Greening programmes mark World Environment Day celebrations in Kochi

Tea prices dip at Kochi auctions as arrivals increase

Sales witnessed lot of withdrawals due to lack of bids this week

INTERVIEW: Rajesh James, director of the award-winning work Slaves of the Empire

Slaves of the Empire , directed by Kochi native Rajesh James, clinched the Best Documentary Award at the 27th UK Asian Film Festival held in May. The 50-minute film unfolds against the backdrop of colonial-era Fort Kochi and delves deep into the ordinary existence of laundry workers of Dhobi Khana. The ancestors of this Vannar community, who hail from Tamil Nadu and whose primary occupation is washing clothes, were enslaved by the Dutch during the 1700s and brought to Fort Kochi to tend to their colonial masters domestic work. Now, long after the foreign powers left the country, the Dhobi Khana remains, albeit in a new avatar. Incidently, 2025 marks 50 years of the Greater Cochin Development Authority building the laundry quarters thats today known as Dhobi Khana. Here, The New Indian Express talks to filmmaker Rajesh James about his filmmaking journey, working on Slaves of the Empire , the lessons he learnt, future plans and more Filmmaker Rajesh James How did you get interested in filmmaking? Through film clubs, during my time at St Joseph's College in Kozhikode. These clubs were instrumental in helping me migrate from merely watching popular films to appreciating them better, their nuances, etc. Later, in 2012, I began my doctoral studies on Christopher Nolans filmography. This further cemented my interest. The real impetus came when I enrolled for a film appreciation course in the Film and Television Institute of India, Pune. Here, I was treated to films that were not on my immediate radar, and I also got to interact with people who were actively studying filmmaking. With this experience, I too yearned to tell stories of my own. Thats how it began. If you ask me what my film school is, Id say it's the many film festivals I've attended this past decade. I used to attend every edition of the International Documentary and Short Film Festival (IDSFFK) held in Kerala. Here, I engaged in talks with filmmakers for their insights and experiences. I was also a frequent visitor to the International Film Festival of Kerala. These platforms were very crucial for awakening the filmmaker in me. From the sets of Slaves of the Empire Then, when you began, were you gunning for documentaries? No, initially, I was interested in fiction and wanted to make films in this segment. But one has to start somewhere, right? I think the IDSFFK experience influenced me to work on a documentary. In 2014, I picked up my small camera and began mapping the issues that traffic wardens face in Kochi. As fate would have it, in 2015, that work, Zebra Lines, was selected for an IDSFFK competition. This win buoyed my spirit and my confidence. It also opened doors for me as a filmmaker. Two more documentary works followed in quick succession, right? Yes, Naked Wheels in 2015, and In Thunder, Lightning and Rain in 2020. Naked Wheels is a story of a group of friends who travelled from Kochi to Goa, and talks about the plight of transgender people in Kerala. The work bagged the Best Documentary at the Kashish Pride Film Festival, held annually in Mumbai. I also got invitations to screen my work in a few festivals in Europe. Then came In Thunder, Lightning and Rain . It is a local story of three women from Kochi. Both these works were done in collaboration with the filmmaking department at Sacred Heart College. Students were eager to help with the project and gain hands-on experience. Now, coming to your latest work, Slaves of the Empire a bulk of it was shot during the Covid We started shooting in 2020. A lot of research for this work happened during the lockdown months. And then later, when that was lifted, we began shooting. If you watch the work, you will see many dimensions of Covid people wearing masks, talking about vaccines, etc. Slaves of the Empire poster Why did you decide to take up this topic for your film? I have been staying in Kochi for over a decade. I found the Dhobi Khana to be fascinating. Especially its colonial past. When I read more about it, my fascination only grew. And I knew then that there was a story to be told here. I also knew that to do an academic documentary would render it boring. So I decided to focus on few characters of Dhobi Khana Rajan, Prattiamma, Rajashekharan, and Selvaraj and tell the larger story through them. Thats how it began. Slaves of the Empire hits different. Its unlike your usual documentary, which tends to gravitates towards showing the hardships of its subjects. But here, everyone has a colourful character Thats exactly how I wanted to portray it. These laundry workers they are a working class society, but very down-to-earth people. We, who don white collars, view them with a sympathetic lens. Thats just how the system is, and its only natural. But I wanted to counter that approach and show that they have their own worlds wherein they lead happy lives. Theres no self pity. Only the determination to make good of what they have and everything they engage in. Even this shoot, they dont see it as if I have done a service to them. But instead, of them having helped an upcoming filmmaker with a project. That is their perspective, and I absolutely loved that approach. A still from Slaves of the Empire Also, while watching the work, I didnt feel any hurriedness everything takes its own time, and feels natural From a technical perspective, there were many segments in it that your usually filmmaker or editor would mark as redundant or even needless. For example, Rajans conversations with his wife. These could have been trimmed. But in doing so, we would have taken away something very real, that raw experience. You see, Rajan is, until that moment, sort of a villain figure in the community. But before his wife, he is a different person. In those segments, it is his wife thats overpowering. I wanted to show that contrast. To bring new dimensions to the characters. I have kept even more segments like it and this, in turn, makes the work seem more natural. Lets also talk about the black and white aesthetics was that the plan to begin with? Yes, absolutely. As soon as we saw the first black-and-white frame, my editor and I were convinced that this should be the aesthetic. The colours complemented wellthe dark bodies of the laundry workers and the white linen. Going for black-and-white also helped drown out the other colours inside the Dhobi Khana, which otherwise would have been too loud on the screen. What also helped our decision was this: black and white is often associated with history. Since we were capturing a remnant of the colonial time, this colour scheme worked well for us. At Dhobi Khana, even today, time is arrested. Even though their lives continue, their history is locked. A still from Slaves of the Empire Usually, a documentary filmed from Fort Kochi and Mattancherry tends to lean heavily on the tourism angle. Not Slaves of the Empire though Tourism and the gaze of the tourist, in my opinion, are always about distancing. This work, though there is a colonial background to it, is ultimately a human story. We were focusing on that on the characters, their lives. That said, towards the end, we try to place it in the larger Fort Kochi context by showing several famous places there Lilly Street, Calavathy Road, Jew Street, and the Dutch Cemetery there. To make this larger context more apparent, we used a lens with a bigger aspect ratio (i.e. more widescreen) to map this, thus lending a cinematic experience. Interestingly, Slaves of the Empire also weaves in a segment wherein the work-in-progress film is screened at Dhobi Khana You see, this work we did, its my version of their story. Their lives. A filmmaker cant claim to be the only authentic voice. In fact, he is an outsider. His work is only a glimpse. So, in having that screened to the very people it is based of, Im, for the lack of a better word, validating the work. Including that screening into the film only felt like the natural thing to do. To show to the audience that this, too, is a fiction of sorts. When the screening segment rolls, the audience, too, is shaken up into the real. It is as if, until then, they had been watching a movie. Indeed, in that segment, Prattiamma is seen asking, what happened to the other shots you took Yes, it is a very political question. The filmmaker is put on the spot and asked what happened to the other shots he had taken. But this only confirms the idea that what was shown is only version of the story. And also that, theres more to be seen and learnt about the history and lives of the Dhobi Khana workers. A still from Slaves of the Empire You have not tried to censor or even modify how the characters talk Yes, thats true. Documentary work allows us that freedom. There is realism. If the filmmaker tries to mask that anyway, then you lose the essence. Our responsibility is always to leave that intact. For Slaves of the Empire , we left everything in and weaved a narrative around it. How long did it take to shoot Slaves of the Empire ? Four years, from 2020 to 2024. We shot in intermittently on weekends, off days, etc. In what capacity do you go to shoot how many apparatus and equipment? Maximum of two cameras for most of the shoots we did, especially at Dhobi Khana. Not more. This was to ensure that we didnt disturb their work. Also, some, we knew from experience, are very conscious whenever theres a camera around. So, we took great care. But even then, these two equipments were too much for many. It was only after six months, i.e. when they had become familiar with the cameras, that the real shoot began. For interviews, we added one more. Did you face rejection when we went to shoot for the first time? Oh yes, very much. At first, they talk very dismissively to us. But then face, thats the real documentary work, right? You capture the feelings as raw as they come. Also, we took the effort to convince them on why this work matters to us. And subsequently, it mattered to them as well. But after several months into the work, it can be said that they forgot about us. One was like, They have been going at it for a long time. I wonder what transpires of all this effort. We showed up and kept the cameras rolling, until finally we had what we came for. A still from Slaves of the Empire It was a four years project, right? How did you sustain the enthusiasm and the passion? Thats a big question. Id say its the people. These laundry workers. They lead such social lives. We found a home in them and that, I believe, sustained us. Thats not to say that there were no ups and downs. There were, but we persisted and came through. We wouldnt have been able to finish the work had we been even a bit unsatisfied. When did you know or how could you tell that this documentary, Slaves of the Empire , was finally complete after working on it for so long? Prior to the work arriving at this version, we have some screenings to guage how audiences would respond to it. It went well and that gave us confidence. Later, I sat down with our editor and had a long discussion. We were convinced that there was indeed a story in it. And even if we were to shoot more scenes, it wouldnt add as much. We had gotten the essence of Dhobi Khana and the lives of its laundry workers. And that was enough. I knew there was enough meaning in it to finally call it a day. But on hindsight, it would have boded us well to have the film stretch for an hour. Film festivals abroad prefer the works coming in to be about that length. Ours is just shy 50 minutes. Youve now won numerous awards for your works. How did Rajesh Jamess personal journey change after each such win? You know, there was a time when I coveted awards. I didnt get it then. Now, while Im certainly very grateful for the recognition, awards are not as precious. To be able to make films that people enjoy is my greatest reward. Its what I derive the most joy from. After all, we are also artists. And for an artist, the biggest award is the chance to do the next work. A still from Slaves of the Empire When working on documentaries, do you go with a storyboard already set? There is a general idea. But certainly, no story. No fixed plans. Its not scripted. We build the story as we go. Usually, it is on the editing table that the narrative is set. Until then, we are only documenting their lives. If you look at Slaves of the Empire , theres a segment wherein two laundry workers are seen embracing each other and finally, one pecks at the cheeks of the other. How can one script all that? Then, theres the segment wherein Rajan and his wife, Rajalakshmi, are having a very personal conversation. It came naturally. There was no way to force that in by way of a script. It wouldnt have worked. Also, when we joined Selvarajan to watch a Rajnikanth film, because it was Covid, the theatres were empty. But we had planned to capture a swelling crowd, capture Selvarajans admiration for the Tamil superstar. That didnt happen. But what we did capture was something even more poignant. Selvarajs disappointment at now being able to enjoy the show as he desired. Also, we got to document a shard of Covid history. I bet, this is how documentary filmmakers generally work they first document and the story comes later. But this also means that you have to plan as you go. So, you are saying, one shouldnt approach a filmmaking project with a premeditated timeline Exactly. Its difficult to work when you have the burden of a deadline looming on you. Documentary filmmaking, in my opinion, does not work in such fixed boxes. How can we control their lives? Basically, we follow their schedule. Rajesh James Do you plan to foray into the fiction segment? Not at the moment. Im very content with documentary filmmaking. There are not many who work on documentaries in Kerala. That said, I do want to bring something new to this field, this industry. To work on something that would eventually find its place in the world. What are your hobbies that complement filmmaking? Im a student of literature. So, needless to say, I read a lot. Im also interested in photography and anything arts. These, I believe, greatly complement my filmmaking. Whats next? We just wrapped up a special screening of Slaves of the Empire in Kochi last weekend. Im working on my next documentary. Its about a woman bodybuilder in Kochi her triumphs and tribulations. Then, theres the Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival in Japan to look forward to. I have sent my work for consideration.

Skopos Vadayambath Hills: Gated Villa Plot Living in Kochis Rising Suburb, Puthenkurish

Eid al-Adha holiday 2025: Are banks and stock market open or closed on June 6 & 7? Check details

Eid al-Adha is anticipated to be celebrated in India on June 7, potentially marking a public holiday with closures for schools, colleges, and government offices. Banks will observe closures on June 6 in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, with varied operations on June 7 across different cities. Stock markets (NSE & BSE) will remain open, while digital banking services will continue uninterrupted.

Police file chargesheet against Boby Chemmanur for obscene remarks against actor Honey Rose

KOCHI: The police submitted a chargesheet against businessman Boby Chemmanur in a case registered against him for making obscene remarks against Malayalam actor Honey Rose. The probe team submitted the chargesheet before the Ernakulam Magistrate Court. The chargesheet clearly states that Boby repeatedly used sexually suggestive remarks and innuendos with the intent to insult and demean the actress, said a police officer with the Kochi city police. In addition to charges of sexual harassment, the chargesheet also includes offences such as stalking and persistent harassment. Investigators have gathered substantial evidence, including Bobys inappropriate comments made via social media targeting multiple individuals. The police also submitted video clips of interviews, the confidential statement of the actor, and testimonies from key witnesses as crucial evidence supporting the charges, he said.

Air India enters into four new interline partnerships

KOCHI: Air India has entered into interline partnerships with four major airlines from emerging markets, significantly enhancing connectivity to Europe, particularly the Baltic region and parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The partnerships will provide Air India guests seamless travel options to 16 more destinations across six countries in these regions. Conversely, Air India will provide convenient access to more than 30 Indian cities, including Kochi, to the customers of its four partner airlines. Air India signed the interline agreements with airBaltic, Bulgaria Air, Cyprus Airways, and Uzbekistan Airways, on the sidelines of the ongoing 81st IATA AGM in New Delhi. The new partnerships enable a passenger to travel across continents with a single-ticket itinerary that combines Air India flights with those of its partner airlines as well as coordinated baggage allowance & handling. Convenient one-stop connectivity through the four partner airlines: -- airBaltic: Provides access to Riga (Latvia), Tallinn (Estonia), and Vilnius (Lithuania) via Air Indias European gateways at Amsterdam, Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London Gatwick, Milan-Malpensa, Vienna, Zurich, or Dubai. -- Bulgaria Air: Provides access to Sofia via Air Indias gateways at London Heathrow, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Milan, Zurich, and Tel Aviv, supporting travel to the vibrant Eastern European city. Air India guests can also take further onward connections from Sofia to other Bulgarian cities of Varna and Burgas. -- Cyprus Airways: Provides access to Larnaca (Cyprus) via Air Indias European gateways at Paris, Milan, and Dubai, opening one of the Mediterraneans key cultural and economic hubs for Indian travellers. -- Uzbekistan Airways: Provides access to Tashkent from Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa-Mopa (GOX), as well as further onward connections from Tashkent to Bukhara, Qarshi, Nukus, Urgench, Termez, Samarkand, Fergana, and Namangan. Conversely, Air India will provide convenient access to more than 30 Indian cities to the customers of its four partner airlines, including Kochi, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, and Goa. These four new interline partnerships significantly enhance Air Indias global reach and open seamless pathways to vibrant cities across some of the most important emerging markets of today, said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India. Bookings will progressively open for these interline connections through Air Indias website (www.airindia.com), mobile app, or via travel agents worldwide. The Air India group consisting of full-service global airline Air India and low-cost regional carrier Air India Express employs more than 30,000 people, operates over 300 aircraft and carries customers to 55 domestic and 48 international destinations across five continents.

Nurdles from MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck wash ashore on Kanniyakumari's Chothavilai beach

KANNIYAKUMARI: Plastic nurdles that spilled out from containers in the ship that sank off Kochi coast last month have wash ashore to as far as Chothavilai beach, an important tourist spot, in Kanniyakumari district. Unaware of the threat they pose, several children are picking them up from the beach sand and playing with them. Workers deputed by Puthalam town panchayat, where the beach is located, are frantically segregating the nurdles by sieving the sand with officers of the panchayat and fisheries department supervising the process. Besides, representatives of a private company appointed by the ship company are camping in the area and monitoring the amount of plastic nurdles that are collected. When contacted , executive officer of Puthalam town panchayat G Usha Gracy said sanitary workers were involved in removing the plastic nurdles, We were regularly monitoring the beach, she added. Sources said as sanitary workers had regular work, private workers have been engaged in the cleaning works. Around five sacks of plastic nurdles have been collected from the beach so far. Meanwhile, Kanniyakumari Municipality Commissioner B Kanniyappan said plastic nurdles have not been spotted on the beaches in Kanniyakumari town till now. We are monitoring the beaches and our sanitary workers are on standby, he added. District Collector R Alagumeena along with Padmanabhapuram Sub Collector Vinay Kumar Meena inspected Midalam and Kodimunai coastal areas. The Collector said that removal of plastic nurdles washed ashore were going briskly. Awareness was being given to people living in coastal areas and there was no cause for panic.

