Amphibian Aesthetics, a collaborative show by Ishara Art Foundation and Aazhi Archives, redefines perception, culture, and ecology
Overspending atBrahmapuramcould trigger corruption:former Kochi Mayor Anilkumar
Former Mayor says people are aware of the transformation at the site since 2020 and questions claims that 2.5 lakh tonnes of waste remain to be bio-mined, arguing that scientifically landfilled waste need not be processed again
Shortcomings of Urban Health and Wellness Centres in Kochi flagged before NUHM
The alleged lack of commitment among doctors and the absence of critical facilities such as sample collection continue to affect the functioning of Urban Health and Wellness Centres
Narcotics cases on an upward spiral in Kerala
In Kochi, the number of cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act have shot up from 1,268 in 2020 to 6,914 in 2025. The pattern is similar in many other districts in the State. Enforcers are relentless in their hunt, but the peddlers mostly manage to outwit them with innovative means. G. Ragesh details how the outcome is proving detrimental to the young people in the State
New Police Commissioners for Kochi, Kollam and Kozhikode cities
Youth, six-year-old daughter found dead at home in Kochi
Kochi Water Metro wins recognition at Sustainable Transport Awards 2026
Kochi stood out for innovation rather than scale, with ITDP highlighting the Water Metros success in reclaiming waterways as a daily public transport corridorstill a rarity worldwide
Tea prices surge at Kochi auctions on strong demand, tight supply
Production shortfall, including in Kenya, are driving prices higher
Milma, NDDB to launch NABL-accredited food testing lab in Kochi
The NDDB CALF Laboratory, to be inaugurated by Union Minister George Kurian, will initially cater to dairy testing needs in Kerala and neighbouring states.
BPCL Leads Nationwide Push to Expand PNG and CNG Adoption
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) , a Fortune Global 500 company and a Maharatna PSU under Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), is leading PNG Drive 2.0, a nationwide, industry-led initiative to accelerate the adoption of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) across households, transport, and industrial and commercial segments. BPCL Leads Nationwide Push to Expand PNG and CNG Adoption Anchored by a unified industry theme Har Ghar PNG, Har Gaadi CNG Jiyo Non-Stop Zindagi . PNG Drive 2.0 reflects the collective commitment of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) industry, under the guidance of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), to expand the reach of clean, reliable, and affordable natural gas across the country, with a common outreach framework aimed at expanding consumer awareness and accelerating last-mile adoption of natural gas. BPCL Leads Nationwide Push to Expand PNG and CNG Adoption Subhankar Sen , Director (Marketing), BPCL , emphasised, PNG Drive 2.0 represents the power of industry coming together with a shared purpose. By coming together under a single, powerful narrative, we are simplifying the choice for consumers and clean energy that is reliable, affordable, and truly non-stop. This unified effort can play a catalytic role in accelerating PNG and CNG adoption at scale and advancing Indias ambition of increasing the share of natural gas in its energy mix . PNG Drive 2.0 has been conceptualised as a collaborative, pan-India movement, bringing together CGD entities on a common platform with harmonised messaging, shared creative assets, and a coordinated outreach framework. The initiative is designed to strengthen consumer awareness and simplify adoption by highlighting the everyday relevance like reliable supply, lower emissions, cost efficiency, and operational convenience-across of PNG and CNG across residential, mobility, and commercial applications. To amplify reach and enhance consumer connect across diverse geographies and segments, prominent personalities have been onboarded at the industry level, reinforcing the scale and inclusivity of the campaign. Recognising BPCLs structured execution capabilities, the company has been entrusted with leading PNG Drive 2.0 for the City Gas Distribution (CGD) industry, in alignment with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). In this role, BPCL is coordinating campaign execution and facilitating collaboration across CGD entities, ensuring consistency in communication while enabling flexibility for localised implementation. The campaign underscores the practical advantages of PNG and CNG as dependable energy solutions, including uninterrupted supply through city gas networks, cleaner combustion with lower emissions, and long-term cost efficiency compared to conventional fuels. Together, these benefits support predictable energy access and uninterrupted daily routines, reflecting the campaigns core message of Non-Stop Zindagi . PNG Drive 2.0 is witnessing strong momentum on the ground, withCGD teams across regions actively engaging consumers through awareness programmes, community outreach initiatives, digital engagement, and on-ground activations. The coordinated rollout is designed to drive widespread awareness and deliver meaningful last-mile impact across urban and semi-urban markets nationwide. The initiative aligns with Indias vision on clean energy transition and supports the national objective of increasing the share of natural gas in the countrys energy mix from approximately 6.5% at present to 15% by 2030. Expanded adoption of PNG and CNG is expected to contribute to lower emissions, improved air quality, and more efficient energy consumption across residential, transport, and commercial sectors. About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) Fortune Global 500 Company, Bharat Petroleum is the second largest Indian Oil Marketing Company and one of the integrated energy companies in India, engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products, with presence in the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil and gas industry. The company attained the coveted Maharatna status, joining the club of companies having greater operational & financial autonomy. Bharat Petroleums Refineries at Mumbai, Kochi and Bina have a combined refining capacity of around 35.3 MMTPA. Its marketing infrastructure includes a network of installations, depots, fuel stations, aviation service stations and LPG distributors. Its distribution network comprises over 23,500+ Fuel Stations, over 6,200+ LPG distributorships, 500+ Lubes distributorships, 80 POL storage locations, 54 LPG Bottling Plants, 79 Aviation Service Stations, 5 Lube blending plants and 5 cross-country pipelines.
