NGT seeks new systems for debris removal along Kochi backwaters, coastline

CBFC can't decide film titles, says Kerala High Court

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Monday observed that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cannot dictate film titles or storylines to directors and artists. Justice N Nagaresh made this remark while hearing a petition from Cosmos Entertainments, the producer of the film JSK - Janaki vs State of Kerala, starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi. The petition sought a directive to the CBFC to issue a censor certificate for the film. The court directed the CBFC to clarify its objections to the film's title, Janaki, and emphasised that the case cannot be indefinitely adjourned. The hearing has been scheduled for July 2. During the hearing, the court questioned the rationale behind the CBFC's objection to the title and character name Janaki. What is wrong with the title or the name of the character 'Janaki'? That is the freedom of artists. You (CBFC) cannot interfere in that. The freedom not absolute, but the Board must have a convincing reason to show how the name 'Janaki' is contemptuous of racial, religious, or other groups, said the court. The court noted that in the film, 'Janaki' is portrayed as a heroine fighting for justice. In India, many names have religious significance, whether they are Hindu, Christian, or Muslim such as Ahamed, Anthony, and Raman. 80 percent of names in India have religious connotations. Now, will the Board dictate to directors and artists what names they should use and what stories they should tell? Is that correct? the court asked. Censor board revision committee upholds its decision on title change in Suresh Gopis Janaki Vs State of Kerala The petitioners counsel submitted that in 2023, the CBFC had granted certification to the Malayalam film Janaki Jaane, which also used the name Janaki without issue. The court then asked whether the character Janaki in JSK was depicted in a way that would make her unfit to bear the name. The CBFCs counsel responded affirmatively. In response, the petitioners counsel requested that the court watch the movie in open court, citing a precedent where the Bombay High Court had done so in a similar case. The single judge remarked that if necessary, the court could consider watching the film, but prima facie there was no need to do so at this stage. When the court inquired further into the nature of the character Janaki, the petitioners counsel explained that she is a rape survivor who fights for justice in court. The court noted: She is an epitome of strength, not a rapist. If a rapist were named Rama, Krishna, or Janaki, then the court could understand the objection. But here, she is a heroine fighting for justice. The court also asked whether there was any procedural illegality in the issuance of the show-cause notice. We have Ram, Sita in film titles, why is Janaki a problem, Kerala HC asks CBFC The petitioners counsel responded that the notice lacked application of mind. He pointed out that the Board advised the petitioner to appeal to the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT), which was abolished in 2021. This is the level of application of mind, argued the petitioner, to which the court responded, This may be enough to set aside the order, but that alone will not help the writ petitioner. The petitioners counsel further pointed out that the CBFCs revising committee recommended removing the name Janaki from the films title and dialogues, citing violations of Guidelines 2(xi) and 2(vi). Guideline 2(xi) states that visuals or words contemptuous of racial, religious, or other groups are not to be presented in films. He argued that it is unclear how the name Janaki qualifies as racial or contemptuous, especially since the title Janaki vs State of Kerala had been approved three months earlier, and there had been no complaints against the film. The court concluded that the reason cited by the CBFC for objecting to the name Janaki appears prima facie unsustainable.

The haunting legacy of MV Kairali

KOCHI: For many of the families of the 51 souls aboard the MV Kairali, time froze on June 30, 1979. While 46 years to the day have painfully passed since the ship set sail from Goa, for them, the vessel is forever afloat, its phantom silhouette perpetually poised to dock. The cruellest trick of the unresolved tragedy is the imagined stasis of their loved ones: Forever young, forever sailing, and never ageing. Closure, a comforting harbour, remains elusive, a horizon that stubbornly refuses to draw near. The missing cargo vessel of the state-owned Kerala Shipping Corporation was carrying 20,000 tonnes of iron ore to the East German port of Rostock from Margao, via Djibouti. The last radio contact was on July 3, and the ship was expected to refuel on July 8 at Djibouti. The world first came to know about the radio silence of the vessel on July 11, and the first official news was published on July 15. Godwin Josey was just six when he heard the news on the radio that MV Kairali had gone missing. His father, Padapurakkal Augustine Josey, a 43-year-old engine room kasab, was among those who vanished. He recalls visiting the office of the now-defunct company the next day with his mother and relatives. Battle for answers For years, families and relatives of the missing sailors waged a relentless battle for answers about the ships fate. Godwin vividly recalls his mothers unwavering determination: For nearly a decade, she attended every meeting of the action committee, met with ministers and well-wishers in Thiruvananthapuram, and I would accompany her as a child, witnessing her anguish. Padapurakkal Augustine Josey For Kottayam resident Jose Paikkada, memories of his 22-year-old brother Gilbert Paikkada, the fifth engineer, remain a painful reminder of the unresolved tragedy. My brother was a simple, soft-spoken soul who had just passed his BTech from Kothamangalam Engineering College and secured admission for MTech in Thiruvananthapuram when he decided to join the ship, Jose said, his voice still filled with longing. He was only in his ninth month of sailing when he vanished. Jose, a key member of the action committee, recalls the numerous speculations surrounding the ships disappearance. One theory suggests that the vessel was overloaded with iron ore, exceeding its 19,000-tonne capacity, in a blatant disregard for safety norms, he says. Several theories floated The failure to balance the cargo properly may have caused it to shift in rough waves, ultimately leading to the ships demise. Another theory points to the ships radar being under repair, with Capt Mariyadas Joseph initially refusing to sail on July 3. However, he was allegedly forced to set sail that evening without completing repairs, Jose adds. This vulnerability, combined with the adverse weather, may have contributed to the ship breaking apart and sinking. He also mentions speculation about a potential hijacking by pirates. Jose also questions the transparency of the shipping companys actions, citing their slow response to the crisis. Whats striking is that the shipping company received a telex message from Pan Arabia, a Singapore-based company, offering to help locate the ship and crew, he recalls. The message was cryptic, with a no cure, no pay condition, and demanded $300,000 for the mission. The representative of Pan Arabia, a Keralite, even met with government officials in the state. However, the search operation never materialised due to various factors, including a change in government, he said. Jose adds that there was a mysterious incident involving the Indian Navy, which claimed to have spotted the vessel near an island in the Indian Ocean, only to later retract the statement. Speaking to TNIE on the second anniversary of his mothers passing, Godwin, who followed in his fathers footsteps by taking to sailing, recalled the emotional toll of the tragedy on his family. Holding on to hope My mother never performed any funeral rites for my father, holding on to hope for years, he said. The compensation of around Rs 80,000, received a decade later, barely covered the expenses incurred in searching for the ship and crew. She spent years praying, crying, and fighting for answers, he said. Jose poignantly notes that his family hasnt performed any funeral rites for his missing brother. Most family members of the crew still grapple with uncertainty, and many have passed away without ever knowing the fate of their loved ones, he says.

State government likely to approve Kochi light tram feasibility study soon

The approval is critical to get Central funding for the study

CJI to deliver memorial lecture in Kochi on July 6

No guarantee Leader of Opposition will become CM face

Sunny Joseph belongs to the rare breed of Congress leaders who prefer to keep a low profile and remain in the background. That trait must have played a crucial role in making Sunny Vakeel, as he is fondly called, the partys Kerala president. Close on the heels of assuming office, he led Congress to victory in the Nilambur bypoll. Sunny shares with TNIE his take on the Nilambur success, P V Anvar factor, Satheesanism in the party, larger than life image of Shashi Tharoor, and his optimism about the Congress coming back to power in the next assembly elections. Excerpts UDF won the Nilambur by-election. Did Congress achieve the success it expected? I expected a winning margin of 10,000 to 15,000 votes. Ten thousand is a decent margin, and we managed to achieve 11,000. Did the anti-incumbency factor work in Nilambur? Yes, because CPM and LDF campaigned intensively. The chief minister (Pinarayi Vijayan) camped there and visited all panchayats. The government agencies worked hard. Yet they suffered a huge loss of votes. If anti-incumbency worked, shouldnt UDF have polled more votes in Nilambur which is a Congress bastion? A margin of 11,000 votes is not bad. The poll figures show Anvar took away the votes he had brought to the LDF kitty in the last two elections, and hence, UDF won You shouldnt think CPM lost only the votes Anvar canvassed on his own. How could CPM then retain the same vote share as in 2011? The total number of votes increased in 2025 compared to 2011. Fifteen years have passed. The votes increased by some 15,000 or 20,000. Nilambur has always been a UDF stronghold. Did you need the support of religious groups like Jamaat-e-Islami to win the seat? We wouldve won even otherwise. Then, what was the need to whitewash Jamaat? We didnt seek their support. Nor did we whitewash them. We only resisted attempts by LDF to portray it so. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan did whitewash Jamaat He was only replying to a question. Satheesan said Jamaat has changed its old stand. A video of former Jamaat amir T K Abdulla that went viral shows theres no change in their earlier position What did Saji Cherian say earlier? He made insulting remarks against the Constitution. Will Jamaat be made an associate member of UDF? No. Who told you? They have raised such a demand That did not come up for discussion before us. How can a party like Congress align with a political party floated by Jamaat? The Leader of Opposition said LDF whitewashed Jamaat-e-Islami when they supported it. LDF will make accusations against them if they do not support it. CPM and Congress are parties that believe in the ideals of democracy and secularism laid out in the Constitution CPMs belief is namesake, as is evident from the reinstating of (Minister) Saji Cherian. You are saying this on June 25, the 50th anniversary of Emergency, the day the Constitution was murdered... No. I do not believe the Constitution was killed then. Emergency is a provision in the Constitution. It was employed then. Dont you think it was a mistake? I dont think it was a total mistake. There are different aspects to it. Was it inevitable? It was related to the situation then and ended at the right time. During the Nilambur bypoll, the general impression was that Leader of Opposition led the campaign. Was the KPCC chief sidelined? Im not answering that. That question doesnt arise. Important decisions like fielding Aryadan Shoukath, Jamaat-e-Islami tie-up, and keeping Anvar out were taken by Satheesan As part of deciding the candidate, Satheesan and I met the Congress election committee members, including A K Antony. Every election committee member was consulted. On the basis of the discussions, we conveyed the general sentiment to AICC (All India Congress Committee), and Aryadan was made the candidate. Satheesan said the credit for a win goes to all and he will take responsibility in case of a defeat. It sounded like he was leading the fight... My point is that it was the joint leadership of UDF. I had said the people are responsible for the win. There is no issue of sidelining. The Leader of Opposition has the total leadership of the UDF. Im in the leadership of the Congress. Who took the decision on Jamaat? They came to us and offered support. We did not ask anything. What was the reason for changing V S Joy and fielding Aryadan Shoukath in Nilambur? Who said Joys candidature was fixed? Did Joy say that? Joys name was also considered. A huge majority of the election committee members proposed Shoukath and thats why we recommended him. Theres a general feeling the Leader of Oppositions body language is visibly arrogant... I dont think so. In the last term, we had adjacent seats in the assembly. This time, I was the first to openly propose him as Leader of Opposition. Do young leaders of your party have an arrogant attitude, which was earlier attributed to CPM leaders? Did any of them address anyone as edo Gopalakrishna. Did we call anyone nikrishta jeevi (a wretched creature)? What did M V Jayarajan say about a High Court judge? Did we abuse a renowned parliamentarian paranari (a scoundrel)? Congress leaders in recent times havent behaved in such a wrong manner. Didnt a young Congress MLA threaten an officer on duty saying he will be delivered a gift? There might be some context to it. In some cases, if they copy CPM leaders, they should be corrected. I dont say Congressmen are all saints. They may learn things from others. Is there something called Satheesanism in the party? Satheesan is a strong leader and a promising politician. Theres nothing called Satheesanism. Until Satheesan, Congress leaders used to have a tactical approach. Is there now a supremacy of a leader? Thats a wrong perspective. The party achieved good results under him Thrikkakara, Puthuppally, Palakkad, Nilambur and Chelakkara. He has led UDF well. Whats IUMLs contribution to Nilambur win? They had a huge contribution. League leaders and workers toiled hard. Entire UDF deserves credit for the win. Many in UDF say the sole credit goes to IUML... Who said such a thing? I give them (IUML) equal share. Several Congress and UDF leaders wanted to have P V Anvar on board. What happened? Even Satheesan didnt say Anvar shouldnt be inducted. When the Congress high command declares a candidate, and the announcement is made by the AICC president, what should a person who wants to join UDF say? If theres any difference of opinion, he should tell us and not the media. When all of you adopted a path of reconciliation, Satheesan maintained the door is closed... Theres a reason for that. Anvar never corrected his stand. Or is it because of the serious allegations Anvar raised in the assembly against Satheesan? Anvar has expressed regret for that and has withdrawn his statement. Satheesan has also said its a closed chapter. Was it an ego issue? It isnt an ego issue. Satheesan has only spoken reasonably. Anvar went on to say that Joy was sidelined as he didnt have a godfather. What godfather? Havent I been offered a ticket thrice? Was that because of any godfather? On the counting day, you said the door has not been closed for Anvar That was a general statement. When it is a door, it can be operated either way... opened or shut. If it was a wall, it would be closed forever. Whats the situation now? As it is, its closed (laughs). Does that mean it can be opened? I cant predict that now. Why are you so particular it should be opened (laughs out loud)? During Sudhakarans tenure, KPCC presidents used to be the final word... But Im not the final word. Ill be making my statements in consultation with all the senior leaders. Even Antony says KPCC presidents word is final. But I know the post means responsibility, not power. We have seen Satheesan and former KPCC president Sudhakaran fighting for the mic during a press conference That isnt happening now (laughs). A joke doing the rounds was that one criteria for KPCC president is that he shouldnt fight with Satheesan for the mic... (Laughs out) What were the circumstances under which Sudhakaran was removed? It was the high commands decision. Thats a closed chapter. Why should I reopen past episodes (laughs)? Sudhakaran has been elevated to CWC. Sudhakaran himself has said a CWC berth is no big deal It is a big deal (laughs). Thats a bigger post. Usually, high profile leaders are chosen as KPCC chief. You, however, maintain a relatively low profile... I have myself checked with a few who suggested my name, whether Im fit for the job. I asked Vishnu (P C Vishnunadh) who sits next to me (in the assembly). I suggested Rojis (Roji M John) name, but he in turn proposed my name. When I asked Vishnu, he said a person like me was the need of the hour. What was the primary mandate the AICC leadership gave you? To prepare for the 2026 (assembly) polls and take the party forward unitedly. I told Rahulji that our new team has garnered wide acceptance... not my merit, but that of the entire team. For 2026, LDF has a leader to project. Who does UDF project as its leader? The LDF leadership is in a state of confusion. Is Pinarayi contesting next time? M A Baby (CPM general secretary) has said Pinarayi will lead the campaign... It isnt about leading the campaign. Is Pinarayi contesting? LDF has a tall leader in Pinarayi. But in Congress we see four-five leaders... Congress is rich in leadership. We have many strong leaders. When Oommen Chandy contested, didnt Chennithala and Satheesan also contest? But everyone knew OC would be the CM Even then, the high command had approached us for our view after the elections. Is Shashi Tharoor among the leaders you have mentioned? As it is, he is there. Is there a chance he may not figure in the list? That possibility exists for everyone. The elections are just six to seven months away. Will he still be considered? Tharoor is both a national leader and an internationally recognised figure. The high command decides the parliamentary party leader after taking into account MLAs views. That has been the practice whether it was K Karunakaran, Antony, Chandy, or later when Chennithala and Satheesan became Opposition Leaders. Does that mean it isnt mandatory for Satheesan, being Leader of Opposition, to become chief minister? Theres no such guarantee. He may or may not become (CM). That depends on the partys decision. Theres a strong public perception that Tharoor is a great leader. Why hasnt the party been able to fully utilise someone like him? He was made Union minister twice and is part of the CWC. He also chairs important parliamentary committees. The party has certainly given him significant responsibilities. The question isnt about positions, but his role in campaigning. Isnt he one of the best faces the party has? Thats precisely why he was included in the list of star campaigners in Nilambur. But Tharoors office said they werent informed about this... We all know he was out of the country at the time. But he was in the state for two days... Someone visiting for just two days can have a packed schedule. Isnt Tharoor the biggest crowd-puller for the party? I disagree with that superlative. He is certainly a crowd-puller, but not the biggest. Priyanka Gandhi too came for campaigning. At least, among leaders from Kerala? Still, I wouldnt call him the biggest. But yes, he does draw crowds. CPM was earlier seen as anti-development and now they appear pro-development, while Congress seems to have taken over the anti-development space Thats a flawed premise. Congress has always stood for development, even while in the opposition. It was LDF that opposed key projects like GAIL pipeline and metro rail. In the case of Vizhinjam port, they werent satisfied even with a vigilance probe and went ahead with a judicial inquiry. But the LDF government implemented those very projects That is just their wrong claim. Congress has consistently maintained a pro-development stand. Satheesan had declared he wouldnt allow the Vizhinjam project to happen... Thats simply not true. Whose baby is Vizhinjam? You need to check. Who finalised the agreement and started work? Who ensured environmental clearance for the project? As per the agreement, this project shouldve been completed long back. Has any work been completed on time in Kerala? During the tenure of the previous UDF government, the national highways office was closed down in Kerala Why did it happen? The Oommen Chandy government had initiated the NH development project. It was the Marxist party that created obstacles in land acquisition. What was their stand on the Kannur airport issue? On the day the first aircraft landed there, the then LDF convener E P Jayarajan staged a protest, seeking to extend the length of the runway. He won from the constituency where this airport is located, and became a minister. Was something done? The length has still not been increased. But shouldnt a government overcome such protests? Yes. Weve done that. Thats how major development projects like metro rail, airport, and Vizhinjam were brought in. You all know how CPM opposed the Kochi airport project. The Chandy government had once decided to develop NH stretches with a width of 30m , while the then Opposition CPM demanded 45m. It was a collective demand that came up at an all-party meeting. Since land acquisition in Kerala is difficult, the all-party meeting demanded to reduce the NH width. CPM too demanded the same. Pinarayi had publicly demanded a 45m wide NH. Shouldnt you speak factually? Yes, I was stating facts. Will the KPCC president contest the next election? Thats for the party to decide. Will sitting MPs contest in the assembly polls? That too is for the party to decide. During the bypoll, the party got into several controversies because of new MLA Rahul Mamkootathil... Though the media highlighted certain things, there were no issues that harmed the party. Leader of Opposition had claimed Rahul would be admonished... I wont use the word admonish. Rahul himself rectified his stand and admitted there were certain lapses on his part. So, individuals like Rahul enjoy certain privileges in the party... It isnt a privilege... Id say a certain consideration. You mean the consideration that hes Satheesans close confidant? Hes a close confidant of all of us, including me (smiles). If elected to power, will UDF conduct a caste census? We havent thought about it. Those are things we will discuss later. The party had also spoken about introducing a Faith Protection Legislation in 2021... We need to think about it. Such a matter hasnt come before me. How do you assess the Chief Minister? The CM is autocratic in his approach. Even within the assembly, whats his approach towards the Opposition? Has any CM behaved like this in the past? Does he conduct press conferences, does he respond to your questions? He has been holding press conferences... But nobody asks questions... maybe they ask as he gets up to leave. We havent heard anyone ask questions. Can we expect a more assertive KPCC president in future? (Smiles) That depends (on various factors). I wont speak about myself. Any plans to exercise power? I will never be a KPCC president who imposes authority. Ill be a KPCC president who seeks everybodys cooperation... a chief who discharges responsibilities. But I have my own opinions.

