Kerala truck driver held over biker's death near Shengottai

TENKASI: The Shengottai police secured a Kerala-based truck driver in Aryankavu of Kollam district, who allegedly hit a two-wheeler, leading to the death of a Tenkasi man near Shengottai, on Monday. The accident occurred on January 18 on the Thirumangalam-Kollam national highway. The victim, Ramar, was riding his two-wheeler when he was hit by the Kerala-based truck, killing him on the spot. Based on instructions from Superintendent of Police S Aravind and his deputy Tamil Iniyan, Shengottai Police Inspector K S Balamurugan registered a case and launched an investigation. The accused, R Biji, was arrested by a team led by Balamurugan. He was produced before the judicial magistrate, who remanded him to 15 days in custody. The accused has been lodged at the Palayamkottai Central Prison, said sources. Minors caught driving, bikes seized The Shengottai police seized eight two-wheelers being ridden by underage boys during a vehicle inspection. Their parents were called to the police station and were warned not to allow their underage children to ride bikes. Inspector Balamurugan returned the vehicle after counseling the parents, with strict instructions to adhere to traffic regulations.

Efforts on to clear bottlenecks in Kottayam-Kumily Road

Proposed new bypasses to form key part of the Kollam-Theni Highway expansion project

Poor app engagement times out Supplycos delivery service

KOLLAM: Supplyco has discontinued its Supply Kerala delivery service introduced to offer doorstep delivery of essential goods. The service was phased out due to limited customer engagement with the app for online purchases. Launched by the civil supplies department, the Android app aimed to ensure fast delivery of essentials, particularly in rural areas. However, it garnered just three orders and fewer than 500 downloads over the past three years. Via the app, customers could place orders by selecting their nearest Supplyco outlet. The distribution network of over 500 Supplyco supermarkets across the state was expected to create job opportunities for more than 10,000 youth. Additionally, the app provided information on newly launched products. Despite these features, the app was removed from the Play Store after failing to gain traction among users. In the past three years, we have received only three orders through the app. After the first six months, we didnt receive a single order. Initially, we thought cities like Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi might see success, but there was no significant uptake there either. The main issue was that we charged extra for delivery, while several other delivery apps offered free delivery. In a market where private delivery services are more effective, we couldnt compete, a source with Supplyco told TNIE . Launched in 2021, the app made home delivery available within a 10km radius of Supplyco outlets in both rural and urban areas. Delivery charges were based on weight and distance. For example, an order weighing 5kg to be delivered within 4km incurred a charge of Rs 35 plus GST. Special offers were available for orders over Rs 1,000. Another source with the civil supplies department revealed that the app was never actively promoted by the outlet managers at Supplyco supermarkets. The Rs 35-charge was a huge deterrent. Due to this fee, many officials at the outlet would directly engage with customers, offering home delivery without any charge. As a result, managers at several Supplyco supermarket outlets chose not to promote the app, the source explained. Food and Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil acknowledged that the apps failure stemmed from a lack of market research. The issue was that the supply company mainly serves middle-income consumers seeking subsidised goods, and these customers generally do not use delivery apps for such purchases. This hindered the apps success in urban areas. In towns, better delivery apps are available, and people dont order subsidised goods through them. In rural regions, people preferred to buy directly from Supplyco stores. The entire initiative had flaws which led to its rollback, Anil said.

Kovalam-Kollam section of West Coast Canal project to be made operational this year, says Governor

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar delivers the policy address at the Kerala Assembly

How AI helped nab Army deserters wanted for brutal murders of 2006

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It was a random check using an AI tool by the police technical intelligence wing that led to the recent arrest of two Army men, who had been on the run for nearly two decades after murdering a woman and her newborn twins. Heres a quick flashback. The crime occurred in 2006, at Areyam near Anchal in Kollam district. Although the investigation was handed over to the CBI in 2010, the Kerala Police unofficially continued its pursuit of the suspects Divil Kumar B of Anchal and Rajesh P of Sreekandapuram who were serving in the 45 Air Defence Regiment of the Army, posted in Pathankot at the time. On January 24, 2006, Renjini gave birth to twin daughters. The 24-year-old and her newborns were found murdered on February 10. It was a brutal murder. Their throats were slit, and there were severe stab injuries on their bodies, recalls an officer, who had worked at the Anchal police station in 2006. Renjinis mother, Santhamma, was not at home at the time as she had gone to the panchayat office to obtain birth certificates for her granddaughters. Santhamma mentioned that a man named Anil Kumar had visited the house just before she left. That is when we started tracking Anil. Investigators soon discovered that Renjini had been in a relationship with Divil, a fellow native of Anchal, who was stationed in Pathankot. Renjini and her mother had approached the Kerala State Womens Commission after Divil refused to acknowledge the children. The commission decided to conduct a DNA test to establish the childrens parentage. However, we confirmed that Divil was in Pathankot at the time of the murders, the officer notes. Our focus shifted to Anil, who had become acquainted with Renjini and her mother at a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram and regularly visited their home. A breakthrough came when police recovered a motorcycle registration certificate at the crime scene. The vehicles owner had sold it to a used-motorcycle shop in Thiruvananthapuram. We showed a photograph of Divil to the shop employee, who identified him. However, the identity of the second person remained a mystery. On one occasion, a shop employee mentioned that the second individual had taken him to an ATM to withdraw cash. That was a crucial lead, says the officer. Police scrutinised ATM transactions and found a withdrawal linked to a Pathankot bank account belonging to Rajesh, an Army colleague of Divil. Rajesh was on leave at the time of the murders. On our request, the Army faxed us a photograph of Rajesh. Santhamma and the shop employees confirmed that Anil was, in fact, Rajesh from Sreekandapuram in Kannur, the officer recalls. With Rajeshs involvement established, the police pieced together the plot. Disturbed by the Womens Commissions intervention, Divil sought Rajeshs help. Rajesh befriended Renjini and her mother, and committed the murders while on leave in Kerala. Meanwhile, Divil went into hiding on realising that he was a suspect. The police tracked their ATM withdrawals and discovered the duo had travelled to Delhi, Nashik, and Nagpur. State Special Branch SP Shanavas A, who initially investigated the case as circle inspector in Anchal, says, We worked tirelessly to nab the accused, travelling to various states. However, they always managed to evade us. They were eventually arrested after a recent tip-off from police to the CBI. In 2010, the High Court had directed the CBI to take over the probe. The Army, by then, declared both men deserters. Enter AI Of late, the Kerala Police intel wing has been on an unofficial mission to track those accused on the run in grave, long-pending cases. Though the Anchal murder case was under CBI investigation, police sleuths used an AI tool to recreate images of the fugitives as they might appear now. They then scanned social media platforms using these images. We identified a photograph of one accused on Facebook. Our probe revealed that he was living in Puducherry under the name Vishnu, says an officer who was part of the investigation. Rajesh, using the alias Praveen, was also in Puducherry. Both were running an interior design business, and had settled there with their families. This info was passed to the CBIs Chennai unit, which confirmed their identities. On January 3, the CBI arrested the duo and produced them before the Ernakulam Chief Judicial Magistrates Court, where they were remanded in judicial custody. We preserved the childrens DNA, knowing it could be crucial for future investigations. The CBI can now use these samples to confirm the parentage of the murdered babies, says the officer. Case diary This weekly column brings you exciting, intriguing police stories, straight from the crime files.