Cheapest Destination Planner designed to simplify value-led travel decisions and make planning smarter. Neel Ghose, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, highlights how Indians are planning their travel ahead At an event hosted in Delhi, Skyscanner shared these insights and explored how Indians are prioritising and planning their trips for the year ahead. Speaking at the event, Neel Ghose, Travel Trends & Destinations Expert, Skyscanner , said, January is a peak moment in the travel cycle. Were already seeing searches in the first week of January 2026 up 25% compared to the same period in 2025 (1) - highest volume recorded since 2024 - signalling that Indians are heading into the year with renewed intent for travel planning in January. Travellers are keen to explore in the year ahead 89% say theyre open to alternative or lesser-known holiday destinations, while 77% plan to splurge on a luxury hotel stay on the final night of their holiday, yet theyre navigating post-year fatigue, rising cost perceptions and an overwhelming number of choices. The real opportunity, in January, is to replace that anxiety with clarity, which is why weve introduced our new Cheapest Destination Planner to help travellers instantly compare options by month, see the cheapest destinations to fly to, and plan with greater confidence and value . 2026 Travel Planning Trends: Early Planning Momentum: January has become a clear planning inflection point for Indian travellers, with 73% mapping out trips at the start of the year. Driven by an emotional need to slow down, 67% plan holidays in January specifically to recharge, and create breathing space after an intense year. Lifestyle Trade-Off & Compromises: 49% Indian travellers say theyve made personal financial sacrifices, from skipping meals out to forgoing haircuts, to make their last holiday possible. When saving for trips, 46% are even willing to skip buying new clothes, while 32% are open to cutting back on socialising with friends. High Travel Intent, Higher Overwhelm: Many Indian travellers havent confirmed their 2026 trips yet simply because theyre overwhelmed: 46% are worried about costs, 45% are struggling when to travel, and 40% are unsure where to go. Cheapest Destination Planner The research also found that 50% Indian travellers say they would be more likely to book their holidays in January if they simply had clarity on the cheapest destinations and the cheapest day to fly. To help travellers compare options effortlessly and book with confidence, Skyscanner has launched its NEW Cheapest Destination Planner, designed to cut through the stress of decision-making, allowing travellers to select their preferred month and instantly see the cheapest destinations to fly to, alongside average flight prices and the cheapest day to travel. How does the Cheapest Destination Planner work? Simply select the month you want to travel The tool will reveal the top 10 cheapest destinations (on average) for that month- youll see the top reasons to visit and average price for a return flight alongside the cheapest days to travel Made your choice? You can click through to explore flights and/or hotel options for your chosen destination Skyscanners NEW Cheapest Destination Planner Sharing his own travel habits, Suryakumar SKY Yadav, Skyscanner Brand Ambassador , said, With a packed schedule, finding time to plan travel isnt always easy, and I know thats true for a lot of Indians. Thats why smart solutions really matter. For me, its about travelling efficiently so you can enjoy the moments that help you truly switch off, making sure the trip actually feels worth it. Skyscanners new Cheapest Destination Planner makes those decisions simpler and quicker, so you spend less time worrying and more time looking forward to the trip. It makes it much easier for people to discover great-value destinations!" Busting Myths & Taking The Stress Out of Planning Skyscanners analysis also revealed that, on average, Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly in 2026: a fact that is surprising to many, given that only around three in ten correctly identified midweek travel as the most cost-effective. While 67% anticipate flight costs exceeding INR 30,000 for their main 2026 holiday, Skyscanner has analysed millions of flight prices to identify the Top 10 Cheapest Destinations for Indian Travellers in 2026, with average return fares starting from only under INR 10,000, proving that great trips dont have to come with a hefty price tag. (Refer to appendix for the complete list). More Smart Ways for Indians To Save On 2026 Travel Drops: In-app feature that checks flight prices and reveals anomaly price drops of at least 20% for real bargains! Everywhere search: The all-time favourite find the cheapest flights to anywhere in the world. Price Alerts and Saved: Still in decision making mode? Save your