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
Tea prices continue to rule firm at Kochi auction
The dust market in sale 46 witnessed 99% sales out of the offered quantity of 5,78,095 kg
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
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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.
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
Kochi shines on global map: Only Indian city in Booking.coms top 10 destinations to visit in 2026
KOCHI: Kochi has done it againthis time on a global stage. The Queen of the Arabian Sea has been named among Booking.coms Top 10 Trending Destinations the world must see in 2026, standing tall alongside hotspots in Vietnam, Spain, Colombia, China, Brazil, Australia, Germany, and the USA. And heres the kickerKochi is the only Indian city to make the cut. The announcement came as part of the Amsterdam-based travel giants annual Travel Predictions Research, which identifies the most exciting destinations shaping global travel trends. Booking.com noted that 2026 will be the year travelers design trips as unique as they are, seeking out places that reflect their passions, stories, and sense of adventure. Celebrating the recognition, Tourism Minister P A Mohammed Riyas took to Facebook: Keralas pride in the heart of the world! Kochi has been selected as one of the 10 trending destinations the world should see in 2026! Cultural heritage, a world of flavors, beautiful beaches this is the magic of our Kochi! Booking.com describes Kochi as a city shaped by centuries of global trade and cultural exchange. From the charming lanes of Fort Kochi lined with pastel mansions and hip cafs, to the iconic Chinese fishing nets silhouetted against the Arabian Sea, the city, it says, is a special place that captures the soul of southern India. The portal also highlights Kochis vibrant creative pulseespecially during the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, when its historic warehouses transform into avant-garde art spaces. Add to that its cuisinedeeply rooted in Keralas spice-rich traditionsand you have what the travel giant calls the perfect soulful gateway to southern Indias natural beauty and cultural riches. With this global nod, Kochi joins an elite list of world destinations set to define travel in 2026cementing its place not just as Keralas pride, but as one of the planets most enchanting crossroads of culture, flavor, and art.
Kochi makes it to the list of top 10 trending global destinations
Only tourism destination from the country to be part of the list prepared by Booking.com
Kerala local body polls: LDF declares 70 candidates in battle for Kochi Corporation
List includes nine sitting councillors, 17 former members and seven candidates under the age of 40. The total representation of women is 56%
Kozhikode Mayor Beena Philip and Kochi Mayor M. Anilkumar express a desire to return to organisational roles in their parties, while Thrissur Mayor M.K. Varghese hints at political ambitions. Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran also appears to be primed for a larger political assignment
Tank collapse: Water supply restored partially in Kochi
KOCHI: A day after the collapse of a key storage tank at the Thammanam pump house, water supply to major parts of the city was partially restored by Tuesday afternoon as the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) resumed pumping operations utilising the remaining tank at the site. The massive ground-level water tank had collapsed early on Monday, severely impacting the water distribution network in nearly 30% of the Kochi corporation area and the adjacent Cheranalloor panchayat. The collapsed tank, a 40-year-old structure with a capacity of 1.3 crore litres, sent a gushing flood of approximately 1.15 crore litres of water across the residential area behind the pump house. Subsequently, regions like Vyttila, Petta, Vaduthala and Pachalam were left facing an acute water shortage. KWA worked on a war footing and managed to resume operations at the Thammanam pump house. A successful trial run of the temporary supply system was completed this afternoon and the water supply restored, Industries Minister P Rajeeve, who is in charge of Ernakulam district, said. Earlier, Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine had asked the authorities to ensure that the pumping schedulepreviously running for seven hours with both tanks in operationis maintained for the same duration, but now split into multiple phases. This critical strategy aims to manage the flow and pressure distribution across the reduced network capacity, a senior KWA official said. Despite the partial restoration, KWA officials cautioned that it will take another one week for the situation to become normal, especially to ensure a smooth water flow to areas near the tail ends of the pipeline. For households that may still face difficulties (in tail-end areas), the KWA will arrange for water to be transported directly to their homes via tankers, guaranteeing that every resident receives their essential daily supply, Roshy said. In areas inaccessible to tankers, small tanks with capacities of 5,000 to 10,000 litres will be placed nearby. A preliminary probe by experts, including a team led by Job Thomas, head of the department of civil engineering, Cusat, pointed to structural failure as the root cause of the tank collapse. The soil erosion is suspected to have been caused by a leakage in the 40-year-old tank structure.
Kerala High Court: Son must support aged mom despite husbands aid
KOCHI: The High Court has held that a mothers right to claim maintenance from her son or daughter is independent of her husbands obligation to maintain her. The court further stated that a mother can claim maintenance from her children even if her husband is supporting her, and that a son can be legally required to contribute if the mother is unable to maintain herself and the husband is not providing sufficient support. Justice Kauser Edappagath issued the order on a petition filed by Farookh, of Malappuram, challenging the order of Family Court, Tirur, granting maintenance of Rs 5,000 per month to his 60-year-old mother. The petitioner argued that since his father was already providing maintenance to the mother, she could not claim additional maintenance from him. The court rejected this contention. The court observed that the petitioners claimthat his mother was rearing cattle and earning enough income to support herselfmust be rejected outright. It noted that it is quite unfortunate and inappropriate for an affluent son to tell his aged mother that she should engage in cattle rearing to earn her livelihood. Considering the mothers needs and the sons financial capacity, the court held that the Rs 5,000 monthly maintenance awarded by the Family Court was absolutely reasonableif not inadequate.
One click that costs Kerala crores
KOCHI: When a Malayali binge-watcher quickly signs up on an OTT app and picks Andaman & Nicobar Islands from the dropdown menu simply because it comes first the money he pays in GST doesnt reach Kerala. It goes to Andaman. And that tiny click, repeated thousands of times across online purchases, is quietly bleeding Keralas tax revenue dry. For a consumption-driven state like Kerala, this small digital oversight is proving costly. Despite strong GST collections, Keralas revenues are not keeping pace and the culprit, officials said, is the faulty recording of the place of supply in interstate transactions. Its not tax evasion, clarified an official with the state GST department. The tax is being paid, but its being credited to the wrong state. And we have no jurisdiction to correct it. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was designed to create a seamless national market by merging dozens of central and state taxes. It has three components CGST (Central GST), SGST (State GST) and IGST (Integrated GST) depending on where the goods or services are consumed. When a transaction happens within a state, both CGST and SGST are charged, with revenue shared between the Centre and that particular state. But when a transaction crosses state borders like a Kerala resident buying a phone from a Karnataka seller IGST comes into play. The problem lies in how sellers record these transactions. Under the GST law, the state entitled to a share of IGST is determined by the place of supply essentially, the customers location. If the seller in Karnataka doesnt record Kerala as the place of supply, that share of IGST never reaches us, explained another official. It stays with Karnataka as SGST. We cant inspect those dealers or recover that amount. For Kerala, which imports far more goods and services than it produces, this flaw cuts deep. Every wrongly filed interstate transaction means money leaking away from the exchequer. For Kerala, where most purchases come from outside from TVs to food processors to OTT subscriptions, every incorrect place of supply tag means direct loss. Keralas GST team even ran its own audit last year, studying invoices from online purchases made by its own officers. In a significant number of cases, Kerala didnt appear at all as the destination state, said the official. The system sees the seller in Tamil Nadu or Karnataka as compliant but we never get our share. This issue has exploded with the rise of digital commerce. On platforms like Amazon and Flipkart, small sellers often use outdated billing systems or leave the place of supply blank. Others, unaware of the rule, treat interstate transactions as local ones. It isnt intentional. Theyre not avoiding tax; theyre simply filing it wrong. And since the transaction looks legitimate in another states records, Kerala cant claim the lost share, the official said. Following persistent pressure from Kerala and other consumer states, the GST Council recently amended the law to make it mandatory for e-commerce platforms to record the place of supply. It will help, but the impact will take time, the official said. Up to September, Keralas GST collection stood at `17,951 crore, marking a robust 11% year-on-year growth. Yet, GST revenue credited to the state was only `16,154 crore, a meagre 2.2% growth. This, officials said, could have been close to 8% if not for a `965-crore deduction made unilaterally by the Centre from the states IGST pool in April. Many states face a gap between collection and revenue growths. In the case of Kerala, its sharper because of our high consumption profile. We contribute to national GST, but dont always get back whats due, the official said. State GST officials said they can manage collections within the state but have little control over what happens outside. Kerala has sought detailed interstate transaction data and item-wise IGST settlement reports, but clarity remains elusive. Eight years after GST promised a unified tax regime, Kerala still finds itself short-changed not because of poor performance, but because of misplaced data entries. Money leaking For Kerala, which imports far more goods and services than it produces, every wrongly-filed interstate transaction means money leaking away from the exchequer This has exploded with the rise of digital commerce. However, since the transaction looks legitimate in another states records, Kerala cant claim the lost share
Kerala Tourism sector awaits dedicated police wing to ensure visitors safety
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: October 30 was a black day in Kerala Tourisms history. Reports of a Mumbai-based tourist being harassed by taxi drivers for hiring an online cab in Munnar gained widespread attention, all of it negative. It triggered calls for strict action. The government responded swiftly. The incident also highlighted the glaring absence of a dedicated tourism police wing that could have handled the situation more effectively. Though Kerala was the first Indian state to set up an exclusive tourism police stationit was in Mattancherry in 2010it has shied away from setting up more of them, enabling anti-social elements to trouble tourists without a worry. Sources in the police said setting up more tourism police stations is a decision that ought to be taken by the state government. However, to take such a decision, it will have to sanction additional posts, which is highly unlikely at the moment due to financial crunch, sources said. The department does have tourism police cells, but they have limited manpower and lack their own identity. They are attached with local police stations and a majority of its personnel is untrained in hospitality, tourism and legal aspects. There was a plan to teach tourism police personnel languages other than Hindi and English, but it did not take off. The department vigorously began pushing for tourism police in major locations after the 2018 rape-murder of a Latvian woman near Kovalam. A Thiruvananthapuram city police official said cops attached with the law and order wing are deployed at Kovalam and Shankhumukham, two crowded destinations, where they mostly keep an eye out for drug peddling and on ensuring the safety of tourists. Imparting training in other soft skills and languages is not possible as these personnel are part of the general police unit and are likely to be transferred any time, said an officer. Lacking domain knowledge, the cops at the tourism aid posts are largely helpless when it comes to handling queries related to visa and other tourism-related matters. Paulose K Mathew of Coraz Travel and Trade Links, a Kochi-based travel firm, said a dedicated police wing with adequate powers and infrastructure is the need of the hour. Such dedicated tourism cops are in many other countries and they react quickly to distress calls. We require such a facility here, too. The wing should be networked and backed by latest technology so that the personnel can respond swiftly. A proactive police team that can deliver service without any hiccups will go a long way in enhancing the confidence of tourists, he said.