Mediapersons facing challenging times: CM Pinarayi Vijayan

KOCHI: Mediapersons working in visual and print media are facing multiple challenges with the development of information technology and the spread of social media, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Kochi on Saturday. Though they are called the protectors of democracy, mediapersons are facing challenges in their work sphere, he said while inaugurating the Journalist Welfare Fund organised by Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ) in Kochi. As Indias ranking in the World Press Freedom Index declines, there has been a decline in the rights of journalists. The anti-labour policies of the Union government add to the crisis. The government is trying to merge the Working Journalist Act with the labour code. Concerns have been raised about the fate of the Wage Board formed to ensure better remuneration for journalists, said Pinarayi Vijayan. Congratulating the KUWJ for launching its own Welfare Fund, he termed it as the right move for survival in challenging times. The decision to support the families of journalists during difficult times reflects the compassion and care towards colleagues. Assuring that there are no insolvable issues between the government and journalists, the chief minister said the problems regarding the Journalist Pension Scheme can be solved through discussions. He also congratulated the KUWJ for launching Breaking D, a campaign against drug menace. Inaugurating Breaking D, the anti-drug campaign launched by the KUWJ, Opposition leader V D Satheesan said while the government agencies focus on enforcement, it is the duty of society to create awareness about the menace. He termed the Journalist Welfare Fund as a model that can be replicated by other organisations. It reflects the compassion and empathy of journalists towards their fellowmen, said Satheesan.

Kerala takes digital leap as CM Pinarayi Vijayan opens LuLus IT Twin Towers in Kochi

KOCHI: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday inaugurated the LuLu Groups state-of-the-art IT Twin Towers at SmartCity, Kakkanad --- a landmark Rs 1,500-crore project that adds key momentum to the states transformation into a digitally driven, knowledge-powered economy. Strategically located within the SmartCity Kochi SEZ, the 152-metre-tall towers are the tallest and largest IT infrastructure in South India, offering a total built-up area of 3.5 million sqft, with 2.5 million sqft of leasable space. Designed to accommodate over 30,000 IT professionals, the towers currently house four companies -- EXL, OPI, Dynamed and Selise --- which have taken up 2.5 lakh sqft. Kerala is transitioning into a digitally driven economy, and landmark infrastructure projects like the LuLu IT Twin Towers are vital in attracting global tech investments and generating employment for our youth. LuLu Groups continued commitment to investing in Kerala is commendable and much appreciated in todays economic climate, the chief minister said at the launch. He also announced the LuLu Groups upcoming Rs 500-crore investment in a new IT tower at Infopark Phase 2, which will span 9.5 lakh sqft and is expected to create 7,500 additional jobs, further boosting Keralas IT sector. LuLu Group chairman Yusuffali M A described the twin towers as a symbol of our vision to make Kerala a competitive hub for global technology players and emphasised the projects role in driving re-migration by creating high-quality job opportunities for youth within Kerala. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan called the towers an architectural and technological marvel and added that the investment by LuLu Group inspires confidence in Kerala as a hub for high-end innovation. State BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar said the infrastructure will act as a catalyst for Keralas digital economy and support the return of skilled professionals to the state. Key features of the towers include robotic parking for 4,500 vehicles, 67 high-speed elevators, a 2,500-seater food court, 600-seater conference hall, and on-site helipad. Also present were ministers P Rajeeve and G R Anil, Hibi Eden MP, Deputy Opposition Leader P K Kunhalikutty, Uma Thomas MLA, and senior LuLu Group officials.

CM inaugurates LuLu Groups IT Twin Towers in SmartCity Kochi

The IT complex, developed with an investment of 1,500 crore, comprises two identical towers with 30 floors each

Kerala is transitioning into a digitally driven economy: Pinarayi Vijayan

Chief Minister inaugurates Lulu Groups IT twin towers at SmartCity Kochi

Eravikulam ranked Indias best national park

KOCHI: In a major recognition for Keralas conservation efforts, the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar has been ranked the best among all national parks in India, as per the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) 202025 conducted by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Eravikulam scored an impressive 92.97%, sharing the top rank with Dachigam National Park in Jammu & Kashmir. The MEE was conducted across 438 Protected Areas in the country over multiple phases by expert panels, following global criteria laid down by the IUCN and the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA). Evaluations were based on 32 parameters grouped under six key aspects of conservation management, a release said here. Notably, Kerala emerged as the only state to receive a 'Very Good' rating, with a total score of 76.22%, outpacing states like Karnataka (74.24%), Punjab (71.74%), and Himachal Pradesh (71.36%), which were rated 'Good.' Two other protected areas from Keralas Munnar Wildlife Division also made it to the top tier: Mathikettan Shola National Park (90.63%) and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (89.84%). The 97 sq.km. Eravikulam Park, located in the high-altitude shola-grassland ecosystem of the southern Western Ghats, is home to the largest surviving population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and is known for its rare kurinji flowers (Strobilanthes kunthianus), which bloom once every 12 years. The evaluation praised the park for its eco-tourism model built on strong community participation, its clean management, and its innovative use of technology. Eravikulam also hosts Indias first Virtual Reality Nature Education Centre, allowing visitors to experience biodiversity without entering sensitive habitats. The park includes an interpretation centre, orchidarium, fernery, and segregated tourism zones to ensure minimal ecological disruption. Highlighting the achievement, Keralas Forest and Wildlife Minister A K Saseendran congratulated officers and staff across the Forest Department who worked tirelessly for this. Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G Krishnan noted that the recognition was especially meaningful as Eravikulam celebrates its Golden Jubilee this year. The Western Ghats landscapelinking multiple protected areas across Kerala and Tamil Naduis described in the report as a critical biodiversity corridor. The Eravikulam model, it concludes, demonstrates how conservation, tourism, and local communities can coexist without compromising ecological integrity.

Kerala High Court lambasts promotion of VS Achuthanandans son

KOCHI : The Kerala High Court on Friday ordered suo motu registration of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in connection with the appointment of former chief minister V S Achuthanandans son as the Director in charge of the Institute of Human Resources Development (IHRD). Its strange that a clerk got a promotion because of his political influence, and now he is holding the charge of such a prestigious institution (IHRD) as Director, observed Justice D K Singh while considering a case in connection with the appointment of V A Arun Kumar. The petition was filed by Vinu Thomas, Dean (Academic) of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, Thiruvananthapuram, who had earlier served as the principal of Model Engineering College, Thrikkakara. The court also directed the stakeholders to permit Vinu Thomas to take digital copy of relevant pages so that he can respond to a memo issued for alleged irregularities in the purchase of items when he was principal of the engineering college. The contrary would be denial of natural justice, the court said.

We have Ram, Sita in film titles, why is Janaki a problem, Kerala HC asks CBFC

KOCHI: Questioning the censor boards objection to the use of Janaki in an upcoming Malayalam film and the need for modifying its title, the Kerala High Court on Friday observed that Janaki was a common name used everywhere. It also wondered how the name could affect a particular section of society, as it did not belong to any specific caste or religion. Justice N Nagaresh made the remarks during the hearing of the petition filed by Cosmos Entertainments, the producer of JSK-Janaki Vs State of Kerala, which stars Union Minister Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran in lead roles. The Tamil Nadu-based firm sought a directive to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue the censor certificate for the movie. It said following media reports, the makers learnt that the censor board had directed to change the movies title and the name of the titular character Janaki, saying it refers to Hindu Goddess Sita. The court asked Deputy Solicitor General of India (DSGI) O M Shalina, who appeared for the CBFC: We have cinemas released in the name Seeta Aur Geeta . Janaki is Sita. But nothing happened. No problem, and nobody has any complaint. We have a film Ram Lakhan . Nobody has any complaints. Then, how come for Janaki there is a complaint? The query followed the DSGIs submission that the board had issued a show-cause notice to the filmmakers on June 26. The DSGI submitted that the modification listed was to remove/change the name of the lead character Janaki, from the title and dialogues wherever it occurs. To this, the court asked, Why should there be modification? The DSGI submitted that the boards guidelines say visuals or words contemptuous of racial, religious or other groups are not presented in films. The narrative of the film (JSK) deals with mature content, thus the name Janaki should not be used in this context. The HC has directed that the show-cause notice be placed before it on June 30.

Actor shares goosebumps-evoking heroics of an all-women flight crew

Actor Antony Vargheses Instagram post on his experience of flying from Hyderabad to Kochi on an all-women crew Indigo flight with two aborted landing attempts, and how the entire passengers erupted in applause when the flight eventually landed at the Kochi airport on Thursday afternoon has gone viral.

This coffee shop in Kochi offers coffee, community and comforting food

JSK - Janaki V/s State of Kerala row: Kerala film bodies to protest outside CBFC office on Monday

KOCHI: The Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA), the apex filmmakers union in the state, has decided to protest in front of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) office in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday (June 30) after the film certification body decided to withhold the release of the movie JSK - Janaki V/s State of Kerala , demanding the makers of the film rename the central character Janaki. Other film bodies viz., the Association of the Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) and the Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) will also join the protest, he told a news conference here. The CBFC wanted the film starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi to change the name of the central character Janaki as it refers to the Hindu goddess Sita. We are protesting because this issue should be discussed among the public. Because the freedom of expression is violated. The problem does not just affect the industry but society as a whole. We have films like Seetha Kalyanam, Patalam Janaki, etc. There were no such issues. How can it now cause an issue? If it does, the shift in the society should be discussed, said Ranji Panicker, the president of the FEFKA director's union. B Unnikrishnan, the general secretary of FEFKA, said many directors and producers are worried about their movies. When the film Esho was released, there was also an issue. This time, the censor board has intervened. There should be clarity about the guidelines of censorship. We are questioning the competence of the authority that prepares and implements the guidelines, he said. The film Janaki v/s State of Kerala , starring was set to release on June 27 after it received a U/A 13+ certificate. The release has been delayed as the board denied screening permission, citing issues with the film's title. The producer of the film, Phanindra Kumar, and the director, Pravin Narayanan, have approached the High Court against the CBFC decision. If we rename the character Janaki, we will have to change the title also. CBFC has cited that two other films have renamed the character. CBFC cleared the trailer and teaser of the film, and it is exhibited in the theatres. No instances of communal disharmony or violence were caused by it. The criteria for the trailer and the film are different, said Unnikrishnan. He added that the association has discussed the issue with political parties and leaders, and they assured support and cooperation. We expect a positive response from them. How can political and social parties ignore these issues? asked Ranji Panicker.

Fake documents case: Aluva court issues proclamation notice against Iranian national

KOCHI: The Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Aluva has issued a proclamation notice against an Iranian national caught attempting to travel to London using fake documents in 2004. 42-year-old Ali Rostamli Esmaeil is a native of Tabriz, Iran. Ali was intercepted at Kochis Nedumbassery airport on March 12, 2004, while trying to fly to London. He was subsequently arrested following a case registered at the Chengamanad police station, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Passport Act, and the Foreigners Act. However, after being released on bail, Ali absconded and has remained untraceable. The Ernakulam unit of the Crime Branch is currently investigating the case, and a chargesheet has already been filed in court. As Ali failed to appear for a trial, the court has now issued a proclamation under Section 82 of the Criminal Procedure Code, directing him to reappear in connection with the case (CC 754/25). Authorities have urged the public to share any information regarding Alis whereabouts with the Crime Branch Inspector at 9497987292. Earlier in February, the court had issued similar proclamations against 17 foreign nationals -- hailing from Sri Lanka, Nepal, France, Iran, and Russia. They had also been arrested for attempting to travel abroad using fake documents from Nedumbassery airport. Kochi court issues notice against 17 absconding foreign nationals

Mohiniyattam researcher Amith K's Tribute to Chinnammu Amma recital seeks to stir conversations on 'class' and the classical

For decades, Mohiniyattam has been presented through a classical lens polished, codified, and Brahminised. And all the while, it has often obscured the realities of those who shaped its earlier iterations. Mohiniyattam dancer, choreographer and researcher Amith K always felt that gap, especially while looking back to trace the beginnings of this art form. A PhD graduate from Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, Amith has always been interested in exploring the nuanced intersections of caste, culture, gender, and history within Keralas performing arts. His latest project ventures deeper, into the forgotten lineage of women practitioners whose contributions have been sidelined or erased in dominant narratives. When I started focusing on the women practitioners in Kerala, I realised how many gaps exist in Mohiniyattams recorded history, Amith explains. Even at Kerala Kalamandalam, where the form was institutionalised, the stories we hear about early Mohiniyattam are vague at best. Nobody talks about who the women dancers really were or why their names disappeared. It is this silence that pointed him towards Thottashery Chinnammu Amma. Though credited with reviving Mohiniyattam at Kalamandalam in the 1950s, her actual teaching legacy lacks documentation. It is said that she taught there for around 15 years. People remember her as the teacher who was there at the beginning of Mohiniyattams revival, but there are no records about what she taught. That absence haunted me, Amith says. Amiths intensive research and fieldwork led him to Kalamandalam Chandrika, a direct disciple of Chinnammu Amma from whom he learnt many fragments of that past choreography. Under Chandrikas guidance, he discovered movements, abhinaya (expressive gestures), adavu (steps), mudras, and rhythmic nuances that have mostly disappeared from the contemporary Mohiniyattam repertoire. He soon realised todays rigid system was absent then. Mohiniyattam was not geometrically symmetrical or rhythmically fixed. The style was more traditional and had a unique aesthetic that has been lost or dismissed, Amith notes. Thottassery Chinnammu Amma, who played a pivotal role in reviving Mohiniyattam at Kalamandalam. However, he is not trying to impose a unified structure or claim a pure form. Instead, he wants topresentMohiniyattam as a fragmented and historically complex art, embracing its confusions and gaps. In that way, he questions the entrenched idea of classical dance itself a label that he said emerged post-Independence and has since been wielded to impose rigid standards often aligned with upper-caste, savarna aesthetics. Amith emphasises that what is often called classical Mohiniyattam deliberately erases the contributions of Shudra women, the original performers who were marginalised and stigmatised. Instead of acknowledging the history of Shudra women, we are told stories about Mohini, a mythical figure. Historical texts from the early 20th century reveal how Mohiniyattam was associated with women from marginalised communities and some were even described as sex workers. These women faced social scorn, violence, and exclusion, not only from mainstream society but from within the dance establishment itself. There are earlier writings that explicitly state women should not perform Mohiniyattam, Amith points out. He recalls one woman he learnt about during his fieldwork, a woman deeply drawn to Mohiniyattam, but forbidden to pursue it because of social stigma. The rejection affected her so deeply that she developed mental health issues. I was told she would lock herself in a room and dance alone. These stories of pain, love, and resilience are absent from official hostorical accounts, which tend to clean up the dances messy past and align it with classical ideals and Natyashastra theory. By dedicating his upcoming performance to Thottashery Chinnammu Amma, Amith honours a forgotten lineage and invites audiences to confront what has been erased. On the evening of June 29, at Studio Fawn Tierra in Kochis Palarivattom, Amith will premiere a Mohiniyattam recital titled Memories in Fragments: A Tribute to Chinnammu Amma that goes beyond classical formality to reclaim the complex, fractured history of the dance. The recital will feature vocals by Rohith Aneesh and nattuvangam by Sreenima, supporting Amiths choreography. He says he hopes to reach a different audience, those interested not just in the aesthetic, but in the social, caste, and gender histories embedded within the dance. My larger project is to dismantle the idea of classical dance, to question its authority, and to say that such categories might not really exist, he adds. This performance, he explains, is not a polished narrative, but a conversation with lost histories, silenced women, and the realities of an art form still in search of its full truth.