routes and keep track of the flight fluctuations. Appendix The Top 10 Cheapest Destinations for 2026: Ranking Destination Average Return Flight Price (INR)** 1 Mumbai, India 9,893 2 Varanasi, India 10,225 3 Bagdogra, India 12,765 4 Kochi, India 12,793 5 Agatti, India 13,867 6 Muscat, Oman 15,263 7 Port Blair, India 15,588 8 Sharjah, United Arab Emirates 16,151 9 Phuket, Thailand 17,806 10 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 20,145 Notes to Editors *Skyscanner research conducted with OnePoll in November 2026 with 2,000 respondents in India. **Return economy flights booked on Skyscanner between 1 January 2025 and 31 October 2025 for travel between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2026. About Skyscanner Skyscanner is a global leader in travel that helps travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers, in 180 countries and 37 languages, to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find flight, hotel or car hire options. Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America where traveller-first innovations are developed and powered by data and insights. Making use of the latest technology, Skyscanner simplifies the complexity of travel and provides honest and transparent solutions, searching around 100 billion prices every day so travellers can be sure they've seen the best possible options, all in one place. (1) Skyscanner search data for flights originating from India, comparing searches made between 1 - 7 January, 2026 with the same period 1 - 7 January, 2025. Percentage reflects year-on-year growth in search volume.
Which city in India is called the Queen of the Arabian Sea?
Kochi, once known as Cochin, rightfully earns its title as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. This historic port city in Kerala, a vital maritime trading hub, boasts a rich past from ancient spice routes to colonial influences. Today, it thrives as a modern metropolis, pioneering sustainable infrastructure and vibrant cultural initiatives, making it a captivating destination.
Ground reality at Brahmapuram far removed from rosy picture painted by previous council: Kochi Mayor
The reality is that the reclaimed stretch of land is no longer usable, as it has been permeated by river water due to biomining at a depth of 3.5 feet. To reclaim it again, we will need to fill up that stretch, says Mayor
Bose Krishnamachari Resigns From The Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF)
The foundation has initiated the process of identifying an eminent person to serve as President of Kochi-Muziris Biennale.
Kochi to host 9th edition of International Spice Conference from Feb 23-26
he 4-day conference with the theme -- Spice 360 Getting Future Ready-- will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers and innovators from across the world to deliberate on the future of the global spice industry
LDFsees Indira Canteen proposal as bid to undermineSamridhi@Kochi
Round table on Cosmos Malabaricus project in Kochi
Mayor unveils 50-day action plan for Kochi
Air quality study in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram yet to take off
The study was recommended by the National Green Tribunal in 2021
UDF wins Kochi Corporation standing committee chairperson elections
Orion Innovation Expands Kochi Presence with New Facility and Launch of OI Envision Studio
Water crisis grips residents of Perumpadappu in Kochi
126 families living along the Konthuruthy river puramboke complain that neither the court nor the Corporation has heard their grievances. In an interim order on December 16, 2025, High Court directed eviction, while entrusting the Corporation and the Revenue department to implement rehabilitation measures within four months
Vehicle linked to Operation Numkhor: Kochi City police register case
Case registered based on a petition by Muhammed Yahya, 22, of Edappally who purchased a Toyota Land Cruiser from a Delhi-based agent for 14 lakh in 2024. On September 23, 2025, in simultaneous Statewide raids across 30 locations, including the residences of actors, the Customs (Preventive) Commissionerate, Kochi, seized 36 high-value second-hand cars suspected to have been smuggled in from Bhutan
Complaints are rife that the existing agency was charging more than the subsidised rate agreed upon by the previous council
Mayors remarks on Latin Catholic support spark political row in Kochi
Ms. Minimol clarifies that her statement expressing gratitude for the overall support she received had been twisted
Four cops suspended on bribery charge in Kochi
Complaints raised over flaws in UPHC assignments in Kochi Corporation
SmartCity Kochi exit row between Kerala government and Dubai-based Tecom Investment drags on
While Tecom insists that any exit shall be treated under provisions of the Indo-UAE treaty, the State government has objected, arguing that the project falls under the Original Framework Agreement signed between the parties