Drunk? Get Off Platform: Railways tightens vigil in Kerala
KOCHI: Travelling in the train drunk or just being on the platform in an inebriated condition would invite action, as the authorities gear up to prevent a repeat of the November 2 incident in which a drunk Suresh Kumar, 48, pushed 19-year-old Sreekutty off the moving Kerala Express. With the incident triggering concerns over womens safety on trains, the Government Railway Police (GRP), in association with the police department and Railway Protection Force (RPF), has launched Operation Rakshitha in all major stations under the two railway divisions in the state. Since Saturday, police personnel have been stationed in ladies compartment of all trains, said an official. The operation is being launched under the leadership of Railway SP K S Shahansha, at all 38 stations in the two railway divisions as well as trains conducting service through the state, a GRP officer told TNIE. The operations will be supervised by the four Railway DySPs, including women officers, said the official. Patrolling will be intensified in trains and platforms, especially in compartments where there are a large number of women. During patrolling, inebriated persons found on platforms and inside trains will be booked under relevant sections of the RPF Act. Those heavily inebriated will be booked, while those mildly inebriated will be evicted from the platforms and trains, he said. All trains will have male and female officers inspecting the coaches, including AC, in teams. Many men continue to violate rules prohibiting travel in ladies compartments. They will be booked. The inspections will happen at every stop of a particular train so as to prevent crimes such as travelling drunk, drug trafficking and obscene behaviour towards women passengers, the GRP officer said, adding that the Operation Rakshitha will be on for 15 days. Since the Sabarimala season starts soon, nearly a big portion of the police force would be deputed for the same. Operation Rakshitha will resume soon after the pilgrimage season, but the patrolling will be handled only by the GRP, said the officer. 601 held for taking womens coaches Data from the railways Thiruvananthapuram division revealed 601 people were arrested for unauthorised travel in womens coaches until October this year. Six people were involved in specific crimes against women, and 34 were prosecuted for similar offences by the railway and local police.
Why MVD cant act on illegal online taxi aggregators in Kerala
KOCHI: Despite the Kerala transport minister openly labelling the operations of multinational online taxi aggregators like Uber and Ola as illegal for their failure to register under state regulations, the motor vehicles department (MVD) is unable to take specific punitive action. The core issue, as articulated by traffic experts and legal professionals, is a critical gap between policy and law. To be precise, policy exists but specific rules do not. The Union government, through amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Act, 2019 (specifically, Sections 93 and 193), made it mandatory for aggregators to hold a licence from the respective state to operate. Following this, the Kerala government framed a policybased on central guidelinesrequiring registration with the State Transport Authority (STA). However, as former Ernakulam Regional Transport Officer (RTO) B J Antony noted, the state has not yet formulated the rules necessary to implement and enforce the policy. Though the Central Act is there, the lack of specific rules, to be framed by the state, are rendering the authorities powerless to act against the online taxi services. These rules would define key administrative aspects such as who should be the licensing authority, the exact licensing system and fee structure, the process for penal action if rules are violated, and so on. Without legally binding rules, the states aggregator policy lacks the legal backup required for the MVD or the transport commissioner to issue formal notices or register cases against the companies, despite the ministers strong statements, Antony pointed out. The situation is further complicated by the popularity of these services, which, according to experts, serve the aim of public transportation. The governments aim too is to provide sufficient travel facilities. Instead of terming their operations as illegal, the authorities should bring in a legal framework that allows for their smooth functioning, but in a controlled way. For instance, the state rules should have clauses that the data of online taxi drivers should be provided to the MVD, which driver is attached to which vehicle, whether the cabs have undergone pollution test, etc, said transport expert G P Hari, former additional general manager (urban transport), Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. Backlash and demand for comprehensive law Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumars illegal tag has ignited a backlash from the Online Taxi Drivers Union (OTDU). Citing recent incidents in Kozhikode and Thrissur, the union charged that the irresponsible statements have escalated violence and physical assaults against online cab drivers by local taxi and autorickshaw unions. OTDU, which is seeking clarity on the legal status of online taxis from the Kerala High Court, is demanding a comprehensive law to govern the sector. The current central and state aggregator policies are too vague for effective implementation. We challenge the government to register cases if the operations are truly illegal. So far, no official notice has been served to Uber or Ola to cease services, said OTDU legal advisor T R S Kumar.
Cong. alleges vote chori in Kochi Corporation
District Congress Committee alleges attempts to add voters using the same house number with different house names and forged rental pacts
Kerala tops fast movers list in ease of doing business with 99.3% score
KOCHI: Kerala has once again emerged as one of Indias top performers in the Ease of Doing Business rankings, securing the Top Achiever position in the Fast Movers category under the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) 2024. The announcement was made at the Udyog Samagam 2025 in Delhi on Tuesday. The award was presented to State Industries Minister P. Rajeeve by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal in recognition of Keralas outstanding progress in implementing business reforms and enhancing the investment climate. Kerala achieved a remarkable 99.3% score, placing it among the top achievers in the Fast Movers category. The assessment allocated 30% weightage to reform implementation and 70% to investor feedback, reflecting the real-world experiences of entrepreneurs and businesses operating in the state. This award shows that Keralas performance in ease of doing business last year was not a one-off phenomenon, said Minister Rajeeve after receiving the accolade. Last year, we implemented 91% of reforms. This year, we improved that to 99.3%. Out of 34 reform areas, we implemented 30. Kerala now leads in areas such as speedy electricity and water connections, and quick business registration. Rajeeve added that Keralas consistent achievement highlights the states ongoing commitment to governance reforms and reducing compliance burdens. In 2023, we topped in two business reform areas. This year, we secured first place in four. It reflects our sustained efforts to create a seamless environment for investors, he said. The minister credited the coordinated efforts of various state departments, agencies such as KSIDC, and the support from industry bodies including FICCI, CII, and Small Scale Industries Associations for helping Kerala achieve this milestone. Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan also featured alongside Kerala in the Fast Movers category, while Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat appeared in the Aspirers list. Rajeeve said the 2024 recognition will provide a renewed boost to Keralas industrial climate and further strengthen investor confidence in the state.
Protest against seaplane project held in Kochi
Fisherfolk allege that the seaplane initiative will affect the livelihoods of local fishers in Kochi and other identified areas
Water supply partially restored a day after KWA storage tank collapse in Kochi
Repair work was carried out on a war footing to avert water scarcity, and pumping began from the second chamber of the water storage tank, says Minister
Congress releases first list of candidates for 40 divisions in Kochi Corporation
The second list covering the remaining 25 divisions will be released shortly, says DCC president
'Expect To Complete Trivandrum Metro Within 30 Months Of Getting DPR Approval': Kochi Metro MD
The project, estimated to cost Rs 8,000 crore, is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity across major commercial and residential zones
Lankan boat seized by NIA off Lakshadweep part of Haji Salims drug network
KOCHI: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) probing the smuggling of arms, ammunition and drugs, seized from a Sri Lankan fishing vessel off Lakshadweep, has revealed that the items were sourced from abroad and facilitated through the network of notorious smuggler Haji Salim. A Pakistan-based drug kingpin and an alleged associate of the ISI and Dawood Ibrahims syndicate, Haji is wanted by multiple international law enforcement agencies for his role in a massive, global narcotics trafficking network operating across the Indian Ocean region. The prosecution stated that the Indian Coast Guard had traced and intercepted the Sri Lankan fishing boat Ravihansi on March 8, 2021, in the Arabian Sea. The vessel was found carrying a large quantity of contraband articles along with five AK-56 rifles and 1,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition, mostly Pakistan Ordnance Factory made, all illegally possessed and without proper documents. Six Sri Lankan nationals were also on board. Vishnu S Warrier, superintendent of police, NIA Kochi, filed the affidavit before the High Court opposing the bail plea of two Sri Lankan nationals, L Y Nandana and Janaka Dasapriya, who are the first and second accused, respectively, in the case. The petitioners submitted that they have been in custody for more than four-and-a-half years, since March 27, 2021. The NIA has cited 206 witnesses in the final report. Considering the volume of evidence and the nature of special court trials, there is no likelihood of an early completion of trial, submitted the petitioners. The NIA submitted that the accused persons have an active role in the transnational conspiracy of narcotic smuggling, arms trafficking and facilitation of banned terrorist organisation LTTE has been clearly established, through custodial interrogation, witness statements, documentary and digital evidence.
KSRTC deploys over 20 additional services to Bengaluru amid private bus strike
KOCHI: Hundreds of inter-state luxury private buses operating between Kerala and neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka stayed off the road as bus operators started an indefinite strike on Monday evening, citing tax and fine harassment by officials there. To lessen commuters woes, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation started operating additional services from Monday night. We have deployed over 20 additional services to Bengaluru alone from various depots, chiefly in the northern parts of the state like Kozhikode and Kannur. The buses are running full. We are planning to run 45 to 50 additional services on Tuesday, based on demand, said a senior KSRTC official in charge of the operations. According to him, the Karnataka RTC and the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation too have started deploying additional services. The KSRTC will deploy more buses based on the booking requirements. The Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat is also starting regular services from Tuesday, the official pointed out. The services will be fully stopped from Tuesday. The bus belonging to our association secretary was seized by the Karnataka authorities on Monday and levied a fine of nearly Rs 1.65 lakh. So we are having concern in operating the services unless the issue is discussed and resolved at the government level,said A J Rijas, president of Luxury Bus Owners Association, Kerala Chapter. The bus operators in Tamil Nadu, who first launched a strike alleging illegal tax and fine levying by the Kerala authorities, decided to continue their strike after talks with the Tamil Nadu Transport Minister failed, Rijas added.
