fronts contesting from the Mundamveli East division of Kochi Corporation
Kochi police probe self-styled nun for online threat to bomb Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan
KOCHI: Police have launched an investigation into a self-proclaimed nun of the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC) who called for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to be harmed, on social media on Wednesday. The suspect, Teena Jose, an advocate residing at Pookkaranmukk near Padma Junction, came under scrutiny following intelligence inputs and a complaint submitted to the director general of police. However, no case has been formally registered, a top source with Kochi city police said. The alleged threat appeared in the comments section of a Facebook post shared by Selton L DSouza on the CMs participation in the local-body election campaign. Teena allegedly called for a bomb attack on the chief minister. When questioned by a special squad, she claimed it was merely an emotional remark, the officer said. An officer with Ernakulam Central police said, While the incident falls under our jurisdiction, a case has not been registered as no formal complaint has been received. Since the remark was made on a public platform, anyone can file a complaint, after which action will be taken. Meanwhile, in a press release, CMCs Vimala province said the congregation strongly condemns Teenas social media post suggesting harm to the chief minister. Teenas membership was revoked in 2009 under canonical laws and she is not permitted to wear the religious attire, the press note said. The congregation also clarified that all of Teenas actions are entirely her personal decision and responsibility.
Spot slots cut to 5,000 to manage pilgrims rush in Sabarimala
PATHANAMTHITTA/KOCHI : A drastic reduction in spot bookings and tighter restrictions on forest routes were among the measures taken by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) on Wednesday to manage the unprecedented rush of devotees that caught authorities unawares and led to complete system collapse in Sabarimala on Tuesday, the second day of the Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. The decision follows strong remarks by the Kerala High Court earlier in the day. Cautioning there was a real chance a catastrophe could occur at the hill shrine, the HC ordered assessment of Sabarimalas carrying capacity. The TDB capped spot booking to 5,000 pilgrims per day, from the earlier 20,000, until Monday, and said only 5,000 pilgrims would be allowed via forest routes, including Pullumedu. The first unit of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) also took charge at Sannidhanam. The 30-member team from the 4th Battalion of NDRFs Thrissur Regional Response Centre has been stationed along critical stretches near the Sopanam and along the Nadapanthal. Seven more booking counters were started at Nilakkal, with the base camp also serving as the first point of restriction. Preparations should have started six months ago Two hundred more staff members have been deployed at the queue complex, and another 200 will be added to manage toilet cleaning and sanitation-related work, TDB president K Jayakumar said. As many as 2,98,310 pilgrims have offered darshan at the shrine till the start of the pilgrimage season on November 16. ADGP S Sreejith said all pilgrims reaching on the date allotted in their virtual queue pass will be able to offer darshan. The HC had rapped the TDB for lapses in preparations. A Division Bench of Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K V Jayakumar observed that only a controlled number of devotees should be permitted entry. Noting that the arrangements for the pilgrimage season should have started six months earlier, the bench orally remarked that though the TDB is responsible for ensuring all facilities are in place, there appears to be no coordination. Measures taken for Crowd Management Spot booking capped at 5,000 pilgrims per day until Monday. Considering rush at Sannidhanam, this can be raised to 10,000 Max 5,000 pilgrims allowed on forest routes Virtual queue cap continues at 70,000 devotees a day. NDRF unit deployed at Sannidhanam 7 new booking counters opened at Nilakkal 200 staff deployed at queue complexes; 200 more to be engaged for cleaning toilets and sanitation-related works
Kerala HC order to constitute crowd management expert panel for Sabarimala
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to constitute a Sabarimala Infrastructure & Crowd Management Expert Committee, comprising specialists in transport engineering, urban and regional planning, civil engineering, disaster and crowd management, environmental science, public health, IT systems and data analytics. The experts shall analyse data, undertake field studies, and devise a comprehensive management plan in coordination with the TDB, police, forest department, health services, and district administration. The committee shall prepare a scientific master plan for each season after determining the carrying capacity of all nodes, and shall conduct both pre-season and post-season reviews to continually improve facilities. Further, the committee shall conduct a Geographical Information System (GIS)-based amenity audit, identifying, mapping, and geo-tagging all toilets, drinking water points, shelters, and medical kiosks, to detect blind zones and assess overall efficiency. In addition, a structural safety audit of walkways, barricades, railings, stairways, and holding areas is essential. This combined baseline data set shall form the backbone for all future decisions. The court said that no devotee must be subjected to unreasonable waiting without adequate shade, drinking water, sanitation, medical facilities, or rest areas. TDBs submission Though the Virtual-Q booking cap was fixed at 70,000 and spot booking was limited to 20,000, the inflow of pilgrims was so overwhelming that over 30,000 pilgrims were given entry without prior booking On the first day of the season, when the Nada opened at 4 pm, the permissible cap for entry was 30,000. However, on that very day, approximately 53,278 pilgrims reached Sannidhanam On Nov 17, though the Virtual-Q booking was capped at 70,000, the total footfall at Sannidhanam was 98,950, including spot bookings
What is SIR & why has it left voters confused?
KOCHI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is currently conducting the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Kerala . The first such exercise since 2002 is intended to review, update and streamline voter records ahead of the 2026 assembly election. What exactly is SIR? SIR is a detailed, one-time verification drive of electoral rolls, far more comprehensive than annual summary revisions. It involves booth-level officers (BLOs) visiting households, distributing forms and collecting updated voter details. Crucially, the process requires furnishing information that was recorded in the SIR conducted in 2002, including legislative assembly constituency (LAC), booth number and serial number. Given the 23-year gap since the last SIR, most voters understandably have no recollection of details and this seems to be the main challenge in the exercise. Why 2002 data is hard to trace The most significant challenge is the inability to fetch the old data from the Election Commission website. The main stumbling block is that one cant access old SIR data from the ECI website using the old voter ID number. Such a provision would have made the process much easier, said Gireesh Kumar, a BLO from Kudappanakunnu. Young voters and non-resident Indians (NRIs) who have relocated back home are among those struggling the most. One case Gireesh cited involved an elderly voter who returned from abroad long after 2002. He is now 83. His nearest relatives are all dead. Even if his father had a vote back then, he has no idea when or where he would have cast his vote. Were at a loss on how to retrieve the data, Gireesh said. Others are discovering discrepancies in previous rolls. I didnt have a voter ID card in 2002 since I was a minor, said Durga K S, a health official. Im struggling because I require my fathers details. He doesnt remember the booth he voted in, and it seems his name was misspelled then, which makes the search more difficult. Intervention by authorities To ease the burden, authorities have begun organising dedicated SIR help camps. Here, BLOs guide people through the online search system and assist in identifying 2002 records. We held the first of the series of camps on Tuesday. Many more will be held in the coming days, said Remya Nandanan, BLO in charge of Panangad. Reassuring voters, she said that there is ample time to complete the process. Voters neednt panic. They need to update their data only by May, before the assembly election. But, sooner the better.If a voters 2002 data cannot be traced, the ECI may send a notice for further verification. In some cases, the name may be withheld from the draft electoral roll until supporting documents establish eligibility. The most common issues faced by voters and their solutions What if voter has no recollection of booth name while retrieving 2002 data online? A. Log on to www.ceo.kerala.gov.in. Select your district and choose your LAC. Skip the Booth Name box and go straight to Voter Name. The name is to be entered in Malayalam. Those who are not well versed with the language can select the link given at the bottom of the page. You can type in English and the Google Tool will give the corresponding Malayalam word. How to deal with changes in administrative boundaries due to delimitation? A. The SIR form will have the contact number of BLO at the top. Ring up and confirm under which LAC you now fall before starting to take the previous SIR data online What to do if your name or house name is spelt wrongly in the voter ID or previous SIR? A. Continue with the data as it is, for now, as the voter list changes are temporarily frozen till the end of the SIR process. Once the same is completed, its advisable to change the name or house name as they appear in the Aadhaar card using Form 8 and submitting an application for the same. Confusion over old and new EPIC number, and where should the same be used? A. The two 10-digit EPIC numbers (in alphanumeric code) will be distinct in certain cases and unchanged in others. The new EPIC number of the spouse should be given in the first part of the form. The old EPIC number should be furnished in the second part -- data on a voters previous SIR details. How to go about confusing queries, especially with regards to previous SIR data on nearest relative of the voter (at bottom right side of the form)? A. One can easily get confused as to what to write in the right side column of the second part of the form -- Details of a voters relative included in the list of the last SIR. Against Voters Name, one must enter the name of the nearest relative (like father). Below that appears the EPIC No. One should provide the old EPIC number here. Then is Name of Voters relative. Here the name of the nearest relative of your nearest relative should be given. If you have given your fathers name, then you should enter the name of your grandfather (fathers father or the nearest relative of your father) there.
The forgotten 316 families in Kochi: victims of development speak out
The acquisition of land for ICTT connectivity displaced 316 families across seven villages spanning three Assembly constituencies and six local bodies in Ernakulam
Over 470 flat and commercial units lack STPs, Kochi Corporation tells PCB
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday dismissed the petition filed by filmmaker V M Vinu, fielded as Mayoral candidate of Congress in Kozhikode Corporation, seeking a directive to the district collector to consider his appeal against the removal of his name from the voters' list. While dismissing the petition, Justice PV Kunhikrishnan said, Simply because the petitioner is a celebrity, there can be no preference to him. He's only an ordinary citizen of this country. When the petition came up for hearing, the court asked, Do you have a case in which anybody deleted you from the electoral roll? Did the celebrity not read the newspaper? Even after the published draft list, the citizens will get a chance to add their names to the list. Why did you not file an objection? The petitioner's counsel submitted that the ruling party deleted his name. In response, the court asked, Why were you blaming other political parties? The United Democratic Front leaders approached Vinu and asked him to contest the election to the Kallayi division, number 37 of Kozhikode Corporation, and he decided to contest the election. However, at the time of filing the nomination papers, it came to the notice of the petitioner and others that his name was not included in the list. V M Vinu met the Electoral Registration officer only to get to know that the time was over. Thus, he filed an appeal before the district collector, which is still pending. According to the petitioner, he has taken all the steps to contest the election. The court had said that the preparation of electoral rolls started on July 19. A preliminary voters list was published, and there was an opportunity for the petitioner to object if his name was not there. Thereafter, the final voters list was published on September 2, and again, after revision, a final voter list was published ed October 15. However, the petitioner has not objected at that stage either, the court remarked. The Commission provided chances to citizens whose names were not mentioned in the final voters' list to update, and they were allowed to submit objections on November 4 and 5. The counsel for the petitioner states that his name is deleted because there is a political rivalry. I'm surprised to see such an argument from the petitioner. This is the fault of the petitioner himself. He need not blame others, and he has to blame himself. There's nothing in it. The petition is dismissed, said the Single Judge.