The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, Old Goa A Sitaram Ayurveda Experience . Overlooking hundreds of acres of tranquil reserve forests, this first of its kind private sanctuary is entirely dedicated to wellness in collaboration with Sitaram Ayurvedas 104-year tradition backed by deep knowledge around the healing science of Ayurveda. In a world filled with constant noise and distraction, the property invites discerning guests to pause, listen inward, and reconnect with their own rhythm. Every stay here is an intimate journey of restoration, where authentic Ayurveda supports each guests unique path to better health and lifelong wellbeing. The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, Old Goa - A Sitaram Ayurveda Experience With The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, we have created a pioneering wellness sanctuary in India that offers a comprehensive experience to address unique lifestyle needs and concerns of each guest. The stays here start from minimum 7 nights and are all-inclusive healing journeys focused on providing highly personalised programmes for medical wellness, rather than a recreational leisure escape. In essence, the retreat seamlessly combines transformative experiential luxury with authentic Ayurveda for deep restoration, says Kapil Chopra, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Postcard Hotel. In an industry-first collaboration with Sitaram, our intimate retreat supports long-term health, balance and wellbeing by integrating their century-old healing legacy of Ayurveda with the calm of nature, thoughtful design, nourishing cuisine, and perceptive service offered by The Postcard Hotel, adds Chopra. Dr. Vignesh Devraj, MD (Ay), Founder and Chief Physician, Sitaram Retreats, adds, The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat represents a meaningful convergence of place, purpose, and healing. At its core, Ayurveda is about restoring balance and tapping into the bodys innate potential to heal. Our retreat harmonises these ancient principles with guided consultations, medical insights and personalised care at every step of the tailored wellness programmes. We offer guests a holistic path to recovery and renewal in the privacy of their own space, as they reconnect with themselves and cultivate a path to better health and balance. Surrounded by pristine forests in Old Goa, the retreat encourages quiet reflection. At the heart of this estate stands a magnificent 300-year-old banyan tree, that defines the sense of place and atmosphere of calm. With only six thoughtfully designed rooms, it offers ultimate privacy where healing unfolds at an unhurried pace. The sunlit rooms rest beneath a canopy of trees, each with a private balcony overlooking lush gardens and the valley beyond. The sense of stillness and seclusion of Old Goa has been the focal point of conceptualising The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat. Enveloped by forests and open to light, air, and nature the spaces have been intentionally designed to slow the senses, allowing guests the freedom to turn inward and experience healing at their own pace, adds Kapil Chopra . Transformative hospitality with an authentic Ayurveda experience Beyond its serene setting, the retreat offers a deeply immersive journey into authentic Ayurveda. Each stay starts with a personalised consultation with resident physicians, who then create a programme tailored to individual constitutions (doshas) and health needs. Attentive care and medical insight at every step offer each guest a curated path towards balance, wellbeing, and lasting renewal. This is not a conventional holiday, but a careful immersion into Ayurveda where every element of each day from treatments to diet to rest is carefully crafted. Each wellness journey ranges from 7 nights to 14 or 21 nights, and unfolds at a gentle pace to support deep healing and balance. Mornings begin with traditional Ayurvedic rituals, mindful nature walks, and soulful yoga sessions, setting a calm and grounded tone for the day ahead. Then guided one-on-one consultations with resident doctors, are followed by treatments that may include healing massages, cleansing therapies, meditations, and holistic wellness sessions. Restorative dining is an integral part of each guests healing journey, tailored to individual doshas and guided by Ayurvedas principle that food is medicine. Prepared in consultation with physicians all nourishing meals served at specific times of the day highlight fresh seasonal produce, and can be enjoyed in serene pavilions that open to the Mandovi River. The all-inclusive packages at The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat offer a comprehensive wellness experience. Recommended stays start from 7 nights at an inaugural price