IB officers death: accused taken to Kochi for evidence collection

Accused reportedly confesses that deceased IB officer had visited him at his apartment on multiple occasions

Bank Holiday Alert: Will PSBs, private lenders remain open on June 6 and 7 in your city? Here's what you must know

Bank Holiday Alert: Banks across the country, except Ahmedabad, Gangtok, Itanagar, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, will be closed on Saturday, June 7, 2025, on account of Bakrid

Seabed mapping and recovery efforts underway after MSC Elsa 3 sinks off Kerala coast

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With many cargo containers still unaccounted for following the sinking of cargo vessel MSC Elsa 3 off the Kerala coast , and rising concerns over oil pollution and the widespread dispersal of plastic pellets, the Directorate General (DG) of Shipping has launched a major recovery operation. As part of the effort, the DG Shipping will soon conduct comprehensive seabed mapping using a multi-beam survey system to locate missing containers and the sunken vessel. The operation is also aimed at mitigating marine ecological risks stemming from the incident. The cost of the recovery will be borne by the vessels owner, the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), which has appointed US-based firm T&T Salvage to carry out container recovery, oil removal, and pollution control measures. According to sources, T&T Salvage is assembling a team of divers, including saturation divers from South Africa, to aid the underwater retrieval of containers. The Water Lily , an emergency tow vessel, is currently being equipped with a multi-beam survey system for detailed seabed mapping. In addition, the vessel SEAMAC III will assist in diving operations. Environmentalists demand full disclosure of hazardous waste leakages from MSC Elsa 3 J Senthil Kumar, Principal Officer of the Mercantile Marine Department (Kochi), confirmed that casualty verification is in progress. Salvage operations are being coordinated by DG Shipping in association with the vessel owner. A committee comprising all stakeholders has been formed, and regular meetings are being held to monitor progress, he said. An official from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) stated that both the Centre and the state government are aligned in their demand for complete removal of the wreckage from Indian waters. However, since the incident occurred outside our jurisdiction, the state has no direct role in the operation, the official noted. Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), designated as the on-scene commander, has been conducting daily aerial reconnaissance and applying oil dispersants to manage the environmental impact. The MSC Elsa 3 , carrying 640 containers including some containing hazardous cargo capsized on 25 May approximately 14.6 nautical miles southwest of Kochi, triggering public alarm and a temporary ban on fishing along the affected coastline. The KSDMA has so far identified 59 containers that washed ashore along the 120-km coastal stretch. Of these, 18 containers found intact have been recovered and secured.

TNIE, South Indian Bank join hands for green goal

KOCHI: The New Indian Express is joining hands with the South Indian Bank to literally sow the seeds of change for a better tomorrow by rolling out a unique initiative to promote Green Revolution on the occasion of the World Environment Day on June 5. A sachet of vegetable seeds will be delivered at the house of each and every reader of The New Indian Express along with Thursdays newspaper. Be it the backyard, balcony or even a windowsill, the seeds of change will sprout paving the way for a new culture that values fresh and healthy home-grown greens, thereby ushering in a healthier and greener tomorrow. The initiative is supported by Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council (VFPCK) and the Department of Agriculture Development & Farmer Welfare of Kerala. Aim of the drive The growing industrialisation is threatening the green cover of our land as the fears of climate change are starting to show. Its time we acted to protect and preserve our environment. The same is required to not just save the planet, but safeguard our own well-being. The need of the hour is community-driven action that could sow the seeds of change for a better tomorrow. The small act of distributing seed packets can indeed have a profound impact and pave the way for a significant positive change. As part of the green drive, seed packets will be distributed to all the readers across Kerala, thereby enabling each one of them to sow a seed and contribute to the green cause. The initiative will be launched at 11 am at the corporate office of South Indian Bank in Kakkanad. The seed distribution will also be done at all the nine regional offices of South Indian Bank across the state.

Sabari Rail gets nod, land acquisition to begin in July

KOCHI: Nearly three decades after it was sanctioned, the 111-km-long Angamaly-Erumeli Sabari Rail project is finally making progress. As per the details shared by the states Railway Minister V Abdurahiman, all hiccups associated with the project, which was sanctioned in 1997-98, have been removed and land acquisition for the project will begin in July. The news has come as a huge relief to the 5,510 families living on the 70-km stretch of the 111-km rail project as they were blocked from carrying out any type of land transactions after their properties were surveyed and survey stones installed. This is a project the state government wants to come to fruition and it will take steps to ensure that happens. The nitty-gritty associated with cost-sharing and other issues were sorted out during the meeting with the Union minister and railway board authorities as per the decisions arrived at the recent cabinet meeting held in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Abdurahiman told TNIE. Earlier, when the state government had sought a loan from the Centre for the project, it was told the amount would be included in its borrowing limit. The state government had refused the proposal and sought a separate loan. The issue has been resolved. The state government has decided to shoulder the entirety of its share. We will see and tackle any fund issues as and when they arise, Abdurahiman said, adding that the high land cost was a big issue in Kerala. In any other state, the total amount required to acquire land for the project would have been just 15% of the states share. In Kerala, it is more than 30%, he said. Prof K V Thomas, the state governments special representative in New Delhi, told TNIE that details regarding the continuance of the project will be hammered out by the state and Railway Board. They are ones with the know-how on project implementation, he said, while also indicating the funds might be realised from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board. Jijo P, a member of Sabari Rail Action Council Federation, said the social impact study for the project has been carried out in 58 km of the total stretch, till Thodupuzha. In the remaining stretch, only satellite survey has been carried out. Implementation of the rail project will come as a big boost for Kerala. Besides passengers, industries located in Ernakulam, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki will be able to move their products via the train, leading to huge savings. Also, the state government has placed a project before the Railway Ministry that will see Sabari Rail getting connected to Vizhinjam via Punalur in Pathanamthitta through Nedumangad, Jijo said. key points Length of rail line: 111 km Total cost: G3,801 crore (revised estimate released in Dec 2023) 14 stations of Sabari Rail Angamaly Jn: Existing railway station Kalady: Railway station constructed Perumbavoor Odakkali Kothamangalam Muvattupuzha Vazhakulam Thodupuzha Karimkunnam Ramapuram Bharananganam Chemmalamattam Kanjirappally Road Erumeli

Oncologist receives extortion threat in 'blood money' scam, police launch probe

KOCHI: In a disturbing incident, renowned oncologist Dr V P Gangadharan has received an anonymous extortion letter demanding Rs 8.25 lakh in so-called blood money. The letter, purportedly sent by a group identifying itself as Citizens for Justice and claiming to be based in Mumbai, threatened dire consequences if the demand was not met. Following the receipt of the letter by post on 17 May, Dr Gangadharan promptly lodged a complaint, prompting Kochi City Police to initiate an investigation. The Maradu Police have registered a case and are coordinating with the cyber cell and the postal department to trace those behind the threat. According to police officials, the letter accused Dr Gangadharan of medical negligence allegedly leading to the death of a young girl, which was reportedly followed by her mothers suicide. The group claimed that the girls father had approached them seeking justice. The letter demanded Rs 8.25 lakh in blood money, to be paid in Bitcoin via a link or QR code enclosed in the message. It warned that failure to comply would endanger the lives of the doctor and his family, said a police officer speaking to TNIE. Dr Gangadharan stated, The letter mentioned a patient I had treated who supposedly died, but no specific details were given. I dont recall any such case. Suspecting it to be a scam, I immediately informed the police. He added that the letter arrived without a verifiable return address. The senders address was incomplete. However, they included account details for the money transfer. Im unaware if other doctors have received similar letters, he noted. Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for criminal intimidation, attempt to commit an offence punishable with life imprisonment, and extortion by threatening death or grievous harm. We have sought the assistance of the postal department to identify the origin of the letter, and the cyber cell is working to trace the digital payment link and QR code. The postal department is reviewing records to determine the post office from which the letter was dispatched, the officer added.

Indian Navy Recovers Body of Tanzanian Naval Cadet in Kochi

Cadet Abdul Ibrahim Salehe fell into Ernakulam channel on Sunday; body found after extensive search

Body of Tanzanian national who went missing in Kochi backwaters found

Abdul Ibrahim Salih, 22, who was undergoing training at Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala, went missing on Sunday

Corruption case: Vigilance uncovers alleged Thane-based shell company used to divert bribe

Case earlier took a dramatic turn after it emerged that VACB arraigned an officer of ED Kochi unit as the key accused

CBI wants juvenile tried as adult in Walayar case in Kerala

KOCHI: In a major development in the case related to the rape and death of two girl children in Walayar, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has approached the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Board seeking to try the juvenile accused--termed a child in conflict with law (CCL)--as an adult and to transfer the case to Pocso special court for trial. On January 13, 2017, the elder victim, a 12-year-old, was found hanging from a raft in their one-room house in Attappallam, near Walayar. Exactly 49 days later, her younger sibling, aged nine, was found hanging from the same raft. Arun Prasad alias Valiya Appu, who was 16 years old at the time, was accused in both cases. The trial proceedings against him were pending before the JJ Board when the other adult accused were acquitted by the sessions court. Later, the Kerala High Court ordered a further investigation by the CBI based on the petition filed by the mother. When the further investigation was progressing, the board proceedings were kept in abeyance. In the supplementary charge sheet filed recently, the CBI said that Arun is involved in the case. The central agency arraigned the parents of the deceased as accused and filed separate charge sheets in the CBI court. Last Saturday, Walayar police arrested Arun for allegedly attempting to assault a 60-year-old woman living alone in her house in Palakkad. This gave the CBI the opportunity to ask the JJ Board to carry out a preliminary assessment of his mental and physical capacity to commit the offence.

KSRTC buses to get real-time stop alerts, metro-like voice announcements

KOCHI: Worried about missing your stop while taking a nap or travelling at night on KSRTC buses? Relax, buses will soon have alert facilities similar to those on Kochi Metro trains. As many as 500 state transport buses are set to feature Passenger Information Display and Automated Voice Announcement System to deliver real-time updates on stops, arrival time, service disruptions, emergency announcements, etc. While the audio announcement system will automatically announce upcoming bus stops through speakers installed on the buses in Malayalam and English, the visual display system shall provide real-time visual updates through digital displays inside the bus, indicating current stop and next stop. Initially, the passenger information systems will be installed on an experimental basis in 400 ordinary buses and 100 super fast buses, a senior KSRTC official told TNIE. The corporation has floated tenders to award a licence to install and run the integrated/ automated passenger information system (PIS) with audio-visual information for a period of two years, extendable for three more years on an yearly basis. The audio system basically consists of speakers which will be installed within the buses to provide clear audio announcements. Digital displays will be installed at single or multiple locations inside the buses. They show real-time information, including current stop and next stop.The PIS will provide real-time information to passengers about bus arrival/departure times, routes and stops. This will enhance passenger experience through accurate and timely information. We will also air the various public information released by government authorities through the system, the official said. The licensee can play movie songs, movie scenes, and awareness messages in addition to advertisements, provided they have the acquired the rights for the same. At the same time, no political videos are allowed. The successful bidder can generate revenue through advertising via the PIS systems. However, the same should be displayed through the PIS screens at a low volume without affecting the comfort of the passengers and the attention of the driver. The operator is also required to provide technical and on-call support round the clock. Under the system, GPS devices will be fitted on the KSRTC fleet and connected to a central server. A separate tender will be rolled out to install PIS displays at all the main bus stations as well. The data from the central server will be sent to the PIS displays and a dedicated mobile app, Where is my KSRTC.

Kerala HC allows gender-neutral term parents in birth certificate of trans couples child

KOCHI: In a major breather for the states first transgender parents, the Kerala High Court has instructed the Kozhikode Corporation to issue a new birth certificate for their child that identifies them as parents instead of designating them as father and mother. The high courts ruling involves the removal of the traditional columns for the names of the father and mother, allowing the names of the petitioners to be listed as parents without any reference to their genders. This order was passed in response to a petition filed by Zahhad and Ziya from Kozhikode, who challenged the corporations earlier decision. On the original birth certificate, Ziyas name appears as the father (noted as Ziya Paval, Transgender), while Zahhad is listed as the mother (simply recorded as Zahhad, Transgender). The petitioners sought a revised birth certificate that altogether omitted the specific titles of father and mother, proposing instead to simply use parent. Their initial request to the corporation was denied. The petitioners argued that this revision was necessary, as the biological mother of the child has identified as male for several years and now lives as a male member of society. They highlighted the contradiction in labelling a male individual as the mother of the child, which prompted their call for modifications to the birth certificate. Zahhad and Ziya also pointed out that many other countries permit couples, particularly same-sex couples, to choose the titles on their childs birth certificate from options like mother, father, or parent.

MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck: Nurdles spotted in 36 of 42 coastal villages in Kanniyakumari, says collector

KANNIYAKUMARI: Collector R Alagumeena on Monday said that nurdles have been spotted in 36 of the total 42 coastal villages across the district. The nurdles have reached up to Manakudi coastal village (located on the outskirts of Kanniyakumari town) and the process of removing them has been going on. The entire exercise is being recorded by drones, she said. While all the 16 coastal villages in Killiyoor taluk in the district have been affected, 10 of 13 villages in Kalkulam taluk, and 10 of 13 hamlets in Agastheeswaram taluk have been hit, sources said. After a Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC Elsa 3 sank off Kochi on May 24, a container washed ashore along the Vaniyakudi coast near Colachel last Thursday. An expert team retrieved the container and handed it over to the customs office in Thoothukudi. A total of 858 bags of nurdles, each weighing approximately 25kg, have been collected so far. On Monday, 248 bags were collected, the collector said. Speaking to reporters at the district collectorate in Nagercoil on Monday, Alagumeena said the collected nurdles would be shifted to various fishing harbours in the district. Several workers are involved in the cleaning work, and 30 members of a private agency MERC, Gujarat, appointed by the ship company, arrived in Kanniyakumari on Monday to join the cleaning drive. The collector said, As the nurdles may continue to reach the shore for a long time, we are regularly monitoring them. The collector said the nurdles were being cleaned as per existing SOPs. Some wooden logs and edible items, too, have washed ashore. Saying that some of the containers in the sunken ship had dangerous materials, the collector said that no dangerous material, however, had reached the Kanniyakumari district coast so far. Asked whether the nurdles would pose any danger to the marine life, the collector said that only experts can give an opinion on that. To a question on the demand for compensation for fishermen, she said that it would be decided by government. Sources said that plastic nurdles, calcium carbine, Marine Gas Oil (MGO), and VLSFO were among the goods in the containers.

KMRL speeds up Srinagar Water Metro feasibility study despite terror attack

KOCHI: The Pahalgam terror attack and the resultant conflagration between India and Pakistan might have shaken the entire Kashmir valley. But authorities have ensured that development activities, including the proposed Srinagar Water Metro, wont suffer a bit. If anything, the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) which the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has entrusted with conducting water metro feasibility studies at 21 centres across the country has speeded up the study for the Srinagar project. While the terror attack had initially spurred thoughts of delay, the authorities grew determined to implement the project at the earliest to pass on the message that such cowardly terror acts cannot stop the nation from marching ahead. A three-member team headed to Srinagar in the third week of May and completed the preliminary study, which prima facie found the project feasible in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. We reversed our initial decision and undertook the challenge as we felt such cowardly acts shouldnt come in the way of a regions development activities. In fact, the authorities there are also pushing forward the Srinagar Smart City project, said Kochi Water Metro chief operating officer (COO) Sajan P John, who led the team. The preliminary study identified routes linking the famous Dal lake and the Jhelum river which passes through the heart of the city. The targeted population was both local residents and tourists. It, however, suggested that only electric boats should be used, given the fragile environment there. KMRL plans to prepare study report by mid-July IWAI chairman Vijay Kumar personally arrived there and said they are ready to invest in the project to develop a green urban transport system, Sajan said. KMRL intends to prepare a detailed preliminary study report by the middle of July. IWAI will then initiate steps to prepare a detailed project report (DPR). KMRL is optimistic it will be entrusted with that work as well, thanks to the successful operation of the Kochi Water Metro.

Former national basketball player Iqbal passes away in Kerala

KOCHI: Veteran basketball player Mohammad Iqbal, who was the first Keralite to be a part of the Indian basketball team, passed away at 73 on Monday at his residence in Ernakulam. He represented the nation in several events, including the Asian Basketball Confederation Championship. Iqbal, who captained the Kerala basketball team in the 1970s, featured regularly in the national tournaments throughout his career. A native of Kottayam, he lived in Panakkaparamb in Madavana, Kochi. He was the team captain of Baselius College, Kottayam, and the Kerala University. He also played for YMCA Kottayam, where the first basketball court in Kerala was built in 1926. Iqbal was also the president of Rebound Kerala, an association of over 400 retired basketball players from the state. He is survived by his wife Rabiya and children Tina and Asif. The funeral was held at the Juma Masjid in Aluva town on Monday.

Kerala HC allows gender-neutral birth certificate for child of transgender couple

Kochi: The Kerala High Court on Monday directed authorities to issue a gender-neutral birth certificate for the child of a transgender couple, ruling that both parents should be identified simply as parent instead of mother or father. Justice Ziyad Rahman A A issued the order on a plea filed by Zahhad, a trans man, and 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 .

Two Yemeni Students Missing Off Kerala Coast; Search Operation Underway

Coastal police, Navy, and local agencies conduct extensive search near Valappu Beach in Kochi.