Kochi Metros apology goes trending, draws three lakh engagements in 24 hours
KOCHI: Kochi Metros latest post on its social media handle a witty take on the official apology trend has clocked an impressive three lakh engagements within 24 hours, drawing thousands of likes, shares, and humorous comments from the public. The post, blending humour with humility, struck a chord with netizens who lauded Kochi Metros ability to stay on top of trends while maintaining its public service identity. We believe that humour and honesty can make even official pages feel human. The overwhelming response to our apology post shows how deeply people connect with that approach, said K K Jayakumar, senior deputy general manager with the public relations and social media wing of Kochi Metro. A trendsetter on social media Kochi Metro has been steadily carving out a name as one of Indias most engaging public sector brands online. Since September 2021, when Loknath Behera took over as its managing director and brought the social media management in-house, Kochi Metro has seen a phenomenal rise in digital engagement. We started managing our platforms internally with limited resources, ensuring no staff duties were affected. This approach not only gave us creative freedom but also saved `48 lakh annually, compared to outsourcing, Jayakumar pointed out. How the trend began The viral apology trend that has swept social media, particularly among brands, began as a tongue-in-cheek marketing tactic, reportedly originating in the Philippines in 2024 before gaining global momentum. The trend involves companies or public figures posting an Official Apology Statement or a mock formal letter. Unlike a genuine apology, these statements use corporate seriousness to deliver a self-congratulatory message. The apologies are for being too good, too hard to part with, or a product being too irresistible. From chambiko to apology, riding trend wave Kochi Metros creative journey began with the viral chambiko trend and has since embraced every major social media moment from film-inspired memes to dance challenges and cultural spoofs. Their posts have referenced popular hits like Jailer, Malaikottai Vaaliban, Bheeshma Parvam, Lokah (the highest-grossing Malayalam film), and even Spiderman: Homecoming, using humour to communicate offers, updates, and safety messages in ways that resonate with youth and families alike. The social media team headed by Jayasanker, which also includes Abhish Ravi and Sajith S, works tirelessly to craft content that feels fresh, authentic, and timely. They often feature Kochi Metro and Water Metro employees in trending reels, such as the recent Husky dance and Onam mood videos, showcasing staff enthusiasm and approachability. Our team believes that creativity is the new currency of connection, Jayasanker said. Since social media is ever changing, our team is always monitoring relevant platforms and react/adapt immediately. When people see real employees dancing or joining in a trend, they dont just see a Metro, they see a community, he added. Countrys first monetised metro social media Kochi Metro has also monetised its social media platforms, becoming the first metro service in India to turn digital engagement into a sustainable revenue stream. The initiative has drawn attention from influencers, agencies, and even other government organisations interested in collaboration. From saving costs to generating income and from memes to meaning, Kochi Metros online presence is fast becoming a model for how public institutions can communicate with personality, empathy, and humour. As one popular comment on their viral post aptly put it: Even their apologies are entertaining...
Houses inundated in Kochi as KWA twin-chamber tank bursts
Compound walls collapsed and were washed away as the over four-decade-old tank breached, sending water gushing into nearby houses and damaging household equipment and vehicles; water supply to nearly 30% of areas within Corpn. affected
While the KWA already has a mechanism to inspect ageing structures, an additional system may be introduced in view of the incident, says Minister for Water Resources
Twenty20 to field candidates in all seats in Kochi Corpn., four municipalities in Ernakulam
The decision to contest in the four municipalities adjoining the Kochi Corporation is aimed at ensuring the citys development trajectory extends beyond the Corporations limits, says Twenty20 chief
As per the nationwide study, Indias actual Ready for Life Index (RLI) stands at a modest 59, compared to a high perceived readiness of 85, indicating a wide gap of 26 points in financial readiness across Indias urban population Retirement planning emerges as Indias biggest gap area, with two in three individuals, expecting family support after retirement, despite planning Two out of five individuals have an emergency fund to last over four months; two out of five health insurance owners hold a health cover below INR 5 lakh The findings also highlight Indias need for long-term protection and financial literacy across income groups and cities HDFC Lif e has launched Ready for Life - its latest research-based study. This one-of-its-kind report makes an effort to quantify the Financial Readiness Gap the difference between perceived and actual financial preparedness of individuals. Vineet Arora, Executive Director & Chief Business Officer, HDFC Life The Index shows a 26-point gap, which implies that there is a big difference in terms of actual readiness of an individual in comparison to how ready they think they are largely due the lack of action to convert financial planning from merely a plan into reality. In other words, the index reveals that individuals are not well-prepared to handle uncertainties of life across different financial aspects. About the Study The Ready for Life Index 2025 is a proprietary research initiative by HDFC Life. This research has been conducted by Ipsos India, an independent market research company. Based on 1,836 face-to-face interviews with working men and women aged between 2555 years across Metros, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities*, the study evaluates Indias life readiness across four key pillars Financial Planning, Emergency Preparedness, Health & Well-being, and Retirement Strategy. The index aims to highlight the gap between perception and actual preparedness, encouraging a shift from short-term savings to structured, long-term financial planning. Balancing Confidence and Preparedness Indias Retirement Reality The Ready for Life Index 2025 evaluates India's overall preparedness across life pillars of high importance and finds that though awareness and optimism are visible, preparedness is still uneven. While consumers hold clear ideal retirement goals, their financial actions and product choices suggest that these goals may be difficult to reach. Of all the pillars, retirement preparedness is the weakest with a 37-point gap between confidence and level of action. Close to half of urban Indians have yet to begin saving for retirement, and two out of every three anticipate support from family after retirement. Most respondents who have started planning for retirement, are of the opinion that a corpus of INR 50 lakhs INR 1 crore would last about 17 years, which could prove to be a gross underestimation considering inflation and lifestyle costs. These results stress on the need for India to move from family-supported financial security to independent retirement planning and also on the need for awareness on financial planning Financial Planning and Protection Traditional Strength, Modern Gaps While Indian customers are inclined towards conventional savings instruments like endowment insurance plans, fixed deposits, and gold, protection and growth-oriented products like term insurance, market linked products, and retirement products are underutilised. Term insurance, which is one of the most cost-effective protection instruments, has modest ownership owing to limited product understanding, myths around claim settlement, and belief that premiums offer no return if the policy holder outlives the policy term. While financial discipline is visible to an extent, the savings space remains dominated by traditional products and short-term goals. The real opportunity lies in encouraging systematic, long-term investing to build sustainable wealth and reduce over-reliance on low-growth instruments. On a positive note, there is increasing awareness about health and wellness. Four in five survey participants actively engage in physical activities to maintain their overall physical and mental well-being. Similarly, two out of three go for yearly health check-ups. But the gap in coverage continues to exist; 2 in 5 respondents have health insurance cover of less than INR 5 lakh. Further, in terms of emergency funds, 2 in 5 individuals possess sufficient savings to meet home expenses for more than four months. Regional and Tier-wise Insights The study reveals notable regional variations in financial readiness across India: North India shows the widest readiness gap of 30 points, mainly due to weaker emergency and retirement planning East India records the most realistic self-assessment with a gap of 20 points, and also displays a traditional and disciplined savings approach South India leads in maturity towards financial and health planning West India demonstrates a more diversified investment outlook but lower focus on long-term planning Tier 3 cities display the lowest preparedness and widest confidence gaps, highlighting the need for deeper financial literacy efforts beyond metros here for the report Vineet Arora Executive Director & Chief Business Officer, HDFC Life , shared his thoughts on the study, The Ready for Life Index reflects Indias growing awareness and optimism about financial planning but also reminds us that true readiness is built through consistent planning and protection. Confidence alone is not enough preparedness needs structure and action ." " The findings indicate that retirement remains Indias biggest financial blind spot. Despite higher awareness, the actual action towards long-term security is limited. Through this study, we aim to encourage meaningful conversations around preparedness and protection as essential pillars of financial wellness . * List of cities - Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Jodhpur, Kochi, Vishakhapatnam, Vadodara, Nagpur, Bhubaneshwar, Patna, Muzaffarnagar, Panipat, Thanjavur, Machilipatnam, Anand, Dhule, Bardhaman, Ganjam Disclaimer HDFC Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (HDFC Life) (i) makes no express or implied representations, warranties or covenants as to the accuracy and/or completeness of the information, data, opinions, commentary, analysis and/or any direct or indirect recommendations included in the Ready for Life Index Study conducted by Ipsos India Pvt. Ltd. (Study), and (ii) disclaims any and all damages, costs and liabilities whatsoever to the recipient or reader and or its representatives (tangible or intangible, including, but not limited to loss of business opportunity, loss of profit, loss of market share or loss of goodwill) for any reliance or use made by the recipient or reader and its representatives on the Study, or any errors therein or omissions therefrom. The report is intended for informational purposes only, and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, taxation, or professional advice by HDFC Life. The recipient or reader and its representatives should not rely solely on this content for making financial decisions, and are advised to seek qualified professional guidance tailored to their personal circumstances. Ipsos India Pvt. Ltd. and the authors disclaim any liability for any direct or indirect losses arising from the use of this report or its content. This report does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy or sell any financial instrument or product.
A water storage tank in Thammanam collapsed early Monday morning, flooding nearby houses and causing significant property damage. The incident also damaged vehicles and a local healthcare centre
Kochi Metro's Pink Line is set to begin operations by June 2026, connecting Kaloor to Kakkanad. Initially covering five stations, it promises to enhance regional connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and increase ridership to 50 lakh monthly. The project's estimated cost is Rs 1,957 crore.
Massive Feeder Tank Collapses In Kochi, 1.38 Crore Litres Of Water Floods Several Houses
A feeder tank collapsed in Kochi, flooding homes and sweeping away vehicles. MLAs T J Vinod and Uma Thomas visited the affected area; KWA is assessing damage.