Need not record votes of mentally challenged persons digitally: Kerala HC
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has dismissed a petition seeking a directive that the votes of persons with mental disabilities be recorded digitally on a separate electronic voting machine while they cast their votes in the 2025 general election. Justice P V Kunhikrishnan said that the persons with mental illness or persons with intellectual disabilities are also citizens of this country, and they are our brothers and sisters. We should hold them close to our hearts and not insult them by treating them as a separate class. The court issued the order on a petition filed by Jomon Jacob and Thomas Palliyil, of Pala. According to the petitioners, voters who are currently in a rehabilitation centre for persons with mental disabilities are unable to cast their votes according to their will, and therefore, their votes are to be kept in a separate electronic voting machine and recorded digitally while they cast their votes in the ensuing general election of 2025. They alleged that around 60 voters were included in the list of the Pala municipality. They are residents of Mariya Sadhanam, a rehabilitation centre for persons with mental challenges. The court observed that no documents were produced to show that they are mentally challenged or have a mental illness. They are not even a party in this writ petition, at least in a representative capacity. Section 74(1)(b) of the Kerala Municipality Act says that a person shall be disqualified for registration in an electoral roll if he is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court. There is absolutely no case to the petitioners that the voters in the list are persons of unsound mind and stand so declared by a competent court. The court added that in a democratic process, it is necessary that ineligible persons are not included in the electoral roll. That does not mean that anyone can declare a person to be of unsound mind and approach the High Court seeking to exclude them from the regular voters list and to place them in a separate class, allowing them to vote on a separate electronic voting machine.
Seven apartment complexes in Kochi yet to submit affidavits on STP issue
Woman arrested for allegedly inflicting burns on 4-year-old daughter in Kochi
Navy sailor arrested in Keralas Kochi for alleged sexual assault on minor girl
Responding to the incident, the Southern Naval Command says it is looking into the matter with utmost seriousness'
ICA recognises ULCCS, a Kerala cooperative society, as global cooperative cultural heritage site
KOCHI: The Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS), Keralas century-old labour cooperative famed for its transformative role in community-led development, has been honoured as a Global Cooperative Cultural Heritage Site by the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA). The announcement, made at the iconic Itamaraty Palace in BrasliaBrazils Ministry of Foreign Affairs, designed by Oscar Niemeyerplaces ULCCS among 31 globally significant sites that capture the spirit and legacy of the cooperative movement. ULCCS shares the distinction with the Dr Verghese Kurien Museum of Amul in Anand, Gujarat, making India one of the few countries with two entries on the inaugural list. These 31 founding sites span 25 countries, including landmarks such as the birthplace of modern cooperation in Rochdale (UK), the Federation of Southern Cooperatives (USA), Moshi Co-operative University (Tanzania), and the ILO Cooperative and Social and Solidarity Economy Unit (Switzerland). Unveiled alongside the announcement was the worlds first Cooperative Cultural Heritage Platform and Global Map, a digital window into how cooperatives have shaped culture, livelihoods, education, and social progress across generations. ULCCS is featured on the platforms dedicated page, introducing global audiences to its unique legacy from rural Malabar. Cooperatives are not only enterprises; they are bearers of culture, history, and identity, said Ariel Guarco, ICA President. With this global map, we celebrate cooperation as humanitys shared heritage, he said in a release. Brazilian cooperative leader Mrcio Lopes de Freitas called the sites living classrooms of solidarity, while NCDC Managing Director Pankaj Bansal highlighted Indias technical partnership in developing the platform. The ceremony in Braslia saw participation from high-level dignitaries, including Ambassador Maria Laura de Rocha and UNESCO representatives. A century of labour-led transformation Founded in 1925, ULCCS has grown into one of the worlds largest and most diversified labour cooperatives, employing over 18,000 people and recording an annual turnover of Rs 2,334 crore. Recognised globally for its ethical labour practices and engineering excellence, the cooperative was ranked the worlds second-largest in the Industry and Utilities category by the World Cooperative Monitor for three consecutive years. From building Keralas major infrastructure to creating the worlds only labour-owned IT park (UL Cyberpark), ULCCS has diversified into technology, education, crafts, agriculture, housing, disaster management, and moresetting a global benchmark for labour-driven development. A growing global movement The ICAs new heritage initiative opens nominations worldwide, guided by a Charter that prioritises authenticity, community participation, sustainability, and cultural significance. Recognised sites will be awarded the ICACCH Label. Looking ahead, the ICA plans to launch the Intangible Cooperative Heritage List in 2026, spotlighting oral traditions, rituals, and practices that embody cooperative culture. With ULCCS now on the global map, Keralas cooperative legacy steps onto the world stagerooted in solidarity, powered by workers, and recognised as a living cultural treasure.g cultural rights and decent work.
KOCHI: The Cardiological Society of India (CSI), Kerala Chapter, has issued a strong statement condemning the circulation of false and misleading media reports across India that wrongly linked Dr Arif Mohammed, a young cardiologist from Kozhikode, to the recent Delhi bombing incident . Several media outlets and social media posts have misused Dr Arifs photograph and identity, causing severe distress to him and those around him. Dr Arif, who is currently working at the Metromed International Cardiac Centre in Kozhikode, completed his DM in Cardiology from Thiruvananthapuram Medical College in 2021 and has no connection whatsoever with the incident in Delhi. Terming the incident 'deeply disturbing,' Dr P K Asokan, President, CSI Kerala, said the careless publication of incorrect information has inflicted immense mental trauma on an innocent doctor, his family, and the medical community. An innocent professional has been dragged into a situation he has nothing to do with. The reckless circulation of his picture and personal details is unacceptable. We urge authorities to intervene urgently, stop the spread of this misinformation, and take strict action against those responsible, Dr Asokan said. The CSI Kerala Chapter emphasised that the episode underscores a major lapse in responsible journalism and fact-checking practices. Media houses and social media users must verify facts with utmost care. Publishing unverified information can destroy reputations and lives, Dr Asokan added. In the statement issued by Dr P K Asokan, president, and Dr Jo Joseph, secretary, the organisation has called upon all media outlets to immediately retract the erroneous reports, issue clarifications where necessary, and exercise restraint in future reporting. The public has also been urged not to share or amplify misleading content.
Kerala local body polls: Prakashan couple in electoral contest at Kochi Corporation
Teen stabbed to death amid clash near Thycaud in Thiruvananthapuram
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a shocking incident, a 19-year-old was stabbed to death after he intervened in a clash that broke out between a group of youngsters on Monday near the Shri Dharma Shastha Temple at Thycaud. The deceased has been identified as Alen, a resident of D-47, Thoppu, near Aristo Junction. Cantonment Police have taken four youths into custody following the incident. The incident took place around 5 pm. According to the police, about 30 youngsters had gathered near the temple after an argument broke out during a football match. Students from the Model School, teenagers from Jagathy and Rajaji Nagar often play together in the Model School ground. While they were playing on Monday, an argument escalated into a fight. Alen reached the spot with his friends to calm both sides, yet the situation turned violent. He suffered a single stab wound on the left side of his chest, reportedly inflicted with a pocket knife. The injury caused severe internal bleeding and damaged his heart. Two youths who were present but not involved in the fight took him on a scooter and rushed him to the General Hospital, but he succumbed to the injuries. Police said the group fled the area through a narrow lane behind the temple that opens to the main road near Sastha Gardens A Block. The location is usually busy as it lies close to C V Raman Pillai Road, the police training ground, and several houses. Residents heard the commotion and alerted the police soon after. Alens family had moved from Manikanteswaram in Peroorkada to a rented house near Aristo Junction six months ago. He had returned to the city three months ago after pursuing a job-oriented course in Kochi. His mother Manju works as a housemaid. The family had already suffered a tragedy a year ago with the death of his sister Andrea. The body has been shifted to the Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination. Police have intensified efforts to identify and locate those involved in the fight. Further investigation is under way.
Name deletion: Kerala HC tells SEC to consider Vyshnas plea
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Monday directed the State Election Commission to consider the appeal filed by Vyshna Suresh , the Congress candidate for the Muttada division of the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, against the deletion of her name from the voters list, and to pass an order on or before November 19. Justice P V Kunhikrishnan made it clear that a 24-year-old woman should not be denied her right to participate in the election on mere technical grounds. In these types of cases, the winner should be democracy and not technicality or party politics, the court observed. The court directed Vyshna and the complainant, Dhaneesh Kumar, of Palayam, who raised objection to the inclusion of her name in the voters list, to appear before the State Election Commission for a hearing on November 18. The order was issued on a petition filed by Vyshna challenging the deletion of her name. According to the petitioner, she and her family were included in the draft voters list published on September 29. However, she alleged that Dhaneesh, branch secretary of the CPM, raised a baseless objection after her candidature was announced, claiming she was not an ordinary resident of the Muttada ward. She stated that no documents were produced by him to support his objection. The petitioner submitted her voter ID issued by the State Election Commission, Aadhaar card, and driving licence. All these documents, she contended, clearly show that she is a resident of erstwhile ward 3 and the present ward 18.