Kerala shipwreck: NGT asks shipping firm MSC to clarify hazardous cargo in sunken Liberia-flagged vessel

NGT order points out that there were chances of serious impact to marine and coastal environment affecting biodiversity and water quality as sunken ship was carrying hazardous materials such as calcium carbide, oil and other undisclosed items

KSRTC bus station bomb threat: Hoaxer arrested

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Thampanoor police arrested Harilal V S, 52, a resident of Pathanamthitta, early Sunday morning in connection with a fake bomb threat made at the KSRTC bus station on May 24. This incident follows Harilals previous arrest by the Central Police in Kochi for a similar bomb threat at the Kochi Metro in 2023. He also faces multiple other charges at the Aranmula and Mulavukadu police stations. Harilal had previously worked at a restaurant in Thampanoor but was dismissed due to unruly behaviour after drinking alcohol. Police tracked his movements by analysing his phones call detail records. They devised a plan to apprehend him by detaining one of his former colleagues, promising that he could regain his job. Harilal travelled from Ernakulam to Thampanoor under this pretext, where officers captured him. The investigation began when the KSRTC bus station received a bomb threat via phone. Following this, Thampanoor police registered a case based on the call received at their control room. Though authorities attempted to trace the number, they found the phone had been switched off. In May, the phone briefly turned on, allowing the police to trace it to the Wellington Island area in Kochi. However, they could not pinpoint its exact location. Further analysis of contact records revealed consistent communication between Harilal, his sister Suja in Delhi, and a friend named Aneesh in Pathanamthitta. Police chose not to alert them, fearing it might compromise the operation. The breakthrough occurred when investigators found Harilals contact with Mohammed Shafeel, a native of Thiruvananthapuram. Police learned that Harilal and Shafeel had worked together at a restaurant called Malabar Podi Chaya near Thampanoor. Shafeel confirmed that Harilal had been dismissed for disruptive behaviour related to drinking. Harilal did not activate his phone again after that, but on Saturday, he called Shafeel to inquire about reinstatement. The Thampanoor SHO said, We made Shafeel convincingly tell him he would get his job back and asked him to come to Thampanoor that same day. Harilal took the bait and arrived at the Thampanoor bus station around 2 am on Sunday, where police arrested him. As of now, Harilal faces charges only related to the hoax bomb threat at the bus station. We are verifying any links to other similar threats, said T Farash, DCP (L/O). Meanwhile, police have narrowed down a suspect believed to be involved in seven other hoax bomb threats. This male suspect, likely from a north Indian state, has been using stolen mobile phones for communication, complicating the investigation. Officers found he possessed documents with possibly fake addresses in both northern and southern states, likely used to obtain official documents. Despite this, police have gathered crucial information about the suspect, including his photograph. Since the threats were sent via Gmail, police sought Googles assistance as well. A SERIAL OFFENDER Previously arrested by Central Police in Kochi for a bomb threat at the Kochi Metro in 2023 Faces multiple other charges at the Aranmula and Mulavukadu police stations. Previously worked at a restaurant in Thampanoor but was dismissed due to unruly behaviour after drinking alcohol DRAMA UNFOLDS KSRTC bus station receives bomb threat via phone on May 24 Thampanoor police register case based on call received at their control room Authorities attempt to trace the number, find the phone is switched off Police track his movements by analysing his phones call detail records They devise a plan to apprehend him by detaining one of his former colleagues, promising that he could regain his job Harilal travels from Ernakulam to Thampanoor, is captured by the police

Monsoon worsens Thanthonni Thuruth residents flood woes

KOCHI: With the promised outer bund failing to become a reality, residents of Thanthonni Thuruth are left to fend for themselves for yet another monsoon. The heavy rain that announced the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala, has intensified the islanders battle with flood water. Of the 65 houses, all except three or four, are inundated every day whenever it pours. The outer bund proposal received the required clearances from the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA) in February. However, four months on, no action has been taken, allege the frustrated residents. People of the island, including the elderly, earn a living by working petty jobs in the city. Everyday, they have to clean their houses multiple times to remove the waste and silt that get dumped with the flood water. This has been happening for years. Our battle with the flood water continues as we are clueless about when the outer bund construction will begin, said Prasanna K, a Thanthonni Thuruth resident who runs a shop in city. Ambas, another resident, said they were are eagerly waiting for the construction of the outer bund which would end their suffering. We dont see any progress after the contractor was allotted the tender. A normal daily life seems more dream than real for us, Ambas said. When contacted, the Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA) officials said the work was lagging due to the contractors financial crisis. Construction of the slab moulds will begin this week in the contractors yard in Alappuzha. We wish to complete the project before December, said Raghuram, GIDA secretary.

After Gulmohar, golden hues to envelop Kochi's Container Road stretch

KOCHI: The Gulmohar trees on Container Road will soon have company. As instances of road rage rise, often due to increased anger issues and low frustration tolerance of riders, studies show that roadside flora, including trees and flowering plants, can have a positive effect on drivers, reducing stress and frustration. With this in mind, The Happiness Circle, a non-profit organisation, will soon decorate the Container Road stretch, once notorious for accidents, with the Golden Shower tree (cassia fistula), locally known as kanikonna, Keralas state flower. The organisation, in tie up with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), will initiate the efforts to beautify the 17-km-long Container Terminal Road (NH 966A) on World Environment Day-June 5. The stretch already sports Gulmohar, also known as the Mayflower tree. Now, we will plant Golden Shower trees along the stretch, for which we have tied up with the NGO Happiness Circle, besides local panchayats. The greening initiative will start on June 5, on the occasion of World Environment Day, said P Pradeep, NHAI project director, Kochi. The initiative, titled Ananda Karnikaram, symbolises hope, beauty and sustainability, paving the way for a brighter, greener future for our city and its residents, said E V Dileep Kumar, secretary, The Happiness Circle. Initially, we will plant 200 saplings, procured from Agricultural Research station, Mannuthy, along the stretch. It costs us `30 to procure one plant, which includes transportation cost, Dileep said. This apart, the NGO is also rolling out the Smriti Karnikaram to boost greenery along the stretch, while also letting people honour their loved ones who are no longer with them. Anyone willing to donate at least five Golden Shower saplings can plant them in memory of their dear departed. The trees will serve as enduring memorials, symbolising life, growth and legacy. The names of the departed souls and respective addresses will be displayed beside the saplings, he said. Office-bearers of The Happiness Circle promise it wont be just another instance of planting saplings on World Environment Day and doing nothing for their survival. Weve been engaging in making sapling protectors and sticks to protect the plants. Our members will maintain and grow the saplings regularly. In the Smriti Karnikaram section, the owners will protect the saplings, Dileep said. The initiative will be kicked off at 9am on June 5 at Ponnarimangalam toll plaza on Container Road in the presence of Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden, international para-armwrestler Joby Mathew and others. The section from Kumbalam to Chalikkavattom along the NH 66 bypass and the Athani-airport section road too sport flowering plants on the medians.

Tanzanian naval cadet goes missing in Kochi backwaters

KOCHI: A purportedly thrill-seeking Tanzanian cadet who was undergoing training at the Ezhimala Naval Academy went missing after being swept away by strong currents in the Kochi backwaters on Sunday evening. Navy and fire and rescue teams launched a joint search operation, which was later solely overseen by the former. The incident occurred when 22-year-old Abdul Ibrahim jumped off the Venduruthy Bridge at his own risk and was caught in the current, a top source with the Navy said. Abdul was on vacation and had travelled to Kochi with friends for sightseeing. The jump was not part of any training activity and he had acted on his own risk, the source said. Efforts afoot to locate cadet; probe under way Abdul was reportedly scheduled to return to his home country on Monday. Tragically, the incident occurred just a day before his planned departure, said an official with the Navy. He successfully completed two or three jumps, but was caught by the current and went missing on a later attempt, he said. Efforts to locate him are ongoing, and a thorough investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, the official added. Responding to the rescue operation, a fire and rescue personnel from the Club Road fire station, who was part of the initial response, said, We received the alert around 5.30 pm on Sunday and reached the spot promptly. There were strong undercurrents in the particular location, and making the rescue efforts extremely challenging. We had only one scuba team available, and they were already attending another emergency in the Varapuzha region. As a result, we couldnt conduct an intensive search in the area. We did our best with the resources at hand but had to conclude our operation around 7 pm, as continuing the search in adjoining areas required special clearance from the concerned authorities, he explained. He added that once the Navy took over the search operations entirely, the fire and rescue team withdrew from the scene.

Kerala CM Pinarayi to inaugurate Praveshanotsavam today

KOCHI: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the Praveshanotsavam 2025-26 at Kalavoor Government Higher Secondary School on Monday at 9.50am. Cultural programmes by the students as part of the function will start at 8.30 am. The Minister for General Education V Sivankutty will welcome the children of Class I. A dance performance based on Praveshanotsavam theme song will be presented at 9.30am, followed by the release of a book on the achievements of the General Education Department. Chief Minister Pinarayi and Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian will release the book. The inaugural function of the state-level entrance festival will be displayed at all schools, after which Praveshanotsavams will be held at every school in the state. The academic master plan will be published by June 10. The academic year 2025-26 will be considered as the Comprehensive Quality Year. Various activities and projects are being implemented as part of making Comprehensive Quality Education efficient, ensuring that the knowledge and skills to be acquired by children in each class are acquired in the respective classes itself. The learning processes will be developed in such a way that the values envisaged in the Constitution, such as democracy, secularism, and equality along with the social values and civic consciousness put forward by the Curriculum Framework 2023, are instilled in children, said minister Sivankutty. NCERT has prepared a school readiness package for children who enter Class 1 without any preschool learning experience and with different preschool experiences. Samagra Shiksha Kerala has been tasked with developing the module, he added. In the context of the revision of the Class I curriculum and textbook, Samagra Shiksha Kerala has prepared a readiness package for the implementation of the first two weeks of the academic year under the name Onnorukkam for the year 2025-26.

Tanzanian national goes missing in Kochi backwaters

Man held for hoax bomb threat at Thampanoor KSRTC bus station

The accused is also wanted by the Kochi City Police in connection with a similar bomb threat that targeted the Kochi Metro some months ago

NHAI sets deadline to complete redevelopment of Kochi-Munnar NH 85 corridor

Resurfacing completed on around 100 km of the 124 km corridor being upgraded with a 10-metre-wide tarred carriageway. Sharp curves, including hairpin bends, are being widened, but work has been temporarily halted due to heavy rainfall, officials say

UDF questions Kochi Corporations claim of declaring city waste-free in two months

Out of over one lakh commercial establishments in the city, fewer than 25,000 have renewed their licences this year, and even fewer have signed up for waste disposal through the Corporations bulk waste management agency Rebuild Kerala, claims Opposition

Assam youth went to report theft; youth held by Kerala police over links to Pak porn chat groups

KOCHI: Muhammad Mubarak Hussain went from being the aggrieved party to being accused of an egregious crime in no time. He arrived at the Perumbavoor police station to file a complaint about a theft at his residence. As part of the process, officers examined his mobile phone, which revealed shocking results: The 27-year-old migrant labourer was found to be part of multiple social media chat groups, operating from Pakistan, circulating pornographic content, including involving children. Officers found a large volume of child sexual abuse material on his phone. The Nagaon, Assam, resident was immediately arrested. We found that he was a member of three WhatsApp and Telegram groups with the administrators and a majority of members based in Pakistan. All these groups were being used to circulate pornographic content, including child pornography. He is also part of similar groups based in India, a senior police officer said. While investigators have not yet uncovered evidence suggesting the accused shared sensitive information with foreign nationals, central and state agencies have been roped in to assess the possibility of cross-border data exchange. Accused downloaded and shared obscene content Police have decided to seek custody of Mubarak to further the investigation. We need to identify other members involved in these groups. The accused had actively shared and downloaded obscene content. His mobile phone has been sent for forensic analysis, and his other social media accounts are also under scrutiny, the officer added. Meanwhile, based on Mubaraks complaint that a five-member gang had barged into his rented house and robbed him of Rs 37,000, five suspectsRishad, Salahudeen, Basil, Anu, and Salimwere arrested. Police said the gang targeted migrant workers in similar fashion across the Perumbavoor region.

Kerala HC says threatening CM a serious offence

KOCHI: Kerala High Courthasobserved that threatening messages against the Chief Minister of Kerala are not only against an individual, but they are against democracy and ultimately against the people who participated in a democratic process. Justice P V Kunhikrishnan said that such action should be handled with the iron hand of law, with a message to society. The court made the remarks while dismissing a petition filed by Abijith M, of Kannur, a bank employee, who had sent a message to the additional private secretary to the CM, stating, I will kill Pinarayi Vijayan soon after the 2021 assembly election results were announced, seeking to quash the case. Threat messages are sent unnecessarily to the office of the constitutional authorities to create panic among the police authorities. When such allegations are there, this court cannot ignore the same and shut its eyes and say that no offence is made out prima facie, it said. The public prosecutor submitted that this is a serious case in which the petitioner sent an SMS to the additional private secretary of the CM stating that he would kill the CM. The petitioner is not an illiterate person. Handing of divorce papers wont constitute abetment of suicide, says High Court Kochi: Kerala High Court has held that a husband handing over the draft agreement for divorce to his wife would not constitute abetment of suicide. The parents of the woman alleged that after reading the draft agreement, their daughter was mentally shattered, and she died by suicide three days later. The court said that this would not attract Section 306 (abetment for suicide) of the IPC against the husband, and it quashed a criminal case against P P Shaji of Kannur. The final report filed by the police stated that the petitioner subjected the deceased to cruelty, both physically and mentally, and on account of the cruelty, she ended her life.

Unni Mukundan dismisses assault allegation, files complaint against Vipin

KOCHI: Two days after Vipin Kumar, a Changanassery resident, raised allegations that actor Unni Mukundan assaulted him for praising Tovinos film Narivetta, the actor, on Saturday, said that the allegations of wrongdoing against him were fabricated and that he has not assaulted anyone. Clarifying the issue, he said that he had a conversation with his former manager Vipin. When I came to know that he was spreading false news about me and other artists, I questioned it. I received complaints about him from other artists and industry professionals as well. The conversation was emotional. I threw his sunglasses during the discussion. But I havent abused him. It is evident from the video clips that are being circulated, he said. Vipin Kumar and Unni Mukundan have been associated with films since 2018 and were also good friends. Unni Mukundan has also filed a complaint with police against Vipin following the controversy. He also denied making statements against Tovino Thomas and his recent film. I dont have many friends in the industry. Tovino is a good friend of mine. I dont have to feel jealous about his success. There are attempts from people in the industry to tarnish my image, he said, adding that several actresses have also raised complaints against Vipin. The actor will also be meeting the representatives of film bodies, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) and the Film Employees Federation of Kerala (FEFKA). Vipin is not a member of FEFKA either. I will be meeting the office-bearers of the associations too. I will explain my side, he said. Ernakulam Court disposes anticipatory bail plea of actor Unni Mukundan in assault case filed by former manager

UDF slams Kochi Corporation for slack monsoon preparedness

Kochi gets brief respite after a week of heavy rain

Ernakulam Court disposes anticipatory bail plea of actor Unni Mukundan in assault case filed by former manager

KOCHI: The Ernakulam Principal and Sessions Court on Saturday disposed of the anticipatory bail plea of actor Unni Mukundan in a case registered against him for allegedly slapping, abusing, and threatening his former manager . The complainant, Vipin Kumar of Changanassery, alleged that the actor attacked him for posting a social media review praising a film featuring another actor. When the anticipatory bail plea came up for hearing, the prosecution informed the court that the offences charged against Unni Mukundan are bailable. The prosecution also produced the case diary. After examining the case diary and recording the prosecutions submissions, the court disposed of the bail plea. Actor Unni Mukundan refutes assault charges, seeks anticipatory bail The charges listed in the FIR include voluntarily causing hurt, wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation, and obscene acts. Counsel for Unni Mukundan submitted that the allegations of physical assault made by the complainant are entirely baseless, malicious, and a figment of imagination, intended solely to defame the actor and subject him to mental distress and public humiliation. The defence further claimed that the allegations form part of a conspiracy. The Infopark Police registered the case against the actor on Tuesday, based on a complaint lodged by his former manager. In the complaint, Vipin Kumar alleged that Unni Mukundan summoned him to the parking area of the DLF apartment complex in Kakkanad, where he verbally abused and physically assaulted him. Vipin further claimed that the actor has been experiencing prolonged emotional distress and has faced frequent ridicule. He alleged that despite the success of his most recent film, Marco , Unni has not received any promising film offers, and many of his close associates have since distanced themselves from him.

Kochi Water Metro ferry collides with RoRo vessel at Vypeen jetty in Kerala

None was injured, neither did the vessels suffer damage, say official sources

Rain fury continues unabated in Ernakulam

The failure to de-silt and deepen major canals, especially the Thevara Perandoor Canal, Karanakkodam Canal and Edappally Canal within the city has affected areas in its immediate neighbourhood, a Congress councillor and UDF parliamentary party secretary in Kochi Corporation said

Shore cleanup steps up in Kanniyakumari as container from sunken MSC Elsa III washes ashore

KANNIYAKUMARI: Shoreline protection activities have been intensified a day after a container, from the vessel MSC Elsa III vessel that sank 38 kilometres off the Kochi coast last Sunday, washed ashore at the Vaniyakudi beach in the district on Thursday morning. A team of senior officials from several departments, including the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), oversaw the recovery of the container and the removal of debris, as part of the shore cleaning activities on Friday. Volunteers from various agencies, including MSC Marine Engineering Resources Centre (MERC) in Porbandar, Gujarat, were involved. Eight Navy officers, led by a commander, joined the recovery efforts, while officials from the Gujarat Marine Police took part in a consultation meeting with Kanniyakumari collector Alagumeena. Incidentally, teak wood logs and raw cashews, among other products washed ashore at Chinnavilai in Kanniyakumari coast on Friday, resulting in people gathering along the shore to collect cashews. Sources said various kinds of cargo, including large quantities of nurdles (tiny microplastics), wooden logs, cast iron rods and bags of cashew nuts, have been washing up on the shores between Neerodi and Kadiyapattinam fishing hamlets for the past four days. Seeking cooperation from the public, the collector urged them not to handle the nurdles. The district administration has taken precautionary measures as per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) issued by Kerala state disaster management department.