A First-Time EV Buyer's Guide in India, Featuring the VinFast VF 6 and VF 7
Electric vehicles are steadily finding their place in Indias daily life, and VinFast s locally assembled VF 6 and VF 7 show how first-time buyers can embrace electric mobility with confidence. With the VF 6 and VF 7, VinFast is offering range, safety features, and ownership support at pricing positioned for real Indian buyers rather than early adopters only Electric vehicles are still gaining their footing in India, but awareness and adoption are steadily growing. Charging networks are expanding in major cities, more residential properties are beginning to support home charger installation, and manufacturers are taking steps toward local production. VinFast has joined this evolving landscape with the VF 6 and VF 7, two electric SUVs now being assembled at its Thoothukudi factory in Tamil Nadu. Both are designed for everyday Indian conditions, from daily urban travel to occasional highway trips, while offering comfort for families and regular commuters alike. If you are thinking about buying your first EV, here are the key factors to evaluate, explained through what the VF 6 and VF 7 offer. 1. Start with Your Driving Pattern Before considering any model, first calculate how many kilometers you realistically cover on weekdays and weekends. Pay attention to where you usually park and whether you can charge at home or depend on public charging. Choosing the wrong range for your use will either lead to unnecessary spending or frequent charging inconvenience. If your routine involves daily trips through Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai, or Delhi, the VF 6 fits well as a compact urban electric SUV. It is equipped with a 59.6 kWh battery that delivers an ARAI-rated range of up to 468 km. This covers several days of commuting for typical users before needing a charge. The size also makes parking and maneuvering easier in crowded city roads. For buyers who frequently travel between cities or prefer a roomier cabin, the VF 7 suits highway and family use. Depending on the variant, the VF 7 offers up to 532 km of ARAI-certified range with its larger 70.8 kWh battery. The spacious interior and longer wheelbase improve comfort on long-distance drives. 2. Understand Battery Chemistry and Warranty Not all EV batteries age the same way. Heat resistance and charging patterns influence long-term battery health. A battery with stable thermal performance is generally better suited for Indias climate. Both VinFast models use Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries. This chemistry is known for thermal stability and long battery lifespan, an advantage under Indias high-heat conditions. VinFast backs its battery performance with a 10-year or 200,000 km warranty. This eliminates guesswork about long-term durability. 3. Charging Options Will Shape Your Experience If you have a private parking slot, a home wall charger is the simplest setup. It fully charges the battery overnight and costs significantly less than petrol or diesel refueling. For public charging, networks are expanding across malls, office zones, and highways. VinFast owners also benefit from free public charging at V-Green-operated stations until July 2028. This incentive substantially lowers running costs and makes long drives more predictable. If you live in an apartment, confirm with the building association whether charger installation is allowed in your parking area. 4. Look Closely at Safety and Driver Assistance Safety systems are not just comfort features. They help reduce the likelihood of collision in dense traffic and provide support on long drives. Even the VF 6 base variants include ABS, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, seatbelt reminders, and driver airbags. Higher VF 6 trims add features such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The VF 7 expands safety further in higher trims with a driver monitoring system, surround-view camera support, and additional airbags. These systems reduce fatigue on long trips and add protection on busy highways. 5. Test the Cabin, Screens, and Real Comfort A test drive reveals how an EV feels to live with. The VF 6 offers a clean interior layout anchored around a 12.9-inch infotainment screen. Higher trims bring ventilated seats and dual-zone climate control, which help in summer conditions. The VF 7 presents a more premium cabin with larger seating space and optional panoramic glass roof. The Sky variant adds dual motors and all-wheel drive, giving notably stronger performance for those who prioritise acceleration. 6. Confirm Service Access Before Buying A vehicle is only as worry-free as its service network. Always check where the nearest service center is located and how easily spare parts can be sourced. VinFast currently has 24 operational dealerships and showrooms across key Indian cities including Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Jaipur, Kochi, Visakhapatnam, and others. These locations support retail, servicing, and customer assistance. This network is expanding toward a planned 35 showrooms and 120 extended service workshops by the end of 2025. The company has additional partnerships with RoadGrid, myTVS, Castrol India, and Global Assure for roadside support and service reliability. 7. Calculate Total Ownership Cost, Not Only the Sticker Price Running costs are where EVs recover value. Home charging is significantly cheaper per kilometer than petrol or diesel. EVs also require fewer mechanical service tasks because there are no engine oil changes, timing belts, or exhaust systems. The VF 6 starts at Rs. 16.49 lakh and the VF 7 starts at Rs. 20.89 lakh. With free charging until 2028 and three years of complimentary maintenance, both models specifically offer lower recurring costs in the first ownership cycle compared to many petrol or diesel SUVs in the same price segments. Switching to an EV becomes straightforward when you match the vehicle to your daily needs, plan charging access early, and choose a brand that provides strong warranty and service structure. With the VF 6 and VF 7, VinFast is offering range, safety features, and ownership support at pricing positioned for real Indian buyers rather than early adopters only. This is where the transition to electric mobility becomes practical rather than experimental. About VinFast VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnams largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFasts product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses. VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. vinfastauto.in
1.35 Lakh Crore Litre Capacity Water Tank Bursts In Kochi, Houses Flooded
The incident occurred around 2 am, catching several families in their sleep. No causalities have been reported, the officials said.
Massive water tank collapse at Thammanam in Kochi floods houses; vehicles damaged
The incident occurred after the wall of a chamber of KWAs drinking water storage tank ruptured. The ground-level reservoir, with a capacity of 1.35 crore litres, is reportedly about 50 years old and has two chambers. The wall of one of these chambers ruptured
Actor Anupama files complaint over cyber harassment
KOCHI: Actor Anupama Parameswaran, on Sunday, stated that she has initiated legal action against a 20-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu for allegedly circulating morphed pictures of her and spreading false allegations on social media. In a message posted on Instagram, the actor revealed that she has filed a complaint with the Kerala Cyber crime police regarding the incident. According to Anupama, she recently came across an Instagram profile that was posting inappropriate and false content about her and her family, while tagging her friends and co-actors. Further probe revealed that the person had created multiple fake accounts to spread defamatory posts. The posts included morphed pictures and baseless allegations it was deeply distressing to witness such targeted harassment online, she wrote. However, the actor said she has chosen not to reveal the suspects identity due to her young age.
Kerala education dept to probe RSS song incident at Vande Bharat flag-off
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/KOCHI: The Gana Geetham controversy took a new turn on Sunday with Minister V Sivankutty saying that the education department will launch an inquiry into schoolchildren singing the RSS song during the inaugural journey of the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express on Saturday. Pointing out that the state government can take down the NOC for a schools functioning if it does not meet stated conditions, irrespective of the board of education, the education minister said a report has been sought from the director of education on the issue. While the matter has taken a political turn, the school authorities said they wish to stay clear of the row but will move legally if required. Stressing that using children to politicise government programmes for the sake of the communal ideals of a particular group is a violation of constitutional values, Sivankutty also said that weeks of practice may have been done for the purpose. The report will be prepared and submitted within two days, said Director of General Education N S K Umesh. We will inquire into the issue, only after which the next decision will be taken, he told TNIE . Meanwhile, the school maintained that the song selection was a spontaneous choice by the students when some media persons asked them to sing a song. We dont wish to politicise this at all. If the government moves forward with the probe, we will be forced to go legal. We dont wish to get into the political war otherwise, said K P Dinto, the principal of Saraswathi Vidyaniketan Public School, Kochi. He added that the incident reflects the discretion of the students in identifying what song to sing where, as they chose to sing a patriotic song instead of a movie song during the event, he added. The video of the controversial incident was taken down by the Southern Railway from its social media handles, but was reposted on X along with the translation of the lyrics the same day. Twenty students from Saraswathi Vidyaniketan, accompanied by two teachers, were among the students from five Kochi schools selected to be a part of the inaugural journey of the new Vande Bharat allotted to Kerala, the school authorities said. Meanwhile, political parties have started making their positions clear on the issue. Union Ministers remarked that the song has no religious connection. There is not even a single mention of the term Hindu in the entire song. If somebody finds a problem with it, they need to specify it, Union Minister George Kurien said in Thiruvananthapuram. Reciting the lyrics of the song, he also took a dig at the Congress, saying that Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had sung it in the legislative assembly. Responding in cinematic fashion, the other Union minister from Kerala, Suresh Gopi, said, It was not a terrorist song, but an innocent celebration of children. Saying that people will understand the ill-intentions behind usages like students being forced to sing, he added that music does not have any language. At the same time, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said that Gana Geetham is not a patriotic song. This is a free country, and you can sing it anywhere, but not in a public function. Children will not innocently sing it unless someone works behind it, he told reporters. Urging action against the school management, he asked why the Railways had to share the video, take it back, and later repost it, if the song came out of childrens innocence.
Kerala LoP Satheesan accuses govt of misusing public funds for 'Nava Kerala Survey
KOCHI: Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan on Sunday accused the CPM-led LDF government of misusing public resources for political purposes through its Nava Kerala Survey ahead of the upcoming elections. Addressing reporters, Satheesan said that while the LDF or CPM has every right to conduct a political survey on its own, doing so using public funds and government machinery is unacceptable. It is squad work for the LDF and CPM ahead of the upcoming elections, carried out at government expense. We will strongly oppose it, he said. He also questioned the timing and purpose of launching such a survey just months before the polls. Earlier, the state government had announced that the Nava Kerala Survey aims to collect public feedback on development and welfare initiatives implemented over the past 10 years. Central, state govts have ruined lives of fisherfolk Kochi: The central and state governments have made the lives of fisherfolk in the state miserable, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan has said. He was speaking at the inaugural function of the Fishermens Congress Ernakulam district conference. Union governments moves, like deep-sea mining and granting permission for large vessels, are destroying the marine fish wealth, he said. Further, he said the state government has been reluctant in giving subsidised kerosene to fishermen. Satheesan said the UDF will return to power by winning 100 seats and prioritise solving the problems of the fishing community.
Body shaming of actor Gouri Kishan: AMMA president Swetha Menon calls for apology
KOCHI: Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) president Swetha Menon has demanded a proper apology from the YouTuber involved in the body shaming of actor Gouri G Kishan. I dont think what he offered was an apology. We are all with Gouri all women are with her. We want a better apology, Swetha told reporters in Kochi on Sunday. The row was sparked when the journalist asked actor Aditya about lifting Gouri in a scene, referring to her weight. Gouri, who chose not to react immediately, later spoke about her discomfort in a separate interview. The issue escalated on Thursday after the films press screening, when the same journalist defended his earlier question, prompting Gouri to confront him directly.
Kerala private buses halt services to TN, Karnataka over unlawful tax
KOCHI: Thousands of commuters, including students and software employees, are set to be affected as nearly 600 luxury private buses operating between Kerala and neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka will suspend services from Monday evening. We are forced to suspend the operations from 6pm on Monday due to continuous harassment, seizure of vehicles, and imposition of unlawful state-level taxes and heavy fines by Tamil Nadu and Karnataka authorities, said AJ Rijas, Kerala state president of Luxury Bus Owners Association. According to the association, an estimated 4,000 people travel daily in these luxury buses to major hubs like Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Madurai. The busy Kochi-Bengaluru sector alone sees about 80 bus services each day. The core of the dispute centres around the All India Tourist Permit (AITP) framework. Kerala bus operators argue that their AITP, issued under the Central Motor Vehicles Act, exempts them from paying any additional state taxes, provided the national permit fee is paid. Despite this, they claim Kerala-registered tourist vehicles are being stopped, heavily fined, and detained in the neighbouring states, actions they deem a clear violation of the AITP Rules. Meanwhile, bus owners associations in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Puducherry have also decided to suspend all inter-state services from Monday. According to the associations, the steep road taxes levied by various states have made operations financially unviable. I used to travel to my home and back at least thrice in a month due to the work-from-home facility allotted by my employer. We usually depend on private buses since the travel plans are often chartered at the last minute. Many like us will be hit hard by the suspension of services, said Sangeeth S, a software employee working in Bengaluru and hailing from Kochi. Call for min, transport commissioner to step in For over a year, Tamil Nadu has been collecting tax arbitrarily, causing repeated financial stress and harassment. The situation has become untenable and unsafe due to the threat of financial loss and vehicle seizure, forcing the association to suspend services as a compelled measure, not a voluntary protest, said Rijas. The association appealed to the Kerala transport minister, the transport commissioner, and the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to immediately intervene and resolve the matter, urging for a uniform implementation of the AITP framework across all southern states. The service suspension by Kerala operators comes on the heels of a strike initiated by private bus owners in Tamil Nadu on Saturday. The Tamil Nadu Private Omni Bus Association (TOBOA) has indefinitely suspended its 110 services to Kerala, protesting the stringent inspection drives conducted by the Kerala motor vehicles department (MVD) to curb tax evasion. TOBOA president Anbalagan claimed the Kerala MVD is illegally seizing buses and imposing excessive fines, resulting in stranded passengers. This protest follows a recent MVD action in Kochi, where 30 Tamil Nadu-registered buses were seized and nearly Rs 70 lakh in fines were imposed for tax evasion. Kerala MVD officials, however, maintain that their joint operations are necessary to ensure road safety and compliance with tax laws, targeting tax evasion as well as traffic violations like speeding and the use of air horns. The reciprocal suspension of services by operators in both states has created a travel deadlock, placing immense pressure on state governments to find an amicable and cooperative resolution to ensure interstate luxury bus operations can resume quickly, said Maneesh Sasidharan, LBOA general secretary.