With 450 buses, KSRTC gears up for Sabarimala pilgrimage season
KOCHI: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will operate three buses every minute on the Pampa-Nilakkal route during periods of heavy rush for the ongoing Sabarimala pilgrimage season. It has deployed a total of 450 buses in the first phase, focusing on both the critical chain service and long-distance routes. A total of 202 buses have been brought to Pampa for the chain service, a fleet which includes both low-floor AC and low-floor non-AC buses. As the pilgrim count increases, KSRTC is prepared to induct more buses onto the circuit, said Roy Jacob, special officer, KSRTC Pampa. To manage this high-volume operation, 350 drivers and 350 conductors have been specifically assigned to the route. Furthermore, 95 personnel have been designated for the coordination and control of all operational activities at Pampa. The management has also made provisions to ensure adequate rest for all staff to maintain service quality and safety. In addition to the high-frequency chain service, KSRTC will operate 248 long-distance services to Pampa from various major depots across Kerala. These services will link vital urban centres and transport hubs directly to base camp, providing seamless connectivity for pilgrims arriving from outside the state. Direct services are available from key locations such as Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Chengannur, Kottayam, and Ernakulam. Special shuttle services have been arranged to ferry pilgrims arriving by train at key railway stations including Chengannur, Tiruvalla, and Kottayam directly to Pampa. The KSRTC has established several support services to maintain the fleet and ensure pilgrim well-being. A fully functional mechanic garage is operational at the Pampa bus stand for immediate maintenance and repair of buses. Additionally, mobile workshops have been strategically placed at Pampa, Nilakkal, Plappally, and Perunad, to address any mechanical issues on the route. For emergency situations, KSRTC has also set up an ambulance facility at Pampa. Authorities have promised to increase the number of services as the crowd size grows. Pilgrims can contact the KSRTC Pampa at 9497024092 for inquiries and assistance. In large numbers Over 1.36 lakh pilgrims have had darshan since beginning of Mandala-Makaravilakku festival season on Sunday Around 55,000 devotees visited on opening day alone 18,000 police personnel to be deployed for pilgrimage season; 3,500 officers currently posted A maximum of 90,000 pilgrims to be allowed darshan per day -- 70,000 via virtual queue, 20,000 through spot booking
Kerala trans man fighting historic legal battle to preserve egg cells
KOCHI: A 28-year-old from Attingal who was assigned female at birth, identifies as a transgender man and has undergone gender-affirming treatment including hormone therapy and double mastectomy in 2023 is currently involved in a landmark legal battle. Hari Devageeth is seeking the right to cryo-preserve his gametes (egg cells) for use at a later stage in life. In a petition filed before the Kerala High Court, Hari stated that he has not yet completed sex-reassignment surgery. Once he undergoes the procedure, he will lose all remaining feminine reproductive features and will have to undergo a complete hysterectomy, including removal of the ovaries. Before taking that irreversible step, Hari said he wishes to preserve his gametes to keep open the possibility of having a biological child in the future. However, the situation is not in his favour. The central government has informed the court that under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, the procedure can only be accessed by a commissioning couple, defined as a married man and woman, or a single woman. Single men and transgender persons are not covered under the ART Act or its Rules, leaving Haris request outside the existing legal framework. The court will consider the issue on December 1. In his plea, Hari said he approached a private clinic in Thiruvananthapuram for freezing and storing his eggs. The clinic advised him to undergo an abdomen and pelvis ultrasonography, which did not indicate any significant abnormalities. After the tests, he approached the clinic again with a request for cryo-preservation. However, the private facility relayed its inability to do so, on the grounds that there is no provision under ART Act or the Rules which enables it to cryo-preserve the gametes of a transgender person. Regulatory limits arbitrary and illegal, says petitioner Hari argued that the ART Act and the Rules which limit the benefits of the act only to couples or women are arbitrary and illegal. In an affidavit, the undersecretary of the central health and family welfare ministry submitted that the transgender man cannot avail ART treatment. After undergoing sex-reassignment surgery, the petitioner can no longer avail the benefit of ART services, as for undertaking an IVF procedure, a womb of a mother is required for implantation of embryo as well as carrying the child to term. The only option available with the petitioner would be to undergo surrogacy using his eggs which is also not permitted under the provisions of the Surrogacy Regulation) Act, it said.
Trendy parodies in vogue, rap trumps conventional music
KOCHI: Ward number 10 aane Safiya Haris sthanaarthee! The catchy line set to the tune of the hit film Lokah has become one of the most viral election parody songs ahead of the local body polls. And Safiya Haris, contesting from ward 10 of Othukkungal panchayat in Malappuram, has gained wide attention, as candidates increasingly use such songs to strike a chord with voters. Besides, parody artists and social media influencers known for their musical content are now busy creating catchy tunes and lyrics to promote candidates who approach them. Around 35 to 40% of voters in most wards are youngsters, and many of them apolitical, disinterested, or unaware of whats happening. Election parodies styled after hit movie songs, rap, and new-gen compositions grab their attention quickly, and most candidates or parties now use them to connect with this group. Also, familiar tunes and catchy rhythms leave an impact on almost everyone, said Malappuram resident Akshay T, an independent artist and co-owner of Leh Studioz, who creates election parody songs. The demand this time for election parodies and original campaign songs has been unusually high, he pointed out. Earlier, this trend was mostly popular among Congress and IUML candidates, especially within Malappuram. But this year, we have received at least 10 pre-bookings from candidates of various political parties across districts outside Malappuram a sharp rise from the usual two or three in previous years, said Akshay, whose studio created official election parodies for Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, as well as rap songs for Shafi Parambil and E T Mohammed Basheer in the last Lok Sabha polls. An independent artist from Kannur said the spotlight has shifted from conventional film music. Rap styles inspired by artists like Vedan and Fejo, along with fully original compositions tailored exclusively for each candidate, are in vogue now, he said. Aflahul Ameen, popularly known as Aflu Song Killer and famed for his mock creations in the Mappilappattu style, is also active in composing election parodies. Explaining the process, he said: For parody requests, we adapt the lyrics to fit popular tunes, often suggested by the candidate or their parties. The same goes for rap versions. For original compositions, we create fresh tunes and craft lyrics highlighting the candidates name, promises, achievements, and sometimes even the shortcomings of rivals in a humorous or satirical tone. A Youth Congress state office-bearer said election parody songs are receiving far more traction than expected this election season. Unlike posters and banners, these songs reach voters instantly and help build familiarity with candidates. Most voters are young or music lovers, so they connect quickly, he said. While all parties now use such trends, the Congress and the IUML are using them more effectively.
A Musical tribute to Kishore Da in Kochi
Songs have the power to transport listeners to different worlds, stir memories and alter moods. Few voices have done this as effortlessly as Kishore Kumar, and his songs are considered the masters of it. The playfulness of Roop tera mastana , the pain in O majhi re , and the unfiltered romance of Pal pal dil ke pass are just a few examples of his repertoire that spans emotions still influential decades after his passing. A maverick in every sense, Kishore Kumar was not merely a playback singer; he was an actor, composer, director and comic genius who redefined what versatility in Indian cinema could sound like. Celebrating this legendary voice and the moods he mastered, Kochi will play host to a special tribute concert titled Many Moods of Kishore Kumar. The event, presented by Voice of India in association with the Kerala Fine Arts Society, will be held at 6 pm on November 22, Saturday, at the Fine Arts Hall, Kochi. Kishore Kumar Leading the evening will be K T Anilkumar (IRS), who is known for his moving renditions of Kishore Kumars classics. It was the audience who pointed out that I sounded very similar to him, he shares, recalling an experience. I also sing songs by other renowned singers such as SPB, Jayachandran sir, Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh and Yesudas as well, depending on the audiences requests. But a simple humming in Kishore Kumars style is captivating; there is a heaviness in his voice that no other singer has, and this is why I keep coming back to him. Anilkumar has been performing tribute programmes across the country this year to commemorate the 96th birth anniversary of the legendary playback singer. The upcoming performance is a part of the same. Joining him on stage are singers Rijiya and Beena Murali, each bringing their own distinct vocal style to complement the tribute. The musical arrangements and orchestra will be led by Susanth, who is based in Kozhikode. He is a master himself, informs Anilkumar. Talking about the range of songs that one can perform when it comes to Kishore Kumar, Anilkumar remembers an incident, I once performed 81 songs in a night, at a performance in Delhi, and still the audience came up and requested four more. We ended up performing 85 songs in total that night. I will never forget it, he smiles. Having performed in different cities, Anilkumar recalls having come across both positive and negative comments when singing in Kishore Kumars style. Some appreciate that I can bring his magic to the stage, and some complain that I only sing his songs majorly, he chuckles. Whatever the moods of the audience, he makes sure to tweak his playlist depending on the city he is performing in. One of my favourite places to perform in Kerala is Kozhikode, the audience there is very receptive and loving. They stay on till the end of the concert every time. Kochi does not disappoint either, Anilkumar shares. With a mix of unforgettable melodies, talented performers and the timeless charm of Kishore Kumars music, Many Moods of Kishore Kumar will bring back the celebration and nostalgia that lovers of classic Hindi film music will not want to miss. Many Moods of Kishore Kumar @ FIne Arts Hall November 22, 6pm. Entry is free. For details: 9388663345
After 40-day futile search for missing father, Bengaluru man leaves Kochi
KOCHI: After nearly 40 days of relentless search for Suraj Lama a Bengaluru resident who went missing in Kochi soon after being deported from Kuwait across every corner of the city, from crowded streets to quiet bylanes and almost every shortcut in between, his son Santon finally returned to Bengaluru late on Saturday. The junior Lama, known among friends and colleagues as Sunny, ended his final search along the inner routes of Aluva and Kalamassery on his rented bike, before quietly handing it back to its owners and leaving Kochi. Santon, though, is still holding on to a fragile hope of a call about his missing father. Something in my mind kept saying I should stay longer in Kochi, that my father was somewhere just within reach. But I had almost run out of money, and I needed to return to take care of my mother the only person I have left in this world, Santon told TNIE. As days went by with no progress from my search or the authorities, I told the police, my advocates, and the migrant worker friends who helped me that I am returning to Bengaluru. But I will remain just a phone call away because I still believe a positive call could come any moment, he said. He said, as the only son, he had to search for his father while also being mindful of his mother, who remains hopeful of Surajs return. Im going through a phase that most people cant even imagine, said Santon, his voice heavy with anguish. Expressing gratitude to his company and colleagues in Bengaluru, where he works as a marketing and SEO professional for Google Ads, Santon said, I could continue my search only because of the incredible support from my team. They helped me in so many ways, and I cant thank them enough. But I dont want to burden them any further, so Ive decided to rejoin the team this week. At the same time, he said none of the authorities concerned, including embassy and airport officials, gave a proper response regarding his fathers disappearance. The 59-year-old Suraj Lama, who had spent nearly 30 years in Kuwait running a restaurant, had landed at the Kochi airport on October 5, reportedly deported due to memory loss caused by methanol poisoning. But he went missing on October 10 after the police had admitted him to the Government Medical College Hospital in Kalamassery.