Kollam rail station development work likely to be completed by Jan. 2026, says MP

Project is now 50% complete with half of the budget already spent, says MP

Finding art in the familiar

KOCHI: Tensing Joseph, an alumnus of one of the earliest batches of the College of Fine Arts, Thiruvananthapuram, returned to the institution as a professor and eventually became its principal. Over 40 years, his passion for art has remained strong. He is currently showcasing an exhibition featuring 100 artworks at the 8 Point Art Cafe in Kollam. Titled Between Objects and Myself, the exhibition will conclude in Kollam on Wednesday and is set to travel to David Hall in Kochi on January 27. The exhibition primarily features objects that are important for me as an artist items I interact with and encounter in everyday life, Tensing explains. For example, there is a series called Ration Kit where I depict groceries such as mung beans and sugar that we commonly receive in ration kits. When portraying something like a ration kit, the identity of individual elements, like a mung bean, often fades away. While we frequently see such items, we rarely recognise their identity. Through my work, I try to give political or social meaning to these objects. I believe such philosophical questions should guide an artist towards deeper perspectives. The series of 100 objects is part of Tensings experiment to give a character to each item. The artworks feature images of familiar objects that connect with the common middle class. Objects such as fish, umbrellas, utensils, chairs, fishing nets, fruits, tissue papers, electric geysers, and watches have been given a new visual identity. On residencies and AI In 2023, Tensing participated in the international art residency programme Motoco Ne Sera Pas Ouvert Les in Mulhouse, France. During his time in Europe, he visited 23 prominent art museums and galleries, including the Vatican Museums in Rome, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Rembrandt Museum in Amsterdam, the Magritte Museum, etc. Between Objects and Myself is his first exhibition after the programme. After seeing the original works of the masters, it was difficult to start working again, Tensing admits. For nearly three months, I was stuck in a deep mental conflict, questioning, Why am I doing this? and How should I proceed? It was an overwhelming and intense experience. That journey felt like exploring an expansive library it prompted me to revisit the history of art and reimagine aesthetics from a new perspective. This exhibition is a fresh start. Sharing his experience from the residency programme, he says that of all the galleries he visited, Michelangelos The Last Judgment at Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel left him in awe. Today, we live in the age of digital art and AI, where visual art can be generated at the click of a button. Yet, I firmly believe that no AI will ever match the type of language that communicates, its aesthetics, depth, and sensibility how Michelangelo achieved all this so many years ago is something that makes me wonder. Its a miracle that no science or invention can ever fully understand, he says. On art practices Reflecting on the differences between art practices in Europe and India, Tensing observes that in European countries, artists work with a clear vision and genuine intention. Their work reflects their surroundings and lives. They experiment with innovative ideas and embrace new media art, presenting a strong societal presence through their creations. In contrast, our biennales and installation work often seem like reproductions of Eurocentric art. The core concepts are lost, leaving behind merely the outer shell. In Europe, art and life exist on the same plane, whereas here, our lifestyle and culture rarely find authentic representation in the art we create. For Tensing, understanding the history of new media art and its evolution is very important for an artist to change this situation. Art carries responsibilities and connects with ideas across various disciplines. These require an academic approach. It is through detailed study that new media can be meaningfully integrated into an artists work. He cites Agnes Deness Wheatfield A Confrontation (1982) as a powerful example. Such works show the social realities and scientific thoughts, which must connect in an artists mind. Efforts to nurture this kind of thinking need to happen here, he says. Tensing is currently the director of the Raja Ravi Varma Centre of Excellence for Visual Arts at Mavelikkara.

Alappuzha to make it to union government's water metro list after Edakochi, Kollam

KOCHI: While the central governments move to include Kollam and Edakochi to its list of probable locations that can host water metro services opens avenues to further tap the states inland water facilities, the Kochi Water Metro Ltd (KWML) plan to suggest Alappuzhas name could see Kerala becoming an even greater beneficiary of the transportation system. The Union government has directed KWML to conduct a feasibility study of other possible locations for implementing the urban transport system. TNIE had, in November 2023, reported on KWML plans to introduce operations on Ashtamudi Lake. The service was proposed to be operated on three routes: Munroe Island, Alappuzha and Varkala. The Union governments decision to include Edakochi and Kollam in the feasibility study group was based on the direction of the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways to assess the potential for replicating the successful Kochi Water Metro model in 18 locations across the country. We are exploring whether water metro terminals such as Kumbalam and Varappuzha can be converted into hubs, which will allow for extension of services to places such as Kodungallur and Cherthala. This is part of the scope of the feasibility study, a senior KWML official said. However, KWML authorities plan to suggest Alappuzha, instead of extending services to satellite towns, as many hurdles exist to linking them with Kochi. Besides the issue of navigability due to shallow routes, travel time is a challenge. Otherwise wed have to operate fast ferries, which would result in protests by residents and fishermen. Well suggest to the ministry the inclusion of Alappuzha, the official added. The other cities currently under consideration include Ahmedabad (Sabarmati), Surat, Mangaluru, Ayodhya, Dhubri, Goa, Kolkata, Patna, Prayagraj, Srinagar, Varanasi, Mumbai, and Vasai. Interestingly, KWML had already carried out a feasibility study of Kollam. We did the study after Kollam corporation evinced interest in replicating the Kochi Water Metro project. It will be submitted soon. Preparing reports on Edakochi and Alappuzha will take some time, the official pointed out. The study proposed three routes in Kollam -- Kollam Boat Jetty-Munroe Island through Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam-Alappuzha, via Azheekal, and Kollam-Varkala via Kollam canal. Airport-Aluva considered A potential water route from Aluva to Airport is also under consideration, with authorities conducting a preliminary study. The water route is much shorter than the road stretch, which is at least 12 km. Along with feeder buses, there is potential for starting water metro services in the section, which will facilitate commuters reaching CIAL in half an hour. However, a 3 km stretch of canal development needs to be undertaken first at the airport side, a KWML official pointed out. The new comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) for Kochi, being readied by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL), recommends three potential water routes -- Varapuzha to CIAL/Kalady, Kadamakkudy-Kottapuram and Edakochi-Aroor-Panangad-South Paravur. Kochi became the first city to have a water metro project when commercial operations started on April 25, 2023. To replicate Kochi Water Metro model The Centres decision to include Edakochi and Kollam in the feasibility study group was based on the ministry of ports, shipping and waterways to assess the potential for replicating the successful Kochi Water Metro model in 18 locations across the country. The other cities under consideration include Ahmedabad, Surat, Mangaluru, Ayodhya, Dhubri, Goa, Kolkata, Patna, Prayagraj, Srinagar, Varanasi, Mumbai, and Vasai

Geo-tagging completed as part of digitizing the patrolling system of Kollam City Police

Kerala opposes Union govts move to carry out offshore sand mining

KOCHI: Kerala has expressed opposition to the Union governments move to carry out sand mining off the states coast. The state government is of the view that the Centre is trying to carry out offshore sand mining without considering the states interests and environmental concerns. The Centres move came after a study conducted by the central agency Geological Survey of India on the Kerala coast found that there is 745 million tonnes of sand deposits suitable for construction activities. The Union government has initiated the process of auctioning blocks containing mineral resources based on the provisions of the Offshore Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002. In a roadshow organised by the Union Mining Ministry in Kochi to discuss mining, the Principal Secretary of the Industries Department A P M Muhammad Hanish informed the Centre about the state governments stand. In accordance with the change in sea level over time, offshore sand deposits have been found as deposits of sand deposited by rivers that join the ocean. At present, five important areas that are part of the Kerala coast have been identified as sand deposits. They are the Ponnani sector, Chavakkad sector, Alappuzha sector, Kollam North sector and Kollam South sector. It is estimated that there are about 745 million tonnes of sand deposits in the region. The deposits of these sands are found in Indian territorial waters up to 12 nautical miles from the coast and in the exclusive economic zone beyond 12 nautical miles. About 300 million tonnes of sand is deposited in three blocks in Kollam region currently under consideration for sand block auction. Kerala pointed out that the norms and provisions of the Offshore Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act- 2002 and the amendments made thereto in 2023 do not take into account the interests of states. The royalties derived from the mining of mineral wealth are entirely vested in the central government. The 2023 amendment also allowed the private sector to participate in the mining sector. The states dissent has already been informed to the Centre.

