kochi News

Projects commissioned, India set to overtake US in metro network length

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Railways has claimed that India is on course to overtake the United States in total metro network length as ongoing projects are commissioned. Metro and suburban rail networks are currently operational across 1,090 km in 26 cities, including both major metros and Tier-2 cities, making urban mobility faster and more economically affordable for low- and middle-income groups. The Ministry further stated that despite the rapid expansion of metro and suburban rail services, no fare hike has been implemented so far by the government, reflecting its concern for low- and middle-class commuters. Speaking to this newspaper on Wednesday, an official at the Ministry said that Indias metro network has grown exponentially from just 248 km across five cities in 2014 to 1,090 km in 2025, spanning 26 cities- both metro and Tier-2. This represents a remarkable 340% growth over the past decade. He said that metro expansion has taken place not only in major cities but also in Tier-2 cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Kanpur, Nagpur, Pune, Surat, Agra, Lucknow, Jaipur and Kochi. He added that metro services were operational over just 27 km in 2002, which increased to 50 km in 2004, 101 km in 2009, 249 km in 2014, 647 km in 2019, 945 km in 2024 and 1,090 km in 2025. According to the official, the commissioning of metro lines has increased nine times compared to pre-2014 rates, with the aim of accelerating urban transport infrastructure under the NDA government. Highlighting the work done on metro and suburban rail services during the current NDA government, the official said that urban mobility has been made affordable and efficient, with metro travel costing 5060% less per passenger-km than private vehicles. He said this has significantly reduced daily commuting costs and eased traffic congestion on roads. Citing figures, the official further added that affordable fare slabs, typically ranging between Rs 20 and Rs 60 at launch in cities such as Bhopal, demonstrate accessibility for low- and middle-income commuters. He further stated that average daily metro ridership across the country now stands at around 1.15 crore, which is four times higher than the 28 lakh daily ridership recorded in 2014.

Mob lynching: Kerala govt announces Rs 30 lakh aid to victims family

KOCHI, Dec 24 : Kerala government on Wednesday announced financial assistance of Rs 30 lakh to the family of Chhattisgarh native Ramnarayan, who was killed in an alleged mob lynching incident near Walayar in the northern Palakkad district. Addressing a press conference here, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said a Cabinet meeting decided to grant the aid to the family of Ramnarayan, from the Chief Ministers Distress Relief Fund. Of the total Rs 30 lakh being granted, Rs five lakh each [] The post Mob lynching: Kerala govt announces Rs 30 lakh aid to victims family appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

London-Based Odia Diaspora Sweta Mohanty and ParthaSarathi Panda Champion Modi 3.0 Art Exhibition

KOCHI, Dec 24 : A remarkable exhibition titled Modi 3.0 was inaugurated last evening at the Nehru Centre in Londonoften regarded as one of the worlds leading hubs for artfeaturing works by talented artists who travelled from India specifically to showcase their creations. The title itself reflects the inspiration behind the exhibition, as the artists collectively captured the prevailing sentiment of India and Indians across the worldone defined by confidence, optimism, and pride in the nations progress. Through diverse styles [] The post London-Based Odia Diaspora Sweta Mohanty and ParthaSarathi Panda Champion Modi 3.0 Art Exhibition appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

IUML to get one-year term for Deputy Mayors post in Kochi Corporation

DDMA temporarily shuts 12 shops at Mather Bazaar in Kochi for flouting safety norms

Big Tree Fest adds glow to Fort Kochi's year-end verve

Time slows down in Fort Kochi every December. There is always something special about the Christmas - New Year season in this nook of the world. Its not just about the old-world charm and colonial hangover the place is known for. The special vibe comes from the communitys warmth and camaraderie. And at the centre of this stands a 400-year-old rain tree at Veli Ground. Gathering around this tree during festivities has been an age-old tradition. Over time, however, this tradition has evolved into whats called the Big Tree Festival. A celebration rooted in memories of the neighbourhood. Held annually from December 23 to January 1, the festival has grown into one of Fort Kochis most anticipated year end events, drawing thousands of people. Its beginnings, however, were modest. As they say, Christmas in Fort Kochi is not assembled overnight. In 1999, a group of teenagers who spent most evenings playing cricket at the ground wondered why their neighbourhood did not have a communal Christmas tree. That casual chit-chat after a match spurred the idea of a community-led celebration. Those teenagers united by sports evolved into a collective identity when three local clubs Sparks, Eagles and Sharjah came together to form SES Kochi, which was later renamed Knights United. For the past 25 years, the group has been organising the Big Tree Festival. Members of the group say they view the tree as a local matriarch. We protect and care for the tree throughout the year, says Swaraj T R, secretary of Knights United. Several other trees in the area have fallen due to neglect. But this one remains firmly rooted. The initial concept of the tree fest was to have a homely gathering of residents, says Sanoj P S, president of Knights United. People would get together and share their food and joy of Christmas until the New Year, he recalls. The scene, however, changed with social media. Now domestic and foreign tourists throng the tree festival. As part of this years celebration, the tree is now adorned with claybells, ball string lights, about 1,800 LED strips, and a 40kg neon star. The festival experience extends beyond the tree. A 350m stretch of road leading to the Veli Ground is lined with arches, stars and festive hangings, turning the approach itself into part of the celebration. We must thank Nixon Jose Antony a brother to the group whose encouragement during the early years helped us sustain the effort. He is now a police officer, but continues to guide in spirit, says Sanoj. The festival has no business motives, he adds. Members of Knights United including daily wagers do the decorations by taking leave from their jobs. We dont have any big title sponsors or funders. Its a typical middle-class festival for middle-class people. The lights on ceremony will be held on Christmas day, with actor Soubin Shahir, and local socio-political figures expected to be in attendance. Cultural programmes will be held on a daily basis, culminating in New Year celebrations on January 1. The organisers urge visitors to park vehicles at least 100m away from the venue to avoid congestion in the neighbourhood.

Internal dissent within Congress over selection of Kochi mayor candidate intensifies

KPCC general secretary and two-time councillor Deepthi Mary Varghese alleges selection process discrepancies

Septuagenarian scripts history, wins powerlifting gold at Asian tourney

KOCHI: In a performance that defied his age, K K Velayudhan has scripted history by winning gold at the Asian Masters Classic Powerlifting Championship held in Istanbul, Turkey. The 71-year-old, who hails from Muttikulangara in Palakkad, won the precious metal in the 59kg category at the championship, which took place from December 1 to 10. It is indeed very special to win. Its been a dream I harboured for a long time. Im thrilled to have finally achieved it, Velayudhan told TNIE. With the gold-winning performance, he also bagged the Best Lifter title, much to the astonishment of many in the audience. To win this rare title, one has to get at least two of three lifts in each of the three categories perfect. Velayudhan sir did that effortlessly, said Afsal Fakrudeen, part of his support staff. Yet another distinction is the fact that this title was won across three Master categories i.e. age 41 and upwards. It is no small feat, Afsal stressed. Indeed, the win has drawn attention from both within and outside the Indian sporting community, particularly at the masters level. A former weightlifter from the 1980s, it was only three years ago that the septuagenarian started rigorous practice. I had to take a break of nearly four decades to take care of my family, my children. My priority until now was my wife, my three daughters, and their futures. So my ambitions in sports had to take a backseat, he recalled.w Now, he is preparing for the World Powerlifting Championship to be held in the UAE in June 2026. I became a sportsperson in my 20s. Now, in my 70s, I want to remain a sportsperson. My journey goes forward, and as do my ambitions, Velayudhan said.

New UDF associates Anvar & Janu meet Satheesan, praise leadership

KOCHI: Letting bygones be bygones, past fire-breathing accusations melted into broad smiles on Tuesday, as Opposition Leader V D Satheesan and All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) leader P V Anvar publicly reaffirmed their political camaraderie, by draping each other in tricolour shawls. Underscoring the strength of new associate members joining the UDF fold, the event was attended by Janadhipathya Rashtriya Sabha (JRS) leader C K Janu. Satheesan ceremonially presented shawls to Janu also, and to the new mayor-designate and introduced the Kochi Corporations new leadership to the alliances associate party leaders. Speaking to reporters at the Government Guest House in Kochi after the meeting, both Anvar and Janu praised the UDF and its leadership, and assured that they would stand firmly with the alliance. I am here to meet the Opposition leader, and it was important for me to express our gratitude. I am in a fight against Pinarayism, and I will continue with that. The question of contesting seats does not arise now. The UDF leadership will decide whether I should contest or not, said Anvar. He added that even if the UDF asks him to take part in the election campaign across all 140 constituencies, he would do so wholeheartedly. Janu said the UDF is the only political front that embraces all sections of society and functions in a truly democratic manner. Within the UDF, there is democratic decency and a space where every voice is heard. Over the past nine years, we received neither consideration nor a hearing within the NDA alliance, she said. She stated that the scars of the Muthanga incident have never faded and that she speaks about it wherever she goes. Yet, the UDF is the only alliance capable of politically uplifting communities that are treated as backward, Janu added.

For these women of the cloth, creativity is cloak of visibility

KOCHI: Creativity and faith are both a calling that can come together in the artistic process. Nuns who embody this union may be considered rather rare to come by. But, then, there are those in the habit of overturning popular perception. Sr Lismys journey as a cinematographer began in the silence of her Congregation of the Mother of Carmel (CMC) convent. It was a chance encounter with a simple camera that stirred to life an interest. My superiors at the CMC Nirmala Province in Thrissur supported my desire to pursue academic training in media: a bachelors and masters in journalism and mass communication, and a diploma in cinematography and editing, says Sr Lismy, who took her vows in 2007. She began by shooting music videos for religious retreats. It later evolved into a full-fledged ministry. Now, I work as a freelance filmmaker and also manage a digital recording studio that produces Christian devotional music, documentaries, short films, and inspirational reels, she adds. Over the years, Sr Lismy has directed nearly 300 music videos, 35 documentaries, numerous short films, and reels. My first music video was born during a retreat. The moment lit a fire in me, not just creatively but spiritually, she says. Listing the projects close to her heart, Sr Lismy says Nanmayude Sugandham (The Fragrance of Virtue) tells the story of individuals who endure profound suffering, yet live with hope and dignity. Another work, Pidakkozhi (The Hen), a true story of redemption, received the 2024 Phoenix Film Award. These are not just productions; they are encounters with grace, she points out. Today, her content reaches global audiences through platforms such as Nirmala Media TSR and Camera Nun YouTube channels, the Sr Lismy CMC Instagram and Facebook profiles, and several other collaborative YouTube channels. Together, these platforms have had over 7.78 million views. According to Sr Lismy, cinematography may seem unconventional for a nun. But I believe that art, when guided by faith, becomes a ministry, she adds. She began with a small Sony camera, with the outdoors her studio. Now she operates from her recording space, Nirmala Media Digital Recording Studio. For Sr Roswin CMC, being a nun made it possible to find the artist in her. The habit gave me the freedom to express my art. My life as a religious person instilled in me discipline through prayer and meditation. And this, in turn, helped me refine my artistic expression, says the member of the Mary Matha Provincial House, in Vengoor, Ernakulam. For Sr Roswin aka Sr Malu Joy art runs in her blood. Watching her father paint and create magic by designing gardens got her hooked from childhood. She joined the convent after completing SSLC. It was here that Sr Roswins destiny as an artist began to take shape. During Covid, I painted biblical scenes and lettering on the convent walls. Impressed with my work, the mother superior got me admitted to RLV College Tripunithura, where I was able to hone my skills, recounts Sr Roswin. And now her creations rub shoulders with those of artists from all over the world at the sixth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. She is the first nun to be part of the event. Sr Roswin draws inspiration from the elderly nuns and visitors at the convent. My works dont idealise. I try to render my subjects as imperfect, fragile humans, who bear the marks of labour, time and resilience, she adds. From using waste paper as a canvas and the sidewalk as an exhibition venue during her student years, to expanding the contours of her drawings with notations gleaned from conversations with her subjects, Sr Roswin has come a long way.

Vinayakan suffers shoulder injury during 'Aadu 3' shoot

Actor Vinayakan sustained a shoulder bone injury during the 'Aadu 3' shoot in Kochi, requiring six weeks of rest. Filming for the epic fantasy, directed by Midhun Manuel Thomas, is paused as the team awaits his recovery. The highly anticipated film reunites stars like Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, and Indrans, with potential time travel elements.

Congress picks V.K. Minimol, Shiny Mathew for split mayoral term in Kochi Corpn.

In a first, Ernakulam district-level hospital performs heart transplant; Nepal woman gets new life

KOCHI/TPURAM : In a landmark moment for Indias public healthcare, the Ernakulam General Hospital (GH), performed a heart transplant on a Nepalese woman on Monday, marking the first time a district-level government hospital in the country has undertaken such complex procedures. Durga Kaami, a 22-year-old woman from Nepal, received the heart of Shibu, 46, a Kollam resident who was declared brain dead on December 21 following a road accident. After his family comprising mother Shakunthala and siblings Shiji S and Saleev S consented to organ donation, the heart was airlifted from Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College (GMC) and brought to Ernakulam by noon. The surgery was led by the GHs cardiothoracic surgeon Dr George Vallooran. Durga, who suffered from a rare genetic heart condition since childhood, was under the care of cardiologist Dr Paul Thomas at the hospital. The procedure was completed by evening, and Durga was shifted to the ICU. The development has set a new benchmark for district hospitals across the country, highlighting Keralas advances in organ transplantation and equitable healthcare access, officials said. Shibu gifts life to six people; 22nd cadaver donation coordinated by K-SOTTO this year This is a proud moment not just for the hospital, but for the entire public health system, said a source with the hospital. Though Durgas family had registered with the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO) eight months ago, she was initially excluded from the priority list for organ allocation as she is not an Indian citizen.Her family moved the Kerala High Court. Based on the courts order in November, Durga was included in the list, said Dr Shahirshah, superintendent of Ernakulam GH. Having lost her mother and sister to the same condition, Durga had been staying at an orphanage with her brother. Owing to the high medical expenses in Nepal, the siblings came to Kerala for her treatment with the support of a Keralite who runs the orphanage. Meanwhile, Shibu was also instrumental in giving a lease of life to six others. One of his kidneys was transplanted at Thiruvananthapuram GMC and the other at Kollam Travancore Medical College. His liver was donated to Thiruvananthapuram KIMS Hospital, while two corneas were given to patients at the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology. In addition, Shibus skin was handed over to the Skin Bank at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College. Shibu, who worked at a hotel in Kazhakkoottam, suffered serious injuries in an accident on December 14 at Mookattukunnu in Kollam. On December 21, doctors at Thiruvananthapuram GMC confirmed brain death. Health Minister Veena George expressed gratitude to Shibus family for their decision to donate organs despite their grief and conveyed her condolences. Incidentally, this was also the 22nd cadaver donation coordinated by K-SOTTO this year, the highest in nine years.

Sabarimala gold theft row: New doubts rise as jeweller claims he donated gold plate door in 2019

KOCHI: At a time when former presidents of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) are facing a probe into the alleged disappearance of gold from the Sabarimala temple, Govardhan, a jeweller from Ballari arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT), has claimed that the newly gold-plated door frame was donated by him in June 2019. He stated that he donated 184g of gold, valued approximately at Rs 9 lakh. UB Group chairman Vijay Mallya had sponsored the gold cladding of the temple, including the roof, pillars, inscriptions, dwarapalakas, and doors,in 1999. The disclosures made in Govardhans bail plea, filed before the High Court on Monday, have added to suspicions that the original doors and frames were replaced with gold-plated frames in 2019. According to Govardhan, the door frame was handed over to Unnikrishnan Potti to be taken to Sabarimala. He later returned to Ballari and subsequently visited Sabarimala to attend the poojas and the assembly of the door frame. The bail plea also stated that there was no pecuniary loss to the TDB, as the entire gold obtained from Smart Creations was returned in full to the Board in 2019. Despite this, when the SIT visited his shop and residence in Ballari on October 24, they forcefully seized 474.970g of 24-carat imported gold, valued at Rs 59,40,449.79. Govardhan further claimed that a total of Rs 1.40 crore was spent by him on poojas, offerings, donations, and the gold seized by the SIT. The bail petition was filed through senior advocate P Vijayabhanu and advocate Thomas J Anakkallunkal. According to the petition, Govardhan became acquainted with Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused in the case, in 2007. Subsequently, at Pottis instance, he made several donations to Sabarimala. By the end of 2018, Potti informed him that the Sreekovil main door was proposed to be replaced and asked whether he would like to sponsor it. Considering it a rare honour and privilege, Govardhan agreed. The gold-plating work was carried out at Smart Creations, Ambattur Industrial Estate, Chennai. He stated that he incurred approximately Rs 35 lakh towards the entire project, including procurement, labour, and transportation. Govardhan further submitted that after the completion of the dwarapalaka work in September 2019, he was informed by Pankaj, managing director of Smart Creations, or by Unnikrishnan Potti, that 474.97g of gold extracted from the cladding remained at Smart Creations. He then arranged to collect the gold through Kalpesh, an employee of Shenky, owner of Shri Kalikund Jewellers, Chennai, who handed over the gold to him in Ballari. At the relevant time, gold was valued at about Rs 14,97,288, calculated at approximatelyRs 3,120 per gram for 22-carat gold. As directed by Unnikrishnan Potti, the amount was remitted through demand drafts in favour of the executive officer, Sabarimala, Sree Dharmasastha Annadhana Trust. The court will hear the bail plea on Tuesday, December 23.