Man set ablaze after alleged clash between street dwellers in Kochi
Congress candidate moves Kerala HC against deletion of her name from voters' list
KOCHI: Vyshna Suresh, the Congress candidate for the Muttada division of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, approached the Kerala High Court on Monday challenging the deletion of her name from the voters list. The court will take up the case today at 1.45 pm. Senior advocate George Poonthottam will appear for the petitioner. According to the petitioner, she and her family were included in the draft voters list published on 29 September. However, she alleged that the Branch Secretary of the CPM raised a baseless objection on 5 November, after her candidature was announced. Pursuant to the objection, the Election Commission issued a notice and conducted a hearing on November 12. At the hearing, she produced all relevant documents proving her residence at Building No. 18/564 (old 3/564). Despite the complainant's absence and without proper recording of proceedings, the Commission, acting arbitrarily and under the influence of the complainant, deleted the names of the petitioner and her parents from the voters list without issuing any order. The final voters list, due to be published on November 12, was not released. However, the petitioner was able to view an online preview showing her deletion, which later disappeared. Consequently, she filed an appeal before the competent authority under Rule 26 of the Kerala Municipalities (Registration of Electors) Rules, 1994. However, she was not able to produce the deletion order as it was allegedly withheld. The SIR enumeration notice received thereafter again showed her residence as 3/564, confirming her rightful inclusion. With the last date for filing nominations being November 21, she has sought a direction to consider her appeal and ensure the inclusion of her name in the voters list of Division 27, Part 5, Muttada. She further stated that the deletion of her name is illegal and politically motivated, violating her statutory and constitutional rights to vote and contest in the upcoming election.
An autorickshaw drivers race against odds to feed the hungry in Kochi
KOCHI: For 44-year-old Anaz Panavally, his humble autorickshaw isnt just a means of livelihood. It is the vehicle for a quiet, persistent mission against hunger in Kochi. While he spends his days ferrying passengers, Anaz dedicates his meagre earnings and spare time to buying food packets and distributing them to the citys poor and homeless. This life-altering commitment was sparked by a deeply affecting incident that happened in 2019 at Jose Junction. Anaz, originally hailing from Panavally in Alappuzha district and driving an autorickshaw in Kochi for 18 years, witnessed a distressing sight. Dusk had set in, and suddenly, I was distracted by a squabble, Anaz recalled. Three persons, including a woman, were fighting fiercely over a single plate of rice someone had given them. That was an eye-opener. Until then, I looked at the people living on the streets passively. But this thought came to my mind that they too are humans with all feelings and emotions, he said. The sight of desperation for a basic meal ignited a profound empathy. Since then, he has used whatever savings he can scrape together from his earnings to buy and distribute food. He remembers the immense satisfaction of buying a meal for a six-year-old girl on the roadside in Kundannoor, a feeling that cemented his path. For the past six years, he has been striving to distribute water bottles to traffic police personnel, pedestrians, and school students during hot summer days. Sustaining the goodness Anaz supports a family of five, so finding money for this mission is a daily struggle. Yet, his commitment has drawn the attention of other Good Samaritans. What started with a couple of food packets is now an average distribution of nearly 40 packets a day. Its difficult to find the money... I have to sustain my family as well, he admitted. But word of his selfless acts spread. Some local shops, curious about the man buying so many food packets daily, now offer them to him free of cost. Others who learn about his mission often through his posts on social media contribute money or food, especially on special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. If no one turns up, then I will still be satisfied if I can buy a couple of food packets with the days earnings, he said. Anaz has come across different types of people. An elderly person used to come and sit at the same place at Lisie Junction, waiting for the food packet. One day, I enquired about his family and other details. To my surprise, he said he owns some land and a house at Thammanam. But his family doesnt want him. He told me he finds more comfort in the street than at home, he said. A gifted dubbing artist Anazs altruism is just one facet of his life. He also harbours artistic talent and is a member of FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala). A chance meeting with Malayalam dubbing artist Praveen Harisree five years ago opened the doors for him to pursue his dream as a film dubbing artist. He has since done small dubbing roles in films like Private and Dasettante Cycle, among others. He has also lent his voice in a small part in the upcoming Mammootty-starrer Kalamkaval. Recently, Anaz and his family moved into a small new house in Chandiroor, moving out of a dilapidated hut prone to waterlogging. He believes this blessing is a reward for his good deeds. A good soul, who I had never met, gave me a certain sum, and I took a bank loan to raise the rest of the amount, he said. Whether distributing food to the hungry or water bottles to traffic police and students in the summer heat, Anazs quiet acts of kindness continue to brighten the streets of Kochi, one meal and a bottle at a time.
Indefinite traffic ban on Kerala's key interstate highway
KOCHI: Traffic movement will be completely banned on the crucial interstate Anamala Road (SH 21) from Vazhachal to Malakkapara from Monday. The restriction is necessitated by the perilous condition of a culvert along the road. The closure would last for months as the public works department (PWD) is struggling to secure a contractor for the repair work in the deep forest region. The culvert, located approximately 17km from Vazhachal in the forest area, is in a dangerous condition and can collapse at any time, said Rakesh C, executive engineer, Road Division, Thrissur. A portion of the culvert has already collapsed, and cracks have reappeared even after the repair work. The engineer emphasised the gravity of the situation, noting that its complete failure would sever connectivity between the two regions. Despite securing an administrative sanction of Rs 40 lakh for the repair work, the PWD is still unable to find a contractor. A significant hurdle is the culverts location in the forest area with a high threat from wildlife, specifically from elephants. We couldnt get a contractor there despite our best efforts, the official said. The bans duration remains uncertain. The PWD has written to the forest department seeking permission to build a temporary road nearby, which would allow single-vehicle passage and help restore some traffic flow. If we get the nod, well construct a temporary road so that the traffic could be restored. However, we are yet to get the permission from the forest department, said Rakesh, adding that failure in securing the permission would mean that the traffic may not be restored until the completion of the entirely new culvert, a process that may take three months. The PWD is now preparing to float new tenders for demolishing the existing structure and constructing a new culvert. To expedite this, the department has written to the district collector seeking a relaxation from the election norms currently in place. Meanwhile, the ban would result in bus services between Chalakudy and Malakkapara, operated by both the KSRTC and private operators, getting cancelled. The PWD is yet to inform us. We have four services to Malakkapara from Chalakudy, besides the budget tourism trips. With the traffic ban in place, they will be cancelled indefinitely, said a senior KSRTC official. The Anamala Road (SH 21), also known as the Chalakudy-Malakkappara Road, is a vital 86-km-long route known for passing through the picturesque rainforests and linking Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Munambam agitation enters day 400 with no solution in sight
KOCHI: Four hundred days and counting! The indefinite relay hunger strike on the premises of Velankanni Matha Church, in Munambam, may have hit a milestone, but the fate of the over 600 local families remains in suspended animation. Even after the Kerala High Court ruled that their land is not waqf, the state government has not initiated any steps towards restoring their revenue rights. On Sunday, residents gave vent to their frustration by burning copies of their property documents and taking out a protest march. We live each day in the expectation of a lasting solution. We never ever thought the agitation would extend to the 400th day, said Joseph Benny, convenor of the Munambam Land Protection Council. The agitation venue has been seeing a continuous parade of political leaders, he said, adding, However, when it comes to the question of restoring our revenue rights, nobody has an answer! According to Fr Antony Xavier Tharayil, vicar of the parish, the hearings slotted in the High Court and the Waqf Tribunal this week are a beacon of hope. On November 19, the HC will pass its ruling, while the tribunal will give its judgment on November 21. Everything hinges on the statement that will be given by the advocate general, representing the state government. Political leaders have been visiting us from time to time. But they need to understand that its time for action -- not promises, he said, addressing agitators. He highlighted how nothing had materialised from the meeting with minister P Rajeeve. Fr Antony said residents are done with excuses and promises. We have seen days turn to weeks and weeks into months. We want the issue solved before the elections, he added. With local-body elections at their doorstep, residents are not too keen to participate. Whom do we vote for? This is the big question that voters here face. Every political party has failed to keep its promise! said Joseph Rockey Palackal, council member. BJP state vice president Shone George said the ball now lies in the court of the state government, and it is delaying measures to restore the revenue rights of residents. The HC has said the land is not waqf! Now what is stopping the state government from restoring the revenue rights of residents? Since the case filed by the IUML is still in the Supreme Court, the formulation of rules that the central government had promised cannot be initiated. However, we had formed a committee comprising top lawyers to draft rules to reinstate their revenue rights. The committee prepared a proposal, and this has been submitted to the central government, he told TNIE.