Water Metro set to go national; KWML told to explore feasibility in 18 locations

KOCHI: In light of the successful implementation of the Water Metro in Kochi, the Union government has asked the Kochi Water Metro Ltd (KWML) to explore the feasibility of similar ventures in 18 locations nationwide. The feasibility study focuses on the possibility of establishing water metro services in areas with rivers, lakes, backwaters, and coastal regions. Potential locations include the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir, island connections in Andaman and Lakshadweep. Other cities under consideration are Ahmedabad (Sabarmati), Surat, Mangaluru, Ayodhya, Dhubri, Goa, Kollam, Kolkata, Patna, Prayagraj, Srinagar, Varanasi, Mumbai, Kochi (Edakochi) and Vasai. Based on the study findings, suitable locations will be identified and KWML will proceed with the preparation of detailed project reports (DPR). With its modern facilities, comparable to metro rail systems, and environmentally sustainable design, the Kochi Water Metro has set a new benchmark for urban water transport. This ambitious project aims to harness waterbodies for sustainable urban transport, revolutionising mobility in multiple cities across the nation. The national expansion of the Kochi Water Metro model underscores Keralas leadership in sustainable development and modern transport innovation, KWML said in a statement. Initiative highlights Keralas innovation, expertise of KWML In November, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways assigned Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) with the task of conducting a feasibility study to assess the potential for similar water metro systems in diverse regions. The KWML has now formed an in-house committee to lead the initial work, with the recent approval of its board of directors to form a consultancy wing. If needed, external experts will be brought in to strengthen the process. The initiative highlights Keralas innovation and the expertise of KWML. Despite the technical complexities of introducing water metros in varied terrains, KWMLs skilled workforce and operational experience offer a solid foundation for the projects success, the statement added.

Successful Kochi Water Metro model inspires similar ventures nationwide

KOCHI: The success of Kochi Water Metro has inspired a move to replicate this eco-friendly and innovative water transport model across the country, as efforts are now underway to explore its implementation in 18 locations nationwide. With its modern facilities, comparable to metro rail systems, and environmentally sustainable design, the Kochi Water Metro has set a new benchmark for urban water transport, said KMTL Managing Director Loknath Behra. The feasibility study focuses on the possibility of establishing water metro services in areas with rivers, lakes, backwaters, and coastal regions. Potential locations include: Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir Island connections in Andaman and Lakshadweep. Other cities under consideration are Ahmedabad (Sabarmati), Surat, Mangaluru, Ayodhya, Dhubri, Goa, Kollam, Kolkata, Patna, Prayagraj, Srinagar, Varanasi, Mumbai, Kochi (Edakochi) and Vasai. While the Water Metro services are already available in Kochi, the KMRL is currently studying further expanding the network to nearby satellite townships. We are exploring whether the terminals such as Kumabalam and Varappuzha can be made hubs and extend the services to places like Kodungallur and Mohamma in Alappuzha district, said a senior official. Next Steps Based on the feasibility study's findings, suitable locations will be identified and the KMRL will proceed ahead to prepare the Detailed Project Reports (DPR). This ambitious project aims to harness water bodies for sustainable urban transport, revolutionizing mobility in multiple cities across the nation. The national expansion of the Kochi Water Metro model underscores Keralas leadership in sustainable development and modern transport innovation. Last November, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways assigned Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) the task of conducting a feasibility study to assess the potential for similar water metro systems in diverse regions. With the recent approval of its Board of Directors to form a consultancy wing, KMRL has formed an in-house committee to lead the initial work. If needed, external experts will be brought in to strengthen the process. The initiative highlights Kerala's innovation and the expertise of KMRL. Despite the technical complexities of introducing water metros in varied terrains, KMRLs skilled workforce and operational experience offer a solid foundation for the project's success.

Kerala Doctors Restore Youths Vision After Tree Twig Pierces Eye In Accident

The young man from Kollam was struck in the left eye by a tree twig after he fell on the road following a collision with another vehicle while riding a two-wheeler

TDB launches accident insurance for its staff, Sabarimala devotees

Scheme provides coverage of 5 lakh in case of accidents occurring within the four district limits of Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, and Idukki

State BUDS School Kalolsavam set to begin in Kollam on January 9

A total of 13,081 students are currently undergoing training at the 378 BUDS schools under various local bodies. There will be a total of five venues, 15 events and 22 categories.

Despite fee hike, parents shell out Rs 50 lakh for appeals

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With just a day remaining until the conclusion of the 63rd State School Arts Festival, organisers have already collected over Rs 50 lakh in appeals fees. Despite a substantial increase in appeal fees this year, parents have continued to pay to secure their wards place at the state festival. By Tuesday evening, the appeals committee received 342 lower appeals (made by students who disputed the district-level scores and secured permission to perform at the state level from competent authorities) and 82 higher level appeals (made by students who disputed the state-level scores). An applicant of lower-level appeal has to remit a minimum of Rs 10,000 to the director general of education. If the application is through the deputy director of education, they have to first pay Rs 5,000 at the district level. There have been 241 such applications incurring a whopping Rs 36.15 lakh in total to the parents. In the higher-level appeals, an applicant has to pay Rs 5,000. The revenue generated from these appeals could exceed the governments allocation for food, Rs 35 lakh, at the festival. But the total expenses for food are much larger and are covered through sponsorships, said a senior official with the directorate of general education. The total number of appeals in four days crossed 400, compared to 421 last year. In 2023, there were 362 appeals, while in 2022, the number was as high as 632. This years increase in appeal numbers comes despite a fee hike: the fee for lower-level appeals was doubled to Rs 10,000 and the fee for first appeal to the deputy director of education rose from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000. Total appeals 424 Lower-level Appeals - 342 (D10,000 each) Fees received through district education officer: K36.3 lakh, from a total of 242 applications Fees received through courts and other judicial bodies: K10 lakh Total revenue for lower appeals: K46.3 lakh Higher-level appeals - 82 (K5,000 each) Fee received for higher appeals: K4.1 lakh Total appeals revenue: K 50.4 lakh POINTS TALLY Thrissur - 960 Palakkad - 956 Kannur - 956 Kozhikode - 954 Malappuram - 929 Ernakulam - 925 Kollam - 916 TPuram - 908 Alappuzha - 904 Kottayam - 878 Kasaragod - 871 Wayanad - 862 Pthitta - 802 Idukki - 777 Ananya of Mahakavi P Smaraka VHSS Vellikkoth, Kanhangad, and her make-up artist Vineeth rushing to the venue at Central Stadium after the code number for group dance competition was announced

Crackdown on school vehicles in Kollam

Inspections held in 33 locations within the city. Two school bus drivers arrested after being found under the influence of alcohol while transporting students

Kollam City police arrest 151 persons in drug-related cases in 2024

While 151 persons were arrested, 409.255 g of MDMA worth approximately 5,000 per g and 81.009 kg of ganja worth around 40,000 per kg were seized

Coaches of express train detach in Kollam

Kerala's First Skin Bank To Start Operations Next Month: Health Minister

The state health minister has directed that proposals be submitted for the establishment of burns units in Kollam, Alappuzha, and Kannur Medical Colleges.