Praveshanotsavam sings a new tune with students poem as theme song

KOCHI: What better than a student ushering in the new school year. For the first time in its history, a poem written by a pupil has been selected as the theme song of the Praveshanotsavam, which celebrates the beginning of a new academic season. The song, which captures the essence of Kerala, has resonated with listeners and gone viral. The verse of 15-year-old Bhadra Hari has been put to music and and sung by music director and singer Alphons Joseph. Speaking to TNIE , Bhadra, who completed her Class X from SVVHSS Thamarakudi, in Kottarakkara, with an A+ in all subjects, says, The department had last year issued an advertisement inviting poems from students with the Praveshanotsavam as the theme. It caught my attention, and I decided to send an entry. Bhadra spent more than two days writing the poem. Well, it is not easy to come up with the lines even though you have an idea and the imagination. I would scribble on my note pad, especially at night. Very slowly, the lyrics took shape. I mailed it to the address provided by the department and that was it, the youngster says. She didnt hear anything from the department after that. However, the other day I was contacted by the private secretary of General Education Minister V Sivankutty. I was informed that the department had selected my poem as the theme song for Praveshanotsavam 2025-26. It was the happiest day of my life. I felt recognised as a poet even though I have won A grade in the School Kalolsavam twice, says Bhadra, who has opted for the humanities stream for her Plus One. 15-year-old Bhadra Hari. Speaking about the poem, she says, The first memory that comes to a Malayalis mind when they think about school reopening is the monsoon. Come June, the sky turns grey and rain pours in copious amounts. On reopening day, children can be spotted holding umbrellas of different colours or wearing colourful raincoats and dodging puddles on the roads as they make their way to school. So, the first thing that I inculcated was the rain. Then I tried to highlight the education sector in the state and the achievements and progress made by Kerala in the sciences, the arts, and other fields. Bhadras song also cautions students against drug use. I have also tried to weave in the glory of states agricultural practices, she adds. Bhadra first began writing poems when she was in Class V and has to date written more than 30. She has also published a collection of her poems, titled Dhanumasa Pournami. The book was released last year at her school. Most of the poems in the collection talk about the environment. Bhadra has been invited as a special guest to the statewide Praveshanotsavam, which will be held at Kalavoor Government HSS on June 2. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the event.

How a Keralite chief engineer clung to life after shipwreck off Japanese coast

KOCHI: As the state is slowly coming to terms with the capsizing of a Liberian-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 , retired Merchant Navy chief engineer Joseph Malcolm Oliver recalls how he had a miraculous escape after his container ship split into two off the Japanese coast after being caught in a typhoon and he was left floating in the rough sea for hours before being washed ashore in an island. Container ships are the most vulnerable in rough weather. It (the incident) happened in July 2002. I was then the chief engineer of the vessel M/V Co-op Venture, a Panamanian-registered cargo vessel. We were unloading cargo at the port. Then the authorities suddenly gave a tropical storm warning and asked us to take the vessel a little away from the port. We soon anchored near to the bay and there was no time and fuel to move to other safer locations, recalled 68-year-old Joseph, who had worked in large container ships, including those in the 20,000 TEU. The typhoon Fengsten, that ran aground off Shibushi Bay, located off the south west main island of Kyushu, 985 kms south west of Tokyo, soon began to lash the area. There were strong winds from 4 pm onwards. Then the unthinkable happened. The ship was caught in huge waves and split into two by 8 pm. As per the captains direction, we ran to the LifeBoat station and got into it. As the boat was being downed using two cable wires, it began to swing harshly in the high-speed winds, blowing at 165 kmp. It hit the ship hull with a thud several times. I felt like my bones were cracking and was in extreme pain. But then the face of my younger son, who was only one-year-old then, popped up in my mind and I decided to fight till my last breath, Joseph, who earlier had a stint with the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) for 13 long years, added. There were 21 crew in the ship, of which 16 were Filipinos. I was the only Malayali. I saw the Filipinos jumping into the sea and I followed suit. Wed all worn life jackets. There was virtually no scope of saving lives as the lifeboat was swinging wildly and repeatedly hitting against the broken ship hull with terrific force. By then the oil, due to the bunker spill, had spread all around the ship. Nearly 2000-tonnes of oil had spilled into the seawater and we were all covered with oil. We were repeatedly caught in whirlpools and spinning like clothes inside a washing machine. I could hear the cries of people. I saw the lifeboat floating beside me and grabbed it, as it gave chance of survival. But my leg got tangled in the rope and the high wind and monster waves threw me around with my head and all hitting the debris, Joseph went down memory lane. With one last effort, Joseph managed to free himself and was swept away by the undercurrents, which was taking him deeper into the rough sea. He began to float around with the life jackets and had no idea where he was heading to as it was darkness all around. I fell into the sea by 8 pm and by 2 am, my legs touched something beneath. To my surprise, there was sand below. I realised that it was an island in the sea. It was raining heavily and I lay there on the beach, thanking all my stars. The Japanese Coast Guard arrived later and rescued me, Joseph, who is residing at South Panampilly Nagar, said. He underwent treatment for head, hand and leg injuries for months altogether. But the incident couldnt douse the sailing passion in him. The next day after he reached back, he told me he would return to the job as quickly as he can. The incident didnt shake his passion or confidence, adds wife Jemma. And Joseph joined another shipping company Fleet Management where he worked for another two decades till 2022. Even now, he associates with the field, taking classes in Ship Technology at various institutes like Cusat.

Early monsoon brought 500 mm rainfall in 13 days, KSDMA tells HC

KOCHI: The southwest monsoon has touched Kerala coast 13 days earlier than the normal day of onset and has brought 500 mm of rainfall, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) informed the Kerala High Court on Friday. Sekhar Lukose Kuriakose, Member Secretary of KSDMA, who appeared online, submitted that such a scenario has not been witnessed in the past 100 years.The onset of monsoon itself was unusually intense. For example, within just four days, the entire state received more than 500 mm of rainfall, especially along the hills and midlands, he said. Wind speeds have also been alarming, with 68 km per hour recorded near the boat jetty in Ernakulamclose to cyclonic intensityand 73 km per hour in Piravom. These are unprecedented, he noted. In Wayanad, daily reviews are being conducted every morning, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Regarding debris removal in the landslide-hit areas of Wayanad, he informed the court that the clearing operations began in human-inhabited areas. Subsequently, KSDMA decided to extend the work from the confluence of the Punnappuzha and Vadavettupara rivers all the way down to the Attamala region. However, due to the orange alert in some parts of Kerala triggered by continuing heavy rains, work was temporarily halted to ensure the safety of workers. He added, The river is flowing smoothly, though rocks remain. With the weakening of the monsoon, much of the debris will be washed away. What we will be left with are boulders. Once these boulders are moved to the shores, we have earmarked locations for bringing them in and shredding them. We are also facing some challenges related to the alignment of the river. He made the submission in response to a suo motu case initiated in connection with the prevention and management of natural disasters.

Maharaja's College @150: Time to reclaim the 'regal' glory

A kings college that evolved as a flagbearer of democratic values. That is how the alumni of Maharajas College, Ernakulam, describe their alma mater. The institution, which holds the distinction of being the lone autonomous government college in Kerala, has witnessed it all from the highs, when the very name Maharajas College elicited awe among the student community, to the lows, when the campus made headlines for wrong reasons, especially political violence. As this heritage educational institution in Kochi enters its 150th year, TNIE walks through the well-worn cobbled pathways and the hallowed corridors of the majestic college that remains a matter of pride for Kochiites. Some sepia-tinted notes As an old student poetically professed, It is a campus that elicits romance. Why not? Spread over 25 acres in the heart of Kochi city, the campus, with lush trees, heritage buildings each holding stories within their brick and mortar and a liberal atmosphere boasts an environment conducive for personal, creative and academic excellence. The college, however, had a modest beginning. It started as an elementary English school in 1845 in the former princely state of Cochin. The then maharaja of Cochin wanted his people to converse fluently in English. From an elementary school, the institution transformed into a high school in 1868 and then into a college in 1875, in response to growing demand for higher education within Cochin and the neighbouring states of Travancore and Malabar. Originally named The Ernakulam College, it was affiliated with the University of Madras and initially offered fine arts courses. Like many institutions of that era, the college had British principals in its early days. In its golden jubilee year (1925), the institution was rechristened Maharajas College. Thereon, Maharajas rose in stature to its current standing as a Centre of Excellence conferred by the state government, and College with Potential for Excellence by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Shameem and Asliya, a couple, who fell in love at the college and later got married, reminisce their campus days Highs & lows There was a time when the campus was celebrated for its excellence in every sphere. It was a campus where healthy socio-political dialogues happened, recalls Yusuf K A, former registrar of Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in Kalady. Political differences used to be settled through fierce dialogues and discussions. I remember after arriving on the campus as a young student, we felt as if being beckoned by the positive energy left behind by the stalwarts who had walked the soil before us. Former Nabard chief general manager C P Mohan, who studied at the college from 1972 to 1975, believes he was fortunate to have experienced its golden era. Those days, it was every students dream to study at Maharajas. Those were the times when several literary doyens visited the campus for kavi arangus (poetry sessions) and street plays. Academics, literature, arts and culture thrived. It helped build a living society. Prasanna K, former principal of Manimalakunnu Government College, who studied at Maharajas for 7 years and later taught economics there for 12 years, gushes similar views. The years that I spent at the college as a student and then as a teacher were the best, she says. I saw raw talents blossom. They got honed and polished. The campus was not all about academic excellence, but making a better person out of the students through positive interaction among the peers. However, over time, the campus lost some of its sheen. Instead of headlines celebrating the colleges achievements including high ranks in the National Institutional Ranking Framework stories of campus violence and administrative mismanagement began to dominate the media. Sad but true, says Prasanna. To reclaim the glory, she suggests involving former teachers as mentors. I am not a big fan of politics. But that being said, it is always good for the students to have political awareness. All political parties should come together for the good of the institution and welfare of students, she adds. Today, many students appear more involved in furthering the interests of their political parties. Studies should not take the backseat. This applies to all colleges. Mohan believes this is all part of a cycle. As times change, it brings with it a lot of changes. And when changes happen, we can say that degradation also happens along with, he says. Changes are cyclic. It is just a wave. This one, too, will pass. And the onus for it lies on the government and the authorities concerned. According to Yusuf, political strife existed in the past as well. However, today, with the advent of social media, instead of the positive things happening on the campus, all the negatives are being highlighted, he says. Also, you must note that, earlier, the cream of the crop used to seek admission to Maharajas. Now, students have more options to choose from institutions with much better infrastructure and placement opportunities. Filmmaker Amal Neerad, an alumnus, slams the government: How can an institution not undergo degradation when nothing is being done for its betterment? he fumes. He is particularly upset about parts of the campus being chopped and allocated for other development projects. Censuring the neglect, he adds: This is a campus that has the potential to become the Harvard of Kerala or India. Alumni on the Maharajas campus Achievements The turn of the millennium saw a growing emphasis on technology-enhanced teaching and learning with the establishment of ICT facilities. Research activity surged, with the number of researchers increasing severalfold. The state government accorded the status of Centre of Excellence to the college, recognising its achievements across various domains. In 2010, the Centres department of science and technology listed all the science departments of the college for special assistance under the FIST programme (Fund for Improvement of Science & Technology Infrastructure). The UGC designated it a College with Potential for Excellence. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council re-accredited the college with an A grade in 2006, and again in 2013. In 2024, the college was ranked 53rd by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). The college further benefited from its inclusion in the Cluster of Colleges an initiative to share resources among state-aided colleges in and around the city. Notably, it has also actively promoted entrepreneurship by training students in the manufacture of various products. The college has submitted several major proposals to the state government. According to vice-principal Prakash G N, prime among them is a plan to establish a startup incubation centre on the campus. We have also sought permission from the government for a tower that would house the incubation centre and classrooms for new-generation courses, he says. In the end, all who spoke to TNIE, are unanimous that its the ideal time to reclaim the old glory of the regal college. Some notable alumni Changampuzha Krishna Pillai, poet Vyloppilli Sreedhara Menon, poet Dakshayani Velayudhan, first and only Dalit woman member of the Constituent Assembly (1946) Annie Thayyil, member of Cochin Legislative Council (1945 - 1948) and writer Swami Chinmayananda, spiritual guru O Chandrasekhar Menon, Olympian footballer Prof. G N Ramachandran, eminent scientist K R Gouri Amma, former revenue minister of Kerala A K Antony, former chief minister and defence minister K G Balakrishnan, former chief justice of India S Somanath, former Isro chairman M Leelavathy, writer Vaisakhan, writer N S Madhavan, former bureaucrat and writer Sankaradi, actor Mammootty, actor Babu Namboothiri, actor Salim Kumar, actor Rajeev Ravi, filmmaker Dileep, actor Nadirhsah, filmmaker & actor Amal Neerad, filmmaker Ashiq Abu, filmmaker

Liberian ship wreckage: Kerala government to discuss financial package with shipping company

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A day after declaring the wreckage of MSC ELSA 3 off the Kerala coast a state disaster , the state government has taken steps to negotiate a financial package with the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), the owner of the sunken vessel. The government is seeking financial support for risk and damage assessments, management strategies, and remedial actions, including compensation. A seven-member committee has been formed, headed by the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Finance Department, to negotiate with MSC. Other members include the ACS of the Local Self Government Department (LSGD), Principal Secretaries from the Revenue and Disaster Management, Industries, and Agriculture Departments, as well as the Secretary of the Environment Department. The Member Secretary of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) will act as the convenor and main point of contact with the shipping company. The committee will also oversee a two-tier mechanism at the state and district levels to address and suggest measures for mitigating the impact of potential coastal pollution. The state-level committee, chaired by the Secretary of the Science and Technology Department, consists of eight members. It will guide pollution control activities at the district level through policy directives, advisories, resource mobilisation, and support the Environment Department in conducting assessment studies for restoration and remediation. Kerala rains wreak havoc: Homes flooded, trees uprooted, red alert in 9 districts At the district level, the District Collector will serve as the chairperson. The district committee will manage immediate response activities, such as removing debris from drifting containers and cargo along the coast, and protecting against contamination from water, with or without oil. The committees may also co-opt additional experts as needed. Following the declaration of the wreckage as a state disaster, the government has appointed the Special Secretary of the Environment Department as the Principal Impact Assessment Officer. This officer will oversee all procedures related to impact assessments, restoration, and remediation across various sectors, in line with the law. The Environment Department will engage with scientific and research institutions and experts to assist with these studies. The Special Secretary will also establish a multidisciplinary team of specialists and officers from sectors including Fisheries, Tourism, Coastal Infrastructure (Harbour Engineering, Ports), Industries & Commerce, Agriculture, Water Resources, and Local Self Government Departments. This team will address the disaster's impact, with the Special Secretary of the Environment Department chairing the group. Director General of Shipping has deputed Captain Aneesh Joseph, Deputy Nautical Advisor, to assist the state in filing for compensation. He will also serve as the primary contact for the insurance agency, which has set up a protection and indemnity desk in Kochi. CMFRI launches study to assess marine impact of MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck

Kochi shipwreck: CM Stalin holds review meeting on environmental impact along T.N. coast

Mr. Stalin held discussions with officials from the Departments of Revenue, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Fisheries, and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board regarding the safe removal of plastic and other materials washing ashore in Tamil Nadus coastal regions

MPEDA hosts first-ever inter-state seafood skill Olympiad in Kochi

The preliminary round for Zone I (West Coast) was held at NIFPHATT, Kochi, with 20 participants showcasing 10 innovative seafood products made from shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, tuna, and tilapia.