Welfare Party slams CPM over Nilambur bypoll remarks

KOCHI: Welfare Party of India state president Razaq Paleri on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the CPM, accusing it of attempting to communalise the Nilambur bypoll verdict and warned that such tactics pose a grave threat to Keralas secular fabric. Addressing a news conference here, he also clarified that the party, affiliated with Jamaat-e-Islami, has not held any discussions about joining the UDF, rejecting media reports suggesting otherwise. We have not held any talks about joining any political alliance. Our voting decisions are guided purely by political reasoning, said Paleri, dismissing speculation as fabricated. Even the term associate being used is something coined and circulated by others, he added. Turning his focus to the CPM, Paleri alleged that the party was branding those who voted against the Left in Nilambur as communalists and troublemakers, a move he described as a continuation of the RSS divisive narrative. This is nothing but the Left echoing the Rights fear-mongering, he said.

Coconut growers in Kerala in despair as output slumps

KOCHI: It seems the coconut farming sector in South India has been hit by what can be termed as a paradox of prosperity. While the price of coconut has skyrocketed, a shroud of melancholy has enveloped the sector in Kerala -- with farmers in distress over a steep decline in production. The price of coconut has touched Rs 80 per kg in the local market while coconut oil is selling for over Rs 400 a litre. Mill owners and manufacturers are in crisis due to scarcity of nuts and exporters have taken huge losses, unable to balance purchase and market prices. We procure coconut from both Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There has been a steep decline in productivity, which has triggered scarcity in the market. Our export volumes have taken a beating and we have rescheduled work shifts at the factory due to non availability of coconut. We are unable to increase the price in the export market as that will affect our pricing advantage, said the owner of a leading export firm. According to experts, multiple factors have contributed to the crisis. Small and marginal farmers have stopped manuring, harvesting and cleaning the crown of coconut trees in recent years due to low procurement rates and high fertiliser prices. Moreover, coconut climbers charge Rs 70-100 per tree, which growers say is proving unaffordable. There has been a decline in productivity due to climate change, relative humidity and scant rainfall. Despite productivity enhancement programmes, the area under cultivation is declining in Kerala. The Coconut Development Board (CDB) spends Rs 20 crore a year in Kerala on productivity enhancement initiatives. Around 38% of coconut farms in Kerala are old and senile and farmers complain of pests and diseases. Though we have trained 33,000 people in Kerala over the past decade, there is shortage of climbers in the state, said CDB chief coconut development officer B Hanumanthe Gowda. Productivity has declined from 50 nuts to 10-15 nuts per tree in recent years. Coconut tree climbers charge Rs 70-100 per tree, which is costly. Nowadays farmers employ workers from Tamil Nadu who use harvesting poles, said Pandiyode Prabhakaran, a farmer in Palakkad. The diversification of coconut-based industries has also contributed to the scarcity of coconuts. There are around 800 units in Kerala that produce a variety of products ranging from coconut oil, desiccated coconut, coconut milk, coconut milk powder, chips, tender coconut water, nata de coco, jaggery, squash, cookies, crunches, coconut shell powder, shell charcoal and activated carbon. Almost all units producing desiccated coconut procure nuts from Kerala. Export volumes increased by 25% in 2024-25 from the previous year. The country exported coconut products worth just over Rs 4,349 crore in 2024-25, of which products worth Rs 1,031.6 crore were shipped through Kochi port. Activated carbon constitutes around 63% of exports and there is huge demand for the product in countries like the United States. The price of the coconut shell has gone up from Rs 8 to Rs 30 per kg due to demand. Exports to the UAE have recorded a steep increase after the free trade agreement. Products worth Rs 636 crore were exported to the Emirates in 2024-25, a CDB official said.

KFPA says will add OTT revenue to movie collection report

KOCHI: The Kerala Film Producers Association (KFPA) is now set to include OTT revenue in its monthly box office collection report a notable shift in its approach to industry transparency, amid criticism by a section of members over publicly releasing theatre-collection numbers. The association hit the breaks after publishing figures for January, February, and March this year. According to KFPA vice-president G Suresh Kumar, the delay is due to the proposal to present a more comprehensive financial picture. Several films have been sold to OTT platforms. And many producers requested that the monthly numbers reflect both theatre and OTT revenue. Compiling the amounts takes time, he told TNIE . The move comes in the wake of opposition from some producers to the release of box office figures. I dont know who hired the people to facilitate the release of monthly reports of Malayalam films. These are confidential numbers. If a body authorised or constituted by the state is coming out with these figures, then it is understandable, Santhosh T Kuruvilla, co-producer of films like 'Da Thadiya', 'Mayaanadhi' and 'Nna Thaan Case Kodu', posted on Facebook. He urged those involved to stop spreading false notions about the industry. KFPA secretary B Rakesh said that the reports for April to June will be published after the associations general body meeting and election. Officials are working on annual reports and preparing for the election. The figures of the last three months will be released soon after, he said. According to the three reports released by KFPA, only three films 'Rekhachithram' starring Asif Ali, the Prithviraj-Mohanlal film 'Empuraan', and 'Officer on Duty' featuring Kunchacko Boban and Priyamani were commercially successful in the first quarter of 2025. The association maintains that the aim of releasing such data is to raise awareness among producers, particularly newcomers, about financial risks in an industry grappling with mounting losses.

Slew of events mark International Day Against Drug Abuse in Kochi

A cross-section of society including health workers, senior citizens, students, parents, teachers, and officials from various government departments benefited from the sessions

Production of appam, aravana at Sabarimala must comply with food-safety standards, FSSAI tells Kerala HC

KOCHI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has informed the Kerala High Court that Sabarimala Sannidhanam, as a food business operator (FBO), must comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act in the production of appam and aravana. It stated that any non-compliance would lead to action against the FBO in accordance with the acts provisions. It also clarified that appam falls under the prepared food category. The affidavit was filed in response to petitions filed by Dr Mahendra Kumar P S and others concerning the safety of prasadam distributed to devotees at Sabarimala. The court had previously directed the food safety department to ensure that the moisture content in the appam and aravana prasadam at Sabarimala Ayyappa temple remained within the standard limit of 10%. Analysis of appam samples collected on November 14, 15, and 19, last year, revealed that the moisture content exceeded this standard limit, necessitating immediate corrective action to prevent potential health hazards. The affidavit added that under various sections of the FSS Act, temples or religious institutions offering food or prasadam are classified as FBOs. It clarified that an FBO is a person who carries on or owns a food business and is responsible for ensuring compliance with the act and its regulations. FSSAI also informed the court that an inspection conducted six months ago at the Pamba premises in Sabarimala, following a controversy over production, highlighted several concerning issues. These included dust, cobwebs, and food particles in production and storage areas, lack of handwashing stations at key production areas, chipped floor tiles, flaking paint on walls, and windows without pest-proofing. Additionally, the inspection noted a lack of chimneys and inadequate exhaust fans in cooking areas, and raw materials stored directly on the floor without segregation. Following this report, FSSAI wrote to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to ensure quality and hygiene. In response to FSSAIs letter, TDB assured that raw materials would be examined, and the moisture content of each product would be ensured. They also stated that regular and routine cleaning of the entire plant had been implemented as a corrective measure for hygiene improvement. Furthermore, TDB indicated that more batches of appam and aravana production would be undertaken during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season, with continuous monitoring of hygiene, moisture, and other relevant parameters.

35 cases based on Hema panel report dropped, government tells Kerala HC

KOCHI: The special investigation team (SIT) tasked with probing allegations of sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry based on the Justice Hema Committee report has dropped further action in 35 cases that emerged from the findings due to non-cooperation by the victims, the state government told the Kerala High Court on Wednesday. Though every possible help was provide to the victims, they declined to cooperate with the SIT, the government said, citing the SITs progress report submitted to the HC. The court then made it clear that we dont want to pressurise anybody into pursuing the case. However, cases registered on the complaints filed by victims independently against actors, including Siddique and Mukesh, are at various stages of completion, it is learnt. The Advocate General submitted the SIT report in a sealed cover when public interest litigations regarding the committees findings came up for hearing. It was reported that in the 35 crimes registered based on the findings, final reports have been submitted before the courts concerned stating that further action has been dropped as none of the victims have come forward to give statements. Based on the report, a division bench comprising Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice C S Sudha found that as of now, no further action was required in the crimes registered. The government also submitted that a film conclave to discuss the formation of the film policy and issues related to the field with members of various sectors has been scheduled in the first week of August. The court then directed to list the matters for further consideration on August 13.

Upgrade facilities before fare hike, passengers tell Railway

KOCHI: Railway passengers associations have come out against the hike in the fares of long-distance trains, including AC coaches. While welcoming the Railways decision to not increase the fares of ordinary services and season tickets, they pointed out that the fervour the Railways shows in increasing the fares should also reflect in bettering the facilities that make train journey seamless. Friends on Rails has registered its strong protests against the measures taken by the Railways to increase revenue by cutting down on the number of general compartments. These compartments have been restricted to one section in some trains. There has been a reduction in the number of de-reserved bogies since the introduction of LHB (Linke-Hofmann-Busch) coaches, said a Friends on Rails representative. Women passengers have pointed out the insufficient number of ladies compartments. From two compartments in some passenger and express trains, it has been reduced to one. And that too with the size of the coaches having gone down from full to half, said Satidevi R, who works at a government office in Tripunithura. Friends on Rails also highlighted the tactic of delaying trains that arrive on time. They halt a train that is running on time to allow the passage of a train that is late by two or more hours. Then there is the trick of halting trains in the outer areas of stations. Such waiting time extend to more than 30 minutes, said another passenger.

Kerala plans two-day cruise along West Coast waterways from Kovalam to Bekal

KOCHI: How about a cruise tour along Keralas stunning waterways, all the way from Kovalam in the south to Bekal in the north? The state government plans to roll out a two-day cruise trip along the 590-km West Coast waterways, for which a specially designed AC cruise vessel is under construction. The 21-seater electric boat will be ready by the time the first phase of the ambitious West Coast waterways project a 235-km stretch from Akkulam in Thiruvananthapuram to Chettuva in Thrissur is commissioned later this year. If everything goes well, authorities plan to start operating the vessel till Chettuva this year itself, and gradually extend the trip in line with the projects progress. The cruise vessel will offer an unforgettable experience to tourists. One of the highlights will be the journey through the tunnels at Chilakoor and Sivagiri in Varkala, during which travellers can enjoy immersive light and sound shows played via an on-board projector, said a senior official with the Chief Ministers Office (CMO). The first phase of the Kovalam-Bekal West Coast waterway will be commissioned in another four months, said the official, adding that the work, including dredging, in this section is nearing completion The on-board projector will start automatically when the boat enters the Varkala tunnel to entertain visitors with a light and sound show, the official said. The two-day tour package will see the boat halting at five destinations at least, and these will be developed as tourist spots. The Kerala Shipping & Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) is manufacturing the vessel, he said. An official with the Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Ltd (KWIL), the special purpose vehicle under Cochin International Airport Ltd and roped in by the government for the National Waterways project, said tourism will benefit the most once the 235-km stretch of the waterways is commissioned. Cruise project to attract tourists, flaunt scenic coastline The authorities expect the cruise project to attract tourists, especially foreign visitors, in large numbers and showcase Keralas scenic coastline like never before. The West Coast Waterway project involves developing the 590-km-long canal system running parallel to the states coastline from Kovalam to Bekal. The project, designed to interconnect Keralas backwaters and rivers, is broadly targeted to be completed by 2028, and aims to enhance transportation, trade and tourism in the state. The project was launched way back in 2006 with a grant of `225 crore. However, it got stalled for over a decade. Finally, in 2018, the project was revived and decided to be implemented in three phases.

Emergency prisoners meet held in Kochi

Closed all 35 cases lodged based on Hema Committee report: SIT to Kerala HC

Kochi: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Wednesday informed the Kerala High Court that it has dropped further action in the 35 cases lodged on the basis of the Justice Hema Committee report, as none of the victims came forward to give their statements. The Justice Hema Committee was established by the Kerala government following 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 .

Disruption of flight services leaves passengers stranded at Kochi airport

Services to Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Ras al-Khaimah, Bahrain, Dammam, and Kuwait from Kochi airport cancelled; passengers asked to stay updated and check flight status regularly

Kerala government says not enacting black magic law, HC asks if it endorses practice

KOCHI: The state government told the Kerala High Court on Tuesday that it has decided not to enact a legislation banning evil practices, including sorcery and black magic, prompting the court to ask whether it endorsed such practices. In an affidavit filed before the HC, the government said the state cabinet had considered the Kerala Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices, Sorcery and Black Magic Bill in 2023, but a decision was made not to enact it. It was a policy decision and might not be interfered with by the court, the affidavit said, adding that a writ of mandamus will not lie against the legislature directing it to legislate on a particular subject. Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking enactment of a law against evil practices on Tuesday, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji observed orally, Is the state endorsing these evil practices? There may not be enactment, but that does not mean the government should do nothing. Assuming there is no legislation, how does the state proceed against such practices? The court said the government did not mention in the affidavit that it endorsed such practices and does not wish to eradicate them. We expect a more detailed affidavit, the bench said, urging the state to clarify its position and efforts in curbing such harmful practices despite the absence of specific legislation. The Kerala Yukthivadi Sangham, Thrissur, had sought a directive to the state government to take a decision on the recommendation of the Law Reforms Commission report, 2019, submitted by Justice K T Thomas on the Bills enactment. The plea filed in the wake of the murder of two women as part of human sacrifice in Pathanamthittas Elanthoor village in 2022, alleged that the government was reluctant to take steps to enact such laws despite the reporting of several such incidents.

