Indian woman in Sharjah kills daughter, commits suicide: Reports
Sharjah: In a tragic incident, a 33-year-old Indian woman allegedly killed her one-year-and-five-month-old daughter before taking her own life in a flat in Al Nahda, Sharjah, on Tuesday afternoon, July 8. The deceased have been identified as Vipanchika Maniyan Pillai and her daughter Vaibhavi, both from Keralapuram, Kollam district, Kerala, India. As per multiple media 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 .
Sterilisation gender gap widens in Kerala: Only 457 men opted NSV in 202324
KOLLAM: Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Idukki, and Palakkad districts reported some of the lowest male sterilisation figures in the state, underscoring a persistent gender gap in permanent family planning. According to the latest Health Management Information System (HMIS) report of the state health department, only 457 men underwent non-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) in 2023-24, while 51,740 women underwent sterilisation procedures including laparoscopic, mini-lap, post-partum sterilisation (PPS), and post-abortion sterilisation (PAS). Pathanamthitta had the lowest uptake with only eight male sterilisations, while Kollam and Palakkad each reported just 11 NSVs. Idukki followed with 15. The data highlights how the burden of permanent contraception continues to fall overwhelmingly on women despite years of awareness drives and cash-incentive schemes. In 2014-15, the state conducted 91,471 sterilisation procedures, including 1,262 NSVs. Since then, numbers have steadily declined. The sharpest fall came during the Covid pandemic in 2020-21, when just 53,461 sterilisation procedures were performed just 73 of them NSVs. In 2021-22, 299 NSVs were recorded out of 54,788 procedures. The number rose slightly to 635 in 2022-23 before dipping again to 457 in 2023-24. While the overall decline is attributed to a growing preference for temporary methods like oral pills and intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs), experts say the entrenched gender imbalance remains unaddressed. The stigma around male sterilisation continues to persist in society, despite it being a quick and safe procedure. NSV is a minimally invasive method that doesnt require incisions or stitches. It takes just 10-15 minutes, and neither erection nor ejaculation is affected. But many men still refuse, believing theyll lose their virility or ability to remarry, said Dr Sasi Kumar, a senior gynaecologist with over three decades of service in the health department. Social attitudes play a key role, he added. In our society, remarriage among men is more common than among women. Many men believe sterilisation would harm their prospects for a second marriage. That fear and the myth that it affects their manhood deter them. Dr Unnikrishnan, a senior gynaecologist from Kollam, said the increasing rate of C-sections in Kerala has further reduced male participation. With more women undergoing C-sections, PPS is now routinely performed during delivery. The surgeon can access fallopian tubes immediately after childbirth, and no additional surgical step is needed. While this is medically efficient, it reinforces the idea that family planning is a womans responsibility, he stressed. In many hospitals, PPS is carried out via mini-lap sterilisation during C-sections. Neither the patient nor the doctor wants to take the risk of normal delivery these days. And once the abdomen is open, sterilisation becomes convenient. But this convenience, in a gender-biased society, means that men continue to opt out entirely, Dr Unnikrishnan said.
Kerala expands boat race season to boost backwater tourism
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major push to promote Keralas famed backwaters and attract more international tourists, the number of traditional boat race events in the state is set to more than double this year. For the first time, 14 events will be held as part of the annual boat race season. As part of the expansion plan, for the first time, the state tourism department is set to bring in a private event management company to professionally brand and market the Champions Boat League (CBL), which was launched four years ago. The initiative is part of a broader plan of the tourism department to brand and market Keralas famed snake boat races at the national and international levels as a major tourist attraction. According to official sources, there is a huge cost involved in the conduct of the event and each event requires around Rs 1.5 crore including the prize money. Last years league featured nine teams competing across six venues with a total prize pool of Rs 3.2 crore. We aim to transform our iconic backwater boat races into a global tourism product. Last year we organised six boat race events as part of CBL. The expanded calendar is expected to boost monsoon tourism. The event management company will be tasked with securing sponsorships, managing telecast rights, designing promotional material and coordinating with multiple government agencies, said a senior official of the tourism department. The plan is to mobilise funds through sponsors. The government will facilitate the event, the official added. This year the Nehru Trophy Boat Race will be held on August 30 and the department has sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the event. As per the current plan, the CBL will be held at Dharmadam, Beypore, Kochi Marine Drive, Kottappuram, Piravom, Thazhathangadi, Pulinkunnu, Kainakari, Karuvatta, Pandanad- Chengannur, Kayamkulam, Kallada, and the Presidents Trophy in Kollam. According to official sources, one more location in Kasaragod will also be included later. However, the race boat owners are unhappy with the way the CBL is being planned this year as the tourism department is yet to announce the dates for the event. The date of the Nehru Trophy has already been announced and CBL should be organised as a continuation of this event. Otherwise it will be difficult for the clubs to take part. The government is yet to announce the date and we are apprehensive. Also at least a year of planning is required for the conduct of the event on a large scale. Even if they rope in a private event management company, they dont have enough time to plan this, said Joseph T Lukose, president of Kerala Race Boat Owners Association. The government should take steps to make this a national event and pitch boat races as a high-value tourism product that can attract scores of foreign tourists to our state, he added.
Kudumbashrees fisheries clusters in three more districts this fiscal
Number of producer groups in districts where clusters currently exist to be increased to 10 each. New clusters will be set up in Kollam, Alappuzha, and Malappuram districts
Youth Congress stages protest seeking Health Minister's resignation
KOLLAM: Members of the Youth Congress Eravipuram staged a protest at Pallimukkil in Kollam on Saturday, demanding the resignation of Health Minister Veena George. As part of the demonstration, protestors burned an effigy of the minister and blocked the national highway, disrupting traffic. The police later arrested the demonstrators and cleared the protest site. The protest was inaugurated by DCC general secretary Faisal Kulappadam, who alleged that the recent death of a patient at Kottayam Medical College amounted to a state-sponsored murder, for which the health minister must be held accountable. Despite such a major tragedy, the government refuses to take responsibility. Veena George does not deserve to remain in office we demand her immediate resignation, he said. The protest was presided over by Youth Congress mandalam president Ajmal Pallimukkil. Youth Congress state general secretary Assin Pallimukku, KSU state general secretary Ashiq Baiju, and Block Congress Committee president Rajiv Palathara also addressed the gathering. Over a hundred YC workers participated in the protest.
