We will never intimidate journalists: Kerala Home Minister Chennithala
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 18 (IANS) The Congress-led UDF government will never put pressure on the media or intimidate journalists, Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said on Friday, asserting that the action against Reporter TV Managing Director, Anto Augustine, was not connected with the channels work. The media is free to do its job and we are very clear about it. The UDF government will never ever put pressure on the media through intimidation, Chennithala told reporters. His remarks came a day after Augustine was arrested by the Excise Department in an Abkari case and as the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court at Sultan Bathery rejected his bail plea on Friday. Chennithala said the government had taken note of several instances involving journalists during the previous decade under the Pinarayi Vijayan government. He alleged that many journalists had faced pressure in connection with their news coverage during that period. Many journalists during the previous one decade came under duress with regard to news. What happened with Reporter TV was nothing to do with news, he said. According to Chennithala, the police and investigating agencies had the necessary documents and legal authority when they entered the Reporter TV office as part of the investigation. The police had all the papers according to law when they entered the office of Reporter TV, he said. Augustine was arrested hours after a Special Investigation Team probing alleged financial irregularities surrounding the proposed visit of football star Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to Kerala, conducted searches at the Reporter Broadcasting Company office and premises linked to Augustine and his brothers in Kochi and Wayanad. The Excise Department subsequently arrested him in connection with the seizure of liquor from his ancestral house at Vazhavatta in Wayanad. The Bathery court had on Thursday remanded him in judicial custody for 14 days before rejecting his bail plea on Friday. The government has maintained that the Excise case and the SIT investigation into the proposed Messi event are separate. Chennithala said the SIT headed by ADGP P. Vijayan was constituted on the basis of a report submitted by the Sports Secretary and handed over to him by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. The SIT is doing its job according to law. It has acted only in accordance with the prevailing laws. The Home Minister does not intervene, he said.
Reporter TV chief Anto Augustine denied bail, to remain in judicial custody
Digital Desk | Wayanad (Kerala), Sep 18 (IANS) Reporter TV Managing Director Anto Augustine, arrested in an excise case following the seizure of liquor from his ancestral house in Wayanad, will remain in judicial custody as a Kerala court on Friday rejected his bail plea. The decision was announced by the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court at Sulthan Bathery. Augustine was arrested by the Excise Department early on Thursday, shortly after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged financial irregularities surrounding the proposed visit of football star Lionel Messi and the Argentina team to Kerala completed searches at his office and properties. The Bathery court had on Thursday sent Augustine to judicial custody for 14 days. He was subsequently to be shifted to the District Jail at Mananthavady. The Excise case relates to the alleged possession of liquor beyond the permissible limit. The arrest followed the seizure of about 67 litres of liquor and wine from Augustines ancestral house at Vazhavatta in Wayanad during the SIT search on Wednesday. Excise officials said the seized stock included foreign-made liquor and wine and other liquor allegedly not authorised for sale in India. The case has been registered under Sections 55(a), 55(i) and 58 of the Kerala Abkari Act. An Excise team led by Assistant Commissioner Baiju reached the Reporter TV office in Kalamassery around 2.30 am on Thursday and arrested Augustine there. He was subsequently taken to Wayanad and produced before the court. The arrest came after the SIT conducted searches for several hours at the Reporter Broadcasting Company office and premises linked to Augustine and his brothers in Kochi and Wayanad. Investigators were probing alleged financial irregularities connected with the proposed Messi-Argentina event. The police action is separate from the excise case. The SIT searches had led to the seizure of documents and other records, including material relating to the Kaloor stadium, while investigators also examined financial transactions linked to the proposed event. A separate tax-related inquiry has also flagged alleged financial irregularities involving Reporter Broadcasting Company. The timing of Augustines arrest, coming hours after the SIT searches, triggered criticism and questions over the action against the head of a news organisation. Augustine had denied the liquor allegations and said he had cooperated with the investigation into the Messi episode, handing over the documents sought by the investigators. The Kerala Police SIT is investigating alleged cheating and financial irregularities surrounding the proposed football event, while the Excise case before the Bathery court concerns the alleged possession of liquor beyond the legally permissible quantity.
Kerala Widens Lionel Messi Event Probe, Ex-Sports Minister Likely To Be Quizzed
A probe is being conducted into alleged irregularities in the previous government's move to host Argentina's national team's match featuring Lionel Messi in Kochi in 2025.