of INR 3,40,000 for single occupancy, and INR 4,50,000 for double occupancy. Guests can also opt for longer stays of 14 to 21 nights for more long-term recovery and deeper restoration. Prices are inclusive of taxes, cover airport transfers and all aspects of the stay including daily meals and beverages, prescribed treatments and medications during the stay, private doctor consultations, and yoga sessions. Rooted in the essence of Ayurveda, personalised stays at The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat are not only for those looking for treatments, but also guests who are seeking good health to strengthen immunity and restore long-term balance. About The Postcard Hotel Kapil Chopra, along with a team of seasoned luxury hoteliers including Akanksha Lamba, Anirudh Kandpal, and Raman Bansal, embarked on a visionary journey to create extraordinary experiences for discerning travellers. In December 2018, they unveiled The Postcard Hotel a brand driven by boldness and ambition, committed to redefining the rules and elevating the standards of experiential luxury. The Postcard Hotel is now opening 8 new hotels in the next 12 months making it the fastest growing uber luxury hotel brand in the world. Today, The Postcard Hotels growing collection spans India and beyond. In Goa, its four retreats Old Goa, Saligao, Cuelim, and Hideaway capture the regions charm, while The Postcard on the Arabian Sea offers sweeping oceanfront serenity. In Gujarat, The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary immerses guests in the land of the Asiatic Lion, and The Postcard Mandalay Hall in Kochi brings art and heritage together in an evocative setting. Further afield, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam, and The Postcard in the Himalayan Willows, Leh, offer uncharted adventures and tranquil escapes. Internationally, the brand extends its philosophy through The Postcard Dewa in Thimphu, Bhutan, and The Postcard Galle in Sri Lanka each a celebration of place, culture, and understated elegance. @thepostcardayurvedaretreat . About Sitaram Ayurveda Founded in 1921, in Kerala, India Sitaram Ayurveda began as Sitaram Anglo Ayurveda Pharmacy with a mission to provide education and accessible Ayurvedic healthcare to all. With the support of royal patrons, inspiration from the Punkunnam Sitaramaswamy Temple, and dedication of pioneering founders Sitaram became Indias first Ayurvedic joint-stock company, established in Thrissur. Over a century later, its legacy continues to be trusted across generations, guided by tradition, and renewed through science. With 104 years of tradition, Sitaram Ayurveda is a living, evolving ecosystem rooted in the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda from in-house Ayurvedic medicine manufacturing and a dedicated R&D team that continuously innovates, to experienced Ayurvedic doctors who guide every formulation. The companys name embodies Ayurvedic ideals: Sita referencing abundance/harvest, and Ram indicating rest and wellbeing.
EPFO Kochi office holds session with industry leaders
Maiden Kochi Corporation council meeting witnesses heated political debate over PMAY-U project
Kochi Corporation formulates action plan to combat mosquito menace
KochiMuziris Biennale to host a comprehensive seminar and sculpture exhibition in Irinjalakuda, revisiting the philosophy, modernism, and vision of Malayalam writer Anand
Former Kerala Minister V K Ebrahim Kunju Passes Away
Ebrahim Kunju died while undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma, kidney issues, and heart ailments at a private hospital in Kochi: Reports
Kerala plans plastic recycling industrial park in Kochi
Brahmapuram near Koch has been identified as a potential site for the plastic recycling industrial park
AQI levels moderate in Kochi, claims PCB
PCB officials in the district attribute the spike in AQI levels to temperature inversion
Bank in Kochi receives hoax bomb threat
The threat messages reportedly claimed that ammonium nitrate had been planted at multiple locations inside the bank
Indian artists are increasingly using their work to reflect on ecological crises, climate anxiety, and the human impact on nature. At events like the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, RB Shajiths massive painting series Wiping Out evokes reverence for forests, highlighting environmental loss.
Stray dog attack exposes safety lapses at Kochi taluk hospital
The hospital has been without a compound wall for years after the previous one was demolished for proposed renovation works funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board
Kochi Mayor spreading falsehood regarding doorstep collection of biomedical waste, alleges LDF
The previous LDF council had never decided to charge 45 per kilogram for biomedical waste collection, says the LDF Parliamentary Party leader in the Corporation.
