KOCHI: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has informed the Kerala High Court that Sabarimala Sannidhanam, as a food business operator (FBO), must comply with the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards (FSS) Act in the production of appam and aravana. It stated that any non-compliance would lead to action against the FBO in accordance with the acts provisions. It also clarified that appam falls under the prepared food category. The affidavit was filed in response to petitions filed by Dr Mahendra Kumar P S and others concerning the safety of prasadam distributed to devotees at Sabarimala. The court had previously directed the food safety department to ensure that the moisture content in the appam and aravana prasadam at Sabarimala Ayyappa temple remained within the standard limit of 10%. Analysis of appam samples collected on November 14, 15, and 19, last year, revealed that the moisture content exceeded this standard limit, necessitating immediate corrective action to prevent potential health hazards. The affidavit added that under various sections of the FSS Act, temples or religious institutions offering food or prasadam are classified as FBOs. It clarified that an FBO is a person who carries on or owns a food business and is responsible for ensuring compliance with the act and its regulations. FSSAI also informed the court that an inspection conducted six months ago at the Pamba premises in Sabarimala, following a controversy over production, highlighted several concerning issues. These included dust, cobwebs, and food particles in production and storage areas, lack of handwashing stations at key production areas, chipped floor tiles, flaking paint on walls, and windows without pest-proofing. Additionally, the inspection noted a lack of chimneys and inadequate exhaust fans in cooking areas, and raw materials stored directly on the floor without segregation. Following this report, FSSAI wrote to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to ensure quality and hygiene. In response to FSSAIs letter, TDB assured that raw materials would be examined, and the moisture content of each product would be ensured. They also stated that regular and routine cleaning of the entire plant had been implemented as a corrective measure for hygiene improvement. Furthermore, TDB indicated that more batches of appam and aravana production would be undertaken during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season, with continuous monitoring of hygiene, moisture, and other relevant parameters.
35 cases based on Hema panel report dropped, government tells Kerala HC
KOCHI: The special investigation team (SIT) tasked with probing allegations of sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry based on the Justice Hema Committee report has dropped further action in 35 cases that emerged from the findings due to non-cooperation by the victims, the state government told the Kerala High Court on Wednesday. Though every possible help was provide to the victims, they declined to cooperate with the SIT, the government said, citing the SITs progress report submitted to the HC. The court then made it clear that we dont want to pressurise anybody into pursuing the case. However, cases registered on the complaints filed by victims independently against actors, including Siddique and Mukesh, are at various stages of completion, it is learnt. The Advocate General submitted the SIT report in a sealed cover when public interest litigations regarding the committees findings came up for hearing. It was reported that in the 35 crimes registered based on the findings, final reports have been submitted before the courts concerned stating that further action has been dropped as none of the victims have come forward to give statements. Based on the report, a division bench comprising Justice A K Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice C S Sudha found that as of now, no further action was required in the crimes registered. The government also submitted that a film conclave to discuss the formation of the film policy and issues related to the field with members of various sectors has been scheduled in the first week of August. The court then directed to list the matters for further consideration on August 13.
Upgrade facilities before fare hike, passengers tell Railway
KOCHI: Railway passengers associations have come out against the hike in the fares of long-distance trains, including AC coaches. While welcoming the Railways decision to not increase the fares of ordinary services and season tickets, they pointed out that the fervour the Railways shows in increasing the fares should also reflect in bettering the facilities that make train journey seamless. Friends on Rails has registered its strong protests against the measures taken by the Railways to increase revenue by cutting down on the number of general compartments. These compartments have been restricted to one section in some trains. There has been a reduction in the number of de-reserved bogies since the introduction of LHB (Linke-Hofmann-Busch) coaches, said a Friends on Rails representative. Women passengers have pointed out the insufficient number of ladies compartments. From two compartments in some passenger and express trains, it has been reduced to one. And that too with the size of the coaches having gone down from full to half, said Satidevi R, who works at a government office in Tripunithura. Friends on Rails also highlighted the tactic of delaying trains that arrive on time. They halt a train that is running on time to allow the passage of a train that is late by two or more hours. Then there is the trick of halting trains in the outer areas of stations. Such waiting time extend to more than 30 minutes, said another passenger.
Kerala plans two-day cruise along West Coast waterways from Kovalam to Bekal
KOCHI: How about a cruise tour along Keralas stunning waterways, all the way from Kovalam in the south to Bekal in the north? The state government plans to roll out a two-day cruise trip along the 590-km West Coast waterways, for which a specially designed AC cruise vessel is under construction. The 21-seater electric boat will be ready by the time the first phase of the ambitious West Coast waterways project a 235-km stretch from Akkulam in Thiruvananthapuram to Chettuva in Thrissur is commissioned later this year. If everything goes well, authorities plan to start operating the vessel till Chettuva this year itself, and gradually extend the trip in line with the projects progress. The cruise vessel will offer an unforgettable experience to tourists. One of the highlights will be the journey through the tunnels at Chilakoor and Sivagiri in Varkala, during which travellers can enjoy immersive light and sound shows played via an on-board projector, said a senior official with the Chief Ministers Office (CMO). The first phase of the Kovalam-Bekal West Coast waterway will be commissioned in another four months, said the official, adding that the work, including dredging, in this section is nearing completion The on-board projector will start automatically when the boat enters the Varkala tunnel to entertain visitors with a light and sound show, the official said. The two-day tour package will see the boat halting at five destinations at least, and these will be developed as tourist spots. The Kerala Shipping & Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) is manufacturing the vessel, he said. An official with the Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Ltd (KWIL), the special purpose vehicle under Cochin International Airport Ltd and roped in by the government for the National Waterways project, said tourism will benefit the most once the 235-km stretch of the waterways is commissioned. Cruise project to attract tourists, flaunt scenic coastline The authorities expect the cruise project to attract tourists, especially foreign visitors, in large numbers and showcase Keralas scenic coastline like never before. The West Coast Waterway project involves developing the 590-km-long canal system running parallel to the states coastline from Kovalam to Bekal. The project, designed to interconnect Keralas backwaters and rivers, is broadly targeted to be completed by 2028, and aims to enhance transportation, trade and tourism in the state. The project was launched way back in 2006 with a grant of `225 crore. However, it got stalled for over a decade. Finally, in 2018, the project was revived and decided to be implemented in three phases.
Emergency prisoners meet held in Kochi
Closed all 35 cases lodged based on Hema Committee report: SIT to Kerala HC
Kochi: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Wednesday informed the Kerala High Court that it has dropped further action in the 35 cases lodged on the basis of the Justice Hema Committee report, as none of the victims came forward to give their statements. The Justice Hema Committee was established by the Kerala government following Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Disruption of flight services leaves passengers stranded at Kochi airport
Services to Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Ras al-Khaimah, Bahrain, Dammam, and Kuwait from Kochi airport cancelled; passengers asked to stay updated and check flight status regularly
Kerala government says not enacting black magic law, HC asks if it endorses practice
KOCHI: The state government told the Kerala High Court on Tuesday that it has decided not to enact a legislation banning evil practices, including sorcery and black magic, prompting the court to ask whether it endorsed such practices. In an affidavit filed before the HC, the government said the state cabinet had considered the Kerala Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices, Sorcery and Black Magic Bill in 2023, but a decision was made not to enact it. It was a policy decision and might not be interfered with by the court, the affidavit said, adding that a writ of mandamus will not lie against the legislature directing it to legislate on a particular subject. Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking enactment of a law against evil practices on Tuesday, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji observed orally, Is the state endorsing these evil practices? There may not be enactment, but that does not mean the government should do nothing. Assuming there is no legislation, how does the state proceed against such practices? The court said the government did not mention in the affidavit that it endorsed such practices and does not wish to eradicate them. We expect a more detailed affidavit, the bench said, urging the state to clarify its position and efforts in curbing such harmful practices despite the absence of specific legislation. The Kerala Yukthivadi Sangham, Thrissur, had sought a directive to the state government to take a decision on the recommendation of the Law Reforms Commission report, 2019, submitted by Justice K T Thomas on the Bills enactment. The plea filed in the wake of the murder of two women as part of human sacrifice in Pathanamthittas Elanthoor village in 2022, alleged that the government was reluctant to take steps to enact such laws despite the reporting of several such incidents.
NIA recovers PFIs hit lists with over 950 names from Kerala
KOCHI: National Investigation Agency (NIA) which is probing the anti-national activities of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) has recovered multiple hit lists containing names of over 950 persons in Kerala from the accused persons. This was submitted by the national agency in the NIA Court while considering the bail petitions of Palakkad natives Muhammad Bilal, Riyasudheen, Ansar K P and Saheer K V recently. It was in May 2022 that the NIA registered a case against PFI following the direction of the Central government claiming that the group was engaged in anti-national activities. Later, NIA took over a probe into the murder of RSS leader Sreenivasan, of Palakkad, in December 2022. The murder case was later merged with the PFI case. According to NIA, the Reporter Wing of PFI did a recce of leaders of other communities who are a threat to PFI. Later, its Service Wing/hit teams work to eliminate adversaries. It also has a Physical and Arms Training Wing that trains its cadres. Objecting to the bail petitions filed by four PFI activists, NIA submitted that eight documents seized from 51st accused Sirajudheen contain a list of 240 people from other communities. Following a search held at Periyar Valley Campus at Aluva, NIA recovered details of five targeted persons from the wallet of 15th accused Abdul Wahad who is currently absconding. This list also contained the name of a former district judge. A document seized from one accused, who turned approver later, contained the hit list with the names of 232 people. Similarly, a search held at the residence of 69th accused Ayoob T A resulted in the recovery of a hit list containing the names of about 500 people. NIA maintained that the Periyar Valley campus in Aluva was an arms training centre of PFI which has been attached under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act declaring it as proceeds of terrorism. Another contention of NIA is that its New Delhi unit probed a case against PFI that was first registered at Phulwari Sherif Police Station, Bihar in 2022. During the investigation, the agency recovered a six-page document titled India 2047 from Muhammed Jamaludheen, an accused in that case. NIA maintained that PFIs India 2047 agenda is to establish Islamic rule in India and the murder of Sreenivasan was part of this larger conspiracy. NIA also claimed that it has voice clips and witness statements that revealed that audio clips about the India 2047 plan circulated through audio clips. However, all four petitioners rebutted the allegation against them. They claimed that the allegations against them were fabricated and they were innocent. They have been in custody for over three years and the investigation is over. Since the trial procedure would take time to complete, they may be granted bail in the case. After hearing both sides and going through the documents produced before it, the court observed that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the accusation against the petitioners is prima facie true. The allegations against the petitioner are serious in nature. The final report is already filed and the case is ripe for trial, The proviso to Section 43D(5) of UAPA is applicable in this case and the petitioner is not entitled to be released on bail at this stage. Hence the petition is only to be dismissed, the court ordered. CASE FILE It was in May 2022 that the NIA registered a case against PFI following the direction of the Central government claiming that the group was engaged in anti-national activities. Later, NIA took over a probe into the murder of RSS leader Sreenivasan, of Palakkad, in December 2022.
Skill-entrepreneurship university in pipeline in Kerala
KOCHI: For a state with a huge talent pool, skills gap often plays spoilsport in Kerala students getting placed in top companies. That, however, could become a thing of the past as the state government is planning to set up a Skill and Entrepreneurship University. Chances are the university will become a reality this financial year. We are studying the models being followed by various skill universities in the country, Industries Minister P Rajeeve told TNIE. In the case of the Skill University in Telangana, the institution comes under the industries department. We are yet to make a decision in this regard. He said the university is being planned in the Public Private Participation (PPP) model. It may have a governing board comprising leading industrialists and technocrats. They are the ones who know what the industries need, the minister said. As to who will lead the governing body, and where the university will come up, the decision is yet to be arrived at. In Telangana, the institution is headed by the chief minister, he pointed out. We are studying the skill universities in Gujarat, Maharashtra and some other states, Rajeeve said. According to the university concept, companies will formulate course modules. Each industry needs skills of its own. So, it is apt that the courses be developed by them as per their requirement. Once the students get trained in these skills, provisions will also be there for them to be placed with these companies, the minister said. And it is just not skills the institution will develop. Entrepreneurship will also be promoted at the university. Once students have the requisite skills, they can easily start a venture of their own and provide employment to others, Rajeeve said. Welcoming the development, Group of Technology Companies (GTech) secretary Sreekumar V said, This is the need of the hour. It is something that we have been demanding for a long time. We want students to acquire hands-on training. Many agencies are conducting courses. However, those are just classroom training. Thats not what the industries want. They want proof of work. Something which shows them that their prospective employee has learnt the skill and has it too.
