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.

Pedalling against peddling! Kerala Cop kicks off ambitious anti-drug tour on retirement day

PATHANAMTHITTA: Retirement often is the transition to a quiet, carefree life, but for sub-inspector Shahjahan, of Kollam West police station, it marked the start of a bold new mission. On May 31, after completing 31 years of service in the force, Shahjahan mounted his bicycle and set off on an ambitious 2,025km expedition across the state to raise awareness about the growing menace of drug abuse. Shahjahan, a career officer known for his dedication to public welfare, has always gone beyond the call of duty. At 50, he undertook a 1,700km, cross-state cycle tour, advocating the use of helmets and seat belts. That campaign, supported by police associations, earned him widespread recognition, including a certificate of appreciation from then-police chief Loknath Behera. The increasing use of drugs among youth is a silent epidemic that threatens families, communities, and the future of our country. I wanted to address this pressing issue with a journey that would leave an impact, Shahjahan told TNIE . The decision to begin the campaign on the day of his retirement was symbolic. I wanted my retirement to be a gift to the country, not just a personal milestone, he said. On the last leg of the 33-day expedition, Shahjahan reached Pathanamthitta on Saturday, where he was welcomed by narcotics cell DySP B Anil at the district headquarters camp. Addressing a small gathering, DySP Anil lauded Shahjahans effort, calling the journey a powerful statement against the drug crisis. Such initiatives not only raise awareness but also inspire others to take action. Its heartening to see an officer dedicate his post-retirement life to such a noble cause, Anil said. Shahjahans journey spanned all 14 districts, with the route meticulously planned for wider reach. Starting in Kollam, it wound through urban centres, coastal towns, and remote villages. My goal is to engage directly with people -- students, parents, and communities -- and urge them to take collective responsibility against drug abuse, he explained. At every stop, Shahjahan takes the opportunity to interact with people, particularly students. Its not just about enforcement; its about education. People need to understand the long-term impact of addiction, he said. His journey is also a show of solidarity with Kerala polices anti-drug campaigns. The officers unwavering determination and the overwhelming support he has received reflect a shared hope -- that a drug-free Kerala is not just a dream but an achievable reality.

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

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.

Heavy rain triggers flood fears in Wayanad's Chooralmala, one year after deadly landslides

WAYANAD: Heavy rains over the past 24 hours have raised fears of fresh flooding and landslides in Wayanad's Mundakkai-Chooralmala region, just a year after deadly landslides claimed over 200 lives there. District officials reported on Wednesday that the Chooralmala river is in strong spate, with muddy water flowing forcefully and breaching the banks near the Bailey bridge. Soil stored along both riverbanks for renovation work has been washed away, causing water to spill onto the Attamala road and surrounding areas. Local residents say they believe new landslides have occurred in the hills, particularly uphill near Punchirimattam inside forested areas. However, officials say there has been no confirmation so far. We have no confirmation of new landslides inside the forest, uphill Punchirimattam, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) said. The loose debris from previous events is coming down with the rain. This will likely continue for some time until all eroded materials are washed off, it said. Residents remain anxious, remembering the July 2024 disaster that flattened homes, injured dozens, and left hundreds without shelter. District administration officials say the flash flooding is a result of widespread rain in the hills. However, they maintain that there is no immediate danger and are monitoring the situation closely. Further downstream, the Kabani river has also seen rising water levels at Mananthavady and Panamaram. With the Banasura dam nearing full capacity, a red alert remains in place for nearby regions. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for 11 districts, including Wayanad, warning of moderate rainfall and strong winds up to 50 km/h over the next three hours. Light rain and gusty winds are also expected in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha.

