Thiruvananthapuram: Place names in SoIs maps get a Bhasha Institute reality check

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Have you been to Vilinam, Chirayinkal, Malayinkal, or Kattakkal in the capital district? These are among the more than 3,000 place names in Thiruvananthapuram documented erroneously as part of the Survey of Indias toponymy mandate. These entries are now being corrected, thanks to the efforts of the Kerala Bhasha Institute, which has been tasked with proofreading and rectifying errors in SoIs mapping of Thiruvananthapuram and other districts. Most names required corrections, historian Vellanad Ramachandran said. Many places were wrongly spelt, while old British versions were retained for some. Vizhinjam was listed as Vilinam, Chirayinkeezhu as Chirayinkal, Malayinkeezhu as Malayinkal, and Kattakada as Kattakkal, according to Ramachandran, who has been assigned by the Bhasha Institute to cross-verify names recorded in English. As many as six taluks in the district Thiruvananthapuram, Nedumangad, Chirayinkeezhu, Kattakada, Neyyattinkara and Varkala were documented. Inaccuracies in mapping arose, as survey officials, most of whom were from outside the state, documented the places using British-era names or by misspelling them. While Malayinkal, Chirayinkal and Kattakkal were British-era names Nedumanangad, Vellaarada and Vilinam were spelling errors due to limited knowledge of the region, he said. The Bhasha Institute took on the job of correcting names after being approached by central government authorities through the state government. Its a project managed by the Survey of India. We were entrusted with proofreading. Given our workload with other programmes, we delegated the work to Ramachandran who is an expert in Nedumangads history, said M Sathyan, director, Bhasha Institute. Ramachandran pointed out that Malabar-based staff members of the institute too struggled to identify and verify locations in Thiruvananthapuram. Place names carry immense historical and cultural significance. Malayalam is a language that has evolved over the years. Identifying the names of places in Thiruvananthapuram requires proficiency in Tamil, given the regions shared history. Not everybody is proficient in it, added Ramachandran. According to another official at the Bhasha Institute, the corrections are being guided by directives issued through circulars to ensure accuracy. As the survey progresses, other districts will be covered, with Thiruvananthapuram being the only one completed so far. SoIs toponymy mandate is essential for drawing administrative boundaries and vertical data collection. In this process, officials collect field names, initially recorded as audio files. When these names are documented, there can be discrepancies due to officials coming from different regions of the country and the inherent challenges in recognising various accents and dialects, a SoI official said. According to an official with the Bhasha Institute, proofreading of five more districts Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Kasargod will be carried out in the next phase.

First in India: 24-hour online court opens in Kerala's Kollam district

KOLLAM: Indias first 24-hour online court has officially started operations in Kollam district, aimed at reducing the backlog of cases and expediting legal solutions. Judicial First Class Magistrate Surya Sukumaran, who is in charge of the court, presided over the inaugural sitting. The court operates on a hybrid mode, offering the option for in-person attendance if preferred. The court will primarily handle cases related to check dishonour under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. The cases can be filed at the court across the day. It will operate across three judicial first-class courts and the Chief Judicial Magistrates Court in Kollam. The court proactively provides litigants and lawyers with real-time case updates, offering flexibility to manage cases remotely at any time. A key feature of this 24x7 online court is its paperless process. All case filings must be submitted through online forms on the courts website, making it possible to file cases at any time, from anywhere in the world. The court eliminates the need for in-person appearances, with hearings, arguments, and trials all conducted online. Summonses for accused individuals will be digitally sent to their respective police stations. Accused persons and their sureties can also submit bail applications and documents online for approval. We can now file cases online anytime, anywhere. The court operates on a hybrid mode for those who wish to attend in person. This new system eliminates the need to wait for hearing dates or visit the court for filings, and applications, or respond to summons. The real-time calendaring system will provide greater visibility into hearings, and integration with institutions like banks, police, and post offices will enable seamless document sharing. Dashboards will offer users real-time updates on case status and actions taken, said Boris Paul, senior advocate in Kollam.