Despite clean-up drive, Ashtamudi Lake is still choking with garbage
KOLLAM: Despite the ongoing cleaning efforts under the Jeevananu Ashtamudi, Jeevikkanam Ashtamudi initiative by the Kollam corporation, the surroundings of Ashtamudi Lake remain littered with garbage. The programme, jointly implemented by the corporation and 12 nearby panchayats as part of an urban development project, aims to rejuvenate the backwaters still sustained waste management continues to be a major challenge. Although signboards promoting the initiative have been placed along the quays, the area remains strewn with waste. A source with the corporation said CCTV cameras were installed to monitor littering, but most are reportedly non-functional. Key locations such as Olayil Kadavu, Thoppil Kadavu, Mangad Kayalvaram, and Uliyakovil Kadavu continue to be littered. Garbage, ranging from plastic bags and bottles, to shoes and helmets, are being dumped into the backwaters at night. The signboard warning a Rs 5,000 fine for littering is no longer taken seriously, said a corporation source. There are also serious allegations of toilet waste being discharged directly into the lake. Houseboat tourists, too, have been seen throwing food waste and plastic into the water. The mixing of sewage into the lake not only degrades water quality but also threatens the fish population. There are laws like the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2018, to deal with water pollution. Most people are unaware of them and still continue dumping waste near the lake, the source said. Meanwhile, Kollam Mayor Honey Benjamin blamed the crisis on a lack of civic sense. We are committed to taking strict action against the violators. The CCTV installations are ongoing and expected to be completed by the end of July, the mayor added.
Transport minister drives away with Ernakulam KSRTC depots profit-making services
KOCHI: In a strategy that makes no monetary sense, loss-making KSRTC has been terminating profitable services from Ernakulam and diverting them to other depots. The public entity has now discontinued two profitable routes from Ernakulam: The Coimbatore bypass rider (super fast) and Kanyakumari (super fast). These services will now originate from Pathanapuram depot. The vehicles and crew have already been shifted. The move comes on the back of the operation of the Ernakulam-Mookambika super deluxe service being transferred to Alappuzha depot. Discontinuation of the Coimbatore (starting at 11.20am) and Kanyakumari (7pm) services comes even as Ernakulam depot was directed to resume operation of the Erattupetta service (5.30pm) from Friday. The same was terminated due to low revenue collection. There are no other services to the respective destinations in their time slots. Only two buses operate on the interstate Kanyakumari route one at 2.30pm and the other at 7pm. The second service via Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram has been in operation for the past many years and many commuters depended on it. Unfortunately, its being shifted, sources said. There are no services for Thiruvananthapuram from Ernakulam till late night, after the Nedumangad service at 3pm. The Coimbatore bypass rider was in demand as it cut on travel time by skipping Aluva and Thrissur stops. The next service to Coimbatore from Ernakulam was only at 1.20pm (Coimbatore-Tirupur LSFP). The return service of the bypass rider (5.30pm) was also a passenger favourite. Services are rescheduled and reallotted only when trip collections are poor. The Kanyakumari service used to generate from Rs 25,000-30,000 per trip when it was open to reservation. Then it was taken out of the category of buses with reservation facility and the service was disrupted several times over the past three months. The Coimbatore bypass rider used to generate Rs 15,000-20,000 per trip though it was a relatively short-haul service, sources added. Services from Pathanapuram The discontinued services will now be operated from the hometown of Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar. There is a deliberate attempt to shift profitable services from Ernakulam depot. The Transport Democratic Federation has registered a strong protest against the move to degrade the depot, said A K Manoj, TDF district president.
Collapsed building for used over 12 years despite PWD warning in 2013
KOTTAYAM: The 68-year-old building that collapsed at Kottayam Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) on Thursday had been deemed structurally compromised 12 years ago. The public works department had classified the building as structurally compromised way back in 2013. However, paying no heed to the warning, surgical wards continued to operate in the building for 12 years. Even when it was officially closed, its washrooms were evidently being used by patients and bystanders. The area that collapsed was part of the bathroom block within the three-storey surgical complex and housed five toilets. Acknowledging the vulnerabilities highlighted in the 2013 PWD report, Health Minister Veena George blamed the then UDF government for failing to set aside funds for a new building. The LDF government, which took office in 2016, allocated funds for the purpose. Construction of the new surgical block commenced after it was included in the 2021-22 KIIFB project, with an estimated cost of Rs 524 crore, she said. In a joint press conference, Veena and Cooperation Minister V N Vasavan said a meeting had taken place at the hospital on May 30 to discuss the transfer of patients to the new block. However, they did not provide a clear explanation behind the delay in transfer. Meanwhile, the Opposition accused the government of trying to time the inauguration of the new block with the assembly elections for political gain. It should have prioritised the safety of patients by transferring them to the new building without waiting for its inauguration, said Chandy Oommen, the Puthuppally MLA. Rescue personnel carrying the body of Bindu recovered from the collapsed building HOW EVENTS UNFOLDED 10.40am: Building collapses 10.45am: Information received at security aid-post at the entrance 11. 10am : Min Vasavan arrives 11.20am: Health Minister Veena George arrives 12.40pm: Excavators brought in 1pm: Bindu recovered from debris 1.15pm : Bindu declared dead Health Minister Veena George hospitalised following discomfort Kollam: Health Minister Veena George was admitted to the Kottarakara Taluk Hospital on Thursday evening after experiencing physical discomfort while travelling from Kottayam to Thiruvananthapuram. According to hospital sources, her blood pressure spiked when her official vehicle reached Enathu. She was admitted to the hospital around 7.15 pm and administered intravenous medication. After an hour of observation in the casualty ward, she was discharged. Finance Minister K N Balagopal, who was en route to Thiruvananthapuram after attending an event in Thodupuzha, visited the hospital to check on the ministers condition. Kollam Rural SP Sabu Mathew also visited the hospital.
Kerala HC extends interim order restraining arrest of ED officer
A case relating to the alleged demand of 2 crore as bribe from a Kollam-based cashew businessman to extricate him from a money-laundering case
SC grants interim bail to Kiran Kumar in Vismaya dowry death case
KOLLAM: The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted interim bail to Kiran Kumar, who was convicted in the high-profile dowry death case of 24-year-old Vismaya V Nair . The apex court also temporarily suspended his sentence, offering relief while his appeal remains pending before the Kerala High Court. A bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and K Vinod Chandran allowed Kumars appeal against the High Courts decision and directed his release on bail. The primary argument in the petition is that the charge of abetment to suicide does not stand, as there is no direct evidence linking Kumar to Vismaya's death . His counsel argued that the prosecution failed to establish that her suicide was a result of his actions. The petition also claimed Kumar was a victim of media persecution. Vismaya dowry death case: Kerala HC refuses to stay sentencing of husband Kiran Kollam Additional Sessions Court had convicted him in 2022 and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment under Section 304B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) (dowry death, applies when a woman dies under unnatural circumstances within seven years of marriage and was subjected to cruelty or harassment over dowry), Section 306 IPC (abetment of suicide), Section 498A IPC (cruelty by husband or his relatives in connection with dowry), Section 3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act (penalty for giving or taking dowry), and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act (penalty for demanding dowry). Vismaya was found hanging in the bathroom of Kumars house in Sasthamkotta, Kollam district, on June 21, 2021. The couple had married on May 31, 2020. Vismaya's husband Kiran gets ten-year jail term for dowry harassment, abetment of suicide Kiran Kumar was arrested after Vismayas parents filed a complaint alleging that he had repeatedly tortured and harassed her over dowry . He was later dismissed from his post as Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector. In December 2022, the Kerala High Court dismissed Kumars plea seeking suspension of his sentence, observing that the case did not merit leniency given the seriousness of the offence. He subsequently filed an appeal against the trial courts verdict. Kumar then moved the Supreme Court, seeking suspension of sentence. In his special leave petition, filed by Advocate Deepak Prakash, it was argued that the conviction was unfair and biased and that Kumar was subjected to a media trial. Prior to her death, she had reportedly shared messages and photos with a classmate and sister-in-law, describing instances of physical and emotional abuse.