Highway heist exposes underground cash network used by gold merchants to evade taxes

ALAPPUZHA: The recent highway heist in Alappuzha has exposed a tax evasion racket involved in the underground transfer of money by gold merchants. The complaint regarding the heist was filed by a Marwadi businessman based in Kollam, who distributes gold ornaments to various jewellery stores across South India. According to police sources, Appas Ramachandra Sait has been distributing gold ornaments to jewellery shops in several southern states. If the transactions are done legally, a significant amount of tax has to be paid by the merchants. However, to evade these taxes, merchants use clandestine methods to transfer money, one of which resulted in a highway robbery. In his complaint, Sait claimed that the money involved in the heist was sent by his uncle from Coimbatore. If the money wasnt illegal, why would they rely on a parcel lorry to transport it? the officer said. The parcel agent in Coimbatore, lorry driver Bhuvaneswar Kumar, of Tamil Nadu, and Sait were all reportedly aware of the cash in the parcel. However, police believe that someone else who knew about the parcel tipped off the robbery gang. During the initial investigation, the police suspected the drivers involvement in the incident. However, they were unable to gather conclusive evidence against him. After the heist, the driver continued to drive the vehicle from Cheppad to Kollam and lodged the complaint much later. This delay has raised further suspicion that the money involved was illegal, a police officer said on condition of anonymity. Probe revealed that the transfer of money through parcel lorries is part of a well-established underground network spanning multiple states. In most cases, parcel company agents and even lorry owners are unaware of the contents they are transporting. Authorities suspect that money transfers from Coimbatore to Kollam via parcel services have occurred multiple times in the past.

Two arrested in Rs 3.24 crore highway heist in Kerala's Cheppad; gang leaders absconding

ALAPPUZHA: A Special Investigation Team led by Kayamkulam DySP N Babukuttan has arrested two individuals in connection with the highway heist in which approximately Rs 3.24 crore was looted from a parcel van at Ramapuram near Cheppad on NH 66, on June 13. The arrested have been identified as Subhas Chandra Bose, 32, a resident of Jayamani Compound, Veerapandi, Tiruppur, and Thirukumar, 37, of Muthayyan Kovil Layout, Velliyankadu, Tiruppur. The stolen money was sent via parcel service by a gold merchant in Coimbatore to Appas Ramachandra Sait, a gold dealer based in Kollam. It was being transported through the No. 1 Parcel Service. A seven-member gang intercepted the van during the early hours of July 13 and looted the cash. According to investigators, all members of the gang are natives of Tiruppur. The masterminds behind the robbery have been identified as Satheesh and Durai Aras, both of whom are currently absconding. Police said Durai is affiliated with a political party, while Satheesh is a textile merchant operating in Kumbakonam. Both are accused in several previous cases, including robbery and fraud. A team from Kayamkulam police, including Inspectors Nazimudheen J. and Shafi K, and Sub-Inspector Bijith Lal, is currently stationed in Tiruppur to trace the remaining suspects. Subhas Chandra Bose was directly involved in the robbery, while Thirukumar arranged a fake RC book for the gang, said DySP Babukuttan. Both were produced before the Kayamkulam Magistrate Court and remanded in judicial custody. The gang had followed the parcel van from Coimbatore and intercepted it at Kayamkulam using two vehicles. After the robbery, they escaped through the Kayamkulam-Punalur Road toward Aryankavu and later into Tamil Nadu. Police traced the vehicles using CCTV footage. Upon reaching Coimbatore, the gang changed the number plates of the vehicles and fled to Tiruppur, police said.