LuLu's SmartCity Twin Towers set to offer a palatial space for IT biggies
Kochi, no doubt, is fast-emerging as a major IT powerhouse of the country. And the latest addition to its tech ecosystem is quite towering. The Lulu IT Twin Towers, set to be inaugurated on June 28, are redefining the citys commercial skyline and ambition. Located in SmartCity in Kakkanad, and built at a cost of 1,500 crore, these towers spread across 12.74 acres offer 35 lakh sq.ft of premium office space for the IT sector. Touted as south Indias tallest twin IT towers, the 152m-high structures are not only an architectural statement but also a state-of-the-art tech ecosystem designed for the future. Officials are confident that with 10 per cent of the space already taken up by four companies and negotiations underway with several more firms, the twin towers will become a vibrant business hub. As we step inside for a preview of whats in store, the scale and vision of this project come into full view from cutting-edge sustainability features and the worlds largest robotic parking system to expansive recreational spaces and a massive food court, this is indeed a point where infrastructure meets innovation. There are 33 floors, including three levels of car parking, explains Lulu IT Parks director and CEO Abhilash Valiyavalappil as he welcomes us. In a way, the twin towers are an IT park by themselves. One with grandeur at its best. Rightly so. From the main entrance to the topmost level, the towers exude luxe vibes. It will be like working in a big palace instead of an office, Abhilash smiles. This is the single largest commercial space in Kerala. The floor space has been designed in such a way it suits the top-most players in the industry. The facility can accommodate around 25,000 to 30,000 employees and meets stringent sustainability criteria, earning it the LEED Platinum Pre-Certification the highest level in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system. Everything about Lulu IT Twin Towers is sustainable, Abhilash highlights. Robotic car parking A highlight of the Twin Towers is its robotic car parking system said to be the largest in the world. Designed to maximise space and efficiency, the facility has both conventional and robotic parking zones. While the conventional car parking can accommodate 1,300 vehicles, about 3,200 cars can be parked at the robotic parking space, which utilises automated machinery to park and retrieve vehicles. This provides maximum space efficiency and reduces the time spent searching for parking spots, says Abhilash. At the entrance kiosk, the system reads the drivers card and opens the sliding door. After aligning the car on the lift ramp with the help of sensors, the driver exits the vehicle. Once the space is cleared, the lift takes the car down. A robotic slide equipped with a ramp and wheels then picks up the vehicle and parks it. The process reverses when the driver wishes to retrieve their car. Sounds cool, doesnt it? Spacious food court To address a long-standing issue among tech professionals the absence of proper dining options within IT parks the towers include a lavish food court that can seat 2,500 people. It will offer a wide variety of cuisines and is ideal for meals, informal meetings, and social interactions. The food stalls will be similar in style to those in Lulu Mall, says Abhilash. There is also an area that has been set aside for those who bring food from their homes. Auditorium The auditorium, reminiscent of the LuLu Bolgatty Convention Centre (albeit on a smaller scale), can seat 600 people. It features collapsible partitions, allowing it to be divided into three separate halls. Amenity Block Situated between the Twin Towers, this block is dedicated to enhancing employee wellbeing. It includes: * Outdoor gym * Cricket and football turfs * Skateboard arena * Fully landscaped external podium for breaks * Refreshment outlets Creche Understanding modern workplace demands, the Twin Towers also feature a creche for employees children. We are in discussions with several service providers to run the facility, says the CEO. Green energy initiatives In line with its sustainable design, the towers integrate solar panels alongside conventional energy sources. They also feature: * Rainwater harvesting * Wastewater recycling systems for restrooms and garden usage Lifts, escalators & viewpoints The towers are equipped with 67 lifts and 12 escalators, and offer 5 entry and exit points. A glass escalator offers spectacular views. The terrace, of course, provides a panoramic view of the city. Flexible floor space The towers, which took nearly six years to complete, consist of 29 floors of office space. Each floor spans between 37,000 and 45,000 sq.ft. Many companies have shown interest in taking up entire floors. We are also primarily eyeing such firms, says Abhilash. That does not mean smaller or emerging firms are being ignored. We have plug-and-play spaces available for them too. Moreover, a floor has been earmarked for startups, he says.
Rental Rap @ Karikku Tuned rhymes in solidarity with singles struggling for a place to stay
It all began with a packed suitcase and nowhere to go. A young man had just locked in a house for rent in Kochi. The bags were zipped, the cartons sealed, the mind half-moved in. And then, just hours before shifting, the house-owners son called and said, We just found out youre a bachelor. Sorry, we cant give you the house. Vinayak S. Kumar Vikaas, known for editing trailers that carry more emotion than noise, like those for Jallikattu, Puzhu, and Dear Friend, says he has also been exploring music on the side. Parkaan Idamille is his fifth music composition, and the one closest to heart. Josbin Paul A single camera was placed discreetly in public spaces, and scenes were shot without calling attention. No ready, action! moments. Even the credits are written into the frame. Its like the city telling the story. Vikaas Alphonse Within days of release, the comment sections blew up. Many have been sharing their own rejection stories. One writes: Finally, someone said it out loud.
Couple arrested for alleged murder in Kochi
Cochin Shipyard to build two luxury cruise vessels for Brahmaputra river
KOCHI: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has signed a contract with Heritage River Journeys Pvt Ltd for the construction of two luxury river cruise vessels to be operated on the Brahmaputra River. The vessels will be built at CSLs Hooghly unit in West Bengal. The Hooghly unit, formerly known as Hooghly Dock and Port Engineers Limited (HDPEL), was acquired by CSL in October 2017. Established in 1819, HDPEL has a long and distinguished legacy in shipbuilding on Indias eastern coast. The new vessels will be operated by Heritage River Journeys under the brand name Antara River Cruisesone of Indias leading luxury river cruise operators. Antara is renowned for its bespoke voyages along the Ganga, Padma, and Brahmaputra rivers. Its flagship vessel, Ganga Vilas , is celebrated as the worlds longest river cruise, spanning more than 3,200 km and traversing 27 rivers, including the Gangetic plains, the Sundarbans, and the Brahmaputra Valley. The agreement for the construction of the first vessel and a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the second were signed by Hooghly CSL CEO Sanil Peter and Antara River Cruises Chairman Raj Singh, in the presence of CSL Chairman and Managing Director Madhu S. Nair.
Kochi to host Wedding and MICE Conclave from August 14 to 16
Event expected to act as a B2B networking platform for the integrated development of the tourism sector in Kerala
Indias largest IT player is planning to open new offices in these cities
Tata Consultancy Services is embarking on a significant expansion, investing over Rs 4,500 crore in new campuses and office spaces across India. The company is strategically targeting cities like Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Kochi to bolster its infrastructure. These investments signal TCS's confidence in India's talent pool and its preparation for future growth and evolving workforce models.
TCS plans big Rs 4,500 crore push: New campuses, office spaces & more in key cities - check details
Tata Consultancy Services is investing heavily in expansion. New campuses and office spaces are planned across India. Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Kochi are key locations. The company aims to boost delivery capacity. This move signals confidence in India's tech talent. TCS reported strong financial results for FY25. Headcount also increased with new hires and promotions.
Jealous rage ends in murder as husband confesses to stabbing wife's lover
KOCHI: The death of a 32-year-old man in Edakochi on Monday night, initially reported as an accident, has turned out to be a murder, with police taking a couple into custody on Tuesday. Ashik, a native of Edakochi, was found severely injured inside a parked fish truck in an isolated area. He was rushed to Ernakulam General Hospital, where he was declared dead. The doctors who examined Ashik found that he had suffered a serious wound on his thigh and died due to excessive bleeding. According to police, a woman from Palluruthy alerted the residents and rushed Ashik to the hospital. She claimed that Ashik contacted her and sought help, stating that he had suffered serious injuries following an accident. However, we were doubtful about her version. We conducted a preliminary investigation about the woman, a police officer said. Soon after, police took the woman and her husband, identified as Shihas, into custody. According to officers at the Palluruthy police station, the woman was having an extramarital relationship with Ashik. The deceased was a driver working with interstate goods vehicles. He often met the woman at isolated places. However, Shihas recently came to know about his wife's relationship with Ashik. Thus, he reached Edakochi to question Ashik. Following a fight, he stabbed Ashik multiple times. To save Shihas, the woman tried to mislead police by cooking up an accident incident, an officer said. In March this year, Ernakulam Central Police had registered a case against Ashik based on a complaint by Shihass wife, alleging that he had taken her 1.5 sovereign gold chain under the pretence of marrying her. She had also raised rape allegations against Ashik. However, police could not find any concrete evidence against him in the case. Umesh Goyal, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mattancherry, confirmed that Ashiks death was a murder. He stated that the husband of the woman had confessed to the crime. The arrest of the accused persons will be recorded soon. The involvement of more persons in the incident is being probed. In the coming days, we will complete the remaining procedures of evidence collection and recording witness statements. We would seek the custody of the accused after they are remanded in judicial custody, he said. The body of the deceased was handed over to his relatives after the post-mortem. Police are also collecting information about Ashik and his possible involvement in any criminal activities.
Flight operations from Kerala to Gulf resume after Iran-Israel 'truce'; airlines clearing backlogs
KOCHI: With Iran and Israel having agreed upon a ceasefire a few hours back, flight services to the Gulf and Middle East regions resumed from Kerala on Tuesday noon, a development which will come as a boon to many Malayalis, stranded abroad. The flight operations to the Gulf sector have resumed. But since a majority of them are operating at night usually, the services will return to normal later today, said a spokesperson of the Cochin International Airport Ltd. CIAL operates the most flights to the Gulf sector, especially destinations like Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, from Kerala. The airlines too confirmed the resumption of services, but said it would take some time for the operations to return to normal, citing factors like flight availability and clearance of passenger backlogs. A number of flight services operated by the various airlines from airports across Kerala had been delayed, rerouted or cancelled, since Monday evening, in the wake of the conflict in the Middle East. The cancelled flights from Kochi included AI 953 (COK-DOH), SG 018 (COK-DXB), 6E 1403 (COK-AUH), 6E 1493 (COK-RKT), 6E 1271 (COK-MCT), 6 E 1272 (MCT-COK), 6E 1206/055 (BAH-COK-DMM), SG 017 (DXB-COK), 6 E 1404 (AUH-COK), AI 933 (COK-DXB), AI 934 (DXB=COK, IX 494 (KWI-COK), IX 441 (COK-MCT), IX 476 (DOH-COK), IX 475 (COK-DOH), IX 442 (MCT-COK) and IX 461 (COK-KWI). Air India Express, which had earlier temporarily suspended flights to the region, resumed the services. ..We regret the inconvenience due to circumstances beyond our control and request guests to update their contact details for real time updates and check their flight status on airindiaexpress.com or chat with Tia for cancellations and refund options, an Air India Express spokesperson said on Tuesday morning.
Middle East Shutdown Disrupts Kerala Flights
With the Israel-Iran ceasefire easing tensions, airlines have begun rescheduling flights, bringing relief to stranded travellers.reports Asian Lite News A sudden closure of airspace over parts of the Middle East late Monday caused widespread disruption across Keralas four major international airports on Tuesday, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded as numerous flights were cancelled. Display boards at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode and Kannur airports showed long lists of cancelled and delayed flights, leaving travellers in a state of uncertainty. However, with reports emerging that the situation is beginning to normalise after the ceasefire between Israel and Iran was announced, many have heaved
TCS plans over Rs 4, 500 crore realty expansion across India
Tata Consultancy Services is investing over Rs 4,500 crore to expand its infrastructure across India, including new campuses and office spaces in key cities like Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Kochi. This expansion aligns with TCS's anticipated headcount growth and strong financial performance, signaling confidence in India's talent ecosystem and delivery capabilities.
Middle East crisis: Several flights from Kerala to Gulf sector cancelled
KOCHI: Passengers flying from Kerala to the Gulf sector and back are severely affected after a number of flights to the Gulf sectors have been cancelled in the wake of the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Flight services by various airlines to destinations including Doha (Qatar), Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah (UAE), and Muscat (Oman) were cancelled,since Monday night. This following the missile attack by Iran on US military bases in Qatar in retaliation for the American bombing of its nuclear sites, which has put the commercial air operations in the region at risk. Due to the evolving situation in the Middle East, certain flights are delayed, rerouted or cancelled as a precautionary measure. We advise all passengers to check flight status regularly via the airlines official website or airport displays. Also stay updated through MS/email alerts from your airline, read a passenger advisory issued by the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL). The cancelled flights from Kochi included AI 953 (COK-DOH), SG 018 (COK-DXB), 6E 1403 (COK-AUH), 6E 1493 (COK-RKT), 6E 1271 (COK-MCT), 6 E 1272 (MCT-COK), 6E 1206/055 (BAH-COK-DMM), SG 017 (DXB-COK), 6 E 1404 (AUH-COK), AI 933 (COK-DXB), AI 934 (DXB=COK, IX 494 (KWI-COK), IX 441 (COK-MCT), IX 476 (DOH-COK), IX 475 (COK-DOH), IX 442 (MCT-COK) and IX 461 (COK-KWI). Similarly, several flights from Thiruvananthapuram, Calicut and Kannur too were delayed, rerouted or cancelled. n view of the evolving situation and the closure of certain airspaces in the Middle East, Air India Express has temporarily suspended flights to the region. Impacted guests are notified of changes directly on the contact details registered with the airline. We regret the inconvenience due to circumstances beyond our control and request guests to update their contact details for real time updates and check their flight status on airindiaexpress.com or chat with Tia for cancellations and refund options,an Air India Express spokesperson said. As a result of the ongoing situation in the Middle East and suspension of Qatar airspace, AIR India Express has diverted our Doha-bound flight from Kochi to Muscat and returned our flight bound from Kannur. We have no other flights bound for Qatar. The AIE has no aircraft on the ground in Qatar. We are monitoring the situation closely and will take all necessary precautions for the safety and security of our guests and crew, with inputs from the relevant authorities, he added.
Wayanad to get first weather radar, boosting disaster readiness in high ranges
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ending a long wait, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is setting up its first radar station in Wayanad, a move expected to significantly enhance weather forecasting and disaster preparedness in the high ranges. The X-band doppler weather radar system will be installed on land provided by the Pazhassiraja College in Pulpally. A 30-year lease agreement was signed on Wednesday between IMD, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority and college authorities. Given Wayanads vulnerability to landslides, the installation is being hailed as a game changer. The radar will monitor rainfall within a 100km radius, covering Wayanad and adjoining areas in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, said IMD Kerala director Neetha K Gopal. The demand for a radar station in the region dates to 2010. Though the project was marked high-priority, identifying suitable land proved difficult. Locations in Kozhikode and Kannur were also considered before zeroing in on Wayanad. Official clearance came this April. Until now, Wayanad was not adequately covered by the Kochi radar, which hampered weather alerts and early warnings. Last year, a series of major landslides in Meppadi panchayat left nearly 300 people died. Minor mudslides have been reported this year in forested areas. Neetha clarified that while the radar itself does not predict landslides, it provides crucial rainfall data that supports forecasts by other central agencies. Landslides are impacts. The radar gives us better rainfall input, which feeds into impact-based forecasting, she explained. The MoU marks a critical step toward setting up the facility. Weve discussed electricity and internet connectivity. Once the land agreement is signed, we can proceed with the rest, Neetha said. The radar system is being supplied by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) at a cost of Rs 6 crore.