India-made fleets crafted in Kochi
Cochin Shipyard eyes doubling turnover as country moves to strengthen presence in global shipbuilding sector
98% of water supply reinstated, claims KWA a week after storage tank collapsein Kochi
The drinking water supply to 30% of areas within the Kochi Corporation and nearby local bodies was affected after the sidewall of one of the chambers of the twin-chambered storage tank of the KWA collapsed
Kochi City police register 49 NDPS cases during weekend drive
Fort Kochi cries for upkeep despite Kochi being listed among the top 10 global trending destinations
Multiple schemes announced by the State government in recent years to restore the Fort Kochi beach, which once saw the footprints of traders from across the world and three colonial powers, remain non-starters
Only 11.4 per cent of deaths in Kerala medically certified in 2023
KOLLAM: How many know that a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is legally required when a person dies under the care of a doctor, whether in a government hospital, private hospital, or at home? Despite Keralas reputation as a public health model, the state shows a serious gap in the medical certification of deaths. Only 11.4% of the deaths registered in the state in 2023 were medically certified, according to the latest MCCD report of the department of economics and statistics. Out of 30.4 lakh deaths registered, just 34,705 had a doctors certificate recording the cause of death. That despite MCCD being mandatory under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act when a doctor attended the patient during the last illness. The report points to limited implementation, with the MCCD scheme functioning only in five urban local bodies Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Kozhikode and Alappuzha covering just 150 hospitals across both public and private sectors. Among the medically certified deaths, circulatory diseases such as heart attacks and strokes account for 26.4%. Diabetes-related deaths have doubled over the past decade, rising from 10% in 2014 to 19% in 2023. However, the report notes that these figures likely represent only a small portion of Keralas actual disease burden. The report also says that when preparing MCCD, doctors must note the underlying cause the root disease or condition that initiated the chain of events leading to death along with the immediate cause of death. Accurate documentation helps the government understand mortality trends and plan health interventions, particularly in managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. A senior health department official tells TNIE that many government hospitals are not consistently following MCCD norms. Most hospitals skip issuing MCCD The cause of death is always a sensitive issue. Hospitals often record only the final event, like heart attack or multi-organ failure, without noting the underlying condition. Most hospitals skip issuing MCCD, and the details remain only in the patients case summary. Relatives are also not aware of the requirement, so they rarely demand it, the official said. Another official with the health department says families usually seek the certificate only when faced with insurance claims, pension benefits, inheritance procedures or legal disputes. Most families are not interested in MCCD unless they run into a legal or financial issue. When the cause of death is not certified, they may face delays or denial of benefits. Hospitals also avoid the process because the government is not pushing for it. A simple circular could make hospitals comply, he said.
NIA extends probe into 2023 Maoist attack in Wayanad
KOCHI: In a major development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has decided to conduct further investigation into the 2023 Maoist attack on the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) office in Wayanad, even after filing a chargesheet against five accused. Officials said the probe will continue as the forensic reports are still awaited. The agency has also sought and obtained permission from the Ernakulam NIA Special Court to conduct further investigation. The agency has submitted various digital and physical samples to forensic laboratories in Kerala and Tamil Nadu for comparative analysis, and the reports are awaited. In addition, a petition was filed before the court seeking permission to inspect the material objects, including the weapons seized by the Anti-Terrorist Squad. The court has granted the request, and the process is currently under way. Given these pending reports and procedures, the NIA stated that further investigation in the case is required and will continue until all forensic and material examinations are completed. According to the NIA, on September 28, 2023, five members of the proscribed terrorist organisation CPI (Maoist), armed with prohibited firearms, trespassed into the KFDC office at Kambamala in Thalapuzha, Wayanad. The accused allegedly raised grievances over the poor conditions faced by Kambamala plantation workers, took foodgrains and other items, forcibly evicted staff from the office building, and vandalised the premises, causing damage estimated at Rs 5 lakh.
Congress unveils surprise candidate from Ravipuram division in Kochi
The party declared Antony Judy, who contested on Twenty20 ticket from Ernakulam in last years general elections, as its candidate
Kochi wins national honour for green transport initiative
Rift in NDA averted as BDJS allotted 13 seats in Kochi Corporation
The BDJS, which had stayed away when the initial list was announced earlier this week, was represented by its State general secretary and district president Sujith at the release of the second list
Woman, partner arrested for allegedly assaulting minor son in Kochi
The alleged incident occurred on November 13, 2025,, when the boy, who usually slept with his mother, was asked to move to another bedroom, which he refused, following which the womans partner reportedly assaulted him
Kochi ranks fourth in youth employability, overtakes Delhi and Hyderabad: Report
KOCHI: Kochi has pulled off a stunning leap in Indias talent map outpacing metro giants Delhi and Hyderabad with a whopping 76.56% employability score, according to the India Skill Report 2026. The report by Education Testing Device (ETS), a global education and talent solutions firm, prepared along with All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), said the coastal city, long known for its culture and cosmopolitan buzz, is now stamping its authority as one of the countrys fastest-rising skill and opportunity hubs. As Global Capability Centres (GCCs) now employing over 2 million professionals and generating USD 46 billion in annual exports spread their wings, the ripple effects are energising Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Kochi, Coimbatore, Indore once considered secondary markets are fast becoming the new engines of global delivery, it said. As far as the youth employability is concerned, Kerala scored 72.16%, above Delhi at 71.25%. Kerala stood fourth in the rankings; Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 78.64%, followed by Maharashtra (75.42%), Karnataka (73.85%). Keralas Higher Education Minister R Bindu believes this rise is no accident. The steps taken for skill development in our higher education institutions are paying off, she told TNIE . Our new four-year UG programme ensures students pick up real, industry-ready skills while they study. According to the report, Lucknow leads the top-performing cities with a 79.45% score, followed by Pune (78.92%), Bengaluru (77.84%), Kochi (76.56%), and Chandigarh (75.12%). Among the tier-2 cities, Lucknow and Kochi are emergingas strong talent hubs, it said. The report also highlighted the pivotal contribution of the Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP Kerala) in strengthening Keralas employability profile. ASAP Keralas market-aligned training programmes, supported by structured internships, have significantly boosted youth employability across high-demand sectors, it said. Industry experts echo optimism Kochi is perfectly positioned a big city with a dense web of educational institutions, a booming startup culture, and a strong IT presence, says Sreekumar V, secretary of GTech, a Thiruvananthapuram-based association of IT companies. He pointed to the explosive growth of MuLearn, GTECHs flagship skilling initiative. This year alone, 67,000 students joined MuLearn. Companies now recognise that these students bring raw potential that can be shaped through focused, in-house training. The momentum is unmistakable. Nearly 30% of BFSI hiring in Tier-2 cities is now happening in places like Kochi a trend mirrored in IT and pharma-healthcare as well. Backing this up, a recent Nasscom report on GCCs crowned Kochi the No. 1 Tier-2 hotspot for global centres, highlighting its 8,000+ GCC workforce, robust talent supply, and deepening academia-industry linkages. From once playing catch-up to now setting the pace, Kochi isnt just rising its rewriting the rules of Indias talent race.
Amid taxi conflicts, govt pitching Kerala Savaari as safer alternative
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With tension persisting between online taxi-hailing platforms and traditional drivers across major tourist hubs in Kerala, raising concerns over passenger safety, the state government is turning to the upgraded app Kerala Savaari 2.0 as a comprehensive alternative. The home-grown, government-owned ride-hailing platform is being strengthened with new features including integration with Kerala Polices safety application, Pol-App, to ensure safer travel for women. An official associated with the project told TNIE that the Pol-App integration will be rolled out by December. Women riders will be able to add three emergency contact numbers while booking a ride, and they can instantly share their travel experience with their close contacts through an in-app chat feature. If a passenger feels unsafe, she can trigger an SOS alert to Pol-App. This service is already operational, and integrating it into Kerala Savaari will significantly enhance passenger safety. Once an SOS is sent, the passenger receives a call within 45 seconds and her location is immediately shared with the police. Depending on the complaint, strict action will follow. The motor vehicles department will initiate procedures to suspend the drivers licence and the vehicles registration if required, the official said. To curb fleecing of tourists at major destinations, the authorities are also planning to introduce eco-tourism packages within the Kerala Savaari app in collaboration with the forest department. Kerala Savaari 2.0, relaunched recently, has already prompted other online taxi aggregators to reduce fares, officials said. The service is currently active in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram corporations, with around 19,820 and 4,200 drivers onboard respectively. The private aggregators are exploiting both drivers and customers. Many drivers no longer trust those platforms and several trade unions have expressed willingness to migrate to Kerala Savaari, the official said. The platform is currently recording around 2,500 bookings per day, but officials want to scale this up quickly to ensure that each driver gets at least four rides a day. The government has urged all government employees to use the platform to provide feedback and help fine-tune the app. We aim to increase ride volume, popularise the platform, and make Kerala Savaari error-free. Our goal is to make it foolproof by next March, the official added.
KSRTC rolls out 72 temple-connect packages for Sabarimala pilgrims
KOCHI: Pilgrims embarking on spiritual journey to the Sabarimala hill shrine this pilgrimage season have an enriched experience awaiting them, thanks to the novel initiative of the KSRTC Budget Tourism Cell (BTC). The corporation has rolled out an extensive set of 72 temple-connect packages for the mandala season, designed to allow devotees to offer prayers at major temples en route, weaving together a more holistic pilgrimage circuit. The initiative is being carried out in association with the Travancore Devaswom Board. We have introduced 72 chartered packages, involving 1,600 trips, for the first phase of the pilgrimage season. More trips will be conducted depending on the demand. The temple-connect packages, especially those from northern parts, will be of two-day trips, while those from comparatively nearby places like Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta will be one-day services, a senior BTC official told TNIE. The seats of a BTC bus can be booked by a single group or multiple groups. A chartered bus will ply if 90% of the seats are booked. A standout offering among the 72 packages is the Ayyappa Darsanam pilgrimage circuit, which connects four historically and mythologically significant temples Kulathupuzha Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Aryankavu Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Achankovil Sree Dharma Sastha Temple and Pandalam Valiya Koyikkal Sree Dharma Sastha Temple associated with the life of Lord Ayyappa. Pampa depot facilities to be free for BTC travellers This circuit is a meticulously curated route tracing Lord Ayyappas journey through various life stages as cited in legends. Apart from this, the BTC has listed a wide array of other packages. For instance, pilgrims from the northern parts of Kerala can opt for packages that include the Guruvayur temple, while those from the south can choose packages featuring the Kottarakkara Ganapathy temple. The final schedule for these chartered trips will be tailored to the specific interests of the travelling groups, the official said. The authorities promise that these tours will be offered at reasonable rates, with fares for packages originating from destinations like Thrissur ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 700 per person. To encourage pilgrimage groups, we are offering a commission for bulk bookings. A 3% commission will be given to the groups leader if the booking is done on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) and 2.5% on weekdays. The order in this regard has been issued, the official said. For the first time, the KSRTC is enhancing pilgrim amenities by offering dedicated luggage space and refreshment facilities at the Pampa depot free of cost for travellers availing BTC packages. Also, BTC coordinators will be stationed at Sannidhanam to provide direct assistance to pilgrims. The pilgrims will be taken back to their origin destination in the BTC bus. For enquiries, contact BTC coordinator Pathanamthitta (9188938524) and BTC coordinator Chengannur (9188938525).