Kader Attia to unveil curatorial vision for seventh edition of Kochi Muziris Biennale on November 14
The noted Algerian-French artist has initiated site visits and conversations in Kochi ahead of the next edition of the international art event, say KMB organisers
Migrants robbed of valuables worth lakhs at rented house in Kochi
Interstate drug trafficking network busted, claims NCB Kochi unit
A total of 33.1 grams of suspected cocaine seized as part of the operation
Frequent water supply disruptions hit life in Kochi amid summer-like conditions
Multiple incidents of pipe bursts reported in the city and neighbouring municipalities over the past month; recurrent power failures at pumping stations blamed for pressure variations in pumping lines
CPI(M) back in familiar opposition role, questions Satheesan's zoo relocation plan
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 17 (IANS) The CPI(M) in Kerala has moved swiftly to oppose Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan's proposal to relocate the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo to a forested setting, with senior party leader and former mayor V.K. Prasanth questioning the rationale behind the move and alleging that commercial interests could be driving the plan. Prasanth alleged that the proposal was driven by commercial interests and wondered whether the prime 36-acre property in the heart of the capital was being eyed for handover to private business interests. He also questioned why such a move was being taken without consulting the people. The quick reaction has placed the CPI(M) in familiar territory, opposing a major initiative floated by a Congress-led government, even before the idea has moved beyond the discussion stage. Kerala's political history is replete with examples of projects that faced resistance depending on which political front championed them. Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy often remarked that in Kerala, the identity of the proposer frequently mattered more than the proposal itself. Chandy had himself faced strong Left opposition after introducing computers in the Finance Department in 1991 while serving as Finance Minister. He later pointed to the irony that several Left leaders who had opposed computerisation eventually embraced the technology. Similarly, the Kochi Smart City project encountered stiff resistance from the Left when it was pursued by the UDF government, only to be carried forward later under the LDF administration. Several infrastructure projects in the state have witnessed comparable political reversals over the years. Satheesan unveiled the zoo relocation proposal during the three-day 'Reimagining Keralam' forum on Wednesday. He suggested shifting the zoo towards the Neyyar forest region, arguing that the animals could live in surroundings closer to their natural habitat. The Chief Minister also proposed converting the valuable city-centre land into a major public space modelled on world-class urban recreational hubs. Highlighting the zoo's significance, Prasanth noted that it attracts over 1.2 million visitors annually and generates around Rs 8 crore in revenue. Interestingly, BJP Mayor V.V. Rajesh welcomed the proposal and suggested that the Central Jail, another major government property located in the city centre, could also be shifted to a rural area. For now, the zoo remains where it is. But the political battle over its future has already begun.
LDF to launch protest over dysfunctional streetlights in Kochi Corporation limits
LDF accuses the civic body of continuing neglect in ensuring functioning of streetlights, while allowing companies entrusted with their operation to take advantage of advertisements
WPL 2027 to begin January 14; final scheduled for February 7, confirms BCCI
The fifth edition of the Women's Premier League will be played from January 14 to February 7, 2027 while its auction will be held on October 28 this year in Kochi, the BCCI announced on Wednesday. The BCCI however did not disclose the host cities for the WPL. As the biggest T20 league in women's cricket, the TATA WPL has established itself as a significant platform for the growth of the sport, bringing together leading players from India and around the world while creating opportunities for emerging talent to perform at the highest level, said the BCCI in a statement. The Player Retention deadline is set for September 28. The five franchises will have the opportunity to retain players from their existing squads as they begin putting their combinations in place for the new season, the BCCI added.
Reporter TV MD Anto Augustine Arrested Amid Messi Investigation in Kochi
Anto Augustine, MD of Reporter TV, has been arrested for excessive alcohol possession as police probe Messis financial irregularities. Reporter TV MD Anto Augustine Arrested Amid Messi Investigation in Kochi
Anto Augustine arrested by Excise in Abkari case
Reporter TV managing director arrested on charges of alleged possession of liquor in excess of legally permissible limit
Anto Augustine arrested in liquor case as Messi probe gathers pace
Digital Desk | Kochi, Sep 17 (IANS) Reporter TV Managing Director Anto Augustine was formally arrested by the Excise Department in a case relating to the possession of liquor beyond the permissible limit, as the police investigation into alleged financial irregularities surrounding the proposed visit of Lionel Messi and the Argentina football team to Kerala gathered pace. An Excise team led by Assistant Commissioner Baiju reached the Reporter TV office in Kalamassery in the early hours of Thursday and took Augustine into custody. He was later subjected to a medical examination and is now being taken to Wayanad, a journey expected to take several hours. He will be produced before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Sulthan Bathery. The arrest followed the seizure of a large quantity of liquor from Augustines ancestral house at Vazhavatta in Wayanad during the SIT search on Wednesday. Excise officials seized 43 litres of foreign liquor, seven litres of foreign wine and 13 litres of homemade wine, besides liquor bottles not authorised for sale in India. The arrest at the Reporter TV office witnessed a tense sequence of events. After the Excise team read out the seizure mahazar, Augustine insisted that he be shown the FIR before being arrested. Though officials showed him a digital copy, he insisted on a hard copy. Perumbavoor Excise Circle Inspector Manoj Kumar subsequently arrived with the physical copy, following which the arrest was formally recorded. The developments came shortly after a nearly 20-hour search by the SIT at the Reporter Broadcasting Company office and premises linked to its owners in Kochi and Wayanad. The police seized several documents, memory cards and records relating to the Kaloor stadium, besides $6,300 in foreign currency. The searches were conducted under court warrants. State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, who returned from the US, said the SIT headed by ADGP P. Vijayan was constituted to investigate the Messi episode on the basis of a report submitted by the Sports Secretary. He said the report had been handed over to him by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. The SIT is doing its job according to law. It has acted only in accordance with the prevailing laws. The Home Minister does not intervene, Chennithala told reporters at the Cochin airport. He said any action found to be contrary to law would be examined. They had a search warrant and proceeded accordingly. What happened during the past one decade is known to everyone. Why did you not see that then? Many media personnel were under duress. We are making it very clear that if anything wrong has been done, it will be looked into, he said. The SIT search, led by Thrikkakara ACP Bijoy Chandran, began around 6 a.m. on Wednesday and concluded at about 2.30 a.m. on Thursday. The team also searched the flats of Augustine and his brothers at Chembumukku and the office of marketing company GOTAD, which investigators suspect has links with Augustine. Police said evidence had been collected and that the SIT chief would provide further details. The Excise case against Augustine carries non-bailable provisions under the Abkari Act, while the separate SIT investigation concerns alleged cheating and financial irregularities linked to the proposed Messi-Argentina event.