In a little-known Ernakulam shrine rests relic of the real-life Santa

KOCHI: As the Yuletide spirit fills the air, posters, cutouts and dolls of Santa Claus crop up everywhere, heralding the season of love and sharing. However, not many may know that Santa, the most popular symbol of Christmas, is inspired from and modelled after St Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop from Myra in ancient Turkey known for his generosity and secret gift-giving. Some may find it hard to believe that the real-life Santa has a Kerala connection. For more than a century, Pampakuda, a sleepy village located 35 km away from Ernakulam, has been home to a relic of St Nicholas. Barring residents, not many are aware the modest wayside shrine at Pampakuda in front of St Johns Ephesus Orthodox Church is home to six priceless relics, one of which is a fragment of the remains of St Nicholas. The other sacred relics, all kept in metal reliquaries inside a wooden case at the shrine, are stone fragments from the Milk Grotto Chapel in Bethlehem where the Blessed Virgin is believed to have breastfed the Child Jesus, a glossopetrae (a fossil) fragment related to St Paul the Apostle, and relics of St Kuriakose, a fourth-century child martyr, St George, a third-century martyr, and St Shmuel, the founder of Qartmin Monastery in Turkey. It was another saint who brought the remains to this village in the 1890s, said Fr Johns Abraham Konat, the vicar of St Johns Church and principal secretary to Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, the head of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. St Geevarghese Mar Gregorios aka Parumala Thirumeni brought the relics to Pampakuda after visiting the Holy Land in 1895, he said. The reliquary containing the relic | Express Hardly anyone knows about the relics outside the hamlet He wished to gift them to his tutor, Konat Geevarghese Malpan, said Fr Konat. Upon knowing his beloved guru had passed away while he was overseas, Saint Gregorios gifted the relics to Fr Konat Mathen, who was the Malpan (teacher) then. My grandfather, Konat Mathen Malpan, was instrumental in enshrining the relics near the wayside cross. said Fr Konat whose family had several illustrious Syriac scholars. Fr Konat explained that the relics were gifted to St Gregorios by the Metropolitan of Jerusalem when he visited the historic Church of St Mark. Though St Nicholas, who is known as Mor Zokhe in Syriac Orthodox tradition, remains pretty much obscure among Malankara Orthodox believers, the Church liturgically commemorates him on December 6. The shrine is frequented by believers, including non-Christians, who seek the intercession of St Nicholas and the other saints. However, outside the hamlet, hardly anyone knows about the relics, he said. Today, the bulk of the relics of St Nicholas rests in Bari in Italy, though fragments of his bones are kept in churches across Europe. During Reformation, devotion to St Nicholas waned in Protestant countries except in the Netherlands, where his legends lingered. When Dutch colonists migrated to the American colonies in the 17th century, they took with them stories of Sinterklaas, a Dutch variant of St Nicholas, and thus arose the figure of Santa Claus.

Actor Chacko gets clean chit in drugs case

Kochi police have dropped drug charges against actor Shine Tom Chacko and a co-accused after forensic reports confirmed no narcotic substances were found. The case, which gained attention in April following a hotel raid where the actor allegedly jumped into a pool to evade police, has now concluded with clean chits for both individuals.

Congress core committee yet to reach consensus on mayoral candidate in Kochi Corporation

The core committee comprises of UDF chairman Dominic Presentation, District Congress Committee president Mohammed Shiyas, and senior leader N. Venugopal

Two tanks within Kochi Corporation limits need urgent intervention, says KWA

The assessment was done in the wake of the recent incident at Thammanam, where a 1.35-crore-litre water tank burst, leading to water supply disruption and causing significant damage to nearby properties

UDF strengthens Assembly poll push; inducts C K Janu, P V Anvar as associate members

KOCHI: Buoyed by its decisive local body election victory, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has moved swiftly to widen its political base, inducting P V Anvars Trinamool Congress and C K Janus Janadhipathya Rashtriya Sabha as associate members . The decision was taken at a high-level UDF leadership meeting held in Kochi on Monday, signalling an early and aggressive build-up to the Assembly elections. Along with Anvar and Janu, Vishnupuram Chandrasekharan of Kamraj Congress was also granted associate membership. Leader of the Opposition and UDF chairman V D Satheeshan said the induction was aimed at consolidating the UDFs presence in specific regions where the new entrants have a strong grassroots base. Kerala local body poll results: Polarisation helped UDF surge, says Congress core panel These parties approached us seeking to work with the UDF. Tinfluence in particular areas and communities. As associate members, they will strengthen the UDF in the upcoming Assembly elections, Satheeshan said, making it clear that the move was strategic rather than symbolic. Both Janadhipathya Rashtriya Sabha, led by C K Janu, and Vishnupuram Chandrasekharans Kamraj Congress were earlier part of the NDA. However, the UDF leadership underlined that associate membership does not amount to permanent induction into the Front. Satheeshan also sought to put to rest speculation about wider realignments, including a possible return of Kerala Congress (M). We have not authorised anyone to hold talks with parties that left the UDF earlier. That said, our doors are not closed. Anyone willing to work with the UDF and accept its politics can approach us, he said, adding that many former Left supporters were already gravitating towards the UDF, disillusioned with what he described as the LDFs rightward drift. The meeting was attended by key constituents of the front, including IUML leaders P K Kunhalikutty and P M A Salam, Kerala Congress (Joseph) chairman P J Joseph, RSP leaders Shibu Baby John and N K Premachandran, CMP leader C P John, KPCC president Sunny Joseph, former KPCC president K Sudhakaran, and UDF convenor Adoor Prakash. UDF begins Assembly election preparations. With the organisational expansion in place, the UDF has formally kicked off its Assembly election preparations. Satheeshan said the front is targeting at least 100 seats, with seat-sharing talks to be completed by January 15. A major rally under his leadership is planned for the first week of February to unveil the UDF manifesto, which is being drafted with inputs from sectoral experts. The CPM has neither accepted its local body defeat nor corrected its course. That only strengthens our case, Satheeshan said, striking a confident note as the UDF shifts decisively into election mode. Anti-govt sentiments aided UDF, led to drop in NDA vote share, feels BJP

P Poulose, member of Keralas historic 1973 Santosh Trophy side, no more

KOCHI: P Poulose, a member of the Kerala football team that lifted the Santosh Trophy for the first time in 1973, passed away on Monday. He was 76. A native of Aluva, Poulose was the youngest member of the title-winning 26-man squad. They beat Railways 3-2 in the final held at the Maharajas College grounds in Kochi on December 27, 1973. Pouloses football journey began at St Marys High School, Aluva, where his early promise earned him a place in the Kerala junior team. Later, he represented Calicut University, playing a key role in its national inter-university championship triumph in the 1971-72 season. A left-wing-back player, Poulose went on to represent Kerala in the Santosh Trophy for eight years and captained the side in 1979. At the club level, he played for Kerala Premier Tyres. Even after hanging up his boots, Poulose remained deeply involved with the game. He served in an administrative capacity for nearly four decades as secretary of the Ernakulam District Football Association for 12 years and, later, as senior vice-president of the Kerala Football Association. In 1993, he returned to the Santosh Trophy arena as assistant manager of the Kerala team. This campaign once again ended with the trophy coming home. Poulose is the 13th member of the TKS Mani-led 1973 title-winning squad to pass away. With this, another link to Kerala football's golden chapter is lost.

Ernakulam General Hospital set to perform heart transplant on Nepalese woman

KOCHI: In a landmark moment for public healthcare in India, the Ernakulam General Hospital is set to perform a heart transplant for a Nepalese woman on Monday. This is the first time a district-level government hospital undertakes such complex procedure. The recipient is 21-year-old Durga Kaami, a native of Nepal, who has been battling a rare genetic heart condition since childhood. She will receive the heart of Shibu, a Kollam native who was declared brain-dead following a road accident. Durgas family had registered with the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO) eight months ago. However, as she is not an Indian citizen, she was initially excluded from the priority list for organ allocation. The family later approached the Kerala High Court, which, in a crucial intervention last month, directed that she be included in the list. Based on the High Courts order issued in November, Durga was included in the priority list. When a matching donor became available, we were able to proceed with the transplant and save her life, said Dr Shahirshah, Superintendent of Ernakulam General Hospital. Apart from the heart, Shibus kidneys, liver, eyes and skin have also been donated, benefiting multiple recipients. The heart and liver were airlifted from Thiruvananthapuram and are expected to reach Ernakulam by this afternoon. The transplant surgery will be led by cardiothoracic surgeon Dr George Vallooran, with Durga having been under the care of cardiologist Dr Paul Thomas at the hospital. The entire team is fully prepared. This is a proud moment not just for the hospital, but for the public health system as a whole, Dr Shahirshah said. The successful completion of the transplant is expected to set a new benchmark for district hospitals across the country, highlighting Keralas advances in organ transplantation and equitable healthcare access, officials said.

Forensic report clears actor Shine Tom Chacko of drug use charges

The drug case was registered after Shine Tom Chacko created quite a stir by fleeing a hotel in Kochi during a raid conducted by District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force in April

Amid mourning and recollections, Sreenivasan committed to memory

KOCHI: Sreenivasan s residence in Kandanad, near Tripunithura, swarmed with mourners from Sunday morning as people from the movie industry and fans gathered in their thousands to pay their last respects to the veteran actor and writer who passed away on Saturday. Among those who paid tributes was Tamil actor Suriya, who travelled from Chennai to visit the family. I am a fan of Sreeni sir. I have followed his work, his writings, and his contributions. I pray for his soul, Suriya told reporters. Actor Jagadish, who had worked with Sreenivasan on several films, recalled Sreenivasan writing the script to his second film, Odaruthammava Aalariyam. That is when our friendship began. For me, he was a friend, brother, and mentor. Sreeni is a writer who raised the standards of humour inMalayalam cinema, he said after paying last respects. There were emotional scenes when the body was taken to the pyre, as family members, friends and co-artists broke into tears. Following prayers and rituals, filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad, a close friend and collaborator, placed a pen and paper on Sreenivasans body to mark his contributions as a writer. The last rites were performed with a police guard of honour around noon on the premises of the family residence. One of the most influential writers in Malayalam cinema, Sreenivasan had been suffering from health issues for several years. He was being taken for dialysis to a private hospital in Kochi when his condition worsened. The 69-year-old was immediately moved to the Tripunithura Taluk Hospital, where he breathed his last. Director Sathyan Anthikad consoles Dhyan Sreenivasan who broke down during the funeral service of his father Prominent movie personalities including Prithviraj, Mukesh, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Renji Panicker and Rajasenan, political leaders M V Govindan, V D Satheesan, and Ramesh Chennithala paid their last respects. At a commemorative meeting held later in the day, minister P Prasad, Sathyan Anthikad, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswom, actor-politician Mukesh, and representatives of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) remembered Sreenivasans legacy. Suriya pays tribute Among those who paid tributes was Tamil actor Suriya, who travelled from Chennai to visit the family. I am a fan of Sreeni sir. I have followed his work, his writings, and his contributions. I pray for his soul, Suriya told reporters

Cashing in! UPI transactions soar as Keralas digital aspirations take flight

KOCHI: Its a digi-tell all! In a clear pivot from cash, Kerala is increasingly taking to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) figures reveal that 444.9 million UPI transactions were processed in the state in November, marking a 29.6% year-on-year increase. The value of these transactions rose 28.6% to `59,793 crore. Per capita usage climbed to 12.7 transactions a month, up from 9.8 a year earlier, indicating not just wider adoption but also more frequent use. Over the past three years, rising merchant acceptance, expanding smartphone penetration and a sustained, state-supported push towards cashless behaviour have together reshaped everyday money interactions in Kerala. The states performance mirrors a broader national surge. An NPCI-Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report released at the Global Fintech Festival 2025 highlights the scale of UPIs expansion across India. As of August, the country had 504 million unique UPI users nearly half of the adult population and close to 65 million merchants accepting UPI payments. UPI now accounts for 84% of all digital retail payments, with monthly transaction run rates 34% higher than a year ago. Within this nationwide expansion, Kerala contributes around 4% of Indias total UPI transaction volumes, placing it between ninth and eleventh nationally, depending on the month. Larger states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu continue to dominate the top tier with double-digit share of the pie. In several pockets, UPI is already the default mode. In others, adoption is rising sharply, said Indraneel Ajitkumar Pandit, executive vice-president and chief digital officer, Federal Bank. Kerala stands out for its exceptional engagement among senior citizens, with digital literacy among the elderly reaching near-universal levels through systematic campaigns, he added. UPI-first state ESAF Small Finance Bank executive director George K John described Kerala as a true UPI-first state, citing women-led digital participation through Kudumbashree networks, senior-citizen digital literacy initiatives and near-universal merchant QR code adoption as defining features. In urban centres such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Thrissur, UPI penetration is close to universal, especially for small-ticket payments across retail, transport, healthcare, hospitality and education. Merchant acceptance is extremely high, with even micro-merchants routinely using QR codes, he pointed out. According to Madhavankutty G, chief economist, Canara Bank, Keralas broader socio-economic profile also plays a role. It is a state with a high degree of consumerism. Banking penetration is very high, implying the number of bank accounts per capita is well above the national average, he said. High levels of urbanisation and internet penetration further support digital payments, while the large migrant workforce using UPI to send money to home states adds to transaction volumes, he added. Indraneel also pointed to the growing link between digital payments and credit growth. Studies show that business loan growth has a strong correlation with UPI adoption. Districts recording over 100% UPI growth reported a 4.2 times higher CAGR in business loans, he said. EMI collections and debt repayments through UPI have doubled over the past two years, underlining the rise of high-value and recurring transactions on the platform.

Bansuri workshop in Kochi from December 23

Kerala HC sets aside Sabarimala airport land acquisition process

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has set aside crucial stages of the land acquisition process for the proposed Sabarimala greenfield airport, holding that the state failed to properly assess the minimum land actually required for the project. On December 30, 2022, the state government issued an order granting sanction for the acquisition of 2,570 acres 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 .

Kochi-Kottayam NH corridor: NHAI directed to study feasiblility

KOCHI: In a significant move towards modernising Keralas road infrastructure, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to evaluate a proposed National Highway corridor connecting Kottayam and Kochi, with a strategic link to the upcoming Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass. The decision follows a draft report earlier submitted by Kottayam MP Adv K Francis George, highlighting the urgent need for a high-speed alternative to the heavily congested existing routes. The minister promised that the NHAI will conduct a feasibility study for the proposed corridor. To minimise environmental impact and social displacement, the proposal emphasises elevated corridors over agricultural zones (paddy fields) to protect natural water flow and farming. Gadkari told me that a direction to this effect has been handed over to the NHAI, Francis told TNIE . The draft proposal outlines a 60-km greenfield spur road designed to alleviate the massive traffic volume between Kottayam and Kochi, which currently exceeds 90,000 Passenger Car Units (PCUs) daily. The starting point of the corridor is planned at Mulankuzha near Kottayam on NH 183. The route will pass through the tourism and agricultural hubs of Kumarakom and Vaikom. It will reach Tripunithura, where it is slated to connect with the Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass. By linking directly to the Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass, the corridor will effectively provide a high-speed connection from central Travancore to the Cochin International Airport and the northern stretches of NH 544. Currently, the journey from Kottayam to Tripunithura via traditional routes takes approximately 2.5 hours during peak times. The new corridor is expected to slash this travel time to just one hour.