Ambition, focus: A navy mans tireless march to movie stardom

KOLLAM: Jayan is a Malayali movie icon who continues to live on in the hearts of millions, even 41 years after his untimely demise. Yet, few are aware of the legendary actors stint as a navyman a chapter of his life that remains largely unexplored. Speaking to TNIE, former chief petty officer G K Pillai, Jayans fellow seaman for nearly four years, offered a rare glimpse into this lesser-known side of the famed thespian. M Krishnan Nair or M K Nair to his naval colleagues, Jayan joined the Navy through the cadet entry scheme in the 1950s. According to Pillai, Jayan aspired to be a commissioned officer a dream he pursued relentlessly but was unable to fulfil. Jayan worked hard towards becoming a commissioned officer. However, the Navys rules at the time did not permit sailors in the engineering, electrical and electronics department to rise to the commissioned ranks. His attempts to switch to the executive branch, where such promotions were possible, proved unsuccessful. Yet, Jayan never lost hope and remained focused on building a successful life for himself. He was also a smart NCC cadet during his school days, Pillai recalls. Pillai remembers Jayan as a multifaceted individual with exceptional talents. He was a sharp shooter, a fitness enthusiast, and an accomplished athlete who won prizes in Navy competitions. Jayan also excelled as a forward in the Navigation and Direction Schools football team. The competition was fierce due to the Navys policy of directly recruiting engineering graduates as trainee officers in the engineering, electrical, and electronics branches. This disappointment eventually pushed him to pursue a career in cinema. While posted at INS Venduruthy in Kochi during the late 1960s, Jayan made several attempts to break into Malayalam cinema. Though initially unsuccessful, he persisted, recounts Pillai. Jayan reached out to Pillai for help. Pillai facilitated a meeting with legendary actor Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair, who introduced Jayan to Malayalam cinema. I took him to Thikkurissys home at Jawahar Nagar, in Thiruvananthapuram, and introduced him. Thikkurissy promised to recommend Jayan to cinema producers. A few days later, he took Jayan to Merryland Studios and requested the late Subramaniam to offer him a role. Jayans persistence paid off, and he eventually achieved his dream of becoming an actor, Pillai reminisced. Jayan underwent two years of initial training at INS Circars, Visakhapatnam, followed by professional training at INS Valsura, Jamnagar, specialising in electrical and electronics equipment. He was trained in radio, radar, sonar, and wireless systems in the radio branch. Upon completing his EMR course, Jayan was posted at the Navigation and Direction Training School at INS Venduruthy. He later served on board INS Rana and INS Mysore. Before retiring as a master chief petty officer in 1972, he was stationed at the TAS School at INS Venduruthy.

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

Woman reported missing from Karunagappally in Kerala

KOLLAM: 20-year-old Aishwariya Anil, a resident of Alappad in Karunagappally, has been reported missing since last Monday. The Karunagappally police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter. The missing persons mother filed a complaint after Ashwariya failed to return home and did not respond to repeated calls on her mobile phone. According to police sources, as per CCTV footage of the locality, Ashwariya reportedly took a lift from a local woman on the day she was missing and was last seen heading to Karunagappally railway station. However, investigators have not been able to confirm her movements beyond the station. A review of CCTV footage from the station yielded no significant leads. The investigation is currently focused on her mobile phone and social media activity. We are also working to retrieve CCTV footage from trains that passed through the station. We are also trying to examine the CCTV footage of Kollam railway station. We expect progress soon, a police official said. Ashwariya was preparing for competitive exams online. According to her parents, she had few friends and spent most of her time in her bedroom.

Economic growth project gets KIIFB nod

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) has given sanction for the economic triangle linking Vizhinjam, Kollam and Punalur. The initiative is aimed at creating an industrial corridor that would stimulate the states economic growth, said Finance Minister KN Balagopal. The board has made an initial allocation of Rs 1,000 crore for the project. The first phase would begin soon and negotiated purchase would be adopted for land pooling. The minister was briefing the press after the 51st board meeting of the KIIFB chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The triangle, anchored by the Vizhinjam Port spans Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram, covering an area of Rs 1456 sq km. The corridor will align with the ports operations, facilitating efficient logistics across the region. This is a significant step towards the transition of the state into a port-based economy, Balagopal said. The growth triangle envisions a seamless integration of transport and logistics hubs with industrial zones. It is structured around the concept of nodes, sub-nodes and corridors. According to Balagopal the project will establish an industrial ecosystem that can compete on the global stage by leveraging both natural and infrastructural advantages.

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.