After Kuttanad, govt to expand water safari to Kannur, Kollam
KOCHI: Forget the laid-back backwater cruises, Keralas inland waters are about to get a booster shot of culture, tradition, and tourism. Following the announcement of the highly ambitious Kuttanad Safari, inspired by the desert safaris in West Asia, the state water transport department (SWTD) is set to replicate this culturally immersive tourism model in both Kannur and Kollam. The goal is to augment the tourist appeal by tailoring the safari experience to the unique traditions and waterways of the northern and southern regions. The initiative is set to redefine how visitors experience Kerala, diving deep into local art, authentic cuisine, and hidden histories. Well soon launch the Kuttanad Safari, which was conceived by the transport minister. This ambitious model, centered around Alappuzhas stunning Pathiramanal Island, is now slated for immediate replication in Parassinikadavu [Kannur] and Kollam to create a truly statewide water-adventure circuit, SWTD director Shaji V Nair told TNIE . The northern safari will course through the Valapattanam River, from Parassinikadavu. The draw here is theyyam, the sacred folk art of Malabar, turning a luxury cruise into a cultural pilgrimage. Visitors will be treated to this ritual art form, capitalising on the many temples in the Parassinikadavu region, the official explained. On Tuesday, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar launched construction work of an eco-friendly amphitheatre on Pathiramanal Island. In the south, the experience will be anchored around Munroe Island, leveraging its serene backwaters and intricate canals to offer a tranquil, yet deeply authentic rural experience. Munroe is a cluster of eight islands at the confluence of the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River. On Tuesday, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar launched construction work of an eco-friendly amphitheatre on Pathiramanal Island which will serve as the key staging post of the Kuttanad Safari. The theatre will be constructed in one-and-a-half months, following which we will launch the Kuttanad Safari. Its inspired by the desert safaris in the Gulf. There, they make use of the desert, here we use our lakes and backwaters. There, they use Land Cruisers, here we use our boats. With strong backing from the KSRTC budget tourism cell which will shuttle tourists to the safari from across the state Kerala is gearing up to firmly position these unique backwater spots on the world tourism map, the minister said. Investment in heritage The Kuttanad Safari pilot promises a full-day engrossing experience. Visitors will board in the morning, savouring an authentic local breakfast before heading to Pathiramanal. Here, the true magic happens: Forgotten cultural treasures like the ancient musical storytelling of villadichan pattu, live demonstrations of traditional coir-making, and intricate coconut-leaf weaving will take centre stage. The initiative will also support local artists and traders, making every ticket a direct investment in the regions heritage. The island will be declared a plastic-free zone, CCTV cameras will be installed to ensure the safety of visitors. Were also planning to start another boat service to facilitate site-seeing of tourists staying at resorts nearby that dont have their own boats. The tickets can be booked online, and the vessel will pick up visitors from the nearest jetty, the minister said.
Kochi City police register 30 NDPS cases in special drive
Action has been taken against 212 offenders as part of the drive, says District Police Chief (Kochi City)
Political surprises in the offing in upcoming civic polls to Kochi Corpn.
A few prominent leaders are likely to contest as candidates from rival political camps; the political fronts are expected to announce their lists in a couple of days
Uneven stretches along metro corridor in Kochi remain a safety concern
Stretches of key roads, including Sahodaran Ayyappan Road, M.G. Road, and Banerjee Road, are uneven, with their surfaces near the metro pile caps sinking
Three youths killed, three injured as car overturns in Kerala's Palakkad
PALAKKAD: Three young men were killed and three others were seriously injured after their car lost control and overturned near Kallingal junction on Chittur Road late Saturday night. The accident occurred around 11 pm when a wild boar suddenly darted onto the road. The victims have been identified as Rohan (24), son of Ranjith from Nooradi Road, Rohan Santhosh (22), son of Santhosh from Noorani, and Sanoosh (19), son of Santhakumar from Yakkara. All three died on the spot. The injured Adithyan (23) of Chandranagar, Rishi (24) of Yakkara, and Jithin (21) of Nenmara have been admitted to the district hospital. According to police, the group of six friends was returning to Palakkad from Chittur when the wild boar ran across the road. In an attempt to avoid hitting the animal, the driver swerved sharply, causing the car to lose control. Two youths killed, two injured after car rams median, hits Kochi metro pillar The vehicle first crashed into a roadside milestone and a tree before plunging into a paddy field below. The impact was so severe that the car was completely destroyed, and a large section of the tree was sheared off. Four of the passengers were seated at the back and two in the front. Rescue teams reported that one of the rear-seat passengers was thrown out of the vehicle. Fire and Rescue personnel, along with police and local residents, used cutting equipment to break open the mangled car and pull out the trapped victims. The two passengers in the front seat and one in the rear survived the crash. All six were close friends who regularly met in Palakkad on weekends for outings. Sanoosh was a student, while the others were either studying or employed outside the district. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.
Students sing RSS Gana Geetham at Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express launch sparks row
KOCHI: A video of students singing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Gana Geetham during the inaugural journey of the third Vande Bharat train has sparked a major controversy. The video, initially shared by Southern Railway with a caption students singing patriotic songs, was later taken down following widespread criticism. The video shows students singing the song, associated with the RSS, in the train. Politicians from across the spectrum have condemned the incident, accusing the railways of attempting to saffronise the function. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan have condemned the incident. The incident has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many calling for an explanation from the railways. In a statement shared by the CMO, the CM protested the move by the southern railway. Including the song of the RSS, which constantly spreads anti-religious hatred and communal divisive politics, in the official programme of the government is a violation of constitutional principles, he said. Using the countrys largest public sector undertaking, the Railways, by the Sangh Parivar for spreading its communal political propaganda, is unacceptable, he added. Satheesan said the event is shocking and absolutely unacceptable. RSS Gana Geetham sung at the Vande Bharat flag-off in Kerala a shocking reminder of how Sangh ideology is seeping into official events. Even a national railway function is not spared from saffronisation, he said. Responding to the row, Saraswathi Vidyanikethan Public School principal K P Dinto told TNIE that the railways had no role in the incident, describing it as a spontaneous response by the children when asked to sing by reporters.
PM Modi flags off Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express; service from Tuesday
KOCHI: Keralas first interstate Vande Bharat and its third overall running from Ernakulam to Bengaluru was flagged off on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi did the honours from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, via videoconference. He also flagged off three other new Vande Bharat services. The train that will run from Ernakulam Jn to KSR Bengaluru will begin its service from Tuesday. Connecting nine stations in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, it will cover its one-way journey in 8 hours 40 minutes and run six days a week (except Wednesdays). The train is scheduled to depart at 2.20pm from Ernakulam and reach its destination at 11pm, while the return leg will set off at 5.10am to reach Ernakulam at 1.50pm. Modi also marked the start of Varanasi-Khajuraho, Lucknow Jn-Saharanpur, and Firozpur Cantt-Delhi services. Governor Rajendra Arlekar, ministers P Rajeeve and V Abdurahiman, Union Ministers George Kurian and Suresh Gopi, MP Harris Beeran, MLA T J Vinod, Kochi Mayor M Anilkumar, and railway officials attended the inaugural event. The train will provide seamless connectivity between Bengaluru and Ernakulam. It will benefit IT professionals, businessmen among others, an official said.
Keralas first Catholic nun Mother Eliswa beatified
KOCHI: In a realisation of the prayers of the sisters of the Congregation of the Teresian Carmelites and the hopes of the residents of Ochanthuruth, thousands of faithful gathered on Saturday at the Vallarpadam Basilica to witness the beatification of Mother Eliswa, the first nun of the Catholic Church in Kerala. Cardinal Sebastian Francis , special representative of Pope Leo XIV and bishop of Penang, Malaysia, officially proclaimed Mother Eliswa as blessed. The cardinal read out the declaration issued by the pontiff in Latin. In his entreaty, the metropolitan of Verapoly archdiocese, Joseph Kalathiparambil, said, Mother Eliswas holy, courageous, and unwavering life of faith and love will be an inspiration to many. Speaking after the proclamation, Cardinal Sebastian said, So today, with immense joy and gratitude, we rejoice to witness this historic moment for the global Carmelite family, for the archdiocese of Verapoly, for the church of Kerala, for India, for Asia, and for the universal church. We rejoice with all the consecrated women, all mothers, and all those who suffer in silence and still choose to love. Her tomb at Varapuzha, which I too had the privilege to visit two days ago, has become a place of pilgrimage, where people of all backgrounds come to seek her intercession. And now, she intercedes for us from heaven as Blessed Eliswa, a beacon of hope, a spiritual mother, and a saint for our times. Earlier, processions carrying the portrait, logo, and deepashika (torch) arrived at the National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom from Koonammavu, Varapuzha, and Ochanthuruth. Priests accompanied bishops to the altar as songs in praise of Mother Eliswa were sung. A nun from the Missionaries of Charity congregation participates in the holy mass The bells of the church were rung as the cardinal announced the beatification. Cardinal Dr Oswald Gracias unveiled the image of Blessed Mother Eliswa. And, her relics were placed on the altar. Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India, spoke at the ceremony. Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) president Archbishop Andrews Thazhath released the novena. Union minister George Kurian, states special officer in Delhi K V Thomas, Kochi mayor M Anilkumar and MLAs T J Vinod, K J Maxy, and Anwar Sadath attended the ceremony. Eliswa was declared a servant of God in March 2008 and was proclaimed venerable in November 2023. On April 14, 2025, Pope Francis approved a miracle attributed to the intercession of Mother Eliswa. Born on October 15, 1831, Eliswa was the first of eight children of Thomman and Thanda, of the Vyppissery Capithan family of Ochanthuruth. She was the founder of the Third Order of the Discalced Carmelites, which later divided into the Congregation of Teresian Carmelites and the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel. Mother Eliswa established the first special school for women in Kerala. Blessed journey 1831 Born to Thomman and Thanda at Ochanthuruth 1847 Married to Vatharu Vakayil of Koonammavu 1850 Blessed with a daughter, Anna 1851 Widowed 1862 Shares the divine call to consecrated life with Fr Leopold Beccaro 1866 Establishes the Third Order of the Discalced Carmelite Congregation 1913 Passes away 2008 Declared Servant of God 2023 Proclaimed Venerable 2025 April Miracle attributed to her intercession approved by Pope Francis 2025 November Beatified The procession of priests and bishops to the altar
Two killed as car crashes into Kochi metro pillar
The accident occurred around 3.30 a.m. when the car, moving towards south on Edappally-Mamangalam Road, lost control rammed a median and crashed into metro pillar numbered 450
Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express flagged off by PM Modi
Kochi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express on Saturday in an online event from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The Ernakulam Junction KSR Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express (06652) left the station here at 8.41 am, though the scheduled time was 8 am, to the sound of drum beats. The latest Vande 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 .