Bihar boosts BJPs morale in Kerala
KOCHI: With less than one month to go for the local body elections, the NDAs landslide victory in the Bihar assembly polls has come as a morale booster for the BJP rank and file in Kerala. The obliteration of the Congress has not only drained the confidence of its leaders but has also created an impression that the opposition is crumbling. In the Kerala context, the increasing trend of consolidation of Hindu votes and alienation of Christian votes are posing threat to Congress, and according to political observers, the Bihar results will further weaken its image. Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited Kerala in August, had set a target for the state leadership to raise the partys vote share to 25% in the local body polls. After achieving the 20% target in 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the national leadership has told the new state unit to consolidate its position as the third alternative. In the past week, many local CPM, CPI and Congress leaders have joined BJP, an indication of its growing influence. Though politicians term the defections as desperate moves for seats, BJP believes this will help shed the untouchable tag that has been posing hurdles in its growth. The political killings in Kannur started with CPM leaders joining the RSS in the 1960s. After that, CPM leaders were afraid to switch loyalty. Now, local leaders of the CPM are joining the BJP without fear. This indicates the changing role of the BJP in Kerala politics, BJP leader and journalist K V S Haridas told TNIE. The BJP also expects a Hindu vote consolidation in its favour in southern districts in the backdrop of the Sabarimala gold theft case. The arrest of former Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president N Vasu and charges against CPM leaders, including ex-TDB president A Padmakumar, may work in its favour. The Bihar elections have wiped out the dynasty politics followed by Congress and RJD. This will serve as an eye opener to parties like SP, DMK and TMC, said BJP state vice-president K S Radhakrishnan. The result endorses the development politics of Narendra Modi. Naturally, refelctions of Bihar elections will have an impact in Kerala. The allegations against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls have failed to influence voters. BJP will make significant gains in local body polls and will grow as a formidable force after the 2026 assembly polls, he said. Political commentator A Jayashankar observed that though the Bihar results will provide an advantage to the BJP, the ultimate beneficiary will be the LDF. The result has drained the morale of the Congress and demolished Rahul Gandhis leadership. In Kerala, Congress stand in the Munambam issue, Palluruthy hijab issue, and its decision to cooperate with Jamaat-e-Islami have earned the wrath of the Christian community. The eroding support from the Christian and Nair communities will weaken the Congress. The ultimate gainer will by the LDF and this will pave the way for a third Pinarayi government, he said.
Key suspect in organ trafficking case in NIA custody
KOCHI: The NIA Special Court, Ernakulam, has granted custody of Madhu Jayakumar of Ernakulam, the key accused in a case related to the alleged trafficking of people to Iran for illegal organ donation, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) till November 19. The NIA suspects that Madhu is the mastermind behind an organ-trafficking network operating in Iran, allegedly coordinating with hospitals there. It suspected that around 20 Indians have been taken to Iran under his leadership since 2019. The organ-trade racket came to light when Immigration Bureau officials questioned Sabith Nasar, a Thrissur resident, who arrived from Iran in August 2024. He had been taken to Iran to donate a kidney after being promised a large sum of money. Apart from Sabith, Sajith Shyam and Bellamkonda Ramaprasad who were intermediaries in Madhus network were arrested last year.
Surprise over two candidates remains as Cong. presents rest of its panel for Kochi Corporation
The party has already announced candidates for 62 of the 76 divisions in the Corpn. through two separate lists; first list contained 40 names, followed by another list of 22 candidates on November 13, 2025
CPIs Kochi Deputy Mayor resigns from party, slams candidate selection process
Kochi mandalam committee issues statement dismissing Ansiyas allegations as baseless and adds list of candidates was finalised based on majority decision of the committee, which was then forwarded to the district committee, that approved the candidacy
Kerala HC orders 'Haal' makers to remove beef biryani scene, dismisses Catholic Congress claims
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday directed the makers of Haal , starring Shane Nigam, to delete the controversial beef biryani scene along with certain dialogues, while dismissing objections raised by the Catholic Congress against the film. Justice V. G. Arun instructed the filmmakers to implement two of the six cuts proposed by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). These include Excision 5, concerning a courtroom sequence, and Excision 6, which requires the removal of the beef biryani scene and dialogues allegedly derogatory to a cultural organisation. The latter involves references such as Dhwaj Pranam, Abhyanthara shatrukal, Ganapati Vattam, Sangham Kavalund, and their subtitles. The court also ordered that the word Rakhi be blurred wherever it appears. The remaining four cuts, primarily related to alleged Christian religious sensitivities, including a dialogue attributed to the Thamarassery Bishop, were set aside. Haal film misrepresents faith of Christians, Catholic Congress tells Kerala High Court Directing the filmmakers to re-submit the edited version to the CBFC, the court instructed the Board to complete certification within two weeks of resubmission. The bench rejected the objections of the Catholic Congress and the Thamarassery Diocese, who argued that the film misrepresented the Bishops House, depicted the Bishop without permission, and promoted Love Jihad. Justice Arun held that the depictions fell within the scope of artistic freedom under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution and could not be considered indecent, immoral, or capable of inciting violence. The court added that portraying a Christian girl in Muslim attire or featuring an interrogation scene involving schoolboys could not be viewed as objectionable. Director Muhammed Rafeek (Veera) and producer Juby Thomas had approached the court claiming that the CBFCs decision to impose cuts and grant an A certificate was arbitrary and unconstitutional. On 25 October, the judge viewed the film at a private studio in Kakkanad in the presence of representatives from the Catholic Congress and other parties. Describing Haal as the story of a Muslim boy and a Christian girl who confront religious and familial opposition before securing acceptance, the court observed that the film underscores the message that love has no religion. It concluded that the films broader theme aligns with constitutional values and does not misrepresent interfaith relationships. The CBFC has been directed to review the film afresh and issue certification once the mandated cuts are incorporated.
ED moves Kerala HC seeking case files in Sabarimala gold theft incident
Kochi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday approached the Kerala High Court seeking documents related to two cases probed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in the Sabarimala gold theft incident, for initiating a probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). In its petition, the ED said it had received information indicating that 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 .
Bank Employees Arts Movement Ernakulam hosts its 500th programme on November 15
Over 42 years, the collective has consistently organised cultural events in Kochi
Kerala HC asks Centre to review Amal Neerad firms plea on National Awards submission delay
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has directed the Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, to consider a representation submitted by Amal Neerad Productions LLP, Ernakulam, which produced the Malayalam film Bougainvillea , regarding the alleged denial of an opportunity to submit its entry for the 72nd National Film Awards 2024. The court directed that an order be issued in this regard within 10 days. Justice V G Arun issued the directive on the petition filed by Amal Neerad, partner of Amal Neerad Productions LLP. The counsel submitted that the petitioners attempt to register on the official login portal was thwarted due to technical glitches. The petitioners film, Bougainvillea , for which the application was to be submitted, has been conferred with seven awards at the Kerala State Film Awards. Therefore, the alleged denial of an opportunity will not only affect the production company but also the chances of the artists and technicians who have worked hard for the films overall success. Though the petitioner submitted a request on 31 October, the last day for submitting the application, nothing has happened since. The Central government informed the court that the official portal was open from 10 October and that Pan-India publicity was given for the 72nd National Film Awards, 2024. The court said it cannot delve into the question of whether the petitioner was prevented from applying due to a technical glitch. As the petitioner has raised such an allegation and submitted a request to extend the time for accepting the application, the authority concerned has to decide at the earliest.
Maridas Kalloors new book decodes the mystery around Devastha Vili, an ancient exorcism ritual
Devaasth Aroopathilekkulla Vili, in Malayalam, is a deep dive into the history and evolution of the centuries-old Lenten tradition prevalent in coastal Kochi
NIA arrests prime accused in trafficking people to Iran for organ transplantation in Kerala
Ernakulam native Madhu Jayakumar was arrested after he arrived from Iran on November 8. He is being questioned at NIA office in Kochi
Is Singing A Patriotic Song A Crime In Kerala?
Did you know that singing a patriotic song glorifying your motherland could be considered a crime in Kerala and might even land you in trouble? No, this is not a hypothetical scenario; this is exactly what happened last week. In connection with the flagging off of a new Vandebharat train between Kochi and Bengaluru, the Continue reading Is Singing A Patriotic Song A Crime In Kerala? The post Is Singing A Patriotic Song A Crime In Kerala? appeared first on OurVoice | WeRIndia - Analysis & Opinion .
Better to approach SC: Kerala High Court to state on SIR petition
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Thursday suggested it would be appropriate for the state government to approach the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission of Indias (EC) decision to conduct the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Kerala. Hearing the states petition to defer the SIR until after the local body elections, Justice V G Arun made the suggestion, saying several other states had also filed Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) against the exercise. At the hearing, Advocate General K Gopalakrishna Kurup said the state had not questioned the SIRs validity as of now, but was seeking its deferment until the LSG polls were over. The state is of the view that the SIR...is not conducive to the democratic polity of the country, he said, and sought to reserve the states right to challenge the SIR in appropriate proceedings, if necessary. However, senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, the EC counsel, said the states petition was a clever ploy aimed at ultimately pushing the SIR beyond the elections. The state contended that conducting the SIR simultaneously with the local body polls would hinder its smooth conduct, which the state said were a massive exercise requiring deployment of 1.76 lakh personnel from government and quasi-government services, along with an additional 68,000 police and security personnel. The state would face an administrative deadlock, the AG said. Dwivedi submitted that the SIR was announced on October 27, and by now, 55% of the enumeration work was over. The entire process is to be concluded within one month, ending on December 4. It involves only obtaining the electors signature. The state should have approached the Supreme Court. Any intervention at this point by the HC would interrupt the process mid-way, he said.