PIL in Kerala High Court seeks regulation of counsellors and mental health services
Court seeks the Union governments response on implementing regulations under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021
WPL 2027 to be played from January 14 to February 7
The player auction will be held in Kochi on October 28
WPL 2027 to be held in January-February
The fifth edition of the Women's Premier League (WPL) is scheduled from January 14 to February 7, 2027, with the player auction slated for October 28 in Kochi, the BCCI confirmed.
WPL 2027 To Begin On January 14, Auction On October 28 In Kochi
WPL Player Auction: The fifth edition of the Womens Premier League (WPL) will be played from January 14 to February 7, 2027, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announcing the key dates for the upcoming season on Wednesday. The first major deadline on the road to the new campaign will be the player retention deadline on September 28, giving the five franchises an opportunity to decide which members of their existing squads they want to retain. The next stage of squad-building will take place at the WPL Player Auction on October 28. The auction will be held at the Grand Hyatt Kochi, where franchises will seek to fill gaps and finalise their combinations for the fifth season. The 2027 tournament will follow the 2026 edition, in which Royal Challengers Bengaluru claimed their second WPL title by defeating Delhi Capitals in the final. The league continues to feature five franchises, RCB, DC, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz, and provides a platform for both established international players and emerging Indian talent. The retention window will be particularly significant as franchises assess their squads ahead of the auction. With the five teams required to build balanced combinations across batting, bowling and all-round options, decisions made in September will shape their approach in Kochi a month later. The 2027 tournament will follow the 2026 edition, in which Royal Challengers Bengaluru claimed their second WPL title by defeating Delhi Capitals in the final. The league continues to feature five franchises, RCB, DC, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Giants and UP Warriorz, and provides a platform for both established international players and emerging Indian talent. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories With the dates now confirmed, the immediate focus shifts to the franchises and their retention plans. Once those decisions are made by September 28, attention will turn to Kochi, where the October 28 auction will provide the next major step towards assembling the squads for the 2027 season. Article Source: IANS
Women's Premier League 2027 dates locked in from January 14 to February 7
The Women's Premier Leaguefifth edition is scheduled for January 14 to February 7, 2027. This tournament will precede the Women's Champions Trophy, which is now hosted in India. The player auction for the upcoming WPL season will take place on October 28. Kochi will host this important player acquisition event for the league. These dates were officially announced by the BCCI on Wednesday.
Dr. H. Prabhakar Elected National Vice President of Indian College of Cardiology
Dr. H. Prabhakar Elected National Vice President of Indian College of Cardiology Mangaluru: Dr. H. Prabhakar, a distinguished interventional cardiologist and pioneer in the field, has been elected National Vice President of the prestigious Indian College of Cardiology at its National Meet held in Kochi on September 12, 2026. The recognition reflects his contributions to [] The post Dr. H. Prabhakar Elected National Vice President of Indian College of Cardiology appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
WPL auction likely in Kochi on October 28, venues for season yet to be finalised
WPL auction likely in Kochi on October 28, venues for season yet to be finalised
Satheesan says SIT procured search warrant from magistrate court to inspect television channels office in Kochi
CMRL pay-off case: official retracts statement to ED
It has now come to light that P. Suresh Kumar submitted a retraction statement to the ED Directorate in Delhi, alleging illegal and high-handed conduct of the officers of the Kochi office of the Enforcement Directorate.
WPL 2027 auction likely on October 28 in Kochi
Messi Event Row: Police Conduct Search at Reporter TV Office in Kochi
The Assistant Commissioner of Police of Thrikkakara, who is leading the search, claimed that the channel was not cooperating with the process
Messi Kerala Event Row: Police Action at Reporter TV Office Triggers Media Freedom Debate
Police searched Malayalam news channel Reporter TV's Kochi office amid an SIT probe into the Kerala Messi-Argentina event controversy. The channel alleged phones were seized.
Kerala Messi fraud case: SIT raids multiple locations linked to Reporter TV in Kochi, Wayanad
Digital Desk | Kochi, Sep 16 (IANS) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged fraud in the name of football superstar Lionel Messi conducted simultaneous raids at multiple locations in Kerala's Kochi and Wayanad early Wednesday, including the office of Reporter TV, triggering a sharp political confrontation over the police action against the media organisation. The searches began around 4 a.m. and were carried out at the Kochi flats of Anto Augustin and Josekutty Augustin, their ancestral house in Wayanad, the Reporter TV office in Kochi and the office of GOTAD company. The police SIT reached the locations in five vehicles and conducted searches simultaneously. The police have registered a case at the Kalamassery police station in connection with the alleged fraud involving Messis name. The FIR invokes charges including cheating, fraud and criminal conspiracy. Reporter Broadcasting Company and Anto Augustin have been named as the accused. The search at the Reporter TV office, however, became the immediate focus of a political controversy, with Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan strongly condemning the police action and alleging that the operation disrupted news broadcasting. In a statement, Vijayan alleged that a group of policemen entered the news desk at the Kochi office in the early hours, forcibly took away journalists mobile phones and created an atmosphere of terror for nearly one-and-a-half hours. He also alleged that the police filmed the journalists. Vijayan described the action as reminiscent of the Emergency and alleged that what had happened in Kerala was similar to attacks on media organisations in BJP-ruled states and Delhi. He also drew a comparison to the action against NewsClick, alleging that the seizure of equipment and action against journalists in that case were similar to what had happened at Reporter TV. Kerala will not accept such an assault aimed at silencing the media, Vijayan said, while strongly condemning what he described as an attack on media freedom. He demanded an explanation from Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, who also holds the Home portfolio, saying the CM and state Home Minister should answer for the police action against the media. The SIT raids form part of the investigation into the alleged misuse of Messis name. The simultaneous searches at the residences and offices of those linked to the case indicate that investigators are examining multiple aspects of the alleged financial transactions and the role of the accused and associated entities.