From St Chavara to Mother Eliswa: Koonammavu, where saints once walked
KOCHI: With only hours left for the beatification of Keralas first nun, Venerable Mother Eliswa who established the first indigenous religious congregation for women (TOCD), all eyes are on Koonammavu on the outskirts of Kochi where she lived for 43 years. However, apart from its association with this saintly woman, who also established the first convent school and boarding school for girls in Kerala in 1868, not many are aware that Koonammavu is the only place in India to be closely associated with eight saintly souls. A rich spiritual patrimony When European missionaries were active in evangelisation in Varappuzha and its suburbs in the 17th century, Koonammavu became a hub of Roman Catholicism. With the nearby island of Arappuzha being the epicentre of the missionary activities of European Carmelite friars, Koonammavu too inherited their spiritual patrimony. Here, a church dedicated to St Philomena, a 3rd century martyr, was built in 1837 and today this parish under the Archdiocese of Verapoly counts 1,560 families. The land loved by St Chavara Kuriakose Koonammavu first shot into fame as the resting place of St Chavara Elias Kuriakose (1805-1871), the second Keralite to be canonised after St Alphonsa. This holy priest was the first prior of the TOCD friars, the first indigenous religious congregation for men that later became the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate (CMI). Records state that St Chavara spent the last seven years of his life in the monastery attached to the old St Philomenas Church, and he was interred in front of the altar after his demise on January 3, 1871. Fr Antony Cheriyakadavil, former vicar of Koonammavu, who has extensively studied the legacy of the saint and his connection with the parish, told TNIE: Perhaps, it was the religious fervour of the residents and the serene spiritual ethos of the place that made him choose Koonammavu. Keralas first convent and girls boarding school As Koonammavu was the birthplace of the first indigenous convent and boarding school for girls set up by Mother Eliswa, its residents are eagerly awaiting her beatification on November 8. She first came here in 1847 as the 16-year-old bride of Vatharu, belonging to the Vakayil family. After he died in 1852, she led a life of prayer, and in 1862, she opted for religious life. Four years later, she, along with her daughter Anna and sister Thresia, took the veil, thus founding the TOCD that accepted both Latin and Syro-Malabar candidates.At a time when formal education for girls was almost an alien concept, this bold nun started a boarding school for girls where they were taught languages, music, arithmetic, and craft. She also taught local women to make handicrafts and rosaries. Even today, this place remains a hub of rosary-making. In 1890, when her convent came under the jurisdiction of the Trichur Vicariate belonging to the Syro-Malabar Rite, Mother Eliswa and other Latin members had to vacate the property. They moved to Varappuzha St Josephs Convent, where the Mother remained until her death on July 18, 1913. Years later, the TOCD branched into the Congregation of Teresian Carmelites (CTC) of the Latins and the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC) of the Syro-Malabar Rite. Another saintly soul Servant of God Fr George Vakayil, one of the illustrious scions of the Vakayil family to which Mother Eliswas husband belonged, is another holy person from this village. Born on September 12, 1883, he completed his studies at St Alberts High School in Ernakulam before joining the seminary. Ordained a priest in 1912, he served the poor and the downtrodden with compassion and love and passed away in Maradu on November 4, 1931, while serving as the vicar of St Mary Magdalene Church. Known as Achan Punyalan or saintly father, Fr George is also a sainthood candidate.
SC order: Kerala faces tough task to shelter lakhs of stray dogs
KOCHI: The Supreme Court order directing states to remove stray dogs from public places and rehabilitate them in shelters after conducting sterilisation and vaccination in accordance with the Animal Birth Control (ABC) rules has landed the state government in a tight spot. At a time when Kerala is preparing for the local body elections, it will be a Herculean task for the government to implement the order within the stipulated time. The state has to file a compliance report before the apex court after eight weeks, on January 13, 2026. We will hold discussions with the department of local self-government (LSGD) on implementing the order. It is difficult to find space to open shelters for stray dogs in all districts, Minister for Animal Husbandry J Chinchurani told TNIE. Kerala being a densely populated state, there is stiff resistance from the public against establishing ABC centres, she said. We have decided to open ABC centres in the districts of Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kannur this year. Recently, I went to Ochira in Kollam to lay the foundation stone for an ABC centre, where we had to deploy police because of protests. In Kannur, we have established a centre, spending `1 crore, but the local residents are demanding to shift it, the minister said. The state has 19 ABC centres functioning under the animal husbandry department. According to officials, 15,767 stray dogs were sterilised and 88,744 dogs vaccinated in 2024-25. In the current financial year, 9,737 strays have been sterilised and 53,401 vaccinated, till September 30. As per the 2019 livestock census, there were 2.89 lakh strays in Kerala and the results of the 2024 census are yet to be released. Stray dog case: Supreme Court directs authorities to move stray canines to designated shelters Despite the ABC drive, the stray dog population is estimated to have increased 30 to 40% after 2019. We opened a portable ABC centre at Nedumangad in Thiruvananthapuram district on October 29 and plans are afoot to open such centres in all 152 block panchayats. The government has set aside Rs 2 crore to establish ABC centres in all districts and the block panchayats have also arranged funds for the same. One portable ABC centre with air-conditioned operation theatre requires Rs 28 lakh. Kennels will be arranged at such centres, where the dogs will be kept under observation for five days after sterilisation. We had submitted a report regarding the plan before the Supreme Court, the Chinchurani said. The state has reported around 2.25 lakh dog-bite cases and 17 deaths during the first eight months of 2025. A rise in deaths due to rabies had spread panic in the state recently. The SC order has brought cheer to activists who have been demanding the culling of stray dogs. However, animal rights activists said the order is against existing rules. Activist Jose Maveli, who was reprimanded by the Supreme Court for announcing a reward to people who kill strays, said the order is a huge relief. As many as 21 cases have been registered against me at various police stations across the state for fighting to ensure the protection of the common man from dogs. I was made to tender an apology before the SC for raising my voice. The SC order will ensure the safety of the common man on the streets, he said. However, State Animal Welfare Board member M N Jayachandran said the SC order will send a wrong message. If you shift 10 dogs from the street to a shelter, another pack of dogs will arrive at the locality within a month. The real problem is improper disposal of slaughter waste, he said.
Nod for Trivandrum Metro Phase I alignment
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Putting an end to uncertainties and inordinate delays, the state government has finally given in-principle approval for the first phase alignment of the long-pending Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail project. The 31-km-long corridor will stretch from Pappanamcode to Enchakkal, covering 27 stations and connecting key points, including all three phases of Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Thampanoor bus terminal, central railway station, Secretariat and medical college hospital. The decision was taken by the state government following the recommendations of the expert committee chaired by the chief secretary. The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has been asked to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) in line with the Metro Rail Policy, 2017. KMRL will now finalise the DPR and submit it to the Centre for final approval. The finalised alignment links educational, administrative and IT hubs under a single rapid transit network, said an official. The metro route will begin at Pappanamcode and pass through Kaimanam, Killippalam, Thampanoor, Palayam, Medic al College, Ulloor, Sreekaryam, Pangappara, Karyavattom, Technopark Phases IIII, Kazhakoottam, Kochuveli, Veli, and the airport, before terminating at Enchakkal.
Sleepless in the silent hours?