Home and away Can Twenty20 up its game?
KOCHI: When Twenty20 swept 17 of 19 seats in Kizhakkambalam grama panchayat in 2015 barely two years after its formation it was seen as a political anomaly. This corporate-backed civic experiment had unexpectedly evolved into a hyperlocal movement. Its subsidised Bhakshya Suraksha Market, welfare and infrastructure interventions, and the much-discussed Gods villas seemed to signal a new model of local governance, one that voters rewarded again in 2020. That election also marked the partys first major expansion: it retained Kizhakkambalam and extended influence to three neighbouring panchayats Aikaranad, Mazhuvannoor, and Kunnathunad. Now, a decade into its dramatic entry, Twenty20 is attempting its most ambitious leap yet. The party has announced plans to contest in 55 local bodies, including key municipalities such as Maradu, Tripunithura, and Thrikkakara, as well as Kochi corporation. The pitch is clear: Positioning itself as the alternative for voters tired of the traditional UDF-LDF binary. But can a hyperlocal movement built around a corporate ecosystem scale into a statewide political force? Political observers say the answer is almost certainly no. In the beginning, the party had possibilities. But it could not keep up with its promises. The founders political statements affected its image as an independent force. The party does not have a clear roadmap or agenda to grow in Kerala, and many early leaders have left, said senior journalist and political analyst M G Radhakrishnan. The party has selected panchayats across Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Ernakulam, where it currently holds two district panchayat seats, to further its ambitions. But analysts argue that geographical spread alone does not guarantee political depth. According to Dr D Dhanuraj, founder of the Centre for Public Policy Research, a Kochi-based think tank, expansion beyond a local cluster requires the organisational muscle of alliances. In Kunnathunad and nearby areas, Twenty20 can operate independently. But to win assembly or Lok Sabha seats, you need a strong institutional framework, clear policies, and committed cadre. That is a continuous and long-term process, he said. Twenty20s immediate impact, however, cannot be dismissed. In the 2021 assembly election, it contested eight seats in Ernakulam and significantly dented the UDFs prospects in Kunnathunad, Kochi, Kothamangalam, and Vypeen. Its founder, Sabu Jacob, maintains that Twenty20 is the only force willing to address chronic civic failures. LDF and UDF have failed to tackle even basic issues like mosquito menace, waterlogging, drinking water scarcity, waste disposal, and traffic congestion. These are areas ripe for corruption, which is why established parties hesitate. Only Twenty20 can take these issues head-on, he earlier told TNIE. But even Sabu acknowledges setbacks. The Kitex Groups decision not to invest further in Kerala, he admits, curtailed the states development potential a move widely seen as politically charged. Political observers unanimously agree: Twenty20 may retain Kizhakkambalam and its neighbouring strongholds, and may even snatch a few more local bodies. But a pan-Kerala presence remains unlikely. They may win in pockets. But expanding even within Ernakulam -- let alone the state is going to be difficult, Radhakrishnan said. Dhanuraj echoed this point, noting that the partys influence is heavily concentrated. People in panchayats around Kizhakkambalam may elect them. But building presence in districts where they have no history or local grounding is an entirely different challenge, he said. As Kerala heads into local body elections, Twenty20 appears poised to disrupt and potentially spoil the prospects of the major fronts, particularly the UDF. But the broader question remains: Is it an emerging political alternative or simply a hyperlocal outlier with limited room to grow? For now, analysts say its future is firmly tied to where it began: Kizhakkambalam and its immediate neighbourhood. In a league of its own Twenty20s performance over the previous two local-body elections in Kizhakkambalam and neighbouring panchayats Local body Seats won /total seats Kizhakkambalam 17/19 Kizhakkambalam 18/19 Aikaranad 14/14 Mazhuvannoor 14/19 Kunnathunad 11/18
Road works likely to worsen logjam amid pilgrimage rush
KOCHI: The annual Mandala pilgrimage season to the revered Sabarimala Ayyappa temple is set to commence in a week, bringing with it the customary massive influx of devotees from across South India. However, this year, the sacred journey threatens to devolve into a chaotic ordeal, thanks to the unfortunate timing and sluggish pace of major road works that are creating severe bottlenecks across Central Kerala. The convergence of heavy traffic and widespread construction is set to test the patience of pilgrims and local commuters alike. NH 544 bottleneck at Amballoor One of the most immediate and critical gridlocks is forecast for the Thrissur-Angamaly section of NH 544, specifically at Amballoor. The construction of an underpass here is progressing at a snails pace. The work should have been completed before the pilgrimage season began. A heavy traffic congestion is being experienced at Amballoor now. Neither have they readied any alternative roads nor any traffic diversion plans have been formulated so far. Most of the alternative roads are in a dilapidated condition, said lawyer-cum-Congress leader Shaji J Kodankandath. He warned that the issue will turn much worse with the impending arrival of vehicles from neighbouring states, highlighting a serious lack of foresight in planning. A top NHAI official, however, refuted the charges, maintaining that measures are in place. In Amballoor, the police have identified diversion roads to help ease traffic congestion. Additional traffic marshals have also been deployed, and necessary traffic signboards have been installed, the official said, placing the responsibility for traffic management squarely on local law enforcement. Elevated highway woes on NH 66 Further south, the construction of the elevated highway on the 12.75-km-long Aroor-Thuravoor section of NH 66 presents another critical choke point. The dilapidated Ezhupunna-Kumbalangi road through which heavy vehicles are being diverted from Thuravoor due to highway construction The dilapidated condition of alternative routeslike the Thuravoor-Thycattussery and the Thuravoor-Ezhupunna-Kumbalangi Coastal Roadwill force most vehicles onto the main highway, where construction is heavily under way. While a slight, temporary relief has been felt following court intervention, which led to the deployment of traffic wardens and the start of tarring work on marshy stretches, the overall situation remains precarious, said Sanoob Aziz, a member of the Janakeeya Jagrata Samiti. Aziz emphasised the need for authorities to hasten the process before the pilgrimage starts and to immediately clear construction waste and rebuild roads where work is complete, demanding a war-footing response. Responding to the concerns, a senior NHAI official claimed significant progress, stating, Weve already completed 80% of the construction works in the Aroor-Thuravoor section. The official promised to complete structural elements like piers by January but shifted blame for immediate delays to another agency. A major hurdle is the setting up of high tension power lines at two locations. The KSEB is going slow on the same, he said. Tough ride on MC Road, and a distant solution The anguish is not confined to the National Highways. The MC Road from Angamaly to Muvattupuzha will also suffer due to existing works, with heavy congestion expected around Kalady and Muvattupuzha town. While the finance department recently sanctioned a significant Rs 377.8 crore for the renovation of 82 roads, this relief will not materialise in time for the current pilgrimage. Regarding the perpetually clogged Muvattupuzha Junction, a senior NHAI official offered a future solution, confirming that the tender for the detailed project report for a Muvattupuzha bypass has been awarded to a consultancy firm, HEC Pvt Ltd, which has been given six months to prepare the report. For the thousands of pilgrims set to arrive in the coming days, however, this promise of a bypass is a far-off hope. The acute traffic congestion at Amballoor junction
Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan to formally present all 62 party candidates
Surprise omissions, rising rebels shake up Congress campaign in Kochi
Mahal committee in Kochi sets up help desk to clear SIR doubts
Laughter, memories, mutual respect mark Kochi Corporation Councils farewell session
A former councillor who represented the then Champakkara ward of the Kochi Corporation P.V. Chandran was expelled by the CPI(M) last year and is contesting the newly delimited Vyttila ward under the UDF banner
Embrace the Chill with Pepe Jeans London
This Winter, Pepe Jeans London invites you to Embrace the Chill, a campaign that celebrates easy winter style, versatile layering, and cozy comfort. The new AW'25 winter collection combines light and heavy winter wear that balances functionality and fashion. It captures the spirit of the season with modern shapes and classic Pepe flair. Embrace the Chill with Pepe Jeans Londonnew AW'25 winter collection This season's lineup highlights the brand's signature craftsmanship in corduroy, flannel, jackets, sweatshirts, puffers, shackets, and ofcourse denim. It is designed for those who love to express their style while staying comfortable during the colder months. Each piece blends Pepe Jeans' distinctive design with practical warmth, making it the ideal wardrobe for the modern winter explorer. A standout this season is the launch of the Thinsulate Puffer Jacket, made with 3M's insulation technology. This innovative process creates a lightweight yet effective jacket that offers great warmth without the extra bulk, perfect for facing chilly days while keeping your style sharp. From the rugged appeal of denim to the soft touch of flannel and corduroy, Pepe Jeans' AW'25 winter collection celebrates the joy of dressing for the season, where style meets comfort, and every layer tells a story. Embrace the Chill. Feel the Warmth. Live the Style. Watch the video here: Video 1 - youtu.be/_bEBFQPFP9M Video 2 - youtu.be/XMEVwGz9Qtc Where to Find Us Pepe Jeans London is present across major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Kerala, Pune, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Mohali, and more. The brand is also available at Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop, leading department stores and MBOs across India. Pepe is also available online on Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, Ajio, Tata Cliq, and other leading platforms. About Pepe Jeans London Pepe Jeans London was born on Londons iconic Portobello Road in 1973. Today, over 50 years later, the brand remains devoted to its initial mantra and pledge to create the worlds most exciting denim-led fashion. The diversity and mix of cultures that define the city of London also define the Pepe Jeans personality, providing a constant source of inspiration for the womens, mens, and junior collections. Music, Culture, Fashion, London, and Denim - thats what Pepe Jeans is all about.