BJPs Christian outreach in Nilambur backfires, Ezhava support dips
KOCHI: The BJPs experiment to tap Christian votes in Nilambur seems to have backfired as figures indicate it may have lost support of the Ezhava community. The leadership, initially hesitant to enter the fray, decided to field a candidate following criticism from within the party. The party roped in Mohan George, who is closely associated with the Church, after NDA partner Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS) refused to contest. If the BJP claims that a section of Christians voted for Mohan, it means it lost its Ezhava and Nair votes. The statement by SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan, that Hindus in Nilambur will vote for CPM, may have seemingly influenced the Ezhava community. Alleging that both LDF and UDF are trying to garner votes by appeasing religious fundamentalists, BJP had launched a campaign based on development issues. Despite the setback, it claims it could retain its vote share amidst high-octane campaign by opponents. Backfired Christian community has 14% vote share in Nilambur, while Nair and Ezhava communities have 10% share each. BJP planned to unite them by exposing the Muslim appeasement by the LDF and UDF. However, it could add only 53 votes to its 2021 tally.
UDFs Nilambur win might cement V D Satheesans rise as Congress state leader
KOCHI: It was a moment charged with symbolism at the DCC office in Ernakulam. After the news conference on the UDFs resounding win, V D Satheesan was on a call. Congress MP Hibi Eden waited for Satheesan to end the call, walked across the table, pulled him into a hug, and parked a kiss on his cheek. The message was loud and clear: the Congress has a new centre of gravity, and his name is V D Satheesan. Nilambur was more than just a bypoll it was a battleground that decided the future direction of the Congress in Kerala. The win didnt just flip a seat; it shifted the internal dynamics within the party. Satheesan, who took bold, even risky, calls during the campaign, is now seen by many as the man best poised to lead the UDF into the 2026 assembly elections. From Puthuppally to Thrikkakara, Palakkad to Nilambur, the UDF has steadily increased its vote margins under his leadership. Except in CPM fortress of Chelakkara, Satheesan has turned every bypoll into a moment of momentum. Risk pays off One of the boldest calls Satheesan made was refusing to accommodate Anvar into the UDF unless he withdrew his remarks against Shoukath. That decision, though risky, sent out the signal that Congress wont bend to pressure. The risk paid off.
Kerala bikers retrace Shankaracharya's trail to Kashmir from Kalady
Over 1,200 years ago, a young monk from Kerala travelled from Kalady to Kashmir, propagating the oneness of existence, or what he termed Advaita. That ancient route traversed by Adi Shankaracharya was retraced recently by a team of 52 bikers who rode from Kalady to the Line of Control (LoC) as a homage to the lives lost in the Pahalgam attack and a message against terrorism. The bikers, who joined forces from across Kerala, rode under the motto Bullets against Bullets. For the bullets that terrorists showered on tourists in Pahalgam, here were the bikers own Royal Enfield Bullets. The two-week ride was flagged off on June 1 by Kochi City Police Commissioner Putta Vimaladitya, who also heads the states anti-terrorism squad. The idea came up after my friend R Ramanand, director of the Abhinava Gupta Institute of Advanced Studies, Vagamon, posted on Facebook about how the Pahalgam attack would soon be forgotten after the initial hubbub, says Mani Karthik, a startup consultant, who spearheaded the team. Some of us were researching the links between Kashmir and Keralas tantric traditions. Also, Shankaracharyas influence in Kashmir is still revered. Thats how we decided to follow Shankaras footsteps and named our mission Shankara to Sharda. The Sharda here refers to the ancient Sharda Peeth, now in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. But there is a Yatri Sharda Peeth very close to the LoC, near the Kishanganga river. Planning the journey wasnt without challenges. Our discussion group was infiltrated by stray social media users from as far as Pakistan, and agenda-driven individuals who tried to mar healthy conversations, says Mani, who left a career in the US to settle in Kochi and guide NRIs keen on migrating and investing back home. We had to weed them out and plan carefully. Only our core group knew the route map. Everyone who wished to join was verified. We finalised 52 riders, including 10 women and a trans individual. Among us were techies, a temple priest, a farmer, and even a 76-year-old. The biker priest in the team was Praveen P M from Thiruvananthapuram, who rode with his wife Renjini and their five-year-old son Badrinath as pillion. We have done several such bike jaunts, says Renjini. But this is the longest we have done. The team faced many hurdles along the way. The summer blaze in some places was horrifying. At times, there were delays when a bike broke down or a rider fell ill, she recalls. Mani adds, On the leg from Nagpur to Guna through a forest stretch, we rode long into the night and couldnt find food. But through it all, we felt a higher power guiding us. Often, someone would appear just when we needed help. Other Royal Enfield bikers assisted us in finding service stations. People who came to know of our mission welcomed us warmly. In Hyderabad, we were treated to a five-star lunch. Our accommodation was mostly in auditoriums, ashrams, or sometimes open grounds. Riding happy: The 'Bullets against Bullet' team on road to LoC. 'Biker priest' Praveen PM, his wife Renjini, and son Badrinath who were part of the expedition to LoC. Bikers taking a break. Yathri Sharda Peeth at LoC Bikers praying for Pehelgam victims on the banks of Kishen Ganga river at LoC. Bikers at CRPF camp near LoC. The high point of the journey was when the bikers reached the Yatri Sharda Peeth and offered prayers for the Pahalgam victims. While performing the rituals, we could see armed personnel from across the LoC. Initially, we were denied permission, but later allowed, on the condition that we finish within 10 minutes. We were perhaps the first civilians to enter such a sensitive zone after the attack, says Praveen, who rushes off to lead Pradosham prayers at the Chengalloor Mahadeva Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Another highlight was the teams visit to a Kashmir village where an ancient idol of Goddess Sharda was recently unearthed during construction work. The idol, which is of immense research interest, was installed at a makeshift shrine there, says Mani Despite the scale of the expedition, the cost was modest, the bikers say. Fuel cost us about Rs 15,000 per bike, and another Rs 15,000 for miscellaneous expenses, says Renjini. Mani says the trip was an ode to Advaita. It was also a statement that terrorism cannot make Bharat cower, says Mani from his Kochi home just a few yards from the house of N Ramachandran, who lost his life on the meadows of Pahalgam that fateful day.
Flights to and from Kochi airport hit by closure of Qatar airspace
Worker run over by premium car while offloading it from trailer in Kochi
Firefighters rescue man who fell unconscious atop tree in Kochi
From Rifles In Kanpur To Fighter Jets In Bengaluru: India Builds Its Own Weapons
Hyderabad, Pune, Jabalpur, Bengaluru, Nagpur, and Kochi are now emerging as key hubs for modern weapons production, alongside their established industrial strengths
West Asia tensions disrupt flights, hit Central Asia tourism from Kerala
KOCHI: Amid the escalating Iran-Israel conflict, several airlines are cancelling or diverting flights by avoiding airspaces in West Asia, which has severely impacted tourism to Central Asian countries, especially Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia. This has severely affected travel operators in Kerala who have seen a nearly 30% decline in inbound and outbound tourism linked to these countries. Many find themselves trapped between airline operators and travellers, having been forced to reimburse cancelled tours while still awaiting refunds from airlines. Meanwhile, travellers have been advised to prepare themselves for possible delays and unscheduled layovers in the wake of reduced connectivity on key routes and sudden cancellation of flights. A group that had travelled to Russia had its scheduled five-day visit extended to eight days, after the scheduled Air Arabia return flight was cancelled. The airline could accommodate them only on the third day, Anu Sebastian, general manager of Kochi-based Gooout Tour & Travels Pvt Ltd, told TNIE. Budget airlines like Air Arabia Abu Dhabi have cancelled flights through West Asian airspace from June 20 to 30, further compounding travel woes. We initially booked seats on an Air Arabia Abu Dhabi flight as part of plans to visit Georgia. However, we received a message that the flight was cancelled. Without informing us, the airline issued a credit voucher for the cost of our tickets, which meant that we could only use that for travel on that airline. We contacted customer care and after much persuasion they agreed to arrange seats on a flight via Sharjah. We had to bear an additional expense of Rs 15,000, said Abhishek Harikumar, a native of Alappuzha. First scheduled to fly on June 21, the family has now been assigned seats on a flight from Kochi on June 22. We are scheduled to return from Tbilisi on June 28. We were able to get confirmed tickets at the last minute, but now we are going to miss the connecting flight from Abu Dhabi, which is having a two-and-a-half hour gap. While the normal flight time from Tbilisi to Abu Dhabi is three hours, the airline informed us that the flight is diverted to avoid the airspace in the conflict region and will take 5 to 5.30 hours of flying time. We are yet to get the ticket from Abu Dhabi to Kochi, he added. The family planned the trip several months in advance. According to flight tracking website FlightRadar24, the commercial flights are avoiding the airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria and Israel and are taking the diverted routes via the Caspian Sea (north) or Egypt and Saudi Arabia (south). The West Asian tensions have also impacted inbound tourism. Meanwhile, many travellers are rescheduling their trips and now preferring domestic destinations in south India.
Riding on eggshells: Half-helmet menace on in Bengaluru
BENGALURU: Despite being banned in multiple cities, half helmets or shorties continue to be widely used by motor vehicle riders in Karnataka, violating both safety and legal standards. Even after measures were taken to solve the problem, half helmets have become a common choice for motorists. In Kochi, if I go out wearing this cap-like half helmet, I am sure I would be fined, said Adarsh, a commuter new to the city. Though half helmets are not specifically banned in Karnataka, theyre definitely not safe for commuters. We have conducted many initiatives and awareness programmes. The camera cant distinguish between half helmets and fully covered helmets, so people usually get away with it, shared DCP Traffic South Shivaprakash Devaraju. Half helmets violate ISI standards due to their low quality and the exposure of the chin and face. The traffic police are supposed to take action against them, but they have other responsibilities too which doesnt give them time to check every individual, explains Sreehari M N, a traffic expert. There is no protection you get from such helmets. The side jaws arent protected, therefore, in case of an accident, the impact can be severe, says Dr Anand N Chavan, consultantorthopaedics at Fortis Hospital. There are so many cases here with head injuries due to such mishaps. We were able to save the patients those who wear the protective gear, he said. If you wear these 100-rupee helmets, it means your head is only worth of that. Two of my friends lost their teeth because of this. Theres a reason why were told to wear riding gears, said Ashwini MS, a bike enthusiast. Cop dies of head injuries in hit-and-run case Dharwad: Yet another accident on the Hubballi-Dharwad bypass road claimed the life of a cop late Saturday night. The victim has been identified as Assistant Inspector of Police (ASI) Yellappa Kumbar (52), who was returning home in Dharwad from Hubballi on his bike when the accident happened. Kumbar was knocked down by an unidentified speeding vehicle near Itigatti. Police have registered a case of hit-and-run accident. Police said ASI Kumbar, who was working at the Hubballi rural police station, died of head injuries. Navalgund MLA NH Konaraddi was travelling on the same route when the accident occurred. He got down from his vehicle and called an ambulance, but the victim could not be saved. Road users have alleged that sudden diversions on the bypass road are causing accidents. They have demanded CCTVs along the road and stressed on the need to monitor speeding vehicles. Motorist argues with cop over fine, leaves without paying, arrested Bengaluru: The Jnanabharathi police on Sunday arrested a 30-year-old man for allegedly obstructing a traffic police officer from discharging his duty. The accused, identified as Naveen Gowda, had fled following an argument with the traffic police officer, who had stopped him for riding without a helmet, near Ullal Main Road on Saturday. Around 2.10 pm on Saturday, Jnanabharathi traffic PSI Kumar C and his team were conducting routine checks on Ullal Main Road. When Gowda was stopped for not wearing a helmet, Kumar asked him to pay a fine. However, Gowda allegedly raised his voice and argued with the officer, saying, You can collect fine, but cannot book a case. He also claimed that he was the local JDS president, before riding away without paying the fine. On Sunday, the PSI filed a complaint under Section 132 (assaulting or using criminal force against a public servant to deter them from their duty) of the BNS.
Two Maldivian nationals held at Kochi airport
Furore as censor board blocks J.S.Ks release
KOCHI: The Central Board of Film Certifications denial of certification to the film Janaki V/s State of Kerala (J.S.K) has created a flutter in Kerala with Malayalam film representatives voicing their angst and the producer deciding to move court. The courtroom thriller, directed by Pravin Narayanan and starring Union Minister Suresh Gopi and Anupama Parameswaran in lead roles, is about the legal battle of a woman who goes through a traumatic event. The CBFC allegedly objected to the use of Janaki another name for Goddess Sita as the name of the title character. Following this, the films release, scheduled for June 27, has been postponed.
Kerala doctor wins gold at World Medical Games
KOCHI: When Dr Alwin, an associate professor of community medicine, started fitness training in sprinting, he had no idea his disciplined regimen would one day help him win not one but two gold medals for his country. Currently serving in Idukki Government Medical College (GMC), Alwin bagged the medals for India at the World Medical Games held in Spain recently. The resident of Alappad in Thrissur was the only Keralite to represent the country at the event. Dr Alwin discovered the thrill of sprinting as a schoolboy. My tryst with sports began in school. While studying MBBS, I represented my college, Ernakulam Government Medical College, and the university in athletics. However, like many others, the demands of medicine soon became a priority and sports took a back seat, said Dr Alwin, adding that his family supported him and motivated him to follow the passion. Later, his students at the Ernakulam and Idukki GMCs, as well as officials of the Cochin chapter of Indian Medical Association, encouraged him to focus more on training. I trained under Asian Games gold medallist and Arjuna awardee Joseph Abraham. I won silver medals at the IMA national sports meets in Vijayawada and Aurangabad and a gold at the MAC Open National Masters Athletics Championships. These experiences helped me perform well at the World Medical Games, he said. Besides Dr Alwin, a team from the Indian Army also won a medal at event in Spain. On World Medical Games, Dr Alwin said he had never participated in such an event before. At the event, healthcare professionals of various age groups from over 50 countries are bound together by a passion for sports rather than nationality. Winning gold for India in the 100m and 200m sprint events, especially when competing against the amazing French, Mexican, and Algerian finalists, was an emotional moment, said Dr Alwin, adding that the highlight, however, were everlasting friendships forged at the event.