Skill-entrepreneurship university in pipeline in Kerala

KOCHI: For a state with a huge talent pool, skills gap often plays spoilsport in Kerala students getting placed in top companies. That, however, could become a thing of the past as the state government is planning to set up a Skill and Entrepreneurship University. Chances are the university will become a reality this financial year. We are studying the models being followed by various skill universities in the country, Industries Minister P Rajeeve told TNIE. In the case of the Skill University in Telangana, the institution comes under the industries department. We are yet to make a decision in this regard. He said the university is being planned in the Public Private Participation (PPP) model. It may have a governing board comprising leading industrialists and technocrats. They are the ones who know what the industries need, the minister said. As to who will lead the governing body, and where the university will come up, the decision is yet to be arrived at. In Telangana, the institution is headed by the chief minister, he pointed out. We are studying the skill universities in Gujarat, Maharashtra and some other states, Rajeeve said. According to the university concept, companies will formulate course modules. Each industry needs skills of its own. So, it is apt that the courses be developed by them as per their requirement. Once the students get trained in these skills, provisions will also be there for them to be placed with these companies, the minister said. And it is just not skills the institution will develop. Entrepreneurship will also be promoted at the university. Once students have the requisite skills, they can easily start a venture of their own and provide employment to others, Rajeeve said. Welcoming the development, Group of Technology Companies (GTech) secretary Sreekumar V said, This is the need of the hour. It is something that we have been demanding for a long time. We want students to acquire hands-on training. Many agencies are conducting courses. However, those are just classroom training. Thats not what the industries want. They want proof of work. Something which shows them that their prospective employee has learnt the skill and has it too.

LuLu's SmartCity Twin Towers set to offer a palatial space for IT biggies

Kochi, no doubt, is fast-emerging as a major IT powerhouse of the country. And the latest addition to its tech ecosystem is quite towering. The Lulu IT Twin Towers, set to be inaugurated on June 28, are redefining the citys commercial skyline and ambition. Located in SmartCity in Kakkanad, and built at a cost of 1,500 crore, these towers spread across 12.74 acres offer 35 lakh sq.ft of premium office space for the IT sector. Touted as south Indias tallest twin IT towers, the 152m-high structures are not only an architectural statement but also a state-of-the-art tech ecosystem designed for the future. Officials are confident that with 10 per cent of the space already taken up by four companies and negotiations underway with several more firms, the twin towers will become a vibrant business hub. As we step inside for a preview of whats in store, the scale and vision of this project come into full view from cutting-edge sustainability features and the worlds largest robotic parking system to expansive recreational spaces and a massive food court, this is indeed a point where infrastructure meets innovation. There are 33 floors, including three levels of car parking, explains Lulu IT Parks director and CEO Abhilash Valiyavalappil as he welcomes us. In a way, the twin towers are an IT park by themselves. One with grandeur at its best. Rightly so. From the main entrance to the topmost level, the towers exude luxe vibes. It will be like working in a big palace instead of an office, Abhilash smiles. This is the single largest commercial space in Kerala. The floor space has been designed in such a way it suits the top-most players in the industry. The facility can accommodate around 25,000 to 30,000 employees and meets stringent sustainability criteria, earning it the LEED Platinum Pre-Certification the highest level in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system. Everything about Lulu IT Twin Towers is sustainable, Abhilash highlights. Robotic car parking A highlight of the Twin Towers is its robotic car parking system said to be the largest in the world. Designed to maximise space and efficiency, the facility has both conventional and robotic parking zones. While the conventional car parking can accommodate 1,300 vehicles, about 3,200 cars can be parked at the robotic parking space, which utilises automated machinery to park and retrieve vehicles. This provides maximum space efficiency and reduces the time spent searching for parking spots, says Abhilash. At the entrance kiosk, the system reads the drivers card and opens the sliding door. After aligning the car on the lift ramp with the help of sensors, the driver exits the vehicle. Once the space is cleared, the lift takes the car down. A robotic slide equipped with a ramp and wheels then picks up the vehicle and parks it. The process reverses when the driver wishes to retrieve their car. Sounds cool, doesnt it? Spacious food court To address a long-standing issue among tech professionals the absence of proper dining options within IT parks the towers include a lavish food court that can seat 2,500 people. It will offer a wide variety of cuisines and is ideal for meals, informal meetings, and social interactions. The food stalls will be similar in style to those in Lulu Mall, says Abhilash. There is also an area that has been set aside for those who bring food from their homes. Auditorium The auditorium, reminiscent of the LuLu Bolgatty Convention Centre (albeit on a smaller scale), can seat 600 people. It features collapsible partitions, allowing it to be divided into three separate halls. Amenity Block Situated between the Twin Towers, this block is dedicated to enhancing employee wellbeing. It includes: * Outdoor gym * Cricket and football turfs * Skateboard arena * Fully landscaped external podium for breaks * Refreshment outlets Creche Understanding modern workplace demands, the Twin Towers also feature a creche for employees children. We are in discussions with several service providers to run the facility, says the CEO. Green energy initiatives In line with its sustainable design, the towers integrate solar panels alongside conventional energy sources. They also feature: * Rainwater harvesting * Wastewater recycling systems for restrooms and garden usage Lifts, escalators & viewpoints The towers are equipped with 67 lifts and 12 escalators, and offer 5 entry and exit points. A glass escalator offers spectacular views. The terrace, of course, provides a panoramic view of the city. Flexible floor space The towers, which took nearly six years to complete, consist of 29 floors of office space. Each floor spans between 37,000 and 45,000 sq.ft. Many companies have shown interest in taking up entire floors. We are also primarily eyeing such firms, says Abhilash. That does not mean smaller or emerging firms are being ignored. We have plug-and-play spaces available for them too. Moreover, a floor has been earmarked for startups, he says.

Rental Rap @ Karikku Tuned rhymes in solidarity with singles struggling for a place to stay

It all began with a packed suitcase and nowhere to go. A young man had just locked in a house for rent in Kochi. The bags were zipped, the cartons sealed, the mind half-moved in. And then, just hours before shifting, the house-owners son called and said, We just found out youre a bachelor. Sorry, we cant give you the house. Vinayak S. Kumar Vikaas, known for editing trailers that carry more emotion than noise, like those for Jallikattu, Puzhu, and Dear Friend, says he has also been exploring music on the side. Parkaan Idamille is his fifth music composition, and the one closest to heart. Josbin Paul A single camera was placed discreetly in public spaces, and scenes were shot without calling attention. No ready, action! moments. Even the credits are written into the frame. Its like the city telling the story. Vikaas Alphonse Within days of release, the comment sections blew up. Many have been sharing their own rejection stories. One writes: Finally, someone said it out loud.

Couple arrested for alleged murder in Kochi

Cochin Shipyard to build two luxury cruise vessels for Brahmaputra river

KOCHI: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has signed a contract with Heritage River Journeys Pvt Ltd for the construction of two luxury river cruise vessels to be operated on the Brahmaputra River. The vessels will be built at CSLs Hooghly unit in West Bengal. The Hooghly unit, formerly known as Hooghly Dock and Port Engineers Limited (HDPEL), was acquired by CSL in October 2017. Established in 1819, HDPEL has a long and distinguished legacy in shipbuilding on Indias eastern coast. The new vessels will be operated by Heritage River Journeys under the brand name Antara River Cruisesone of Indias leading luxury river cruise operators. Antara is renowned for its bespoke voyages along the Ganga, Padma, and Brahmaputra rivers. Its flagship vessel, Ganga Vilas , is celebrated as the worlds longest river cruise, spanning more than 3,200 km and traversing 27 rivers, including the Gangetic plains, the Sundarbans, and the Brahmaputra Valley. The agreement for the construction of the first vessel and a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the second were signed by Hooghly CSL CEO Sanil Peter and Antara River Cruises Chairman Raj Singh, in the presence of CSL Chairman and Managing Director Madhu S. Nair.

Food Safety dept. to revoke licences of two shawarma outlets in Kochi

Kochi to host Wedding and MICE Conclave from August 14 to 16

Event expected to act as a B2B networking platform for the integrated development of the tourism sector in Kerala

Indias largest IT player is planning to open new offices in these cities

Tata Consultancy Services is embarking on a significant expansion, investing over Rs 4,500 crore in new campuses and office spaces across India. The company is strategically targeting cities like Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Kochi to bolster its infrastructure. These investments signal TCS's confidence in India's talent pool and its preparation for future growth and evolving workforce models.

Flight operations from Kerala to Gulf resume after Iran-Israel 'truce'; airlines clearing backlogs

KOCHI: With Iran and Israel having agreed upon a ceasefire a few hours back, flight services to the Gulf and Middle East regions resumed from Kerala on Tuesday noon, a development which will come as a boon to many Malayalis, stranded abroad. The flight operations to the Gulf sector have resumed. But since a majority of them are operating at night usually, the services will return to normal later today, said a spokesperson of the Cochin International Airport Ltd. CIAL operates the most flights to the Gulf sector, especially destinations like Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, from Kerala. The airlines too confirmed the resumption of services, but said it would take some time for the operations to return to normal, citing factors like flight availability and clearance of passenger backlogs. A number of flight services operated by the various airlines from airports across Kerala had been delayed, rerouted or cancelled, since Monday evening, in the wake of the conflict in the Middle East. The cancelled flights from Kochi included AI 953 (COK-DOH), SG 018 (COK-DXB), 6E 1403 (COK-AUH), 6E 1493 (COK-RKT), 6E 1271 (COK-MCT), 6 E 1272 (MCT-COK), 6E 1206/055 (BAH-COK-DMM), SG 017 (DXB-COK), 6 E 1404 (AUH-COK), AI 933 (COK-DXB), AI 934 (DXB=COK, IX 494 (KWI-COK), IX 441 (COK-MCT), IX 476 (DOH-COK), IX 475 (COK-DOH), IX 442 (MCT-COK) and IX 461 (COK-KWI). Air India Express, which had earlier temporarily suspended flights to the region, resumed the services. ..We regret the inconvenience due to circumstances beyond our control and request guests to update their contact details for real time updates and check their flight status on airindiaexpress.com or chat with Tia for cancellations and refund options, an Air India Express spokesperson said on Tuesday morning.

Middle East crisis: Several flights from Kerala to Gulf sector cancelled

KOCHI: Passengers flying from Kerala to the Gulf sector and back are severely affected after a number of flights to the Gulf sectors have been cancelled in the wake of the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Flight services by various airlines to destinations including Doha (Qatar), Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah (UAE), and Muscat (Oman) were cancelled,since Monday night. This following the missile attack by Iran on US military bases in Qatar in retaliation for the American bombing of its nuclear sites, which has put the commercial air operations in the region at risk. Due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, certain flights are delayed, rerouted or cancelled as a precautionary measure. We advise all passengers to check flight status regularly via the airlines official website or airport displays. Also stay updated through MS/email alerts from your airline, read a passenger advisory issued by the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL). The cancelled flights from Kochi included AI 953 (COK-DOH), SG 018 (COK-DXB), 6E 1403 (COK-AUH), 6E 1493 (COK-RKT), 6E 1271 (COK-MCT), 6 E 1272 (MCT-COK), 6E 1206/055 (BAH-COK-DMM), SG 017 (DXB-COK), 6 E 1404 (AUH-COK), AI 933 (COK-DXB), AI 934 (DXB=COK, IX 494 (KWI-COK), IX 441 (COK-MCT), IX 476 (DOH-COK), IX 475 (COK-DOH), IX 442 (MCT-COK) and IX 461 (COK-KWI). Similarly, several flights from Thiruvananthapuram, Calicut and Kannur too were delayed, rerouted or cancelled. n view of the evolving situation and the closure of certain airspaces in the Middle East, Air India Express has temporarily suspended flights to the region. Impacted guests are notified of changes directly on the contact details registered with the airline. We regret the inconvenience due to circumstances beyond our control and request guests to update their contact details for real time updates and check their flight status on airindiaexpress.com or chat with Tia for cancellations and refund options,an Air India Express spokesperson said. As a result of the ongoing situation in the Middle East and suspension of Qatar airspace, AIR India Express has diverted our Doha-bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned our flight bound from Kannur. We have no other flights bound for Qatar. The AIE has no aircraft on the ground in Qatar. We are monitoring the situation closely and will take all necessary precautions for the safety and security of our guests and crew, with inputs from the relevant authorities, he added.

Closure of airspaces: Passengers endure long ordeal at Kochi airport in Kerala amid flight disruptions

As of Tuesday morning, 17 services to and from Kochi airport stand cancelled. This includes services to Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Ras al-Khaimah, Bahrain, Dammam, and Kuwait

Wayanad to get first weather radar, boosting disaster readiness in high ranges

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ending a long wait, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is setting up its first radar station in Wayanad, a move expected to significantly enhance weather forecasting and disaster preparedness in the high ranges. The X-band doppler weather radar system will be installed on land provided by the Pazhassiraja College in Pulpally. A 30-year lease agreement was signed on Wednesday between IMD, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority and college authorities. Given Wayanads vulnerability to landslides, the installation is being hailed as a game changer. The radar will monitor rainfall within a 100km radius, covering Wayanad and adjoining areas in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, said IMD Kerala director Neetha K Gopal. The demand for a radar station in the region dates to 2010. Though the project was marked high-priority, identifying suitable land proved difficult. Locations in Kozhikode and Kannur were also considered before zeroing in on Wayanad. Official clearance came this April. Until now, Wayanad was not adequately covered by the Kochi radar, which hampered weather alerts and early warnings. Last year, a series of major landslides in Meppadi panchayat left nearly 300 people died. Minor mudslides have been reported this year in forested areas. Neetha clarified that while the radar itself does not predict landslides, it provides crucial rainfall data that supports forecasts by other central agencies. Landslides are impacts. The radar gives us better rainfall input, which feeds into impact-based forecasting, she explained. The MoU marks a critical step toward setting up the facility. Weve discussed electricity and internet connectivity. Once the land agreement is signed, we can proceed with the rest, Neetha said. The radar system is being supplied by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) at a cost of Rs 6 crore.

BJPs Christian outreach in Nilambur backfires, Ezhava support dips

KOCHI: The BJPs experiment to tap Christian votes in Nilambur seems to have backfired as figures indicate it may have lost support of the Ezhava community. The leadership, initially hesitant to enter the fray, decided to field a candidate following criticism from within the party. The party roped in Mohan George, who is closely associated with the Church, after NDA partner Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) refused to contest. If the BJP claims that a section of Christians voted for Mohan, it means it lost its Ezhava and Nair votes. The statement by SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, that Hindus in Nilambur will vote for CPM, may have seemingly influenced the Ezhava community. Alleging that both LDF and UDF are trying to garner votes by appeasing religious fundamentalists, BJP had launched a campaign based on development issues. Despite the setback, it claims it could retain its vote share amidst high-octane campaign by opponents. Backfired Christian community has 14% vote share in Nilambur, while Nair and Ezhava communities have 10% share each. BJP planned to unite them by exposing the Muslim appeasement by the LDF and UDF. However, it could add only 53 votes to its 2021 tally.

UDFs Nilambur win might cement V D Satheesans rise as Congress state leader

KOCHI: It was a moment charged with symbolism at the DCC office in Ernakulam. After the news conference on the UDFs resounding win, V D Satheesan was on a call. Congress MP Hibi Eden waited for Satheesan to end the call, walked across the table, pulled him into a hug, and parked a kiss on his cheek. The message was loud and clear: the Congress has a new centre of gravity, and his name is V D Satheesan. Nilambur was more than just a bypoll it was a battleground that decided the future direction of the Congress in Kerala. The win didnt just flip a seat; it shifted the internal dynamics within the party. Satheesan, who took bold, even risky, calls during the campaign, is now seen by many as the man best poised to lead the UDF into the 2026 assembly elections. From Puthuppally to Thrikkakara, Palakkad to Nilambur, the UDF has steadily increased its vote margins under his leadership. Except in CPM fortress of Chelakkara, Satheesan has turned every bypoll into a moment of momentum. Risk pays off One of the boldest calls Satheesan made was refusing to accommodate Anvar into the UDF unless he withdrew his remarks against Shoukath. That decision, though risky, sent out the signal that Congress wont bend to pressure. The risk paid off.