Sustainable green city model stresses on need to adopt eco-friendly infrastructure

ALAPPUZHA: The push for sustainable urban development has become essential for securing the future of our planet, with cities like Amsterdam and Oslo setting the benchmark through scientifically planned infrastructure. In a similar stride towards innovation, Abhinav Soorya and Alvina Vijilish, students of Higher Secondary School at Perambra in Kozhikode, have created a remarkable sustainable green city model. Showcased at the Social Science Fair held at St Josephs High School, Alappuzha, their model which has been crafted uniquely from arecanut leaves captivated the attention of social science enthusiasts. The project highlighted the pressing need for planning sustainable cities. Speaking about the inspiration behind the model, Abhinav emphasised the urgency for cities to adopt eco-friendly infrastructure. Vertical development is a major trend in modern cities, and currently, about 55% of the global population live in the urban areas. By 2050, this percentage will surpass 68%. At that point, only sustainable green cities will make urban life liveable, he said. Drawing attention to heavily polluted cities like Delhi and Mumbai, he pointed out that the only viable solution is to transition these cities to green, sustainable models. The proposed model includes essential features like a plastic recycling unit, biogas plant, vermicomposting facility, drainage water treatment system, rainwater harvesting, smoke filtration, and solar energy initiatives. Alvina said their aim is to shed light on the importance of such green innovations for the well-being of the generations to come. Other impressive exhibits at the fair included a model by Parvathi Pillai and Sangeetha S from Government HSS Poruvazhy, Sasthamkotta in Kollam, demonstrating the movement of the sun and planets, and its impact on climate change. Additionally, Arjun J K and Swathi V V of Government High School, Kasaragod, showcased a model of tectonic plates, illustrating how their shifts can cause earthquakes.

Malappuram crowned science fair champions, Kannur came second

ALAPPUZHA: Malappuram emerged overall champions in the 56th State Schools Science Fair, which concluded in Alappuzha on Monday, securing 1,450 points in 180 competitions held over the past four days. Kannur came second with 1,412 points, while Kozhikode came third with 1,353 points. Agriculture Minister P Prasad and Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian distributed prizes to the winners. This is the first time a trophy in the name of Education Minister has been introduced in the fair for the top district. In school-level competitions, Durga HSS, Kanhangad, Kasaragod, emerged as overall champions, scoring 140 points. Sacred Heart HSS, Dwaraka, Wayanad, was second with 131 points, while FMG HSS, Koombanpara, Idukki was third with 126 points. At the regional-level vocational expo competitions, Thrissur region was named overall championship with 67 points. Kollam was second with 66 points, and Ernakulam followed in third place with 60 points. MLAs P P Chitaranjan and H Salam, municipal chairperson K K Jayamma, District Collector Alex Varghese, Public Education Department additional director C A Santhosh attended the valedictory function.

Two killed after bike crashes into bridge handrail in Tripunithura

KOCHI: Two youths were killed after the motorcycle they were travelling on crashed into the handrail of a bridge in Tripunithura, near here, early on Monday, police said. The accident occurred at the Mathur Bridge in Tripunithura at around 1.30 AM. The deceased have been identified as Nivedita (21) from Meppadi, Wayanad, and Subin (19) from Kollam, police said. Kochi City Police said that a case has been registered in connection with the incident. The bodies are kept in a hospital and will be handed over to their relatives after necessary procedures are done, the police added.

Lack of maintenance puts Kollam Police Museum in state of neglect

KOLLAM: The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum in Kollam, one of Indias earliest police museums, is in a state of disrepair due to lack of maintenance. Inaugurated in 1999 by then Director General of Police B S Shastri, the museum has succumbed to neglect, with nature reclaiming parts of its premises. With heavy dust accumulation, visitors find it difficult to spend time inside. Many rooms are poorly lit and completely vacant. Moreover, the traffic models designed to educate children are now overgrown with grass. The museum offers a rich history of the police force, showcasing 18th and 19th-century police arms, DNA testing equipment, human bones, fingerprints, photographs of police dogs, and medals awarded to officers of various ranks. Its highlight is the Martyrs Gallery, a tribute to police officers who laid down their lives in service. However, the condition of the museums building has deteriorated significantly over time. Structural issues are evident, with photographs of police officers starting to fade or going missing due to lack of upkeep. A human dummy used in crime scenes, once displayed at the museum, was relocated to the district police chiefs office after it fell apart. The museum is housed in the former East Police Station, a structure built during the Travancore era. It was later converted into the police museum, preserving artifacts and memories of Indias policing history. Many rooms lie empty, and a few exhibits that remain, such as firearms and ammunition, are stored in glass cases. Copper plaques bearing the names of martyred policemen are incomplete, listing only the number of those who died years ago, said a source. The responsibility for maintaining the museum lies with the police department. Previously, a small fee was charged for entry, but this was discontinued as visitor numbers dwindled. According to sources, the decline of the museum is due to the police departments failure to allocate funds and the lack of attention from senior officials.