NHAI blames concessionaire for NH 66 collapse; to issue fresh safety guidelines

KOCHI: In the wake of damage along several newly-constructed NH 66 corridors in northern Kerala, including a major incident at Kooriyad in Malappuram district, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will issue guidelines to prevent similar occurrences at other project sites in the state. NHAI revealed that a section of the service road and retaining wall collapsed at Kooriyad due to the concessionaires negligence in assessing ground conditions and improving the grounds bearing capacity prior to commencement of work. This was revealed in a report submitted by NHAI to the High Court in connection with the Kooriyad incident. The HC had directed the authority to file an interim report on the incident. According to the authority, a team of two experts under the supervision of a retired professor from IIT Delhi visited the site to study the incident and suggest remedial measures. Based on the measures suggested by the team, work will be executed at the risk and cost of the concessionaire. Additionally, the expert team will suggest measures that could be taken for other ongoing projects in Kerala. Guidelines will be issued so that such incidents do not occur in other projects being implemented in the state, the report said. NHAI said that according to the preliminary assessment of experts, Kooriyad was likely caused by the inability of foundation soil to support high-embankment loads. ... the failure could be due to the weak nature of the sub-soil (loamy) and the water logging conditions on left hand side (LHS) of right of way, since the paddy field and flow of waters is from LHS to RHS (right hand side). The expert team also noticed that the failure was caused on the upstream side of the reinforced earth (RE) wall and no damage on the downstream side of the RE wall, it said. The report pointed out that construction work of the RE wall between the minor bridge and the vehicular underpass is being carried out as per the concession agreement. Bore holes were constructed during fair weather to assess and reports of respective boreholes were shared with the designers in a timely manner to understand the ground conditions and to provide necessary design for structures. The authority added that it is taking steps to restore traffic on the RHS service road by reducing the height of the RE wall, which is being taken up on war footing. Necessary measures, including reconstruction, shall be taken up as per the recommendation of the expert committee. Action taken by NHAI Project consultant/independent engineer/highway engineering consultant disallowed from participating in ongoing/future bidding Project manager of concessionaire and team leader of consultant suspended from their duties KNR Constructions Ltd disallowed from participating in ongoing/future bidding

CMFRI launches study to assess marine impact of MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck

KOCHI: The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has launched a study to assess the impact of the shipwreck on the marine environment. The ship, MSC Elsa 3, which carried hazardous cargo, sank around 38 nautical miles off Kochi on May 25.Four teams of scientists from the CMFRI have been deployed in the districts of Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram as part of the study. The teams are collecting water, phytoplankton and sediment samples from 10 stations in each district at regular intervals for the investigation. Water quality parameters, including dissolved oxygen content, pH, nutrients, etc., are being studied. The presence of oil and grease in the water and soil is also being monitored to detect any potential oil spill. Benthic organisms in the coastal soil are also being collected and tested. Although an on-board survey was initiated, sampling from in and around the accident site was not possible due to adverse weather conditions. This will be undertaken once the conditions improve in the coming days. Ongoing adverse weather has also prevented testing of fish samples, as fishing activities are currently not possible. Benthic organisms in the sea will also be collected using grabs for analysis. The study aims to understand various types of marine pollution associated with the shipwreck. Guidelines for future management measures will be decided based on the findings and will be provided to relevant agencies, said director Grinson George.

Centre plans to fix ship lifespan after Kerala wreck; MSC told to set up claims desk

KOCHI: The Union government is working on a proposal to fix the lifespan of vessels operating in Indian waters. Responding to queries regarding the shipwreck near Kerala coast, Director General of Shipping Shyam Jagannathan said age was not a factor and the ship complied with international norms. However, he said there is a need to enhance the inspection regime to ensure that vessels operating in Indian waters comply with the maritime norms. We have some concerns about some old vessels operating in Indian waters. We are working on a proposal to fix the lifespan of vessels. Also, we have to enhance the inspection regime. We will be further monitoring the operations of these vessels, he said. According to experts, old cargo vessels can encounter operational issues due to outdated technology, wear and tear, and corrosion. While it is mandatory for vessels to undergo dry docking every five years to ensure seaworthiness, improper maintenance can pose challenges. If maintained properly, the lifespan of a cargo ship may extend to 30 years. However, corrosion, wear and tear of mechanical parts and absence of modern navigational equipment raise questions about their fitness. The safety and environmental requirements of ships are governed by the norms of International Maritime Organisation. There are no international norms that decide the cut-off date for the operations of a ship. It depends upon the commercial decision of the owner. If the vessel is fit to be certified as operational by competent agencies, it will be permitted to operate, said Shyam Jagannathan. The seaworthiness of a vessel is not determined by its age but the certification. If the vessel is duly certified by the authorities concerned, it is considered good for operations. The vessels undergo periodical dry docking as per regulatory requirements. The vessel registration, classification and regulation cannot be India specific, said Capt Philip Mathews, a master mariner with thirty years experience. MSC told to establish liability claim desk The DG Shipping has given a directive to vessel operator Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to establish a damage and liability claims desk to provide compensation for the damages caused by the ship capsize. The actual compensation for disaster is covered by the Protection and Indemnity Club. We had discussions with the vessel operator on establishing the claims desk on Wednesday. We have appraised the state government also. When the claim is made it has to be substantiated with evidential value. For environmental pollution, we have to collect samples of the oil spill in parts per million at the capsize spot and near coastal areas. The Kerala Disaster Management Authority and Pollution Control Board are collecting samples. The cost for deployment of resources for the first response and the damage cost for livelihood affected will be taken up on the formal submission of claims. We will nominate a nodal officer from DG Shipping to coordinate the process, said Mercantile Marine Department principal officer J Senthil Kumar.

Delimitation: 129 new wards in grama panchayats in Ernakulam

A total of 1,990 wards have been formed in the district across 82 grama panchayats, 13 municipalities, and the Kochi Corporation. Of them, 147 are new wards

Ernakulam battered by heavy rainfall for sixth day running

Three houses fully damaged one each in Kanayannur, Kochi and Kothamangalam taluks; waterlogging hits usual trouble spots within Corporation limits; bylanes in Thoppumpady, Palluruthy, Kannamaly, and Edakochi reported flooding

Kochi Shipwreck: Kerala Announces Aid for Affected Fishermen

Rs 1,000 cash and 6 kg rice aid announced; health concerns over fish consumption dismissed

Kerala HC unhappy over plastic, garbage dumping in drains

High Court slams the Kochi Corporation for the sluggish progress of pre-monsoon works

Plastic nurdles spill: High-level meeting held, short-term survey initiated in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: Chief Secretary N Muruganandam on Thursday has held a high-level meeting to chalk out a response plan for the major plastic nurdle spill that is continuing to pollute Kanniyakumari coastline and threatens to spread to ecologically sensitive Gulf of Mannar marine national park. A damaged container, from the cargo vessel that sank off the Kochi coast on May 25, along with large quantities of plastic nurdles washed ashore in Kanniyakumari and the district authorities have stepped-up the clean-up drive. The high-level meeting was attended by district collectors from Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram and Tirunelveli. Officials from departments concerned like Department of Environment, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, National Centre for Coastal Research and National Institute of Ocean Technology have also attended and made recommendations to the State government. Sources said the government has ordered the Thoothukudi-based Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute (SDMRI) to immediately conduct a short-term study and a drone survey of the affected coastline to document the impact, which will be helpful later to claim the compensation from the shipping company. District authorities have stepped-up the clean-up drive for the spilled plastic nurdles. A SOP has been issued by the Indian Coast Guard to Kerala and Tamil Nadu on how to carry out the clean up. We are following the SOP and ensuring adequate protection for personnel engaged in clean up. As such the plastic nurdles are not hazardous to humans, but pose a significant threat to the environment, a senior official said and added that a long-term impact assessment study will be done by an accredited agency. Meanwhile, officials claim that the possibility of plastic nurdles spill entering the Gulf of Mannar is thin as the INCOIS ocean wave data shows the waves are carrying the spill in a straight line towards the west coast of Sri Lanka. Even if it enters the Gulf of Mannar, the quality may not be significant enough to cause considerable damage. Meanwhile, a team from Gujarat is expected to arrive in Kanniyakumari to salvage the containers. Sarath Cheloor, National Coordinator of Friends of the Earth demanded full disclosure and accountability, contending that full details on the nature and quantum of cargo in the ship is not available. According to available information, the sunken commercial ship was carrying 640 containers, including 13 containers with hazardous cargo and 12 with calcium carbide. Calcium Carbide is highly reactive with seawater, with disastrous impacts to the ecology. The ship was also carrying 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil, which may have leaked into the sea, creating an oil slick. According to the 1992 International Civil Liability Convention, strict liability must be imposed on the ship owner for any pollution and resultant impact, except in cases of war, civil unrest, or natural disasters.

Final delimitation of Kochi Corporation divisions mostly sticks to draft notification

While only two divisions have been added, multiple new ones were created and some eliminated, with most boundaries undergoing a sea change and populations now ranging between 6,500 and 9,000

UDF, BJP slam final delimitation notification for Kochi Corporation

They claim that officials owing allegiance to the CPI(M) have rearranged and redrawn divisions in violation of the norms prescribed by the Delimitation Commission

Water Metro In Mumbai, Other Places Soon? What Head Of Kochi Project Said

The Water Metro in Kochi has been successful and the Centre is now planning to start the ferry transportation system in 21 other places, the project's Managing Director Loknath Behera has said.

Kerala government declares Kochi shipwreck a State disaster

Government order permits State Disaster Management Authority to mobilise resources, including personnel and significant sums of money from State Disaster Response Fund, for expeditious relief efforts

Fire breaks out in containers from capsized vessel washed ashore at Kerala's Shakthikulangar

KOLLAM: A fire broke out in containers that had washed ashore from the capsized cargo vessel MSC Elsa , which capsized near Kochi last week. The blaze reportedly ignited during a gas-cutting operation to remove thermocol-like materials lodged between the containers. Smoke was first noticed when the gas cutter was in use, quickly escalating into flames. Strong sea winds helped the fire spread, but a major disaster was averted thanks to the swift response of the fire force personnel present on-site. A total of 11 containers were ashore at the Shakthikulangara coast. A couple of containers were joined together; it was planned to separate them after removing the joint parts. Some containers have thermocol-type substances between them, said a source in the district administration. There was a clear-cut instruction from the district administration against using gas cutting for removing thermocol. Fortunately, the fire was doused by the fire force officials who were present at the spot. No one has also reported injured, the source added. Containers that drifted ashore along Shakthikulangara, Cheriazikal, and Parimanam coasts are being lifted using cranes, cut into smaller pieces, and transported by lorries to the port. Materials scattered along the shore are also being cleared with the assistance of the Pollution Control Board and the police. Technical failure in ballast management system led to failure of sunk ship: Shipping regulator

Marine emergency response ship from Puducherry set to reach Kochi shipwreck site soon

Shipwreck experts on the search and recovery vessel to use latest equipment to scan the submerged Liberian ship and devise plan to drain very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) stored in double hull to prevent further spillage

Monsoon havoc claims another life in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state continued to witness damage and loss of lives as heavy rain claimed one more life on Wednesday. Elizabeth, 55, of Vandanmedu was killed when an uprooted tree collapsed on her while she was working in a cardamom plantation. Holiday has been declared for educational institutions in Idukki, Kannur and Ernakulam. IMD officials said the intensity of rainfall is likely to pick up from Thursday. It has declared red alert in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kannur and Kasaragod; orange alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad, on Thursday. Rain or thundershower are likely to occur at most places in the state till June 3. Kannur district has recorded the highest rainfall in the state, according to data from the Meteorological Department. The Kannur district collector has declared holiday for all educational institutions, including anganwadis, madrasas, tuition centres and special classes on Thursday. With IMD issuing red alert for two more days, Idukki district is on high alert. Traffic ban along the Gap road and national highway 85 on Kallar-Vattiyar stretch will continue. The collector has banned night traffic through the Kochi-Dhanushkodi NH from Neriyamangalam to Valara till May 30. Directives have been issued to stop MGNREGA works, plantation works and other non-emergency outdoor jobs till May 30. Holiday has been declared for schools including professional colleges and anganwadis on Thursday. Holiday will not be applicable for residential schools. Heavy monsoon continued to cause destruction in Palakkad with 17 more houses damaged in the district. With this, the total number of houses damaged in the district due to monsoon-related incidents has risen to 131. In Ernakulam district, 123 houses were destroyed due to heavy rains. As many as 360 relief camps have been opened in several parts of the district to relocate people in case of emergency. Holiday has been declared for educational institutions on Thursday.

Technical failure in ballast management system led to failure of sunk ship: Shipping regulator

KOCHI: Dismissing the sabotage theory behind the capsize of container vessel MSC Elsa 3 , the Director General (DG) of Shipping Shyam Jagannathan on Wednesday said the ship sank due to the failure of its ballast management system, which ensures the vessels stability. The containers that fell off the ship when it sank off Kochi coast on Sunday and were floating in the Arabian Sea would be retrieved in 48 hours, Jagannathan said, adding that environmental damage was minimal. The oil spill is limited and the Coast Guard is cleaning it. The oil in the ship bunker will be removed by July 3, he said. Our primary inference is that the vessel sank due to mechanical failure of the ballast management system. Safety and environmental requirements of the ships are governed by norms set by International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and this vessel complied with international norms. We have no evidence of other reasons. Failure of the ballast system may be due to lack of operational understanding. When the vessel listed to 26 degrees, there was a complete blackout due to failure of internal power generation. This virtually incapacitated all operations of the ship, said chief surveyor of Union government Ajith Sukumaran. About the cargo, Jagannathan said there were 13 containers carrying hazardous cargo of which 12 had calcium carbide, while one had rubber chemical antioxidants. Vessel will be recovered: DG Shipping Five containers carrying calcium carbide were on the deck and might have landed on the sea floor. The other seven containers are in the cargo hold and are safe. The calcium carbide is stored in 200-litre drums inside the containers and chances of it mixing with sea water are sparse. There are some containers having iron and ethylene polymers which are plastic nodules, he said, adding that all sunken containers as well as the ship will be recovered. Jagannathan said around 100 containers floated in the sea of which 50 beached in coastal areas of three southern districts. Most of these containers are empty while some had waste cotton and plastic nodules. A 108-member team from T&T Salvage, a US firm engaged by the shipping company (MSC) is engaged in coastal cleaning, he said. The priority, he said, is to retrieve the floating containers and clean the coastline which will be completed in 48 hours. After that, the salvage team will start removing oil from the ships bunkers. Subsequently, the vessel will be lifted. The vessel will not be abandoned and all sunken containers will be removed. There is an international convention and the owner is required to remove the wreck, said Jagannathan. The salvage team has mobilised two salvage masters, two project managers, two chemists, a six member diving team, a three member site scanner team and oil spill response team at the site of ship capsize, said Union governments nautical officer Captain Abdul Kalam Azad. A team comprising naval architects, salvage engineers and oil spill specialists have reached Kochi to address any oil spill risk. The salvage team has brought high range drones for surveillance of coastal area. High precision multi-beam side scanner has been brought for underwater scanning. A specialised oil spill response equipment and fuel recovery equipment have also been mobilised, Azad said. Jagannathan said removal of plastic nodules that have spread on the sea surface is one concern as it is time consuming. There is a concern the oil spill may enter the backwaters through the river-sea interface. This is being addressed by the disaster management authority and Coast Guard, he said. Mystery surrounds hazardous cargo that went down with ship off Kochi coast

Kochi Dialogues: 'Police will want at least 10k more personnel to handle workload,' says Loknath Behera