Man dead as car turns turtle and catches firein Keralas Kollam

Proposal to convert the Kollam-Theni National Highway into a four-lane road

Where Food is Medicine: How Mindful Eating Can Transform Your Health

When it comes to Ayurveda, food is not just sustenance; its medicine. At a renowned Ayurvedic hospital in Kollam, the culinary approach is deeply rooted in the concept of therapeutic diets. We spoke with Vipinkumar, Manager Food Operations, Kalari Rasayana - CGH Earth Ayurveda Hospital, to gain insights into the hospitals unique approach to food and its role in the healing process. According to Vipinkumar, the hospitals culinary philosophy is centered around the idea that food should be tailored to an individuals specific needs, taking into account their constitution, health conditions, and treatment goals. This approach is rooted in the concept of Prana, or life force, which is believed to be present in all living beings. The food we serve is not just about calories or nutrition; its about the therapeutic aspect of the diet, Vipinkumar explained. For example, if a patient is undergoing a specific treatment, such as Vamana, which involves vomiting to remove toxins, the doctor may prescribe a specific diet the day before, which includes foods that increase Kapha, such as deep-fried lentils and ice cream. The hospitals culinary team works closely with the doctors to create personalised diets for each patient. The menu is designed to promote balance and harmony in the body, taking into account the individuals unique needs and health conditions. One of the key principles of the hospitals culinary approach is the concept of Ahara, or diet, which is believed to play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Executive Chef M. Nishanth, who earned praises at the Ayush chef competition organised by the government of India at the Global Ayush Investment and Innovation Summit for his millet based food, painstakingly tailors food for each patient in line with the guidelines prescribed by the doctor. The hospitals chefs use only the freshest, organic ingredients, and meals are prepared with love and care, with the intention of nourishing both body and soul, he says. The hospitals dining hall is designed to promote mindful eating, with patients encouraged to savour each bite and pay attention to the sensations in their body. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene, with patients seated in a comfortable, upright position, and encouraged to eat slowly and deliberately. In addition to the personalised diets, Chef Nishanth also conducts cooking master classes and workshops, where patients can learn about the therapeutic properties of different foods and how to prepare healthy, balanced meals so they can continue eating healthy even after they return home. For Vipin Kumar, the hospitals culinary approach is not just about food; its about promoting a deeper connection with oneself and the natural world. When we eat, we are not just nourishing our body; we are also nourishing our soul. He also emphasised the importance of adopting a holistic approach to wellness, one that takes into account the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. We need to respect our body and listen to its needs, he said. When we do, we can experience true healing and transformation. In a world where food is often viewed as just fuel for the body, the hospitals culinary approach offers a refreshing alternative. By recognising the therapeutic properties of food and the importance of mindful eating, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the role that food plays in our overall health and well-being. As Vipinkumar so eloquently put it, Food is not just something we eat; its a way of life.

Top Staycation spots in India to visit this New years eve

As 2024 draws to a close, its time to think about the New years eve. Some of us have it all planned, but some of us stay confused till the end. What to do, where to go? So if you are one of those, then we have the ideas for you. And if you are looking for a cozy, comfy, peaceful stay away from the noisy, glittery celebrations, we have something for you. A staycation will be the best pick for you, a vacation far away from all the chaos which is rightly referred to a homestay. Check out this curated list of affordable places from all over India, for an NYE stay- The Khyber Himalayan resort & spa, Gulmarg (Kashmir) The first spot is right in the valley of Kashmir, that feels like a stay in heaven. Breathtaking views, luxurious feel, and the mountain hospitality exactly what you need. Amidst all the snow and cold winter vibes, have a warm stay at this resort. It is Indias only luxury ski-resort situated at an altitude of 8,825 ft. You can experience the best of winters and have an unforgettable time with fine dining, wellness and experiential celebrations. The star attractions include the all seasonal pool which is temperature controlled and the dining experiences at Clove, Brava, Nouf, the pop up restaurant Niku, the intimate atmosphere at Calabash and the Chai ki Chuski at Chaikash. Slow Garden, Leh (Ladakh) The lush boutique property has a vintage charm with a history of 50 years. As the name, this lovely retreat steps you into a slow life in the Himalayan air and fruit orchards. You will witness the blend of modern comfort with the Ladakhi tradition. Though you wont be able to enjoy apples and apricots this time of the year, yet it would be a blissful stay here. The place offers a cozy community room, three clusters of stay- Duplex, Annexe and the main villa and meals with the culinary delight of local meals and flavors. You have an easy access to the local market, heritage walk, monasteries and the Central Asian museum. Infinity sky Glamps, Manali (Himachal Pradesh) A New years eve in Manali is the best treat. Still, to avoid the flock of visitors and enjoy your stay, this place is just for you. It is the first glass igloo in Manali and the most popular too. There is a private open air Jacuzzi where you can enjoy spectacular views of the place, fireplace with gazebo and hammock with tree deck. There is a variety of cuisines available, plus it can be customized. A friendly accommodation amidst nature right in the lap of Himalayas, just a few kms away from Hidimba Devi temple. Wildflower hall, Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) If you want to experience snowfall this New Year, the Oberoi hotels have got the best hospitality in town. The Wildflower hall is located at an altitude of 2,515 m the place was the residence of Lord Kitchener, the commander in chief of the British army. It feels like a grand stately home, offering a welcoming lounge, luxurious accommodation, snooker and billiards room, indoor and al fresco dining, personalized spa experience, outdoor sports and a spacious book stacked library. The Wildflower hall is known to be the best resort in Shimla. Gadeni Stays, Naukuchiatal (Uttarakhand) Waking up in mountains, gazing at a serene sunrise is what everyone yearns for. The one of a kind, A- frame cottage and the Cuckoo cabin is worth a try. The location of the place allows you an easy reach to nearby attraction and outdoor activities like paragliding, hiking and boating, basically to explore everything. It is situated near the Naukuchiatal lake, near to Nainital, Bhimtal and Haldwani. Do not miss the outdoor barbeque grill. Aura life, Chandigarh (Punjab) Aura life is a contemporary villa spread in 3 acres of farm 25 minutes from Chandigarh in the quiet land of Punjab. It offers spacious bedrooms, private pool, lush garden, living space and a resting vibe. You can opt for pottery session, enjoy the farm outside, get to know the herbs and just feel one with the nature. Wildernest Nature resort, Chorla Ghats (Goa) Looking for something serene and simply eco, then visit the Wildernest Nature resort. And guess what, it is so naturally aesthetic and promotes eco- tourism. The resort spread over 5 acres has 18 cottages, an ayurvedic rejuvenation center, an ionized infinity pool that uses minimal chlorine. Plus, it offers the best local cuisine. The resort has protected forests of the region and has helped in tackling poaching. You feel close to nature, observing the happenings around. The activities you will love to are Foot trails in the North Western Ghats of India, climbing the Machans, Pottery and Art studio, drive to off the road destinations, and a chance encounter with other species of nature. Saffronstays Kairos Zeus, Karjat (Mahrashtra) For an enhanced holiday experience, this Greek Villa is the perfect spot. It stays untouched, comforting and brings the warmth of the home. The villa has luxurious private spaces, local delicacies and the major attraction is the Greek style pool villa. It is located near Camp max, which has accommodation with a private pool. Saffronstays is known to be the hidden gem close to the concrete jungles with picturesque visuals to capture. Ayatana resort, Coorg (Karnataka) For all the luxury and serenity, you got to visit the Ayatana resort. Located in the hill station of Coorg, the resort reconnects you to nature. It offers the Standard cottage, Suite cottage and Presidential suite. Those who are looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush, you have an access to trekking, ziplining, rope course, off road safari and much more. With its unique design and architecture, the place is the exclusive deal for a celebratory holiday. Gratitude heritage, Pondicherry Get into the Franco-tamil spirit of Pondicherry, witness the most of the seaside town at the Gratitude heritage. Strictly addressed as homestay, the place is a Category 11 heritage building which has been restored. It is assumed to be 200 years old, but has been restored just three years back. The place just embraces you with the joy and comfort of a real home. It is comforting and healing at the same time. The raw and authentic architecture is all the same till today. Zostel, Varkala (Kerala) The sea facing luxurious A-frame cabin with private plunge pool is worth the hype. Zostel, Varkala is surrounded by coconut trees on its sides and is facing the Arabian sea. The rooftop with patio loungers and space to do your work, rooms and balconies, a veranda offer splendid views. You can try surfing, visit Ponumthuru island, black beach, Kappil beach, Jatayu Earths center, Kollam and Kovalam. With this, we wrap our section of the staycations that feel more like homes. If you have that laid-back vibe this New Year, then pack your bags and simply go for a stay here. And you have a long list ready, choose any of these places from different parts of India, and you wont be left disappointed.