Kerala bikers retrace Shankaracharya's trail to Kashmir from Kalady

Over 1,200 years ago, a young monk from Kerala travelled from Kalady to Kashmir, propagating the oneness of existence, or what he termed Advaita. That ancient route traversed by Adi Shankaracharya was retraced recently by a team of 52 bikers who rode from Kalady to the Line of Control (LoC) as a homage to the lives lost in the Pahalgam attack and a message against terrorism. The bikers, who joined forces from across Kerala, rode under the motto Bullets against Bullets. For the bullets that terrorists showered on tourists in Pahalgam, here were the bikers own Royal Enfield Bullets. The two-week ride was flagged off on June 1 by Kochi City Police Commissioner Putta Vimaladitya, who also heads the states anti-terrorism squad. The idea came up after my friend R Ramanand, director of the Abhinava Gupta Institute of Advanced Studies, Vagamon, posted on Facebook about how the Pahalgam attack would soon be forgotten after the initial hubbub, says Mani Karthik, a startup consultant, who spearheaded the team. Some of us were researching the links between Kashmir and Keralas tantric traditions. Also, Shankaracharyas influence in Kashmir is still revered. Thats how we decided to follow Shankaras footsteps and named our mission Shankara to Sharda. The Sharda here refers to the ancient Sharda Peeth, now in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. But there is a Yatri Sharda Peeth very close to the LoC, near the Kishanganga river. Planning the journey wasnt without challenges. Our discussion group was infiltrated by stray social media users from as far as Pakistan, and agenda-driven individuals who tried to mar healthy conversations, says Mani, who left a career in the US to settle in Kochi and guide NRIs keen on migrating and investing back home. We had to weed them out and plan carefully. Only our core group knew the route map. Everyone who wished to join was verified. We finalised 52 riders, including 10 women and a trans individual. Among us were techies, a temple priest, a farmer, and even a 76-year-old. The biker priest in the team was Praveen P M from Thiruvananthapuram, who rode with his wife Renjini and their five-year-old son Badrinath as pillion. We have done several such bike jaunts, says Renjini. But this is the longest we have done. The team faced many hurdles along the way. The summer blaze in some places was horrifying. At times, there were delays when a bike broke down or a rider fell ill, she recalls. Mani adds, On the leg from Nagpur to Guna through a forest stretch, we rode long into the night and couldnt find food. But through it all, we felt a higher power guiding us. Often, someone would appear just when we needed help. Other Royal Enfield bikers assisted us in finding service stations. People who came to know of our mission welcomed us warmly. In Hyderabad, we were treated to a five-star lunch. Our accommodation was mostly in auditoriums, ashrams, or sometimes open grounds. Riding happy: The 'Bullets against Bullet' team on road to LoC. 'Biker priest' Praveen PM, his wife Renjini, and son Badrinath who were part of the expedition to LoC. Bikers taking a break. Yathri Sharda Peeth at LoC Bikers praying for Pehelgam victims on the banks of Kishen Ganga river at LoC. Bikers at CRPF camp near LoC. The high point of the journey was when the bikers reached the Yatri Sharda Peeth and offered prayers for the Pahalgam victims. While performing the rituals, we could see armed personnel from across the LoC. Initially, we were denied permission, but later allowed, on the condition that we finish within 10 minutes. We were perhaps the first civilians to enter such a sensitive zone after the attack, says Praveen, who rushes off to lead Pradosham prayers at the Chengalloor Mahadeva Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Another highlight was the teams visit to a Kashmir village where an ancient idol of Goddess Sharda was recently unearthed during construction work. The idol, which is of immense research interest, was installed at a makeshift shrine there, says Mani Despite the scale of the expedition, the cost was modest, the bikers say. Fuel cost us about Rs 15,000 per bike, and another Rs 15,000 for miscellaneous expenses, says Renjini. Mani says the trip was an ode to Advaita. It was also a statement that terrorism cannot make Bharat cower, says Mani from his Kochi home just a few yards from the house of N Ramachandran, who lost his life on the meadows of Pahalgam that fateful day.

Flights to and from Kochi airport hit by closure of Qatar airspace

Worker run over by premium car while offloading it from trailer in Kochi

Chellanam-Kochi Janakeeya Vedhi organises torchlight protest against registration of case against priests

Second accused in case of running car over cops feet in Kochi arrested

Firefighters rescue man who fell unconscious atop tree in Kochi

From Rifles In Kanpur To Fighter Jets In Bengaluru: India Builds Its Own Weapons

Hyderabad, Pune, Jabalpur, Bengaluru, Nagpur, and Kochi are now emerging as key hubs for modern weapons production, alongside their established industrial strengths

West Asia tensions disrupt flights, hit Central Asia tourism from Kerala

KOCHI: Amid the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, several airlines are cancelling or diverting flights by avoiding airspaces in West Asia, which has severely impacted tourism to Central Asian countries, especially Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia. This has severely affected travel operators in Kerala who have seen a nearly 30% decline in inbound and outbound tourism linked to these countries. Many find themselves trapped between airline operators and travellers, having been forced to reimburse cancelled tours while still awaiting refunds from airlines. Meanwhile, travellers have been advised to prepare themselves for possible delays and unscheduled layovers in the wake of reduced connectivity on key routes and sudden cancellation of flights. A group that had travelled to Russia had its scheduled five-day visit extended to eight days, after the scheduled Air Arabia return flight was cancelled. The airline could accommodate them only on the third day, Anu Sebastian, general manager of Kochi-based Gooout Tour & Travels Pvt Ltd, told TNIE. Budget airlines like Air Arabia Abu Dhabi have cancelled flights through West Asian airspace from June 20 to 30, further compounding travel woes. We initially booked seats on an Air Arabia Abu Dhabi flight as part of plans to visit Georgia. However, we received a message that the flight was cancelled. Without informing us, the airline issued a credit voucher for the cost of our tickets, which meant that we could only use that for travel on that airline. We contacted customer care and after much persuasion they agreed to arrange seats on a flight via Sharjah. We had to bear an additional expense of Rs 15,000, said Abhishek Harikumar, a native of Alappuzha. First scheduled to fly on June 21, the family has now been assigned seats on a flight from Kochi on June 22. We are scheduled to return from Tbilisi on June 28. We were able to get confirmed tickets at the last minute, but now we are going to miss the connecting flight from Abu Dhabi, which is having a two-and-a-half hour gap. While the normal flight time from Tbilisi to Abu Dhabi is three hours, the airline informed us that the flight is diverted to avoid the airspace in the conflict region and will take 5 to 5.30 hours of flying time. We are yet to get the ticket from Abu Dhabi to Kochi, he added. The family planned the trip several months in advance. According to flight tracking website FlightRadar24, the commercial flights are avoiding the airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria and Israel and are taking the diverted routes via the Caspian Sea (north) or Egypt and Saudi Arabia (south). The West Asian tensions have also impacted inbound tourism. Meanwhile, many travellers are rescheduling their trips and now preferring domestic destinations in south India.

Riding on eggshells: Half-helmet menace on in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: Despite being banned in multiple cities, half helmets or shorties continue to be widely used by motor vehicle riders in Karnataka, violating both safety and legal standards. Even after measures were taken to solve the problem, half helmets have become a common choice for motorists. In Kochi, if I go out wearing this cap-like half helmet, I am sure I would be fined, said Adarsh, a commuter new to the city. Though half helmets are not specifically banned in Karnataka, theyre definitely not safe for commuters. We have conducted many initiatives and awareness programmes. The camera cant distinguish between half helmets and fully covered helmets, so people usually get away with it, shared DCP Traffic South Shivaprakash Devaraju. Half helmets violate ISI standards due to their low quality and the exposure of the chin and face. The traffic police are supposed to take action against them, but they have other responsibilities too which doesnt give them time to check every individual, explains Sreehari M N, a traffic expert. There is no protection you get from such helmets. The side jaws arent protected, therefore, in case of an accident, the impact can be severe, says Dr Anand N Chavan, consultantorthopaedics at Fortis Hospital. There are so many cases here with head injuries due to such mishaps. We were able to save the patients those who wear the protective gear, he said. If you wear these 100-rupee helmets, it means your head is only worth of that. Two of my friends lost their teeth because of this. Theres a reason why were told to wear riding gears, said Ashwini MS, a bike enthusiast. Cop dies of head injuries in hit-and-run case Dharwad: Yet another accident on the Hubballi-Dharwad bypass road claimed the life of a cop late Saturday night. The victim has been identified as Assistant Inspector of Police (ASI) Yellappa Kumbar (52), who was returning home in Dharwad from Hubballi on his bike when the accident happened. Kumbar was knocked down by an unidentified speeding vehicle near Itigatti. Police have registered a case of hit-and-run accident. Police said ASI Kumbar, who was working at the Hubballi rural police station, died of head injuries. Navalgund MLA NH Konaraddi was travelling on the same route when the accident occurred. He got down from his vehicle and called an ambulance, but the victim could not be saved. Road users have alleged that sudden diversions on the bypass road are causing accidents. They have demanded CCTVs along the road and stressed on the need to monitor speeding vehicles. Motorist argues with cop over fine, leaves without paying, arrested Bengaluru: The Jnanabharathi police on Sunday arrested a 30-year-old man for allegedly obstructing a traffic police officer from discharging his duty. The accused, identified as Naveen Gowda, had fled following an argument with the traffic police officer, who had stopped him for riding without a helmet, near Ullal Main Road on Saturday. Around 2.10 pm on Saturday, Jnanabharathi traffic PSI Kumar C and his team were conducting routine checks on Ullal Main Road. When Gowda was stopped for not wearing a helmet, Kumar asked him to pay a fine. However, Gowda allegedly raised his voice and argued with the officer, saying, You can collect fine, but cannot book a case. He also claimed that he was the local JDS president, before riding away without paying the fine. On Sunday, the PSI filed a complaint under Section 132 (assaulting or using criminal force against a public servant to deter them from their duty) of the BNS.

Two Maldivian nationals held at Kochi airport

Kerala doctor wins gold at World Medical Games

KOCHI: When Dr Alwin, an associate professor of community medicine, started fitness training in sprinting, he had no idea his disciplined regimen would one day help him win not one but two gold medals for his country. Currently serving in Idukki Government Medical College (GMC), Alwin bagged the medals for India at the World Medical Games held in Spain recently. The resident of Alappad in Thrissur was the only Keralite to represent the country at the event. Dr Alwin discovered the thrill of sprinting as a schoolboy. My tryst with sports began in school. While studying MBBS, I represented my college, Ernakulam Government Medical College, and the university in athletics. However, like many others, the demands of medicine soon became a priority and sports took a back seat, said Dr Alwin, adding that his family supported him and motivated him to follow the passion. Later, his students at the Ernakulam and Idukki GMCs, as well as officials of the Cochin chapter of Indian Medical Association, encouraged him to focus more on training. I trained under Asian Games gold medallist and Arjuna awardee Joseph Abraham. I won silver medals at the IMA national sports meets in Vijayawada and Aurangabad and a gold at the MAC Open National Masters Athletics Championships. These experiences helped me perform well at the World Medical Games, he said. Besides Dr Alwin, a team from the Indian Army also won a medal at event in Spain. On World Medical Games, Dr Alwin said he had never participated in such an event before. At the event, healthcare professionals of various age groups from over 50 countries are bound together by a passion for sports rather than nationality. Winning gold for India in the 100m and 200m sprint events, especially when competing against the amazing French, Mexican, and Algerian finalists, was an emotional moment, said Dr Alwin, adding that the highlight, however, were everlasting friendships forged at the event.

Wan Hai fire: Cops seek DNA, fingerprint data of missing crew members from firm

KOCHI: Police probing the fire on Wan Hai 503 ship have sought DNA and fingerprint data of the four missing crew members from the shipping company. The Fort Kochi coast police, which is investigating the case, is awaiting information from the shipping firm to complete the identification procedure after the body of a foreign national washed ashore at Arthunkal recently. It was on June 9 that the Singapore-flagged ship on its way to Mumbai port from Colombo caught fire around 44 nautical miles off Kannur coast. As many as 18 crew members were rescued. However, four members are still missing. The search and rescue operation for the four missing crew members has been called off due to no further result. However, we suspect a dead body washed ashore at Aruthunkal was of a crew member who is an Indonesian national. But no confirmation could be made and we havent received any details of the missing crew either, an officer said.

Six years on, stolen bike surfaces at Idukki police station in Kerala

KOCHI: In a case thats as baffling as it is revealing, a motorcycle stolen from Kochi nearly six years ago has surfaced not on the road, but on the Idukki police station premises, where it has been lying since 2019. Even more surprising: The youth who rode it arrested that year for possessing 8g of ganja has now been charged with theft for the same two wheeler six years after the incident. It all began in August 2019, when Idukki police nabbed Subijith from Maniyarankudy, near Vanchikavala for allegedly attempting to sell ganja to schoolchildren. Along with the narcotic, officers seized his motorcycle which remained impounded at the police station never verified, never claimed. In September 2023, a local court sentenced Subijith to 10 days of imprisonment and fined him Rs10,000. Oddly, he showed no interest in reclaiming the motorcycle a detail that would gain significance much later. It wasnt until this year, when Idukki police began a routine verification of unclaimed vehicles ahead of a disposal drive that the mystery began to unravel. A basic check revealed that the motorbikes number plate bearing an Ernakulam registration was fake. Further verification using the engine and chassis numbers revealed that the vehicle was actually registered in Ponnani, Malappuram, an officer said. That discovery prompted an exhaustive investigation which confirmed that the bike had been stolen from near the KSRTC bus station in Kochi in 2019. Owner can reclaim vehicle by submitting request: Police We contacted the actual owner of the vehicle, who confirmed it had been stolen. Since the theft occurred in Kochi, we referred the matter to the Kochi City police. The owner has expressed interest in reclaiming the vehicle and can do so upon submitting a formal request, the officer added. Now, in a development no one saw coming, Ernakulam Central police have registered a theft case against Subijith six full years after the motorcycle went missing. He has been summoned for questioning but denies any involvement in the theft.

Land identified in Kozhikode most suitable for AIIMS, says Kerala government

KOCHI: At a time when Union minister Suresh Gopi has cast doubts on Kozhikode being selected to host the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kerala, the state government has reaffirmed its decision in an affidavit, filed with the High Court, stating that the land in Kinaloor is most suitable for the premier institution. The government also said that the allegation that Kasaragod and other districts have been neglected in considering the site has no standing. The affidavit was filed in response to petitions challenging the decision. One of the petitioners AIIMS Kasaragod Janakeeya Koottayma sought a directive to resubmit a list to include Kasaragod as a potential site for the establishment of the medical institution, while Greater Piravom Development Forum, Ernakulam, sought to explore the feasibility of proposing land owned by the state government -- the first respondent -- at Mevalloor Newsprint Nagar at Velloor as an alternative. Opposing the pleas, the deputy secretary of the health department said the state has chosen Kinaloor as the most suitable location for establishing the AIIMS, considering various factors. Moreover, the government has taken all possible steps to develop medical facilities across the state, without discrimination. Action is being taken for establishing a medical college in Kasaragod district. The application has been submitted to the National Medical Commission and the government plans to enrol 50 students in the 2025-26 academic year itself, the official said. Last year, secretary of the central ministry of health and family welfare was requested to depute a team to study feasibility of the land earmarked in Kerala. Further, in a letter of the minister of health, the Union finance ministry was requested to give its in principle approval for the AIIMS in Kerala and to include the same in the next phase of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). Project updates The Union govt directed Kerala to identify 3-4 locations for AIIMS, stating that nearly 200 acres of land was needed for the premier super-specialty hospital and college The state should undertake to provide, free of cost, land and other required infrastructure, including suitable road connectivity, water supply, electricity, etc., while the centre would bear construction cost under PMSSY 4 spots identified by Kerala were Kinaloor, belonging to KSIDC, land near the open jail in Nettukaltheri, Neyyattinkara, land belonging to Kottayam Medical College, and a property owned by HMT in Ernakulam

Pineapple price hike turns bitter for Kerala's Vazhakulam farmers

KOCHI: Despite prices hitting a record high, the pineapple farmers of Vazhakulam are depressed as there has been a steep decline in production. The arrival of rain did not hamper the demand in the north Indian market, but the pineapple market in Vazhakulam is unable to provide even half the required quantity of fruits. The slump in production has led to a spike in prices and it hit a record high of Rs 62 per kg last week. On Thursday, the price stood at Rs 55 per kg. Normally, the Vazhakulam market sends around 1,500 tonnes to 2,000 tonnes of pineapple to various states a day. However, now, the daily business has declined to 700 tonnes a day. As the summer was harsh last year, the farmers had taken precautions to delay the flowering of plants to avoid total loss. The fruit normally ripens around 120 days after flowering. The production is expected to return to normal in another 30 days. Though there will be a decline in demand after the onset of monsoon, the demand will rise again by August, said All Kerala Pineapple Farmers Association president James George. Meanwhile, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has initiated steps to help the farmers export pineapple by sea. As the air freight charge is unaffordable, the farmers are facing difficulty in finding new markets. Though there is demand for the sweet and juicy Vazhakulam pineapple in West Asia and Europe, the high freight charge is posing a challenge. The pineapple research station in Vazhakulam has developed a sea shipment protocol and the field trials are expected to start soon. However, Manna Pineapples, a private firm in Vazhakulam, has shipped six consignments of pineapple to Dubai this year. The consignments of 16 tonnes each are sent in reefer containers, maintaining ambient temperature. The consignment reaches Dubai on the eighth day and the response from the market has been encouraging. We receive lots of inquiries from the European markets but have not been able to meet the demand as it will take 23 days for the ship to reach England. The climate of the destination country is important as we have to ensure sufficient shelf life. We are experimenting by sending small quantities of pineapple along with vegetables, said Sibi George, managing partner of the firm. The Rambutan farmers in the state are also facing a similar crisis as the shelf life of the fruit is only three days. The fruits are currently sent to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu but as production has increased, the farmers are desperate to find new markets. Many farmers in central Kerala have shifted from rubber cultivation to rambutan farming. The price of the fruit, which was around `300 per kg, has now declined to `200 per kg. If we fail to find new markets, the farmers will be in crisis. The fruit can be transported in refrigerated containers, but it may decay when we shift it to the shelves. We are planning to send the fruits to north Indian markets by flights, said Sibi.