Three held for alleged robbery near Aluva railway station in Keralam
KWA to re-tender 5 MLD STP as no bidder qualifies; Work begins on 27-km sewage pipeline in Kochi
The sewerage treatment project includes three components an STP and two sewage pipeline networks of 27 km and 17 km
SWTD to launch two partly solar-powered, electric ro-ro ferries in Kochi
The vessels are expected to be commissioned in October 2027
Agimol Pradeep wins global nursing award for tackling South Asian donation gap
UK nurse Agimol Pradeep wins global award for tackling South Asian organ donation gap Beat 134,000 entrants from 214 countries in award's biggest-ever year Her initiative Upahaar has registered over 10,000 South Asian stem-cell donors since 2012 Will use $250,000 prize to expand her work and fund nursing education A UK-BASED nurse who has spent over a decade tackling low rates of organ and stem-cell donation among South Asian communities has been named the world's best nurse, winning the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026 and a $250,000 prize. Agimol Pradeep, a senior transplant coordinator at King's College Hospital and honorary senior lecturer at the University of Salford, was chosen from among 134,000 registrations across 214 countries and economies, in the award's largest-ever field. She was celebrated at a ceremony in Kochi on Saturday, attended by Kerala chief minister VD Satheesan and senior healthcare and nursing leaders. Her mission began when an Asian patient in the UK asked her whether his ethnicity played a role in his more than three-year wait for a kidney transplant, while others appeared to receive one within months. The question stayed with her and led her to investigate wider disparities in transplant access affecting South Asian patients. If I didn't know the depth of it, how do I expect my patients to know about it? Pradeep said, recalling the moment that inspired her to dig deeper. Her research into South Asian patients and families found that low donor registration was not down to a lack of willingness, but a lack of information. She uncovered myths, religious concerns and misplaced fears holding people back including worries that treatment would suffer, that signing up could put their own life at risk, and concerns about organ trafficking. It is all about people knowing about it, she said, stressing the need to make conversations around donation more normal, and adding that awareness should begin in schools. In 2012, she joined clinicians and community members, including kidney donor and advocate Father Davis Chiramel, to launch Upahaar, an initiative promoting organ and stem-cell donation specifically within South Asian communities. What began as a small group has grown to around 100 volunteers, and the initiative has now registered more than 10,000 stem-cell donors each one a potential lifeline for patients with blood cancers, for whom genetic compatibility within their own community can be critical to finding a match. The response has been largely positive, Pradeep said, with around 80 per cent of people at community events welcoming once their concerns are addressed, particularly among younger people. Create an open space for conversation that will give you a positive result, she said. Her impact extends beyond donor awareness. Pradeep contributed to regulatory changes allowing internationally trained nurses to return to the UK workforce, helping ease nursing shortages work that, alongside her transplant advocacy, earned her the British Empire Medal. She plans to put half her prize money into expanding Upahaar to more communities and countries, with the rest funding nursing education to encourage more nurses to become advocates. Winning the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award is an extraordinary honour, but more importantly, it gives me an opportunity to take a lifetime of work further, Pradeep said. Her goal remains ensuring that a person's chance of a life-saving transplant is never determined by their ethnicity or community. (With inputs from agencies)
Kochi to Host Cybersecurity Hackathon in October: Keralam Police Chief
He said that the eight-day conference will bring together cyber security experts, law enforcement agencies, industry leaders, researchers, technology professionals, academicians and students from across India and around the world
India's semiconductor sector attracts $1.4 billion funding: Report
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) India's semiconductor sector has raised a total of $1.4 billion in equity funding with nearly half of the capital secured since 2025, according to a report released on Tuesday. A report by Tracxn Technologies said the country's semiconductor ecosystem comprises 3,557 companies, of which 281 have raised funding and 142 have secured equity investments. According to the report, funding activity has gained momentum in recent years, with capital increasingly flowing into a smaller number of larger transactions. The two biggest funding rounds were IL JIN Electronics' $198 million private equity raise in September 2025 and Tessolve Semiconductor's $150 million private equity round in the same month. Moreover, Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) emerged as the most-funded business segment and attracted $313 million since 2025, including $89 million in the trailing 12 months. Embedded Hardware followed with $51.9 million raised since 2025, all of it secured over the past 12 months. Other prominent segments attracting investor interest include Power Management Integrated Circuits and Fabless Semiconductor Manufacturing, the report said. Bengaluru remained the leading hub for semiconductor companies, hosting 626 firms or around 18 per cent of the total ecosystem. The city accounted for about 40 per cent of all equity funding raised by the sector to date. Noida, Gurugram, Kochi and Hyderabad also featured among key semiconductor clusters. The report further noted that the sector has recorded 62 acquisitions and 42 initial public offerings (IPOs) as of 2026 year-to-date. The report said the data reflects growing investor interest in India's semiconductor ecosystem as the country seeks to strengthen domestic capabilities across chip design, manufacturing and electronics value chains. Additionally, electronics production rose from about Rs 1.9 lakh crore in 2014-15 to Rs 13.11 lakh crore in 2025-26, while electronics exports increased from around Rs 38,000 crore to Rs 4.24 lakh crore during the period, according to the government data. Mobile phone production increased from Rs 18,000 crore to Rs 6.27 lakh crore over the same period, while mobile phone exports rose from about Rs 1,500 crore to Rs 2.59 lakh crore, it added.