Pallikkoodam music band enthrals students, parents

ALAPPUZHA: Pallikkoodam TV, an educational channel from Kerala, captivated audiences with a unique musical performance by the Pallikkoodam music band, a group exclusively composed of teachers and students. This marks the first time in Kerala that such a band has taken the stage, debuting with an enchanting concert at the State School Science Fair in Alappuzha on Sunday. Launched a year and a half ago, Pallikkoodam TV aims to showcase the talents of the states public school students and teachers to a global audience. The formation of the band is part of the channels ongoing mission to uncover and celebrate the musical talents within Keralas education community. E L Sugathan, the chief editor of Pallikkoodam TV and a recipient of the State Teacher Award, said that the band is another step in promoting the skills of both teachers and students. The band members, who hail from various districts in the state, initially included students and teachers from Alappuzha and Kollam. After two weeks of intensive practice, eight teachers and four students performed in the inaugural concert. Adv Jiteshji, the worlds fastest cartoonist, kicked off the programme by drawing a live caricature of legendary singer K J Yesudas. The event was organised under the leadership of Manoj Kumar, a teacher from Vallikunnam Amrita HSS in Alappuzha, with Arusha, a Class VII student from the same school, introducing the performers. Patrons of the Pallikkoodam music band include well-known figures such as lyricist Vayalar Sarath Chandra Varma, Adv Jiteshji, cultural activist Anayadi Prasad, E N Sreekumar, and Arun G Kurup. The teacher-performers included Anuradha from APM LPS, retired music teacher Poonkavu from Alappuzha, Rani Sushama from SDV Girls High School, and Sebastian from Nedumudi Government LPS, among others. The student performers featured Durga K R from VV HSS, Diljin Susan John from SDV Girls High School, and Vaiga Ratheesh from Chennithala Government Model UPS. Looking ahead, the band plans to perform at school and college events across Kerala.

Murder bid: 11 PFI men get seven-year jail

KOLLAM: The Kollam Assistant Sessions Court on Friday sentenced 11 workers of the now-banned Popular Front of India (PFI) to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 30,000 each for attempting to murder three CPM workers. Judge T Amrutha delivered the verdict. The convicted men are Nedumpana residents Mohammed Faisal (34), Mohammed Tahir (32), Salim (35), Abdul Jaleen (43), Shaheer Musliyar (44), Mohammed Anwar aka Anu (35), Shan (38), Shafi, and Hussain; Irshad (38) of Muttakkavu; and Kirar aka Dirar (39) of Charuvila. Four of them, including first accused Mohammed Anwar and sixth accused Shan, are at large. Both had been arrested but absconded during the trial. Ninth accused Shafi and eleventh accused Hussain are also on the run. The court also directed a fine of Rs 50,000 be paid as compensation to the injured. CPM workers Nisam, Ranjith, and Saifuddin were brutally attacked, leaving them severely injured. Saifuddin and Ranjith were initially treated at the Thiruvanathapuram MCH and later at the SP Fort Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram and at Azeezia Medical College.

Two theatre artists die in accident in Kannur

KANNUR: Two theatre artists died and 12 others were injured after a minibus carrying their troupe overturned and fell into a pit while negotiating a sharp curve at Kelakam in Kannur on Friday. The deceased are Anjali, 32, of Kayamkulam and Jessi Mohan, 59, of Thevalakkara in Kollam. They were actors with the Kayamkulam Deva Communications drama troupe. The accident took place around 3.30am. The minibus overturned at an S bend on Kelakam Malayampadi Road. Nine of the injured persons are being treated for fractures, while three were discharged. The Kelakam police said the drivers unfamiliarity with the area led to the accident. With the Nedumpoil Ghat road closed for reconstruction, the driver opted for an alternate route but got disoriented. The bus veered off the narrow, descending road and plunged into an adjacent pit, said a Kelakam police official. Residents blamed Google Maps for the accident. The bus took an easy route shown on the map, said P Shaji, a resident. Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian said all required medical facilities will be provided to the injured persons. He also announced an immediate aid of Rs 25,000 for the bereaved families.