Drop plans for nuclear power plant in Kerala, says fishers union

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty have been holding discussions with Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs for setting up the plant, possibly on the Kollam-Alappuzha coast, says Matsya Thozhilali Aikya Vedhi

Collector to inaugurate renovated Childrens Library at Kollam

Kollam district to revise off-site plan for chemical emergencies

Plan is being updated to include more detailed information about chemicals used in industries and those transported through roads and railways within the district

102 people arrested in special drive against drug trafficking

A total of 98 cases have been registered across various police stations in Kollam

MoU signed to establish oceanarium and marine biological museum in Kollam

SCR to run Sabarimala special train services from Dec.19

Hyderabad: The South Central Railway (SCR) is running Sabarimala special trains covering several important pilgrimage destinations enroute from December 19 to January 24. These trains are planned for the benefit of Ayyappa devotees visiting the Sabarimala shrine from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The devotees travelling by these special trains can conveniently plan to visit enroute pilgrimage centres of important temples in Kerala. The temples included in the circuit are the Sastha temples at Pandalam, Kulathupuzha, Aryankavu, Achankovil and Erumeli. Other famous temples covering enroute stations are Golden Temple at Vellore, Annamalaiyar Temple at Tiruvannamalai, Ranganatha Swamy Temple at Srirangam, Mariamman Temple at Samayapuram (Tiruchirappalli), Meenakshi Amman Temple at Madurai, Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple at, Thiruparankundram (Madurai), Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple at Palani (Dindigul), Andal Temple at Srivilliputhur (Virudhu Nagar) and Sri Krishna Temple at Punalur etc. Train No. 07175 / 07176 Secunderabad - Kollam - Secunderabad specials (four services): These Special trains will stop at Moula-Ali, Cherlapalli, Nalgonda, Miryalaguda, Nadikude, Piduguralla, Sattenapalli, Guntur, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Katpadi, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Vriddhachalam, Ariyalur, Srirangam, Tiruchchirappalli, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudunagar, Tenkasi, Sengottai and Punalur stations in both the directions. Train No. 07173 / 07174 Kakinada Port Kollam Kakinada Port specials (six services): Enroute, these special trains will stop at Kakinada Town, Samalkot, Rajahmundry, Nidadavolu, Tanuku, Bhimavaram Town, Akividu, Kaikaluru, Gudivada, Vijayawada, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Tirupati, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations in both the directions. Train No. 07177 Vijayawada Kollam Special (three services): These special trains will stop at Guntur, Narasaraopet, Donakonda, Markapur Rd, Giddalur, Diguvametta, Nandyal, Koilakuntla, Jammalamadugu, Proddatur, Yerraguntla, Kadapa, Rajampet, Renigunta, Tirupati, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations. Train No. 07178 Kollam Kakinada Town Special (three services): These special trains will stop at Kayankulam, Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Kottayam, Ettumanur, Ernakulam, Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, Podanur, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Chittoor, Tirupati, Renigunta, Rajampet, Kadapa, Yerraguntla, Proddatur, Jammalamadugu, Koilakuntla, Nandyal, Diguvametta, Giddalur, Markapur Rd, Donakonda, Narasaraopet, Guntur, Vijayawada, Eluru, Tadepalligudem, Rajahmundry and Samalkot stations. Train No. 07175 / 07176 Secunderabad - Kollam - Secunderabad Specials (six services): These special trains will stop at Moula-Ali, Cherlapalli, Nalgonda, Miryalaguda, Nadikude, Piduguralla, Sattenapalli, Guntur, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Katpadi, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Vriddhachalam, Ariyalur, Srirangam, Tiruchchirappalli, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudunagar, Sivakasi, Rajapalaiyam, Tenkasi, Sengottai and Punalur stations in both the directions. Train No. 07179 Kakinada Town Kollam Special (two services): These special trains will stop at Samalkot, Rajahmundry, Tadepalligudem, Eluru, Vijayawada, New Guntur, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Tirupati, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva and Ernakulam Town, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations. Train No. 07180 Kollam Guntur Special (two services): These special trains will stop at Kayankulam, Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Kottayam, Ettumanur, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, Podanur, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Chittoor, Tirupati, Renigunta, Guntur, Nellore, Ongole, Chirala and Tenali stations. Train No. 07181 Guntur Kollam Special (three services): These special trains will stop at Narasaraopet, Donakonda, Markapur Rd, Giddalur, Diguvametta, Nandyal, Bethamcherla, Dhone, Gooty, Anantapur, Dharmavaram, Kadiri, Madanapalle, Piler, Pakala, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations. Train No. 07182 Kollam Kakinada Town Special (one service): These special trains will stop at Kayankulam, Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Kottayam, Ettumanur, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, Podanur, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Chittoor, Pakala, Piler, Madanapalle, Kadiri, Dharmavaram, Anantapur, Gooty, Dhone, Bethamcherla, Nandyal, Diguvametta, Giddalur, Markapur Rd, Donakonda, Narasaraopet, Guntur, Vijayawada, Eluru, Tadepalligudem, Rajahmundry and Samalkot stations. Train No. 07185 Kollam Guntur Special (two services): These Special trains will stop at Kayankulam, Chengannur, Tiruvalla, Kottayam, Ettumanur, Ernakulam Town, Aluva, Thrissur, Palakkad, Podanur, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem, Jolarpettai, Katpadi, Chittoor, Pakala, Piler, Madanapalle, Kadiri, Dharmavaram, Anantapur, Gooty, Dhone, Bethamcherla, Nandyal, Diguvametta, Giddalur, Markapur Rd, Donakonda and Narasaraopet, stations. Train No. 07183/07184 Narsapur Kollam - Narsapur Special (Four services): These special trains will stop at Palakollu, Bhimavaram Jn, Bhimavaram Town, Akividu, Kaikaluru, Gudivada, Vijayawada, Guntur, Narasaraopet, Markapur Rd, Giddalur, Diguvametta, Nandyal, Koilakuntla, Jammalamadugu, Proddatur, Yerraguntla, Kadapa, Rajampet, Renigunta, Tirupati, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations in both the directions. These special trains consist of first AC, 2AC, 3AC, sleeper class and general second-class coaches.

S. Sudevan re-elected CPI(M) Kollam district secretary

Party district conference elects 44-member district committee with four new comers. Conference passes resolutions demanding commencement of import and export at the Kollam port and effective measures to prevent human-wildlife conflict

Kollam Corporation to allocate land for IT facility

For the Technopark third phase to Kollam IT Corridor extension, a facility covering an area of 5,00,000 sq ft will be set up in Kollam

Orange alert issued for rains in four Kerala districts

Thiruvananthapuram: Several parts of Kerala are expected to receive heavy rainfall on Thursday with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert in four districts of the state for the day. The IMD sounded the orange alert in Kollam, Ernakulam, Idukki and Thrissur districts. The weather department also issued a yellow alert in eight districts of the state for the day. An orange alert means very heavy rain (6 cm to 20 cm). A yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 and 11 cm. The IMD further said that there was a possibility of light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms in some parts of the state in the next five days. Besides that, there was a possibility of very heavy rainfall in some parts of the state on Thursday, it said.

Kerala IMD weather update: Heavy rains prompt orange alert in 4 regions

Kerala braces for heavy downpours on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Kollam, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur, predicting very heavy rainfall (6-20 cm). Eight other districts are under a yellow alert, anticipating heavy rainfall (6-11 cm). Light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms is also expected across the state over the next five days.

Victory for UDF in Kerala Local Body By-Poll, Set Back for LDF

Thiruvananthapuram: The ruling LDF in Kerala suffered a setback in the local body by-elections held in 31 local body wards across the state. The UDF won in 17, the LDF in 11, and the BJP in three wards. The LDF is set to lose its rule in three panchayats which the UDF has wrested. The LDF will lose power in the following panchayats; Thachanpara in Palakkad, Nattikka in Thrissur, and Karimannoor in Idukki district. Kerala PCC president K Sudhakaran said the results reflected the people's anger against the government at the grassroots level. There is widespread discontentment against the LDF misrule in the state. People are at the receiving end and their anger is reflected in the local body election by-poll results, he said. Sudhakaran pointed out that in the by-elections held in 31 local self-government wards in the state, the UDF wrested nine wards from the LDF and won 17 seats. The LDF leadership, however, maintained that the byelections were held on local issues. They said the victory in the recent Chelakkara assembly by-poll indicated there was no anti-incumbency against the government. The LDF leaders said the ruling front wrested sitting seats of UDF in Kollam, Thevalakkara, Naduvilakkara and Kallada panchayat. Many in the LDF believe that the defeat in the polls is a timely wake-up call for the ruling front to put their house in order as the local body polls in Kerala are scheduled to be held next year.