At 72, this Karnataka woman is racing against her age

SHIVAMOGGA: Age is just a number for B Manjamma, a 72-year-old athlete from Shivamogga. She won a gold medal in the 400m run at the 23rd Asian Masters Athletics Championship in Chennai recently. She is a perfect example of the adage, Talent never fails or has an expiry date. She has won 110 medals in all, at the state, national and international level after taking to athletics just seven years ago. Manjamma retired as lady health visitor (LHV) and in-charge nursing officer at the district health officers office in 2013 after 36 years of service. Her husband HT Devaraj, who was from Kodagu and worked at the Karnataka Handloom and Woolen Society, passed away in 2013. The loss pushed her into a deep depression. Trying to pull herself out of the dark mental hole, she started jogging in 2018 when she was 65. Since then, she has been taking part in district, state, national and international events. My 27-year-old daughter Varshini Das, a doctor in Bengaluru, is behind my achievements. She has been supporting and motivating me all these years. I also have friends supporting me and appreciating my sportsman spirit even at the age of 72. Sports associations of Mysuru and Mangaluru motivate me by inviting me to their events, she told TNSE. Sports and games improve physical and mental health. They help people, especially the elderly, to be active and attentive. Yoga, walking, meditation and sports are all essential part of this, she said. She bagged the first prize in shot put at an athletics meet in 2018 for the first time. This prompted me to continue my sports journey, she added. There is no age limit to explore your talents and skills. One must gain confidence, which will help achieve greater things. Nothing is impossible, she said. Apart from the district-level track and field events, Manjamma represented the state in Nasik, Hyderabad, Goa, Pune and Kochi. She also attended international events in Brunei, Sri Lanka Master Athletics International, South Asia Tournament in Mangaluru and South India Tournament in Udupi. Keeping herself sprightly even at this age, she had a message for the younger generation, Youngsters should keep their body and mind active. They should avoid sleeping late and eating junk food, adopt a healthy lifestyle and keep obesity at bay. They should jog, walk, meditate, practice yoga and play games to keep themselves fit. Such activities help them concentrate on academics too. This ever-enthusiastic late bloomer said, Earlier, I used to participate only in 100m and 200m races. But now, I take part in shot put, discus throw, 1 km walk, 60m race and javelin throw.

Thank you for Everything: Malayalis bid adieu to Sreenivasan

KOCHI: Sreenivasan enjoyed punctuating the tale with hearty amusement. Arriving in Thiruvananthapuram for what he believed was an acting assignment in a film by Priyadarshan, the twenty-something sought to know the nature of his role. The directors reply was blunt... as it was life-altering: There is no script. If Sreenivasan wanted to act, he would have to script it. With nothing to do back home, he stayed on the set and began writing. Both Priyadarshan and Sathyan Anthikad pushed me into the deep end of scriptwriting, he later said at an awards function, and I somehow stayed afloat without knowing how to swim. That reluctant plunge produced one of Malayalam cinemas most original voices. On Saturday, that voice fell silent. The veteran actor, screenwriter and filmmaker was 69. Ailing for long, Sreenivasan was being taken to Amrita Hospital for dialysis when his condition deteriorated. He was rushed to the Tripunithura Taluk Hospital, where he breathed his last. His cremation will be held at 10.30am on Sunday at his residence in Udayamperoor. Sreenivasans death draws the curtains on an era. Few artists chronicled the Malayali psyche with such wit, empathy and sting. Over nearly 48 years, he acted in more than 200 films and wrote screenplays that shaped the industrys golden years. His humour was never decorative; it was dissecting. With an almost journalistic eye, he teased out the hypocrisies embedded in everyday life political posturing, middle-class vanity and masculine insecurity rendering them funny, painful and recognisably human. Born on April 6, 1956, in Pattiam near Thalassery in Kannur district, Sreenivasan grew up in a modest household his father was a schoolteacher and mother a homemaker. Sreenivasan: The goat of satire Actors Mammootty and Mohanlal pay their respects to Sreenivasan at Town Hall in Kochi on Saturday. After his schooling in Kuthuparamba and Kadirur, he studied economics at PRNSS College, Mattanur, before training formally at the Tamil Nadu Government MGR Film and Television Institute, Chennai. He made his acting debut in Manimuzhakkam (1976), directed by P A Backer, and his first lead appearance was in Sanghaganam (1979), also by Backer. But it was writing that unlocked Sreenivasans true range. His debut screenplay, Odaruthammava Aalariyam (1984), announced a new idiom irreverent, observant and unafraid of puncturing social sanctimony. The mid-1980s to early 1990s marked his creative peak, when his writing, often in collaboration with Sathyan Anthikad, produced a string of enduring films including Gandhinagar 2nd Street, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Varavelpu, Thalayanamanthram and the immortal Nadodikkattu. Blending humour with social insight, these films, most of which were anchored by Mohanlal, translated middle-class anxieties into movie lore with Nadodikkattu and its sequels attaining cult status and embedding their characters and dialogues deep in Keralas public memory. No film captures Sreenivasans political bite better than Sandesam (1991). A searing satire on over-politicisation, it framed Keralas bipolar politics within the confines of a family home. Polandine kurichu oraksharam mindaruthu! Dont you utter a word about Poland! his retort to Jayarams character remains lodged in the Malayali collective memory three decades on. The joke endures because the truth it skewers still stands. Sandesham earned him the Kerala State Film Award for best story and the status of Malayalam cinemas most influential political satire. As a filmmaker, he was equally incisive. Vadakkunokkiyantram (1989), which he scripted and directed, anatomised male insecurity and patriarchy with rare tenderness and landed him the state award for best film. Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998) explored marital alienation and emotional estrangement, winning the national award for best film on other social issues. In these works, Sreenivasan turned the camera inward, exposing the fragile ego of the typical Malayali man he knew so well. Even as the industry changed, he adapted without blunting his edge. Udayananu Tharam, Katha Parayumpol and Njan Prakashan reintroduced his social satire to a new generation. Njan Prakashan went on to become among Malayalam cinemas highest-grossing films. As an actor, restraint was his strength he played the flawed common man with authenticity, allowing silences to speak as loudly as punch lines. Sreenivasan wore his career accolades lightly. What mattered was the work: Stories that laughed at power, and questioned piety and social mores. He is survived by his wife, Vimala, and sons Vineeth and Dhyan, both established figures in the industry. As his body was kept at Ernakulam Town Hall, the crowds that came to pay their respects reflected on the breadth of Sreenivasans reach from political leaders to ordinary film lovers who saw themselves in his characters. For nearly five decades, he gave voice to the anxieties, contradictions and quiet dignity of the common Malayali. In losing him, Malayalam cinema has lost a storyteller who laughed with society, even as he held an unflinching mirror up to it. THE LEGEND OF SREENI In an illustrious career spanning nearly 48 years, Sreenivasan acted in more than 200 films, directed two movies and wrote screenplays that shaped the industrys golden years A champion of social satire and political criticism and creator of unadulterated humour, he mirrored the Malayali community, with all its vulnerabilities, pettiness, honesty or the lack of it through his scripts. Awards and accolades Sreenivasans directorial venture Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998) won the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues' Vadakkunokkiyantram (1989), which he scripted and directed, won him the Kerala state award for the best film He won the state award for best story for Sandesam (1991), and best screenplay for Mazhayethum Munpe (1995)

O special one! Hundreds pay tribute to Sreenivasan

KOCHI: Malayalam film industry came together on Saturday to pay rich tributes to actor, screenwriter, and director Sreenivasan, whose satirical films reshaped popular cinema. Fans, film lovers, artists and filmmakers gathered in their hundreds at the Town Hall in Kochi -- where his body was kept for public homage from 1 pm -- to pay their last respects to the actor-screenwriter whose films made generations laugh. The ceremony, which was scheduled to conclude by 3 pm, was extended to 3.30 pm. After visiting the grieving family at their residence in Udayamperoor, near Tripunithura, actor Mammootty came to see his friend for one final time. For Mohanlal, the loss was huge, for Dasans Vijayan had left. Though it was a painful moment, Mohanlal consoled Mammootty on his arrival.For more than an hour, the big Ms of the Malayalam film industry sat beside the departed artist, their Sreeni. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian and Minister for Industries P Rajeeve offered respects on behalf of the state government. At one corner, two childhood friends, Azeez and Rafeeq, were discussing Sreenivasans films. I watch Sandesam, Thalayana Manthram, Kilichundan Maambazham, Ponmuttayidunna Tharavu and other Sreenivasan films even now. These films are now available on YouTube. So I watch, Rafeeq told Azeez. The Kochi residents were regular moviegoers back in the 1980s and 1990s. We have watched most of his films in cinemas. His stories and characters are still there in our minds. But we rewatch them whenever possible. His characters were very relatable for us, Azeez added. In fact, almost everyone there had something special to share about his stories and films. For the industry, the passing of an artist who has contributed to the growth of Malayalam films is an irreparable loss. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan pays tribute on behalf of the state government at Ernakulam Town Hall on Saturday.

Sreenivasan exposed pretensions of Malayalis through his satirical movies

KOCHI: Born into a middle class family in Kannur, Sreenivasan had the opportunity to witness the absurd, farcical ideologies and the pretensions of lo cal-level leaders who tried to impose their progressive thoughts on society. The film Sandesam , a political satire written by Sreenivasan and directed by Sathyan Anthikkad in 1991, humorously depicts the clashes between two brothers supporting two ideologically different political parties. The movie remains relevant as it highlights how politics divides families and societies. The dialogues of Kumara Pillai, the ideological guru of the Left party, who makes a critical evaluation of the partys defeat in an election, still fills social media pages with trolls and memes during every election. The dialogue We allow inner party democracy. But you should not question our theoreticians. If you dont follow party discipline, we will teach you continue to resonate in the political sphere. Prabhakaran the politician who visits the house of a prospective bride for a pre-wedding meeting asks whether she is ready to work for the liberation of the working class. He says, The wife of a revolutionary should be ready to meet any consequence and should be ready to face bullets. Sreenivasan had the unique talent to present the trials and tribulations of the middle class families with a touch of humour. While Sandesam portrayed the dark side of factional politics and political rivalry, Varavelppu exposed how trade unions and bureaucracy are jeopardising the lives of youngsters who invest their lifetime savings to earn a livelihood. The story of Varavelppu , which portrays the miseries of a Gulf returnee who starts a bus service, is based on the life of his father. 'He came to play an orphan': Hero of Sreenivasans first film remembers him Sreenivasan held a mirror to society, exposing the pretensions, inferiority complex, and the struggles of the middle class Malayali. As a writer, he was well aware of his limitations and never hesitated to ridicule his own faults and appearance. For the common man, he was a neighbour who understood their struggles to stay afloat. His writing was simple and sharp in its criticism of the hypocrisy and hostility of politicians and the erosion of civility in society. In Vadakkunokkiyantram , he portrays the sense of insecurity and inferiority complex of an unattractive youth who gets married to a beautiful woman and fears that she may desert him. In Chinthavishtayaya Syamala , he plays the role of a school teacher who does not love his profession but searches for shortcuts to become wealthy. The character Vijayan Master is an atheist, but once he goes on a pilgrimage to Sabarimala, he turns an ascetic. When the family pleads with him to end the penance, he asks, Do you mean devotion is seasonal? Films written by him, like T P Balagopalanm MA, Gandhinagar Second Street, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Nadodikattu, Vellanakalude Nadu, Mukundetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu, and Pavam Pavam Rajakumaran, sketch the struggles of unemployed youth who continue to dream about a peaceful life while scrambling to face the harsh realities of life. In the film Anaval Mothiram , he plays the role of a lazy and coward police officer who becomes brave and reckless when a blood test reveals that he is suffering from leukemia. In Bhagyavan , directed by Suresh Unnithan and written by C Radhakriswhnan, Balu, the character portrayed by Sreenivasan, goes into hiding as people fight to get him as a guest. An astrologer says that Balu has a unique feature called labhya Labhyasree in his horoscope due to which his presence can bring good fortune to others. He has also characterised villain roles, like Appakkala of Thenmavin Kombathu , Moosa of Kaalapani , Maruthu of Oru Maravathur Kanavu , Bhargavan of Narendran Makan Jayakanthan Vaka , and Moideenkunju Haji of Kilichundan Mampazham . In Traffic and Passenger , he portrayed the roles of a commoner who turns hero in challenging situations.

Cultural resistance required to protect Constitution and democracy: Kerala CM

The Citizenship Amendment Act and the idea of One Nation, One Election are attempts to destroy federalism, the Chief Minister alleges in his inaugural address at the Indian Cultural Congress 2025, organised by the Department of Culture, in Kochi

Election campaign materials litter Kochi despite government circular, High Court directive

Circular issued by Local Self-Government dept. stated that if candidates/parties failed to comply, local body secretaries should remove the materials and cost collected from candidates

Cop who slapped pregnant woman suspended a year after the incident

A police inspector in Kerala was suspended a year after he pushed and slapped a pregnant woman inside a police station in Kochi, an incident that highlights police brutality and violence against women. Closer circuit television (CCTV) footage released online showed Inspector KG Prathap Chandra assaulting a pregnant woman inside the Ernakulam North police station 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 .

KBFs Art by Children initiative cultivating environment for art and creativity

Through ABC, the Kochi Biennale Foundation has been working to uplift communities including children, parents and art educators

Laughing through life: The enduring bond of Mohanlal and Sreenivasan

KOCHI: Vijaya, eda namukkentha ee budhi nerathe thonnathathu? The conversation between Dasan and Vijayan, played by Mohanlal and Sreenivasan in Nadodikkattu , remains popular and deeply relatable among Malayalee youngsters even after more than three decades. The line is so familiar to Malayalees that it invariably brings a smile. Through characters like Dasan and Vijayan, Mohanlal and Sreenivasan became the faces of a generation grappling with unemployment, migration dreams, and middle-class aspirations. The duo redefined male friendship on screen not as idealised camaraderie, but as something imperfect, marked by arguments, mistakes, and affection, much like real life. Their films made people laugh and think at the same time, which is why their bond continues to live on in the hearts of Malayali audiences. Off-screen too, Mohanlal and Sreenivasan shared a strong camaraderie. In the late 1980s and 1990s, they appeared together in several Malayalam films as friends, colleagues, and even employer and employee. Dasan and Vijayan of the Nadodikkattu trilogy Nadodikkattu (1987), Pattanapravesham (1988), and Akkare, Akkare, Akkare (1990) made audiences laugh while holding up a mirror to society. However, the actor-screenwriter was also a firm critic of Mohanlal, which eventually led to friction in their relationship. Earlier, while speaking to TNIE , Sreenivasan had said, Mohanlal is a complete actor. When asked about how the 2012 film Padmasree Bharat Dr Saroj Kumar affected their friendship, he replied, Even otherwise, our relationship was not that great. EXPRESS DIALOGUES | Todays politics has gone beyond satire:Sreenivasan Recently, at a private event organised by the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), the duo reunited on stage when Mohanlal presented Sreenivasan with an Ultimate Entertainer Award. Mohanlal embraced his old friend and kissed him, a moment that moved many in the audience. Sreenivasans son, Dhyan Sreenivasan, later acknowledged that there were issues in their friendship and that the split occurred after Saroj Kumar. He also said the differences intensified following the death of Prem Nazir when Sreenivasan planned to make a film with Mohanlal. Paying tribute to Sreenivasan, Mohanlal wrote on Facebook that he could not put their bond into words. Sreeni returned without saying goodbye. I dont know how to explain our bond. It was far beyond the definition of working together in films. On screen and in life, we travelled forever laughing, having fun, quarrelling, and reconciling just like Dasan and Vijayan, he wrote. The duo later appeared together again as friends in Chandralekha (1997), playing Appukuttan (Mohanlal) and Nooruddeen (Sreenivasan). Every Malayali shared the same bond with Sreeni. Every Malayali saw their own face in the characters he created. He portrayed pain, joy, and deprivation with rare honesty. Who else could express the dreams and broken dreams of the middle class like Sreeni? The characters we played together will live forever because of the magic of his writing. Dasan and Vijayan became real people for Malayalees because of Sreenis blessed talent. His creations reflected society a beloved soul who captured pain through laughter, Mohanlal wrote, remembering Sreenivasans immense contribution to Malayalam cinema. Together, the duo worked in more than 20 films, including Chitram (1988), Varavelpu (1989), Mukunthetta Sumitra Vilikkunnu (1988), Mithunam (1993), Kilichundan Mambazham (2003), and Udayananu Tharam (2005). Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, LoP VD Satheesan pay tributes to actor-filmmaker Sreenivasan

Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary demands greenfield expressway between Talapady in Dakshina Kannada and Karwar in Uttara Kannada

Raising the issue under Rule 377 in the Lok Sabha, the MP says existing four-lane Kochi-Panvel NH 66 has become highly congested resulting in accidents and fatalities

Actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker Sreenivasan who made Keralites laugh and reflect passes away