As the former Kochi city police commissioner and later state police chief, Loknath Behera ushered in sweeping reforms in policing. He is now scripting another success story at the helm of Kochi Metro. After successfully leading Kochi Metro to operational profitability, he is now guiding the Water Metro, which is gaining international attention. He also had a notable stint with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and was one of the founding members of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Behera was recently in the news following Indias successful extradition of Tahawwur Rana, an accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. He was earlier part of the investigative team that interrogated David Coleman Headley, the key conspirator behind the attacks. In a candid conversation with TNIE, Behera opens up about his journey, national security, Kochi Metro, city nostalgia, and more. Before taking charge of the Kochi Metro, you had a long association with Kochi as the city police commissioner Could you recall your early days here? My career started with a posting as the assistant police commissioner, in Thrikkakara. I never even imagined that I would become the city police commissioner later. I served as the commissioner from 1991 to 1995. It was an honour as I was the youngest ever to be posted as the city commissioner back then. During that time, there were issues like hooliganism, goonda activities, and all such things. We handled that firmly. We acted tough against the goons. One highlight during my tenure in Kochi was deployment of police vehicles on the road round the clock. We used to call them Flying Squads. Subsequently, they became the Control Room Vehicles (CRV). The response time of the police improved. What about the drug menace? At that time, in the 90s, the biggest problem here was cannabis not the synthetic drugs you hear about these days. Now there is a DANSAF (District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force) team in every district. But back then, Kochi was the only city to have an anti-drugs squad. We also took efforts to rehabilitate the addicts. Today, I am especially worried about the youngsters falling prey to drugs. All of us have some kind of role to play to rein in the menace. Societal response is key. Also, I always say, dont hate a drug addict. We should treat him as a patient. On the other hand, suppliers should not be spared. Synergy between the police and excise is vital. Now people say that people sell these kinds of stuff in the darknet also, so continuous monitoring of the same is required, which the police are capable of. The city police, for instance, has a cyber dome at Infopark. The problem is that sometimes the police get distracted due to other things happening VIP visits, functions, major festivals, etc. They also have to maintain law and order. Dedicated officers handling the cyber division or drugs menace should be allowed to focus on those issues. As a former DGP, are you satisfied with police visibility in the city? Frankly, we (police) are much fewer in number than whats ideally needed. Visibility is becoming lesser because of the inadequacy in number. Lets take Delhi, it has about one lakh police officers for a population of around 1.5 crore, which is close to international standards. Kerala, on the other hand, has over 3.7 crore people but only 60,000-plus police personnel. Urban areas like Kochi have seen population booms. Officers often have to multitask managing law enforcement, traffic, law and order, investigations, and more. They would like to have at least 10,000 more police personnel to meet the workload. But no government can afford to recruit at that scale. Hence, we must rely on technology like CCTV cameras. Now, it is said a single camera is equal to 10 policemen. Now, we are actually thinking about drone surveillance, like in Mexico city. Drones can monitor large areas and alert about suspicious activity. Recently, in Chennai, a murder suspect was identified and arrested within 30 minutes using drone footage. We need similar systems in Kochi. Use of technology can be a great force-multiplier. Another major contribution you made was starting an NIA office in Kochi... Was there any specific threat perception? Not really. When we started the NIA, we got more cases from Kerala, including that palm-chopping case, that Binanipuram case, the Kashmir case. If I am correctly remembering, of 20 cases we were investigating, 11 were from Kerala (rough estimate). At that time, we had only two offices Delhi and Hyderabad. So, we decided to start a satellite office of the Hyderabad unit here. Subsequently, it became a full-fledged branch, or whats called a field office. It has served a good purpose. I can say with the help of ATS, which also I had started in Kerala, the states security scenario is good. Wouldnt it have been alarming that such a high number of cases were coming up from one particular state? Kerala registers the maximum number of FIRs in the country. Thats why some people say that it is the crime capital, but thats not the case. Here, if you go to the police station, they will register a case if it is an offence. But maybe in many places, they dont do it. When I used to go for DGPs meetings, people used to remark: Hey, how many cases from Kerala! You are registering more cases than UP and MP I would say yes, and that I took pride in it. Similarly, it was the disposition of the people here that they wanted certain cases to be probed from a national security angle. So cases having national security implications were handed over to the NIA. Tahawwur Rana, wanted in the Mumbai attack case, is now in NIA custody. You were one of the officers who interrogated David Headley, who was one of the 26/11 conspirators... Headley was arrested by the Americans, the FBI. They investigated his role in a planned attack in Copenhagen. Then he was prosecuted for giving material support to the Mumbai attackers. But in that case, he got acquitted. But he made some revelations. We had a diplomatic victory by getting access to him. He told us most of the things that you people know now. The Headley interrogation report is in the public domain, and anybody can download that. He has not only talked about Mumbai, but he has also talked about many other things. So, that gave us a good perspective about terrorist networks. He spoke about Rana as well. We were unable to extradite Headley because he did a plea bargain as per American law. Now, Rana is a big catch. His interrogation is crucial. He might reveal something that we do not know already. What if Rana reveals he had somebody else who helped him? He came to stay, for example, in Kochi. He even put a job recruitment ad in a newspaper. Did Headley visit Kochi? No. The Abhimanyu murder happened when you were DGP. A student was stabbed to death on Maharajas College campus, but the main accused has still not been caught There were some rumours that he had fled India. That makes it complex. But if you see the record of Kerala police, culprits have been brought to justice even after 15 or 20 years. During your time as DGP, you had initiated concepts such as humanless and paperless police stations. Whats the status of that? I was trying to replicate a model I saw in Dubai, where they have these smart police stations without manpower. I opened two here one in Kochi and the other in Thiruvananthapuram. But they did not take off as people who go to the police want to physically talk to officers. Such innovations are needed. For example, we have over 900 panchayats. At present, we have about 500 police stations. So, ideally, another 400-450 stations are needed to match the peoples aspirations. This is not easy. But we can use technology solutions. With the kind of internet connectivity in Kerala, the state will embrace this concept. Kochi recently saw a police crackdown on illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. How big is the issue? Most of the workers in Kerala, from petrol bunks to beauty parlours, are migrant labourers, or guest workers. Kerala, to them, is how the Gulf has been for Malayalis. But the issue is when illegal immigrants enter in disguise. So the police should be alert. Now, the labour department is thinking of a digital registration system. These illegal immigrants manage to get fake documents, including Aadhaar cards.... That is a big story (smiles). Every system has got a flip side. This should not be happening, but the reality is that it does. The solution is to detect them and to take legal action. Are these fake documents made in Kerala or other states like Bengal? I do not know that exactly. I guess it happens everywhere. We are concerned about anti-national elements infiltrating along with those coming to make a living. Reckless driving by private buses is now a major issue in Kochi This was the case even during my tenure (laughs). Kochi should shift toward electric buses, like Delhi has done. KMRL runs 15 such feeder buses, and we are considering the addition of 20 more. Kochis public transport network should be modernised by inducting technologically-advanced buses that look good. I am not saying private buses should be done away with. But the bus transport system can be more organised with the aid of technology. Just think of a rickety bus going at high speed. What will a person who is visiting Kochi think? The optics have to be good. Talking of optics, there was a buzz about developing the area near Chilavannoor-Bund Road bridge into a tourist spot like Marine Drive? Yes, thats the plan. We are thinking of how to do this cost-effectively with minimal land acquisition. We are considering a cantilever bridge, for which we wont need to take anybodys land. Similarly, KMRLs tram project has also generated a lot of interest... This has been done in some parts of the world like Zurich and Brisbane. There are several parts in the city, like from Thevara to Marine Drive, thats not connected by the Metro Rail. So there was a suggestion to introduce trams. At a time, about 100-150 can travel in them. In other places, like Brisbane, the tram routes are on the road. This is not possible here. So we are studying whether we can have an elevated tram network. We need to do a feasibility study first. Whats the current ridership status? In the case of Metro Rail, we see an average of one lakh per day. For Water Metro, it is only about 8,000 as we have limited routes. We have only 20 boats now. If we have 78 boats, as we had planned initially, daily ridership will go up to 50,000. The Water Metro has been quite successful. Our model is being replicated in 21 other places, including Mumbai, Goa and Guwahati, Kolkata, Srinagar. Even the foreign governments have shown interest in the Kochi model. So, overall, are you happy with the shift to this sustainable transport model in the city? I am happy, yes. But I want to improve the first-mile/last-mile connectivity. We are working on that. How does a person staying in Cheranallur come to the Edappally metro station? If driving, where will one park the car? These are the issues we are trying to address. Also there is the walkability factor of Kochi. In many global cities, people dont mind walking a couple of kilometres to, say, a subway station. Here there seems to be a hesitation to walk... We have built 50km of footpaths. Of that, only about 10km is effectively used on a daily basis. All these footpaths lead to metro stations. We have tried to beautify footpaths, make them as wide as in Europe or other countries. We have put railings for safety Yet the infra remains underutilised. Some youngsters do use them. But the others seem to be lazy, or have some kind of a mind block. Now many of the footpaths are used for parking vehicles or placing ad boards of shops. We have urged the police to act against this. Crores of rupees have been spent for making these footpaths. Walking is actually good for health, good for all of us. The more you walk, it is better for yourself and the city. Maybe we should have a footpath campaign through the media. We need to promote a good walking culture. What are your views on the Kochi canal rejuvenation project? The other day, the mayor expressed concern whether it can actually be realised... He has a point. Making all canals navigable might not be as easy as it sounds. My target was the Edappally canal. That can be completely navigable by the kind of vessels Water Metro uses. Other canals are narrow, and then you have bridges over them the boats will not be able to pass under those. However, I am an optimist. Maybe in 10 years, we can make the other canals also navigable by raising the height of the bridges, using smaller boats But at present, we dont have a plan. I leave it for the future. Let people work on it for sometime. Any fond memories from your early days in Kochi? My philosophy was to lead from the front. Be out there. There was a notorious goonda in the city. Many were scared to act against him because of his connections. So, one night, I went alone to his den and arrested him. Then I personally signed the remand report, so he did not get bail. There were smaller cases. For example, during those days, there were complaints about some shopkeepers at Broadway cheating customers by using false weights. So, one day, I went incognito, pretending to buy goods and caught a seller red-handed. I think he used a magnet to manipulate the weighing scale. One of my finest experiences was to fast-track the construction of the Regional Sports Centre, Kadavanthra. I was asked by the then honourable chief minister (K Karunakaran) to revive the project, which had been stalled for years. Similar was the case of the Kaloor stadium. Joseph Thomas, who was the chairman of GCDA, asked me to head the implementation committee. We completed it quickly. I can go on there are a lot of memories connected to Kochi. I remember once I went to Fort Kochi for the Carnival, where the then mayor K J Sohan asked me to take on a wrestler in a demo bout. Seeing him, I got worried! Fortunately, the organisers told him to go easy on me (laughs). TNIE team: Rajesh Abraham, S Neeraj Krishna, Anu Kuruvilla, Krishna Kumar K E, Toby Antony, Mahima Anna Jacob, Abdul Nazer M A, T P Sooraj (photos), Harikrishna B (video)

Plastic nurdle spill from Kerala shipwreck reaches Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: The potential environmental fallout from the recent sinking of the container ship MSC ELSA 3 off the Kochi coast in Kerala has escalated, as plastic nurdlestiny plastic pellets used in manufacturinghave begun washing ashore even in Tamil Nadu's Kanniyakumari district on Wednesday. The Liberia-flagged vessel sank on May 25, approximately 38 nautical miles off the coast between Vizhinjam and Kochi. Carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials and substantial quantities of diesel and furnace oil, the ship's sinking has led to the dispersion of its cargo in the ocean. Among the debris, the nurdles, which have been found on beaches in Thiruvananthapuram, have drifted southward into the west coast of Tamil Nadu due to prevailing ocean currents. This has raised fears that they may drift towards the ecologically sensitive Gulf of Mannar on the east coast. It hosts extensive coral reefs, vital seagrass meadows, and endangered species like dugongs and sea turtles. Kanniyakumari district authorities told TNIE that 25-kg bags full of plastic nurdles in large quantities started washing ashore on Wednesday afternoon. Sources said there was a meeting of a fact-finding committee, which was constituted by the Union Environment Ministry, held in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. So far, we don't know the quantity of the spill, a senior official in the environment ministry said. Nurdles, though not inherently toxic, pose significant threats to marine life and coastal ecosystems. Their small size and resemblance to fish eggs make them easily ingestible by marine organisms. Once consumed, they can cause internal blockages, malnutrition, and even death. Moreover, nurdles act as sponges for toxic chemicals, which can accumulate in the bodies of marine animals and potentially enter the human food chain. Carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials and substantial quantities of diesel and furnace oil, the ship's sinking has led to the dispersion of its cargo in the ocean. Unlike oil spills, which can sometimes be contained and removed, nurdles are lightweight, buoyant, and disperse quickly with winds and tides, making the clean up difficult. Once dispersed in the ocean, nurdles are nearly impossible to recover. Nurdles can smother coral reefs, block sunlight essential for photosynthesis, and interfere with the delicate balance of marine habitats, said A Biju Kumar, head of the Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries at the University of Kerala. Their presence in seagrass beds can disrupt nutrient cycles and harm the root structures of these underwater plants. Sources said the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority, Department of Environment and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board are working on a plan of action in coordination with district authorities. This is the first major incident of plastic nurdle spill caused by a shipwreck in India. In May 2021, Sri Lanka suffered from a nurdle spill, when 1,680 tonnes of spherical pieces of plastic were released into the ocean as a cargo ship caught fire 18 km off the west coast of the country. Though the Gulf of Mannar was at risk at that time, the pollutants luckily didn't reach the reef habitat due to unfavourable ocean currents. Containers from sunken Liberian ship wash ashore in Kerala

Two arrested with 100 grams of suspected MDMA in Kochi

November 9 tentatively set for demolition of Chander Kunj Twin Army Towers in Kochi

October 31, 2029 set for handing over newly built apartments

Missing Kochi boy traced to Thodupuzha in Keralas Idukki

Police verifying whether he was forcibly restrained

Actor Unni Mukundan refutes assault charges, seeks anticipatory bail

KOCHI: Hours after he was booked for the alleged assaul t of a former associate, Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan on Tuesday denied the absolutely false and untrue allegations. The Infopark police registered the case against Unni on the complaint of Vipin Kumar, a Changanassery native who claimed to be the actors former manager. Vipin alleged that Unni verbally abused and assaulted him for praising Narivetta, starring Tovino Thomas, on social media. Unni, who moved an anticipatory bail plea in the Ernakulam district court, termed the allegations an attempt to threaten and harass him for undue gain and benefits. Vipin told reporters that after seeing his post, Unni contacted him and said he was dismissing him as his manager. He said the actor asked him to come to the parking area of an apartment complex in Kakkanad where he verbally abused and physically assaulted him. Dismissing the entire narrative by Vipin as baseless, the Marco actor said, I have always maintained a professional relationship with my colleagues, but he (Vipin) is extremely poisonous. Every word he said is a complete lie. Unni accused Vipin of spreading malicious rumours about him. At one point, he even contacted a female actor and urged her to marry me, which triggered a major confrontation between us. That was when I decided to meet him in person, he said. There was no physical attack at any point as he claims. The allegations are absolutely false and untrue. The area where the incident allegedly occurred is fully covered by CCTV cameras, he said. Unni said he had never appointed Vipin as his manager. Vipin was never appointed manager: Unni Mukundan Vipin first approached me in 2018 when I was planning to produce my first film under my own banner, but he was never formally appointed as my personal manager, he said. Infopark SHO Sajeev Kumar said, As per the complaint, the alleged assault took place in the parking area of a DLF apartment complex in Kakkanad. We have registered a case against the actor under various sections, including voluntarily causing hurt, wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation, and obscene acts. Further procedures, including summoning the actor for a statement will follow as the investigation progresses, Sajeev said. Interacting with reporters, Vipin claimed Unni had been frustrated for a long time. After his last hit Marco, he has not received any good offers. A movie he planned to direct suffered a setback after Gokulam Movies withdrew from production. Even those once close to him have now distanced themselves, Vipin claimed. In his anticipatory bail plea, Unni claimed the complaint against him was part of a deliberate conspiracy and entirely baseless. The Film Employees Federation of Kerala is reviewing the complaint filed by Vipin.

Kerala invites bids for heli-tourism services to boost high-end travel

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : In a major move to boost high-end tourism and enhance connectivity across destinations, the state government has invited Expression of Interest to operate heli-tourism services in the state. The plan is to enlist certified helicopter service operators and aggregators to provide regular, safe and convenient aerial transport linking key tourist destinations such as Kochi, Thekkady, Munnar, Kumarakom, Vagamon and Bekal. Kerala Tourism came up with this initiative as part of its broader strategy to position the state as a premium tourist destination offering diverse travel experiences, from serene beaches to misty hill stations, all accessible within a single day. A top official with the tourism department told TNIE that the move will not only ease travel times for tourists but also serve emergency, medical, and disaster management needs in the state. Connectivity is a major concern for people visiting the state. People coming for brief vacations are unable to cover more destinations because of travel time. Scores of tourists are arriving in Kochi, but if they want to visit Munnar, it takes a minimum of four to six hours by road. Helicopter services are going to be a game changer and tourists will be able to reach the destination in an hour by spending `5,000 or so per person, the official said. Helicopter services will also benefit pilgrimage tourism by reducing travel time for devotees visiting Sabarimala from distant locations like Andhra Pradesh. This will allow pilgrims to spend more time at the temple or visit other places of interest, the official said. The heli-tourism initiative, launched by the tourism department in December 2023, failed to gain traction initially due to forest departments restrictions and the absence of a clear policy. Additionally, the state had very few service providers. To address these issues, Kerala Tourism formulated a comprehensive heli-tourism policy, which received cabinet approval in December 2024. The department will shortlist the applicants and the presentation of the technical proposals will be held on June 23. There are not many players in the country and we are expecting five to ten operators to take part in the EoI, the official said. The policy outlines plans for the development of heliports, helistations, and support services while mandating compliance with the directorate general of civil aviation and other regulatory bodies. With minimal land use and high efficiency, helicopter services can offer a game-changing experience to tourists and strengthen regional connectivity, the official added.