In most nights, CA Anil Kumar from Kochi woke up, unable to fall back asleep. He chalked it up to work stress and tried herbal teas, switched off his gadgets earlier, and used over-the-counter sleep aids. But this annoyance turned into a nightly battle. He would wake up groggy, mentally foggy, and his productivity would plummet. One day, Anil briefly nodded off behind the wheel and was jolted awake when his car grazed the highway divider. This scare finally pushed him to seek medical help. Anils story is not rare. Experts recognise this as an escalating epidemic of sleep disorders, vastly underdiagnosed or dismissed as a lifestyle quirk. Sleep is an essential component of health. We spend one-third of our lives asleep, says Dr Sapna Sreedharan, professor of neurology at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram. She adds that many dont realise that their brain is incredibly active while sleeping. It clears out toxins, consolidates memories, and tunes physiological processes. Dr Prabash Prabhakaran, director and senior consultant (Neurology), SIMS Hospital, Chennai, explains that humans sleep in stages. When we sleep, we go into deep sleep immediately for 30 to 60 minutes, then for a second or two, we wake up thats when we turn around; followed by light sleep again, which lasts around 10-20 minutes. Then a second awakening, and again we enter deep sleep. These stages intercede and repeat around six times throughout an individuals mandatory 7-8.5 hours of sleep. Studies show that one nights bad sleep has its effects lasting for 10-15 days. The brain can adjust to bad sleeping patterns to a limit. Since most organs are connected to sleep, the organs are disturbed when sleep goes off track. These irregular sleep patterns could also lead to mental health issues such as dementia, notes Dr Prabash. Understanding sleep disorders Sleep disorders are classified into insomnia, sleep-related breathing disorders like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), central disorders of hypersomnolence such as narcolepsy, circadian rhythm disorders, parasomnias like night terrors and sleepwalking, sleep-related movement disorders such as restless legs syndrome, and sleep disturbances that occur as a consequence of neurological or psychiatric illnesses. Almost 60 to 80% of people experience short-term insomnia at some point in their lives, often due to stress or illness. But lasting longer than three months, it turns into a chronic condition, says Dr Sapna. Chronic insomnia can impair memory, reduce concentration, diminish work performance, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, anxiety, and depression. OSA has become a lifestyle disease. In OSA, the throat muscles relax excessively during sleep, blocking the airway, explains Dr PS Shajahan, professor of pulmonary medicine at Government TD Medical College, Alappuzha. Central sleep apnea is caused when the brain does not send proper signals to the breathing muscles. Loud snoring is one of the most ignored red flags, he says. Untreated sleep apnea increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and causes major cognitive impairment. Adding to the list, Dr Prabash says, OSA can lead to uncontrolled hypertension and increased stress levels, leading to heart attacks, heart failures, and atrial fibrillation. Studies suggest that 10 to 20% of Indian adults may suffer from OSA, although diagnosis rates are much lower, particularly in non-urban populations. Young adults are increasingly showing up at clinics with poor-quality sleep, says Dr Aswathy Thazhakottuvalappil, consultant in the department of respiratory medicine at KIMSHEALTH, Thiruvananthapuram. Theres a growing number of young, non-obese individuals with sleep apnea and other disorders. In women, especially, psychological stress, anxiety, and screen addiction play a significant role, she says. These problems are brushed aside as normal stress or overwork. But persistent fatigue, headaches, poor concentration, and morning lethargy should not be ignored. These symptoms can evolve into uncontrolled hypertension, metabolic dysfunction, kidney issues, and stroke. The careful clinical process Dr Sapna notes the diagnoses begin with a detailed history. She asks questions such as When do you go to bed? Do you use your phone late? Do you feel tired during the day? Do you snore? Has your partner noticed pauses in breathing? These details matter. Answers to these are crucial. Dr Prabash adds, A structured self-administered interview is conducted. There is a scoring set on a scale. The answers and scoring help us identify the problems. Eventually leading to polysomnography or multiple sleep latency tests. Dr Sapna says, for suspected apnea or narcolepsy, polysomnography is essential. Level 1 is conducted overnight in a sleep lab. It records electrical brain activity, breathing, oxygen levels, body movements, and heart rhythm. Patients are advised to avoid caffeine and alcohol and to refrain from napping the day of the study. Level 2 and Level 3 studies can be done at home and are used to assess breathing disorders. The usefulness of home-based studies is limited to detecting a subset of disorders, she notes. Treatment: Individualised and Multimodal For chronic insomnia, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is considered the gold standard. Dr Sapna notes, It targets the root causes such as unhelpful beliefs and behaviours. In India, access to trained therapists is limited, pushing patients towards long-term use of sleeping pills, which can lead to dependency and cognitive issues. OSA requires mechanical intervention. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is the most effective therapy for OSA, says Dr Aswathy. We also look at mandibular devices and, in some cases, surgical correction. Treatment is always tailored to the patients condition. A public health priority Doctors agree that sleep needs to be treated as a vital sign, monitored and discussed as routinely as BP or cholesterol. Public health campaigns, better access to sleep studies, and integrated mental health support are crucial to addressing this silent epidemic. On an individual level, citizens can take measures, Dr Prabash points, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, avoiding caffeinated products after 4 pm, 40 minutes of brisk walking before 3-4 hours of sleeping, no screens two hours before sleeping, a dark room at 23-24 degree celcius. These set rules are a must to be part of ones sleep hygiene, he says. Sleep disorders have been described in literature for centuries Charles Dickens portrayal of Joe, the obese, sleepy coachman in The Pickwick Papers, for instance, is now thought to be one of the earliest depictions of sleep apnea. But societal recognition has lagged far behind. Sleep hygiene should be taught just like balanced diets and physical activity, says Dr Sapna. India is slowly waking up to this reality. But for a meaningful change, we need coordinated effort across medicine, technology, policy, and public behaviour. Sleep disorders - an overview Insomnia: Trouble falling or staying asleep Sleep Apnea: Interrupted breathing during sleep Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Urge to move legs while resting Narcolepsy: Sudden episodes of sleep during daytime Circadian Rhythm Disorders: Disrupted internal body clock Parasomnias: Unusual behaviours like sleepwalking or night terrors. Hypersomnia: Excess sleepiness in daytime Rapid Eye Movement (REM): Sleep with rapid eye movement, increased brain activity and dreams REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder: Acting out dreams in REM. Causes and risk factors Biological: Brain or hormonal imbalances Psychological: Anxiety, stress, depression Lifestyle: Irregular schedules, poor sleep hygiene Medical: Asthma, chronic pain, heart conditions Environmental: Noisy surroundings, artificial light exposure Treatmenty options Behavioral Therapy: CBT for insomnia, relaxation exercises Medications: Sleep aids, melatonin supplements, narcolepsy drugs Devices: CPAP machine for sleep apnea Lifestyle Changes: Improve sleep hygiene, consistent routines Light Therapy: Re-align circadian rhythm using timed light exposure Symptoms Daytime sleepiness and fatigue Difficulty focusing or remembering Mood swings or irritability Loud snoring or choking during sleep Strange movements or behaviours at night Diagnostic methods Sleep Diary: Tracking habits and patterns over time Polysomnography: Overnight monitoring in a sleep lab Actigraphy: Wearable device that monitors sleep cycles Home Sleep Test: At-home kit for detecting sleep apnea (Inputs from Unnikrishnan S)
Ekm-Bengaluru Vande Bharat, Keralas 3rd, chugs off today
KOCHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the new Vande Bharat Express to Kerala -- between Ernakulam Junction and KSR Bengaluru -- through videoconferencing on Saturday. The main event will be held at the Banaras railway station in Uttar Pradesh, from where the Prime Minister will flag off four Vande Bharat services -- Banaras-Khajuraho, Lucknow Jn-Saharanpur, and Firozpur Cantt-Delhi, besides the Ernakulam-Bengaluru train. This will be the third Vande Bharat service for Kerala and the first inter-state Vande Bharat service linking Kerala with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, a Railways spokesperson said. With the introduction of the service, 12 pairs of Vande Bharat trains will serve the Southern Railway jurisdiction. The new Vande Bharat Express will provide seamless connectivity between Bengaluru and Ernakulam. This train traverses major cities of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, including Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, and Salem, before reaching Krishnarajapuram and KSR Bengaluru. The service will greatly benefit IT professionals, businessmen, and students, among others, the spokesperson said. The function at Varanasi will be live-streamed at the Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, and Salem stations. Elected representatives, other dignitaries, students, passengers, and the general public will participate in the event. The train will be accorded a warm reception at all the stations, the spokesperson added.
Keralas NBFCs now hold more gold than UK reserves!
KOCHI: If Keralas non-banking financiers were a country, they would rank 16th in the world for gold reserves right after Portugal and ahead of the United Kingdom, Spain and Austria. Together, Kerala-based non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) now hold a glittering 381 tonnes of gold, a stash that surpasses the official reserves of several European nations and testifies to the states enduring obsession with the yellow metal. The combined holdings of major gold-loan giants Muthoot Finance (208 tonnes), Manappuram Finance (56.4 tonnes), Muthoot FinCorp (43.69 tonnes), Kerala State Financial Enterprises or KSFE (67.22 tonnes), and Indel Money (around 6 tonnes) together outweigh the gold reserves of the UK (310 tonnes) and Spain (282 tonnes). In pure numbers, that is gold worth well over Rs 4.6 lakh crore, based on current record-high prices. Keralas NBFCs have quietly built up this vast reserve over decades, one household pledge at a time. In a state where gold is a savings instrument, a symbol of status, and now a financial lifeline, the business of gold loans has become both culturally rooted and economically powerful. In tier-3, tier-4, and tier-5 cities, gold loans are the first preference for any immediate requirement whether its putting a son through college, painting the house, or buying machinery for a workshop, says Umesh Mohanan, executive director and CEO of Indel Money. The rise in gold prices has only made it more attractive. The rupee availability per gram has increased and more gold is coming into the market as people leverage their ornaments. At Fridays price of Rs 12,202 per gram or Rs 81,000 per sovereign the value of pledged gold has hit record highs. With RBI tightening rules on unsecured lending and rolling over of loans, NBFCs find themselves in a sweet spot. The liquidity crunch has driven borrowers to seek gold-backed credit, where funds are instant, secured, and flexible. The gold price increase has been a boon to the Indian market, especially in the lower-income segment. With restrictions on unsecured loans, theres a credit crunch but gold loans have filled that gap, adds Mohanan. However, this boom has also spurred the unorganised sector. Mohanan points out that only 37% of Indias gold loans are with organised players, while the remaining 63% remain in the unregulated space pawnshops, small financiers, and local moneylenders. 3K tonnes of gold locked in vaults as collateral Any regulatory curb on the organised 37% indirectly feeds the 63% unorganised market, he warns, explaining how intermediaries exploit RBI restrictions by releasing and re-pledging gold for higher one-day interests. Meanwhile, a leading player, Muthoot FinCorp, paints a picture of disciplined borrowers and stable demand. We arent seeing customers rush back to borrow more just because prices are up, says Muthoot FinCorp CEO Shaji Varghese. Though the loan tenure is 12 months, most customers redeem their gold in five to six months. They are taking loans for real needs not speculation. They close the loan when their purpose is met and move on. Varghese notes that while the auction rate has fallen from about 2.5% to nearly 1%, the trend points to responsible borrowing. Customers are able to raise higher loan amounts with less gold, but they arent over-leveraging, he says. Globally, India is already the worlds largest consumer of gold, and the countrys gold loan market is estimated to have 2,950 to 3,350 tonnes of gold locked in vaults as collateral. Southern India with Kerala at the heart of it remains the epicentre of this financial culture. Golds rally to near Rs 1.19 lakh per 10 grams has turned household ornaments into a national asset class. It has also blurred the lines between domestic wealth and global reserves with Keralas NBFCs now collectively holding more gold than the central banks of Brazil, Australia, or South Africa. As the world watches geopolitical tensions push investors toward gold, Keralas lenders sit on a mountain of it quite literally.
Local body polls: three fronts reach broad understanding over seat-sharing in Kochi Corporation
'Reshaping Capital': Kerala CM Approves Phase-I Alignment Of Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail Project
The project, managed by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL), will feature 27 stations along the 31-kilometer route of phase-I.
No red-carpet welcome for women in power, says former Kochi Mayor Soumini Jain
Ms. Jain of the UDF was the second woman to hold the post, following the LDFs Mercy Williams, who served from 2005 to 2010
The Lichen herbarium at the Department of Botany, Maharajas College, houses over 4,000 dried specimens of lichens
Interio by Godrej to execute 90 crore projects for Kochis infrastructure development
The portfolio includes a 69 crore electrical & mechanical work order from KMR) for Phase 2 of Kochi Metro, and the successful completion of a 24 crore design-and-build project for KSITIL
As per a report by mechanical engineer of Corporations vehicle cell, out of 44 four-wheelers that are no longer usable even with maintenance, location of 14 could not be identified
ED searches CPM-run cooperative bank in Thiruvananthapuram over Rs 97-crore irregularities
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted a search at the Nemom Service Cooperative Bank, where irregularities worth Rs 97 crore were allegedly detected earlier this year. Officials from the EDs Kochi office took part in the proceedings. The bank, which was governed by a CPM-led panel, has been at the centre of controversy, and the EDs intervention has acquired political overtones as it comes just ahead of the local body elections in the state. The controversy began after the bank failed to repay several depositors, prompting an inquiry by the Cooperative Department. The probe revealed widespread irregularities and mismanagement, resulting in losses amounting to several crores of rupees. The Crime Branch, which investigated the case, had arrested three individuals, including the banks president and secretary. The Cooperative Departments report indicated that the bank has outstanding dues of about Rs 35 crore, but only half of that amount can likely be recovered through legal means. Officials had allegedly failed to record the names and details of all depositors in the official documents. It was also found that bad loans had surged beyond feasible limits, and the properties and valuables pledged as security were insufficient to cover the losses. For the past three months, the bank has been under the control of an administrator. In addition to the bank premises, the ED also carried out searches at the residences of the board members, sources said. With the local body polls around the corner, the development could pose a political headache for the CPM. The CPM-led LDF is aiming to retain power in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, while the BJP has been making efforts to wrest control from the Left.