ESIC Kollam Recruitment 2025 Walk in for 33 Specialist, Senior Residents Posts
Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC Kollam) Recruitment 2025 for 33 posts of Specialist, Senior Residents. Candidates with DNB, MS/MD, DM Can attend the walkin.The Walk-in interview on 11-07-2025. For detailed information please visit ESIC Kollam official website, esic.gov.in.
KEAM 2025 results out: Ernakulam tops engineering, Alappuzha leads in pharmacy
KOZHIKODE: The highly anticipated results of the Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) 2025 entrance examinations were officially declared on Tuesday by the Office of the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE). The announcement was made by Higher Education Minister R Bindu in Kozhikode. Ernakulam district emerged as a powerhouse in the engineering stream, sweeping the top two ranks, while Alappuzha celebrated its first-place achiever in the pharmacy examination. The computer-based entrance examination for KEAM 2025 was conducted from April 23 to April 29, 2025, across 138 examination centres, including those in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru, as well as Dubai. A total of 86,549 candidates appeared for the Engineering Entrance Examination, with 76,230 successfully qualifying. From these, a comprehensive engineering rank list was prepared for 67,505 candidates who had submitted their marks within the stipulated timeframe. In the Pharmacy Entrance Examination, 33,425 candidates participated, and 27,841 candidates were successfully included in the Pharmacy rank list. Leading the engineering cohort, John Shinoj from Ernakulam secured the coveted first rank, closely followed by Hari Krishnan Baiju, also from Ernakulam, who claimed the second position. Akshay Biju from Kozhikode attained the third rank, with Adl Zayaan, also from Kozhikode, securing the fourth. The fifth and sixth ranks went to Joshua Jacob Thomas and Emil Ipe Sacharia, both from Thiruvananthapuram. Mahir Ali T and Dani Firas Payyanakadavan, both from Kozhikode, took the seventh and eighth positions respectively, while Dhiya Roopa B R from Kollam and Jayyash Muhammed K from Malappuram rounded out the top ten.
STEM camps inspire girls to aim new horizons
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Twelve-year-old Jesna Fathima was vacillating between teaching and medicine as a prospective career when she discovered: If I do engineering, I can do a lot more things. That thought didnt just randomly arise in her mind, rather it resulted from the STEM camp organised in her school by the Centre for Learning Engineering and Sustainable Education and the department of education, under the University of Kerala. Starting in 2023, the centre has been providing training camps in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) for students -- from Classes 7 to 9 -- coming from weaker socioeconomic backgrounds. Two camps have already been conducted in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram, the second of which Jesna attended. The centre aims to organise more camps, one in each district within this academic year and end the series with a project exhibition. At the camp, students were welcomed into a new world of breadboards, resistors, sensors, and Arduino, where they learnt and explored the basics of robotics, programming, and electronics. Five days of training later, the students were asked to identify real-life problems, solutions to which could be found using what they learnt at the camp. Their problems, ranging from drying clothes in monsoon to potholes on roads, were filtered and solved with the help of mentors. The first camp, which was organised at the Government HSS, Puthur, in the first week of May, was attended by over 30 students. We were already informed by the centre that they dont need a set of outstanding students, but those who can improve through a camp like this, said Pradeep B, a teacher with the school, who was with the students throughout the camp. Finance Minister K N Balagopal also visited the camp on the final day. Thanks to the camp, the students who shied away from answering questions earlier have now started engaging in the class proactively, Pradeep said. Such camps remain the sole hope for students outside the proficiency belt. The second camp was held at the Government VHSS, Thiruvananthapuram. The centre provides importance to girls from the marginalised groups through different projects, said Divya C Senan, honorary director, Centre for Learning Engineering and Sustainable Education.
Adarsh M Saji elected SFI All India president, Srijan Bhattacharya general secretary
KOZHIKODE: The Students Federation of India (SFI) has elected Adarsh M Saji as its new all India president and Srijan Bhattacharya as the general secretary at the 18th All India Conference, held at Sitaram Yechury and Nepaldev Bhattacharya Manch in Palestine Solidarity Nagar (Aspin Courtyard), Kozhikode on Sunday. Both leaders were previously serving as all India joint secretaries in the outgoing central committee and bring years of organisational experience and student leadership to their new roles. Adarsh M Saji hails from Chathannur in Kollam. He is currently a final-year LLB student at Janhit Law College and serves as a member of the CPM Kollam District Committee. Prior to this elevation, he held the positions of SFI state vice-president and all India joint secretary. Srijan Bhattacharya, the newly elected general secretary, is a native of Jadavpur in West Bengal. A postgraduate in history, he is also a member of the CPM West Bengal state Committee and previously served as the SFI West Bengal State Secretary. He contested in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as the CPM candidate from the Jadavpur constituency. The conference, which drew delegates from across India, also elected 87 members to the Central Executive Committee. Kerala marked a significant presence in the newly constituted central leadership. SFI Kerala state secretary P S Sanjeev was elected as an all India joint secretary, while state president M Sivaprasad was named one of the vice-presidents. Ten people from Kerala were selected to the All India Secretariat. The newly formed All India Secretariat includes key national figures such as Subhash Jakar, T Nagaraju, Rohidas Yadav, Satyesh Leyuva, Shilpa Surendran, Pranav Kharji, M Sivaprasad, and C Mridula serving as vice-presidents. The joint secretaries include names like Aishe Ghosh, G Aravinda Sami, Anil Thakur, K Prasannakumar, Debanjan Dev, P S Sanjeev, Sreejan Dev, and Mohammed Atiq Ahmed. Currently, there are two vacancies in the central secretariat and eight in the ventral executive committee. From Kerala, S K Adarsh, Tony Kuriakose, P P Akshara, Bipinraj Payam, P Tajudheen, Sandra Raveendran, Arya Prasad, and E P Gopika were elected to the executive committee.