Over 3,000 drug cases registered in Kochi city limits in 2025
The rise in numbers reasserts the growing concern over drug use in the city, though increased police surveillance is cited as a reason for the figures going up
The High Court had directed the eviction with police assistance in an interim order dated December 16, 2025
UDF mulls split terms for standing committee chiefs in Kochi Corporation
Elephant brought for temple fest collapses and dies in Kochi
The jumbo was not paraded after it showed some uneasiness
166 booked under KAAPA in Ernakulam in 2025
KAAPA was invoked against 58 people within the Kochi City police limits, while the Ernakulam Rural police used the law to rein in 108 alleged anti-social elements
Critically acclaimed Papa Buka to be screened in Kochi
It is an Indo-Papua New Guinea co-production directed by Biju Damodaran
Kerala rings in New Year on a high with record liquor sales of 125.64 crore
Among Bevco outlets, Kadavanthra outlet in Kochi topped the list with sales of 1.17 crore on New Years Eve
2026: What Kochi wants to sustain from the past year
Efficient public transport, child-friendly initiatives, and a vibrant environment for art and culture... this is what Kochi wants to take forward to 2026
KWML readying plans to extend Water Metro service to Thopumpady, Edakochi
Preliminary work for mega drinking water project in Kochi likely to begin soon
Kochi Biennale painting gets backlash from Christian groups; artist defends work
Kochi: Noted artist Tom Vattakuzhy on Wednesday rejected allegations of distorting the depiction of Christs Last Supper in one of his paintings displayed at Kochi Biennale, a day after the Catholic Church had raised strong criticism against it. While speaking to a TV channel, he said the respective painting, part of the Biennales curated show, 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 .
Watch: Fort Kochi rings in the New Year with ceremonial burning of Pappanji effigy
Artwork Depicting Last Supper Sparks Protests By Church Groups In Kerala
An art exhibition at Kerala's Kochi-Muziris Biennale has been temporarily closed after protests erupted over a painting that Christian groups alleged insulted the depiction of Jesus Christ's Last Supper.
Outlet manager, youths booked after alleged ruckus over chicken dish in Kochi
Kochi rings in New Year with carnival fervour
Fort Kochis viral Christmas tree shines bright with more than 100,000 lights
A rain tree in Fort Kochi, over 200 years old, decked up with sparkling lime yellow lights has become the most popular Christmas tree in the country
Traffic block: Idukki Collector bans road-widening work
Works on Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway continues to cause hours-long traffic blocks on the route to Munnar
Coimbatore police open new checkpost near Walayar on Salem-Kochi Highway
He says his work is not a distortion of The Last Supper as alleged by those opposing it. A statement by the curators says the artwork depicts Mata Hari, a historically documented figure and a convicted spy
The work in question is a painting by artist Tom Vattakuzhy displayed as part of Edam exhibition at Garden Convention Centre in Kochi. The venue was shut down temporarily on Tuesday after protests by various groups
Superstar Mohanlals mother Shantakumari Amma passes away in Kochi
Kochi: Shantakumari Amma, the mother of Malayalam cinema icon Mohanlal, passed away at her residence in Kochi on Tuesday. She was 90 and had been bedridden for the past decade following age-related ailments. Doctors who reached the house later certified that she had breathed her last. Shantakumari Ammas passing marks a deeply personal loss for 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 .
Global spice routes conclave to unveil heritage network
The three-day event to be held in Kochi from January 6 will explore new ways to strengthen cultural and heritage tourism among a host of countries which are part the famed global trade corridor
Mohanlal's mother Santhakumari passes away at 90 due to..., Mammootty pays final respects
Mohanlal's mother Santhakumari spent most of her life in Thiruvananthapuram, before Mohanlal brought her to Kochi following a stroke. The medical episode left her paralysed, and she remained bedridden for nearly a decade.