Wan Hai fire: Cops seek DNA, fingerprint data of missing crew members from firm
KOCHI: Police probing the fire on Wan Hai 503 ship have sought DNA and fingerprint data of the four missing crew members from the shipping company. The Fort Kochi coast police, which is investigating the case, is awaiting information from the shipping firm to complete the identification procedure after the body of a foreign national washed ashore at Arthunkal recently. It was on June 9 that the Singapore-flagged ship on its way to Mumbai port from Colombo caught fire around 44 nautical miles off Kannur coast. As many as 18 crew members were rescued. However, four members are still missing. The search and rescue operation for the four missing crew members has been called off due to no further result. However, we suspect a dead body washed ashore at Aruthunkal was of a crew member who is an Indonesian national. But no confirmation could be made and we havent received any details of the missing crew either, an officer said.
Land identified in Kozhikode most suitable for AIIMS, says Kerala government
KOCHI: At a time when Union minister Suresh Gopi has cast doubts on Kozhikode being selected to host the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kerala, the state government has reaffirmed its decision in an affidavit, filed with the High Court, stating that the land in Kinaloor is most suitable for the premier institution. The government also said that the allegation that Kasaragod and other districts have been neglected in considering the site has no standing. The affidavit was filed in response to petitions challenging the decision. One of the petitioners AIIMS Kasaragod Janakeeya Koottayma sought a directive to resubmit a list to include Kasaragod as a potential site for the establishment of the medical institution, while Greater Piravom Development Forum, Ernakulam, sought to explore the feasibility of proposing land owned by the state government -- the first respondent -- at Mevalloor Newsprint Nagar at Velloor as an alternative. Opposing the pleas, the deputy secretary of the health department said the state has chosen Kinaloor as the most suitable location for establishing the AIIMS, considering various factors. Moreover, the government has taken all possible steps to develop medical facilities across the state, without discrimination. Action is being taken for establishing a medical college in Kasaragod district. The application has been submitted to the National Medical Commission and the government plans to enrol 50 students in the 2025-26 academic year itself, the official said. Last year, secretary of the central ministry of health and family welfare was requested to depute a team to study feasibility of the land earmarked in Kerala. Further, in a letter of the minister of health, the Union finance ministry was requested to give its in principle approval for the AIIMS in Kerala and to include the same in the next phase of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). Project updates The Union govt directed Kerala to identify 3-4 locations for AIIMS, stating that nearly 200 acres of land was needed for the premier super-specialty hospital and college The state should undertake to provide, free of cost, land and other required infrastructure, including suitable road connectivity, water supply, electricity, etc., while the centre would bear construction cost under PMSSY 4 spots identified by Kerala were Kinaloor, belonging to KSIDC, land near the open jail in Nettukaltheri, Neyyattinkara, land belonging to Kottayam Medical College, and a property owned by HMT in Ernakulam
Pineapple price hike turns bitter for Kerala's Vazhakulam farmers
KOCHI: Despite prices hitting a record high, the pineapple farmers of Vazhakulam are depressed as there has been a steep decline in production. The arrival of rain did not hamper the demand in the north Indian market, but the pineapple market in Vazhakulam is unable to provide even half the required quantity of fruits. The slump in production has led to a spike in prices and it hit a record high of Rs 62 per kg last week. On Thursday, the price stood at Rs 55 per kg. Normally, the Vazhakulam market sends around 1,500 tonnes to 2,000 tonnes of pineapple to various states a day. However, now, the daily business has declined to 700 tonnes a day. As the summer was harsh last year, the farmers had taken precautions to delay the flowering of plants to avoid total loss. The fruit normally ripens around 120 days after flowering. The production is expected to return to normal in another 30 days. Though there will be a decline in demand after the onset of monsoon, the demand will rise again by August, said All Kerala Pineapple Farmers Association president James George. Meanwhile, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has initiated steps to help the farmers export pineapple by sea. As the air freight charge is unaffordable, the farmers are facing difficulty in finding new markets. Though there is demand for the sweet and juicy Vazhakulam pineapple in West Asia and Europe, the high freight charge is posing a challenge. The pineapple research station in Vazhakulam has developed a sea shipment protocol and the field trials are expected to start soon. However, Manna Pineapples, a private firm in Vazhakulam, has shipped six consignments of pineapple to Dubai this year. The consignments of 16 tonnes each are sent in reefer containers, maintaining ambient temperature. The consignment reaches Dubai on the eighth day and the response from the market has been encouraging. We receive lots of inquiries from the European markets but have not been able to meet the demand as it will take 23 days for the ship to reach England. The climate of the destination country is important as we have to ensure sufficient shelf life. We are experimenting by sending small quantities of pineapple along with vegetables, said Sibi George, managing partner of the firm. The Rambutan farmers in the state are also facing a similar crisis as the shelf life of the fruit is only three days. The fruits are currently sent to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu but as production has increased, the farmers are desperate to find new markets. Many farmers in central Kerala have shifted from rubber cultivation to rambutan farming. The price of the fruit, which was around `300 per kg, has now declined to `200 per kg. If we fail to find new markets, the farmers will be in crisis. The fruit can be transported in refrigerated containers, but it may decay when we shift it to the shelves. We are planning to send the fruits to north Indian markets by flights, said Sibi.
Students raise banner of protest against Kerala Technical Universitys year-back policy
KOCHI: Things are a mess at the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, also known as Kerala Technical University (KTU). Presently, the university formed in 2014 is facing a banner of protest raised by the BTech students belonging to 2022-26 and 2023-27 batches studying various engineering colleges affiliated with it due to the universitys year-back policy. The situation is such that a majority of the students belonging to these two batches might end up losing a year. The students blame it on the lackadaisical attitude of the university administration. The students raised various accusations against the beleaguered university that is yet to have a campus of its own. Speaking to TNIE, Mehjabeen Nishad, a third-year BTech student of Indira Gandhi Institute of Engineering and Technology at Kothamangalam, said, The latest decision of the university to introduce the year-back system came in as a bolt from the blue. Of course, the system was introduced along with the syllabus revision in 2019. But it was never implemented in 2019 and 2020 due to Covid or in the corresponding years. However, recently, the university issued a notification, one that is yet to reach the colleges, directing the institutions to implement the system. As per the students, the colleges have all conducted the examinations and the results are yet to come out. As per the said notification, students who do not have a minimum of 21 credits in Semester 1 and 2 cant attend Semester 5 classes. Similarly, to be able to register for Semester 7 classes, a student needs to have 47 credits from Semester 1 to 4. However, we didnt get the information in time and with just two-and-a-half months of class time, out of which many days get lost due to college-related activities and holidays plus the internals and assignments, the students havent been able to prepare properly for the examinations, she said. According to Subin Saji, the enforcement of the year-back policy is unfair and detrimental to the academic and mental well-being of students. The students of 2022-26 and 2023-27 batches are the ones who completed Plus-I and Plus-II during the peak of the Covid pandemic through online classes. As a result, they entered college without a strong academic foundation. The initial semesters of their BTech courses were also conducted online, making it difficult to fully grasp many of the subjects. It is to be noted that we are the final batch of the 2019 scheme. Many students are now facing the possibility of having to shift to the new academic scheme which came into force in 2024. This is highly disruptive and impractical as we are already midway through our course, said Farhan, another BTech student. The students also accused the university of not giving them prior warning regarding the implementation of this policy. As a result, many colleges failed to inform their students in time, depriving them of the opportunity to improve their performance, Mehjabeen said. Meanwhile, the university gave a reprieve to the students by saying that they could sit in S5 and S7 classes until the results of the supplementary examinations were out. In a communique to the colleges, the dean of academics Dr Vinu Thomas said, Currently the students who are short of the required credits for the registration to S5 and S7 may be provisionally permitted to attend the classes, subject to the declaration of results of the supplementary examinations pertaining to S1 and S4. The contentious rule The system was introduced along with the syllabus revision in 2019. But it was never implemented in 2019 and 2020 due to Covid As per the said notification, students who do not have a minimum of 21 credits in Semester 1 and 2 cant attend Semester 5 classes Similarly, to be able to register for Semester 7 classes, a student needs to have 47 credits from Semester 1 to 4
A joint meeting of officials from KMRL, the Railway, local bodies, and MLAs must be convened to chart out a concrete plan of action, since the intermodal linkages can serve as a model for integrated urban transport and significantly enhance the commuting experience in Kochi, says Hibi Eden
Senior citizens, children participate in Yoga Day events held in Kochi
INTERVIEW | Krisha Kurup on playing Dinanaths Anu in 'Ronth' and her acting journey
You remember that viral song En Pondate Nee, Pondate Nee from Goli Soda 2, then youll surely recall the expressive, curly-haired Madhi who stole hearts on screen. That young girl, Krisha Kurup, is no longer just a face from a Tamil hit shes now making waves in Malayalam cinema with her recent performance in Ronth . But behind that confident on-screen presence lies a story stitched together with dreams, detours, and quiet determination. A Mumbai Girl with Kerala roots Though she speaks fluent Malayalam today, Krisha was born and raised in Chembur, Mumbai. Were a Malayali joint family, but our entire life was in Mumbai. My parents too were raised there, she says. Her childhood was modest and grounded in middle-class values, with school days spent juggling textbooks, dance classes, and Hindustani music lessons. I took up classical dance and Hindustani music so I wouldnt lose touch with my roots, she shares. Her grandmother played a pivotal role in teaching her Malayalam, a language she picked up at home, rather than from any formal school curriculum. Krisha's first brush with performance came when she was in Class 8, through a unique opportunity a voice test for the BBC -owned CBeebies channel. Her fathers friend had suggested her name for dubbing the cartoon, 3rd and Bird from English to Hindi. That was my first creative breakthrough, she recalls. Not only did she land the dubbing role, but she was soon writing Hindi translations for TLC shows all before she turned 15. Soon, she found herself performing classical dance at Rotary Club and Lions Club events, slowly stepping into public view. Thats when a call came for a short film audition and changed everything. I was in 10th when I got that call for a short film. The shoot was in Kerala, and I had never been there before, Krisha recalls. So unfamiliar was the idea of sending their daughter alone that her entire family accompanied her. I think they were scared, she laughs. Though the short film didnt launch her into stardom, it opened doors. The cinematographer later offered her a role in another project, but it wasnt until her 12th standard that the project materialised. Thats when I first realised how unpredictable the film industry can be, she says. I felt like, maybe this wont work for me. Facebook, Photos, and Tamil debut But fate had other plans. A still photographer from one of her shoots shared her photos with Krishas father. That was my first professional shoot where I wasnt in a Bharatanatyam costume, she says. Wanting to share it with friends, she uploaded them on Facebook, unknowingly opening yet another door. Soon, the team behind Azhagu Kutti Chellam spotted her pictures and reached out via Messenger. Assistant director Silvester Dileepan and director Charles of Mercury Network saw potential. Initially hesitant, her father was eventually convinced after a representative visited them in Mumbai and assured them this was a golden opportunity. Krisha was cast as Nila, a pregnant teenage girl. I had never been to Chennai before, didnt know Tamil, and suddenly I was in this completely new world, she says. Breakthrough with 'Goli Soda 2' Her performance in Azhagu Kutti Chellam caught the eye of DOP Vijay Armstrong, who then recommended her to cinematographer-director Vijay Milton for Goli Soda 2. It was around this time that life threw her a cruel twist. Two days before my father passed away, we went together to Vijay Milton sirs office to sign Goli Soda 2 , she says. Her father, Vinod Kurup, a businessman, had always accompanied her to shoots. He was like my spine, she adds. Losing him to a cardiac arrest mid-shoot left her shattered. I didn't know how to handle anything. I only ever listened to scripts. My father managed everything. I felt like this wasnt my place. But Goli Soda 2 released, and with it came the storm of popularity. The song Pondate Nee went viral, and audiences embraced her again. Learning Tamil was hard. I mugged up lines and forced myself to speak the language daily, she says. Eventually, I got good at it. Despite acting, she completed two degrees: one in Advertising and Marketing from SIES Mumbai, and another in Psychology from the University of Mumbai. I did all this while doing my movies. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Krisha Kurup (@krishakurup) For the bilingual film Clap (Tamil and Telugu), Krisha played Bagyalakshmi, a 400-metre athlete. I lost 18 kilos and trained with real athletes. My daily schedule was intense, waking up at 6 am, workouts, gym, dialogue practice, and more, she says. It was hard, but I understood how tough athletes lives are. The movie was released during lockdown on SonyLiv. Krishas Malayalam debut came with B 32 Muthal 44 Vare , after an online audition and a shoot in Kochi. Entering 'Ronth' Her big break came with Ronth , directed by Shahi Kabir. While filming for an upcoming Tamil movie, Mylanchi , Krisha visited Kochi to meet her partner Siddharth. During the visit, photographer Abhilash reached out to her on Instagram. They did a casual photoshoot, and Abhilash posted them on Instagram. Director Shahi Kabir saw the photos and asked Abhilash for her number. I was shocked, she grins. When Abhilash asked if I was interested, I immediately said yes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Krisha Kurup (@krishakurup) Shahi Kabir called her directly, explained the script, and asked if she would audition. Of course, I said yes, she laughs. And just like that, Krisha became Anu, Dinanaths wife in Ronth. The script of Ronth blew my mind, Krisha says. Theres no song, no frills just raw, realistic storytelling. Every character is important. Every scene makes you think. For Krisha, stepping into the skin of Anu a small-town woman rooted deeply in family was a huge leap. In the world I grew up in, I didnt know anyone like her. Her thought process, her surroundings everything was new to me. Working with Roshan Mathew, who plays Dinanath, was equally enriching. Rehearsing with him felt so organic. I dont think I even have the calibre to talk about how brilliant he is. She recalls one final scene where director Shahi simply asked them to choreograph their emotions: We werent acting anymore. We were living the characters. Today, Krisha stands at an interesting crossroads of different cultures, languages, and film roles. From dubbing cartoons as a child to playing deep, meaningful characters, her journey has been unique and truly her own. I never thought a photoshoot would change my life, she says. But it did. Im thankful to Shahi sir, Abhilash, and everyone who believed in me.