Senior advocate kills son, dies by suicide later in Kerala
KOLLAM: A senior advocate, Srinivasa Pillai, 80, allegedly hacked his son to death before dying by suicide at their home in Kadappakkada on Saturday. Vishnu S Pillai, 46, was found hacked to death in the hall, while Srinivasa Pillai was found hanging inside the bedroom. The family consisted of Srinivasa Pillai, his wife, and their son Vishnu. Vishnus mother, who had been staying at her daughters house in Thiruvananthapuram for the past two days, returned on Saturday morning to find the house locked from the inside. Later, the Police arrived at the spot and opened the door and recovered the bodies during the subsequent search. Police said Vishnu had been undergoing treatment for a minor mental illness. Preliminary findings suggest the incident may have occurred due to mental pressure from the son. However, further investigation is needed to ascertain the exact cause, said a police source. According to locals, Vishnu had been dealing with mental health issues for some time. Srinivasa Pillai, who had not practised law for the past 10 years, had put up multiple signboards outside the house advertising tuition centres, construction companies, and hotel services. However, local representatives say these were not real businesses. None of these are actual institutions. The father put up these boards only to make his son happy. Vishnu was suffering from mental health issues for a long time. Several hoardings offering courses and tax consultancy services were placed in front of the house at Vishnu's insistence, though none of these services were operational. He had even physically assaulted his parents on multiple occasions, said Kripa Vinod, ward councillor of Kadappakkada. Neighbours also said Vishnu had been married twice, with both marriages ending in legal separation. Councillor Kripa Vinod added that Vishnu had once jumped from the top of the house and broken his leg, later speaking about the incident with pride to visitors. The Kadappakkada police have registered a case of unnatural death and launched an investigation.
Abortions in Kerala rise 76% over nine years
KOLLAM: Kerala has recorded an over 76% jump in abortion cases over a nine-year period, given the improved access to reproductive healthcare, according to data with the Health Management Information System (HMIS) portal. The state reported 30,037 abortions in 2023-24, compared to 17,025 in 2014-15, marking a 76.43% increase. In the latest period, 21,282 abortions were conducted in private hospitals, while government hospitals accounted for only 8,755 cases, indicating a growing reliance on private healthcare facilities. The data includes both spontaneous and induced abortions. In 2023-24, the state reported 20,179 induced abortions and 9,858 spontaneous abortions. In 2014-15, abortion procedures were almost evenly split between public and private hospitals, with 8,324 and 8,701 cases respectively. However, since 2015-16, private hospitals have consistently recorded a higher share of cases. From 2015-16 to 2024-25, Kerala reported a total of 1,97,782 abortion cases, of which only 67,004 were in government hospitals. Private hospitals accounted for 1,30,778 cases during this period. The report also noted a steady rise in induced abortions over the period under under review, reflecting better access to reproductive healthcare. Health experts, however, express concern over the increasing dependence on private hospitals and stress the need to strengthen the public health sector. Speaking to TNIE, Dr Leema, senior gynaecologist at the Women and Children Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, said more patients now prefer private institutions due to better facilities and enhanced privacy. Medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) is a high-risk procedure, said Leema. It is high time govt invested in better infra Under the MTP (Amendment) Act, 2021, the permissible abortion limit has been extended from 20 to 24 weeks. Most women seeking abortions today are aware of their rights. They trust private hospitals for better operational care, post-procedure support, and, importantly, privacy something often lacking in government institutions. Women today dont want to take risks with their lives and naturally lean towards private care, she said. Dr Pandu R, senior gynaecologist at Kannur MCH, said it is high time the government invested in better infrastructure to regain public trust. Government hospitals are usually overcrowded, making patients uncomfortable. Bureaucratic hurdles, such as the demand for a marriage certificate for abortion services, further discourage women. Such requirements are rare in private institutions. Reforms and infrastructure improvements are essential if we want people to depend on public healthcare, he said. Social scientists note that the rise in induced abortions is a sign of increased womens empowerment. However, they caution that awareness about contraception and reproductive health needs to improve to prevent unwanted pregnancies. The increase in induced abortions is an indication that women are increasingly gaining control over their bodies. However, the rising rate also highlights gaps in awareness about contraception, said Amrutha Rinu Abraham, senior faculty member at the department of sociology, CMS College, Kottayam. Pvt hosps preferred 30,037 abortions in state in 2023-24, compared to 17,025 in 2014-15 21,282 abortions were conducted in private hospitals in 2023-24, while government hospitals accounted for only 8,755 cases
Suicide rate higher among men, says study
The rate is higher in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts
Minister Sivankutty violated protocol, Governor Arlekar tells CM Pinarayi Vijayan
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Hours before he set off for the Kerala University Senate Hall to attend a function, which was marred by violent protests over the display of an image of Bharat Mata carrying a saffron flag , Governor Rajendra Arlekar had expressed his concern to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over the the issue spilling into the streets. In a letter to the chief minister, handed over through an emissary on Wednesday afternoon, the governor said peaceful coexistence in Kerala must not be endangered by a non-issue. Later in the day, skirmishes broke out on the Senate House campus after SFI and KSU workers took out multiple protest against the display of Bharat Matas image, used at RSS functions, at the venue, and the police and Sangh parivar activists prevented them. In his letter, the governor said General Education Minister V Sivankuttys decision to leave a Raj Bhavan event on June 19 over the same issue was a violation of protocol and an act of disrespect towards the constitutional head of the state. Protocols are practised to maintain dignity and decorum at official functions, Arlekar said. The governor told the CM that attempts by members of his cabinet to project Raj Bhavan, a constitutional institution, in a political light were wholly unacceptable. He said it was incorrect to claim that the concept of Bharat Mata was developed by any political or religious organisation. The governor said Bharat Mata is a concept born from the spirit of freedom and the hope of millions of Indians and it existed long before the formation of many present-day organisations. The pictorial representation of Bharat Mata reflects the strength, courage, and unity of Mother India, Arlekar said. Earlier in the day, Higher Education Minister R Bindu hit out at the governor accusing him of trying to politicise universities and attempting to get wider acceptance for the RSS version of Bharat Mata. The governor is carrying along with him an archaic image of the RSS version of Bharat Mata wearing a silk saree and holding a saffron flag which is not accepted in independent India. It should be seen as a ploy to get wider acceptance for the RSS Bharat Mata concept, she told reporters on the sidelines of an event here on Thursday. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan has termed as belated the state cabinets decision to notify the Raj Bhavan that Constitutional protocol forbids political and religious iconography at state functions. It is good that the chief minister protested finally. But it is a belated response, Satheesan told reporters here. PROTEST AFTERMATH Kerala University calls for probe THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala University has written to the state police chief to inquire and take action in the wake of the unruly incidents that occurred on its Senate campus on Wednesday. In the letter, KU Registrar K S Anil Kumar said he had urged the organisers to call off the event after they violated the condition that worship, speeches or seminars on religious lines are not allowed at the Senate Hall. However, the pro-right wing organisation continued with the event illegally, triggering clashes, he said. Meanwhile, pro-right wing Syndicate members alleged the event was disrupted as part of a conspiracy by the registrar and Left-backed Syndicate members. Bharat Mata row: KC writes to Murmu THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of the Bharat Mata row, Congress leader K C Venugopal wrote to President Droupadi Murmu seeking to direct the governor to act within Constitutional norms. In his letter, the AICC general secretary sought to issue a directive to Governor Rajendra Arlekar to stay away from actions that will ruin the federal structure. Governor must uphold dignity of office: Chennithala KOLLAM: Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala on Thursday urged Rajendra Arlekar to uphold the dignity of the governors office. Unnecessary controversies are being created in the name of Bharat Mata. None is opposed to faith in Bharatamba. The new tension in the state is due to the RSS flag being imposed on others in her name, he said.