KOCHI: Veteran Malayalam actor, screenwriter, and filmmaker Sreenivasan passed away on Saturday at the Tripunithura Taluk Hospital in Kochi. He was 69. Suffering from prolonged health issues, Sreenivasan was being taken to Amrita Hospital for dialysis when his condition deteriorated on the way. He was rushed to the Tripunithura hospital, where he breathed his last. Sreenivasans death marks the end of an era in Malayalam cinema. Over a career spanning nearly 48 years, he emerged as one of the most influential creative voices in the industry, shaping popular cinema through sharp satire, humane storytelling, and socially rooted humour. He acted in more than 200 films and wrote screenplays for several landmark works that continue to define Malayalam cinemas golden years. Born on April 6, 1956, in Patyam near Thalassery in Kannur district, Sreenivasan grew up in a modest household. His father was a schoolteacher, and his mother was a homemaker. After completing his schooling in Kuthuparamba and Kadirur, he graduated in economics from PRNSS College, Mattanur, before pursuing formal film education at the Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu, Chennai. He made his acting debut in Manimuzhakkam (1976), directed by P A Backer, and went on to play his first lead role in Sanghaganam (1979). However, it was as a writer that he truly left his mark. His first screenplay, Odaruthammava Aalariyam (1984), announced a new voice in Malayalam cinemairreverent, observant, and unapologetically critical of social hypocrisy. EXPRESS DIALOGUES | Todays politics has gone beyond satire:Sreenivasan The mid-1980s to early 1990s saw Sreenivasan at the peak of his creative powers. Films such as Gandhinagar 2nd Street, Sanmanassullavarkku Samadhanam, Varavelpu, and, most notably, Nadodikkattu , transformed everyday middle-class anxieties into enduring cinematic narratives. Nadodikkattu and its sequels became cult classics, with dialogues and characters entering popular culture and remaining relevant decades later. Sreenivasan frequently collaborated with leading directors such as Priyadarshan, Sathyan Anthikad and Kamal, forming a creative axis that defined mainstream Malayalam cinema. His writing blended humour with political and social critique, most powerfully seen in Sandesam (1991), a biting satire on political opportunism that earned him a Kerala State Film Award. As a director, Sreenivasan proved equally accomplished. Vadakkunokkiyanthram , which he scripted and directed, explored male insecurity and patriarchal attitudes with rare sensitivity and won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Film. Nearly a decade later, Chinthavishtayaya Shyamala (1998) addressed marital alienation and emotional conflict, winning the National Film Award for Best Film on Other Social Issues. In later years, Sreenivasan remained a significant presence, adapting to changing times without losing his edge. Films such as Udayananu Tharam , Katha Parayumpol and Njan Prakashan reaffirmed his relevance. Njan Prakashan went on to become one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time, introducing his brand of social satire to a new generation of viewers. His contributions were recognised with numerous honours, including a National Film Award, multiple Kerala State Film Awards, Filmfare Awards South, Asianet Film Awards and lifetime achievement honours from film bodies and cultural organisations. As an actor, Sreenivasan was known for his understated performances, often portraying the flawed common man with authenticity and restraint. His screen presence complemented his writing, lending credibility and emotional depth to characters rooted in everyday life. Sreenivasan is survived by his sons Vineeth Sreenivasan and Dhyan Sreenivasan, both established figures in the Malayalam film industry. With his passing, Malayalam cinema loses not just a prolific artist but a conscience keeperone who consistently used humour and storytelling to question society, politics and human relationships.

Kerala HC quashes government order granting permission for Elappully brewery

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday quashed the preliminary sanction given to Oasis Commercial Private Ltd to establish an ethanol unit in Kanjikode, Palakkad, to produce extra neutral alcohol and other liquor products. However, this will not preclude a fresh consideration of any application, by the government, if made, said Justice Sathish Ninan and Justice P Krishna Kumar. Various factors which weighed with the government while issuingthe order, are not factually correct in its entirety. Therefore, theorder...is liable to bequashed, said the court. The court issued the order on a batch of PILs challenging the preliminary sanction granted to the company to establish an ethanol plant, multi-feed distillation unit, Indian-made foreign liquor bottling unit, a brewery, a malt spirit plant and brandy/winery plant at Elappully panchayat in Kanjikode. The petitioners said the government order has no legal backing, and preempts the statutory authorities and the local self-government institutions from exercising their powers. The issue assumes significance as Palakkad is a dry area. The court said the petitioners allegation that establishment of the unit will aggravate water scarcity, is a matter of serious concern in Palakkad. The unit would require 5000 KL of water per day. Extraction of such a quantity of water would have serious consequences on the life ofresidents. On the source of water, the government order referred to the sanction given by the Kerala Water Authority agreeing to provide requiredquantities of water, and also the rain water harvesting projectproposed by the company. The government order observes that theexploitation of ground water would be avoided. However, the KWAs affidavit stated no binding or conclusive consent was given to the petitioner. The court said while it noticed that explicit consent was given under the letter dated June 16, 2023, the attempt in the counter affidavit is to shrug off the commitment.

Kerala HC flags stagnation in Sabarimala gold scam probe

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday flagged apparent stagnation in the probe into the Sabarimala gold scam and raised doubts over the selective arraignment of Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) members by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The court, which expressed concern over the slow pace of the probe, also flayed the SIT for not proceeding against advocate N Vijayakumar and K P Sankar Das, who were members of the TDB in 2019. The court noted that the order permitting Unnikrishnan Potti, the prime accused, to take the door frames and other items from the temple for gold cladding, by mentioning them as copper-plated, was signed by then TDB president A Padmakumar, advocate Vijayakumar and K P Sankar Das, apart from former TDB secretary S Jayasree. It is surprising to note that, when asked whether Vijayakumar and Sankar Das were arraigned and arrested, the prosecution submitted it has not been done so far, the court observed. The court said this indicated serious stagnation in the investigation after December 5, and directed the investigating officer to address the issue and ensure that the probe proceeds against all erring officials without discrimination or selective targeting. Justice A Badharudeen observed that the TDB notice dated July 5, 2019 signed on July 3, 2019, pursuant to a decision of the board stated that the plates covering dwarapalaka idols and the north and south corners of the sreekovil, which were copper-clad, were entrusted with Potti to be taken outside for gold cladding. The notice was signed by TDB members who participated in meeting and by Jayasree. No relief for former TDB officials However, whether all the Devaswom Board members who attended the meeting have been rightly arraigned as accused in the case remains in serious doubt, said the court. Further, it could not be ascertained from the prosecution materials whether the then PWD assistant engineer K Sunil Kumar, former Thiruvabharanam commissioner R G Radhakrishnan; former Sabarimala executive officer V S Rajendra Prasad, and former administrative officer K Rajendran Nair, who have been named in the FIR, were arrested, it observed. The court made the observations while dismissing the bail pleas of K S Baiju, former Thiruvabharanam Commissioner, B Murari Babu, former administrative officer, and N Vasu, former TDB president. The court had earlier observed that Potti enjoyed unbridled freedom to misappropriate the valuable gold of the deity with the connivance of the accused persons, which would not have been possible without the involvement of influential persons who had a role in the administration of the Sabarimala temple. Therefore, the investigation must continue to identify and bring to book all those involved without leaving room for escape, as the allegations are grave. On Friday, the court said, Despite this, no investigation in that direction is discernible from the records available. This is a matter of anxiety and displeasure. I hope that the investigating officer will give due attention to this aspect hereafter, without fail. The order also noted stagnation in the investigation after the dismissal of the anticipatory bail applications of the fourth and sixth accused Jayasree and former administrative officer S Sreekumar on December 4, despite the prosecution having zealously opposed those pleas. The sixth accused was reportedly arrested only on December 17, 12 days after the dismissal of his bail application, though his role had been dealt with in detail in the order rejecting his plea. Jayasree was not arrested, and her bail application, filed on December 18, is pending consideration before the Supreme Court, it noted.

Pope Leo XIV plans to visit India by 2027; Kerala likely on itinerary

KOCHI: Pope Leo XIV is likely to visit India by the end of 2026 or in 2027. Interacting with a delegation of the Syro-Malabar Church led by Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil on December 15, Pope Leo, who was elected the head of the Catholic Church eight months ago, expressed his willingness to visit India. The Pope has conveyed that he is eagerly waiting for his visit to India. Now, the Union government will have to take the initiative. If the visit happens, we are optimistic that Pope Leo XIV will include Kerala in his itinerary, said Thalassery Archbishop Joseph Pamplany, who was part of the delegation that met Pope. The Indian government will have to forward a formal invitation to confirm the papal visit. As the head of the Vatican, protocol requires that the Pope be extended an invitation by a head of a state. Pope has emotional connect with Kerala Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited Pope Francis, Pope Leos predecessor, to India on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy in June 2024. This followed an invitation that Modi extended during his visit to the Vatican in 2021. However, since a new Pope has assumed office, the Centre will have to send a formal invitation now. I dont think a Pope visiting India can avoid Kerala, as the state has been the cradle of Christianity in the country. Before assuming the role of the pontiff, Pope Leo XIV visited Kerala thrice, said Pamplany, who is also the secretary of the Syro Malabar Synod of Bishops. He has an emotional connection with this land, he said. Normally, the Vatican avoids papal visits to friendly nations during an election year. As the next general election in India is due in 2029, the Vatican feels 2027 will be ideal. The first Pope to visit India was Pope Paul VI, who came to Mumbai in 1964 to attend the International Eucharistic Congress. Pope John Paul II visited India in February 1986, during which he visited Kerala and attended the beatification of Sister Alphonsa and Fr Kuriakose Elias Chavara. In 1999, he visited India again in November to meet Indian leaders and conclude the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for Asia.

Jaishankar seeks Dutch push as India-EU trade talks enter decisive phase

NEW DELHI: India and the Netherlands on Friday agreed to deepen cooperation in emerging strategic domains such as semiconductors, digital technology and cyberspace, while also stepping up defence and security engagement, as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar pressed for Dutch support to conclude the IndiaEuropean Union free trade agreement (FTA). During talks with his Dutch counterpart David van Weel, Jaishankar said the relationship, traditionally strong in areas such as agriculture, health, science and shipping, was ready for a more ambitious phase. Whether it is semiconductors, digital, cyberspace or life sciences, we would like to work more closely with you, he said. With India and the EU in the final stages of negotiating a trade pact expected to be signed in January, Jaishankar added: We count on your support as we are moving to what I hope is a decisive phase in our negotiations with the EU on the free trade agreement. Van Weel, who began his India visit in Mumbai on Wednesday, said he was not aware of any big sticking points that could delay the deal. Hopefully, that will happen in the very near future. I know EU officials will be visiting India as guests on your Republic Day, so Im sure that everybody wants this to be concluded as soon as possible, he told reporters later. At the same time, he acknowledged the complexity of the talks, noting: Its never easy, the EU is 27 nations with different economies, different interests, so all free trade agreements take time to come to fruition. The Dutch ministers visit also focused on strengthening defence and security cooperation. He held meetings with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, with the two sides concluding a letter of intent on Thursday to provide a framework for defence cooperation. As part of this effort, a Dutch frigate will make a port call at Kochi in May 2026. Van Weel also visited the Western Naval Command and the Mazagon Dockyard in Mumbai to explore opportunities for defence industrial collaboration. Regional stability and the Indo-Pacific featured prominently in the discussions. Van Weel said cooperation was crucial at a time when there is pressure on the openness of the oceans and on adherence to UNCLOS. The Netherlands [has] been dependent on the high seas and free passage of trade in order to thrive as an open economy, he said. This is something that we want to cooperate on. Both sides exchanged views on developments in Ukraine, South Asia and West Asia, and condemned all forms of terrorism, stressing the need for stronger international cooperation to counter the threat. Van Weel described Russias war in Ukraine as an existential security issue for Europe. Ukraine cannot lose this war, he said, adding that he had urged partners to use their contacts with Moscow to convey to them the message to come to the negotiating table. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof is expected to visit India in February for the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, and the Netherlands reiterated its invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit, signalling momentum in the bilateral relationship.

Year After Pregnant Kerala Woman Was Slapped In Police Station, Cop Suspended

Over a year after he pushed and slapped a pregnant woman inside a police station in Kochi, the then station house officer has been suspended.

Gap of over 13% in vote share with LDF powered UDFs landslide win in Kochi Corpn.

While the UDF amassed 41.45% of the total polled votes, the LDF could only muster 28.25% of the votes, while the BJP-led National Democratic Front ended up a distant third with only 14.45% of the votes

Christmas holidays boost demand at Kochi tea auctions

96% out of the offered quantities of 6,94,660 kg in CTC dust was sold

'Let me live': Survivor in 2017 Kerala actor assault case speaks out in emotional message

KOCHI: The survivor of the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case on Friday appealed to the public to let her live with dignity after a video circulated by Martin Antony, the second accused in the case, allegedly revealed her identity. In an emotionally charged post on social media, the actor said the only mistake she made was approaching the police immediately after the violence against her and pursuing legal action. Rejecting labels imposed on her, she wrote on Instagram, Not a victim, not a survivor, just a simple human being. Let me live. Had she remained silent, she wrote, she would later have been accused of not reporting the crime at all. I should have stayed quiet, accepted what happened as fate, and ended my life, the post read, laying bare the emotional toll of continued attacks against her. Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Conspiracy or not, many questions need answers Her response came after she watched the video released by Martin Antony, who has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in the case. Condemning his actions, she said he could just as easily have levelled even more damaging and false allegations against her. You could have even claimed that I had filmed a nude video of you, she wrote, underscoring the extent of the humiliation and targeting she continues to face. The actor said those who make such allegations, circulate them online and their relatives should never have to face a similar situation in life. Earlier, after the court acquitted Dileep, the actor had shared a similar emotional post that received widespread public support. On December 13, the Ernakulam District and Sessions Court sentenced all six convicts in the case , including prime accused Pulsar Suni, to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. The accused were found guilty under Sections 376D (gang rape) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code and were also fined Rs 50,000 each. The verdict and sentence were pronounced by Principal Sessions Judge Honey M Varghese. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.) Actor abduction and sexual assault case: Judgment comes after eight years, justice not yet

Kerala SHO Suspended After CCTV Shows Assault on Pregnant Woman

Kochi native Shymol N J was allegedly assaulted by the then Ernakulam North SHO Chandran after her husband, Benjo, was taken into custody in connection with a case

Centre again slashes Keralas borrowing limit

KOCHI: Dealing a heavy blow to the Kerala governments ambitious plans to fast-track infrastructure and development projects ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, the Centre has sharply reduced the states borrowing limit. The Union finance ministry has informed the state that its borrowing limit for JanuaryMarch period has been reduced by Rs 5,944 crore from the initially approved Rs 12,515 crore, Finance Minister K N Balagopal said on Thursday. The state is now left with a mere Rs 5,672 crore to sustain its operations for the next three months. Effectively, the states monthly borrowing capacity has been throttled to approximately Rs 2,200 crorea figure far below its actual requirements, he said. We have managed to tide over the crisis in the last four-and-half years despite the financial burdens imposed on us by the Centre. The latest development comes even as the states annual average financial expenditure is nearing Rs 2 lakh crore in the current fiscal... However, there is an overall reduction of Rs 1,25,000 crore in borrowing in the last five years due to the Centres restrictions. The Centre is squeezing the states financial resources which is hitting the states overall development majorly, Balagopal said. Centre backtracking on its responsibilities: Min The Centre earlier justified the financial tightening by factoring in off-budget borrowings made by KIIFB and Social Security Pensions Ltd into the states overall debt ceiling. This netting out policy implemented last year had also drawn sharp criticism from the state leadership. The Centre is backtracking on its responsibilities under the Centre-state relationship one by one, Balagopal said. It started with the introduction of the GST reform, and the latest rate rationalisation with regard to GST is between 8 and 9%. As per a study of Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation, Kerala alone will suffer a financial loss of Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 crore in the next financial year. Recent changes in MGNREGS will impose an additional burden of Rs 1,6002,000 crore annually on the state. Currently, the Centre bears 90% of the schemes expenditure. With that reduced to 60%, the state will be forced to shoulder a significantly higher share. The timing of the latest cut is particularly damaging, Balagopal said. The final quarter of the financial year sees a surge in public spending. The state treasury is currently bracing for a massive outflow. Approximately Rs 20,000 crore is required to clear pending bills for public works. Roughly Rs 15,000 crore is needed for salaries of government employees and retired personnel. With the recent hike in welfare pensions to Rs 2,000 per month, the social security net requires additional funding that is now in jeopardy. Financial analysts warn that if the current restrictions persist, the state may struggle to pay salaries and pensions, potentially leading to a complete administrative standstill. Keralas current Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) stands at Rs 14,27,145 crore. Under existing fiscal rules, states are entitled to borrow up to 3% of their GSDP. Based on this, Kerala had requested a total borrowing limit of Rs 42,814 crore for the year. While Rs 29,529 crore was utilised or approved until December, the latest cuts have derailed the states remaining budget plans. Furthermore, the Centre has withheld an additional Rs 3,300 crore related to public sector undertaking guarantees. Although the state government established a Redemption Fund to satisfy central requirements and unlock these funds, the Union government is yet to grant the necessary clearances. As the fiscal year draws to a close, Kerala finds itself in a high-stakes standoff with the Centre, with the livelihoods of thousands of employees and the progress of vital projects hanging in the balance.