New ride-hailing platform by Thiruvananthapuram startup going places

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a city where ride fares can swing with the clock and the weather, a new app is catching the attention of commuters in Thiruvananthapuram. Launched in May, Mapto is starting to win over users with its promise of fixed fares, no surcharges and zero commission fees. Developed by Laan Global Technologies Services Pvt Ltd, a Technopark-based startup, the app currently offers autorickshaw services in the city and plans to roll out cab options soon. The app is gaining popularity among users who are fed up with fluctuating fares and hidden charges. Unlike many platforms, Mapto doesnt alter prices based on peak hours, changing weather, festive seasons or time of day. There is no drama, says 25-year-old Arya Asok, who recently started using the app for her daily commute. I know how much Ill pay even before I leave the house. Thats not something I could say about other apps. It did have certain bugs initially, but works well now. Currently functional only in Thiruvananthapuram, the company is planning to expand the application to Kollam in two months. Within two years, it aims to make this application accessible from all remote areas of the state. The app was designed by a team mostly working remotely from across the state. The brains behind the venture, directors Sudheep R and Selvaraj R, say the idea was born nearly two years ago, before many mainstream apps began exploring driver-to-user direct models. While it took time to bring the concept to market, they believe the delay has allowed them to fine-tune their service to better meet real-world needs. At that time, paying drivers directly was still a radical idea. Now, others are catching up. But we have spent two years building something solid, said Sudheep. Finding the right name was a journey in itself. We considered over 50 options before landing on Mapto, said Selvaraj. Its short for Map to your destination and reflects our goal of guiding people without complications. Maptos user base is still small, but growing. By the end of May, users had started booking rides. By now, 50 rides have been completed. Driver onboarding officially began on May 1. Around 1000 drivers have been onboarded by now. We aim to increase the number of users to 10,000 by the end of July. We have completed around 50 rides by now. By the end of next month, the number of rides per day would also be increased, said Selvaraj. The platform, currently free of commission for drivers, plans to introduce a minimal subscription model once it becomes sustainable. The first ride of the day will carry a nominal Rs 10 charge, but all subsequent rides will remain commission-free. On other platforms, we lose a big chunk of earnings to commissions. Here, we can keep what we earn. The app doesnt take up much space on the phone, and its dark mode really helps save battery. So far, I have received four rides. The fixed fares make things easier. Theres no need to bargain with customers, and the rates are fair. One drawback right now is that we cant see if any vehicles are nearby. If we could view availability, wed know whether to wait or move to a different spot. That feature hasnt been added yet, said Rajesh Kumar, a driver with Mapto who previously worked with other online cab platforms. Looking ahead, the team wants to expand beyond cities and into the states villages. According to them,the states urban population is expected to rise from 47.72% in 2011 to 96% by 2036. Mapto hopes to bridge this shift by enabling rural drivers to operate from their own neighbourhoods, and by giving users a reliable ride-booking option right from their doorstep, added the directors.

Raising their game! Ex-varsity circuit hockey players live the global dream

KOLLAM: They have aged like fine wine giving the world a taste of their talent and skill. Marking a comeback in a sport they once cherished, a group of four middle-aged women from the state, who in their youth were active on the national university circuit, have raised their game: Now, making a mark in the field of international masters hockey. Leading the charge is Saritha Devi, a 55-year-old schoolteacher from Thiruvananthapuram. The Indian captain guided her team to a gold at the recent World Masters Games in Taiwan. Becoming an international player was always my dream. After university, family pressures took over. But the passion never faded. Now, in my fifties, Im determined to keep playing for the national team as long as health permits, Saritha told TNIE . My university days were filled with dreams and aspirations. Playing hockey was a dream come true, and I lived it during my time at university, recounts Sheeba R, 50, another member of the team. The Kerala players in the squad were active at the university level in the 1990s. But after marriage, our paths diverged. Society has never backed women sportspersons making a comeback, the former from Thiruvananthapuram points out. For 30 years, I lived for my family. Now that my children are independent, I want to live for myself and explore my passion. At this age, Im not afraid, adds Sheeba. Despite the global success, the players face persistent challenges. We receive no government backing -- not even basic infrastructure or financial aid. We have often paid from our own pockets to travel and train. We have even been denied access to public grounds. But we didnt give up. After much struggle, we secured permission to practise at the University Stadium in the state capital. That itself felt like a win, emphasises Saritha. Saritha Devi (L) in action during a match at the World Masters Games People keep saying its time to hang up our boots, but were not ready to quit. At 55, I still have aspirations. Even though we dont receive any government help, our determination and passion keep us going. Still, we hope that someday, some kind of support will come our way. But until then, well continue with what we love, because passion doesnt retire, says Geetha Mohan, another team member who works as an insurance agent in the state capital. Swapna S P, a former RTO officer, describes her return to the game as a return to the joy and dreams of her college days. When I started playing again, it felt like I should have started earlier. We all got stuck in a comfortable life, and by the time you realise it, its often too late. But thanks to the Masters Games, we got a chance to live our dreams again. Despite societal pressure and age barriers, weve decided to move forward and pursue what we love most, stresses Swapna, who is from Ernakulam. All four players returned to the national circuit in 2021. They are now preparing for their next international outing next year.