IN PICS: How Kochiites have embraced yoga
Ten years have passed since the world celebrated the first International Day of Yoga. And what a decade of flux it has been digital boom, pandemic, AI disruption, geopolitical battles, cultural wars... Now, pause for a moment. Clear your mind of all the churn. Breathe deeply. Focus inward. Prioritise wellness. Today is perhaps the perfect time to acknowledge that yoga is one of the simplest paths to holistic well-being. Law student Delffy Davis @ Rajendra Maidan Law student Delffy Davis @ Rajendra Maidan Law student Delffy Davis @ Rajendra Maidan The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning to yoke or to unite. It symbolises the unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between human and nature, and a holistic approach to health and well-being. This years theme is Yoga for One Earth, One Health. The benefits of this ancient practice are indeed universal, easily accessible. Yoga is beneficial for people of all ages and incomes. It can be practised anywhere, at any time, and by people of all countries and cultures, notes a WHO article. Yoga therapist Shilpa Francis Yoga therapist Shilpa Francis and her brother Varun Antony Yoga therapist Shilpa Francis and her brother Varun Antony It further highlights that yoga isnt as physically taxing as many other forms of exercise, and can help lower heart rate and activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Most importantly, yoga also supports mental health: It has been shown to have immediate psychological benefits, decreasing anxiety and stress, and increasing feelings of emotional and social well-being. Students of St Teresas College practise @ Subhas Park for a Yoga Day naatyayoga event organised by Yogapoornima Research Centre Students of St Teresas College practise @ Subhas Park for a Yoga Day naatyayoga event organised by Yogapoornima Research Centre Students of St Teresas College practise @ Subhas Park for a Yoga Day naatyayoga event organised by Yogapoornima Research Centre Members of Yoga Science Malayalam wellness collective @ Fort Kochi Members of Yoga Science Malayalam wellness collective @ Fort Kochi
How about a rustic monsoon walk to reset your mind?
Once seen as a season to stay indoors, the monsoon now draws travellers in hordes to Kerala. With rivers in spate, hills veiled in mist, and the earth blooming in green, what better time than this offbeat window to experience the true splendour of Gods Own Country? Thats precisely what prompted GDM Travel to launch its Monsoon Walks programme. It offers curated, small-group journeys into Keralas lush countryside. The 2025 edition features three nature-immersed experiences from Kochi. Their flagship offering leads guests through the forests of Paniyeli Poru, Thattekad and Bhoothathankettu three lush pockets on the Periyar basin that truly come alive in the rains. The trip begins from Marine Drive (7am) and winds its way inland, ending at GDM Thambaaz Heritage, their riverside homestay. From Palayalipuram, small groups trek and off-road through villages and riverine forests. At Bhoothathankettu, there are fishing tours, local cooking sessions, guided nature walks, and optional night herping to spot amphibians, says Dilraj N P, who manages the programme. Our focus is not mass tourism. Instead, we do curated experiences, he adds. This adventure, designed for small groups of four or more, is priced at `4,500 per head, and runs daily on request. The terrain here is relatively moderate, making it ideal for families or first-time trekkers. Guests are housed on a double or triple-sharing basis, and all meals, sumptuous yet local, are part of the package. Another key experience is a full-day backwater and island-hopping experience through the lesser-known islands near Kadamakudi. Also starting from Marine Drive (7am), this trip includes a visit to a 12.5-acre ancestral estate on Koramkotta Island and a century-old mangrove forest. Activities include birdwatching, fishing demos, and guided ecosystem walks with naturalists, Dilraj explains. This trip is popular among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, and is perfect for those who dont have too many days to spare for a holiday. This trip is priced at `2,500 per person, and includes all meals breakfast, lunch, tea and snacks; all hosted by the local community, and also a sunset boat ride, he says. A feature of GDM Travels programmes is that it is deeply intertwined with the support and involvement of local community members. We are not in this for profit. Its about building an ecosystem where tourism and conservation support each other, points out Dilraj, who took the plunge into the tourism industry following his passion for trekking, wildlife and community work. Their third curated experience, the Periyar River Island Trek, is a slightly more adventurous option. Guests are invited to a secluded island in the Periyar River surrounded by 15 acres of rustic farmland, mostly of bananas. The journey includes birding, fishing, organic cooking, and guided nature walks, Dilraj adds. This trip can also be clubbed with optional activities that include night herping, and if the group wants to extend it to evn more days, visits to Thattekad or Bhoothathankettu can also be arranged. Also in GDM Travels pipeline are two shorter itineraries: a day trip to witness lilies bloom at Malarikkal near Kottayam, and a two-day Kuttanad experience focused on canal life, crab catching, and fishing. Both are priced flexibly based on group size, Dilraj says. All experiences are monsoon-sensitive and adjusted based on real-time weather alerts, and adapts to each groups specific needs and requirements. Safety is non-negotiable, and we take great care to ensure it, says Dilraj. If theres a red or yellow alert, we postpone or restructure the route in a way that our trips dont feel lacking. Our trails are mostly lowland and safe, but were always prepared. Though it was only after the pandemic that GDM Travel began functioning as a brand, Dilraj has nearly a decade of experience in this field. We spent years training farmers, mapping routes, and building local partnerships, Dilraj explains. Now were simply connecting travellers to that quiet network. So if the city feels a little too grey, maybe its time to reset, and what better way to do it than to immerse oneself in nature made alive by the monsoon rains. For details, contact: 86067 26831, 98932 72683
Kerala Fire Force gets app-savvy: AI-powered rescue system to slash response time
KOCHI: In a major upgrade to boost its emergency response capabilities, the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Department is set to introduce an advanced AI-integrated, mobile app-based platform. The new system aims to enable quicker, more precise mobilisation of personnel and equipment during the initial stages of rescue operations compared to the existing traditional telephone-based 101 helpline. Currently, people in distress-whether due to fires, accidents, drowning, or natural disasters-must call 101 to request assistance. However, officials say that limitations in voice-based communication often hinder accurate assessment of the situation. Callers in panic may fail to provide precise location details or clearly describe the nature of the emergency. There have also been instances where multiple fire tenders were deployed for relatively minor incidents, straining resources. To address these shortcomings, we are transitioning to an app-based alert system, said a senior official from the Fire and Rescue Services Department. The new system will enable real-time location tracking and allow users to upload photos and videos, helping our responders assess the situation more effectively. The app will also track the live location of the person seeking help, and in turn, the user can view the approaching rescue vehicle in real-time. All department vehicles will be equipped with GPS for this purpose. To coordinate this integrated response system, a central control room will be established in Thiruvananthapuram, supported by district and station-level control rooms. Specialised software will be deployed to manage emergency navigation, identify proximity to water bodies, allocate resources, access hospital information, plan fire safety operations, log vehicle usage and maintenance, record incident details, map hazard zones, and monitor outreach and education efforts. The central control room will serve as the nerve centre, enabling instant communication with all stations and district headquarters. Distress calls received via the app will be routed to local stations through the district control centres, significantly reducing response time. The public will be able to download the app from mobile app stores, the official added. A fund of Rs 1.95 crore has been earmarked for the project. The department has already floated a tender for the development of the mobile application and the modernisation of central and district-level control rooms. While Kerala Police have introduced the Pol-App for citizens to report emergencies and the national '112 system' provides general emergency support, our proposed system is specifically tailored to situations where the Fire and Rescue Departments intervention is essential, the official said.
Extension of Kochi Water Metro service proposed in developing Kadambrayar as a tourism destination
This was among the few recommendations that were included in a Detailed Project Report for the proposed enhancement of Kadambrayar tourism destination centre
Developing Kayaking routes along designated stretches of the Kadambrayar River is one of the proposals to promote eco-tourism and attract adventure seekers.
Bharat Mata row: Left front playing vote-bank politics, says Kerala BJP leader Surendran
The Bharat Mata concept and saffron flag have been part of the Indian tradition for long, says former Kerrala BJP state president K. Surendran
Yoga can help in creating a healthy nation, says Union Minister Suresh Gopi
Actor Mohanlal participates in a Yoga day celebrations held at the Cochin International Airport Ltd convention centre in Nedumbassery.
Moideenabha Ummer Beary, wanted in Kerala for FICN cases, was extradited from the UAE after over a decade in hiding. The NIA took him into custody upon arrival in Mumbai and presented him in Kochi court. Moideen allegedly conspired to procure counterfeit notes worth 31 lakh from the UAE, smuggled into India and circulated in Kasaragod.
Preserving a Deccan legacy with nostalgic delicacy
KOLLAM: In a scenic lane in Fort Kochi, the aroma of cardamom and boiling milk hangs heavy. Its origin: The kitchen of Mumtaaz M, where she carefully rolls tiny beads of refined, kneaded flour with her fingers, shaping them into diamonds, while coconut milk simmers on the stove. The 65-year-old is preparing Suthiriya ka Kheer, a traditional dessert from the Deccan region, so named after the diamond shapes that are called Suthiriya. For Mumtaaz and other members of the Urdu-speaking Deccani Muslim community in Kerala, preparing and savouring the kheer is a way to stay connected to their roots. As Keralas culinary scene evolves with contemporary tastes, Suthiriya Ka Kheer remains a nostalgic symbol of tradition for Keralas Deccani Muslims, keeping alive stories of migration, memory and community. Despite its rich flavour and heritage, the dish has remained largely confined within the community. Now, its members are taking to social media to share the recipe, hoping to introduce it to a wider audience. Recently, Mumtaaz recorded and shared on social media a video demonstrating the dishs preparation, detailing its ingredients and cooking process. Our food culture has changed a lot. To the young, it is an unfamiliar dish. They must have heard about it, but they wont crave it like we did in our childhood, says Mumtaaz. Its taste and fragrance should reach far & wide Mumtaaz says: Suthiriya Ka Kheer holds our family roots, our migration history, our struggles and so much more. Its fragrance while cooking and lasting taste need more appreciation. So, its our duty to preserve it. In my family, I make it regularly, and I believe they all love it. Seema Najim, another Deccani Muslim from Kochi, is also working to popularise the dish among the new generation. I learnt the recipe from my mummy. I used to make it regularly for my family. Now, I want to pass my knowledge to the younger generation, but its difficult as they have an immense liking for modern food. My children really like this dish, though, says the 55-year-old, adding that she wants to preserve her mothers recipe by making a video or sharing it on YouTube. We dont want the dish to remain within just one community. Its taste and fragrance should reach far and wide. It will help people learn about our culture and rich tradition, she says. Traditionally served after memorial services or on special occasions, Suthiriya ka Kheer is now finding a place even in informal gatherings, thanks to the elder generations dedication. Making the kheer is a meticulous process, with preparation taking up most of the time. The main ingredient is refined flour, which is kneaded into a dough and cut into diamond-shaped pieces, the Suthiriya. Once dry, these pieces are added to boiling coconut milk. Cooked split chickpeas and banana are added, followed by concentrated coconut milk and sugar or jaggery. The dish is garnished with dry fruits and served warm. The cooking time is 45 minutes.
K-SOTTO to draw guidelines to promote swap-kidney transplant
KOCHI: As the number of patients awaiting donor kidneys and those undergoing dialysis treatment keep rising in the state, the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (K-SOTTO) has adopted a significant step to promote swap-kidney transplants. As part of its efforts, the government body will prepare standardised guidelines and networks for such transplants and create public awareness. Even in cases where we have family members willing to donate the organ, transplantation may not be possible due to blood group incompatibility and immunological mismatch. In such a case, swap-kidney transplant is an option. We may have donors and recipients facing the same problem in other hospitals or cities. We communicate with them, check compatibility and move forward with transplant surgery, said Dr Noble Gracious, executive director of K-SOTTO. Around 30% of patients are on the list awaiting donors because of incompatibility. They have donors, but there is a mismatch. Swap-kidney transplants can help such patients. If we develop a mechanism, we can save many patients. By working out combinations, the possibilities of transplant will increase. Swap-kidney transplants with the right donor, and recipients can reduce the chances of infection and rejection risk and will reduce the cost of treatment, said Dr Feroz Azeez, consultant nephrologist at IQRAA and Aster MIMS Hospital, Kozhikode. In 2021, the Kerala High Court allowed swap-kidney transplants between non-relatives. There are risk factors involved. We need to convince the families about the benefits. Networking of patients and hospitals is possible with the registry and software available with K-SOTTO. What is more important is to educate the public, Dr Noble said, adding that proper guidelines standardising the process can help make the procedure transparent and accessible for the public. We have more than 2,000 patients waiting for a kidney transplant in the state. A swap transplant will be beneficial at least for some of them. Moreover, it helps reduce the number of patients undergoing dialysis treatment. If transplant surgery is conducted at an early stage after identifying a condition, the quality of life can be improved, Dr Noble added. The process requires coordination between hospitals, logistics services, and the willingness of the families of the parties. There should be coordination between surgeons and hospitals on sharing details of patients and willing donors. Logistics is another concern. Transplant centres should cooperate to promote swap-kidney transplants. Government monitoring can make the procedure more transparent, Dr Noble said, adding that changes in the legal framework can also contribute to bringing change.
House price index rises 3.1 pc in Q4 FY25: RBI data
The All-India House Price Index (HPI) saw a 3.1% annual increase in Q4 2024-25, according to the Reserve Bank of India. Kolkata experienced the highest growth at 8.8%, while Kochi saw a contraction of 2.3%. Sequentially, the all-India HPI rose by 0.9%, with Bengaluru, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Chennai showing notable increases.
CBI brings back fugitive Moideenabba Ummer Beary from UAE in fake currency case
NEW DELHI: In a significant breakthrough after over a decade, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully facilitated the return of Moideenabba Ummer Beary, who was wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a high-profile fake currency case, from the United Arab Emirates, officials said on Friday. Beary landed in Mumbai on Friday as a deportee, they said, adding that the International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU) of the CBI, in close coordination with the National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abu Dhabi, ensured his return through INTERPOL channels. Beary had been on the run for over a decade and was the subject of a Red Notice issued by INTERPOL at the request of the NIA since December 2013. The NIA had registered a case against him at its Kochi branch for allegedly procuring high-quality Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICN) from Dubai and smuggling them into India via Sharjah, with the consignment ultimately reaching Bengaluru, a senior CBI official said. The NIA, in its charge sheet in connection with the case, has accused him of counterfeiting Indian currency, cheating, and criminal conspiracy. The CBI had been tracking Bearys movements and successfully geo-located him in the UAE with assistance from INTERPOLs global network, the officials said, adding that following his arrest in the UAE, a formal extradition request was processed through the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs. Red Notices, circulated globally by INTERPOL, play a critical role in locating and apprehending fugitives. The CBI, as Indias designated INTERPOL liaison (NCB-India), has been instrumental in returning over 100 wanted individuals to India in recent years through its dedicated platform, BHARATPOL.