Actor Mohanlal's mother Santhakumari passes away
She was 90. The death occurred at the actors residence at Elamakkara in Kochi. Santhakumari had been ailing for some time owing to neurological disorders
Major fire guts several shops in Kochis Broadway
No casualty was reported though the blaze is estimated to have caused losses to the tune of lakhs of rupees
Kochi Mayor promises corruption-free governance, to hold public hearings
She says a special drive will be conducted to collect tax dues without overburdening citizens to ensure the Corporations financial stability
Kochi Mayor unveils 50-day action plan ahead of Assembly polls
V.K. Minimol says action plan will aim at finding solutions to multiple challenges, including waterlogging, waste management, mosquito eradication, and stray dog menace
A mistrial, a matriarch, a memory. An exhibition at the Kochi Muziris Biennale, tells the story of Eliamma Matthen, whose inter-generational fight against one familial injustice, changed the very trajectory of her life and her family. In Lilies in the Garden, explore the role of women as witnesses to injustice, keepers of history, and agents of creative survival
Rishikesh forest survey sparks mass rail blockade; protesters clash with police
DEHRADUN: Tensions erupted in Rishikesh today as hundreds of local residents, fearing displacement due to a Supreme Court-mandated survey of forest land, staged a dramatic protest on active railway tracks. The blockade, led largely by women, brought rail traffic to a standstill and escalated into clashes with security forces. The disruption occurred near the Mansa Devi Railway Crossing, where residents gathered to express outrage over the Forest Departments demarcation exercise. The survey follows Supreme Court directives concerning encroachment on designated forest areas. We will give up our lives, but we will not give up our land, chanted protestors, many of whom have occupied the land for decades, as they sat firmly on the tracks. Rail operations were immediately affected. The Gangotri Express, heading towards Yog Nagari station, and another train arriving from Kochi were delayed for nearly an hour and a half, causing significant inconvenience to passengers and disrupting the wider network schedule. The situation turned tense when, during attempts at negotiation, stones were allegedly hurled at security personnel. Police reportedly responded with a lathi charge to disperse the crowd, but demonstrators remained resolute. Additional PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) units were deployed, and senior administrative and police officials are currently at the site. The dispute originates from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in which the Supreme Court directed the Forest Department and District Collector to survey and reclaim vacant forest land. Local councillor Abhinav Singh Malik sought to reassure residents, stating, This action is being taken under the highest courts order. Only demarcation is underway. There is no need to panic. The next hearing is on 5 January, which everyone is awaiting. Malik added that a committee could be formed, if necessary, to present the residents case before the Supreme Court. Protesters are demanding that Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal be invited for dialogue, urging the government to convene a special assembly session to grant rights over the occupied land through legislation. The dispute concerns roughly 2,866 acres of land in the Rishikesh region. Records show that the land was leased for 99 years to the Pashu Lok Seva Mandal Sansthan on 26 May 1950, with the lease expiring in 2049. The terms specified its use for animal husbandry, horticulture, fodder production, and allied activities. Subsequent inquiries revealed the land was allegedly used for unauthorised commercial activities and sub-let to third parties, violating the original lease agreement.
Railway police nab two for alleged theft in Kochi
Days after India's aviation ministry issued a 'no objection certificate' to AlHind Air and FlyExpress, Kochi-based Alhind Air airlines, has put over 120 of its employees on a o work, no pay leave. Here's why.
Ola Electric fast-tracks rollout of 4680 Bharat Cell powered vehicles
New Delhi: Ola Electric on Sunday said it has scaled up deliveries of its 4680 Bharat Cell powered S1 Pro+ (5.2 kWh) across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, and Karnataka. The company has commenced deliveries across Coimbatore, Kochi, and Hyderabad, along with continued ramp-up in Bengaluru, Ola Electric said in a statement. The S1 Pro+ (5.2 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 .