Tharoor was on the star campaigners list: KPCC chief Sunny Joseph clarifies amid row over Nilambur poll invite

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KPCC president Sunny Joseph on Friday clarified that Shashi Tharoor was officially included in the list of star campaigners released by the party ahead of the Nilambur bypoll. He was speaking to the media in Kollam. His response came after Tharoor had expressed his displeasure over not being invited to campaign, stating that he only attends events when formally asked and had received no such invitation, not even after returning to the country. The party had officially released the list of star campaigners. Shashi Tharoors name was on the list. However, he was abroad on official commitments during the phase of the Nilambur bypoll campaign, Sunny Joseph said. He added that the campaign was carried out in an organised manner. Both the UDF leadership and workers came together as one. The preparations were carried out effectively, he said. Sunny Joseph added that apart from A K Antony, who avoided long-distance travel due to health issues, all senior Congress leaders had reached Nilambur and actively took part in the campaign.

Major mishap averted as rear axle detaches from TNSTC bus in Tenkasi; four injured

TENKASI: A major mishap was narrowly avoided near Idaikal in Tenkasi district after the rear axle of a government TNSTC bus detached while it was in motion on the Thirumangalam-Kollam National Highway on Friday. Of the 87 passengers on board, four sustained minor injuries. The bus, operated by TNSTCs Srivilliputhur depot in Virudhunagar district, was being driven by 52-year-old Sankaran of Vathirayiruppu. The vehicle was travelling from Madurai to Courtallam when the incident occurred. Sources reported that the entire rear axle, including the paired tyres, suddenly came off at high speed, causing panic among passengers. However, Sankaran, who detected unusual vibrations and noises, managed to slow the bus down just in time. His quick presence of mind reportedly prevented a major catastrophe. While four passengers suffered minor injuries, the rest escaped unharmed. Traffic on the busy Thirumangalam-Kollam National Highway was briefly disrupted following the incident.

CM Pinarayi Vijayan warns of debris as cargo ship burns off Kerala coast

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that the cargo vessel Wan Hai 503, which was involved in a maritime accident off Kerala coast, has been shifted 57 nautical miles away from shore, and efforts are ongoing to tow it further out to sea. Despite the relocation, fire and smoke are still reportedly emanating from the ship. Addressing the media, the Chief Minister warned that debris from the vessel, including containers that fell overboard, could wash up along the southern coast of Ernakulam district and the shores of Alappuzha and Kollam. The alert was based on information received from the Indian Coast Guard and the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited. If you see any object suspected to be from the shipwreck, do not touch it. Maintain a distance of at least 200 m and immediately call the emergency number 112 or inform the State Disaster Management Authority, Pinarayi said. As of Wednesday morning, 65 containers linked to the accident had already been recovered from the shore and moved to various ports. Additionally, 21 barrels found in the Vizhinjam and Kovalam areas of Thiruvananthapuram have been safely relocated to Vizhinjam port. Two more barrels believed to be from the vessel were found on the coast of Alappad in Kollam and at Kumbala and Koippadi in Kasaragod district. The State Disaster Management Authority has launched a dedicated web applicationwhich allows citizens to report shipwreck-related objects found on land or sea. Users can submit their name, contact number, a description of the object, its location or nearest landmark, and photographs.

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.

Kollam Panchayat VP Catches Thieves In Heroic Filmy Chase On Busy Kerala Street

JalajaSuresh didn't lose her calm and acted mindfully after two women quietly stole a hefty sum from her handbag on a KSRTC bus.