Two arrested for theft at Union Minister Suresh Gopi's family home at Kollam in Kerala

Alleged theft took place recently while Suresh Gopi's family members were away, say police

CPI(M) district conference begins in Kollam

SCR to run additional services for Sabarimala pilgrims

Hyderabad: The South Central Railway (SCR) will run additional services between various destinations for Sabarimala pilgrims in order to clear extra rush. Train No. 07173/07174 Kakinada Port - Kollam - Kakinada Port Specials (6 services): Enroute, these special trains will stop at Kakinada Town, Samalkot, Rajahmundry, Nidadavolu, Tanuku, Bhimavaram Town, Akividu, Kaikaluru, Gudivada, Vijayawada, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Tirupati, Chittoor, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Podanur. Palakkad, Thrisur, Aluva, Ernakulam, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations in both directions. Train No. 07175/07176 Secunderabad - Kollam - Secunderabad Specials (4 services): These Special trains will stop at Moula-Ali, Cherlapalli, Nalgonda, Miryalaguda, Nadikude, Piduguralla, Sattenapalli, Guntur, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Katpadi, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Vriddhachalam, Ariyalur, Srirangam, Tiruchchirappalli, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudunagar, Tenkasi, Sengottai and Punalur stations in both the directions. These special trains consist of 2AC, 3AC, sleeper class and general second-class coaches. Elimination of stoppage at Coimbatore: Train No. 07151 Kacheguda Kottayam Sabarimala Special will not stop at Coimbatore on 2, 9, 16 and 23 January 2025 due to operational reasons. Train No. 07133 Kacheguda - Kottayam Sabarimala Special will not stop at Coimbatore on 12, 19 and 26 December 2024 due to operational reasons.

Kollam district panchayat launches food kit distribution for cancer-affected senior citizens

Three persons duped of 3 crore in Kollam in cyber fraud

Three individuals were cheated out of 3 crore. The victims were from Kottiyam, Kollam West, and Anchalumoodu

Kollam district administration to conduct inspections to ensure safety of Sabarimala pilgrims

Earlier, a bus carrying Sabarimala pilgrims had collided with a lorry and plunged into a gorge at Aryankavu, killing one and injuring around 20

Hyderabad: SCR to run trains from Moula Ali, Kacheguda to ease Sabrimala rush

Hyderabad: The South Central Railway (SCR) on Thursday announced it would operate 28 special trains from Kacheguda and Moula Ali to ease the rush of Sabarimala pilgrims. Six of the special trains will be operated from Hyderabad. As per the SCR, Moula Ali-Kollam (07193) will run on December 11, 18 and 25, Kollam-Moula Ali (07194) 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 .

Woman Burnt Alive After Husband Sets Vehicle On Fire, Probe Underway: Cops

In a shocking incident that unfolded at Chemmamukku in Kollam, a 44-year-old woman died after her 60-year-old husband allegedly set on fire to the vehicle in which she was travelling in, along with a man, Kerala Police said.

Bus Carrying Sabarimala Pilgrims Crashes Into Lorry, One Dead and 18 Injured in Kerala's Kollam

KOLLAM: A tragic accident took place early Wednesday morning (December 4, 2024) in Aryankavu, Kollam, Kerala, when a bus carrying pilgrims returning from Sabarimala collided with a lorry and fell into a gorge. One person was killed, and 18 others were injured, with three in critical condition. The deceased has been identified as Dhanapal, a resident of Salem, Tamil Nadu. The bus, which was en route from Salem after a pilgrimage to Sabarimala, plunged about 100 meters into a gorge beside a dried-up riverbed. There were 30 passengers aboard the bus, and the injured were rushed to Punalur Taluk Hospital, with some being sent to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital for further treatment. According to reports, the accident occurred when a cement lorry approached from the wrong side and crashed into the bus around 3:45 am. Locals rushed to the scene and assisted in the rescue efforts. This area has been prone to accidents, with three similar incidents reported in the past three months. We have requested the authorities to station an ambulance here due to the frequency of these accidents, said Suja Thomas, President of Aryankavu Panchayat. The rise in accidents along the routes leading to Sabarimala has raised serious concerns for the transport department and KSRTC, which operates most of the services. The narrow roads, lack of signals, and absence of safety boards are some of the challenges contributing to the incidents. We are working to ensure the safety of pilgrims and have implemented several measures to improve security, said S. Sreejith, the state transport commissioner. In light of the growing concern, the transport department is set to hold a meeting today to discuss urgent safety measures to prevent further accidents. Five MBBS Students Dead in Alappuzha Car Crash Tragic Bus Accident in Maharashtra's Gondia District Claims Nine Lives, 25 Injured

Bus carrying Sabarimala pilgrims hits lorry, plunges into gorge in Keralas Kollam; one killed and 20 injured

Condition of three injured pilgrims is reported to be critical

Woman burnt alive by husband in Kollam

Kerala: CPM leader joins BJP in Alappuzha

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : CPM leader Bipin C Babu, who is also a district panchayat member, has resigned from the CPM and joined the BJP in Alappuzha. Bibin received his BJP membership from the national general secretary, Tarun Chugh, in the presence of state leaders at a meeting in Thiruvananthapuram. Alappuzha CPM district secretary R Nasser stated that Bibin's decision to join the BJP was not due to factionalism within the party. He switched allegiances because of the party's disciplinary action following a complaint filed by his wife. Nasser remarked that it was ironic for Bibin, who had alleged the collapse of secularism in the CPM, to embrace the RSS ideology. In the meantime, the CPM dissolved its area committee in Karunagapally, Kollam district, due to severe factionalism in the local unit. CPM state secretary M V Govindan hurried to Kollam to address the crisis. An interim area committee was established to manage the party affairs. Rebel members marched with placards bearing 'save CPM' slogans on Friday. Govindan met with district leaders to resolve the issue. Such anti-party activities will not be tolerated. Strict action will be taken against those who have breached party discipline, he told mediapersons. Factionalism in Palakkad Rebels inaugurated a parallel office in Kozhinjampara, Palakkad district, on Saturday. The dissenting CPM leaders announced that the EMS Memorial office would serve to address public grievances. Discontented CPM activists had organized a convention last month, which was attended by over 100 people. The gathering protested the appointment of a former Congress leader as the party's local secretary. Kozhinjampara panchayat president M Satheesh, who spearheaded the protest, criticized the district secretary for his arrogance and dictatorial behavior, which they found intolerable.

Fund for Kollam court complex will be allotted without delay: Minister

Foundation stone laying ceremony of Kollam court complex held

Centre approves two tourism projects in Kerala

Centre sanctions the 59.71-crore Kollam Biodiversity and Recreational Hub project and the 95.34-crore Sargalaya Global Gateway to Malabar Cultural Crucible project

SCR to run special trains to Sabarimala for Ayyappa Deeksha

Hyderabad: In view of Ayyappa Deeksha, the South Central Railway (SCR) will operate special trains to Sabarimala to help the devotees with better connectivity. The special trains will run between December 1 to December across various regions including Kacheguda, Nampally, Moula Ali, and Kollam. Following is the list of special trains and their routes: Train 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 .

SCR to runs Sabarimala special trains from Dec. 1 to 9

Hyderabad: The South Central Railway (SCR) to run Sabarimala special trains from Kacheguda, Nampally, Moula Ali and Kollam from December 1 to 9. Train No. 07131/07132 Kacheguda Kottayam - Kacheguda Specials: These special trains will stop at Malkajgiri, Cherlapalli, Nalgonda, Miryalaguda, Nadikude, Piduguralla, Sattenapalli, Guntur, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Thrisur, Aluva, Ernakulam and Ettumanur stations in both the directions. Train No. 07137/07138 Hyderabad Kottayam - Secunderabad Specials: These Special trains will stop at Secunderabad, Moula Ali, Cherlapalli, Nalgonda, Miryalaguda, Nadikude, Piduguralla, Sattenapalli, Guntur, Tenali, Chirala, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Thrisur, Aluva and Ernakulam stations in both the directions. Train No. 07141/07142 Moula Ali Kollam - Moula Ali Specials: Enroute these special trains will stop at Secunderabad, Begampet, Lingampalli, Vikarabad, Tandur, Seram, Yadgir, Krishna, Raichur, Mantralayam, Adoni, Guntakal, Gooty, Yerraguntla, Kadapa, Razampet, Renigunta, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Podanur, Palakkad, Thrisur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Kottayam, Chenganacheri, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations in both the directions. These special trains consist of first AC, 2AC, 3AC, sleeper class and general second class coaches, according to a press release.