Over 4 kg of suspected hybrid ganja seized at Kochi airport
Kochi metro and water metro to operate additional services on New Years Eve
On the night of December 31, Kochi water metro services will resume after a short break on the High CourtMattancherry and High CourtVypin routes
New airlines that got green signal from Centre will struggle to offer competition, say experts
NEW DELHI: The sudden clearance to operate in Indian skies given to two airlines that had been awaiting the nod for nearly a year appears to be a strong message from the Centre in light of the disruption caused by Indias largest domestic carrier IndiGo from December 1 to 9. The two new airlines are Kozhikode-based Alhind and Hyderabad-headquartered FlyExpress, while Shank Air, based in Uttar Pradesh, was also given the nod last year and plans to begin operations in 2026. Aviation professionals and experts, however, unanimously feel there is no way the newbies can take on dominant players like IndiGo or the two airlines from the stable of the Air India Group Air India and Air India Express. Captain C S Randhawa, president of the Federation of Indian Pilots, is quite critical of the decision. Stating that the newbies can never break the duopoly exercised by the existing airlines, he added, All these three airlines have neither enough funding nor expertise. The best of airlines have not survived. No regional airlines have survived in this country. These airlines are not a threat to any operating airlines in the country as they cannot survive on non-UDAN routes. They face the challenges of finances, aircraft leasing, pilot availability, sustainability, competitive fares and reliability, he stated. The government needs to get fuel under GST and give subsidies to encourage big corporate houses to enter aviation with a big bang to break the monopoly or duopoly. Regional airlines only increase regional connectivity. There is an urgent need for the government to have a relook at the aviation policies of the country, Captain Randhawa explained. He also claimed that Alhind had shut its Kochi office and terminated all employees. Shank Air was still struggling to obtain certification for Air Operator Certification and get aircraft on lease, he added. Training the specific pilots to operate the ATR aircraft or smaller aircraft would take more than eight months. The average life of a regional airline is approximately 3-7 years. Therefore, such airlines starting up with 1 or 2 aircraft fail in prolonged operations and shut shop, he added. Aviation expert Captain Mohan Ranganathan gave zero chances of the new airlines offering any competition. Where are the captains? The title of a 1971 Robert Stirling novel 'Shell Never Get Off the Ground' is apt to describe their situation, he said. A representative of the other leading pilot association, Airline Pilot Association of India, told TNIE, Where are the big aircraft for these airlines to start their operations? IndiGo presently has 434 aircraft and it took them two decades to reach this position. The new airlines need to lease A320 aircraft only from them. Orders placed at Boeing by Air India for the 737s are getting delayed. It will take the new airlines at least two decades to reach the position of these airlines. Spicejet and Akasa Air have been around for some time but they have between 20 and 30 aircraft each and cannot match up to the airlines yet, he added. Captain G R Gopinath, who pioneered the low-cost airline concept in the country through his Air Deccan, said, Permitting new airlines to operate is good for the country as the industry will become more vibrant. The public stand to benefit as the prices will be kept under check. Airlines will become more effective and service-minded. It is good that the government is doing it and it will benefit all. In an earlier interaction with TNIE in Kerala, Alhind CEO Reena Abdul Rahiman said the Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi-Kozhikode sector was their priority. To facilitate this, the company had started a base in Kochi airport as early as August 2024. Alhind Air will begin its operations with two ATR 72-600 aircraft, with plans to scale up to seven within the first year. Alhind Air is also mulling operating in certain routes under the UDAN scheme like Kochi-Mysuru, the airlines operations manager T C Vivek had informed TNIE. Alhind Group, with a turnover of over Rs 20,000 crore and more than 130 offices in India and overseas, is headquartered in Kozhikode and has a regional office in Delhi. This reporter repeatedly tried reaching the offices of Alhind and Shank Air but got no response.
UP man on the run after alleged highway robbery held from Kochi
New Mayor V.K. Minimol vows crackdown on corruption, focus on mobility
The new Mayor of the Kochi Corporation outlines her priorities and vision for the city, which she says are aligned with the broader agenda of the UDF and will be reflected in the maiden budget to be presented by the new governing committee in the coming months.
Kochi Mayor was chosen strictly in accordance with KPCC guidelines, says Satheesan
The UDF had announced mayoral candidates in advance only in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, says Satheesan
Kochi Muziris Biennale: How the Indian art world sees it
The countrys top gallerists, collectors and curators weigh in on what the Kochi Biennale means to them
Congress leaders V K Minimol, Niji Justin, P Indira and A K Hafeez elected Mayors of Kochi, Thrissur, Kannur and Kollam; O Sadashivan of CPM in Kozhikode
BJP State Secretary and Kodunganoor ward councillor VV Rajesh elected as first BJP mayor in Kerala
The Bharatiya Janata Party achieved a historic win in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. V V Rajesh became the mayor, marking the BJP's first municipal corporation victory in Kerala. The United Democratic Front secured victories in Kollam, Kochi, and Thrissur Corporations. The Left Democratic Front won in Kozhikode, and the UDF is set to lead Kannur.
Four-time councillor V.K. Minimol elected as Kochi Mayor
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
Kochi mayor row: Congress leaders express differing opinions
While K.C. Venugopal and Ramesh Chennithala urge party members to respect the decision-making process, others such as Ajay Tharayil and Mathew Kuzhalnadan voice concerns about exclusion of two-time councillor Deepthi Mary Varghese
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