Take in rustic life: Vadakkanadu farmers novel idea to guard the crops a big hit

KOCHI: For urbanites, who want an escape from the fast and restless city life, it is a rare opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate. Enjoy the cool breeze, blend with nature, and share space with singing birds, squirrels and monkeys. If lucky, you can also sight marauding wild elephants. The novel idea launched by the farmers of Vadakkanadu in Wayanads Sultan Bathery has become a roaring hit, with youngsters from far-away cities flocking to the village to guard the crops. Paddy cultivation is labour intensive and the farmer has to stay awake during the last 30 days when the crop ripens from milk to grain. It is a tough task to guard the crop from wild elephants, deer and wild pigs during the season. Often the farmers are forced to harvest the crop before it ripens. Offering a relief to the farmers who are desperate to save the crops, Paul Mathews, chairman of the High Court-monitored task force for reporting and implementing solutions to man-animal conflict, has introduced volunteers to guard the crops. Paul Mathews posted a video on social media inviting youngsters to guard crops staying in tree huts on a daily basis. The response was overwhelming. Youngsters from Kozhikode, Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Thrissur flocked to Sultan Bathery to shoulder the responsibility. It was a mind-blowing experience, said Sunil Titto, a software professional settled in Pune. I saw the social media post and arrived in Sultan Bathery in the first week of December. There were two youngsters from Thrissur with me. We stayed awake through the night in turns, watching for the entry of elephants. Only some deer were spotted. It was cool and the weather was pleasant, he said. The scenic beauty of Vadakkanadu I have been cultivating paddy in my 4 acre farm land for the past four decades. In recent years we are unable to reap the fruits of our labour due to the increasing wild animal menace. Big herds of wild elephants enter the field and destroy the crop during night. The arrival of volunteers to guard the crop has been a big relief, said Jayamani, a farmer. Paul Mathews had moved an application in the High Court seeking direction to the forest department to step up vigil during the harvest season. As the department expressed helplessness citing lack of funds, he advised farmers to seek the help of volunteers to guard the crops. We have laid down strict guidelines for deployment of volunteers. Youngsters interested in helping the farmers should book the dates through a WhatsApp group and arrive at the spot before 5 am. They should climb atop the tree hut before dusk and should not get down before dawn break. They will not be allowed to lit fire or consume liquor. They should bring food and blankets. We will provide them with torch to keep watch over the fields. If the elephants arrive, they have to make noise and alert the farmers, said Paul Mathews. Wayanad has around 17,000 hectares of paddy fields which are surrounded by forest. There are hundreds of tree huts along the fringe areas and the farmers are planning to extend the project to more areas. After day long labour, we are not able to keep watch on the crops during night hours. So if some people volunteer to keep watch on the wild animals, it will be a big relief. We are not charging the volunteers for the night stay and will provide basic facilities, said Jayamani.

Lefts song and dance over parody row has few takers in Kerala

KOCHI: Satire has long been part of Keralas political culture, with musical parody used as a key campaign tool across the spectrum. The recently concluded local body election was no exception. Among the songs that went viral was Pottiye Kettiye, a take-off of a popular Ayyappa devotional that references the Sabarimala gold theft case. It drew little controversy until Wednesday evening, when the police cyber wing registered a case against its creators, alleging that it hurt religious sentiments. The development followed a complaint filed by a member of the Thiruvabharana Patha Samrakshana Samithi (TPSS). Subsequently, the CPM also raised concerns and is reportedly considering petitioning election authorities, citing a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. If the song hurt religious sentiments, action should be taken, LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan told reporters in New Delhi. Closer to home, CPM Pathanamthitta district secretary Raju Abraham alleged that the song was used in a manner that threatened dangerous polarisation. Opposition leaders, however, termed the move an attack on freedom of expression, pointing out that the CPM itself has used pastiche for political mobilisation in the past. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan recalled how the CPM had used a parody of the same devotional song 11 years ago to mock former chief minister K Karunakaran. They were not concerned about religious sentiments then. The current concern is because the song refers to the alleged theft of Lord Ayyappas gold, Satheesan stressed. Meanwhile, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said songs cannot win elections. Satire has been used to target political leaders such as Sonia Gandhi, Narendra Modi, and even Pinarayi Vijayan. But it never influenced poll outcomes, he said. Double standards As the matter gained gravity, Chief Minister Pinarayis 2022 defence of writer S Hareesh after his novel Meesha drew threats from right-wing groups surfaced on social media. Creativity thrives only in a fearless atmosphere, Pinarayi had then said. Many flagged the double standards on free expression by the self-styled progressive left government. Veteran journalist K P Sethunath said, The left has always been opportunistic, and their politics is often short-sighted. Meanwhile, legal experts have questioned the police action. Supreme Court lawyer Abhilash M R said the case was not sustainable under law. Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhitas section 299, a case for hurting religious sentiments can be registered only if there is intent to insult or wound religious beliefs. However, if you look at the song, only two words refer to Sabarimala Ayyappa and Shasthav. The rest are factual issues regarding the gold heist, as heard uttered by politicians on stages and laymen in the streets and at homes, Abhilash told TNIE. How is it that when the same is turned into song, there is suddenly scope for a criminal case? The semantics have remained unchanged Essentially, this is political talibanism, Abhilash pointed out. Had it been the case that the song did indeed hurt religious sentiment, any talk of a case should have emerged two months ago, when it was released. Now, it seems the entire complaint and the proceedings thereafter are carefully orchestrated, he added. Sethunath echoed the view, especially now that the TPSS has distanced itself from the complainant. Unlike the defence of Hareesh, or later, the support given to the staging of a controversial play based on a Nikos Kazantzakis book, the parody fiasco, he said, is baseless, and the left should ideally distance itself from it rather than make a song and dance of it. Creators unfazed Meanwhile, the songs creators are unfazed by the developments. Danish Padinjattumuri, the singer, was quoted by TV news channels as saying that the song had not offended devotees. He noted how pilgrims had played the song during their journey to Sabarimala. Lyricist G P Kunhabdulla Chalappuram, speaking to TNIE from Qatar, dismissed the case. This is a political distraction. The left does not want the song to circulate ahead of the assembly election, he said. POLICE TO SOFT-PEDAL PROBE ON CASE TPuram: Despite registering a case against parody song Swarnam kattavar aarappa. sakhakkal aane Ayyappa set to the familiar tune of an Ayyappa devotional song that was widely used by the opposition parties in the local body polls to take on the state government in the Sabarimala gold heist case, the police are unlikely to take any further legal action on the matter. There were reports that the police would take down the song from social media platforms, but sources said so far the cops have not made any such moves. As the case became a subject of discussion, the police would soft-pedal its investigation so as not to ruffle any feathers further, sources added. Thiruvananthapuram cyber police station is probing the case, which was registered on the basis of a complaint filed by Prasad Kuzhikal, general secretary of the Thiruvabharanam Padha Samraksha Samithi, that it hurt the religious sentiments. The case was registered against the songwriter, singer, composer and producer. VERIFY DETAILS OF COMPLAINT: CMO Pathanamthitta: The Chief Ministers Office (CMO) has directed officials to examine a complaint seeking verification of the official recognition of the committee that filed a complaint against the parody song Pottiye Kettiye, alleging that it insulted religious sentiments by using the name of Lord Ayyappa. The directive follows a complaint submitted by High Court advocate and social activist Advocate Kulathoor Jay Singh, which has been forwarded by the CMO to the Registration Inspector General for inquiry. The complaint seeks verification of the official status and registration of the Ranni Thiruvabharanapatha Samrakshana Samithi, whose general secretary is claimed to be Prasad Kuzhikkala, the person who filed the complainant against the song. Prasad Kuzhikkala had alleged that the parody song was intended to provoke communal disharmony.

Anti-govt sentiments aided UDF, led to drop in NDA vote share, feels BJP

KOCHI: A 2% fall in the NDA vote share in the local body polls, despite year long preparations at the grassroots, has shocked the state BJP leadership. A senior leader said the party has decided to conduct a detailed evaluation of the fall in share particularly in party strongholds. As per a preliminary analysis, the party feels strong anti-government sentiments, triggered by Sabarimala gold theft and Muslim vote consolidation turned the tide in favour of the UDF. The verdict was against the LDF government. When the sole aim is to defeat the ruling dispensation, people consider the winnability factor and it created a situation favourable for UDF. In Central Travancore, NDA made gains in local bodies where we have strong support. There has been a positive change in the approach of Hindu voters and BJP is no longer untouchable for Syrian Christian community. The only setback was in Thrissur where we failed to retain a major share of Christian votes. We are studying the causes for decline in vote share, said a senior BJP leader. The NDA got a vote share of 16.4% in district panchayats, 1% higher than the 2020 elections. However, it is 3.5% lower than the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Senior leaders said the vote share in urban areas has grown to 20% while in grama panchayats it has fallen to 16-18%. According to the party, the decline in vote share was a temporary factor as voters in South Kerala considered only winnability to register their protest against Sabarimala gold theft. The support of the Syrian Catholic, Nair and Ezhava communities was evident in Kottayam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthittta, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. Meanwhile, the churning within the Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS), the only major ally of the NDA, is causing headache to the BJP. The rift between the workers of the BJP and BDJS has widened with BDJS leaders alleging that the BJP tried to defeat its candidates. The party contested in more than 300 seats, but could win only 20 seats. With just four months left for the assembly polls, there is growing pressure within the BDJS to join either UDF or LDF, so that it can get representation in the assembly and claim minister post. The demand will be raised in the state council meeting of the party scheduled to be held on December 23. Party president Thushar Vellappally reiterated that the party will continue with the NDA. Thushar also met Nitin Nabin, the new working president of BJP in Delhi on Tuesday. Not all bad The NDA became the single largest party in 26 panchayats while it has drawn a tie in 15 panchayats While increasing its presence across the state the NDA lost 600 sitting wards but gained around 1,000 new wards

IUMLs southern push pays dividends

MALAPPURAM: Once regarded as a party largely confined to the Malabar, the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has steadily expanded its reach to emerge as one with a statewide presence. Significantly, the party has, for the first time, won representation in all 14 districts. In the local body elections, the League secured 3,203 seats, including 2,843 under its ladder symbol. With a tally of 2,248 grama panchayat members, 300 block panchayat members, 51 district panchayat members, 36 corporation councillors and 568 municipal councillors, it now ranks third among parties in terms of total seats, behind Congress and CPM. In the 2010 local body elections, IUML secured 1,904 seats, with its strength concentrated mainly in north Kerala. By 2020, the party recorded moderate growth, raising its tally to 2,111. In 2025, it marked a major breakthrough, with a sharp surge to 3,203 seats. IUML state general secretary P M A Salam said the partys growth over the years was driven purely by organisational strength. In the past five years, the League has increased its tally by nearly 1,000 seats. We have also strengthened our organisation in the southern districts and won around 80% of the seats we contested. No other party has such a record. In north Malabar, our supremacy is unquestioned. We won the Malappuram district panchayat without opposition, and in other northern districts of the state, we secured almost all the seats allotted to us, he said. The party won all three district panchayat seats it contested in Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram. Even Pathanamthitta, where it had no representation, returned seven members. After a gap, it won two seats each in the Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram corporations, three seats in Kochi corporation, and doubled its strength in Kozhikode corporation from seven to 14. Buoyed by its performance, the League is now staking a claim for deputy mayor posts in Kollam and Kochi, in addition to its existing positions in the Kozhikode and Kannur corporations.

Kozhikodes tabletop airport eased officials decision to choose Kochi

KOCHI: It was a miraculous escape for 160 passengers and crew of the Air India Express flight from Jeddah to Calicut, after the pilots realised mid-air that the landing gear developed a technical glitch, caused by multiple tyre bursts. That the flight was heading to the dangerous table-top airport at Calicut made the scenario all the more dangerous, and the pilots had to make some quick decisions weighing the limited options before them. It was decided to divert the Air India Express flight IX 398 as the tabletop airport at Calicut was posing high risk. Tabletops are risky and challenging to the best of pilots, and here the aircraft landing gear was stuck. So there were no second thoughts to divert the aircraft to nearby airports, said airline sources. The pilots were left with the choice to divert the flight to either Mangaluru, Kannur or to two airports in Goa, but they finally chose Kochi airport, given the airports preparedness and better facilities, including modern firefighting equipment. The preparedness at Kochi airport is world-class. The same was proved in the full-scale mock drill, showcasing the airports emergency preparedness, held just a couple of months back, on October 28, 2025. Further, an emergency landing involving a SpiceJet aircraft in a similar scenario was successfully carried out at the airport two years back. Hence it was decided to divert the flight to Kochi airport and make an emergency landing, even as the pilots were trying to gauge the extent of damage to the landing gear and the tyres,they said. The pilots quickly contacted the Air Traffic Control unit of the Kochi airport mid air at 8.35 am. An alert was sounded and the airport authorities immediately activated the Emergency Response Plan, without wasting a second. The authorities mobilised all relevant operational units, including Airport Fire & Rescue Services (AFRS), medical units, and security personnel, and positioned them along the runway as a precautionary measure. External stakeholders including State Fire & Rescue and State Police also joined them in keeping a high alert and ready to face any eventuality, an airport spokesperson said. The Air India Express flight touched down safely at Kochi airport at 9.08 am under full emergency conditions. However, what proved crucial in the end was the airport fire safety team spraying Fire Retardant Foamall along the course of the dedicated section of runway marked for the emergency landing. With all the emergency services activated, the aircraft landed safely at 9.08 am. During landing, sparks could be seen, and markings formed due to the damaged tyres. We were much relieved after it finally came to a halt. Luckily the aircraft didnt sway too much and the sparks died down even as they formed, the sources said. The gravity of the potentially dangerous situation was revealed when a post-landing inspection by technical teams confirmed that both the tyres on the right-side landing gear and the one at the left side had burst. The emergency response system too worked out to perfection. The markings caused due to the emergency landing were fixed with the help of modern systems. The aircraft was safely taxied off the runway, which was subsequently inspected for debris and released for normal flight operations shortly thereafter. No passenger or crew suffered any injuries. The teams worked in close coordination and the runway was cleared in just 35 minutes as it was (9 am to 10 am) peak traffic hour. All operations were coordinated according to standard procedures, and it is a relief that all passengers and crew are safe and being transported to their destination, said CIAL managing director S Suhas. Meanwhile, a section of passengers protested when the airlines informed the passengers that they would be transported to Calicut by road. The authorities initially assured us that we would be flown to our original destination in Karipur after a brief halt. However, once the passengers disembarked, the airline shifted its stance, stating we will be transported by bus instead, said an agitated passenger. Safe Touchdown 8.35 am: Pilots alert Kochi ATC 9.08 am: Aircraft lands under full emergency 9.45 am: Runway cleared

Indian Cultural Congress 2025 in Kochi from December 19

CCTV footage emerges showing SHO assaulting woman at police station in Kochi

Couple say they had petitioned the Chief Minister, the State Human Rights Commission, and the Information Commission, but to no avail

Tragedy averted as Air India Express flight makes emergency landing in Kochi after tyre burst

Iran To Tajikistan: Probe Agency Uncovers New Trail In Kerala Kidney Racket

A Kochibased man accused of running an international kidney racket allegedly trafficked poor Indians not just to Iran, but also to Tajikistan for illegal transplants, latest National Investigation Agency (NIA) case records show.

Watch: Air India Express flight makes emergency landing in Kochi after tyre failure

A major aviation mishap was averted after an Air India Express flight from Jeddah to Kozhikode was diverted to Kochi following a technical snag mid-air. Post-landing checks confirmed that both right-side tyres had burst.