Kollam District School Arts Festival inaugurated

Little KITEs sub-district camps begin in Kollam on November 23

Out of 17,789 members in 183 Little KITEs units across the district, 1,216 students selected from school-level camps will participate in the sub-district camps

Srikakulam-Kollam special train to be run from December 1 for the convenience of Ayyappa devotees

The services of Visakhapatnam-Kollam special also extended till February 26

Review meeting on Kollam-Theni NH development held

Kerala CM asks MPs to raise their voice in Parliament against lack of Central aid for Wayanad

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan (Photo: PTI) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan (Photo: PTI) Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday lashed out at the BJP-led Central government for repeatedly delaying financial assistance to the landslide-ravaged Mundakkai and Chooralmala regions of Wayanad district. Addressing the pre-parliamentary conference of MPs from Kerala, along with his Cabinet colleagues here, Vijayan requested the members to raise their voice in Parliament against the Centre for delaying funds for the state. He said that despite repeated requests and the submission of demands in the required format, the Centre has not yet declared the disaster as one of severe nature, thus preventing the state from seeking international assistance and also from accessing the Centre's disaster relief pool. Vijayan said that declaring the Wayanad tragedy a disaster of severe nature would have provided a legal basis for the banks to write off the loans of those affected by the disaster. He said the Kerala government had submitted its demand in the required format within 100 days of the disaster, but the state had received no aid. The Kerala government submitted a memorandum, detailing the losses incurred in the disaster and the demand for financial assistance under the terms of the National Disaster Relief Fund, which Kerala was legitimately entitled to raise, to the Central Government on August 17. We requested an initial aid of Rs 1,202 crore, outlining the expected expenses and possible over-expenditures, the CM said. He added that even after 100 days following the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, three months after submitting the memorandum, and the visit of the Central team, Kerala had still not received any assistance. The Centre has given financial aid to many states even without them requesting it. Kerala has not received a single penny as special financial aid, the CM said. He also urged the MPs from Kerala to come forward to help, suggesting that each of them could allocate Rs 25 lakh from their MP funds, as Kerala has declared the disaster a 'calamity of severe nature.' Speaking to the media after the conference, UDF MP N K Premachandran said the Central government had been clinging to technicalities and delaying aid to the victims of the disaster. We are going to work beyond our political differences and will raise the demands in the interest of the state, both in Parliament and outside, Premachandran said. He said the chief minister had clearly presented the status of the case to the MPs, and they are also of the opinion that the Central government has shown gross injustice to the state by not providing financial aid, even after four months since the disaster. The Kollam MP added that every member present at the conference raised their voices unanimously against the Centre's neglect of the state's demands. He also mentioned that the conference discussed various developmental issues and the problems faced by MPs in carrying out developmental activities in their constituencies. Overall, it was a productive discussion, and we have agreed to work together on many such issues, Premachandran said. Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan, who is a member of the ministerial team that coordinated the rescue and rehabilitation efforts in Wayanad, said that the Kerala government had submitted the demands on time and that the allegations from the BJP, claiming the financial aid was delayed because the state delayed the submission of the Post Disaster Need Assessment (PDNA), are far from the truth. There was no such precedent in any disaster. The demand for a PDNA was raised only on August 13 and it took us time to prepare it. This was an unprecedented requirement. But we had given all the required memorandums soon after the disaster, Rajan said. He said that under the current law, Kerala cannot exclusively use the entire amount in the SDRF for landslide rehabilitation. As per the law, what is mandated as relief for a disaster under the SDRF is not sufficient for landslide relief. If the Central government orders that we can set aside the current rules and consider the entire amount in the SDRF as an advance for rehabilitation in Wayanad, the state government can proceed with that, Rajan said. He explained that the SDRF is used for compensation and relief for all disasters, regardless of their scale. The minister said all the MPs who participated in the conference have agreed to the demands of Kerala and have decided to raise their voices in the interest of the people of Mundakkai and Chooralmala.

Kollam Corporation readies projects to promote Ashtamudi backwater tourism

A musical fountain on Link Road and a floating garden are on the anvil. Water sports, including jet skiing, will be introduced. An area of focus will be restoring native vegetation and degraded ecosystems

Kerala chosen as best marine State in Union Fisheries Ministrys awards, Kollam best marine district

The State has been selected for the award considering its comprehensive interventions in the fisheries sector. Keralas record in increase in marine fish production, unique schemes for fisherfolk and fisheries sector development, transparent and timely implementation of Centrally initiated schemes were some of the factors considered for the award.

Vizhinjam-Kollam-Punalur Industrial and Economic Growth Triangle envisages a port-based, smart industrial ecosystem, says State government

The 51st board meeting of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) gives in-principle nod for the land acquisition scheme for the initiative

India's First 24x7 Online Court To Open In Kerala's Kollam Tomorrow

Court fees will be processed through secure e-payment systems, simplifying financial transactions for all parties involved.

Indian couple found dead at home in Saudi Arabia

A couple hailing from Kadakkal in Kollam were recently found dead in their house in Unaizah in the Al-Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia. The deceased have been identified as 40-year-old Sharath and his wife 32-year-old Preethi. Sharath, who had been working as an electrician and plumber in Unayzah for a long time, brought Preethi to the 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 .

SCR to run 8 Sabarimala Special Trains

In order to clear extra rush of Sabarimala pilgrims, SCR to run 08 Sabarimala special trains between various destinations. 1.Train No. 07143 / 07144 Moula Ali Kollam Moula Ali Specials (04 services): These Special trains will stop at Cherlapalli, Bhongir, Jangaon, Kazipet, Warangal, Mahbubabad, Dornakal, Khammam, Vijayawada, Tenali, Bapatla, Chirala, ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Thrisur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Chenganacheri, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations in both the directions. 2.Train No. 07145 / 07146 Machilipatnam Kollam Machilipatnam Specials (04 services): These Special trains will stop at Pedana, Gudivada, Vijayawada, New Guntur, Tenali, Bapatla, Chirala, ongole, Singarayakonda, Kavali, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Thrisur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Ettumanur, Kottayam, Chenganacheri, Tiruvalla, Chengannur and Kayankulam stations in both the directions.

Sabarimala special train on Chennai-Kollam route

South Central Railway To Run 26 Sabarimala Special Trains

Hyderabad: In order to clear extra rush, South Central Railway (SCR) will run 26 Sabarimala special trains between various destinations. Here is the list of trains: Kacheguda Kottayam (07131) will run on November 17 and 24 Kottayam Kacheguda (07132) will run on November 18 and 25 Kacheguda Kottayam (07133) will run on November 14, 21 and 28 Kottayam Kacheguda ((07134) will run on November 15, 22 and 29 Hyderabad - Kottayam (07135) will run on November 19 and 26 Kottayam Hyderabad (07136) will run on November 20 and 27 Hyderabad Kottayam (07137) will run on November 15, 22 and 29 Kottayam Secunderabad (07138) will run on November 16, 23 and 30 Nanded Kollam (07139) will run on November 16 Kollam - Secunderabad (07140) will run on November 18 Moula Ali Kollam (07141) will run on November 23 and 30 Kollam - Moula Ali (07142) will run on November 25 and December 2

Alert against hepatitis A in Kollam

Womens Commission sitting held in Kollam

Kollams first Keralagro outlet inaugurated

Agricultural products reach Keralagro stores with FSSAI certification and currently over 3,000 value-added products are being manufactured through 10,76 Krishibhavans in the State

Kerala Lottery Results Today November 13 Live: Fifty Fifty-FF-117 winners DECLARED; Rs 1 crore first prize goes to...