Mystery surrounds hazardous cargo that went down with ship off Kochi coast

KOCHI: Three days after Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC Elsa 3 sank in the Arabian Sea off Kochi coast, the authorities have been unable to allay concerns over the hazardous cargo that went down with the vessel. As per information provided by the Coast Guard, the ship was carrying 643 containers, including 13 carrying hazardous cargo and 12 holding calcium carbide. However, there has not been any clarification from Mediterranean Shipping Company, the owners of MSC Elsa 3, the port authorities, or the customs department regarding the cargo, adding to the mystery. The swift action of the Coast Guard helped contain the oil spill. Experts said the pollution and environmental impact of calcium carbide will be limited to a few nautical miles and it will dissolve as the sea is turbulent. However, there is no word on the 13 containers carrying hazardous cargo. It is for the Director General (DG) of Shipping to clear doubts and convince the fishermen who are concerned about their livelihood, said a fisheries department official. 41 containers land in Kollam, six in Thiruvananthapuram; tackle debris, says CM Vijayan The Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) officials in Kochi held discussions with representatives of the shipping firm on Tuesday and demanded the cargo manifest. They also recorded the statements of the captain of the sunken ship. Officials from the DG Shippings office also reached Kochi on Tuesday, and will hold a meeting with the state government and top brass of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard on Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, efforts to salvage the floating containers are on by representatives of MSC and T&T Salvage, a team engaged by the firm. In a bid to dispel fears, Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian will meet representatives of fishermen bodies in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. Oil spill is limited to patches: Coast Guard While there have been speculations about the magnitude of the loss caused by the ship capsize, MSC will have to pay compensation for the damage caused to the environment as per the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage. Experts warn of ecological fallout from sunken Liberian ship Fishermen organisations in Kerala have demanded adequate compensation as the hazardous chemicals will destroy the marine ecosystem, affecting their livelihood. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG), which launched coordinated efforts to contain the oil spill, on Tuesday said the spill has been limited to patches and has not reached the shore. Three offshore patrol vessels of the ICG Aryaman, Saksham and Vikram along with two Dornier aircraft are sprinkling Oil Spill Dispersant (OSD), which breaks up the oil into small droplets. Samudra Prahari, the ICGs pollution control vessel, has reached Kochi with sufficient quantity of pollution response assets. A specialised pollution response team of the Coast Guard will arrive from Mumbai on Wednesday morning to aid the operations. As of 17.38 hrs on May 27, 46 containers have washed ashore across three coastal districts of Kerala. The drift pattern is in line with the ongoing weather conditions and other debris is expected to beach subsequently. The oil spill has not reached the shores. The coordinated efforts to protect our environmentally sensitive coastline have tremendously reduced the spread rate of oil leaking from the vessel, the ICG said in a release. Liberian ship sinks off Kerala coast; Navy rescues all 24 crew members

41 containers land in Kollam, six in Thiruvananthapuram; tackle debris, says CM Vijayan

TPURAM/KOLLAM : A total of 41 containers from MSC ELSA 3, which sank off the coast of Kochi, washed ashore at various points in Kollam so far. None of them contain hazardous materials. In Thiruvananthapuram, six washed ashore around Varkala on Tuesday. Driven by winds and currents toward the southern shores, containers were spotted at Varkala, Manthara, Anchuthengu, and Ayyappanthottam. Three containers that washed ashore at Anchuthengu and Ayyappanthottam were later swept back into the sea. Most containers appeared to be severely damaged, and battered by the sea. Container parts were also found at Vettakkada, Mampally, and Muthalapozhi, according to Chandradas, SHO of Coastal Police at Anchuthengu. Meanwhile, the Kollam district administration started removing containers along the Kollam coastline. Two containers were shifted to Kollam Port. Authorities are yet to confirm the presence of any oil spill from the sunken ship along the coast. Officials from the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, and Customs have visited the affected areas. KSPCB officials collected water samples to test for oil or other hazardous substances. Authorities have also cautioned the public to avoid touching any washed-up materials, as they may be hazardous. Coastal police have gathered bags containing polymer and cotton pellets that had washed ashore. In Kollam, five families in Cheriyazheekal were relocated to a safer building provided by the district administration, as their homes were too close to where containers had been found and tidal waves had also led to seawater entering their houses. An unbroken container from the container vessel MSC ELSA-3 that sank near Kochi has washed up on the shores of Arattukadavu near Thumba in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday evening 4 pm. The removal operation is being carried out by the District Disaster Management Authority, NDRF and Customs. The collector has directed that a detailed action plan be prepared to ensure that the containers are removed without endangering residents or the coastal environment. Additional workers may be deployed if required. Authorities have been instructed to share deployment details at each site and to assess the situation regularly. The containers will be quickly removed. Once the containers reach Kollam Port, they will be handed over to the shipping company. We are currently exploring two options for transferring the containers from the port - via sea or roadways, the collector said. Since Monday morning, 32 containers from MSC Elsa 3 have washed ashore along various stretches of the Kollam coastline. In response to the situation, the chief minister has directed the chief secretary to enlist the help of Civil Defence teams to remove plastic debris from beaches in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha. He assured that efforts are under way to clear the beaches of container debris as soon as possible. Most containers severely damaged Containers were spotted at Varkala, Manthara, Anchuthengu, and Ayyappanthottam. Container parts also found at Vettakkada, Mampally, and Muthalapozhi Most containers appeared to be severely damaged, and battered by the sea Authorities yet to confirm the presence of any oil spill from the sunken ship along the coast. KSPCB officials collected water samples to test for oil or other hazardous substances

More containers likely to wash ashore, coast on vigil

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Coastal districts in southern Kerala have heightened vigil as more containers are expected to wash ashore from the sunken ship, MSC Elsa 3. Sources involved in the salvage operation indicate that the containers could potentially reach as far as Kanyakumari. These free-floating containers pose a significant danger to boats and vessels in the area, making it crucial to clear them from the sea. Around 253 containers are estimated to have fallen off the ship. The ongoing salvage operation has been challenging due to rough weather conditions and the rocky seabed. As of now, 34 containers have washed ashore, with plans afoot to transport them to customs-designated areas at the Kollam port via sea. The movement of containers at Shaktikulangara in Kollam has proven difficult as the area is inaccessible by trailer or crane. We have deployed a 10-member team of local divers who are familiar with the sea. They worked alongside the salvage team from Kochi, a source told TNIE. MSC, the shipping company, has appointed Waterline Shipping and Logistics Pvt Ltd, a Thiruvananthapuram-based agency, to assist in the salvage operation from Alappuzha to Thiruvananthapuram. Containers that have washed ashore in Thiruvananthapuram are likely to be moved to the Vizhinjam port, managed by the Kerala Maritime Board, according to Vinulal S, purser-in-charge of the port. These containers will be transferred to customs-designated areas by road. The movement is expected to begin on Wednesday. Earlier, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) projected an 80% likelihood that more containers will continue to wash up along the coastlines of Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram districts over the next four days. A fisherman tries to move a container that washed ashore at Valiyaveli beach on Tuesday.

CPM controlled Karuvannur bank affairs

KOCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has found that the CPM local and district leadership directly controlled the day-to-day operations of the Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank. This was stated in the ED chargesheet filed before the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Kochi on Monday. The central agencys investigation into the high-profile money laundering case surrounding the bank found that two informal committees operated above the banks official governing body to oversee daily affairs: the Party Sub Committee @ Parliamentary Party Fraction and the Parliamentary Party Committee. According to a confidential statement given to the magistrate by Biju M K, a former manager of the bank, the Party Sub Committee comprised members nominated by the CPM Thrissur district committee, secretaries of local CPM committees, area committee members within the banks jurisdiction, district committee representatives, banks president and secretary, and an employee representative. The Parliamentary Party Committee included two members of the banks governing body, who were CPM members, local committee secretaries, and the secretary of the Irinjalakuda CPM area committee, he stated.

One dead, widespread damage as rain batters state

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rains continued to wreak havoc across the state on Tuesday, claiming one life and causing widespread destruction. A 16-year-old boy in Thiroorangadi, Malappuram, died after accidentally coming in contact with a snapped live wire. Train services, including the Vande Bharat Express, were disrupted due to trees falling on the tracks. In Kozhikode, the Kakkayam power house sustained significant damage when a landslide dislodged a massive boulder that crashed into the facility. Over the past four days, the state recorded an average rainfall of 243.6 mm, with Kannur and Kozhikode receiving the highest amounts387 mm and 381 mm, respectively. The rains caused substantial damage to homes. Ernakulam reported 81 houses completely destroyed, followed by 42 in Palakkad, 25 in Idukki, and 10 in Alappuzha. Wayanad district reported an estimated loss of `21.99 crore, with banana plantations suffering the most, resulting in the loss of about 3.5 lakh saplings. In Kollam, crop damage has been pegged at `12.31 lakh so far. Traffic movement on National Highway 85 was disrupted after a mudslide damaged the stretch at Karadippara. Authorities have banned traffic between Iruttukanam and 2nd Mile via the Kallar-Vattiyar route until further notice. Vehicles from Kochi heading to Munnar must take a diversion through Anachal, while those from Munnar to Kochi should reroute via Anachal-Iruttukanam. In Thiruvananthapuram, massive rocks fell onto roads at Kallara, and a large tree collapsed at Kalloopara in Vithura, blocking traffic. The Suryakanthi bridge in Chettachal and Ponnamchundu bridge in Chellanchy have been submerged. Severe coastal erosion was reported from Anchuthengu. A total of 71 familiescomprising 84 men, 99 women, and 57 childrenhave been shifted to 14 relief camps set up by the revenue department. District collectors of Wayanad and Kozhikode declared a holiday for all educational institutions, including tuition centres, madrasas, and anganwadis, on Wednesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red alerts for Kozhikode and Wayanad, and orange alerts for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod on Wednesday. Rain or thundershowers are likely in many places across the state until June 2, with thunderstorms and lightning expected at isolated locations until May 29. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until May 31, and a high wave alert has been issued along the coast for Wednesday. Malakkappara in Thrissur recorded extreme rainfall of 312 mm in 24 hours on Tuesday.

Swipe right, naadan style: How online dating apps are trending among Malayali youth

Anjali M, 24, downloaded Arike as a secret experiment. Though quite close to her parents, she did not mention it to them. Its not something you announce at the dinner table, she says with a grin. I was just curious. I wanted to meet someone who gets where I am from someone who knows what a thattukada date would be like. For a state known for its blend of tradition and tech-savviness, Kerala is quietly becoming a hotspot for a uniquely Malayali brand of online dating. No longer just a metro trend, dating apps have found a home here but not without their own quirks. Made for Malayalis Love is indeed going local. Apps like Arike, Mizhi, and Hridhayam are tailored for Malayalis and rooted in the cultural nuances that matter: language, food, family values, and even astrology. Arike felt different from Tinder, says 27-year-old Ajay Varma, a software engineer. It didnt push hookup culture. The questions were actually meaningful, and most people I matched with were looking for something real. Developed by the same team behind Aisle, Arike has rapidly gained traction among Kochis young professionals. Meanwhile, Mizhi, with its tagline Find love through your eyes, offers a chat-forward experience that prioritises conversation in Malayalam. Then theres Hridhayam less flashy but quietly effective. I met someone through Hridhayam last year, says 25-year-old law student Nivya Rajan. We didnt click romantically, but were still good friends. Its one of the few apps that didnt make me feel judged or objectified. For 21-year-old Alan Joseph, a media student, its less about finding the one and more about genuine connections. I got on Mizhi out of boredom during semester break, he says. But it was the first app where I could actually have a conversation in Malayalam without cringe adi. Thats underrated. Curious to see what the fuss was about, this reporter downloaded a couple of these apps to test the waters. The setup process was fairly simple across the board download from the Google Play Store or App Store, register using your phone number or email, fill out a profile with a bio, interests, and preferences, and youre good to go. Some apps offer prompts or questions, while others let you upload short voice notes or even video introductions. Profiles tend to be casual often peppered with Manglish phrases or Malayalam memes and matches are usually made by either swiping or clicking like. Conversations often start light, with shared references to Kerala food, cinema, or the latest local trend. Ghosts, creeps, and Insta-hustlers Its not all roses and reels. Ask anyone whos spent more than a month on these platforms, and they will likely mention ghosting, vague profiles, or being added to someones Instagram followers list for the numbers. Half the time, the girl doesnt even talk, says 23-year-old Vysakh Nair, who works in digital marketing. And sometimes, one is not sure if its even a real profile. I have matched with the same girl thrice different names, same selfie! But for women, the red flags flash even faster. One guy said he wanted a traditional-looking girl who also likes EDM. Another asked if I would cook beef ularthiyathu for his amma, says Anjali, shaking her head. It can get bizarre. Apps like Arike and Mizhi attempt to curb this by verifying profiles through phone numbers and social media checks, but issues persist. Some users report fake accounts created for spam or influencer marketing, while others cite vague bios as red flags. Between Bumble & the banana leaf The cultural balancing act is real. While global apps like Tinder and Bumble are popular in cities like Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, many young Malayalis find them too casual or too chaotic. I tried Bumble, but it felt too fast-paced, says 26-year-old Aparna Mathew, a junior architect. The matches were from all over the place. I wanted someone who knows what its like to grow up watching shows like Comedy Stars and still be progressive. Thats where local apps shine. They dont just offer proximity they offer relatability. That said, national platforms like TrulyMadly and QuackQuack are also finding users in Kerala, offering a middle path. TrulyMadly verifies users using a trust score that encourages authenticity, while QuackQuack has filters that appeal to regional preferences like language and education level. I have been on QuackQuack for three months now, says 24-year-old Arun Sabu, who works at a logistics company. Its not perfect, but at least you are talking to people who actually know what a monsoon date in Kerala means. No explaining what meen curry is! Friends, not just flings While dating apps dominate the digital love scene, a quieter phenomenon is brewing in parallel apps designed solely for companionship. Enter Dostt, a Malayalam-language social app thats gaining traction for all the right reasons. Designed to help people connect without romantic pressure, the app pairs users for casual chats, often with a focus on post-work, late-night conversations. I got on Dostt during a really low week, says 21-year-old Hiba Saleem, a psychology student. It wasnt about dating at all. I just wanted someone to talk to after midnight. And it felt nice. Not creepy, not performative. Vibely, another emerging platform, is leaning into this same space, offering a space for people to find friends over common interests from music playlists and Malayalam poetry to weekend food crawls. Unlike dating-focused apps, Vibely operates more like a safe digital common room, where anonymity isnt a mask but a layer of comfort. In urban areas where loneliness is often masked by busy schedules and hyperconnectivity, these apps are giving youth space to breathe, vent, and, occasionally, just be. Despite growing acceptance, such apps still sit in a grey area socially. Theres no outright opposition, says Ajay. But theres also no open conversation. We are navigating things quietly on apps, in group chats, behind locked phones. In a state like Kerala cosmopolitan but still conservative at the core this discretion shapes dating culture. Many users hide their apps in folders named Tools or Utilities and switch off notifications when at home. Parental pressure adds another layer. My mom wants me married by next year, says Varsha Pillai, a 25-year-old MBA student. But I dont even know if I believe in marriage yet. These apps let me explore without making big decisions. Yes, dating apps have moved beyond taboo but not quite into the open yet. They exist around us. For some, its just a time pass. For some, route to a relationship. For some, a way to test the waters. For some, simply a space to be seen, to be understood, and maybe, to fall in love. Naadan love, that is. Before you swipe: Red flags to watch out for Catfishing: Be cautious of users with few photos, overly generic bios, or inconsistent information across platforms. Reverse image search if in doubt. Love bombing: If someone is overly affectionate too quickly, promising love or commitment early onit could be manipulation. Fake business/influencer accounts: Some users push followers, products, or collaborations instead of conversations. Financial scams: Never share personal banking details, UPI IDs, or OTPs. Be alert to sob stories asking for money. Honeytraps and blackmail: Avoid sending intimate photos or videos. Some users use screenshots or recordings for extortion. Unsolicited links: Dont click on suspicious links shared through the chatthey may lead to phishing or malware. Meeting? Always choose a public place and inform a friend about the time and location. Dont accept rides on a first meeting. Privacy threats: Hide your exact location if the app allows it. Disable app notifications when at home if privacy is a concern.

Boy goes missing in Kochi

FIR filed against Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan for allegedly assaulting manager

Kochi: An FIR was registered against popular Malayalam film actor Unni Mukundan Tuesday after his self-styled manager complained that he was assaulted by him. In his complaint, Vipin Kumar said he was assaulted by the actor at his apartment complex near Keralas Kochi. According to Kumar, Mukundan was unhappy and irked as he was engaged []

Containers from sunken ship washed ashore at Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The containers from the MSC ELSA 3 , which sank off the coast of Kochi, have begun washing ashore in various parts of Thiruvananthapuram. Driven by winds and currents toward the southern coastline, the containers have been spotted along Varkala, Anchuthengu, Ayiroor, and Edava. Coastal police report that container parts and polymer packing materials have been found floating near Anchuthengu, Mampally, and Muthalapozhi. Most of the containers appear to be severely damaged. In response, authorities have initiated efforts to move containers stranded along the coastlines of Kollam and Alappuzha . However, the operation has been delayed due to the rocky beach terrain and the need for customs clearance, according to officials involved in the salvage process. Local fishermen with knowledge of the seabed have been enlisted to assist in the operation. As of now, 34 containers have been washed ashore, and plans are in place to transport them to customs-designated areas at Kollam Port by sea. The MSC Elsa 3, carrying 640 containers, sank 38 nautical miles off Kochi on Sunday morning. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has projected an 80% likelihood that the containers will continue to wash up along the coastlines of Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram over the next four days. Authorities are on high alert due to the potential for an oil spill from the sunken ship , which is also carrying 250 tons of hazardous material (calcium carbide) in 13 of its containers. Chemical scare, fishing ban put Kerala fishers in a spot

Tamil Nadu stands ready as Kerala oil spill threat looms

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu remains on high alert following the capsizing of the Liberian-flagged cargo ship MSC ELSA 3 off the Kochi coast in Kerala on Sunday. The incident, which saw the vessel sink with 640 containersincluding 13 containing hazardous cargo like calcium carbidealong with 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil, has raised concerns about a potential oil spill drifting southward. While Tamil Nadu officials say there is no immediate threat to its coastline, the states newly approved Tamil Nadu State Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan is being put to the test, showcasing its preparedness amid regional maritime challenges. The contingency plan, formalized on August 21, 2024, by the state government, involves a multidisciplinary committee, including representatives from the State Disaster Management Authority, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Fisheries Department, and Indian Coast Guard. Approved by the Coast Guard headquarters on July 19, 2024, the plan mandates the procurement of oil spill equipment within 12 months and periodic reviews to ensure its relevance. Containers from sunken Liberian ship wash ashore in Kerala Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Climate Change, and Forest Department, told TNIE, We are in constant touch with Kerala officials and have been informed that there is no cause for concern as of now. The projections show that the oil leak will reach the Kerala coast south of Trivandrum. AR Rahul Nadh, Director of the Department of Environment, also said that the state was keeping a close watch on the evolving situation in Kerala. The Kanniyakumari district administration and pollution control officials are on alert. As per the latest update, the oil has spread over a 4 km radius from the accident site. An advanced aircraft with oil spill mapping technology and ships equipped with infrared cameras are monitoring the situation, with a vessel from Mumbai en route to assist. In Kerala, containers washing ashore along Kollam and Alappuzha have prompted advisories to maintain a 200-meter distance due to the risk of hazardous leaks. The ocean current forecast issued by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) shows a strong current flowing southward from Kochi towards Trivandrum, Kanniyakumari, and the west coast of Sri Lanka. If the oil spill is substantial, it could reach Kanniyakumari. Experts suggest that it is better to be prepared. In 2017, there was a major oil spill off the Ennore coast in Chennai, where two cargo vessels collided two nautical miles off the Kamarajar Port, resulting in a massive oil spill that polluted close to 35 km of Chennai's coastline. Experts warn of ecological fallout from sunken Liberian ship