As Iranian buyers abstain from Kochi auctions, orthodox tea prices fall
Traders said that the anticipation of a possible payment crisis in the wake of the current conflict might be prompting buyers to pause their purchases at the auctions
Yusuf Arakkal retrospective showcases the artists journey over four decades
A retrospective of celebrated artist Yusuf Arakkal at the Durbar Hall Art Gallery in Kochi is a window to his soul
The Sardar Who Won Over Kochi's Tummy
'We are Indians irrespective whether we are Punjabi, Gujarati, Bengali, Malayali or Tamilian.' 'I am the best example of this integration.'
Corporation set to tackle food waste crisis with black soldier fly composting
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an effort to combat the mounting organic garbage crisis in the state capital, the city corporation is all set to introduce black soldier fly (BSF) composting technology to manage food waste. The eco-friendly waste-treatment method, with a proven record in Kochi, is expected to reduce the citys dependence on private service providers and pig farms. The civic body is planning to set up two BSF composting units in the city over the next four months. According to officials, over 100 tonnes of food waste is currently collected daily by service providers and Haritha Karma Sena (HKS) members from households, restaurants and eateries. However, unregulated collection practices and illegal dumping have raised a lot of questions. Unlike aerobic composting, BSF composting units require more space. A BSF composting unit will take up at least an acre of land. We have identified three acres of land at two locations and one of the units will come up on two acres, an official source said. The move comes amid repeated criticism by the local self-government department (LSGD) of delays and inefficiencies in the citys organic waste management initiatives. Recently, LSGD Minister M B Rajesh convened a high-level meeting to draw up a comprehensive action plan to resolve the food waste crisis in the city. Special secretary Anupama T V has been assigned to oversee implementation of the plan. In addition to the BSF plants, the civic body also plans to expand the capacity of the existing rapid composting plant in Kalladimukham to 50 tonnes and set up a new unit at Chalai. Meanwhile, the plan to set up a compressed bio-gas (CBG) plant is gaining pace. The proposal is to establish the facility within the next 18 months to sort the organic waste management crisis once and for all. According to officials, there are concerns surrounding private waste collectors. There is unhealthy competition among agencies, with some offering services at reduced rates and illegally collecting other refuse along with food waste, leading to unregulated dumping. A joint probe by the corporation and the Suchitwa Mission will assess these forward linkages to ensure accountability, said an official. In an effort to strengthen non-biodegradable waste management, the civic body is planning expand its material collection facility (MCF) capacity by introducing more container MCFs. Besides this, around 100 e-autos will be deployed for daily waste collection and the movement of HKS members. New units to come up The civic body is planning to set up two BSF composting units in the city over the next four months It also plans to expand the capacity of the composting plant in Kalladimukham to 50 tonnes and set up a new unit at Chalai
Mobile phones to replace dead land phones at KSRTC enquiry offices
KOCHI: The days of endlessly ringing a dead line, or getting an abrupt hang-up from a KSRTC bus depot, are finally drawing to a close. Come July 1, the KSRTC is set to finally phase out the unreliable land phones in favour of dedicated mobile numbers across its bus depots. The same will not only make the staff accountable, but the call data will also be recorded for future scrutiny. An official order in this regard was issued on Thursday on the direction of KSRTC chairman & managing director P S Pramoj Sanker. A dedicated mobile phone, including an official SIM, will be introduced in all Station Master (SM) offices across the KSRTC depots to facilitate the public and the employees contact them for various needs, the order read. A directive has also been sent to the heads of all 93 units across the state. The said mobile phones should be strictly used only for official purposes. The mobile numbers should be publicised widely among the masses. Starting from July 1, 2025, the use of land phones should be strictly stopped. Instead the mobile phones allotted should only be used, it said. And this isnt just an upgrade. Its a direct response to public frustration and a strategic move to restore faith in a vital public service. For too long, the publics pleas to KSRTC depots often vanished into the void of unanswered calls or persistently dead lines. The land phones at certain main depots remained non-functional for months altogether, resulting in a large number of complaints, admitted a senior official. Compounding the problem were grievances about staff allegedly failing to identify themselves or hanging up abruptly. This mobile-first approach is designed to tackle these chronic issues head-on, promising a new level of responsiveness. Another reason that prompted the management to switch over to mobile phones is the slow and delayed action often from the end of BSNL authorities, upon complaints of non-functional landline phones. The land phones at certain main depots remained non-functional for months altogether, resulting in a large number of complaints. There are also grievances regarding the staff not revealing their identity. Sometimes they hang up the phones abruptly without giving the details. Once the mobile phone comes, the call data sheet will be checked on a daily basis to find out whether the officials are replying to customer queries, said a senior official. While the landline phones dont have outgoing facility, the KSRTC staff can now call back the customers upon receiving a missed call or call on waiting through the mobile phones. These official mobile phones will be the responsibility of the station masters, akin to how breathalyzers are managed for the crew. They will be available round the clock, ensuring that enquiries and urgent matters can be addressed at any hour. However, the directive is strict: these phones are exclusively for official purposes, and the numbers will be widely publicised to ensure maximum public access, he said.
Kerala HC: Kerala is a heaven all efforts must be taken to preserve it
KOCHI : The Kerala High Court on Thursday expressed concern over the serious health risks near the Ponnurunni Anganwadi, where toxic waste and debris have accumulated in a nearby canal in a hazardous manner. The court observed that young children are being exposed to this toxic waste and directed that the waste must be removed immediately. It also emphasised that measures must be taken to ensure that such debris do not reach the area again in the future. Deliberate dumping of waste, including electronic waste, into the canals is the real tragedy the city is now facing. I therefore direct the district collector to convene a meeting of the high-level committee within two days to address the concerns raised by the court, said Justice Devan Ramachandran. The court further remarked, There is no place like Kerala in the world; it is truly a heaven on earth. But efforts must be taken to preserve it. The court also raised concerns regarding the reconstruction of the Mullassery Canal. Senior citizens in that area say that their homes continue to flood due to the ongoing reconstruction work. The committee should look into this issue as well. The work was supposed to be completed in a few months, but its been three or four years now, the court noted.
Niche gyms in Kochi are emerging as friendly and inclusive spaces that are redefining fitness standards
BCCI Asked to Pay This Former IPL Franchise Rs 538.84 Crore; Here's Why?
As per Bombay High Court's ruling, the BCCI must pay Rs 385.50 crore to Kochi Cricket Private Limited and Rs 153.34 crore to Rendezvous Sports World, the two stakeholders of the now-defunct franchise.
Kerala High Court questions selection mode for teachers in aided schools
KOCHI: Expressing concern over the selection process for appointing teachers in government-aided schools, the Kerala High Court has observed that prima facie, it appears there is a significant nexus between the managements and the educational authorities regarding teacher appointments, which are not based on merit but rather on considerations other than merit. Justice D K Singh noted that it seems the manager has absolute discretion to appoint anyone qualified as a teacher at the school without following any selection process or advertising the posts. Furthermore, how these appointments are approved by the educational authorities when the due process of selection is not ensured raises questions. The court directed the Director General of Education to file an affidavit explaining the steps taken to establish a fair selection process for teachers in government-aided schools, aiming to stop the malpractice prevalent in these appointments. If the affidavit is not submitted by June 20, the court has instructed the Director General of Education to appear in person before the court. The order was issued while considering a petition filed by a group of teachers challenging the levy of contributory pension in the NPS Scheme from their salaries.
Nuts about cashews! India emerges largest consumer globally
KOCHI: Indians are munching on cashew nuts like never before. Now, India accounts for more than 30% of the worlds processed nuts or kernel consumption. And the demand for nuts, whole or broken, is surging at a phenomenal pace, driven largely by the bakery and snacking industry. According to the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC), the countrys insatiable appetite for cashews touched 3.76 lakh tonnes in 2024, and shows no signs of slowing down. For good measure, the projected annual growth in demand stands at 8%. The world now looks to India for growth in the nuts and dry fruits market, INC director Pratap Nair told TNIE . He says the Indian middle class has developed a taste for cashew nuts, not just as a snack but also as an ingredient in baked goods and other food items. Take Kaju Kathli, for instance: it has become one of the most popular sweets in the country, both as a gift and for personal consumption, and the demand for roasted cashews to make it is skyrocketing, said Pratap, who is also a representative of Vijayalaxmi Cashew Company (VLC), one of Indias oldest and largest cashew exporters. He noted that post-pandemic, Indians have developed a voracious appetite for snacking on cashews despite their premium price tag of around Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500 per kilogram for whole nuts. According to INC data, India accounted for 13.5% of global raw cashew production, 36.5% of global processing share, and a staggering 30.5% of total global cashew consumption in 2024. The domestic demand for cashews has exploded with the growth of the bakery and snacking industries, said Hari Nair, of Western India Cashew Company. Cashews are an integral part of namkeens (savouries), sweets, and even temple offerings. In fact, the Tirupati temple alone is one of the largest consumers of cashews, using them to make laddoos that are in huge demand among devotees. Burgeoning domestic consumption has also led to a change in the dynamics of the industry, which was once clustered around Kollam, known as the cashew capital of the world. Swaminathan, a native of Tamil Nadu, established the first cashew processing unit in 1925. The same year marked another milestone with industrialist Joseph Periera setting up the first modern cashew factory in Kollam, introducing advanced roasting methods that would shape the industrys future. For decades India, and particularly Kollam, was pivotal in the global cashew trade until the emergence of Vietnam in the 90s. A study by the Madras Institute for Development Studies reports that, in 1961, India had 96% of the global cashew kernel exports market. Cashew sector in Kerala revamp bid gets Rs 14-cr booster shot In 2024, the countrys cashew kernel exports have plunged to 8% of the global trade, and in terms of volume, the export of cashew kernels declined from 1,26,667 tonnes in 2004-05 to 59,581 tonnes in 2022-23, J Rajmohan Pillai, Beta Group chairman and owner of the Nut King brand, said. While its challenging to provide a precise, real-time figure for cashew imports versus consumption in India, the data clearly indicates that imports of raw cashew nuts are the primary source of raw material for Indias cashew processing industry, which caters largely to the growing local demand, he said. Rajmohan further explained that without these imports, India wouldnt be able to meet its substantial domestic demand for cashews. In fact, over 60% of the raw material processed by Indias cashew industry comes from imports. Given Indias status as the largest consumer of cashew kernels globally, with a significant portion of processed kernels consumed locally, it is clear that a substantial portion of the countrys cashew consumption relies on imported raw cashew nuts, he added.
Kerala HC says no to opening toilets at private petrol pumps for general public use
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has directed the state government and local self-government institutions not to require that toilets in private petroleum retail outlets in Kerala be opened for public use. The court issued the order on a petition filed by the Petroleum Traders Welfare and Legal Service Society, an association of 300 retail outlet dealers, against a government order to convert their private toilets into public facilities. The petitioners contended that they were being forced to open the private toilets maintained by them at the outlets for the emergency needs of customers to the public. They also alleged that the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, as well as certain other local bodies, had pasted posters in some of the retail outlets to give the impression that the toilets are public toilets. The petitioners said treating toilets in private petroleum retail outlets, which are classified as high-risk zone, as public facilities would lead to unauthorised access. Also, chances of fire breaking out and other catastrophe are very high when a large number of people access the retail outlets in an unauthorised manner. Suman Chakravarthy, the standing counsel for the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, submitted that it is the duty of the dealers at the petrol pumps to ensure neat and safe toilet facilities for the public, and it is the duty of the LSG department to ensure that the dealers complied with it. In 2013, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had issued a circular stating that drinking water and toilet facilities at such outlets shall be accessible to the public around the clock. Recently, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Pathanamthitta, had ordered a petrol pump owner to pay Rs 1.65 lakh as compensation to a teacher for not letting her use the toilet on the premises. The complaint was lodged by C A Jayakumari, a resident of Ezhakulam in Pathanamthitta, against the owner of the filling station in Payyoli, Kozhikode.
Force strained as 1,500 cops deployed for court escorts
KOCHI: The Kerala Police force, already grappling with a severe shortage of personnel, is facing an unsustainable burden as nearly 1,500 officers are deployed every day solely to escort undertrial prisoners to courts and hospitals. The practice, which was temporarily modernised during the Covid pandemic through widespread use of video conferencing, has largely reverted to outdated physical escort procedures raising concerns over resource wastage and missed opportunities for digital reform, according to senior police officials. They said an average of 80 personnel are deployed daily from each of the states 20 police districts, many drawn from district headquarters camps, for escort and protection duties both within and outside their home districts. Even without accounting for rural courts, Kochi city alone has around 15 functioning courts. Escorting the accused to and from these courts every day requires at least 50 to 60 police personnel, said an assistant sub-inspector with the Kochi City Police. In districts housing central jails, such as Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur, the numbers climb further, with 80 to 100 personnel tied up daily. These deployments include long-distance escort duties to courts in other districts and often involve multiple hearings per accused individual. This is not just a matter of manpower, the officer added. There are also significant financial costs involved food and travel expenses for the accused, allowances for escorting officers, vehicle fuel, and more. The burden on the police department and the state exchequer is enormous. Despite having the infrastructure to avoid these physical escorts, the system remains underutilised. The virtual court appearance mechanism was introduced in Kerala as early as 2010, with jails equipped with dedicated video conferencing facilities. However, the discretion to mandate a virtual or physical appearance lies solely with the judiciary. Jacob Punnoose, former state police chief, stressed on the urgent need to adopt technology to ease the pressure on the force. In this era of digital advancement, where police stations, jails, and courts are interconnected, it is high time we modernized and reduced our reliance on outdated escort practices, he said. Punnoose also pointed out a practical challenge: some repeat offenders treat court visits as outings. They use the opportunity to meet family members, interact with friends, or consult lawyers turning what should be a formal legal procedure into a social affair. During the pandemic, the situation briefly changed for the better. The virtual appearance system was adopted across the state, even for serious charges like murder. C R Biju, state general secretary of Kerala Police Officers Association (KPOA), said that crores were spent to upgrade jail infrastructure to support virtual court proceedings. However, the momentum waned after the pandemic. After Covid, the old practice of physically escorting accused persons to court was reinstated. It is a step backward, said Biju. If virtual court appearances were made standard in all but the most sensitive cases or key stages of trial, the state could better utilise the available workforce and drastically cut down on unnecessary expenditure. Former MP and senior lawyer Dr Sebastian Paul echoed the sentiment, stating that virtual appearances are legally sound and effective in most situations. There is no legal objection, nor do lawyers oppose it. In fact, the accused can communicate just as effectively sometimes even better via video. Magistrates simply need to ensure they inquire properly into the well-being of the accused. Dr Paul further noted that digital hearings would also help safeguard the dignity of undertrials. These individuals are not convicts. Virtual production spares them the public humiliation of being paraded in handcuffs. However, former Kerala High Court judge Justice K Narayana Kurup cautioned that any permanent policy shift should come only after a thorough, national-level consultation involving higher judiciary members. This is a sensitive matter and must be addressed comprehensively. The state government should move forward only after due legal and judicial deliberation, he said. With the state police force stretched thin and modern alternatives readily available, experts and stakeholders agree that returning to virtual court appearances is not just a matter of convenienceits an urgent administrative necessity.