Monsoon rains intensify in Kerala; orange alert in seven districts
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Monsoon rains intensified in Kerala on Thursday with some parts of Ernakulam, Idukki and Thrissur districts getting flooded and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert in seven districts in the morning. The IMD issued an orange alert in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts for three hours in the morning. An orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm. Meanwhile, continuous rains in Wayanad district's Mundakkai-Chooralmala region resulted in the Chooralmala River being in strong spate, with muddy water flowing forcefully and eroding the banks near the Bailey bridge. Last year in July, deadly landslides in the region had claimed over 200 lives and destroyed countless homes. Heavy rain triggers flood fears in Wayanad's Chooralmala, one year after deadly landslides
Monsoon Rains Getting Stronger In Kerala; Orange Alert In 7 Districts
The IMD issued an orange alert in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts for three hours in the morning
Rising number of unclaimed bodies at Thiruvananthapuram MCH mortuary sparks concern
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The rising number of unclaimed and unidentified dead bodies at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital mortuary has become a growing concern. Between May 1, 2024 and May 13, 2025, a total of 63 such bodies were cremated after remaining unidentified and unclaimed. As of Monday, 20 remain in the mortuary. Of these, seven have received police clearance for cremation and are awaiting procedural completion. The remaining wait in cold storage for someone to identify them, or for formalities to be completed. According to hospital officials, most of these bodies are of men aged above 50. They may have been from within the city or other states, but who have lived here for years. Some are abandoned by their families. Others may have walked away from their pasts. Many are simply homeless. A large number are brought in with serious or failing health conditions. This number can change any day. Many people come here in critical condition and we give them the best treatment. But often they are unwilling to reveal who they are or where they come from. We can only hope they recover and speak up, but sometimes they dont make it, said Dr T P Jayaprakash, resident medical officer at the MCH. Step-by-step process Unclaimed bodies go through a step-by-step process. Once a person dies without an identity or relatives, the hospital informs the police. The police then verify whether the deceased has anyone to claim the body. If there is none, a letter is submitted to the RMO. This is followed by clearance by the city corporation and only then can the hospital proceed with cremation at Santhikavadam, at government expenditure. Sunilkumar B S, superintendent of the MCH, said the system works without disruption despite the rising numbers. We have 48 mortuary chambers. Bodies are typically disposed of within three-five weeks. Sometimes it stretches beyond a month if the police or corporation processes take longer. But there has never been a situation where we couldnt manage, he said. Police verification is more easy when the person is a local. In such cases, identification is often quicker, and notices or newspaper alerts may not be required. However, for unidentified bodies from outside the district or state, the police initiate wider inquiries. Notices are issued and advertisements are published in newspapers to trace family members or anyone who might recognise the person. There have been instances where relatives turn up years later asking for a death certificate for property claims or other legal reasons. Record of DNA Sometimes, people go missing from home and families never look for them until a legal matter brings it up. Even when there is no one to claim them, the hospital takes DNA samples of all unidentified bodies. When they do come, we can only help if DNA is on record, the RMO added. Interestingly, not all the unclaimed bodies are cremated. If they meet certain health criteria and are not severely decomposed or affected by organ failure, some are handed over to the anatomy department for academic use. This must happen within two weeks. The bodies are stored at 8 degrees Celsius, which keeps them preserved for up to two to three weeks. After that, decomposition begins, and the conditions must be adjusted. There is no deep-freezing facility in the mortuary. Storing bodies at sub-zero temperatures would be costly. We dont store bodies under -10C. That kind of infrastructure is expensive. We go by standard procedures, said the RMO. Postmortem is mandatory in case of deaths in accidents or under suspicious circumstances. The hospital handles cases from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and sometimes even Kanyakumari. From Kanyakumari, we receive people who may be originally from there but living here. We dont take cases directly from other states, said the RMO. Verification can take longer for patients brought in from remote police station limits. That is when we see delays. It is not easy when police stations are in distant areas and communication takes time, he added.
Keralas first AI & robotics research centre to come up in Kollam
KOLLAM: Keralas first artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics research institute - Zoho Research and Development Centre - will begin operations in Neduvathur on July 2. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the facility. The centre, set up by IT major Zoho Corporation, is expected to employ 250 people in its first phase. Finance Minister K N Balagopal, who visited the facility on Tuesday to review preparations, said the project would open up opportunities in the fields of AI and robotics. Kerala is a land rich in resources. This creates significant potential for industrial growth across the state. Companies like Zoho are enhancing the skills of Keralas educated youth while creating better employment opportunities. The establishment of such campuses could pave the way for the growth of industries like IT and electronics in these regions. This model has the potential to be replicated across Kerala, Balagopal said. Neduvathur grama panchayat president V K Jyothi, district panchayat member V Sumalal, grama panchayat member R Rajasekaran, Kerala Startup Mission CEO Anup Ambika, Zoho Corporation principal researcher Jayaraj Porur, and programme manager Mahesh Bala were present during the ministers visit. Zoho started its operations in the state a year and a half ago at the Kerala Startup Missions Leap Centre at the Campus Industrial Park of Kottarakkara IHRD Engineering College.
Red Alert In 5 Kerala Districts, Heavy To Extremely Heavy Rainfall Likely
An orange alert has been sounded for Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta, while Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram remain under a yellow alert.