Students raise banner of protest against Kerala Technical Universitys year-back policy

KOCHI: Things are a mess at the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, also known as Kerala Technical University (KTU). Presently, the university formed in 2014 is facing a banner of protest raised by the BTech students belonging to 2022-26 and 2023-27 batches studying various engineering colleges affiliated with it due to the universitys year-back policy. The situation is such that a majority of the students belonging to these two batches might end up losing a year. The students blame it on the lackadaisical attitude of the university administration. The students raised various accusations against the beleaguered university that is yet to have a campus of its own. Speaking to TNIE, Mehjabeen Nishad, a third-year BTech student of Indira Gandhi Institute of Engineering and Technology at Kothamangalam, said, The latest decision of the university to introduce the year-back system came in as a bolt from the blue. Of course, the system was introduced along with the syllabus revision in 2019. But it was never implemented in 2019 and 2020 due to Covid or in the corresponding years. However, recently, the university issued a notification, one that is yet to reach the colleges, directing the institutions to implement the system. As per the students, the colleges have all conducted the examinations and the results are yet to come out. As per the said notification, students who do not have a minimum of 21 credits in Semester 1 and 2 cant attend Semester 5 classes. Similarly, to be able to register for Semester 7 classes, a student needs to have 47 credits from Semester 1 to 4. However, we didnt get the information in time and with just two-and-a-half months of class time, out of which many days get lost due to college-related activities and holidays plus the internals and assignments, the students havent been able to prepare properly for the examinations, she said. According to Subin Saji, the enforcement of the year-back policy is unfair and detrimental to the academic and mental well-being of students. The students of 2022-26 and 2023-27 batches are the ones who completed Plus-I and Plus-II during the peak of the Covid pandemic through online classes. As a result, they entered college without a strong academic foundation. The initial semesters of their BTech courses were also conducted online, making it difficult to fully grasp many of the subjects. It is to be noted that we are the final batch of the 2019 scheme. Many students are now facing the possibility of having to shift to the new academic scheme which came into force in 2024. This is highly disruptive and impractical as we are already midway through our course, said Farhan, another BTech student. The students also accused the university of not giving them prior warning regarding the implementation of this policy. As a result, many colleges failed to inform their students in time, depriving them of the opportunity to improve their performance, Mehjabeen said. Meanwhile, the university gave a reprieve to the students by saying that they could sit in S5 and S7 classes until the results of the supplementary examinations were out. In a communique to the colleges, the dean of academics Dr Vinu Thomas said, Currently the students who are short of the required credits for the registration to S5 and S7 may be provisionally permitted to attend the classes, subject to the declaration of results of the supplementary examinations pertaining to S1 and S4. The contentious rule The system was introduced along with the syllabus revision in 2019. But it was never implemented in 2019 and 2020 due to Covid As per the said notification, students who do not have a minimum of 21 credits in Semester 1 and 2 cant attend Semester 5 classes Similarly, to be able to register for Semester 7 classes, a student needs to have 47 credits from Semester 1 to 4

MP cites need for skywalks to link Ernakulam Town, Thripunithura railway stations with adjacent metro stops

A joint meeting of officials from KMRL, the Railway, local bodies, and MLAs must be convened to chart out a concrete plan of action, since the intermodal linkages can serve as a model for integrated urban transport and significantly enhance the commuting experience in Kochi, says Hibi Eden

Senior citizens, children participate in Yoga Day events held in Kochi

IN PICS: How Kochiites have embraced yoga

Ten years have passed since the world celebrated the first International Day of Yoga. And what a decade of flux it has been digital boom, pandemic, AI disruption, geopolitical battles, cultural wars... Now, pause for a moment. Clear your mind of all the churn. Breathe deeply. Focus inward. Prioritise wellness. Today is perhaps the perfect time to acknowledge that yoga is one of the simplest paths to holistic well-being. Law student Delffy Davis @ Rajendra Maidan Law student Delffy Davis @ Rajendra Maidan Law student Delffy Davis @ Rajendra Maidan The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning to yoke or to unite. It symbolises the unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between human and nature, and a holistic approach to health and well-being. This years theme is Yoga for One Earth, One Health. The benefits of this ancient practice are indeed universal, easily accessible. Yoga is beneficial for people of all ages and incomes. It can be practised anywhere, at any time, and by people of all countries and cultures, notes a WHO article. Yoga therapist Shilpa Francis Yoga therapist Shilpa Francis and her brother Varun Antony Yoga therapist Shilpa Francis and her brother Varun Antony It further highlights that yoga isnt as physically taxing as many other forms of exercise, and can help lower heart rate and activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Most importantly, yoga also supports mental health: It has been shown to have immediate psychological benefits, decreasing anxiety and stress, and increasing feelings of emotional and social well-being. Students of St Teresas College practise @ Subhas Park for a Yoga Day naatyayoga event organised by Yogapoornima Research Centre Students of St Teresas College practise @ Subhas Park for a Yoga Day naatyayoga event organised by Yogapoornima Research Centre Students of St Teresas College practise @ Subhas Park for a Yoga Day naatyayoga event organised by Yogapoornima Research Centre Members of Yoga Science Malayalam wellness collective @ Fort Kochi Members of Yoga Science Malayalam wellness collective @ Fort Kochi

How about a rustic monsoon walk to reset your mind?

Once seen as a season to stay indoors, the monsoon now draws travellers in hordes to Kerala. With rivers in spate, hills veiled in mist, and the earth blooming in green, what better time than this offbeat window to experience the true splendour of Gods Own Country? Thats precisely what prompted GDM Travel to launch its Monsoon Walks programme. It offers curated, small-group journeys into Keralas lush countryside. The 2025 edition features three nature-immersed experiences from Kochi. Their flagship offering leads guests through the forests of Paniyeli Poru, Thattekad and Bhoothathankettu three lush pockets on the Periyar basin that truly come alive in the rains. The trip begins from Marine Drive (7am) and winds its way inland, ending at GDM Thambaaz Heritage, their riverside homestay. From Palayalipuram, small groups trek and off-road through villages and riverine forests. At Bhoothathankettu, there are fishing tours, local cooking sessions, guided nature walks, and optional night herping to spot amphibians, says Dilraj N P, who manages the programme. Our focus is not mass tourism. Instead, we do curated experiences, he adds. This adventure, designed for small groups of four or more, is priced at `4,500 per head, and runs daily on request. The terrain here is relatively moderate, making it ideal for families or first-time trekkers. Guests are housed on a double or triple-sharing basis, and all meals, sumptuous yet local, are part of the package. Another key experience is a full-day backwater and island-hopping experience through the lesser-known islands near Kadamakudi. Also starting from Marine Drive (7am), this trip includes a visit to a 12.5-acre ancestral estate on Koramkotta Island and a century-old mangrove forest. Activities include birdwatching, fishing demos, and guided ecosystem walks with naturalists, Dilraj explains. This trip is popular among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, and is perfect for those who dont have too many days to spare for a holiday. This trip is priced at `2,500 per person, and includes all meals breakfast, lunch, tea and snacks; all hosted by the local community, and also a sunset boat ride, he says. A feature of GDM Travels programmes is that it is deeply intertwined with the support and involvement of local community members. We are not in this for profit. Its about building an ecosystem where tourism and conservation support each other, points out Dilraj, who took the plunge into the tourism industry following his passion for trekking, wildlife and community work. Their third curated experience, the Periyar River Island Trek, is a slightly more adventurous option. Guests are invited to a secluded island in the Periyar River surrounded by 15 acres of rustic farmland, mostly of bananas. The journey includes birding, fishing, organic cooking, and guided nature walks, Dilraj adds. This trip can also be clubbed with optional activities that include night herping, and if the group wants to extend it to evn more days, visits to Thattekad or Bhoothathankettu can also be arranged. Also in GDM Travels pipeline are two shorter itineraries: a day trip to witness lilies bloom at Malarikkal near Kottayam, and a two-day Kuttanad experience focused on canal life, crab catching, and fishing. Both are priced flexibly based on group size, Dilraj says. All experiences are monsoon-sensitive and adjusted based on real-time weather alerts, and adapts to each groups specific needs and requirements. Safety is non-negotiable, and we take great care to ensure it, says Dilraj. If theres a red or yellow alert, we postpone or restructure the route in a way that our trips dont feel lacking. Our trails are mostly lowland and safe, but were always prepared. Though it was only after the pandemic that GDM Travel began functioning as a brand, Dilraj has nearly a decade of experience in this field. We spent years training farmers, mapping routes, and building local partnerships, Dilraj explains. Now were simply connecting travellers to that quiet network. So if the city feels a little too grey, maybe its time to reset, and what better way to do it than to immerse oneself in nature made alive by the monsoon rains. For details, contact: 86067 26831, 98932 72683

High tea with hints of the empire at Kochi's Brunton Boatyard

Fort Kochi has always been a mix of cultures. The Dutch, British, Portuguese, and Jews. Their influence extends to everything, most notably architecture and food. And nowhere is this amalgamation more profound than at Brunton Boatyard, a CGH Earth heritage hotel perched on Calvathy Road. Indeed, at their History restaurant, one is serenaded by way of a scrumptious fine dining experience that very thing: the history of Fort Kochi, through 32 cuisines from all the communities that make up the place. However, at their Armoury Restobar, this emphasis on the local quietens down to bring to the fore the old-world English charm. And what better way to do it than with the traditional high Tea? This is precisely what the hotel leans into. Set by the waterfront, the space is simple but distinctive. Wooden furniture, vintage maps, and true to its name, walls lined with antique guns. Upon my arrival, Chef Naveen introduced the classic English ritual. But before we delved into the high tea concept, I was offered Armourys popular beverage, the 24k chamomile mocktail. A few sips into it, I could savour hints of turmeric, sugar syrup, chamomile buds, lime, and tonic water. Refreshing! High tea is a British tradition that typically starts around 3pm and continues until after 5 pm, Naveen began. The Armoury follows the same timing. Our course involves a light meal of tea, sandwiches, scones, and cakes also known as charlie. But I wasnt yet sure of how this old British custom would sit in the relaxed, coastal vibe of Kochi. The answer, interestingly, was right there on the menu. The options under the signature blends had a clear Indian touch. Brunton Boatyard, Fort Kochi I started with Mattancherry Sulaimani, a black tea infused with fresh mint and a dash of lemon. Though traditionally enjoyed after a hearty biryani, here, the drink is best accompanied by masala cookies and finger sandwiches. Similarly, each beverage comes with a specific food pairing. Tea is often served with biscuits and some fried snacks. But when paired like how wine is with food, the experience is elevated. Even exquisite. Thats what we aim for at Brunton. We curated this selection of treats with much thought and care. After all, people come here to unwind, slow down and soak in the English culture, Naveen says. Cutting chai is served with cookies and cutlets. Masala chai comes with choux pastry. South Indian filter coffee pairs with macaroons and mousse. Idukki spiced ginger coffee goes with scones. Also, these finger bites are elegantly presented in a three-tier setup. While going through the list of herbal and infused teas on offer, Naveen treated me with raisin scones. With each bite of this buttery, tender, and crumbly treat, one sees heaven! These are best had with a generous dollop of marmalade, cream or chocolate. Next on my list was the Earl Grey tea. Made with high-grown Indian or Sri Lankan tea leaves, this refined black tea is uplifting, thanks to the citrusy essence of bergamot. Sipping it while watching the sky turn a beautiful crimson at twilight is a sight to behold. I also sampled the English Breakfast tea. Often a blend of Assam and Ceylon leaves, this brisk brew, taken with milk and sugar, offers a classic start to the day. While the menu was eye-catching, tasting every variety felt like an impossible task. Alongside the teas, the coffee choices were equally tempting, ranging from French press to ristretto and latte. As the sky darkened with rain-soaked clouds and a light drizzle began, I decided to wrap up my tea journey with the Idukki spiced ginger coffee. Infused with ginger, jaggery, and regional spices, this warming brew paired perfectly with the chefs recommended raisin scone.

Kerala Fire Force gets app-savvy: AI-powered rescue system to slash response time

KOCHI: In a major upgrade to boost its emergency response capabilities, the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Department is set to introduce an advanced AI-integrated, mobile app-based platform. The new system aims to enable quicker, more precise mobilisation of personnel and equipment during the initial stages of rescue operations compared to the existing traditional telephone-based 101 helpline. Currently, people in distress-whether due to fires, accidents, drowning, or natural disasters-must call 101 to request assistance. However, officials say that limitations in voice-based communication often hinder accurate assessment of the situation. Callers in panic may fail to provide precise location details or clearly describe the nature of the emergency. There have also been instances where multiple fire tenders were deployed for relatively minor incidents, straining resources. To address these shortcomings, we are transitioning to an app-based alert system, said a senior official from the Fire and Rescue Services Department. The new system will enable real-time location tracking and allow users to upload photos and videos, helping our responders assess the situation more effectively. The app will also track the live location of the person seeking help, and in turn, the user can view the approaching rescue vehicle in real-time. All department vehicles will be equipped with GPS for this purpose. To coordinate this integrated response system, a central control room will be established in Thiruvananthapuram, supported by district and station-level control rooms. Specialised software will be deployed to manage emergency navigation, identify proximity to water bodies, allocate resources, access hospital information, plan fire safety operations, log vehicle usage and maintenance, record incident details, map hazard zones, and monitor outreach and education efforts. The central control room will serve as the nerve centre, enabling instant communication with all stations and district headquarters. Distress calls received via the app will be routed to local stations through the district control centres, significantly reducing response time. The public will be able to download the app from mobile app stores, the official added. A fund of Rs 1.95 crore has been earmarked for the project. The department has already floated a tender for the development of the mobile application and the modernisation of central and district-level control rooms. While Kerala Police have introduced the Pol-App for citizens to report emergencies and the national '112 system' provides general emergency support, our proposed system is specifically tailored to situations where the Fire and Rescue Departments intervention is essential, the official said.

Extension of Kochi Water Metro service proposed in developing Kadambrayar as a tourism destination

This was among the few recommendations that were included in a Detailed Project Report for the proposed enhancement of Kadambrayar tourism destination centre

DPR proposes multi-pronged infrastructure facelift for developing Kadambrayar as a tourism destination

Developing Kayaking routes along designated stretches of the Kadambrayar River is one of the proposals to promote eco-tourism and attract adventure seekers.

Bharat Mata row: Left front playing vote-bank politics, says Kerala BJP leader Surendran

The Bharat Mata concept and saffron flag have been part of the Indian tradition for long, says former Kerrala BJP state president K. Surendran

Yoga can help in creating a healthy nation, says Union Minister Suresh Gopi

Actor Mohanlal participates in a Yoga day celebrations held at the Cochin International Airport Ltd convention centre in Nedumbassery.