Israel-Iran conflict hits Kerala-Gulf flight services, ticket rates skyrocket
KOZHIKODE: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has severely disrupted flight services from Kerala to several West Asian countries. Following the closure of Irans airspace, six flights between Gulf countries and Kannur were cancelled on Wednesday. Similar disruptions were reported at Kochi, Karipur and Thiruvananthapuram airports. Services to Dubai and Sharjah were the most affected. On Tuesday, two flights each between Abu Dhabi and Thiruvananthapuram, and Sharjah and Kozhikode, were cancelled. The situation escalated on Wednesday, with six flights from Kannur grounded. Additionally, four services each from Kozhikode, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram were called off. All cancelled flights were operated by Air India and Air India Express between Kerala and Sharjah - Dubai. Several other flights between Keralas four international airports and various GCC countries were delayed by hours. Authorities at Dubai International Airport had earlier warned of significant delays and cancellations due to airspace restrictions over Iran, Iraq, and Syria, urging passengers to check with airlines for the latest updates. However, Airports Authority of India has not issued any such advisory. Meanwhile, expatriate organisations, including the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), and Kerala Pravasi Sangham have voiced concerns over a sharp spike in ticket prices amid the crisis. They alleged that passengers are being forced to pay exorbitant fares to travel to Gulf countries. As we know, the Israel-Iran conflict is affecting expatriates from Kerala severely. Many flights between Kerala and GCC countries, especially to Dubai and Sharjah, are being cancelled without prior notice. The most affected are Kannur and Karipur airports. Numerous Malayalis are stranded both in the Gulf and in Kerala due to these cancellations. We are planning protests against the airlines for cancelling services without any intimation, said KMCC state committee member Sainudheen Cheleri. Adding to the crisis is the summer vacation period in Gulf countries, during which airlines have reportedly hiked fares. Like every year, this steep hike is mostly targeted at Kerala. The increased fares, which began this week as part of the cancellation of flights, are expected to continue until mid-August. We are not sure when this conflict will end. However, the flight companies have already increased their fares aiming at school vacation in Gulf countries. We have raised the issues to the Central government many times. But no action was taken, said Kerala Pravasi Sangham state committee member C V Iqbal.
How Kerala police cut short Tihar jailmates chain-snatching spree in 2.5 hours
Arif, 34, a native of Fatehpur in Uttar Pradesh, and Faisal, 28, from Delhis Shastri Vihar, met while serving time at Tihar Jail. Behind those high-security walls, the duo formed not only a bond but a criminal blueprint. Once released, they would head south, to Kerala, and carry out a concentrated string of thefts. On May 28, they boarded a train from New Delhi to Kochi. What made Kerala an attractive destination, they later admitted during interrogation, was the perception that people here, especially women, wore gold ornaments regularly, even on daily commutes. The monsoon season added to the duos advantage. By morning, the two arrived at Aluva railway station. Without delay, they stole a black Yamaha FZ motorcycle parked nearby and began scouring the roads. The first hit came quickly, at Companypady. A woman on her way to work, umbrella in hand, was wearing a chain. In a blink, the bike pulled up next to her, and the chain was snatched before she could even process what was happening. The woman, shocked and panicked, reached out to the Aluva police around 8.15am. Officers rushed to the spot and began scanning CCTV footage in the area. The way the crime was committed clean and confident told us these werent first-timers, says a police officer involved in the investigation. At 9am, as the officers regrouped at Aluva station, word came in: another chain snatching had occurred at Palaprasery under Chengamanad police limits. Then, another incident was reported from Mekkad, followed by one from an area near Nedumbassery. Finally, there was a failed attempt at Desom. Within just 90 minutes, four confirmed snatchings and one attempted theft. Soon, Ernakulam Rural Police Chief M Hemalatha mobilised a coordinated response. Officers from Aluva, Chengamanad, and Nedumbassery stations were alerted. Based on the timing and locations of the crimes, we assumed the suspects were returning to Aluva via Desom, says an officer. The police teams were strategically deployed, one at Aluva Bypass Road, another at Thottakkattukara, and a third at Seminarypady. The team at Seminarypady first spotted the black Yamaha FZ with two riders matching the suspects description coming from the opposite side. They immediately signalled the alert to others. Hearing this, the team at Thottakkattukara activated the red signal light and blocked all traffic at the junction. Realising they were being tailed, the suspects tried to flee. But before they could even place the motorcycle on its stand and attempt an escape, officers at Thottakkattukara pounced. Soon, both Arif and Faisal were pinned and taken into custody, the officer says. Faisal Arif The real surprise came after the helmets were removed. Given how confidently they moved through the area, we were certain that the accused were from Kerala. But apparently, it was their first visit to the state, said an officer. The duo confessed that their plan was to reach early, commit as many thefts as possible by noon, and board the return train to Delhi. But the police response time was faster. The entire operation from the first crime to their arrest wrapped up in just two-and-a-half hours. During interrogation, they revealed that their targets were specifically women walking alone, preferably those headed to work. This isnt the first time Kerala has attracted non-local theft gangs. A few years ago, a gang from a North Indian state was arrested in Ajmer in a similar theft spree in Aluva. Like Arif and Faisal, they too had cited the states widespread gold culture as a motive. In the recent spree, two of the chains snatched turned out to be imitation gold. Police Chief M Hemalatha awarded certificates of appreciation to the officers involved in the chase and capture. Those honoured include DYSP T R Rajesh, Inspectors M M Manju Das and Sony Mathai, Sub-Inspectors K Nandakumar, S S Sreelal, B M Chithuji, Sujo George Antony, R Binsi, T Anoop, ASIs K A Noushad and Vijayakrishnan, Senior CPO K A Noufal, and CPOs K I Shihab, Sirajudeen, K M Manoj, Shibin Thomas, Ajitha Thilakan, N A Mohammed Ameer, and Mahinsha Abubacker.
Kochi Corporation secretary asked to examine and report on implementation of resto cafe concept
Airlines in India hugely impacted by Middle East crisis, Air India flights taking detour via Egypt
NEW DELHI: Even as airlines are grappling with the closure of airspace in Pakistan post the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, the Israel-Iran conflict has put further stress on them. Cancellation of flights or circuitous routes has become the norm since June 13 after Israel announced the closure of its airspace. An Air India official said, The closure of airspace by Pakistan followed by Israel, Iran, Iraq and then Jordan has forced us to take a roundabout route via Egypt, which involves an additional 45 to 60 minutes travel for every flight. On the day Israel announced the closure of its airspace, we had to divert 16 flights when they were airborne. The official said, We operate an average of 50 flights (inward and outward) daily from India to the US and Europe. All of them have to go down south and fly through Egyptian air space. It has definitely increased the turnaround time for all our flights. Air India has flights to Vienna, Copenhagen, London, Zurich, Milan, Paris and Frankfurt in Europe. It also has flights to Los Angeles, Newark, New York and San Francisco in the US. Making operations tougher are the stringent tests ordered by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in the aftermath of the Ahmedabad flight accident. These tests take anywhere between four and seven hours, an official said. Operation Sindhu: First evacuation flight with Indians from Iran to land early Thursday Air India Express cancellations Though its subsidiary Air India Express does not operate beyond Iran, it was also impacted because of the crowded airspace in Dubai. An Air India Express spokesperson said, We cancelled four flights totally today. We operate two pairs of flights daily between Mangaluru and Dubai. We cancelled one pair today. There was no other reason except the heavy congestion in the air space in Dubai. Due to the closure of the Iran air space, most international airlines are now flying through the Dubai airspace. They are planned cancellations and the passenger are intimated in advance before they leave their homes, the spokesperson added. Air India Express cancelled flights on Thursday between Sharjah and Kochi, Mangaluru and Dubai, Thiruvananthapuram and Dubai, and Sharjah and Indore. IndiGo refused to reveal details about its cancellations or delayed flights and asked this reporter to speak to the Civil Aviation Ministry about it. India ramps up evacuation from Iran amid Israel tensions; 110 citizens, mostly students, moved to safety
Pandarachira canal in West Kochi to be restored with international funding
The move comes close on the heels of criticism that canals in West Kochi were overlooked under the IURWTS, a project to restore six critical canals in the city
BCCI asked to pay Rs 538 cr in IPLs Kochi franchise case
Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has suffered a setback as the Bombay High Court has upheld the arbitral accord to pay Rs 538 crore to the defunct Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kochi Tuskers Kerala. The court has rejected BCCIs suit challenging the arbitral ruling in the long-standing IPL franchise 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 Tuskers Wins Rs 538-Crore Arbitral Award Against BCCI In IPL Termination Case
In 2011, the BCCI terminated the contract of the IPL franchise due to its default on an annual payment.
Bombay HC rejects BCCIs plea, orders Rs 538 crore payment to Kochi Tuskers Kerala
The Bombay High Court has dealt a blow to the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The court dismissed BCCI's plea regarding an arbitration award. BCCI must now pay Rs 538 crore to Kochi Tuskers Kerala. The IPL franchise is now defunct. BCCI has not yet responded. It is unknown if BCCI will appeal to the Supreme Court.
Massive Blow To BCCI, Asked To Pay Rs 538 Crore By Bombay High Court
The Bombay High Court has upheld the arbitral, directing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to pay Rs 538 crore to the now defunct IPL franchise Kochi Tuskers Kerala.
A Kerala family's road trip to discover India
For three weeks this summer, ad-maker Rajesh K Abraham, his wife Simi Mammen, and their five children (aged 6 to 17), turned their compact SUV into a moving classroom. They drove over 7,000km across 13 Indian states, from Kochi, their hometown, to Kinnaur in Himachal Pradesh. My children, like most others after the pandemic, live in the digital world. I wanted to snap them out of that space, says Rajesh. So, this wasnt just a holiday. It was a deliberate attempt to reclaim education. Having travelled extensively for work, Rajesh had seen the nooks and crannies of rural India, and greatly values the lessons that one invariably learns along the way. I wanted my children to have similar experiences. To see India through their eyes, he explains. While the family had gone on holidays before, they were boxed in by the package itineraries, pre-booked hotel bookings and travel arrangements. This time, we took our own vehicle, and that meant freedom, says Rajesh, who has also acted in and directed films. The family, which calls itself Seven Farers, began their journey on April 21. The route passed through Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and back through Telangana. Golden Temple, Amritsar It took 23 days, and what an eventual three weeks it was, Rajesh recalls. Indeed, as they traversed different terrains and cultures, India reported a new Covid surge, Operation Sindoor was launched; and elsewhere on the globe, a new Pope was elected. History was happening all around them, but inside the car, life slowed down. At first, everyone clung to their devices. But slowly, we stopped being separate individuals. We got to know each other again and became a better family, Simi smiles. For the journey, each child enjoyed their own window, in both the literal and metaphysical sense of the word. Amelia, the youngest at 6, is nicknamed Jhansi Rani at school. So, when she stood in front of the real Jhansi Fort in Uttar Pradesh, it really moved her, Simi recalls. Joshua, 7, whos crazy about automobiles, kept spotting different models along the way. Angelina, 10, sketched views from the windshield. Olivia, 14, greatly enjoyed sampling street food. Thanima, the oldest at 17, who was initially reluctant, eventually became obsessed with shopping in bazaars, Rajesh says. Meanwhile, for Simi, who had spent years at home taking care of the children, it was a deserved break to finally step out into the world. She used to call herself a mindfarer, for she made long journeys only in her head. With this trip, she has officially become a roadfarer, Rajesh quips. For the entire journey, the cost was only `4.5 lakh, and this covered their food, stays, fuel, and entry tickets to select tourist destinations. We didnt have any premeditated ideas about what to do, where to camp, etc. All of that happened on the go, Rajesh says. But, of course, the journey wasnt all rosy. In Himachals Rampur village, the group witnessed a cloudburst that washed away an entire village, homes and farmland. But the people there were determined to build it all back up. You cant teach that kind of inner resilience. My children saw it, and I think that moment will stay with them, says Rajesh, who is currently working on a Hindi feature film based on road trips. Similarly, a lot more such experiences, all teaching invaluable lessons about India and life itself. We have made new friends too along the way. That was another gift of the trip, Simi chips in. Now, back home, the group is narrating stories to their classmates and colleagues. In doing so, the trip becomes real again, and will, no doubt, inspire others too to go on similar adventures, Rajesh says. As to whats next, he answers, A global road trip!