24 lives lost in a year as illegal electric fences turn into deathtraps in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Illegal electric fences claimed 24 lives in the state over a one-year period, ending this March. This is a sharp increase from the 16 deaths reported in the previous year. In 2024-25, Palakkad accounted for the most deaths (10), followed by Thrissur (5) and Malappuram (3). Two people were killed in Pathanamthitta while one person each died in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Kannur, showed the data with the states Electrical Inspectorate (EI). In 2023-24 too, Palakkad reported the highest number of deaths (9). Several farmers are using illegal electric fences to prevent wildlife incursions. Casualties can be prevented if they take the legal route erecting the structures with an equipment, fence energiser. An ISI-certified energiser costs around Rs 10,000, says Vinod G, Chief Electrical Inspector. As per law, electric fences require prior sanction from the EI. A fence energiser converts power into short high-voltage pulses and will not kill humans or animals upon contact. Though non-lethal, such fences will effectively deter animals or intruders. Anti-social elements using electric fences to trap wild boars for trading their meat is another cause for concern. Such fences are directly connected to the KSEB power line. Unsuspecting landowners or passersby fall victims to it, Vinod said. According to him, a high-level committee had recently discussed the issue of illegal fences. On its basis, the EI will recommend the government to form micro-level committees to identify and prevent installation of such fences, said Vinod. Electrical accidents claimed 241 lives in a year We will also push for the use of insulated cables for power supply in forest fringe areas to prevent people from directly powering the fences from KSEB lines, Vinod said. Illegal fences are mostly erected in remote areas bordering the forests, making surveillance difficult, said Sujesh P Gopi, district electrical inspector in Palakkad. There were incidents in which people died after coming into contact with the fence that they themselves had erected. In such cases, people charge the fence in the evening but forget to snap the connection in the morning, he said. Meanwhile, deaths due to electrical accidents claimed 241 lives in 2024-25, a marked increase from 205 in the previous year. The number of people who suffered non-fatal injuries rose from 109 to 140. The state witnessed a total of 455 electrical accidents in 2024-25, up from the previous years 362. Nearly 20% of the deaths were due to two preventable causes illegal electric fences and the careless use of iron rod/ ladder near power lines. Deaths due to the latter doubled from the previous years 11 to 22 in 2024-25. Palakkad, for the fifth consecutive year, reported the highest number of electrical accidents (59) and deaths (32). Thrissur was second in the number of accidents (53), while Kollam reported second-highest fatalities at 31. Installing unauthorised electric fencing is punishable under law. In case of death, offenders are charged under IPC Section 304, which deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The maximum punishment is up to 10 years in jail and fine.

Four dead as heavy rain causes widespread damage across Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Intense rain on Sunday caused widespread devastation, resulting in four fatalities across Kerala. The deaths were reported in Azhikkal (Thrissur), Konni (Pathanamthitta), Chathamangalam (Kozhikode), and Cheruvally (Kottayam). In view of the inclement weather, district collectors from Kasaragod, Wayanad, Malappuram, Kannur, Palakkad, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur declared a holiday for all educational institutions on Monday. This includes schools, professional colleges, tuition centres, madrasas, and anganwadis. Interviews and examinations will proceed as scheduled. Wayanad saw the heaviest rainfall, with Alattil receiving 178 mm and Padinjarathara 162 mm. Irimbiliyam in Malappuram (161 mm) and Madur in Kasaragod (157 mm) also recorded significant rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red alert warning for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod on Sunday. With rivers in spate, authorities have issued flood warnings. People living along the banks of the rivers in Neeleswaram, Karyangode, Uppala, and Mogral in Kasaragod, and along the banks of the Achankovil and Manimala rivers in Pathanamthitta district, as well as along the Karamana river in Thiruvananthapuram district, are advised to exercise caution. Red alert IMD has forecast continued heavy rainfall for Monday, issuing a red alert for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts. An orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Palakkad districts. The IMD warned that districts under red alert could experience very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, with isolated locations receiving more than 12 cm of rain within the next 24 hours. These conditions are likely to cause traffic disruptions, tree uprootings, flash floods, landslides, and potential damage to vulnerable structures. According to the IMD, rain or thundershowers are expected to occur in many places across the state until June 21. Strong surface winds, reaching speeds of 50-60 km/h, are also anticipated intermittently on Monday. Fishermen have been urged not to venture into the sea until June 19, as a high wave warning remains in effect along the Kerala coast through Monday night. The IMD attributes the heavy rainfall to cyclonic circulations over the Northwest Bay of Bengal and South Madhya Maharashtra, coupled with strong Westerly winds over Kerala and the Lakshadweep area at lower tropospheric levels. Rail traffic affected The rail traffic in the Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam route was affected after a tree fell on the track at Polayathodu on Sunday night

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 govt. bans fishing within 20-nautical mile radius of shipwreck, announces compensation for fishers

6 kg of free rice and 1,000 a month to each affected fisher families in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts. Chief Minister dismisses speculation that fish caught off the coast of Kerala was inedible