Cyber security, hacking conferences to be held in Kochi in Oct, says Keralam Police chief
The eight-day conference will bring together cyber security experts, law enforcement agencies, industry leaders, researchers, technology professionals, academicians and students from across India and around the world
Fire breaks out at automobile service centre in Keralams Kochi; none injured
The blaze broke out when workers were uninstalling steel frames of the facility as part of relocation
Keralite vlogger says she escaped arrest threat in Afghanistan
Kochi: A Keralite woman travel vlogger, who had earlier claimed that she was arrested by the Mujahideen in Afghanistan, has now said that local authorities threatened to arrest her in Bamyan, citing the countrys law that women cannot travel without a male companion or guide. According to the law of this country, a woman cannot 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 to host Keralams c0c0n 2026cybersecurity conference in October
Organised by Kerala Police, the event will bring together cybersecurityprofessionals, government and lawenforcement agencies, industry leaders, researchers, technologyexperts, academicians and students
Cochin Shipyard In Focus: Govt OFS Not On The Cards, Says Management
Cochin Shipyard has recently entered into a 50:50 joint venture with DP World's Drydocks World to operate and expand the International Ship Repair Facility in Kochi.
The Liberian-flagged vessel owned by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) sank off the coast of Alappuzha in May 2025, reportedly causing substantial coastal and marine damage to the shores of Keralam and Tamil Nadu
Residents take out protest following drinking water shortage in Kochi
Sources at KWA said that the issue has come to their notice and will be rectified soon
Kochi Metro documents leak: Police launch probe
According to police, the incident came to light after KMRL found that some of its confidential documents were being circulated in WhatsApp groups
Kochi Metro documents leak: Police launch probe
According to police, the incident came to light after KMRL found that some of its confidential documents were being circulated in WhatsApp groups
Bihari youth arrested for alleged murder of colleague from the State in Kochi plywood factory
The arrested person is Mohammed Sahil, 23, of Muzaffarpur in Bihar; he has been charged with murder
Kochi Metro confidential documents leaked on social media, police launch investigation
Kochi Metro Police registered a case regarding the theft of confidential company documents. Unidentified individuals allegedly gained unauthorized access to KMRL computer systems for financial gain. Leaked documents, including employee and financial details, were circulated on a WhatsApp group. The investigation is underway, with police suspecting insider involvement in the data breach. Authorities will seek cyber police assistance to trace the responsible parties.
Man tied up, brutally assaulted during robbery in Keralam
Kochi: A 28-year-old man suffered multiple fractures to his ribs and hands after he was allegedly brutally assaulted and robbed by two persons near Aluva railway station here, police said on Monday. The injured, Jofin Joju of Kodanad near here, was walking towards Aluva railway station when he was allegedly approached by the two-member gang 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 .
Keralam CM V.D. Satheesan takes a trip down memory lane at alumni meet
Migrant worker found dead in Perumbavoor, colleague in custody
Youth allegedly assaulted, robbed near Aluva railway station
Air India Mumbai-Dehradun flight diverted to Lucknow due to bad weather
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 13 (IANS) An Air India flight from Mumbai to Dehradun was diverted to Lucknow on Sunday, according to the airline. As per Air India's flight status, the Mumbai-Dehradun flight -- AI431 -- diverted to Lucknow. While reports claim that the flight was unable to land in Dehradun as weather conditions and visibility were not favourable. Following directions from Air Traffic Control (ATC), the aircraft was diverted to Lucknow and landed safely at the airport at 4:45 pm. The flight was cleared to continue its journey after weather conditions in Dehradun improved, the reports said. The aircraft departed from Lucknow for Dehradun at around 6 pm, as per Air India's website. Earlier in the day, Air India's flight from Bhopal to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur due to a technical issue, according to the airline. The aircraft landed safely in Jaipur and is being checked in accordance with Air India's safety standards. Flight AI1886 operating from Bhopal to Delhi on 13 September was diverted to Jaipur due to a technical issue as per laid down procedures, the airline stated. Apart from that, Air Indias pilot died due to cardiac arrest while he was on a layover rest at a hotel in the national capital, the airline said on Saturday. He was on a layover rest at a hotel in Delhi, where he was found unconscious last evening. He was rushed to the hospital immediately, where he was declared dead, the airline statement said. The Mumbai-based pilot was found unconscious at the hotel on Friday evening and was immediately taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead. He had earlier worked with Air India Express and moved to Air India a couple of months ago. He was scheduled to operate a flight early on Saturday morning. Earlier in August, an Air India Express flight operating from Kochi to Abu Dhabi had made an air turnback in line with established safety protocols after the crew detected a problem with the aircraft.