Preserving a Deccan legacy with nostalgic delicacy

KOLLAM: In a scenic lane in Fort Kochi, the aroma of cardamom and boiling milk hangs heavy. Its origin: The kitchen of Mumtaaz M, where she carefully rolls tiny beads of refined, kneaded flour with her fingers, shaping them into diamonds, while coconut milk simmers on the stove. The 65-year-old is preparing Suthiriya ka Kheer, a traditional dessert from the Deccan region, so named after the diamond shapes that are called Suthiriya. For Mumtaaz and other members of the Urdu-speaking Deccani Muslim community in Kerala, preparing and savouring the kheer is a way to stay connected to their roots. As Keralas culinary scene evolves with contemporary tastes, Suthiriya Ka Kheer remains a nostalgic symbol of tradition for Keralas Deccani Muslims, keeping alive stories of migration, memory and community. Despite its rich flavour and heritage, the dish has remained largely confined within the community. Now, its members are taking to social media to share the recipe, hoping to introduce it to a wider audience. Recently, Mumtaaz recorded and shared on social media a video demonstrating the dishs preparation, detailing its ingredients and cooking process. Our food culture has changed a lot. To the young, it is an unfamiliar dish. They must have heard about it, but they wont crave it like we did in our childhood, says Mumtaaz. Its taste and fragrance should reach far & wide Mumtaaz says: Suthiriya Ka Kheer holds our family roots, our migration history, our struggles and so much more. Its fragrance while cooking and lasting taste need more appreciation. So, its our duty to preserve it. In my family, I make it regularly, and I believe they all love it. Seema Najim, another Deccani Muslim from Kochi, is also working to popularise the dish among the new generation. I learnt the recipe from my mummy. I used to make it regularly for my family. Now, I want to pass my knowledge to the younger generation, but its difficult as they have an immense liking for modern food. My children really like this dish, though, says the 55-year-old, adding that she wants to preserve her mothers recipe by making a video or sharing it on YouTube. We dont want the dish to remain within just one community. Its taste and fragrance should reach far and wide. It will help people learn about our culture and rich tradition, she says. Traditionally served after memorial services or on special occasions, Suthiriya ka Kheer is now finding a place even in informal gatherings, thanks to the elder generations dedication. Making the kheer is a meticulous process, with preparation taking up most of the time. The main ingredient is refined flour, which is kneaded into a dough and cut into diamond-shaped pieces, the Suthiriya. Once dry, these pieces are added to boiling coconut milk. Cooked split chickpeas and banana are added, followed by concentrated coconut milk and sugar or jaggery. The dish is garnished with dry fruits and served warm. The cooking time is 45 minutes.

K-SOTTO to draw guidelines to promote swap-kidney transplant

KOCHI: As the number of patients awaiting donor kidneys and those undergoing dialysis treatment keep rising in the state, the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (K-SOTTO) has adopted a significant step to promote swap-kidney transplants. As part of its efforts, the government body will prepare standardised guidelines and networks for such transplants and create public awareness. Even in cases where we have family members willing to donate the organ, transplantation may not be possible due to blood group incompatibility and immunological mismatch. In such a case, swap-kidney transplant is an option. We may have donors and recipients facing the same problem in other hospitals or cities. We communicate with them, check compatibility and move forward with transplant surgery, said Dr Noble Gracious, executive director of K-SOTTO. Around 30% of patients are on the list awaiting donors because of incompatibility. They have donors, but there is a mismatch. Swap-kidney transplants can help such patients. If we develop a mechanism, we can save many patients. By working out combinations, the possibilities of transplant will increase. Swap-kidney transplants with the right donor, and recipients can reduce the chances of infection and rejection risk and will reduce the cost of treatment, said Dr Feroz Azeez, consultant nephrologist at IQRAA and Aster MIMS Hospital, Kozhikode. In 2021, the Kerala High Court allowed swap-kidney transplants between non-relatives. There are risk factors involved. We need to convince the families about the benefits. Networking of patients and hospitals is possible with the registry and software available with K-SOTTO. What is more important is to educate the public, Dr Noble said, adding that proper guidelines standardising the process can help make the procedure transparent and accessible for the public. We have more than 2,000 patients waiting for a kidney transplant in the state. A swap transplant will be beneficial at least for some of them. Moreover, it helps reduce the number of patients undergoing dialysis treatment. If transplant surgery is conducted at an early stage after identifying a condition, the quality of life can be improved, Dr Noble added. The process requires coordination between hospitals, logistics services, and the willingness of the families of the parties. There should be coordination between surgeons and hospitals on sharing details of patients and willing donors. Logistics is another concern. Transplant centres should cooperate to promote swap-kidney transplants. Government monitoring can make the procedure more transparent, Dr Noble said, adding that changes in the legal framework can also contribute to bringing change.

Priests stage hunger strike demanding tetrapod sea wall to protect Kannamaly-Fort Kochi coastline

CBI brings back fugitive Moideenabba Ummer Beary from UAE in fake currency case

NEW DELHI: In a significant breakthrough after over a decade, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully facilitated the return of Moideenabba Ummer Beary, who was wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a high-profile fake currency case, from the United Arab Emirates, officials said on Friday. Beary landed in Mumbai on Friday as a deportee, they said, adding that the International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU) of the CBI, in close coordination with the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abu Dhabi, ensured his return through INTERPOL channels. Beary had been on the run for over a decade and was the subject of a Red Notice issued by INTERPOL at the request of the NIA since December 2013. The NIA had registered a case against him at its Kochi branch for allegedly procuring high-quality Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from Dubai and smuggling them into India via Sharjah, with the consignment ultimately reaching Bengaluru, a senior CBI official said. The NIA, in its charge sheet in connection with the case, has accused him of counterfeiting Indian currency, cheating, and criminal conspiracy. The CBI had been tracking Bearys movements and successfully geo-located him in the UAE with assistance from INTERPOLs global network, the officials said, adding that following his arrest in the UAE, a formal extradition request was processed through the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs. Red Notices, circulated globally by INTERPOL, play a critical role in locating and apprehending fugitives. The CBI, as Indias designated INTERPOL liaison (NCB-India), has been instrumental in returning over 100 wanted individuals to India in recent years through its dedicated platform, BHARATPOL.

Yusuf Arakkal retrospective showcases the artists journey over four decades

A retrospective of celebrated artist Yusuf Arakkal at the Durbar Hall Art Gallery in Kochi is a window to his soul

The Sardar Who Won Over Kochi's Tummy

'We are Indians irrespective whether we are Punjabi, Gujarati, Bengali, Malayali or Tamilian.' 'I am the best example of this integration.'

Corporation set to tackle food waste crisis with black soldier fly composting

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an effort to combat the mounting organic garbage crisis in the state capital, the city corporation is all set to introduce black soldier fly (BSF) composting technology to manage food waste. The eco-friendly waste-treatment method, with a proven record in Kochi, is expected to reduce the citys dependence on private service providers and pig farms. The civic body is planning to set up two BSF composting units in the city over the next four months. According to officials, over 100 tonnes of food waste is currently collected daily by service providers and Haritha Karma Sena (HKS) members from households, restaurants and eateries. However, unregulated collection practices and illegal dumping have raised a lot of questions. Unlike aerobic composting, BSF composting units require more space. A BSF composting unit will take up at least an acre of land. We have identified three acres of land at two locations and one of the units will come up on two acres, an official source said. The move comes amid repeated criticism by the local self-government department (LSGD) of delays and inefficiencies in the citys organic waste management initiatives. Recently, LSGD Minister M B Rajesh convened a high-level meeting to draw up a comprehensive action plan to resolve the food waste crisis in the city. Special secretary Anupama T V has been assigned to oversee implementation of the plan. In addition to the BSF plants, the civic body also plans to expand the capacity of the existing rapid composting plant in Kalladimukham to 50 tonnes and set up a new unit at Chalai. Meanwhile, the plan to set up a compressed bio-gas (CBG) plant is gaining pace. The proposal is to establish the facility within the next 18 months to sort the organic waste management crisis once and for all. According to officials, there are concerns surrounding private waste collectors. There is unhealthy competition among agencies, with some offering services at reduced rates and illegally collecting other refuse along with food waste, leading to unregulated dumping. A joint probe by the corporation and the Suchitwa Mission will assess these forward linkages to ensure accountability, said an official. In an effort to strengthen non-biodegradable waste management, the civic body is planning expand its material collection facility (MCF) capacity by introducing more container MCFs. Besides this, around 100 e-autos will be deployed for daily waste collection and the movement of HKS members. New units to come up The civic body is planning to set up two BSF composting units in the city over the next four months It also plans to expand the capacity of the composting plant in Kalladimukham to 50 tonnes and set up a new unit at Chalai

Mobile phones to replace dead land phones at KSRTC enquiry offices

KOCHI: The days of endlessly ringing a dead line, or getting an abrupt hang-up from a KSRTC bus depot, are finally drawing to a close. Come July 1, the KSRTC is set to finally phase out the unreliable land phones in favour of dedicated mobile numbers across its bus depots. The same will not only make the staff accountable, but the call data will also be recorded for future scrutiny. An official order in this regard was issued on Thursday on the direction of KSRTC chairman & managing director P S Pramoj Sanker. A dedicated mobile phone, including an official SIM, will be introduced in all Station Master (SM) offices across the KSRTC depots to facilitate the public and the employees contact them for various needs, the order read. A directive has also been sent to the heads of all 93 units across the state. The said mobile phones should be strictly used only for official purposes. The mobile numbers should be publicised widely among the masses. Starting from July 1, 2025, the use of land phones should be strictly stopped. Instead the mobile phones allotted should only be used, it said. And this isnt just an upgrade. Its a direct response to public frustration and a strategic move to restore faith in a vital public service. For too long, the publics pleas to KSRTC depots often vanished into the void of unanswered calls or persistently dead lines. The land phones at certain main depots remained non-functional for months altogether, resulting in a large number of complaints, admitted a senior official. Compounding the problem were grievances about staff allegedly failing to identify themselves or hanging up abruptly. This mobile-first approach is designed to tackle these chronic issues head-on, promising a new level of responsiveness. Another reason that prompted the management to switch over to mobile phones is the slow and delayed action often from the end of BSNL authorities, upon complaints of non-functional landline phones. The land phones at certain main depots remained non-functional for months altogether, resulting in a large number of complaints. There are also grievances regarding the staff not revealing their identity. Sometimes they hang up the phones abruptly without giving the details. Once the mobile phone comes, the call data sheet will be checked on a daily basis to find out whether the officials are replying to customer queries, said a senior official. While the landline phones dont have outgoing facility, the KSRTC staff can now call back the customers upon receiving a missed call or call on waiting through the mobile phones. These official mobile phones will be the responsibility of the station masters, akin to how breathalyzers are managed for the crew. They will be available round the clock, ensuring that enquiries and urgent matters can be addressed at any hour. However, the directive is strict: these phones are exclusively for official purposes, and the numbers will be widely publicised to ensure maximum public access, he said.

HC expresses concern about unclean canals in Kochi

Court raises concern over prolonged delay in Mullassery canal reconstruction

How inclusive is your gym?

Niche gyms in Kochi are emerging as friendly and inclusive spaces that are redefining fitness standards

BCCI Asked to Pay This Former IPL Franchise Rs 538.84 Crore; Here's Why?

As per Bombay High Court's ruling, the BCCI must pay Rs 385.50 crore to Kochi Cricket Private Limited and Rs 153.34 crore to Rendezvous Sports World, the two stakeholders of the now-defunct franchise.

Kerala High Court questions selection mode for teachers in aided schools

KOCHI: Expressing concern over the selection process for appointing teachers in government-aided schools, the Kerala High Court has observed that prima facie, it appears there is a significant nexus between the managements and the educational authorities regarding teacher appointments, which are not based on merit but rather on considerations other than merit. Justice D K Singh noted that it seems the manager has absolute discretion to appoint anyone qualified as a teacher at the school without following any selection process or advertising the posts. Furthermore, how these appointments are approved by the educational authorities when the due process of selection is not ensured raises questions. The court directed the Director General of Education to file an affidavit explaining the steps taken to establish a fair selection process for teachers in government-aided schools, aiming to stop the malpractice prevalent in these appointments. If the affidavit is not submitted by June 20, the court has instructed the Director General of Education to appear in person before the court. The order was issued while considering a petition filed by a group of teachers challenging the levy of contributory pension in the NPS Scheme from their salaries.

Nuts about cashews! India emerges largest consumer globally

KOCHI: Indians are munching on cashew nuts like never before. Now, India accounts for more than 30% of the worlds processed nuts or kernel consumption. And the demand for nuts, whole or broken, is surging at a phenomenal pace, driven largely by the bakery and snacking industry. According to the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC), the countrys insatiable appetite for cashews touched 3.76 lakh tonnes in 2024, and shows no signs of slowing down. For good measure, the projected annual growth in demand stands at 8%. The world now looks to India for growth in the nuts and dry fruits market, INC director Pratap Nair told TNIE . He says the Indian middle class has developed a taste for cashew nuts, not just as a snack but also as an ingredient in baked goods and other food items. Take Kaju Kathli, for instance: it has become one of the most popular sweets in the country, both as a gift and for personal consumption, and the demand for roasted cashews to make it is skyrocketing, said Pratap, who is also a representative of Vijayalaxmi Cashew Company (VLC), one of Indias oldest and largest cashew exporters. He noted that post-pandemic, Indians have developed a voracious appetite for snacking on cashews despite their premium price tag of around Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500 per kilogram for whole nuts. According to INC data, India accounted for 13.5% of global raw cashew production, 36.5% of global processing share, and a staggering 30.5% of total global cashew consumption in 2024. The domestic demand for cashews has exploded with the growth of the bakery and snacking industries, said Hari Nair, of Western India Cashew Company. Cashews are an integral part of namkeens (savouries), sweets, and even temple offerings. In fact, the Tirupati temple alone is one of the largest consumers of cashews, using them to make laddoos that are in huge demand among devotees. Burgeoning domestic consumption has also led to a change in the dynamics of the industry, which was once clustered around Kollam, known as the cashew capital of the world. Swaminathan, a native of Tamil Nadu, established the first cashew processing unit in 1925. The same year marked another milestone with industrialist Joseph Periera setting up the first modern cashew factory in Kollam, introducing advanced roasting methods that would shape the industrys future. For decades India, and particularly Kollam, was pivotal in the global cashew trade until the emergence of Vietnam in the 90s. A study by the Madras Institute for Development Studies reports that, in 1961, India had 96% of the global cashew kernel exports market. Cashew sector in Kerala revamp bid gets Rs 14-cr booster shot In 2024, the countrys cashew kernel exports have plunged to 8% of the global trade, and in terms of volume, the export of cashew kernels declined from 1,26,667 tonnes in 2004-05 to 59,581 tonnes in 2022-23, J Rajmohan Pillai, Beta Group chairman and owner of the Nut King brand, said. While its challenging to provide a precise, real-time figure for cashew imports versus consumption in India, the data clearly indicates that imports of raw cashew nuts are the primary source of raw material for Indias cashew processing industry, which caters largely to the growing local demand, he said. Rajmohan further explained that without these imports, India wouldnt be able to meet its substantial domestic demand for cashews. In fact, over 60% of the raw material processed by Indias cashew industry comes from imports. Given Indias status as the largest consumer of cashew kernels globally, with a significant portion of processed kernels consumed locally, it is clear that a substantial portion of the countrys cashew consumption relies on imported raw cashew nuts, he added.

Kerala HC says no to opening toilets at private petrol pumps for general public use

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has directed the state government and local self-government institutions not to require that toilets in private petroleum retail outlets in Kerala be opened for public use. The court issued the order on a petition filed by the Petroleum Traders Welfare and Legal Service Society, an association of 300 retail outlet dealers, against a government order to convert their private toilets into public facilities. The petitioners contended that they were being forced to open the private toilets maintained by them at the outlets for the emergency needs of customers to the public. They also alleged that the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, as well as certain other local bodies, had pasted posters in some of the retail outlets to give the impression that the toilets are public toilets. The petitioners said treating toilets in private petroleum retail outlets, which are classified as high-risk zone, as public facilities would lead to unauthorised access. Also, chances of fire breaking out and other catastrophe are very high when a large number of people access the retail outlets in an unauthorised manner. Suman Chakravarthy, the standing counsel for the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, submitted that it is the duty of the dealers at the petrol pumps to ensure neat and safe toilet facilities for the public, and it is the duty of the LSG department to ensure that the dealers complied with it. In 2013, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had issued a circular stating that drinking water and toilet facilities at such outlets shall be accessible to the public around the clock. Recently, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Pathanamthitta, had ordered a petrol pump owner to pay Rs 1.65 lakh as compensation to a teacher for not letting her use the toilet on the premises. The complaint was lodged by C A Jayakumari, a resident of Ezhakulam in Pathanamthitta, against the owner of the filling station in Payyoli, Kozhikode.