Bombay High Court dismisses BCCIs petition against Kochi Tuskers
Bombay High Court has directed BCCI to pay 385.50 crore to KCPL and 153.34 crore to RSW along with interest
Kerala Revenue department reclaims prime Kochi land worth crores after over 50-year legal battle
The land which fell under multiple survey numbers was declared excess after 1963 land reforms. But it could not be acquired after owners resorted to litigation
Shun old divisions: Madras HC to Vadakalai, Thenkalai sects
CHENNAI: Stating that Vadakalai and Thenkalai are like two petals on one stem, the Madras High Court has called for an end to divisions and urged both the sects to walk together in unity. Justice N Anand Venkatesh, while dismissing pleas challenging the decision of a temple authority on the recital of Prabhandham, said both sects seek the same deity - Lord Venkateswara Perumal - and belong to Him. In the name of Acharyas, the quarrels still ignite, yet those wise souls now bask in the Lords pure light. Their journeys ended at His lotus feet so grant, while we, their children, still draw lines in the sand. Let us honour their path, let old divisions cease and walk together united in faith and peace, the judge observed in a poetic note. The petitions were filed by TAP Srirangachari and KB Srinivasan, seeking to quash a May 28, 2024, communication from the executive officer of Vilakoli Perumal Sri Vedantha Desikar Temple in Little Kancheepuram, which barred Thenkalai followers from reciting the Prabhandham even outside the temple during a procession. They also wanted the authorities concerned to go by the order and decree passed in the early 1900s. The judge, however, said the high court cannot function as an executing court and advised the petitioners to approach the civil court to enforce the decree. Noting that disputes between the sects have often turned volatile, the judge said the temple executive officer wanted to avoid such a volatile situation. Notice on petition to remove pellets along Kumari coast Madurai: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday issued notice to the union and state governments on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition which had sought a series of directions, including the removal of plastic pellets and other hazardous materials from the sea along the Kanniyakumari coastline. The hazardous materials were part of the cargo onboard the vessel MSC ELSA 3 of Liberia, which sank in the Arabian Sea near Kochi, Kerala, on May 24. The petitioners -- office bearers of the CPI (ML) -- demanded that the authorities declare the incident a state disaster. The petitioners sought a direction to the authorities to declare the contents of the 643 containers of the vessel. A bench of justices S M Subramaniam and A D Maria Clete issued notice to the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, state disaster management and fisheries departments, among others, and adjourned the case.
Call for long-term monitoring system to tackle marine disasters
KOCHI: Two maritime disasters -- a shipwreck and a fire on board a vessel carrying dangerous goods -- within a span of three weeks have caused concern about maritime security and damage to marine ecosystem on Kerala coast. Apart from oil spill, release of toxic chemicals, pesticide contamination and chemical fire releasing toxic plumes have triggered a debate on the possible environmental, fisheries and navigational hazards caused by the incidents. Scientists and maritime experts have demanded a mechanism to monitor the growing vessel traffic on Kerala coastline following the opening of Vizhinjam port and to ensure ships carrying dangerous goods do not pass close to the shoreline.The Indian Coast Guard is well equipped to tackle pollution caused by ships as they have been leading such operations in South Asia for years. They have got all facilities and equipment to remove the oil spill, said K Sunil Muhammed, former principal scientist of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). But we need to have a long-term monitoring system to tackle maritime accidents in Keralas coastal sea. Kerala has many marine research institutes with lab facilities. We should establish a network to collect water samples and conduct periodic analysis to monitor marine pollution. We should conduct periodic sampling for the next two years to study the impact of chemical pollution. This is essential to raise evidence based claims for pollution. With the inauguration of Vizhinjam port, the vessel traffic on Kerala coast is expected to rise and we should have a state-level maritime disaster management authority, including experts to respond to such accidents in future, he said. Containers carrying hazardous cargo, including flammable liquids, industrial chemicals and pesticides, have fallen into the sea off Beypore coast following the fire on board MV Wan Hai 503 on June 9. The vessel also had around 2,000 tonnes of fuel and 240 tonnes of diesel in its bunkers. The discharge of marine diesel from sunken ship MSC Elsa 3 can form surface slicks blocking sunlight penetration. This will suppress photosynthesis on phytoplankton, destabilising the marine food web. Oil exposure can impair fish respiration and smother benthic organisms. Hazardous chemicals like hydrobromic acid, paraformaldehyde and methyl methacrylate can alter seawater chemistry. Potassium nitrate can trigger harmful algal blooms depleting oxygen and creating dead zones. Bipyridilium pesticide is highly toxic to fish, planktons and marine microorganisms. Even minimal exposure can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and impair reproductive and respiratory functions in marine fauna, said Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) former vice-chancellor and scientist B Madhusoodana Kurup. Coral reefs off the Malabar Coast, which are part of the Lakshadweep-Chagos Archipelago ecoregion, are biodiversity hotspots and fish nurseries. Exposure to toxins leads to coral bleaching, tissue damage, and reduced calcification. Toxins in fish muscle and organs can exceed export safety thresholds. Domestically, this can lead to consumption advisories and public health risks, he said. The government should mandate annual audits along major shipping corridors and redirect ships carrying hazardous cargo away from the ecologically sensitive coastline. Multi disciplinary marine emergency teams should be formed to respond to such emergencies. We need stricter regulations, improved shipping practices, and proactive disaster readiness to safeguard Indias marine ecosystem, said Madhusoodana Kurup.
Kerala police register case against master and crew of Wan Hai 503
KOCHI: Days after a fire broke out on board Wan Hai 503 at sea following an explosion, the police on Tuesday registered a case against the owner, master and crew members of the Singapore-flagged container vessel for rash navigation of the ship and other offences. The Fort Kochi Coastal Police registered the case on a complaint lodged by Suneesh V P, a resident of Madappally in Kozhikode. The case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for offences, including rash navigation of a vessel, acts endangering public ways or navigation, negligent conduct regarding poisonous substances, negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter and negligent handling of explosive substances. All the offences are bailable. We received the complaint on Tuesday afternoon and registered a case. The charges are similar to those filed recently against the captain and crew of cargo vessel MSC Elsa-3 that sank off the Kochi coast, said Sivakumar, the Fort Kochi Coastal Police SHO. As per the FIR, the accused were aware that the containers on the cargo vessel held flammable materials, explosives and hazardous chemicals, and yet handled the ship in a careless and negligent manner, posing a threat to human life. This mishandling reportedly led to a fire on board on June 9, in the offshore waters of Beypore, and as a result of the fire, fuel and other oils leaked into the sea, and several containers fell overboard, the FIR said. Additionally, harmful gases and chemicals were released from the burning containers, posing serious risks to the complainant, other fishermen and the overall marine and coastal environment, including marine life and ecosystems, said the FIR. It said the sunken and drifting containers from the vessel created obstructions, disrupting fishing activities and hindering the movement of vessels in shipping channels and nearby areas.
Another firm debarred for shoddy NH work in Kerala
KOCHI: After KNR Constructions Ltd, another concessionaire faced punitive action for faulty construction work as part of the widening of the NH-66 in Kerala on Tuesday. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) debarred Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd from participating in future bids, following the collapse of slope protection work at Cherkkala in Kasaragod along the Chengala-Neeleswaram section. The incident on June 16 was caused due to improper design, inadequate slope protection works and poor drainage system, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways said in a statement. The concessionaire failed to execute adequate slope protection works and ensure a proper drainage system to mitigate such risks, it said. A show cause notice has been issued to the concessionaire for debarment of one year, besides levying a penalty of up to Rs 9 crore, it said. The project is on Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), where the concessionaire has to maintain this section for 15 years and will reconstruct the slope protection works on its own cost. An expert committee, with senior scientist from Central Road Research Institute, retired professor of IIT-Palakkad and Geological Survey of India (GSI), has been constituted to visit the site and review the design and construction of NH-66 in Kerala. The committee will suggest detailed remedial measures for the project, the statement added. On May 22, MoRTH blacklisted KNR Ramanattukara Infra Private Ltd, a subsidiary of Hyderabad-based KNR Constructions, from participating in the ongoing/ future bidding for project works for one month or completion of investigation by the expert committee, whichever is later, holding it responsible for the collapse of the under-construction NH stretch at Kooriyad in Malappuram on May 19. Collapse of slab, formwork in Periya in 2022 Megha Engineering was the concessionaire when the collapse of a slab and formwork occurred during the construction of a vehicle underpass (VUP) at Periya in Kasaragod in 2022. The side walls of the underpass had been completed then. During the concreting of the top slab at 6.5 metres from the base slab, the collapse of the framework and slab occured, a source said. An inquiry was conducted by an expert, Dr T P Somasundaram, former professor and Head of Civil Engineering, NITC. However, no action was taken against the company.
Kerala: Get ready to say no to plastic from October 2
KOCHI: From October 2, Gandhi Jayanti, youll have to sacrifice the luxury of using small plastic water bottles and food containers during gatherings for the sake of environment. The Kerala High Court on Tuesday banned the use of water bottles of capacity below five litres, soft drink bottles of capacity lower than 2 litres, straws, plates, cups, and cutlery (all made of single-use plastic) at all government functions and private gatherings. These plastic materials are also banned at all wedding auditoriums, hotels and restaurants. Prohibition of these items at functions in hotels and auditoriums shall be made a part of the licence conditions issued to such establishments, the court ordered. A Division Bench comprising Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas and Justice Gopinath P also banned the use and sale of single-use plastics in hilly tourist areas with high footfall. The areas are Munnar, Thekkady, Vagamon, Athirappilly, Chalakudy- Athirappilly sector, Nelliyampathy, Pookode Lake-Vythiri, Sultan Bathery, Karlad Lake, Ambalavayal, and Wayanad Heritage Museum. The court made it clear that the plastic ban shall not apply to 5-litre water bottles and 2-litre soft drinks bottles. Instructing the state to take adequate steps to implement the order by October 2, the court directed it to set up sufficient water kiosks at different locations in hilly tourist areas to provide clean and safe drinking water. Alternative measures should be taken for the supply or purchase of water, through glass bottles or kiosks or such other modes. Set up water dispensing machines, kiosks for sale of water: High Court Arrangements should be made by the district administration and the local self-government institutions to provide drinking water to tourists in hilly destinations with high footfall at reasonable distances. Facilities like water dispensing machines, kiosks for sale of water in steel, copper, or glass bottles can be resorted to for the purpose. The court held that tourists shall be prevented from carrying single-use plastics to hilly destinations. Tourists should be prompted to carry their own water bottles, which are not made of single-use plastics. State and local self-government authorities shall initiate appropriate steps to prevent dumping of plastic waste into the rivers, canals, backwaters, etc, and initiate steps to regularly collect plastic waste that flows through such water bodies within their jurisdiction. Voluntary organisations can also be requested to provide support in this endeavour, the court stated. Single-use plastic banned Use of water bottles of capacity below five litres, soft drink bottles of capacity lower than 2 litres, straws, plates, cups, and cutlery (all made of single-use plastic) banned at govt functions and private gatherings HC also banned the use and sale of single-use plastics in hilly tourist areas with high footfall
ED officer accused of graft in Kerala transferred to Shillong
Shekhar Kumar, an Enforcement Directorate assistant director in Kochi, has been transferred to Shillong following corruption allegations. He was named in a VACB case where a businessman claimed he was asked for a 2 crore bribe to avoid an ED investigation. While others were arrested, Kumar was neither arrested nor questioned, prompting an internal probe by the ED.
In 2021, senior citizens (60+) accounted for 16.5 per cent of the total population in Kerala, making it the highest proportion in India. And the migration of youth is indeed creating more homes in the state that have only elderly parents. Besides giving nominal welfare pensions to a significant number of aged, the state does not have any other active social protective systems. The presumption is that the family, comprising children and near relatives, will care for the elderly. That social support system, however, has weakened due to various factors. Changes in family dynamics, the lack of time for young ones to care for elderly people, a shift toward an individualistic culture, and migration of the younger generation are some of the contributors. In a changing social scenario, elders will have to make fresh road maps for a happier life. Thus, there is a need to develop new life skills for old age in tune with social changes, instead of wasting time by placing blame. Second innings Accepting old age with grace is the right strategy. This will equip one with the strength to face the challenges it brings. Physical illnesses of old age are, of course, a matter of concern. Mobility issues may be troublesome. Changes in brain and emotional space cause additional problems. Some will have memory issues. And the percentage of those affected by depression is high in elderly people. Explore methods to survive in every crisis. Seek professional help and social support. Practise safety principles to avoid falls and accidental injuries. Negotiate for senior-citizen-friendly environments, which is a right. Better self-care Longevity should be primarily about adding quality to additional life years. Stay committed to the care of physical and mental health. Have regular health screenings. The cost for such measures will be negligible when compared with the damage due to negligence. A healthy diet, exercises or walking, and adequate sleep. are vital. Practices like meditation help ease the mind. Seek autonomy There is a dependency trap in our culture that tells us that elders are destined to depend. We hear many complaints that children, for whom they lived their life, are not caring enough or are unavailable. Some want them to accompany them to the hospital or assist in every matter. If one has the energy to do this without depending on anybody, venture out by oneself. Elders of the new world need to develop a mindset that moves away from dependency to autonomy, as long as mobility permits. Younger ones may have genuine practical issues related to pressures of livelihood and a lack of time. Understanding realities free of resentment will foster healthy intergenerational relationships. However, there must be empowerment to fight neglect, exploitation or abuse. Refuse to be lonely Loneliness is a reality. It may be self-created or related to a depressive mood. It may also be socially scripted due to empty nest syndrome when children fly away for livelihood. Death of a spouse may also be a factor. When one shrinks into a cocoon, the impact of loneliness becomes severe. Idleness and shrinkage of social connections breed isolation. Do note that those elderly with satisfying daily routines and social connections are the happiest. Fill in cheer to late life by indulging in hobbies, reading books, engaging in social service activities or even making journeys. Those who can continue with their career or any work can do that. Relinquish authority Some elders resist relinquishing authority, which creates friction with children. Many refuse to part with control over their wealth, even when their children need it. There is overindulgence in decision-making without giving space for younger ones. Its better to relinquish authority with grace and purpose. The space for listening and an openness for participatory decisions should be created. Acquire basic digital skills In a new world geared by smartphones, its essential to acquire the basic skills to use them to make life easier and more self-reliant. Skills to pay bills, purchase provisions, book online taxis or even organise an online consultation with a doctor will make life less restrictive. Utilise new avenues of communication to stay connected with kith and kin. (The writer is a senior consultant psychiatrist, Medical Trust Hospital, Kochi, and former member of Kerala State Mental Health Authority)
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A public interest litigation petition seeks the removal of plastic pellets and other hazardous materials which washed ashore along theKanniyakumaricoast from the Liberian container ship MSC Elsa 3 that sank off theKochicoast on May 25