Jeddah-Kozhikode AI Express Flight Makes Precautionary Landing at Kochi

An Air India Express spokesperson said that the Jeddah-Kozhikode flight was diverted to Cochin International Airport and made a precautionary landing due to suspected damage to the aircraft's tyre

From sandwiches to chocolate cake: What to eat at Kochi Muziris Biennale 2025

Explore the cafes in and around the biennale venues, which offer the space to unwind and something delicious to eat and drink

Bhajan Banger

Music streams from the speakers in a vast room brimming with zesty souls. The crowd seemingly transported to a world cut away from the one outside. There is adrenaline josh as they clap hands and sing in unison. There is positivity when the peace of music caresses hearts. The outpourings may seem weird to some and pure joy to others. The gathering is a blend of ages the old, the middle-aged and a whole lot of youth as though time barriers have melted away in waves of music. The presence of youth may suggest a wild party. But it is positive and peppy, sans headbanging or theatrics. No EDM, no rock, no big names wielding powerhouse instruments just soothing music. The Nandagovindam group is at play in one of their now-famous BhajanConnect programmes. When we perform to a crowd of many, it is the positive vibe that makes all the difference. We love the way they sit with us, immersed in the music. Its great to see so many youngsters in the crowd, says Naveen Mohan, lead singer of the group. Formed two decades years ago, the team shot to fame during the pandemic when videos of their jam sessions went viral. I saw them first on YouTube while working from home. It was electric, as they mixed popular Malayalam film songs with a devotional twist and jammed together, recalls Harini Narayana G, a market researcher. I could feel something in me move as they sang sthambam pilarkunna hungara shabdam (the deafening sound when the pillar split). I had never felt such magic for a long time. Across India, youngsters grooving tobhajanshas become a visible trend, as the razzmatazz of clubbing joins hands with songs of divine love. Popularly termed bhajanclubbing, it sees large youth congregations vibing to spiritual chants. The Bhajan group from Vattiyoorkavu Sri Sathya Sai temple Singers like Hansraj Raghuvanshi and Jubin Nautiyal have built cult followings, while bands such as the Delhi-based Sadho Band and Vrindavan-based Madhavas Rock Band draw crowds. The following also extends to performers like Radhika Das and Achyut Gopi, a black woman from the US who calls herself a Grammy-nominated Kirtaniya, whose songs can get entire stadiums grooving. This trend picked up pace during the pandemic period, among the youth as well as others. The content is also made knowing the need that people want to engage in something that will soothe them even as it entertains, says Sarath C Kurup, a former Navy officer who is the organiser of the Kochi-based TulasimalaBhajansSamiti. Kerala witnessed a similar surge during the pandemic, with many tuning into groups such as Vishwaroopa, Tulasimala, Sree Radheyam, Thrissul, Nandagovindam and the all-women ShivahariBhajans, whose videos and Facebook Live sessions drew large audiences. Songs by Sivasri Skandaprasad and Shankar Mahadevan in this genre also trended. I feel the trend began even earlier, in spurts, when bands like Agam introduced Carnatic fusion to Keralas youth. Then came rappers like Brodha V and Sheldon Bangera, who lavishly borrowed from Sanskrit chants as they sang about the liberating space in spiritual traditions, says Neeraj Gopalan Shankar, a banker and ardent follower ofbhajanmusic. The folk-tunedbhajannumbers of Kalabhavan Mani, as well as songs like Padivalum Bhadravatakam, further grew into the young populace, leading to them being noticed by singers like the US-based Vidya Vox (Vidya Iyer), who incorporated them in their albums. Now, you have Gen Z watchingbhajangroups and even posting dance covers. Youth engagement withbhajans, Neeraj adds, cannot be seen in isolation. Thebhajangroups are not new sprouts. But now, there is an added affinity towards tradition and culture of the land. There is a going back to the roots trend that can be clearly seen, he notes. Some of the members of the all-woman Sivahari Bhajan group. For Nisha R, founder of the Shivahari group, social and personal anxieties often push people towards a higher power. Here, its via music. This has happened even centuries before. And it is repeating now, she says, while juggling a full-time job at the post office and managing the nine-year-old group that performs over 20 programmes a month. Sarath says passion drives his Tulasimala group too. He believes the shift came whenbhajansacquired a local flavour. Till then,bhajansconstituted mostly Carnatic elements and abhangs, which only a few could enjoy, he says. The Ernakulam-based Thulasimala Bhajan group. The current model came about after people like veteran singer Prashanth Varma reconstructed it with local, relatable flavours. That is the model we all follow now. Manybhajannumbers that went viral were carefully compiled, with popular film tunes carrying devotional themes being tweaked or elaborated. A prominent example is Manohari Radhe from the 2006 film Classmates, which has gained renewed popularity in its extendedbhajanform. The change came about with Kolarishi, a fast-paced Kannada song. Later, Pon Pulari and Manohari Radhe Radhe emerged in thebhajanformat. Now, these songs are all over Kerala sung by the 227bhajangroups that function in the state with national and global reach, says Prashanth Varma. The traditional image of sampradayabhajanshas shifted dramatically. Todays performers may lack the spectacle of rock bands, but they are dressed in traditionally trendy attire, open to Buddhist, Gurbani, Sufi, Hebrew and other chant traditions, adept with technology, and fluent in social media outreach. Their emotional involvement is key. They are not puritan but rooted in a surreal way. It is this trend that turns the youth. The space earlier given to film songs based on changing emotions has been replaced by something they feel is more consistent, says a young member of the Vattiyoorkavu Sathya SaiBhajanGroup, who prefers anonymity. Else, you have to quote all my team members. We recently performed as a team of 10 to a standing ovation. And we are part of a larger group of 20, which includes kids as young as seven or eight. The hugely popular Nanadagovindam Bhajans group. Naveen believes this growing love forbhajansreflects a comfort space sought by young people in an increasingly stressful world. The search is for a sense of inner peace. The role of music is profound, even as studies have proved. Gen Z looks for joys beyond money and fame to create good memories, to bond, and to reach a calm and positive mind space, he says. This need for peace and positivity urges travel and grooving to music that soothes. And the generation that follows will seek solace even more actively. Academically, the trend is often linked to post-pandemic behaviour either indulgence in extremes or a deeper questioning of lifes purpose. This is cyclic as well, says psychiatrist Arun B Nair. After a period of recklessness, there is a seething disinterest that awakens a quest for calm. When people find it in something comforting, placid and beautiful, they feel rested in a homecoming sense. Such engagement, he adds, activates the insula region of the brain, improving well-being and positive mindfulness. This is indeed the aim of the artform to urge people to calm themselves, to focus on positives, Prashanth notes. Only from such peace can beauty emerge. When you encourage people towards that, magic happens. I have seen it while training youngsters. They can be weaned away from perils like alcohol or drug abuse, he says. Souls are intrinsically beautiful. And music evokes that beauty.

Students' Biennale: Next Gen goes next level

Over the years, the Students Biennale has evolved into an engaging platform for emerging artists to articulate personal histories and social concerns through contemporary art. Conceived as a space for experimentation, critical inquiry and dialogue, this segment of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale brings together budding artists from across the country, foregrounding works shaped by lived experiences and regional realities. This year, it unfolds across multiple venues in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, including the VKL Warehouse, Arthshila Art Centre, St Andrews Parish Hall, and Space Gallery. Themes such as displacement, cultural erosion, labour, fragility and social control run through this edition, curated by Salman Baba. At the VKL Warehouse, Shifting Landscapes by Reppandee Lepcha of Sikkim, emerges from an urgent need to preserve a community on the brink of cultural erasure. The installation centres on the Lepcha (Rong) community, an indigenous group facing the gradual loss of language, traditions and land due to environmental crises and development projects. This work was born from the frustration of not being able to do anything for my community, says Reppandee, who is a student at Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan. Imprinting scripts onto walls and incorporating traditional motifs, the installation draws on everyday Lepcha phrases she remembers hearing while growing up. Today, she rues, conversations around the community are dominated by words such as flood, construction and dam. Reppandee uses perishable materials native to the region and weaving techniques historically practised by the Lepcha community. A central motif is the Pogo Reep, or the Indian Trumpet Flower, a ritualistic bloom found in almost every Lepcha household. I am trying to hold on to whatever is left and pass it down to the next generation like a baton, she says, describing weaving as a literal means of connecting past, present and future. The installation, she adds, is not meant to last, but to create a lasting impact. At the same venue, Adil Farooq Maliks Remains of a Home reflects on memory, identity and physical space in the context of rapid urban transformation. I have drawn from personal experience to examine what happens when a home is taken away in the name of progress, says the student at Institute of Music & Fine Arts, University of Kashmir. My ancestral home in Kashmir was demolished in 2023 as part of a road expansion project. It took away what was an integral part of my identity. Inheritance of the Hand by Mohammad Riyaz and Aman Kumar The installation brings together remnants windows, a chair, ruined photographs, and pieces of paper bearing Urdu writing left behind after the demolition. Nearby, Through Their Eyes by Vikas Kumar, a student at JLN Government College of Art in Shimla, turns attention to perception and surveillance. The work is a take on how people quietly observe and judge others. Vikas began with video recordings of performative actions, later distilling them into graphic prints. The project reflects on the tension between who we are, who we want to be and how we are ultimately seen by others. Being observed and judged is a shared experience, often uncomfortable and uninvited, he says, adding that the works relatability lies in this collective unease. At the BMS Warehouse, an intriguing work is Death Circle by Krishna Murthy P S, a student at Chamarajendra Government College of Arts in Mysore. It centres on a colony of ants fashioned from seeds and tree spines. Through Their Eyes by Vikas Kumar I have been observing ants closely since childhood, within and around my home. Its a practice that continues to this day, he says. I also collect seeds and tree spines found in my immediate surroundings. The work references the phenomenon of an ant mill a rare occurrence in which army of ants, having lost their pheromone trail, move in an endless circular loop until exhaustion leads to mass death. Through this work, I explore cycles of instinct, disorientation and collective movement within nature, says Krishna, adding that the installation is shaped by philosophies of ephemerality, decay and seasonal change. At Arthshila Art Centre, Inheritance of the Hand brings together the collaborative work of Mohammad Riyaz of Government Institute of Fine Arts, Gwalior, and Aman Kumar from Government College of Arts, Jabalpur. Rooted in farming, tailoring and textile traditions, the installation uses hand-painted muslin and stitching to explore agrarian distress, generational knowledge, and the dignity of labour. Adil Farooq Maliks Remains of a Home Mohammad, who hails from an agrarian family, recalls learning tailoring in Class 7 as a practical skill valued more than formal education in his village. Aman draws from his grandmothers stories to explore memory and generational loss, with weaving and painting becoming shared languages of dialogue and support. Also at Arthshila, Durgesh Prajapatis Expression of Fragility reflects on the vulnerability of traditional craft. Born into a potter family of the Kumhar community in Uttar Pradesh, Durgesh uses red clay sourced from his village pond to symbolise both physical and cultural fragility. Fragility is a metaphor for the extinct and endangered conditions of terracotta practice in rural areas, he says. Created collaboratively with community members, the work bears thousands of hand impressions, emphasising skill, labour and individual identity. Shifting Landscapes by Reppandee Lepcha Durgesh Prajapatis Expression of Fragility Durgesh, a student at Banaras Hindu University, signs off by saying he is grateful to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale team for creating such a wonderful platform for young artists. Thumbs-up to that. Together, the works featured here demonstrate why the Students Biennale remains one of the most compelling sections of Kochis grand art carnival. It offers a glimpse into how young minds across India are using art to spur conversation.

Kerala HC stays further proceedings on ED show cause notice to CM Vijayan, others in masala bond case

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Thursday stayed for three months, any proceedings pursuant to the show cause notice issued to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by the ED in connection with the Masala Bonds issue. Justice V G Arun also extended the same interim relief to former state Finance Minister Thomas Isaac and Vijayan's Chief Principal Secretary and KIIFB CEO K M Abraham. The order came on the joint plea moved by Vijayan, Isaac and Abraham seeking quashing of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) show cause notices issued to them in November in connection with the use of the Masala Bond funds by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) for the acquisition of land for infrastructure projects. The court said that since further proceedings pursuant to the notice were stayed against KIIFB on its plea, the petitioners - CM, Isaac and Abraham -- were also entitled to a similar interim relief. With the direction, the court listed the matter in January, along with the petition moved by KIIFB. Masala bond notice triggers political debate days before local body polls

Air India Express flight makes precautionary landing at Kochi after tyre bursts

KOCHI: An Air India Express flight from Jeddah to Kozhikode, carrying 160 passengers and crew, made an emergency landing at Kochi airport on Thursday morning after it was diverted following a technical snag involving tyre bursts. Air India Express flight IX 398 touched down safely at Kochi airport at 9.08 am under full emergency conditions. Upon receiving the landing information at 8.35 am, CIAL (Cochin International Airport Ltd) immediately activated its Emergency Response Plan. The authorities mobilized all relevant operational units, including Airport Fire & Rescue Services, medical units, and security personnel, and positioned them along the runway as a precautionary measure. External stakeholders, including State Fire & Rescue and State Police, also joined them in keeping a high alert and ready to face any eventuality, an airport spokesperson said. With all the emergency services activated, the aircraft landed safely at 9.08 am. A post-landing inspection by technical teams confirmed that both tyres on the right-side landing gear had burst. The runway was cleared and released for operations by 9.45 am, and the first departing flight took off at 9.48 am. Six incoming flights experienced delays, with three diverted to alternate airports, and five departures were rescheduled. Airport operations, including arrivals, departures, and ground handling, soon returned to normal.Despite the mechanical failure, no injuries were reported among the 160 passengers or the crew. The aircraft was safely taxied off the runway, which was subsequently inspected for debris and released for normal flight operations shortly thereafter. All operations were coordinated according to standard procedures, and it is a relief that all passengers and crew are safe and being transported to their destination, said CIAL Managing Director S Suhas IAS. Air India Express confirmed that the precautionary landing was due to suspected tyre damage, likely caused by a foreign object on the runway at Jeddah Airport. Our Jeddah-Kozhikode flight was diverted to Kochi and made a precautionary landing due to suspected damage to the aircrafts tyre, likely caused by a foreign object on the runway at Jeddah airport. The aircraft landed safely at Kochi, and all guests are being connected to Kozhikode by road. Safety remains our highest priority, said an Air India spokesperson. However, a section of passengers protested when the airlines informed them that they would be transported to Kozhikode by road.The authorities initially assured us that we would be flown to our original destination in Karipur after a brief halt. However, once the passengers disembarked, the airline shifted its stance, stating we will be transported by bus instead, said an agitated passenger. Many cited health concerns and the exhaustion of an unexpected road trip following an already stressful flight. We've arrived here for a short vacation, and now find ourselves losing out on an extra day. At least they could have accommodated us in another flight to Calicut instead of the tiring road journey, said another passenger.

Jeddah-Kozhikode AI Express Flight Makes Precautionary Landing

KOCHI, Dec 18: A Kozhikode-bound Air India Express flight with 160 passengers made a precautionary landing at the airport here on Thursday due to issues involving the aircrafts tyres, an airline official said. An Air India Express spokesperson said that the Jeddah-Kozhikode flight was diverted to the Cochin International Airport and made a precautionary landing due to suspected damage to the aircrafts tyre likely caused by a foreign object on the runway at Jeddah airport. The aircraft landed safely in [] The post Jeddah-Kozhikode AI Express Flight Makes Precautionary Landing appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Enhanced marine defence: Indian Navy commissions MH-60R Seahawk helicopters

NT Reporter | Vasco The Indian Navy on Wednesday commissioned INAS 335, the Ospreys, at INS Hansa, inducting the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter squadron as the first fully operational MH-60R unit on the Western Seaboard. This follows the commissioning of the first MH 60R Naval Air Squadron in Kochi, Kerala, in March 2024. Chief of Naval [] The post Enhanced marine defence: Indian Navy commissions MH-60R Seahawk helicopters appeared first on The Navhind Times .

Air India Jeddah Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Tyre Failure

SRINAGAR: An Air India Express flight, IX 398, travelling from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to Kozhikode, made an emergency landing at Kochi airport on Thursday morning after a technical issue with the right main landing gear and tyre failure, The Hindu reported. Carrying 160 passengers, the aircraft touched down safely under full emergency protocols at 9.07 []

Air India express jet makes safe landing in Kochi amidst gear trouble

Kochi: An Air India Express flight from Jeddah to Kozhikode with 160 passengers carried out an emergency landing at the Cochin International Airport here on Thursday due to issues involving its landing gear and tyre failure, an official said. The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), in a statement, said that it successfully facilitated the safe 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 .