Historic Cochin gymnasium rejects Corporations rent proposal
The Corporation secretary has been asked to hear the gym authorities before taking a decision on the matter, says Mayor V.K. Minimol.
Indias semiconductor industry attracts $1.4 billion in equity funding: Report
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 13 (IANS) India's semiconductor sector has attracted a cumulative $1.4 billion in equity funding across 281 funded companies with nearly half of the total capital, around $701 million raised since 2025, according to a report. A report by Tracxn showed that the nation currently hosts 3,557 semiconductor-related companies. Of these, 281 firms have secured funding, while 142 have raised equity investments and the chip industry has garnered $228 million in funding so far in 2026, it said. The analysis comes ahead of SEMICON India 2026 conference and exhibition which is scheduled to be held from September 17 to 19 here that will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The report highlighted electronic manufacturing services (EMS) as the largest funding segment, attracting $313 million since 2025. In addition, embedded hardware ranked second and secured $51.9 million over the same period with all of it raised within the last 12 months. While Power Management Integrated Circuits and Fabless Semiconductor Manufacturers also featured among the leading categories by funding. According to the report, annual funding in the sector increased sharply from $49 million in 2021 to $473 million in 2025, a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 36 per cent. City-wise, Bengaluru remained India's leading semiconductor hub, accounting for 626 companies or around 18 per cent of the sector's total firms. The city also contributed 40.1 per cent of all equity funding raised to date. However, Noida, Gurugram, Kochi and Hyderabad followed in terms of funding share. On exits, acquisitions remained the preferred route with 62 acquisitions recorded compared to 42 initial public offerings (IPOs). The report noted that companies reached acquisition in an average of 11.8 years from their first funding round, while firms that went public took an average of 16.5 years.
Tourists hit as ferry services to two Kochi prime jetties remain stalled
SWTD attributes the delay in resuming services to the Mattancherry jetty to the pending dredging of its premises. It says the Kamalakadavu jetty is yet to be handed over by CSML despite the completion of pontoon and allied works.
Kerala High Court prescribes timelines for speedy disposal of bail applications
Kerala High Court specifies that regular bail applications should be disposed of within two weeks and anticipatory bail pleas within six weeks
KWA to set up 50-lakh-litre tank at Thammanam to address water woes of Kochi
The new tank will replace the 35 lakh-litre tank the utility had earlier proposed in place of the destroyed chamber of the Thammanam tank
Kochi airport launches robot for enhanced passenger assistance and cultural promotion
In the first phase, the robot has been deployed at Kalangan, the art museum located in the domestic security hold area
The district continues to report the highest number of influenza cases in the State, while dengue and leptospirosis cases also persist
Kerala Assistant Public Prosecutors Association gets new office-bearers
Electricity crisis an opportunity to find a solution, says Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan
The Chief Minister says the energy crisis is on the priority list of his government and that it is high time the State formulated a modern power policy
Kochi Corporation to restrict subsidy on biomedical waste collection amid opposition protest
All except exempted categories to pay 20 per kg plus GST; subsidised rate fixed at 12 per kg, reducing Corporations subsidy component to 8 from the earlier 28
Kochi Corporation to restrict subsidy on biomedical waste collection amid opposition protest
All except exempted categories to pay 20 per kg plus GST; subsidised rate fixed at 12 per kg, reducing Corporations subsidy component to 8 from the earlier 28
Kochi police deploy 15-member team to trace suspected Bangladeshi man
The team comprises cops from the Palarivattom station and members of the special operation groups from other stations
Frequent power outages leave Keralams EV owners anxious over charging woes
Residents from Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram express concerns over unpredictable power cuts. While some users are yet to feel the impact, others say it is already interrupting their charging schedules, leaving them anxious about their vehicles readiness for daily use. KSEB sources advise charging during off-peak hours.