Force strained as 1,500 cops deployed for court escorts

KOCHI: The Kerala Police force, already grappling with a severe shortage of personnel, is facing an unsustainable burden as nearly 1,500 officers are deployed every day solely to escort undertrial prisoners to courts and hospitals. The practice, which was temporarily modernised during the Covid pandemic through widespread use of video conferencing, has largely reverted to outdated physical escort procedures raising concerns over resource wastage and missed opportunities for digital reform, according to senior police officials. They said an average of 80 personnel are deployed daily from each of the states 20 police districts, many drawn from district headquarters camps, for escort and protection duties both within and outside their home districts. Even without accounting for rural courts, Kochi city alone has around 15 functioning courts. Escorting the accused to and from these courts every day requires at least 50 to 60 police personnel, said an assistant sub-inspector with the Kochi City Police. In districts housing central jails, such as Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur, the numbers climb further, with 80 to 100 personnel tied up daily. These deployments include long-distance escort duties to courts in other districts and often involve multiple hearings per accused individual. This is not just a matter of manpower, the officer added. There are also significant financial costs involved food and travel expenses for the accused, allowances for escorting officers, vehicle fuel, and more. The burden on the police department and the state exchequer is enormous. Despite having the infrastructure to avoid these physical escorts, the system remains underutilised. The virtual court appearance mechanism was introduced in Kerala as early as 2010, with jails equipped with dedicated video conferencing facilities. However, the discretion to mandate a virtual or physical appearance lies solely with the judiciary. Jacob Punnoose, former state police chief, stressed on the urgent need to adopt technology to ease the pressure on the force. In this era of digital advancement, where police stations, jails, and courts are interconnected, it is high time we modernized and reduced our reliance on outdated escort practices, he said. Punnoose also pointed out a practical challenge: some repeat offenders treat court visits as outings. They use the opportunity to meet family members, interact with friends, or consult lawyers turning what should be a formal legal procedure into a social affair. During the pandemic, the situation briefly changed for the better. The virtual appearance system was adopted across the state, even for serious charges like murder. C R Biju, state general secretary of Kerala Police Officers Association (KPOA), said that crores were spent to upgrade jail infrastructure to support virtual court proceedings. However, the momentum waned after the pandemic. After Covid, the old practice of physically escorting accused persons to court was reinstated. It is a step backward, said Biju. If virtual court appearances were made standard in all but the most sensitive cases or key stages of trial, the state could better utilise the available workforce and drastically cut down on unnecessary expenditure. Former MP and senior lawyer Dr Sebastian Paul echoed the sentiment, stating that virtual appearances are legally sound and effective in most situations. There is no legal objection, nor do lawyers oppose it. In fact, the accused can communicate just as effectively sometimes even better via video. Magistrates simply need to ensure they inquire properly into the well-being of the accused. Dr Paul further noted that digital hearings would also help safeguard the dignity of undertrials. These individuals are not convicts. Virtual production spares them the public humiliation of being paraded in handcuffs. However, former Kerala High Court judge Justice K Narayana Kurup cautioned that any permanent policy shift should come only after a thorough, national-level consultation involving higher judiciary members. This is a sensitive matter and must be addressed comprehensively. The state government should move forward only after due legal and judicial deliberation, he said. With the state police force stretched thin and modern alternatives readily available, experts and stakeholders agree that returning to virtual court appearances is not just a matter of convenienceits an urgent administrative necessity.

Israel-Iran conflict hits Kerala-Gulf flight services, ticket rates skyrocket

KOZHIKODE: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has severely disrupted flight services from Kerala to several West Asian countries. Following the closure of Irans airspace, six flights between Gulf countries and Kannur were cancelled on Wednesday. Similar disruptions were reported at Kochi, Karipur and Thiruvananthapuram airports. Services to Dubai and Sharjah were the most affected. On Tuesday, two flights each between Abu Dhabi and Thiruvananthapuram, and Sharjah and Kozhikode, were cancelled. The situation escalated on Wednesday, with six flights from Kannur grounded. Additionally, four services each from Kozhikode, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram were called off. All cancelled flights were operated by Air India and Air India Express between Kerala and Sharjah - Dubai. Several other flights between Keralas four international airports and various GCC countries were delayed by hours. Authorities at Dubai International Airport had earlier warned of significant delays and cancellations due to airspace restrictions over Iran, Iraq, and Syria, urging passengers to check with airlines for the latest updates. However, Airports Authority of India has not issued any such advisory. Meanwhile, expatriate organisations, including the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), and Kerala Pravasi Sangham have voiced concerns over a sharp spike in ticket prices amid the crisis. They alleged that passengers are being forced to pay exorbitant fares to travel to Gulf countries. As we know, the Israel-Iran conflict is affecting expatriates from Kerala severely. Many flights between Kerala and GCC countries, especially to Dubai and Sharjah, are being cancelled without prior notice. The most affected are Kannur and Karipur airports. Numerous Malayalis are stranded both in the Gulf and in Kerala due to these cancellations. We are planning protests against the airlines for cancelling services without any intimation, said KMCC state committee member Sainudheen Cheleri. Adding to the crisis is the summer vacation period in Gulf countries, during which airlines have reportedly hiked fares. Like every year, this steep hike is mostly targeted at Kerala. The increased fares, which began this week as part of the cancellation of flights, are expected to continue until mid-August. We are not sure when this conflict will end. However, the flight companies have already increased their fares aiming at school vacation in Gulf countries. We have raised the issues to the Central government many times. But no action was taken, said Kerala Pravasi Sangham state committee member C V Iqbal.

How Kerala police cut short Tihar jailmates chain-snatching spree in 2.5 hours

Arif, 34, a native of Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh, and Faisal, 28, from Delhis Shastri Vihar, met while serving time at Tihar Jail. Behind those high-security walls, the duo formed not only a bond but a criminal blueprint. Once released, they would head south, to Kerala, and carry out a concentrated string of thefts. On May 28, they boarded a train from New Delhi to Kochi. What made Kerala an attractive destination, they later admitted during interrogation, was the perception that people here, especially women, wore gold ornaments regularly, even on daily commutes. The monsoon season added to the duos advantage. By morning, the two arrived at Aluva railway station. Without delay, they stole a black Yamaha FZ motorcycle parked nearby and began scouring the roads. The first hit came quickly, at Companypady. A woman on her way to work, umbrella in hand, was wearing a chain. In a blink, the bike pulled up next to her, and the chain was snatched before she could even process what was happening. The woman, shocked and panicked, reached out to the Aluva police around 8.15am. Officers rushed to the spot and began scanning CCTV footage in the area. The way the crime was committed clean and confident told us these werent first-timers, says a police officer involved in the investigation. At 9am, as the officers regrouped at Aluva station, word came in: another chain snatching had occurred at Palaprasery under Chengamanad police limits. Then, another incident was reported from Mekkad, followed by one from an area near Nedumbassery. Finally, there was a failed attempt at Desom. Within just 90 minutes, four confirmed snatchings and one attempted theft. Soon, Ernakulam Rural Police Chief M Hemalatha mobilised a coordinated response. Officers from Aluva, Chengamanad, and Nedumbassery stations were alerted. Based on the timing and locations of the crimes, we assumed the suspects were returning to Aluva via Desom, says an officer. The police teams were strategically deployed, one at Aluva Bypass Road, another at Thottakkattukara, and a third at Seminarypady. The team at Seminarypady first spotted the black Yamaha FZ with two riders matching the suspects description coming from the opposite side. They immediately signalled the alert to others. Hearing this, the team at Thottakkattukara activated the red signal light and blocked all traffic at the junction. Realising they were being tailed, the suspects tried to flee. But before they could even place the motorcycle on its stand and attempt an escape, officers at Thottakkattukara pounced. Soon, both Arif and Faisal were pinned and taken into custody, the officer says. Faisal Arif The real surprise came after the helmets were removed. Given how confidently they moved through the area, we were certain that the accused were from Kerala. But apparently, it was their first visit to the state, said an officer. The duo confessed that their plan was to reach early, commit as many thefts as possible by noon, and board the return train to Delhi. But the police response time was faster. The entire operation from the first crime to their arrest wrapped up in just two-and-a-half hours. During interrogation, they revealed that their targets were specifically women walking alone, preferably those headed to work. This isnt the first time Kerala has attracted non-local theft gangs. A few years ago, a gang from a North Indian state was arrested in Ajmer in a similar theft spree in Aluva. Like Arif and Faisal, they too had cited the states widespread gold culture as a motive. In the recent spree, two of the chains snatched turned out to be imitation gold. Police Chief M Hemalatha awarded certificates of appreciation to the officers involved in the chase and capture. Those honoured include DYSP T R Rajesh, Inspectors M M Manju Das and Sony Mathai, Sub-Inspectors K Nandakumar, S S Sreelal, B M Chithuji, Sujo George Antony, R Binsi, T Anoop, ASIs K A Noushad and Vijayakrishnan, Senior CPO K A Noufal, and CPOs K I Shihab, Sirajudeen, K M Manoj, Shibin Thomas, Ajitha Thilakan, N A Mohammed Ameer, and Mahinsha Abubacker.

Boy Oh Boy! Why men in the making need more mental wellness support

Internet denizens are certain to have come across at least one poster about June being observed as Mens Mental Health Awareness Month. While most may have simply scrolled past it, a few might have extended the benevolence of leaving a like or sharing the post. But awareness seldom translates into urgency, especially at a time when there is seasonal angst: unrelenting rains and back-to-school chaos amid a thousand other everyday pressures. Mens mental health rarely makes it to the list of societal concerns. Stats, however, demand urgent attention. Here is a stark sample: according to the State Crime Records Bureau, the male-to-female suicide ratio in Kerala stands at 80:20. In 2023 alone, of the 10,972 suicides reported, 8,811 were men. Suppression syndrome This disparity is no anomaly. Emotional suppression and stoicism, considered by many as the cornerstones of traditional masculinity, create the perfect storm for internalised distress. And this issue isnt just about men its more about the men in the making. A boys relationship with vulnerability is forged early. From childhood, many boys are subtly nudged to trade sensitivity for toughness. Its a deal that often costs many their internal emotional stability. Traditional gender roles dictate how a boy should behave, says Dr C J John, a senior psychiatrist at Medical Trust Hospital in Kochi. They are taught that expressing emotions, crying, or feeling low is feminine. They suppress. That suppression often grows into depression or behavioural disorders. On the other hand, he adds, girls are more likely to receive structured emotional guidance during crucial developmental stages such as menarche. Boys, in contrast, are left to fend for themselves. Generally, theres a dangerous assumption that boys will figure it out on their own, Dr John points out. Moreover, from a young age, boys internalise the idea that speaking out about their problems makes them weak. So very few seek help. Representational image Dr Arun B Nair, professor of psychiatry at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, echoes the same view as he highlights a problematic parental pattern. Many parents emotionally distance themselves from sons during adolescence to avoid discussing uncomfortable topics like sexuality or aggression. This vacuum is exactly what needs to be addressed, he stresses. By the time they reach college, a sense of guardedness gets deeply ingrained in boys, says Anu Bejoy, former Jeevani counsellor at Union Christian College, Aluva. However, once that guard is brought down, many open up. I recall several boys revealing family tensions, especially about a distant or demanding father, she says. Some had taken up part-time jobs instead of asking for money at home. But the stress of work started affecting their academics. Thats another factor to be noted. Breadwinner expectations take root early in boys. Friends & family For many boys, friendships once used to be a source of camaraderie and solace. That cushioning, apparently, has been shrinking. A history undergraduate, who has been battling depression, shares how he got isolated after sharing his inner woes: We mostly talk about films, cars, girls. Once when I tried to open up, my friends got visibly uncomfortable. I changed the topic quickly. Everyone behaved as if nothing was wrong. Dr Arun agrees: Two decades ago, friendships buffered emotional stress. Not anymore. The digital revolution has pushed many boys into isolated online worlds. They have retreated into shells, and its stunting emotional growth. What about familial support? Well, unfortunately, even the most loving parents stumble here. The Netflix series Adolescence illustrated this, Dr John notes. Most parents are often unaware of what their children are dealing with. He also highlights an imbalance in parental and social conditioning. While many women have become informed and empowered, men remain caught between outdated norms and biology. Parents should help boys understand their hormonal makeup. Risk-taking and aggression are real but need healthy channels. Instead, male aggression often receives social sanction, confusing boys further, says Dr John. We must teach boys to name their emotions not hide or evade them. Akhila M S, a school counsellor, says many parents normalise boys problematic behaviour. They assume boys are just being boys, she says. When counsellors raise concerns, they are often dismissed unless the problem is extreme. She adds that, in serious cases, referrals are made to district resource centres (DRCs), which include psychiatrists and psychologists. She recounts such a case: I was asked to talk to a Class 10 boy, whose performance had dropped drastically after the pandemic. It took months for him to open up. He had gotten hooked on pornography during lockdown. That triggered severe anxiety about his body. He believed something was wrong with his genitalia. This turned into a two-year silent struggle, leading to suicidal thoughts. He hadnt shared any of this with even his closest friends. That student got help. Many others dont. V T Prema, a counsellor at GHS Chalai in Thiruvananthapuram, underscores the need for safe emotional spaces. Mental health awareness should begin early and be non-gendered. Involving parents more actively in school counselling is key. Interventions at the right time prevent the escalation of emotional crises. Dr John recommends peer mentoring. Train four or five emotionally healthy students in each class to look out for their peers. This approach is especially effective in tackling substance use and suicidality, he notes. Time to redefine masculinity? According to Dr Arun, the first shift must be in parenting. Just 30 minutes of undistracted, emotionally open conversation a day can make a world of difference, he says. It keeps the emotional bond alive, and helps parents stay aware of their childs influences. He also calls for systemic changes. Unicef identifies the unhealthy triad in adolescence as substance abuse, risky sexual behaviour, and aggression, he notes. We need curriculum changes to tackle these. He recommends: Activity-based life skills education from early school years. At least 20 hours annually dedicated to mental health and emotional development. Cyber and legal literacy woven into school programmes. Training more adolescent counsellors and sensitising teachers. Most importantly, Dr Arun says, We must reframe gender itself. Boys must realise emotions arent a weakness. Sensitivity is strength not antithetical to masculinity. Well, can traditional gender roles be dismantled so more boys feel safe expressing distress? Its tough, Dr John admits. Especially when you are the dominant one. Its a feel-good position. He points to how rigid social systems still uphold outdated ideas of male dominance. Boys havent had enough opportunities to recalibrate with changing gender realities. Its high time we redefined masculinity. Dr Arun says a shift is under way. More boys are speaking up these days. Initiatives like Mens Mental Health Awareness Month are sparking important conversations on some campuses. Thats progress, he smiles. No boy is born with a stigma about his mental health. Its the society that creates that. So, you know what needs to change first.

Kochi Corporation secretary asked to examine and report on implementation of resto cafe concept

Airlines in India hugely impacted by Middle East crisis, Air India flights taking detour via Egypt

NEW DELHI: Even as airlines are grappling with the closure of airspace in Pakistan post the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, the Israel-Iran conflict has put further stress on them. Cancellation of flights or circuitous routes has become the norm since June 13 after Israel announced the closure of its airspace. An Air India official said, The closure of airspace by Pakistan followed by Israel, Iran, Iraq and then Jordan has forced us to take a roundabout route via Egypt, which involves an additional 45 to 60 minutes travel for every flight. On the day Israel announced the closure of its airspace, we had to divert 16 flights when they were airborne. The official said, We operate an average of 50 flights (inward and outward) daily from India to the US and Europe. All of them have to go down south and fly through Egyptian air space. It has definitely increased the turnaround time for all our flights. Air India has flights to Vienna, Copenhagen, London, Zurich, Milan, Paris and Frankfurt in Europe. It also has flights to Los Angeles, Newark, New York and San Francisco in the US. Making operations tougher are the stringent tests ordered by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in the aftermath of the Ahmedabad flight accident. These tests take anywhere between four and seven hours, an official said. Operation Sindhu: First evacuation flight with Indians from Iran to land early Thursday Air India Express cancellations Though its subsidiary Air India Express does not operate beyond Iran, it was also impacted because of the crowded airspace in Dubai. An Air India Express spokesperson said, We cancelled four flights totally today. We operate two pairs of flights daily between Mangaluru and Dubai. We cancelled one pair today. There was no other reason except the heavy congestion in the air space in Dubai. Due to the closure of the Iran air space, most international airlines are now flying through the Dubai airspace. They are planned cancellations and the passenger are intimated in advance before they leave their homes, the spokesperson added. Air India Express cancelled flights on Thursday between Sharjah and Kochi, Mangaluru and Dubai, Thiruvananthapuram and Dubai, and Sharjah and Indore. IndiGo refused to reveal details about its cancellations or delayed flights and asked this reporter to speak to the Civil Aviation Ministry about it. India ramps up evacuation from Iran amid Israel tensions; 110 citizens, mostly students, moved to safety