NDR Spaces Rs 250-crore logistics park marks 100th Invest Kerala project
KOCHI: Keralas investment drive under the Invest Kerala Global Summit has crossed a major milestone with the foundation stone of the 100th project being laid at Chununganveli near Aluva. The project a Rs 250-crore A-grade warehousing and logistics facility promoted by NDR Space Pvt Ltd forms part of Keralas total Rs 36,000-crore investments garnered through the summit held in February this year, said Industries Minister P Rajeeve. Speaking at the ceremony, the minister said the states investment efforts had created nearly 50,000 employment opportunities. Kerala has achieved a 24 per cent conversion rate of investment proposals a strong indicator of our policy stability and ease of doing business. In many other states, this figure stands at 14-15 per cent, he said. The Aluva project by NDR Space, spanning 16 acres, will feature both semi- and fully automated systems for efficient inventory and stock management. The facility, designed to be EDGE-certified for sustainable construction and energy efficiency, will serve sectors such as FMCG, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and third-party logistics (3PL). Invest Kerala Global Summit: Getting bizzy with the future NDR Space CEO, Raj Srinivasan, said the project is part of the companys broader plan to develop nearly two million sq. ft. of Grade-A warehousing and industrial space across Kerala in the coming years. This initiative will strengthen industrial activity and supply chain efficiency in the region while aligning with Keralas vision to build world-class infrastructure, he said, adding that the facility is expected to be commissioned by March 2026. The project is expected to generate direct and indirect employment for over 300 people. Aluva MLA Anwar Sadath was the chief guest at the event, which was also attended by A. P. M. Mohammed Hanish, IAS, Principal Secretary (Industries), Sathi Lalu, Panchayat President, Saju Mathai, Ward Councillor, Srinivasan N, Business Head (Kerala), and Thomas T Pottamkulam, Area Manager (Kerala) of NDR Space Pvt Ltd.
Navys growing skills point to Indias role as preferred security partner: CNS
KOCHI: Indian Navy has fully transformed from a Buyers Navy to a Builders Navy, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said on Thursday. Commissioning INS Ikshak, the large hydrographic survey vessel built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers at Kochi Naval Base, he said the Navys growing operational capabilities underscore Indias role as the first responder and preferred security partner in shaping a free, open and inclusive global commons across the region. Pointing out that Ikshak is the 10th platform to be commissioned by the Navy this year, Tripathi said the vessel represents yet another milestone for Indias shipbuilding enterprise and national maritime vision. The seas are witnessing sharper competition for influence, resources and connectivity. The rise of new technologies, contestation over critical minerals, and evolving patterns of maritime trade are redrawing the strategic map across oceans. The maritime space around us is increasingly defined by shifting tides and rougher seas that demand steadiness, resolve and strength. The Indian Navy is a steady and reliable force that inspires confidence, builds partnerships, and upholds the collective good on the oceans, said Tripathi. In the past one year, Indian survey ships have rendered hydrographic assistance to countries like Mauritius and Vietnam. The recently commissioned ships, be it the most advanced P17A frigates, Shallow Water ASW craft, or Survey Vessel Ikshak, carry nearly 80% indigenous content. Each reflects seamless synergy between the Indian Navy, Shipyards and our expanding defence-industrial ecosystem, including MSMEs and technology partners, Tripathi said.
Keralas dark turn: Taxi unions threaten to drive tourists away
KOCHI: Kerala, Gods Own Country, is slowly earning a new, less favourable tag Taxi Unions Own Territory. For a state that has precious little manufacturing muscle, tourism has long been its golden goose. But that goose is beginning to look bruised, thanks to the growing menace of taxi and autorickshaw drivers unions who have decided that they, not the law, get to say who drives whom. At beaches, hill stations and even airports, visitors are being greeted not with smiles and kathakali murals, but with warning boards telling them not to use online ride-hailing apps. From Thiruvananthapuram to Munnar and Kumarakom, No Ola, No Uber signs are popping up faster than selfie spots. And thats a problem. For the states tourism sector had just started finding its feet after the pandemic sucker punch. Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas recently announced glowing numbers: over 1.19 crore domestic tourists visited Kerala in the first half of 2025 a 10.5% jump from last year. Foreign arrivals too climbed 6.87%, touching 3.83 lakh. The trajectory was encouraging. However, industry insiders warn that the rising tide could soon hit a wall built by local unions. Just like how mindless trade unionism crippled our industrial growth, tourism will also pay the price, warns Jose Dominic, former CEO of CGH Earth and one of the earliest champions of responsible tourism. The taxi union chaos we saw in Goa is creeping in here too, he says. Manu P V, founder of Discover Kerala Holidays, says taxi unionism is rampant at almost every major tourist hotspot. Look near any Club Mahindra resort or big hotel; the local taxi union runs the show. If guests book private pickups or online cabs, theyre stopped, threatened, or forced to cancel. Outside drivers are fined, while tourists are bullied into paying inflated local rates, he says. Hill destinations are worse. In places like Munnar or Thekkady, jeep safari unions act like local authorities, deciding who can operate, at what price, and when, Manu says, adding, Backwater houseboat unions have become power centres of their own, dictating terms, flouting rules. This behaviour is slowly tearing apart Keralas image as a welcoming, world-class destination. The governments response? Tepid at best, say stakeholders. Officials often look away, afraid to anger local groups, says Manu. Its this fear thats killing accountability. If not checked now, this will corrode the very foundation of Keralas tourism economy, he warns. Even airports arent spared. Sayouj Prabhakar, general secretary of Wayanad Eco-tourism Association, points out, Online taxis are outright banned at Kochi airport by taxi unions Former tourism deputy director Prashant Vasudev calls for a firmer hand. Taxi unions must be told clearly that online cabs are legal. The government has reintroduced the Kerala Savari app; drivers can easily be part of it. Theres no excuse for shunning technology, he says. Minister Riyas insists the government isnt sitting idle. DTPCs have been instructed to monitor destinations and act against such incidents, he says. However, mere instructions wont work. If unchecked, this union-driven intimidation could undo years of branding and money, says officials.
Papal delegate with Kerala roots in Kochi for Mother Eliswas beatification
KOCHI: As Catholics across the globe celebrate the Jubilee Year of Hope, seeking the renewal of the conflict-ridden world, a Malaysian cardinal with Malayali roots is in Kochi as a pilgrim of hope to discover the multi-faceted personality of the first Keralite nun and foundress of the first indigenous religious congregation for women, who will be beatified on November 8. Speaking to TNIE, Cardinal Sebastian Francis of the Diocese of Penang termed his visit to the home state of his parents as a pilgrimage that is both enriching as well as nostalgic. He was deputed by Pope Leo XIV to be his special representative at the beatification of Mother Eliswa of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1831-1913), which will be held at the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom in Vallarpadom. Though I have visited Kerala several times ever since I was ordained a priest in 1977, this is my first visit to my parents state after I was made a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2023, said the 73-year-old top prelate, whose parents migrated to Malaysia when it was under British rule. Cardinal Francis said the opportunity to attend the ceremony as the representative of the Holy Father was totally unexpected, adding that he views it as a gift. Referring to Mother Eliswa, Cardinal Francis said she was not a stereotypical saint, adding that she was a wife, a mother and a widow before going ahead with the decision to become a nun.
2018-scale floods may hit every 25 years in Kerala, warns study
KOLLAM: Floods of the scale Kerala witnessed in 2018 earlier believed to occur only once in 150 years could now hit every 25 years, a new study has found. Analysing four decades of river flow data in Kerala, the study, carried out by researchers from the civil engineering department of TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, warns that the states current flood models underestimate real flood risk by up to 40%, leaving key infrastructure vulnerable as climate change intensifies. The study notes that Keralas flood maps, dam safety norms and drainage design standards no longer reflect current rainfall patterns, explaining why towns go underwater even after moderate rainfall. It warns that unless design standards are urgently updated, even routine monsoon spells could trigger severe flooding across both urban and rural regions. The shift was identified using non-stationary flood frequency analysis a method that accommodates climate variability linked to factors such as El Nino, the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). The team analysed 40 years of flood discharge records (1980-2019) from the Irrigation Design and Research Board. Study: Flood designs need to evolve with climate reality At the Muvattupuzha station, the 2018 flood discharge of 2,412 cubic metres per second earlier estimated to occur once in 150 years was recalculated to have a return period of just 25 years. At Thodupuzha, a 62-year event was shortened to 25 years, while at Kakkadassery, a 75-year event now has a return period of only 12 years. The study also found that the estimated magnitude of floods could increase by 29 to 40% when climate change vulnerability is factored in. Our infrastructure was built on the assumption that climate change would not occur, that climatic events such as temperature and lunar cycles would remain the same. But that isnt the truth. Our bridges, dams, and drainage systems are in jeopardy as their capacity to handle sudden downpours is limited, said professor Adarsh S, head of civil engineering department at the TKM College of Engineering, who led the study. From Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi, waterlogging has become routine even after moderate rain. Researchers said this was because Keralas drainage network, culverts, and bridges were designed using a flood map that no longer reflects current rainfall patterns. Kerala receives over 80% of its annual rainfall in just four months and has faced major floods in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2024. These back-to-back events show that floods are becoming more intense and frequent. If flood designs do not evolve with climate reality, the cost will be devastating, the study noted. The study was carried out with assistance from the Core Research Grant under the Department of Science and Technologys Science and Engineering Research Board. Professor Adarsh and research scholar Meera G Mohan were the team members. The results of their research have been published in journals such as Water Resources Management, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Theoretical and Applied Climatology, Water Security, and H2Open Journal.
INS Ikshak, the third Survey Vessel Large, has been commissioned into the Indian Navy. The ship was formally inducted in a ceremony at Naval Base, Kochi. INS Ikshak will survey deep oceans and unchartered waters. It is a shining example of indigenisation with 80% indigenous content. The ship offers dual-role capability for survey and disaster relief operations.