Air India Express flight from Jeddah makes emergency landing in Kochi airport due to landing gear, tyre failure

Aircraft, carrying 160 passengers, lands safely under emergency conditions

Kerala actor assault case: Dileep was angry with survivor, Manju deposed in court

KOCHI: Actor Dileeps first wife, Manju Warrier, who has consistently stood by the survivor in the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case, had deposed that Dileep was angry with the survivor,an allegation the trial court ultimately rejected. The survivor, too, told the court that Dileep was her one and only enemy. But the trial court rejected these depositions, citing lack of corroborative evidence. Reflecting on the verdict, Manju later wrote on social media: The fact that those who planned it, whoever they may be, are still out in the open is a frightening reality. The deposition of Manju stated, There was a gathering of members of the film fraternity to express solidarity with the survivor. During my speech, I said that there was a criminal conspiracy behind the incident and that it should be probed. Dileep and the survivor had acted together in a few films. Dileep believed that the survivor was the first person to inform me about his extramarital relationship with Kavya, and he was angry with her over this. According to the verdict in the case, Manju Warrier deposed that her marriage with Dileep, who was later acquitted by the trial court, was solemnised on October 20, 1998, and dissolved on January 31, 2015, and that she had been residing with Dileep from the date of marriage. Manju stated that on February 12, 2012, she noticed certain private messages exchanged between Dileep and actor Kavya Madhavan on his old mobile phone. When she tried to contact Dileep, she could not reach him. She then contacted Kavya, who allegedly evaded her queries. Manju further contacted Kavyas mother, who expressed concern over the matter and said she was disturbed by the relationship. Kavyas mother also allegedly informed Manju that the matter was known to the survivor and singer Rimi Tomy. Manju then contacted Rimi but did not receive a convincing reply. She shared these developments with her friends, actors Geethu Mohandas and Samyukta Varma, the trial court verdict read, citing Manjus statement. A close friend of the survivor, Manju expressed a desire to meet her personally. Subsequently, on February 14, Manju, along with Geethu and Samyukta, visited the survivors residence and enquired about the alleged relationship between Dileep and Kavya, the court noted. The survivor became emotional and, following directions from her father to speak truthfully, disclosed certain matters that, according to Manju, strengthened her doubts about an extramarital relationship between Dileep and Kavya. After leaving the survivors residence, Manju and the others went to Samyukta Varmas house, from where Manju again contacted Kavyas mother. She was allegedly told that Kavya had assured her that the relationship would not continue. Manju returned to her matrimonial home the next day, the verdict pointed out. Manju further stated that she called Dileeps brother and siblings to their residence and disclosed the entire matter to them. Dileep arrived two days later, and she confronted him. According to her, Dileep claimed he could not recollect the messages and remarked that the survivor is an immature girl and whatever she said need not be taken into account. Manju deposed that the alleged extramarital relationship ultimately led to the dissolution of their marriage. She also stated that she left her matrimonial home after the incident, leaving behind her thali chain and wedding ring. Dileeps counsel argued that Manju had not mentioned the messages issue to the police and that several statements made before the court were absent in her police statements. The trial court observed that there was not even a reference in the investigation records to Manju contacting Kavyas mother on any of the stated dates. It was also elicited during cross-examination that, between her first and second statements, Manju had contacted the survivor and Geethu. Supporting Manjus version, director and actor Geethu Mohandas deposed that Manju was in tears after learning about the alleged extramarital relationship. She stated that Manju had informed her about seeing messages exchanged between Dileep and Kavya. Geethu also deposed that she had discontinued her friendship with Kavya after 2009. However, the court noted that her testimony in court that Manju contacted Dileep, Kavya and Kavyas mother while staying at Samyuktas residence was not found in her police statement. Singer Rimi Tomy was examined to establish the alleged extramarital relationship. She deposed that Dileep, Kavya and the survivor were her friends and that she knew Manju Warrier. She stated that they had performed stage shows together and had travelled to the US during 201011, accompanied by family members, with separate rooms allotted to each. Rimi stated that Manju had contacted her to enquire about the relationship between Dileep and Kavya, but she was unaware of any such relationship, according to the verdict. Kavyas mother was also examined, but she did not state anything about the alleged phone calls made by Manju on February 12 or February 14, 2012. During her examination, Kavya denied that Dileep visited her frequently during stage shows and also denied that either she or Dileep had any enmity towards the survivor. On an overall consideration of the evidence, the court held that although Manju Warrier deposed that she had seen messages on Dileeps phone on February 12, 2012, and that they visited the survivors residence two days later, these crucial facts were not stated to the investigating officer. This is a material omission amounting to contradiction, the court observed. The court further noted that the prosecution tried to specify the date of the meeting between Manju and the survivor in 2012 to suggest that Dileep harboured enmity towards the survivor from that year onwards. To support this, the prosecution relied on an incident allegedly linked to a European tour in 2012. However, the court held that except for the oral testimony of the survivor, no evidence was available to substantiate the claim.

Making STRIDEs: Kerala's KTU hits inclusive innovation road to academic credits

KOCHI: In a decision that puts a stamp on the need for inclusive innovation, and, that too right at the university level, APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) has formally integrated Social Technology & Research for Inclusive Design Excellence (STRIDE) into its official academic credit system --which was one of the mandates under its 2024 curriculum framework. From the next academic year, BTech, BDes, BBA and BCA students in colleges affiliated to KTU contributing to STRIDEs inclusive innovation ecosystem will earn academic credits towards the mandatory 120 activity points required for the completion of their degrees. The scheme is also applicable to students enrolled from the 2024 academic year-- as they fall under the specified curriculum framework. As per KTUs scheme handbook, the activity point system under the 2024 curriculum framework provides structured opportunities for students to build personal, professional, and societal competencies that complement their academic learning. To promote balanced and meaningful engagement, every student must earn a minimum of 120 activity points during the programme. These points are distributed across three activity groups, and students must earn at least 40 points from each group to fulfil the requirement of 3 activity credits mandated by the curriculum, the handbook says. This is where STRIDE steps in. The handbook states that students in group II stand to earn a maximum of 20 points by engaging in STRIDE innovation activity. Another advantage of the programme is that students will be awarded certificates issued by KDISC or authorised STRIDE programme officials. Under the industry exposure and innovation category, the STRIDE Designathon pathway awards five points for accepted ideas, ten points for top 100+ selection, 20 points for state-level finalists, and 35 points for state-level winners. According to Robin Tommy, executive director of STRIDE, KTU has made history by formally recognising inclusive innovation as a pathway to academic credits. STRIDE students dont just build prototypes -- they build dignity. When engineering students design and develop a 500 assistive device that replaces a 5,000 import and restores independence to a child with cerebral palsy, they learn something no textbook can teach. This is the future of engineering education, he said.

Revised timeline for NH-66 in Kerala pegs completion by mid-2026

KOCHI: The long-drawn-out widening of NH 66 in Kerala is now targeted for a phased completion between March and August 2026, with most major stretches unlikely to be ready before the upcoming assembly elections. Revised timelines released by the Ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) indicate that the bulk of the work will be completed only by the middle of next year. In a written reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha on December 11, the ministry said work is under way on 16 stretches of NH 66 in Kerala, covering a total length of 422.8 km. The revised completion dates were fixed after reviewing physical progress and delays across packages. The project has been under intense scrutiny following a series of collapses and structural failures on under-construction stretches, raising concerns about construction quality and public safety. In early December, a section of the highway and an adjoining service road caved in near Mylakkadu in Chathannur, close to Kottiyam in Kollam district. Earlier, on May 19, a portion of NH 66 collapsed near Kooriyad in Malappuram district, with a retaining wall giving way and debris falling onto a service road built over reclaimed paddy land. Responding to a question by MP Adoor Prakash on the safety of road users during and after construction, the ministry said an expert committee has been appointed to examine vulnerable slopes and embankments along the NH-66 corridor in Kerala. Based on the committees recommendations, remedial measures are being carried out alongside ongoing work. The ministry also said penal action has been initiated against defaulting contractors and consultants, and that technical and safety audits will be conducted at identified vulnerable locations as required. According to the revised schedule, some of the more advanced stretches in north and central Kerala are expected to be completed between March and June 2026, while several key links in Kozhikode and south Kerala have timelines extending up to August 2026. Sections showing relatively lower progress have been given extended deadlines to accommodate additional safety and rectification works. MoRTH maintained that close monitoring mechanisms are now in place to prevent further structural failures and ensure compliance with design and safety standards. State-wise reviews are also being conducted more frequently to address site-specific challenges, including weak soil conditions and embankment stability. If the revised timelines hold, Kerala could see near-continuous six-lane connectivity along much of its coastal spine by mid-2026. Experts add the phased completion would still mark a significant milestone for mobility, logistics and road safety in the state.

Kerala actor assault case: SIT probed if Kavya had role in Sunis madam claim

KOCHI: While the trial court observed that the prosecution was duty-bound to examine prime accused Pulsar Sunis claim about a madam, the chargesheet filed on July 22, 2022, indicated that the special investigation team (SIT) had probed the alleged role of actor Dileeps wife, Kavya Madhavan, in the 2017 actor abduction case. We dont understand why the court made a sweeping observation suggesting that the investigation team did not look into the so-called madam. In addition to investigating about the madam, we also probed Sunis relationship with Kavya, his close acquaintance Sreelakshmi, and their common friend Shiny, a top source with the probe team told TNIE . In her first statement, the survivor said that Suni told her he had received a quotation and that it was given by a woman. When the survivor asked who it was, Suni replied that she already knew the woman and added that she would certainly know who her enemies were. This itself raised suspicion that the madam could be Kavya, and further indications also emerged as the investigation progressed, the officer said. Meanwhile, crime branch DySP Byju Paulose, the investigating officer in the case, said Suni himself had given statements about his association with Kavya and admitted that he had worked as her driver. Actor abduction and rape case: Who is madam behind quotation? One of the witnesses, who functioned as a call driver for Kavya, stated that he had assigned Suni to drive her to a function in Thrissur. Suni revealed that it was not a one-time assignment and that he had served as her driver on several occasions, after being contacted by her directly, Byju said. The officer also said that after committing the heinous act, instead of contacting his close acquaintance who had called him multiple times, Suni first attempted to visit the shop co-owned by Kavya, in search of her and Dileep. However, he added that although Kavyas involvement was suspected, she was not named as an accused as no strong material evidence was found to substantiate the allegation. Further, a senior police officer who supervised the investigation pointed to a voice clip in which actor Dileep told witness Balachandrakumar, This punishment was not meant for me but for another woman. I was punished after repeatedly trying to save her. The clip was subjected to scientific examination at a forensic science laboratory, was identified by witnesses, and produced before the court. Despite its evidentiary value, the court excluded it, citing doubts over the credibility of the witness, the officer said.

1.9-crore penalty imposed for violation of waste management norms in Kochi

SEC to hold workshop on EVMs in Kochi

INAS 335 `Ospreys` commissioned at INS Hansa in Goa

The commissioning of INAS 335 marks a major step in strengthening the Navys aviation and maritime combat capabilities. The first MH-60R squadron was commissioned earlier at Kochi, Kerala, in March 2024, the statement said

Watch: Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025 opens across 22 venues

Lost in time, Dracula returns to Kerala after half a century

KOCHI: After decades in the shadows, the Malayalam translation of Bram Stokers Dracula first published in 1975 will return to print in January 2026. For publisher Rayan Pushpanath, the rediscovery of the long-lost book felt less like routine archival work and more like cracking a cold case. Written by his grandfather, legendary Malayalam crime and horror writer Kottayam Pushpanath, the translation had virtually vanished from circulation. No major library had a copy. Collectors drew blanks. Even detailed bibliographies listed the book, but none could produce it. Yet this missing volume was no ordinary translation. It was the spark that opened the door to gothic horror for generations of Malayali readers and quietly reshaped popular fiction in the state. Printed in 1975, Dracula arrived in Kerala at a time when Malayalam popular literature was dominated by social novels, family sagas and romantic melodrama. For readers who had never encountered a full-fledged gothic horror novel, it was a revelation. Fear, mood and the supernatural suddenly became part of mainstream reading, recalls Rayan. Pushpanaths engagement with Dracula did not end with translation. The book became the foundation for what can now be described as the Malayalam Dracula universe. Over the years, he wrote nearly 10 interconnected novels, including Dracula Asiayil , Draculayude Makal , Dracula Unarunnu , Dracula Brazilil and Dracula Kotta . In these works, the vampire count was uprooted from Victorian England and placed in Indian and global settings, encountering local folklore, belief systems and anxieties. Long before people spoke about cinematic universes or franchise storytelling, my grandfather was doing it through novels, says Rayan. Holding the 1975 edition for first time was an emotional moment He took a Western myth and made it intimate, local and recognisably ours, says Rayan. In these stories, Dracula could walk through mist-covered hills reminiscent of Kerala, confront Eastern mysticism, or surface in unfamiliar geographies without losing his gothic core. Pushpanath did not merely adapt Stokers creation; he reimagined it, reclaiming the myth for a Malayalam-reading audience. Decades later, this literary experiment drew international attention. In 2025, British author Ann Morgan, known for A Year of Reading the World , highlighted Dracula Asiayil in her book Relearning to Read . She described it as a fascinating cultural phenomenon, noting how a Western character was reshaped through Indian emotional logic and narrative traditions. For Rayan, the recognition was affirming rather than surprising. For Kerala readers, Dracula became part of shared cultural memory. As familiar as popular fictional heroes, and as thrilling as stories told around a campfire, he says. Yet the absence of the original 1975 translation remained a troubling gap. It felt symbolic. As if the first chapter of a very large story had been torn out. The search for the book spanned seven years, taking him to libraries, ancestral homes, book fairs and private collections. The explanation he heard repeatedly was the same: the book had been borrowed endlessly, read until it fell apart, and never returned. It didnt disappear because people ignored it. It disappeared because people loved it, says Rayan. The breakthrough came in 2024 at a book fair in Kannur, when a collector casually confirmed he had a copy. Holding the fragile 1975 edition for the first time was an emotional moment. I wasnt just holding a book, Rayan recalls. I was holding a piece of my grandfathers imagination, travelling across generations. The rediscovery has now led to a carefully planned reprint, bringing the original translation back to readers after half a century.

Indian Navy commissions first of the five Diving Support Craft to boost operational efficiency

NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy commissioned DSC A20, the first of the five Diving Support Craft (DSC), built indigenously by M/s Titagarh Rail System Limited, during a ceremony held at Naval Base, Kochi, on Tuesday. As per the MoD, the Craft features a catamaran hull form, the ship offers superior stability, enhanced deck area, improved seakeeping characteristics, and has a displacement of approximately 390 tons. Fitted with state-of-the-art Diving Equipment, the vessel would play a vital role in underwater repairs & inspections, harbour clearances and critical diving missions in coastal waters. With its induction, the Indian Navy's capability in diving support, underwater inspection, salvage assistance, and coastal operational deployment will be substantially strengthened. As per the MoD, DSC A20 is the lead ship in a series of five Diving Support Craft being built by M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), Kolkata. Purpose-built for a wide spectrum of diving and underwater missions in coastal waters, the vessel is equipped with advanced, state-of-the-art diving systems that meet the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency. The event was presided over by Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command and hosted by Vice Admiral Sanjay Sadhu, Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition (CWP&A), with senior naval officers, representatives of M/s Titagarh Rail System Limited, Kolkata and distinguished guests in attendance. The contract for building five Diving Support Craft was signed between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Titagarh Rail System Limited, Kolkata, on 12 February 21. The Hydrodynamic Analysis and Model Testing of the ship during the design stage was undertaken at Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam. DSC A20 has been designed and constructed as per the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). At the time of contract signing, the Diving Support Craft was said to be a game changer in conducting diving operations and will serve as an ideal platform for conducting training of the Indian Navy's diving cadre. Commissioning of DSC A20 is yet another milestone in the Indian Navy's quest for indigenous shipbuilding, upholding the Government's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. The indigenous construction of such a specialised platform in the Indian Navy stands as a testament to growing domestic capabilities, self-reliance and reducing dependency on imports. It will be based at Kochi and operate under the Southern Naval Command.

Naval diving support craft DSC A20 commissioned at Kochi to boost underwater capabilities

The Indian Navy commissioned its 11th ship of the year, the naval diving support craft A20, at the Kochi naval base. This modern catamaran vessel, featuring advanced diving systems and a recompression chamber, will significantly enhance underwater preparedness and serve as a force multiplier. It also reinforces India's role in providing diving expertise and salvage assistance to friendly nations.