The Rs 1 crore jackpot ticket was sold in Kollam by agent Saleem N (Agency No.: Q 3547).

Complaint Filed Against Suspended IAS Officer over Mallu Hindu Officers WhatsApp Group

Thiruvananthapuram: A day after the suspension of Industries Director K Gopalakrishnan by the Kerala government for creating a Mallu Hindu Officers WhatsApp group, a complaint has been lodged with the DGP to register a case against the IAS officer for allegedly attempting to incite communal disharmony through his actions. Although the government has suspended him, there has been no initiative to file a case against Gopalakrishnan for further investigation into his controversial actions. Kollam DCC general secretary Faizal Kulapadam who filed the complaint with the DGP, cited the observations of the chief secretary and findings in the order issued by the government. As per the order, the WhatsApp group created by Gopalakrishnan was intended to foment division, sow disunity and break the solidarity within the cadres of the All India Service in the State. It was also prima facie found to be creating communal formations and alignments within the cadres of the All India Services in the state. The order of suspension issued by Chief secretary Sarada Muraleedharan stated that as per the probe report of Thiruvananthapuram city police commission, there was no evidence to indicate that the devise was hacked as claimed by Gopalakrishnan. The officer had himself repeated factory reset the mobile phone before submitting for forensic examination. The order further stated that the officer's action was violative of the relevant rules of All India Service Conduct Rules , 1968 and he was suspended in compliance with All India Service (discipline and Appeal ) rules 1969. The police had earlier said that a suo motu case could not be registered against IAS officer K Gopalakrishnan in connection with the Mallu Hindu WhatsApp group controversy. The police had earlier informed that legal action is likely to be taken only if any officer belonging to the group approaches them with a complaint. The investigation was subsequently conducted on the complaint of Gopalakrishnan. Gopalakrishnan created the group consisting only of members of the Hindu community, including top officials of the service. Gopalakrishnan's explanation was that the phone was hacked and added to 11 WhatsApp groups.

Action plan in place to keep Kollam civil station clean

Suggestions for carrying out waste disposal in a scientific manner were presented at a meeting in the collectorate

Jailed Accused Pleads To Keep His Hair For Tamil Movie Role, Kerala Court Accepts

Jyothi allegedly grew out his hair for a role in a Tamil film. He was arrested by the Kollam Railway Police following a complaint from a woman accusing him of sexual assault during a train journey

Kollam Collectorate blast: Kerala court sentences three to life term

Five persons were accused in the case and the fourth accused, Shamsuddin, was acquitted by court due to insufficient evidence

Kollam Duo Arrested For Honeytrapping 63-Year-Old Kerala Trader, Extorted Rs 2.5 Crore In 2 Years

The situation escalated when the young woman initiated a video call. Then, along with her partner, she extorted him by threatening to share the screen recordings publicly

Entregar Solutions opens office in Technopark Kollam

Entregar Solutions provides end-to-end mortgage processing that assists loan originators and mortgage lenders in streamlining their business processes

3 Accused Found Guilty, 1 Acquitted In 2016 Kollam Collectorate Blast Case

The Kollam Principal District and Sessions Court on Monday found the first three accused guilty in the 2016 Kollam Collectorate blast case while the fourth accused was acquitted in a verdict delivered by the court eight years after the blast.

Kerala court convicts three in 2016 Kollam Collectorate blast case

Principal Sessions Court in Kollam to pronounce quantum of punishment on November 5. Fourth accused in the case acquitted

227 establishments in Kollam Corporation declared garbage-free

Green certification was given to 52 schools, eight colleges and 1,000 neighbourhood groups

In-principle approval for CGHS Wellness Centre in Kollam

Kollam revenue district science fair gets under way

Science, mathematics, social science, work experience and IT fairs along with vocational expo are being held

Vartalap media workshop held in Kollam

Youth stabbed to death in Keralas Kollam

A gang had reportedly attacked his brother Nabeel and friend Anas on Sunday evening. Navas was stabbed when he tried to question that

Livestock census begins in Kollam

Around 299 Pashu Sakhis, Kudumbashree members who have been working for the schemes of Animal Husbandry department, are the enumerators

Heavy Rainfall and Cyclone Impact Cause Disruption in Kerala and Odisha

Heavy rainfall affected several regions across Kerala on Friday, resulting in waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and significant inconvenience. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for five districts in the state, with a warning for thunderstorms. Simultaneously, Cyclone Dana made landfall in Odisha, gradually weakening after impacting the eastern coastal regions. IMD Issues Orange Alert The IMD uses a color-coded alert system to indicate the severity of weather conditions. An orange alert signifies that residents should be prepared for severe weather conditions, with expected rainfall ranging from 64.5 mm to 204.4 mm in a single day. It often indicates widespread high-intensity rainfall, raising the risk of waterlogging and localized flooding. Residents in affected areas are urged to be cautious, limit travel, and follow local authority advisories to stay safe. Kerala on High Alert for Heavy Rainfall In Kerala, the IMDs orange alert applies to Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur. Heavy rains may lead to flash floods, landslides, and hazardous conditions. Additionally, a yellow alert, signifying rainfall between 6 and 11 cm, is in effect for seven other districts. IMD forecasts for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam anticipate thunderstorms with intense rainfall and gusty winds, with Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha also expecting moderate rainfall with strong winds. Cyclone Dana Weakens After Odisha Landfall Cyclone Dana made landfall on Thursday night between Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara and Dhamra in Bhadrak, Odisha. Initially classified as a severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds reaching 110 km/h, it has since weakened to a cyclonic storm. Odisha, West Bengal, and other nearby coastal areas experienced significant storm impacts. Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi shared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were briefed on Odishas preparedness before the cyclone hit. The Congress party has called on the central government to provide full support for affected states, urging immediate deployment of emergency response efforts for public safety. Following the landfall, Cyclone Dana was approximately 50 km north-northwest of Dhamra and 30 km northeast of Bhadrak. IMD reports predict that it will continue moving northwest, weakening further into a deep depression within the next six hours. The Doppler weather radar at Paradip is closely monitoring the cyclones progress and intensity. West Bengal: One Dead in Cyclone Dana; Over 2-Lakh Evacuated, Says Mamata Banerjee Bhubaneswar and Kolkata Airports Resume Flight Operations After Cyclone Dana's Impact Cyclone Dana: Odisha Begins Restoration and Relief Efforts in Bhadrak

Kerala braces for widespread rain on October 26; yellow alert for eight districts

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared a yellow alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts.

Rainfall to continue, eight districts on yellow alert on Saturday

Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha are likely to experience isolated heavy rainfall on Sunday as well

Kollam farmer forays into cultivation of superfood black rice variety from Manipur

Chak Hao, with high nutritional value and potential health benefits due to the presence of antioxidants and fiber, grows nearly six feet high, requires moderately dry soil and the yield is low compared to regular varieties

Heavy rains lash Kerala; IMD sounds orange alert in five districts

Thiruvananthapuram: Heavy rains lashed several parts of Kerala on Friday disrupting normal life by causing waterlogging of roads and traffic jams, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) sounding an orange alert in five districts of the state. The IMD issued an orange alert for the day in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki and Thrissur districts. It also issued a yellow alert in seven other districts of the state. An orange alert means very heavy rain (6 cm to 20 cm). A yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 and 11 cm. The IMD also predicted thunderstorms with heavy rainfall and gusty winds at one or two places in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts. It also predicted thunderstorms with moderate rainfall and gusty winds in some parts of Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts.

Special trains between Hubballi and Kollam

O.R. Kelu inaugurates Special Component Plans for SC community in Kollam

State government schemes for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes aim to provide training, jobs, and financial assistance for empowerment.

Qatar: 5-year-old Indian expat boy dies after being hit by car

Doha: A 5-year-old Indian expatriate boy recently died after being hit by a car while crossing a road near his residence in Barwa Madinatna, Qatar. The deceased has been identified as Adit Ranju Krishnan Pillai, a native of Sooranad in Kollam district, Kerala. He was a KG student at the Podar Pearl School. According to 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 .