Kerala rains: 360 relief camps opened in Kochi, 58,512 people shifted

Houses damaged in Paravur, Kanayannur, Muvattupuzha, Aluva and Kothamangalam taluks; 8,700 people accommodated in 27 camps opened in coastal areas;

Anvars pressure tactics fail, UDF picks Shoukath for Nilambur bypoll

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Withstanding tremendous pressure from P V Anvar, the Congress leadership on Monday announced Aryadan Shoukath as the UDF candidate for the June 19 Nilambur assembly bypoll. Despite Anvar openly campaigning for Malappuram DCC president V S Joy, the KPCC stood firm in its decision to go with Shoukath, son of late Congress veteran Aryadan Mohammed. A former Nilambur panchayat president, Shoukath is serving as the KPCC general secretary. The cultural face of the Congress, he has also written screenplays for several award winning movies. Speaking to the media soon after the party announced his candidature, Shoukath expressed confidence that the party would put up a united fight. The party has entrusted me with a major responsibility. I am confident the UDF will be able to wrest back the seat this time around, he said. Nilambur has been traditionally a UDF stronghold, though LDF independent P V Anvar could win it in 2016 and 2021. Soon after the leaderships announcement, Joy offered full backing to Shoukath. An irked Anvar, meanwhile, criticised the Congress move, terming it a unilateral decision by the party and not a collective decision by the UDF. He alleged that Shoukath tried hard to become LDF candidate in Nilambur. The former Left legislator, whose resignation necessitated the by-election, said Joy would have been a far better candidate. He also said he would announce his next course of action in a couple of days. Nilambur by-election on June 19 to test P V Anvars political survival, new Congress leadership After the candidates announcement, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan expressed confidence that the UDF would win the bypoll. Responding to questions in Kochi, Satheesan said the UDF has decided to induct Anvar into the front and finer details will be subsequently worked out. The Congress had earlier announced that it would declare the party candidate on Monday, and that it would be a unanimous choice. Though the names of Shoukath and Joy came up, the leadership chose to stand with Shoukath. His name was then formally submitted to the AICC. Earlier in the day, there were uncertainties over the candidate, after Anvar supported Joy, while opposing Shoukaths candidature. The decision to field Shoukath was taken at a crucial meeting of Congress leaders, chaired by KPCC president Sunny Joseph in Kochi. As per our assessment, there wont be any Anvar effect in this poll. Whether he supports the UDF or not, he would be unable to play spoilsport, said a senior leader. Nilambur by-election poised for tough contest between Aryadan Shoukath, U Sharafali

Experts warn of ecological fallout from sunken Liberian ship

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Marine experts have raised alarm over the potential environmental consequences following the sinking of the MSC ELSA 3 off the Kochi coast. Their primary concerns centre on the oil spill and the risk of cargo classified as International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) leaking into the sea. Grinson George, director of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), said that a comprehensive assessment of the situation will take several days. He said that the ecological and economic repercussions depend significantly on the scale of any leaks. Oil contamination could pose a serious threat to sensitive marine species and disrupt fishing activities, particularly impacting local fishermen, Grinson said. If the spill expands, it could greatly affect marine productivity, especially during the monsoon - a critical period for the breeding and growth of pelagic fish. This would have long-lasting consequences for the fishing industry, which had been anticipating a robust fishing season due to the traditionally high marine productivity during these months, he added. Containers from sunken Liberian ship wash ashore in Kerala K V Thomas, a former scientist at the National Centre for Earth Science Studies, said that the oil spill could soon wash ashore as tar globules, particularly given the windy weather and ocean currents characteristic of the monsoon. He said that the current tends to flow southward during this time, complicating containment efforts. However, he expressed greater concern regarding the hazardous materials within the cargo rather than the oil spill itself. If any containers are leaking, those materials could spread across the ocean floor, posing a serious threat to biodiversity, he said. Meanwhile, a shipping contractor involved in the salvage operation has reassured that only empty containers were discharged into the sea and that all 12 containers carrying hazardous materials remain intact and secure. Coast Guard confirms oil spill after container vessel sinks off Kerala coast, swings into action

Operation K-Force & a call for the four As: Kerala's silent growth in strategic sector

KOCHI: Kerala may not be the first name that springs to mind when you think of defence and aerospace. But make no mistake - the state is quietly scripting a revolution in Indias quest for Atmanirbharta in the strategic sector. From shipyards to space parks, MSMEs to military-grade startups, Kerala is stepping up post- Operation Sindoor , tapping into a rapidly expanding defence opportunity with a mix of gritty innovation and strategic ambition. At the heart of this story is Keltron. Following the Pahalgam terror attack , Keltron played a key role in strengthening Indias defence response, Industries Minister P Rajeeve revealed. The state-run electronics giant supplied critical systems for INS Arnala - the first indigenously built anti-submarine warfare vessel - including its sonar sensor, underwater communication system, power amplifier, and echo sounder. Thats not all. Keltron had earlier delivered the Maareech Towed Array system designed to detect and neutralise torpedoes to the Indian Navy. With decades of technical expertise, Keltron is now a trusted name in defence. Orders are steadily flowing in, Rajeeve added. WhatsApp to warfare Ironically, Keralas most promising defence cluster K-Space is still just a concept. We dont have anything officially called K-Space. What we have is a WhatsApp group, chuckled a startup founder, who wished not to be named. But the vision is real. The state government has earmarked land at TechnoCity for a futuristic Kerala Space Park. The initiative is being revived after facing setbacks caused by the alleged involvement of M Sivasankar, IASwho had been leading several projects, including the Space Park initiativein a scandal. Meanwhile, Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has launched the Kerala Defence Innovation Zone (K-DIZ) in collaboration with DRDO, Technopark and others. Its part of the larger Emerging Technology Huba 2 lakh sq. ft. facility to drive aerospace and defence innovation, said G Levin, CEO of K-Space, adding that several initiatives are being readied behind the scenes. BrahMos, drones and beyond Big-ticket land deals are also in motion. A 200-acre land allocation for the second unit of BrahMos Aerospace Trivandrum Ltd (BATL) is underway, alongside a proposal for a 100-acre Integrated Defence Industrial Park near Kattakada. The drone ecosystem is buzzing too. Startups like Vektas Technologies, operating out of Technopark, are building UAVs for disaster warning and rescue, with payload capacities of 1020 kg and flight range up to two hours. Centre-state synergy should boost startup ecosystem In Kochis Maker Village, Volador Aerospace Pvt Ltd is crafting drones for strategic missions. And in Veli, a 60-acre Aerospace Control System Complex is being developed, focusing on avionics, navigation, and micro-fabrication. CSL: A maritime powerhouse Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) is a national gem known for building/repairing aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant. Glory does not stop there. Its nurturing maritime startups under its programme USHUS Nurturing Aspirations, in collaboration with IIM Kozhikode and IIT Madras. India is poised for a golden era in defence precision manufacturing and hardware deeptech exports over the next two decades. Keralas startup ecosystem is ready to ride that wave, said a senior CSL official. Do we celebrate our own? Despite this flurry of activity, theres a strange silence around Keralas defence achievements. We dont celebrate our success stories, said Kannan Kesavapillai, co-founder of AugSense Lab, a Thiruvananthapuram-based firm specialising in quantum-enhanced sensing and radar technologies to meet the advanced needs of defence, maritime, and aerospace. Indicating the buoyancy in the sector, Augsenselab has secured $0.5 million in pre-seed funding from Emul Tek Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Solar Industries India Ltd. The funding will boost the development of space- and drone-based technologies, focusing on advanced ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) systems and high-precision atmospheric profilers for applications in weather forecasting, disaster response, and defence. There are others too. Take Verdant Telemetry & Antenna Systems a Thrissur-based company supplying high-end antennas to Israel and Indian defence with `1015 crore in annual revenues. Or Holmarc Opto-Mechatronics, a Kalamassery-based firm with a `200-crore turnover, supplying optics and precision systems to DRDO and ISRO. Even legacy giants like OEN Connectors in Kochi serving defence, telecom and automotive industries go unheralded. According to Holmarcs operations head Jim Jose, the industrys Achilles heel remains over-reliance on imports. Most drone startups depend on Chinese motors and chips. If China shuts exports, the industry collapses. We are now building our own motors and optics to break that chain, he said. Proper, proportionate and with purpose: Operation Sindoor shows strength of India's resolve Malayali diaspora effect Interestingly, some of Indias biggest private defence and aerospace players were founded by Keralites but based elsewhere. Kris Nairs Kawa Space (Bengalurui), EtherealX (Bengaluru), and Aadyah Aerospace (Bengaluru) are prime examples. EtherealX, led by Palakkad native Manu J Nair, is developing the Razor Crest Mk-1 a fully reusable medium-lift launch vehicle with plans to deploy 25 missions over the next decade. Why did these companies choose bases outside Kerala? Infrastructure gaps, bureaucratic inertia, and lack of recognition may have pushed them to more startup-friendly zones, say analysts. Nations moment, states opportunity With iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) and TDF (Technology Development Fund) schemes backed by the PMO, the central government has created fertile ground for defence-tech. Kerala is starting to plant seeds. Once your project is in iDEX, theres a guaranteed buyback, said Levin of K-Space. What we need now is to function as enablers not just funders. Internship programmes, job-seeker registries, and mentoring networks are sprouting under Kerala Startup Mission. We have created an ecosystem thats finally favourable for startups, Levin added. However, if Kerala wants to become the next Hyderabad or Bengaluru of defence-tech, it needs to adopt the four As approach: acknowledge, appreciate, aid, and accelerate. After all, as Operation Sindoor showed, Indias defence preparedness is no longer just a government job its a national mission. And Kerala certainly is ready to answer the call. The four As approach If Kerala wants to become the next Hyderabad or Bengaluru of defence-tech, it needs to adopt the four As approach Acknowledge Appreciate Aid Accelerate Key projects in Keralas defence-tech sector 200-acre land being allocated for BrahMos Aerospace Trivandrums second unit Emerging Technology Hub at TechnoCity, which will host the K-DIZ in partnership with DRDO 100-acre Integrated Defence Industrial Park planned near Kattakada to boost end-to-end manufacturing capabilities 60-acre Aerospace Control System Complex at Veli, focusing on avionics, navigation systems, and micro-fabrication How BrahMos missile strikes forced Pakistan to agree to a ceasefire

Coast Guard confirms oil spill after container vessel sinks off Kerala coast, swings into action

KOCHI: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Monday confirmed oil spill in the Arabian sea, around the area off Keralas coast where MSC Elsa 3 , a Liberia-flagged container vessel carrying hazardous cargo and calcium carbide, sunk the day before . It has deployed three vessels and an aircraft for counter-pollution operations. The Coast Guards Offshore Patrol Vessels ICGS Saksham, ICGS Vikram and ICGS Samarth utilised infrared cameras to detect the oil spill area and sprayed OSD (Oil Spill Dispersant) to contain the spread. A Dornier aircraft is conducting aerial assessment and OSD dispersal in the 2x1 nautical miles area where the spill has been detected. The vessels are churning the waters using hoses and propeller to mix the dispersant. Meanwhile, ICG Ship Samudra Prahari, a specialised pollution response vessel carrying significant quantities of OSD, has set sail from Mumbai and is expected to reach Kochi on Tuesday. The Coast Guard said in a release: At approximately 0750 hrs on May 25, MSC Elsa 3 sank around 15 nautical miles off the coast of Kerala, southwest of Alappuzha. The maritime incident has raised environmental concerns, including the potential for oil spill impact and drifting of debris and cargo ashore along Keralas coastline. Within 2-3 hours of the vessels submergence, the ICG surveillance aircraft detected the presence of an oil slick at the site at 11 am, the oil slick was observed drifting in east-southeast direction at an estimated speed of 1.5-2 knots (around 3.7 kmph). By 2pm, the spill was assessed to have spread over an area of approximately 2x1 nautical miles The ship had 84.44 tonnes of diesel and 367.1 tonnes of furnace oil when it sank, and this caused the oil spill. Statement of ships crew to be recorded today Confirming that the oil slick has not reached the shores, ICG has advised the state administration to prepare for shoreline cleanup operations. The Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) , Kochi, has issued a warning to the vessels owners regarding pollution liability and launched an investigation into the incident. MMD principal officer and Joint Director J Senthil Kumar met the 24 crew members of the sunken vessel on Monday. As the crew were yet to recover from the trauma, the MMD decided to record their statements on Tuesday. Containers from sunken Liberian ship wash ashore in Kerala It has directed the shipping agency to present the cargo manifest, a document that lists the contents and details of the shipment. As per information provided by the agency, there were 643 containers in the vessel of which 13 contained hazardous cargo and 12 had calcium carbide in it. Oil is normally shipped in tankers and the diesel and furnace oil in the vessel was not part of the cargo. It was the fuel stored to power the engine and for internal power generation, said an MMD official. The MMD will investigate whether it were flaws in loading the containers or bad weather that caused listing of the vessel. It has directed the shipping agency to deploy technical staff to salvage the floating containers and to explore the possibility of retrieving the oil from the ships tank. However, the presence of large quantity of calcium carbide and hazardous cargo is posing a challenge. The ship is 28 years old, but we dont think that could be the reason for capsize. Merchant vessels have to go for drydocking every five years. We will summon the safety department of MSC from Cyprus to check these aspects, said the MMD officer. The oil spill can pollute the marine ecosystem. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons released into the water column can damage the marine ecosystem. The trace metals like arsenic, chromium and mercury may reach the sea bed and enter the food chain through zooplanktons, said fisheries scientist B Madhusoodana Kurup. The huge quantity of calcium carbide in the sunken containers can trigger exothermic reaction when it comes into contact with water. This can release huge amount of heat that can pose threat to marine organisms, he said. Liberian ship sinks off Kerala coast; Navy rescues all 24 crew members

Intense oil spill mitigation efforts launched by Coast Guard after Liberian cargo ship sank off Kerala coast

NEW DELHI: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has intensified surveillance and spill mitigation efforts and mobilised a specialised Pollution Response Vessel, in addition to two of its Offshore Patrol Vessels, after the environmental concerns, including the potential oil spill impact and drifting of debris and cargo emerged. The situation occurred after the Cargo Ship MV Elsa sank around 15 nautical miles off the coast of Kerala on Sunday. The ICG said on Monday that it has mobilised ICG Ship Samudra Prahari in addition to its two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), which remain on-site for ongoing monitoring, assessment, and pollution response. The coast guard is also using aerial sorties and specialised dispersal equipment, Ship Samudra Prahari, a specialised Pollution Response Vessel carrying significant quantities of Oil Spill Dispersant (OSD), along with additional OPVs in PR configuration, said ICG. To ensure safety, all passing ships have been diverted, and mariners have been warned to navigate cautiously due to floating debris and potential navigation hazards. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched a full-scale pollution response operation following the sinking of the Liberian container vessel MV MSC ELSA 3, which went down on May 25, 2025, approximately 15 nautical miles southwest of Alappuzha, Kerala. All its 24 crew were rescued by the Coast Guard and Navy. Containers, possibly with hazardous cargo from sunken ship, hit Kerala coast Within hours of the vessel's submergence, ICG surveillance aircraft detected an oil slick at the site. ICG Ship Saksham, already stationed in pollution response configuration, was deployed immediately. An ICG Dornier aircraft conducted aerial assessments and dispersed Oil Spill Dispersant (OSD) across the affected zone. By late morning on May 25, the oil slick was spotted drifting east-southeast from the site of the sinking at a speed of 1.5 to 2 knots. Rough sea conditions and strong winds made response efforts more challenging. Despite the hazardous situation, with over 100 cargo containers floating in the area, some breaking apart and releasing their contents, ICG continued operations with full effect. A coordination meeting was convened by the Directorate General of Shipping on 25 May 2025, bringing together key stakeholders, including ICG, vessel owners, managers, Kerala state authorities, SDMA, and others to implement an integrated response strategy. Ship managers M/s MSC have appointed M/s T&T Salvage for cleanup and recovery operations, including container and cargo retrieval and oil removal from the wreck. The Mercantile Marine Department, Kochi, issued a pollution liability warning to the vessel owners, M/s MSC, under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. The MSC appointed T&T Salvage for container recovery, oil removal, and environmental clean-up. The ICG also advised the Kerala state administration to prepare for shoreline clean-up and to alert local communities not to handle any cargo or debris that may wash ashore.