Kerala Woman Who Conned 10 Men Into Marriage Had Fixed Schedule To Juggle Them All
Reshma once lived with a man from Kollam after marrying him, and they had a child. However, doubts over the child's paternity from his family later created serious tensions
Kerala HC orders Vigilance not to arrest ED officer till June 11
Case pertains to alleged demand of 2 crore as bribe from a Kollam-based cashew businessman
NHAI chairperson reviews progress of National Highway projects in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam
Inspection also covered key locations such as Enchakkal, Kazhakuttom, Chembakamangalam, Kottiyam, and Mevaram
Heavy rains trigger landslides and floods across northeast and south India; at least a dozen dead
Heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours has caused widespread flooding, landslides, and disruption in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Karnataka, and Kerala, claiming at least many lives and affecting tens of thousands. Heavy rains claimined 11 lives in Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram and Tripura . Assam saw five deaths from landslides in Kamrup Metropolitan district, including three women killed in a landslide near Guwahatis Bonda area, Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah confirmed. Flooding affected more than 10,000 people in six districts, including Kamrup, Cachar, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, and Golaghat, where two relief camps and one distribution centre have been set up. A red alert remains in effect for 18 districts amid heavy rain and gusty winds. Massive waterlogging was reported in Guwahati, forcing closure of schools and special leave for government employees. In Arunachal Pradesh, flash floods caused by the overflowing Sigin River in Upper Subansiri district inundated Daporijo town and several colonies, damaging at least 117 houses and critical infrastructure. Authorities have issued prohibitory orders urging evacuation of vulnerable areas. In West Kameng district, landslides near Jamiri stranded hundreds along the Balipara-Chariduar-Tawang road, and major road blockages disrupted connectivity. A landslide in Bomdila washed away parts of roads and culverts, while power supply was disrupted. Mizorams Lawngtlai town witnessed the collapse of five houses and a hotel due to landslides on Friday night. Several Myanmar nationals staying in the hotel are feared trapped under debris, one person is feared to have died in the incident. Rescue operations involving the State Disaster Response Force and local volunteers are underway. The state has been hit by torrential rains since Friday, causing multiple landslides and rockfalls. In Meghalaya, three people died in East Khasi Hills district from rain-related incidentsa 50-year-old woman killed by a landslide in Lumkyntung, a 35-year-old man drowned in Pomlakrai Mawbynna, and a 15-year-old boy died after a tree fell on him in Mawkynrew Block. Over 1,000 residents across 25 villages have been affected by landslides, flash floods, and power outages. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the victims families. Flooding also damaged roads and inundated schools. Rescue efforts for a missing couple from Indore in Sohra have been suspended due to heavy rain and landslides but will resume as weather permits. Nagaland and Tripura each reported one death on Friday due to rain-related incidents. Karnatakas Dakshina Kannada district on Friday reported five deaths due to landslides triggered by heavy rain. A house collapse in Montepadavu Kodi buried six family members, including two toddlers and their grandmother. One mother was found unconscious but alive, clutching her children amid the debris. A compound wall collapse in Mangaluru claimed the life of a six-year-old girl. Additionally, a 27-year-old lineman died of electrocution while repairing a high-tension power line during the rain. Rescue operations have been hampered by continued rainfall and unstable terrain. In Uttarakhand, a 38-year-old man died and five others were injured after a landslide struck a vehicle on the Kedarnath National Highway near Kund, close to Guptkashi in Rudraprayag district. The vehicle was carrying pilgrims from Chhattisgarh to Kedarnath when it was hit by debris. Rescue and relief operations were launched immediately by the local administration and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The injured were rushed to Augustmuni Hospital. Officials said two of the pilgrims were seriously injured, while three others suffered minor injuries. The deceased was identified as Rajesh Singh Rawat, a resident of Lambgaon in Tehri Garhwal, who was driving the vehicle. The injured are between 19 and 25 years old and belong to Chhattisgarhs Durg district. Monsoon rains have caused severe flooding across several districts in Kerala, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate low-lying areas and seek shelter in relief camps. In Kasaragod district, overflowing Madhuvahini River submerged roads and flooded homes, with residents moving to upper floors to escape rising waters. Similar flooding and heavy downpours have affected Kozhikode and Kannur districts, where locals have kept wooden and fiber boats ready amid fears of further displacement. Authorities have opened 46 relief camps in Kottayam district, sheltering over 1,100 people, while Alappuzha district currently hosts 851 evacuees across 26 camps, with 19 houses destroyed on Friday alone. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by strong surface winds reaching gusts of up to 50 kmph in multiple districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Alappuzha, and Kottayam. The situation remains critical as swollen rivers and tributaries continue to inundate vulnerable areas. Meanwhile, several higher-altitude areas in Jammu and Kashmir received fresh snowfall on Saturday, including Tulail and Razdan Top in Gurez valley, Peer Ki Gali in Shopian, and Zojila Pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway. Authorities closed the Bandipora-Gurez road as a precaution. Meanwhile, the plains, including Srinagar, were lashed by rain, causing temperatures to drop with minimums falling by up to 3 degrees and maximums 3-5 degrees below normal. Light to moderate rain or thundershowers with light snow are expected over the higher reaches in the next 24 hours. Heavy rainfall and hailstorms hit Ramban district, disrupting normal life. Parts of Srinagar saw moderate to heavy rain, welcomed by tourists as a refreshing change from recent heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast widespread rain and thunderstorms across Kashmir, with isolated heavy rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph. Srinagars temperatures will range between 24C and 11C. Jammu Division will also see light to moderate rain with isolated heavy showers and winds up to 60 kmph, with Jammu city experiencing partly cloudy skies and temperatures between 37C and 21C. The IMD has advised residents to stay alert amid the possibility of heavy rain and strong winds. The IMD has issued a red alert for Sikkim on Saturday following heavy rains and rising water levels in the Teesta River, warning of possible floods and landslides in Mangan, Gyalshing, and Soreng districts. Based on a Nowcast Weather Alert from Baluwakhani, Gangtok, severe rainfall was forecasted for 2 to 3 hours starting at 6:15 am. The District Magistrate of Gangtok urged the public not to panic but stay alert, while directing all disaster management officers to remain on high alert and maintain communication with field staff along the Teesta river belt. Landslides were reported in North Sikkims Theeng and Chungthang areas, damaging properties. Emergency services are actively monitoring water levels, with disaster response teams on standby. The IMD advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, remain indoors, and steer clear of riverbanks and vulnerable slopes. No casualties have been reported yet, but the situation remains tense due to continuous rains and rising river levels, with authorities promising timely updates. The India Meteorological Department has issued multiple red alerts in vulnerable districts across these states, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, and strong winds reaching up to 60 kmph in gusts. Authorities have urged residents to avoid risky areas and follow evacuation and safety advisories. National and state disaster response teams remain deployed to conduct rescue and relief operations as the monsoon continues. (With inputs from PTI, ANI)
Kerala rains wreak havoc: Homes flooded, trees uprooted, red alert in 9 districts
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Houses in low lying areas of Kerala were flooded in the heavy rains, while the accompanying strong winds uprooted trees, damaged homes and caused power disruptions, throwing normal way of life into disarray across the state. In Thrissur, Kannur and Kasaragod districts, there were reports of several homes getting flooded due to the heavy rains, forcing people to move to relief camps. Not just homes, but many roads in these districts and other parts of the state were inundated due to the heavy rains. In Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki districts, the heavy rains and strong winds uprooted trees and damaged electricity poles and transformers, leading to partial and complete destruction of hundreds of homes and power disruptions for hours, according to the authorities. It will be a holiday for educational institutions in Kottayam district on Saturday, district authorities said. In Kollam, uprooted trees and falling branches, due to the rains and strong winds, caused damage to several homes and private vehicles in the district and a few persons were reportedly injured. An 85-year-old woman, who worked as an MGNREGA worker in Ernakulam district, died when an uprooted tree fell on top of her while returning home on Thursday evening. The Ernakulam district authorities also reported a rise in the water level of the Muvattupuzha River above the flood warning markers, leading to the opening of three shutters of the Malankara Dam by 20 centimetres (cm). Train services were also affected with some, including the Mangaluru-Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Expres, being diverted due to fallen trees on the tracks, while others were rescheduled or delayed due to the heavy rains, authorities said. Amidst the widespread damage in the state due to the heavy rains and strong winds, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Kannur and Kasaragod and an orange alert in the remaining six districts of the state for the day. A red alert by IMD indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an orange alert means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm, and a yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm. State Revenue Minister K Rajan said that the heavy rains have caused widespread damage in the state and advised people to be cautious. Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Thrissur, Rajan further said that as the westerly winds are expected to continue over Kerala for the next five days and due to the possibility of widespread rainfall, caution should be exercised by everyone. He advised the public to avoid unnecessary trips, especially to hilly areas and said that those living in dangerous places should move to safer locations or relief camps. Rajan said there are 66 camps functioning in the state currently and 1,894 people are living there. Around 4,000 camps are ready to be opened to accommodate about six lakh people. The public should not be averse to moving there, he added. He also said that hundreds of homes in the state have been partially or completely destroyed due to the heavy rains and strong winds since the arrival of the monsoons. The minister said according to the IMD there is a possibility of heavy rains in all districts of the state in the week from May 30 to June 5 and the amount of rainfall would be more than usual for this period. In the second week of June also there will be rain in all districts of the state, but it will be less than normal for this period, the minister said. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) said that there is a possibility of high waves ranging from 3 to 3.9 meters along the Kerala coast till 5.30 pm on Saturday and urged fishermen and coastal residents to be cautious and avoid launching of small boats, yachts or fishing vessels during this time. Meanwhile, the state government said that it has sanctioned Rs one crore each to all District Collectors from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for carrying out monsoon preparedness activities. Additionally, Rs two crore each has been sanctioned to the Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode District Disaster Management Authorities for undertaking flood mitigation works in the cities, the government said. The government said that it has also sanctioned Rs one lakh to each panchayat, Rs 3 lakh to each municipality and Rs 5 lakh to each corporation in the state to buy necessary equipment and open storage centres as part of monsoon preparedness activities.