Kerala HC suggests state move Supreme Court against ECs Special Revision drive
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Thursday suggested that it would be appropriate for the state government to approach the Supreme Court challenging the Election Commission of Indias decision to conduct the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Kerala. During the hearing of the petition filed by the state government, Justice V G Arun said it would be better to approach the Supreme Court, as several other states have also filed Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) against the SIR. The court will pass an order on Friday on the states petition seeking deferment of the SIR until the local body elections are over. Advocate General K Gopalakrishna Kurup argued that the state has not questioned the validity of the Election Commissions SIR and that the writ petition is confined solely to seeking its deferment within the state until the local body elections are concluded. The state government contended that conducting the SIR simultaneously with the local body elections would hinder their smooth conduct. The general elections to the LSGIs are a massive exercise requiring the deployment of 1,76,000 personnel from government and quasi-government services for election-related duties, along with an additional 68,000 police and other security personnel for election-related security duties. The state pointed out that elections to the LSGIs in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam have been scheduled for December 9, while those in Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod are scheduled for December 11. The election notification will be issued on November 14. The last date for filing nominations is November 21, scrutiny will be on November 22, and withdrawals will be allowed until November 24. Counting will be held on December 13, and the last date for completing the election process is December 18. The guidelines show that the SIR involves a comprehensive and cumbersome procedure. The state would face an administrative deadlock if it conducted the LSGI elections and the SIR simultaneously, the Advocate General submitted. Senior Advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, counsel for the Election Commission of India, submitted that the SIR exercise was announced as early as October 27. BLOs were appointed and trained, and the SIR began on November 4. By now, 55 percent of the enumeration work has been completed, and the entire process is to be concluded within one month, ending on December 4. This exercise involves only obtaining the electors signature. The enumeration forms are pre-filled with the Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers, addresses, and other details. These forms are taken door to door by BLOs and agents of political parties, who obtain electors signatures before uploading the completed forms. More than half the exercise has already been completed, and the process is underway. The state should have approached the Supreme Court, Dwivedi submitted, adding that any intervention at this point by the High Court would interrupt the process mid-way.
Dispute over seat sharing, BDJS boycotts NDA candidate announcement meetings
KOCHI: Expressing discontent over the highhanded approach of BJP in seat sharing, Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), a major partner of the NDA in Kerala, boycotted the meetings held in Ernakulam and Alappuzha to announce candidates for the local body elections on Wednesday. The BDJS had demanded 10 seats in Kochi Corporation. However, as talks failed to reach a consensus, the BJP announced only 32 candidates in the 76 seats in Kochi Corporation. In Alappuzha South organisational district, the NDA had organised four meetings to announce the candidates at Mavelikkara, Kayamkulam, Chengannur and Haripad on Wednesday. The announcements were made by BJP state secretary S Suresh, state general secretary Anoop Antony, senior leader P C George and state vice-president B Gopalakrishnan. However, the absence of BDJS leaders reflected the growing discontent in the front. Despite Alappuzha being a stronghold of BDJS, there was no reference about party president Thushar Vellappally in the poster of the programme. The BJP unilaterally announced candidates in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode corporations. Even in Palakkad municipality, there was no discussion. This is against the principles of cooperation within the alliance. If the BJP does not want our support, we are ready to contest alone. We will be announcing our candidates for 20 seats in Thiruvananthapuram in a couple of days. Though BJP state president is ready to negotiate, some leaders of the party are very arrogant in their approach, a senior leader of BDJS told TNIE. Meanwhile, Rajeev Chandrasekhar has convened a meeting of NDA leaders in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday to discuss the issues.
BJP looks to progress with professional edge
KOCHI: With a technocrat at the helm of affairs, the BJP is banking on professionalism and development to upset the decades-old bipolar politics in Kerala. Understanding the pivotal role of panchayats in expanding its support base at the grassroots level, the party has been persevering for the past six months -- reorganising booth-level committees, forming election-management committees at ward level and preparing panchayat-specific development agenda. Besides, its cadre has been actively enroling new voters, an exercise done by only the CPM in the past. The party has added around 8 lakh new voters over the past few months. The BJP studied long-pending projects and explored central initiatives that can be utilised in each local body. Based on the effort, a development agenda has been prepared that will be presented before voters along with the party manifesto. The projects proposed for corporations such as Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have been sent to a Mumbai-based agency to be repackaged in a professional manner. We have prepared development plans for each local body diligently by identifying projects and discussing with local leaders and professionals. Our teams will visit houses and expose the long forgotten projects and the possibilities of unexplored central projects. There has been a shift in the outlook of voters and we believe this will lead to change, BJP state general secretary Anoop Antony said. Among the six corporations, the BJP is focusing on Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur. In the capital, the party topped the vote count in 71 corporation ward segments in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. In the Thrissur assembly constituency, Suresh Gopi posted a 14,117 vote advantage over his nearest rival. In Ollur, Suresh Gopi led by 10,000 votes. The BJP believes the last Lok Sabha election has transformed the election scenario, that will allow the party to post major gains in the local-body polls. The BJP is expecting discontent among Hindu voters over the Sabarimala gold theft to work in its favour in the south. In the central districts, the party is banking on its appeasement of the Christian community.
First-off-the-blocks UDF looks to press advantage in local body polls
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After a gap of nearly 15 years, a sense of renewed hope appears to be sweeping through the ranks of the Congress-led UDF. Workers believe the alliance is finally poised to reemerge as a formidable force before the assembly election in 2026. According to senior leaders, the last time the UDF stormed the local bodies was in 2010. Since then the front has consistently disappointed, especially in 2015 and 2020 when the LDF consolidated its position. With these polls being viewed as a do-or-die battle, the Congress and allies see it as a curtain raiser to the assembly election. Despite a series of setbacks in recent years, the Congress has succeeded in energising its workers and local leadership. The end justifies the means, a Congress political affairs committee member said. We will not settle for nothing less than success, he said. At its Wayanad chintan shivir, the party unveiled Mission 2025, detailing its strategies and road map for local-body polls. Our workers visited homes before our opponents even began preparatory work, said KPCC working president P C Vishnunadh. We distributed leaflets highlighting the failures of the state and central governments, and for the first time, ward committees were authorised to collect funds from the public through coupons, he said. The UDF also focused on ensuring that voters affiliated to the front are added to the voters list. For the first time in decades, the Congress candidate selection process was uneventful. In Thiruvananthapuram corporation, the party released its list while both CPM and BJP were still finalising candidates. In the 2020 local-body election, the UDF lost Kochi and Thrissur corporations as rebels played spoilsport. This time, we were able to fix issues that arose at the grassroots level, Vishnunadh said. KPCC leaders were named to oversee activities in 14 districts, while senior party leaders were given charge of the six corporations. The leaderships decision to leave candidate selection to ward committees resulted in lowering the number of defectors. The UDF will raise the Sabarimala gold-theft controversy as a key issue this election. The opposition front will also look to milk any anti-incumbency against the LDF government. It will also focus on unemployment, the states financial strain and setbacks in the health sector, besides local issues.
Bengaluru man combs every Kochi street, bylane in search of missing father
KOCHI: In the rush of cars and bikes in Kochi city, a young man sat quietly on the steps of a commercial complex near Pathadipalam metro station. Suddenly, he leapt up and ran towards an elderly passerby, his eyes searching the mans face with desperate hope, only to turn away disappointed. The 35-year-old man then returned to his spot, beside a fading poster that read Missing: Suraj Lama. Santon Lama, son of 59-year-old Suraja Bengaluru resident who went missing in Kochi after being deported from Kuwait last month has had the same routine every day: combing every shortcut, bypass and street across Ernakulam district in search of his father. Every time my phone rings, hope fills my heart. Yesterday night (Tuesday), I got a call from Perumbavoor about a possible sighting. I rushed there and searched till morning, but in vain, said Santon. Suraj worked in Kuwait for nearly 30 years, running his own restaurant. He was deported to Kochi after reportedly suffering memory loss caused by methanol poisoning. After his condition worsened, Suraj was transferred to a deportation centre and sent to India. Two days after his arrival, we received a photo of an air ticket from one of his friends in Kuwait, revealing that my father had been deported via Jazeera Airways on October 4 and landed in Kochi the next day, said Santon. He said, I recently rented a bike to ease my search. Every morning, I fill its tank and ride through the streets, residential areas and bylanes across Ernakulams rural belt - from Aluva to Perumbavoor - looking for my father. By evening, I return to the city and continue looking in public places, including the shelter home premises. At night, I go from one metro pillar to another, checking the people sleeping there, hoping to find my father among them. Santon Lama I wish to find my father and reunite him with my mother After a missing persons complaint was filed, a Kochi Metro feeder bus driver claimed he saw Suraj at the Aluva metro station. There were also reports of him being spotted near a house in the Thrikkakara area. None of the leads panned out. The police had admitted Suraj to Kalamassery Medical College Hospital on October 10, but he disappeared from there, Santon said, his voice cracking. He said his father wasnt deported using his passport, but through some special arrangement. How did he pass immigration? Why was he sent to Kochi instead of Bengaluru? Why didnt the Kuwaiti officials inform us? And how could the airport authorities let an ailing elderly man leave unattended? So many questions and not a single answer. Is this the treatment a common citizen deserves? he asked. I am not looking for a confrontation with the authorities. As his only son, I wish to find my father and reunite him with my mother in Bengaluru, who is living a life drained of hope, Santon said. The police and authorities grow weary of the prolonged search for Suraj. However, Sunny remains deeply grateful to everyone involved. After we filed a habeas corpus petition, the High Court directed the Kerala Police to respond and form a special investigation team, which included me. Migrant workers in Ernakulam, especially in the Perumbavoor Bengali Market, have been incredibly supportive, even setting up an inquiry booth. Moreover, Justice Devan Ramachandran of the High Court personally reached out to me after learning about the case and extended his support, Santon said. On the fate of his fathers restaurant at Al Salmiya in Kuwait, Suraj said he had hardly thought about it. All he is concerned with is finding his father, no matter how many days it takes.
KWA to conduct safety audit of all water storage tanks in Kochi