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

Kerala battered by intense rains; Uprooted trees cause damage, fatality

Intense rains lashed Kerala on Sunday, uprooting trees across the state, including one that fell on a moving train in Thrissur and another that caused a fatality in neighbouring Kozhikode. Houses were damaged, rivers were in spate, and shutters of some dams were raised in the state as the southwest monsoon gained strength. An uprooted tree crashed onto a moving train near the railway bridge in Cheruthuruthy in Thrissur district on Sunday morning. Tragedy was averted as the loco pilot acted swiftly to stop the train, authorities said, adding that no casualties were reported in connection with the incident. As the heavy downpour continued, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) placed five northern districtsMalappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragodunder a 'red alert' for the day, predicting extremely heavy rainfall there. Almost all districts in the state received widespread rains since the previous night, causing severe waterlogging in low-lying areas and traffic snarls. Widespread uprooting of trees caused extensive damage to houses and vehicles across the state and claimed the life of a person in the Kozhikode district. Pavithran, a 64-year-old native of Villyappally in Kozhikode, died after an uprooted coconut tree fell on him while he was riding a scooter. Water levels in the Punnapuzha River, flowing through the Chooralmala-Mundakkai region in Wayanad, and the Korapuzha River in Kozhikode were steadily rising following incessant rainfall, residents said. In landslide-battered Chooralmala in Wayanad, continuous heavy rains caused anxiety among locals the previous night. We are yet to recover from the shock of last years landslide. We havent slept properly at night, fearing heavy rains and something worse, an elderly local told a TV channel. In Pathanamthitta district, a family narrowly escaped tragedy when huge uprooted trees fell on their tile-roofed house near Ezhamkulam during strong winds and heavy rains the previous evening. My daughter narrowly escaped as she had just stepped out of the house when the trees fell on the roof, a family member said, pointing to the broken roof of their old, small house. Five shutters of the Malankara dam in Idukki district were raised on Sunday morning to release excess water, according to an official statement. Residents living along the banks of the Thodupuzha and Moovattupuzha rivers were advised to exercise caution following the dams water release. Tragedy was averted in the heart of Kollam city when a huge flex board, erected by the roadside, fell, locals said. A house and vehicles were damaged after uprooted trees fell on them in Kunnathunad and Munambam Harbour, respectively, in Ernakulam district. An incident of a mudslide was reported in Kuppam in northern Kannur district following continuous rains. Due to the inclement weather, forest authorities on Sunday banned tourists from entering the ecotourism centre in Ponmudi. A zonal review meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, scheduled to be held in Kannur on May 26, was postponed due to heavy rains, a CMO source said. Meanwhile, the IMD issued an orange alert on Sunday for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Palakkad districts. The IMD had announced the early onset of the monsoon in the state on Saturday, noting that Kerala is witnessing the monsoons early arrival after a gap of 16 years. A 'red alert' indicates heavy to extremely heavy rainfall of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an 'orange alert' means very heavy rainfall between 11 cm and 20 cm.

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

Kollam schools fare well in CBSE exams

Malayalam TV personality and director Akhil Marar booked for alleged anti-national remarks on social media

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

Kollam Book Festival begins

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.

Preliminary works begin for railway underpass renovation at Kollampalayam in Erode

The works likely to restrict the movement of heavy vehicles from Poondurai Road; Officials hopeful of completing the project in a month

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

Government allocates five anchorages in Kollam for Muthalapozhy fishers cut off from sea due to siltation of harbour mouth

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 founders portrait displayed during Kollam Pooram, TDB seeks report

Hedgewars portrait figures in kudamattam ceremony; TDB blames temple outside its jurisdiction

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

Low pressure area over Bay of Bengal: yellow alert for 3 districts on Tuesday

Isolated heavy rain forecast over Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta on Tuesday

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

34-Year-Old Woman Arrested For Smuggling MDMA From Bengaluru, Hid Drugs In Private Parts

The woman was taken into custody on Friday evening after her car was chased by the Sakthikulangara police and the Kollam City Police District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF).

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

Kerala Police Finds Human Skeleton In Suitcase Near Cemetery In Kollam

Kerala Police have initiated an investigation after a human skeleton was found inside a suitcase in a plot next to a church cemetery in Kollam district.

Skeletal remains found in suitcase near church cemetery at Kollam in Kerala

According to police, skeletal remains were in a decomposed state and not all bones were found. They said that it is likely that someone placed the remains in the suitcase and buried it at the site