Train services between Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam stretch go haywire as tree fall on tracks
Kerala | Container of Liberia-flagged container vessel MSC ELSA 3 from Kollam seaface removed
Low pressure may trigger another round of intense spell in Kerala
Red alert issued for Kozhikode and Wayanad districts, warning of extreme rainfall, and an orange alert for the remaining districts with very heavy rains, except Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha, where a yellow alert has been issued with warnings of isolated heavy rains.
IMD issues red alert for three Kerala districts as low-pressure system strengthens monsoon winds
IMD issues red alert for three districts Kannur, Wayanad and Kozhikode and orange alert for remaining districts except Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha where yellow alert has been issued
Capsized cargo containers may drift towards Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala
Liberian Shipwreck Containers Wash Up On Kerala Coast Amid Oil Spill Crisis
Authorities said that some containers have been found along the coasts of southern Kollam and coastal Alappuzha districts.
Containers from sunken Liberian ship wash ashore in Kerala
KOLLAM: Containers from a Liberian cargo ship that sank, off the Kerala coast, have started washing ashore, police said on Monday. Coastal police said that some containers have been found along the southern Kollam coast. The total number of containers washed ashore is not yet known, and authorities are working to manage the situation, they said. Police have been deployed in all affected areas. Reports indicate that at least four containers have been spotted so far along the coast of Kollam district. Officials have urged the public to stay away from the containers, warning that the ship had 13 hazardous cargos among its 640 containers. The cargo ship capsized and sank early Sunday , leading to a significant oil spill. The leak has sparked a statewide alert, as fuel is drifting at a speed of around three kilometres per hour and could soon impact the ecologically sensitive Kerala coastline. According to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), the sunken vessel had 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367.1 metric tonnes of furnace oil in its tanks. Some containers were carrying dangerous substances such as calcium carbide, a chemical that reacts with seawater to release highly flammable acetylene gas, officials said. The ICG is leading pollution response efforts and monitoring the spread of the oil slick. Leaning Liberian vessel off Kerala coast raises fears of bunker spill and container drift
Cargo containers from capsized ship wash ashore in Keralas Kollam, sparking fears of chemical leak
Revenue and police authorities counsel extreme caution and cordon off localities, given that some containers could contain hazardous and inflammable materials
Containers from sunken ship likely to drift towards Alappuzha, Kollam coasts in 48 hours: INCOIS
Oil spill may reach the Alappuzha, Ambalappuzha, Arattupuzha and Karunagapally coasts
It is estimated that the containers have a higher probability of washing ashore in Alappuzha, Kollam, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram districts
IMD declares red alert for seven districts in Kerala
IMD sounds a red alert for the Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Idukki, and Malappuram districts.
29-year-old stabbed to death by gang in Keralas Kollam, police suspect previous enmity
Victims friend who sustained injuries in the attack admitted to hospital. Duo attacked by a five-member gang
Kollam girl who was under treatment for Hepatitis A dies
Heavy rains in parts of Kerala; IMD issues orange alert in 3 districts
Heavy rains prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta districts in Kerala, forecasting very heavy rainfall. A yellow alert, indicating heavy rainfall, was also issued for Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The IMD warned of thunderstorms with moderate rainfall and gusty winds across these districts.
Kollam police books Kesari editor N.R. Madhu on charges of creating enmity between communities
Mr. Madhu had allegedly portrayed rapper Vedan, who hails from the Dalit community, as a disreputable character who makes a mockery of art and injects caste venom in society
Kollam schools shine in CBSE exams
Speedy decisions need of the hour: Kerala Chief Minister
Pinarayi Vijayan addresses regional-level review meeting on the development projects in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts
Kerala slumps to 12th slot in organ pledging in the country
Maharashtra has the highest number of registrations (51,538), followed by Rajasthan (43,602), and Karnataka (37,412). Of the 14 districts in Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram (1,408) has the highest number of people pledging their organs, and Ernakulam (641) and Kollam (593) are in the second and third slots, the NOTTO data show.
Complaint was filed by a local BJP leader at Kottarakkara in Kollam which alleged that Akhil Marar's video shared on social media contained statements against the nation
Security strengthened at Kollam Civil Station
District administration moves comes in the context of threat messages targeting government institutions
Kollam records 99.41% pass in SSLC
Malayalam actor Vinayakan arrested for drunk, disorderly behaviour; released later
Vinayakan had been staying at the hotel in Kollam since May 2 as part of a move shoot nearby and during checkout on Thursday, he created a scene at the establishment while intoxicated, say police
Ente Keralam expo to begin in Kollam on May 11
3.17 lakh people sought treatment for dog bite cases in the State in 2024
Thiruvananthapuram district is way ahead of the other districts in the number of dog bite cases, with a total of 50,870 people seeking treatment. Kollam is in second place with 37,618 dog bite cases, Ernakulam had 32,086 cases, Palakkad had 31,303 cases and Thrissur 29,363 cases. Wayanad was last on the list with 5,719 cases.