Cricketers Sreesanths father dies
The deceased is survived by his wife Savithri Devi and children Deepu Santh, Niveditha, Diva, and Sreesanth
Four arrested with 10 kg of suspected MDMA in Kochi
Dubais Drydocks World eyes further investments in India
Under the arrangement,the jointventurewilloperate, consolidate and expand theship repair facility in Kochi creating additional capacity
DP World's Drydocks World signs pact with Cochin Shipyard for Kochi unit
The 50:50 joint venture will operate, consolidate and expand the international ship repair facility in Kochi, adding capacity to service a wider range of vessels
Youth held with 305 grams of suspected MDMA in Kochi
Bureaucratic reshuffle in Kerala, new Collectors for three districts
Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 11 (IANS) The Kerala government on Friday undertook a major reshuffle of IAS officers, bringing about changes in the leadership of three districts and several key departments and public sector institutions, besides creating a special Additional District Magistrate post for Sabarimala ahead of the forthcoming pilgrimage season. Anju K.S. has been appointed as Thiruvananthapuram District Collector, replacing Anu Kumari, who has been transferred as Special Commissioner, GST. Anju, who was Director of State Lotteries, will continue as Chairperson of the Vizhinjam Port Rehabilitation Monitoring Committee. Fisheries Director Chelasini V. has been appointed Wayanad District Collector, while Food Safety Commissioner Sreedhanya Suresh will take charge as Kasaragod District Collector. The present Kasaragod Collector, Arjun Pandyan, has been appointed Director of Agriculture Development and Farmers' Welfare. The government has created an ex-cadre post of Additional District Magistrate (Sabarimala) to coordinate the functioning of various departments and agencies in Sabarimala, Pampa, and Nilakkal during the 2026-27 Mandala-Makaravilakku season. Dileep K. Kainikkara has been appointed to the post. Ernakulam District Collector Priyanka G. has been given the additional charge of CEO of the Kochi Metropolitan Transport Authority, while Thrissur Collector Shikha Suresh has been given the full additional charge of Director General of the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA). Industries Director Arun K. Vijayan IAS has been appointed Director of General Education. General Education Director Snehil Kumar Singh has been transferred as Industries and Commerce Director and will also hold additional charge as Managing Director of the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and the Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Ltd (KSITIL). Sachin Kumar Yadav has been appointed Director of Kerala State IT Mission and given the additional charges of Technopark CEO and K-FON Managing Director. Dr Renu Raj has been given additional charge as State Mission Director of the National Health Mission, Project Director of e-Health and Managing Director of the State Health Agency. NHM Mission Director Anu S. Nair has been appointed Food Safety Commissioner and given additional charge as Managing Director of the Kerala Medical Services Corporation Limited (KMSCL). Sabin Sameed has been appointed PRD Director, while Akhil V. Menon will be Director of Sports and Youth Affairs and also Secretary of the State Sports Council. Sumit Kumar Thakur has been given additional charge as KTDC Managing Director. Dr Sreeram V. has been appointed Joint Secretary and OSD in the Forest and Wildlife Department. --IANS
CATAOA seeks the immediate appointment of a dedicated project officer and the setting up of a project office. It also demands that the District Collectors committee and the subcommittee chaired by the Fort Kochi Revenue Divisional Officer be convened at the earliest to oversee the demolition and reconstruction.
Court criticises Home dept. delay in forwarding the file on sanctioning prosecution in the SNDP Yogam microfinance scam to the Additional Chief Secretary, Backward Classes Welfare department
Water supply restored in Kochis Thrikkakara, neighbouring areas
The supply to several parts of Western Kochi, including Thrikkakara, Kalamassery, Vypeen, etc had been hit after a pipeline of the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) burst on Wednesday night at Pipeline Junction, Thrikkakara
Excise arrest youth with 305.396 grams of suspected MDMA in Kochi
The Excise also seized 2,90,000, allegedly gained through drug sales, and a mobile phone from the accused
Street artist Guesswhos solo show to open in Kochi
Guesswho is showing his works in his first solo gallery exhibit in Mumbai, while the second part of the show opens in Kochi on September 13 at Muziris Contemporary
Architecture Festival Nairang-e-Tameer concludes at IUST
Awantipora, Sept 10: The Department of Architecture, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), successfully concluded the second edition of its annual architecture festival, Nairang-e-Tameer 2026, held from September 810 on the theme Traditions in Practice: Celebrating Craft, Culture and Community. The three-day festival brought together architects, heritage professionals, craftspeople, academicians, students, entrepreneurs and members of the wider community to engage in dialogue on the relationship between architecture, traditional knowledge systems and contemporary practice. The festival was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor, IUST, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, in the presence of Dr. Kuldeep, Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, university officers, deans, faculty members, students and invited guests. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Romshoo emphasized the importance of preserving the distinct character of Kashmiri architecture while responding to contemporary challenges through innovation, sustainability and disaster resilience. He also highlighted the need for architecture students to engage with emerging technologies while remaining rooted in traditional knowledge systems. Over the three days, the festival hosted the Architects Conclave: Perspectives in Practice, featuring presentations and discussions by invited architects Biley Menon, IDEA Design, Kochi; Sridevi Changali, Masons Ink Studio; Akshay Heranjal, The Purple Ink Studio; and Saima Iqbal, INTACH, Kashmir Chapter. The sessions provided students and practitioners an opportunity to engage with diverse approaches to architectural practice, heritage conservation, design innovation and community-centred development. Another highlight was the exhibition Works in Practice: Student Work, Professional Practice and Emerging Ideas, showcasing professional projects, student work, heritage documentation and photography entries from IUST, participating institutions and invited architects. The Entrepreneurship Forum: PracticeAcademia Dialogue further facilitated discussions on architectural practice, entrepreneurship, industry-academia engagement and emerging trends in the profession. The festival also featured competitions, cultural programmes and sporting events, including singing, Scrapescape, Stack Attack, Clue Prints, table tennis, badminton, carrom, chess, basketball and human ludo, providing opportunities for creativity, interaction and collaborative learning. Hands-on workshops formed an important component of the festival. A COB construction workshop conducted by Mamoon Ahmad of Zyen Materials Collective introduced participants to sustainable earthen building techniques. The Waguv-making workshop, led by Ruksana Bano and Zameer Hussain Bhat, highlighted traditional Kashmiri craft practices, while artist Shahran Dahlani conducted a collaborative mural workshop that transformed a section of the Department of Architecture into an artistic installation reflecting themes of culture, community and identity. Students and faculty from various institutions of the Valley, including the Institute of Music and Fine Arts, University of Kashmir; SSM College of Engineering; and NIFT Srinagar, participated in the festival. The Department of Architecture acknowledged the valuable contribution of the participating faculty members and students whose enthusiastic participation enriched the festival. The festival concluded with a valedictory ceremony graced by Prof. Romshoo; Registrar, Prof. Shamim Ahmad Shah; Dean, School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics, Qazi Qamar Iqbal Qari; university officers; faculty members; representatives of participating institutions; and students. Prof. Romshoo distributed prizes and certificates to the winners of various competitions and sporting events and congratulated the participants, organisers and volunteers for the successful conduct of the festival. The organisers expressed gratitude to the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Boton Furnitures, Antique by Studio X and Rehman Foundation for their generous support.