Shilton Hospitality Celebrates 20 Years of Purposeful Growth and Announces Strategic Expansion Across South India

Shilton Hospitality , a homegrown multi-brand hospitality group headquartered in Bengaluru, announces its 20th-anniversary milestone as it outlines a strategic expansion plan featuring new resort and club properties across South India. The announcement reflects the companys continued commitment to elevating guest experiences across regions, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Kabini, Chickmangalur, Coorg and Goa. Mr Anil Nagpal, Director, Shilton Hospitality Pvt Ltd Marking its anniversary year with industry recognition, Shilton Hospitality was recently honoured with the Certificate of Appreciation for Best Workplace & HR Practices at the 5th Edition Bharat CSR & Sustainability Summit & Awards 2025. The award acknowledges the companys sustained efforts in building a people-first culture, robust HR systems, and an inclusive workplace environment that empowers teams across all its brands. Over the past two decades, Shilton Hospitality has expanded into a diverse portfolio spanning business hotels, experiential resorts, casual dining, music festivals, serviced corporate residences and event catering formats. Its presence today includes key markets such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, and Kabini, with new developments planned in Coorg, Chikmagaluru, Goa and Bengaluru, including the upcoming Fireflies Chikmagaluru and Sinclair Club Yelahanka slated for 2026. Shilton International Under its umbrella, Shilton Hospitality manages a diverse portfolio of six core brands, each crafted for distinct consumer segments. Watsons and Watsons Cantina both serve as the groups popular casual dining and bar destination, while Fireflies offers serene resort and forest getaway experiences for leisure seekers. Shilton Hotels caters to both corporate and leisure travellers through its business hotel offerings. For events and large-format dining, 22 Catering delivers comprehensive solutions for corporate gatherings, celebrations, weddings, and private occasions. Rounding off the portfolio is Starlight, a budget-friendly neighbourhood bar format designed to offer accessible and familiar social spaces. Shilton Hospitality attributes its consistency to robust operational frameworks, leadership selection, and fail-safe systems designed to elevate guest experience. The company prioritises intensive staff training and a strong risk-management approach built on its internal ICE framework. Mr Anil Nagpal,Director, Shilton Hospitality , shared his perspective on the milestone, Completing 20 years is both a milestone and a moment of reflection for us. What began as a business hotel in Bengaluru has grown into a multi-brand ecosystem that caters to diverse traveller needs, while staying true to our roots in service, culture, and consistency. Assimilating from our ongoing ventures, our divested portfolio of large-scale events, being the founding partners of Echoes of Earth music festival and our future expansion into new wellness resorts and sports and recreation club formats, the group reflects on the essence of familiarity with comfort, community connection and evolving aspirations of our guests. With upcoming projects in Chikmagaluru, Coorg and Yelahanka, we are excited to deepen our footprint in South India while ensuring every property feels distinctly local and unmistakably a hospitality by Shilton . As Shilton Hospitality steps into its next phase of growth, the focus remains on expanding its resorts and club properties while strengthening brand experiences rooted in culture, sustainability, and operational excellence. With two major launches, Sinclair Club and Fireflies Chikmangalur planned for 2026 and continued momentum in its hospitality and F&B businesses, the group is poised for a transformative decade ahead. About Shilton Hospitality Shilton Hospitality is a Bengaluru-based multi-brand hospitality group with a 20-year legacy in business hotels, dining, resort experiences, serviced corporate residences and catering services. With a footprint across major South Indian cities and leisure destinations, the group is known for blending locally inspired design, thoughtful service, and sustainable operating practices. Its portfolio includes Watsons, Watsons Cantina, Fireflies Resorts, Shilton Hotels, Starlight, and 22 Catering. The company continues to expand through a fully owned-property model, ensuring consistency, quality, and long-term value across every brand it operates.

Infopark Kochi proposes shifting SilverLine station to Phase 3 to free up frozen land under Phase 2

Infopark proposal points out that if SilverLine proceeds as per its current alignment, it would be more ideal to have the station in Phase 3 rather than Phase 2

Kerala Judicial Officers Assn moves HC against persons allegedly defaming judge

KOCHI: The Kerala Judicial Officers Association has approached the High Court seeking initiation of contempt of court proceedings against persons allegedly defaming Judge Honey M Varghese, who pronounced the verdict in the 2017 actor abduction and sexual assault case. In its memorandum, the association stated that certain media houses and individuals with vested interests began disseminating baseless allegations after the judgment was delivered. It alleged that defamatory content was deliberately live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube, making baseless and scandalous allegations against a sitting judicial officer, including a false charge that the judgment was prepared in consultation with the accused. According to the association, the materials uploaded on social media were intended to erode public confidence in the judiciary by scandalising a judge in the eyes of the public and amount to criminal contempt of court under Section 2(c) of the Contempt of Courts Act.

LDF blames minority consolidation for Kerala local body poll loss; rejects anti-incumbency factor

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rejecting anti-incumbency factor, the CPM and the CPI the two leading partners in the LDF have blamed minority consolidation in favour of the Opposition UDF and cross voting by the Congress and the BJP in select areas for the drubbing suffered by the ruling front in the local body polls. Based on preliminary reports from the district leaderships, the CPM state secretariat assessed that the Christian community deserted the LDF in the four central Kerala districts of Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki, while the Muslim votes worked against it in the Malabar region. It attributed LDFs setback in Thiruvanathapuram and Kollam corporations to cross-voting between the Congress and the BJP. According to the CPM, the Christian community, cutting across denominations, largely shifted allegiance to the UDF in central Kerala. Party leaders cited Ernakulam as a striking example, where the LDF suffered unexpected setbacks in Kochi corporation and Ernakulam district panchayat. The shift they said, also adversely affected the LDFs vote sahre in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki. LDF suspects Cong-BJP cross-voting in TPuram and Kollam corporations The widening rift between the Church and the general education department was the primary trigger for the alienation, the CPM felt. Church-run school managements had demanded parity with a Supreme Court order obtained by the NSS on job reservations for differently-abled persons in private aided educational institutions. General Education Minister V Sivankuttys warning to managements against threatening the government is believed to have exacerbated tensions. The development prompted all Christian denominations to take a critical stance against the government, which got reflected in the voting, the secretariat felt. The CPM, however, rejected CPIs suggestion that the Kerala Congress has lost its organisational base in Kottayam. Post LSG poll debacle, bruised Left front starts introspection However, this trend did not significantly impact districts such as Thrissur, Kannur, Kozhikode and Kasaragod. It further assessed that a tacit understanding among the Jamaat e Islami, IUML and Congress consolidated Muslim votes in favour of the UDF, the CPM secretariat assessed. At a press conference, CPM state secretary M V Govindan questioned the claims that Muslims had deserted LDF, pointing out that it secured around 10 lakh votes in Malappuram. However, party insiders acknowledged concern over LDFs failure to secure presence in Malappuram district panchayat. CPI, in its assessment, said Muslim consolidation against LDF was intensified by two factors: CPMs failure to distance itself from the remarks of SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, perceived as hostile to Muslims and apprehensions that special intensive revision (SIR) could adversely affect the community. The higher voter turnout worked against LDF, it said. In Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam corporations, both parties suspect tactical cross-voting between Congress and BJP aimed at defeating LDF. Govindan alleged that in 41 wards won by BJP in Thiruvananthapuram corporation, Congress polled less than 1,000 votes, suggesting strategic voting. CPI state secretariat identified similar pattern in Kollam corporation too. CPI felt that lack of action against former TDB president A Padmakumar had sent a wrong message to believers that the government has something to hide. However, CPM rejected any impact. Govindan asserted that action would be taken against Padmakumar only if the court found him guilty.

U-19 womens cricket match: Kerala bowlers shine in second win

KOCHI: Kerala trounced Saurashtra by 95 runs to register their second group-stage victory in the under-19 womens national 50-over cricket championship. Batting first at the Sachin Tendulkar Gymkhana in Mumbai, Kerala put on 186 runs in 46.3 overs. In reply, Saurashtra were bowled out for 91 in 34.5 overs. Sradha Sumesh (55 off 47 balls) was instrumental in Kerala posting a competitive total. Her innings was studded with four boundaries and three maximums. Earlier, opener Sreya P Siju (44 off 59) and Aryananda N S (24 off 68) put on a 60-run partnership to help steady Keralas innings. Among the batters who followed, however, only Ashima Antony and captain Isabel reached double-digits. Dhruvi Bhatasana was the pick of the Saurashtra bowlers, taking three wickets. Avani Chavda and Jadeja Harshitaba, also, chipped in, taking two each. Sradha has been a consistent performer this tournament. She is determined to keep this momentum going in the upcoming matches, Arun N B, the team coach, told TNIE . Save for Sradha, the rest struggled with the bat. However, we were terrific with the ball, he said. Saurashtra lost their opener Angel off the very first ball to a brilliant delivery by Isabel, who also dismissed in-form Veda Amrutiya for a duck, and contributed in the field to run out Bhindi K. However, with figures of 3 for 19, Niya Nazneen was the pick of Keralas bowlers. Her spell of nine overs included three maidens. Anushka C V also shone with the cherry, taking two wickets and giving away just two runs in her six overs. With one each, Manasvi and Aksa A R were the other wicket takers. For Saurashtra, only Krishas put up any resistance (29 off 70). Keralas victory came on the back of a record-breaking performance in their opener against Nagaland which they won by 316 runs. The victory margin was the highest in the tournaments history. Kerala scored 377 for 7 in 50 overs. In reply, Nagaland could only manage 61 runs. Sradha was the star, scoring a century. With two wins, Kerala sits atop the group table. However, the upcoming fixtures against Bengal and Haryana will determine if we will qualify for the next round, Arun added.

Kerala actor assault case: Sreelakshmis role closely examined, says probe officer

KOCHI: Amid the controversy triggered by the trial courts observations in the actor abduction and sexual assault case, particularly with regard to the prosecutions failure to establish a conspiracy and clarify the role of Sreelakshmi, who was in frequent contact with prime accused Pulsar Suni, the probe team members maintain that her involvement was thoroughly investigated and all relevant findings were placed before court. Investigating officer Babukumar filed the report after the initial examination of the role of Sreelakshmi and Shiny, another early suspect. Shinys house was searched and electronic devices were seized, while Sreelakshmis mobile phone was confiscated, an officer involved in that investigation told TNIE . Sreelakshmis role was also thoroughly examined. As part of the effort, she was interrogated in detail and her mobile phone subjected to forensic analysis. Her name was dropped after it was found that she was only an acquaintance of Suni, the officer added. Substantiating the assertion, Byju Paulose, DySP of the crime branch and investigating officer of the special investigation team (SIT), said the initial probe team examined all aspects and placed the related details, along with supporting evidence, before the court. The then investigating officer removed Sreelakshmi from the case after finding that she was neither relevant nor involved. The team seized both her and Sunis mobile phones and produced all related materials, including their chats and data. How could I reopen the same issue after taking charge as the investigating officer? Byju asked. He reiterated that the case is among the few in India where an extensive volume of digital evidence was produced. Meanwhile, a top source with the probe team termed the courts observation unfortunate. The SIT found that she and Suni were close acquaintances, and some of the messages exchanged by them reflected this. Taking this into account, we submitted all related details, including the FSL report of her mobile phone, before the court. Even then, such observations by the court are disappointing, the officer added. WE COOPERATED FULLY... BUT ISSUE CONTINUES TO HAUNT US In the wake of the scrutiny over the trial courts observations on the alleged role of Sreelakshmi, her husband on Monday said she has no connection with the case and appealed against dragging them back into the issue. In the initial stage of the investigation itself, we provided all possible information and handed over the mobile phone and SIM card to the probe team. We were summoned four to five times for questioning and cooperated fully. After all this, we dont understand why the issue continues to haunt us, he told TNIE , requesting anonymity. He added that all calls and messages had been verified, since the phone itself was with the police. He said Sreelakshmi had known Pulsar Suni from the time he worked as a bus driver and she was a regular passenger. There was only a casual acquaintance. He did contact her on the day of the incident, which was already disclosed to the police. We had no idea about Sunis real nature. She is not doing well now, so I havent disclosed recent developments. We request that we be left alone, he added.

In Kochi Corporation, Palluruthy is LDFs only bright spot

The front performed relatively better in certain pockets and far worse in others across the four CPI(M) area committee limits within the civic body

Two held on charge of robbing US citizen of cash, gold in Kochi hotel

High-stakes CPM foray misfires on the ground

KOCHI: It began as a bold political move, but ended up a costly mistake. In trying to redraw its voter map, the CPM appears to have scribbled all over it. By sharpening its stand against Islamic extremism, the party hoped to draw on Hindu and Christian voters. Instead, the strategy backfired Muslim voters felt alienated, Christian support remained weak, and even sections of the Hindu base slipped away. What made the setback sharper was that the party chose this risky path after sidelining its otherwise strong record on development. Political analyst T T Sreekumar says the CPMs shift was not driven mainly by electoral maths, but by pressures building up within the party which he termed an internal compulsion. What I see is a strong undercurrent a radical change in the attitude of CPM cadre, Sreekumar points out. According to him, sections of the partys rank and file are slowly moving away from the lefts traditional commitment to progressivism and secularism. He describes this as an internal ideological adjustment, aimed at holding on to cadre who are turning restless and drifting towards conservative positions. Indicating a visible change in the partys postures and positions, he stresses that the journey from the Vanitha Mathil, which championed womens rights and secular values, to events like the Ayyappa Sangamam signals a clear shift in direction. That stand has now changed, Sreekumar says, adding that Hindutvas influence is now visible within the partys grassroots. The assumption that Christians would rally behind the CPM due to the UDFs alleged proximity to extremist Muslim groups did not hold. On Muslim voters, Sreekumar warned that attacks on organisations like the Jamaat-e-Islami often create fear rather than division. There is a feeling that it starts with extremist groups and eventually targets the community as a whole. Over time, such narratives tend to push communities to close ranks, not fragment. Krishnakumar K K, a senior fellow at the Centre for Socio-economic and Environmental Studies (CSES), argues that the CPMs strategy did not entirely backfire and may have yielded limited tactical gains, even if its broader objectives were not met. They had a huge setback in the Lok Sabha polls, even in places where they were strong. Hindu votes were slipping away in Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram. They wanted to regain those votes, and that was when the Jamaat factor came into the picture, he points out. He notes that while the narrative was aimed at recalibrating the lefts support base, it ended up helping the BJP as well. The most visible outcome, he says, was the consolidation of Muslim votes behind the UDF. Earlier, the left used to secure around 25% of Muslim votes, but this time, he estimates that at least 50% of those vote pivoted to the UDF. Looking ahead, Krishnakumar expects the LDF to return to a development-centric strategy ahead of the assembly election. He believes this would serve the left better than identity-driven narratives. Meanwhile, Ravindranathan P, assistant professor in the department of geopolitics and international relations at Manipal University, said the campaign lacked a clear political narrative. Politics itself was missing. What we saw was more noise than direction, he said. He recalled how leaders like E M S Namboodiripad once set clear agendas that cadre carried to the grassroots. The CPM could have taken development as the core theme, he said, pointing to its work in infrastructure and waste management. That would have resonated better. Calling it a collective failure, he adds that strong anti-incumbency made matters worse. In such a situation, you need a powerful narrative that connects with people. That was missing this time, Ravindranathan says. Misplaced judgement Strategy driven by compulsion: CPMs narrative shift was driven by setbacks in the Lok Sabha polls and driven by internal pressures and a changing attitude among its cadre Intent vs outcome: CPMs strategy to woo Hindus and Christians backfired with Muslim votes consolidating strongly behind the UDF Development-focused narrative would have been a better bet: Experts suggest that development could have been a more effective electoral strategy

Branded outsider, Rajeev emerges power player after Thiruvanthapuram show

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The NDA wresting control of Thiruvananthapuram corporation on December 13 from over two decades of LDF rule has drawn national attention, marking a rare breakthrough for the BJP in a state traditionally dominated by the CPM-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF. Eight months earlier, in April, BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar responded to critics branding him an outsider unfamiliar with Keralas culture and language. I know how to wear a mundu (dhoti) and tuck it. I know how to speak development politics in Malayalam to people and also know how to respond in strong language. I dont need lessons in Malayalam, Chandrasekhar declared at a party convention, signalling his determination to establish himself in Keralas political arena. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Thiruvananthapuram mandate as a watershed moment in Keralas politics, and sources indicate that he may visit the city soon and announce central projects for the corporation. Party insiders noted the unusual level of attention from the PM, describing it as a rare acknowledgement of a local body victory, particularly as the BJP lost power in some local bodies. For the LDF government and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the outcome is a political reality they must accept they will now have to share the dais with the Kerala capitals first BJP mayor. The victory also marks a turning point for Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who became the BJP state president in March this year. Once viewed as a billionaire businessman-turned-politician, he has emerged as a shrewd political strategist. The result also shows BJPs paradigm shift from traditional hardline Hindutva politics to development politics. The public and political opponents will be watching closely how Modis mantra of double engine sarkar is going to be unveiled in Kerala for the first time. Though Chandrasekhar lost in the 2024 Lok Sabha election to Congress Shashi Tharoor in Thiruvananthapuram, 10 months later he was appointed the BJP state president. Sources attributed his appointment to the central leaderships realisation that by achieving around 20%vote share in the parliamentary election, the party reached a saturation point, forcing it to find new allies outside its traditional fold. Chandrasekhar seamlessly and effectively fitted the slot. The result in the state capital shows that his development politics attracted Gen Z, technocrats, middle class, upper class, government employees, and civil servants. The non-hardcore leader brand also had an appeal with the powerful Christian community. The appointments of Anoop Antony and Shone George as state general secretaries sent effective messages to the community. Interventions in the Munambam waqf land issue, arrest of two nuns in Chhattisgarh for alleged human trafficking, and the hijab issue in a Christian management school in Kochi paid dividends in Thiruvananthapuram. With assembly elections just months away, this victory underscores the partys strategic evolution and cements Rajeev Chandrasekhar as a key player in the states political landscape.