On April 8, a stray dog attacked the child, Niya Faisal, while she was playing in front of her house
Rejuvenation of Edappally, Perandoor canals: CSIR-NEERI completes monitoring of waterbodies
Pattolit and Valiyat canals in Kollam are also part of the project, which is being implemented under the supervision of the Kerala State Pollution Control Board
Joint efforts under way to combat illegal liquor and drug sales in Kollam
Excise dept. conducted 2,173 raids in district in two months under Operation Clean Slate and 272 people were arrested
Breathing new life into old ponds in Kollam
Asked To Pay Customs Duty, Kerala Woman Throws Away 15 Pounds Of Gold Jewellery At The Airport
A woman from Kollam caused chaos at Thiruvananthapuram Airport by refusing to pay customs duty on 120g of gold, claiming it was her personal property.
Traffic study on anvil to assess feasibility of launching Water Metro in Kollam and 17 other cities
The government has secured five fish landing centres with mooring facilities in Kollam. From Monday, fishers from Muthalapozhy could dock their sea-faring boats at Jonakapuram, Vadi, Muthakkara, Port Kollam, and Thankassery anchorages and resume operations
Ashtamudi to get tourism development project of 59 cr.
Finance Minister says Kollam has multiple projects that will contribute significantly to the States progress
RSS founder's portrait at Kerala temple sparks row
The display of RSS founder KB Hedgewar's portraits during a temple festival in Kollam district has sparked controversy in Kerala, prompting the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to request a report from its vigilance wing. The images of Hedgewar were reportedly displayed along with the photos of prominent social reformers like Sree Narayana Guru and B R Ambedkar during Kollam Pooram festival here on Tuesday night. TDB sources said the management of Puthiyakavu Temple, a local shrine in the district which does not come under its ambit, is allegedly responsible for the showcasing of the images of the RSS leader during the kudamattam as part of the Pooram festivities.
Coastal clean-up drive held in Kollam
Initiative as part of Suchitwa Sagaram Sundara Theeram project
State Food Commission visits tribal unnathis in Kollam
Civil Supplies officials directed to start mobile ration shops in Peruvaazhikkala and Randaam Mile and to provide ration cards to residents
'Delay Enemy Of Development': PM Modi Blames Congress For Stalling Crucial Projects
Speaking at Rising Bharat Summit 2025, PM Modi highlighted delay in crucial projects including new Parliament building, Assam's Bogibeel Bridge, Navi Mumbai airport, and Kollam bypass road in Kerala
Kollam forges ahead with comprehensive development: Balagopal
Minister says steps have been taken to develop tourism and commercial potential of the Kollam port in a way that will benefit the districts future development plans
Revamped multilingual library opens at Kollam district prison
Library houses around 4,000 books in nine different languages and is a joint initiative of the District Subcollectors Office and the Cuckoo Forest School at Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu
Kerala temple panel disbanded for playing RSS prayer song
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has decided to dissolve the advisory committee of a temple in the Kollam district where the RSS 'Gana Geetham' (prayer song) was sung during a musical concert.
TDB warns of strict action after RSS song row at Kollam temple
TDB warns of strict action after RSS song row at Kerala's Kollam temple
TDB President P S Prashant toughened his stance on the functioning of temple advisory committees amid reports of the alleged rendition of the RSS gana geetham (prayer song) during a musical concert at a temple in Kottukkal in Kollam district, in the early hours of Sunday.
Kollam to get garbage-free status today
Rally held to spread awareness against substance abuse in Kollam
Rally held from Asramam Maidan to the Kollam beach
Thekkumbhagam panchayat in Kollam opts for new approaches in waste management
Steps to prevent discharge of septage waste into rivers, backwaters, and other water sources
Police arrest Nigerian drug supplier from Delhi
In connection with investigation into the source of 90 gram of MDMA seized near Madannada Junction in Kollam city
Kollam to get Singapore-model oceanarium
Kerala government celebrates its fourth anniversary with 50 crore tourism projects, including an oceanarium and marinas, to shape future development.
Man brutally murdered at home in Keralas Kollam, police suspect past enmity
The victim was accused in an attempted murder case
Focus on infra and waste management in Kollam Corporation Budget
Kerala Woman Arrested for Smuggling MDMA from Bengaluru
Anila Raveendran, 34, was apprehended with 90 grams of synthetic drug MDMA, allegedly smuggled to Kollam for local distribution
Focus on farm, waste management in Kollam district panchayat Budget
Government, Opposition in war of words over performance of Jal Shakti ministry
NEW DELHI: During the discussion on demand for grants for Jal Shakti ministry in Lok Sabha, the Opposition parties and the ruling government on Wednesday traded charges over the budgetary allocation and the performance of the ministry. While initiating the discussion, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal questioned why opposition-ruled states of Jharkhand, Kerala, and West Bengal are lagging behind in providing clean drinking water to rural households under the governments flagship Jal Jeevan Mission. He also questioned the oppositions commitment to ensuring safe drinking water for all. If you are truly committed to providing safe drinking water, then why are these states still behind, Pal asked. Today, when we are working to provide tap water to every household, states like Jharkhand, Kerala, and West Bengal are still the most behind, he said. Pal said that according to official data, Kerala has the lowest coverage under the Jal Jeevan Mission at 54.41 per cent, followed by Jharkhand at 54.77 and West Bengal at 55.01 per cent. Countering the charges, RSP MP from Kollam N K Premachandran termed Jal Shakti as a non-performing ministry. What is the purpose of providing grants to your ministry because you are not utilising the funds. He said the spending towards the Jal Jeevan Mission was the lowest since it was implemented in 2021. Premachandran further said that the right to safe drinking water is a fundamental right. Unavailability of portable water and quality of water are critical issues, he said. The source of water has to be made along with transportation and treatment plants. This would also mean digging roads and creating pipes. This would only benefit contractors, he added. Pal highlighted the Centres achievements under the Jal Jeevan Mission, which was launched in 2019 to ensure 100 per cent tap water supply in rural India.
Couple kill child, commit suicide in Kollam
Political songs have no place in temple festivals, religious events, says Kerala HC
Directs the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to file an affidavit within a week on the actions that have been taken against the advisory committee of the Kadakkal Devi temple in Kollam for organising a musical programme during the annual festival, where political songs were performed and political party flags were displayed on the stage.
Degree student stabbed to death in his house in Kollam
ASHA workers intensify agitation in Kerala, lays siege to Secretariat
One of the protesting ASHA workers, who came from neighbouring Kollam district, said they won't end the ongoing agitation untill the state government accepts their demands.
Kollam Pooram: permission for fireworks display denied
Decision to deny permission was issued considering the impracticality of safely conducting fireworks in the Asramam ground as well as the inability to establish a magazine as per Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation regulations for storing explosives in the location
DYFI flags at temple festival in Kollam: TDB orders vigilance probe
Display of political flags or symbols inside temples is strictly prohibited by the courts and the board had issued a circular regarding this to all places of worship under its control, says TDB president
UV index touches 10 in Kollam, alert issued
While a UV index of 6 to 7 indicates a need for precautions, 8 to 10 requires extreme vigilance, and above 11 is considered high risk
Kollam cyber fraud case: main suspect arrested