Judge views the video in court and holds that the continuance of the video on social media would definitely hurt the religious beliefs of Sabarimala worshippers
Kerala HC denies bail to PFI leaders in Sreenivasan murder case
Court reasons that since their offence had resulted in the death of a person and the period of custody had not amounted to a substantial part of the prescribed punishment for their crime, they would not be entitled to bail on the grounds of prolonged custody and delay of trial
Mayor V.K. Minimol announced this following a heated exchange between the ruling United Democratic Front and the Opposition Left Democratic Front over the demolition
Police intensify manhunt for escaped Bangladeshi national in Kochi
He was one of the six Bangladeshi nationals arrested for allegedly staying in Kochi without valid travel documents
Senior Kerala journalist has no respite from trolls even after passing away
Digital Desk | Kochi, Sep 10 (IANS) Death is supposed to be the great leveller. Political differences, professional rivalries and personal disagreements are expected to end when a person passes away. But in the case of 54-year-old senior journalist Jijo John Puthenzheth, even death did not appear to command that basic respect. Jijo suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away on Wednesday morning. The social media reaction to the news of his death has left many in Kerala deeply disturbed. Beneath posts reporting the passing of the senior journalist, known for his sharp and often critical reports, a section of social media users chose to abuse and vilify him. The comments were not merely political criticism. They targeted a man who was no longer there to answer back. Jijo, a senior journalist with Malayala Manorama's Kochi unit, was particularly known for his investigative reports and his coverage of politics and governance. Some of his reports were critical of the Left and the CPI-M. That was part of his job as a journalist. It was also part of the reason why he had his share of critics. But criticism of a journalist's work is one thing. Turning his death into an occasion for political abuse is quite another. The reaction has triggered strong resentment across sections of society. Many have questioned whether Kerala, which has long prided itself on its social values, political awareness and sense of decency, has reached a point where even a death cannot rise above political hostility. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan's condolence message offered a striking reminder of the journalist behind the byline. Satheesan said he had started for office that morning (Wednesday) after reading the byline Jijo John Puthenzheth, only to learn of his death after a Cabinet meeting. He said it took him time to come to terms with the reality that Jijo was no more. For Satheesan, Jijo was not merely a senior journalist. He was a fellow townsman and a close friend. He recalled meeting him just days before his death and said their conversations on various issues had been a regular part of his political life. Jijo's professional standing was equally significant. His journalism had won national recognition, including the Ramnath Goenka Award in 2015. He had brought out several reports that attracted national attention in investigative journalism. That is the Jijo who deserves to be remembered. Not the caricature created by political hostility on social media. There may be sharp disagreements with a journalist's reports. There may be anger over what he wrote. There can be arguments over his politics or his methods. But there should be a line that cannot be crossed. Death should be that line. In Jijo's case, sadly, even that line was crossed. And that perhaps says less about the journalist who died and much more about the society that watched it happen.
ATS Arrests Malayali Man in Fresh UAPA Case for Anti-National Links
Last year, Muttam police in Idukki district had registered a case against Sanoof for allegedly posting an offensive comment under a video featuring the daughter of N Ramachandran, a Kochi native who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack
Keralam Sports Minister Vows Probe into Argentina Match Irregularities
It was under the previous government that moves were made to host the Argentina national team's match featuring Lionel Messi in Kochi
Bypolls in three panchayats in Keralams Ernakulam to have little impact on power equations
Kolencherry East of Poothrikka, Madaplathuruth East of Vadakkekara, and Puliyanam East of Parakkadavu will go to the polls on September 28
Petition filed by rival candidate alleges that Akbar engaged in corrupt practices during the election, through the circulation of pamphlets and videos
Six suspected Bangladeshi nationals held in Keralams Kochi
Debutants face off in low-stakes Ayyappankkavu bypoll in Kochi
In the 76-member Kochi Corporation council, now reduced to 75 following the vacancy in Ayyappankkavu, the UDF commands the support of 47 members, including an Independent
AP Chambers Bats for Vijayawada As Regional Air Hub, Seeks More FLY91 Routes
Chamber seeks direct flights to Kochi, Goa, Coimbatore and Shirdi
Inside Mammoottys Kochi villa: You can stay here, see pics
Senior Malayalam Journalist Jijo John Puthezhath Dies at 54
He had published several investigative reports during his career and was the recipient of the 2015 Ramnath Goenka Award. Puthezhath was serving as Special Correspondent with the Kochi unit of Malayala Manorama daily
The revised policy will see the subsidy for most users drop from 28 to 12 per kilogram, while commercial establishments will now face a charge of 45 per kilogram.