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.

Kerala school students raise slew of waste management issues

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As many as 75,000 students took part in the Kuttikalude Haritha Sabha (childrens green assembly) organised by Local Self-Government Department to ensure the involvement of children in waste management on the occasion of Childrens Day on Thursday. Haritha Sabhas were held as part of the campaign - Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam - that aim to transform Kerala into a zero-garbage state by March 30, 2025. Students raised a slew of waste management-related issues in their localities and educational institutions at the event. One of the many issues raised by the students was the failure of Haritha Karma Sena to remove the collected waste. A slew of issues were raised and they have noticed the piled-up waste collected by Haritha Karma Sena members in their locality and demanded a solution. The issues included proper waste disposal mechanism at their school, cleaning up of water bodies in their locality, drinking water quality checking at schools, collection of waste from institutions and more, said an official of Haritha Keralam Mission. On Thursday, around 500 local bodies across the state organised Haritha Sabha in district including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kannur and Kasaragod. Owing to election code of conduct, the date of the Haritha Sabha has been postponed in some of the panchayats and will be organised in the coming days. We are yet to get the details of all Haritha Sabhas held in many districts, the official added. The local bodies will be addressing the issues raised by the students. Students are getting the opportunity to assess and evaluate the waste management carried out by the local bodies, the official added.

Childrens Day celebrated in Kollam

A Childrens Day parade taken out as part of the celebration features panchavadyam, ornate parasols, a band, horse-drawn carriages, various art forms, and tableaux

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

Manojs single-handed murals at Sabarimala bring alive Lord Ayyappas tales

PATHANAMTHITTA: As Manoj Kumar gets busy on his canvas, the wall of a building in Sabarimala, each brush stroke reveals a contour. And the colours transform them into tales of Lord Ayyappa. It is a display of an artists dexterous hand at work, except that he does not have a right hand; he does it with his left. The 40-year-old, a resident of Chekom near Pathanapuram, was born with an ingrown right hand that ends just below his elbow. Despite the heavy odds, Manoj, aka Manu, strove to create images with just one hand. Coming from a family with limited resources, Manojs only survival skill was his art. It was hardly an entertainment for him. During his school days, Manoj drew thousands of images, including banners, wall paintings, and number plates of vehicles for a livelihood. After Class 10, Manoj pursued a diploma course in arts at the Raja Ravi Varma College of Fine Arts, Mavelikkara. Despite his exemplary skills, Manoj continued to face hardship, with his paintings fetching only a meagre revenue. He also did jobs like rubber tapping with his lone arm. Manoj, who was known only within the hilly hamlets of Pathanapuram, gained attention after receiving an opportunity to recreate the iconic imagery of Kollam, as part of the year-long celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the district formation. Though he was invited to draw deities, Manoj was initially hesitant to take up the task. I was apprehensive about drawing with my left hand, worrying if it would be considered inauspicious. But the office-bearers of various temples encouraged me to draw the divine forms, saying that I was specially abled by the almighty, Manoj said. As soon as he began focusing on temple arts, he earned acclaim. His descriptive paintings on Dashavatharam, the incarnations of Lord Maha Vishnu, at the Puthen Kavu Maha Vishnu Temple in Pidavoor, Pathanapuram, went viral on social media. Later, he drew for temples including the Plakkad Maha Vishnu temple and the Chathan Swami Kshethram in Pathanapuram, among several others. His paintings for the Ganapathy temple in Kottarakkara also gained attention. As he excelled in drawing lively pictures of deities, Manoj got an invitation from Travancore Devaswom Board president P S Prasanth to work in Sabarimala. At the hill shrine, he is currently engaged in depicting the legendary tales from Ayyappa Charitham. Last Saturday, he began work on an oil painting on the wall of Pandalam Malika, the royal representative building behind the Malikappuram Temple at Sannidhanam.

Fight for post office building continues in Kollam

KOLLAM: For the past 34 years, a 57-year-old woman from Poothakulam village has been waiting for the construction of a post office building a dream her late husband once promised would come true. In 1990, when post offices were essential for communication, Sreekala Sasidharans husband, Sashidharan Pillai, then working in the Gulf, purchased 10 cents of land at Poothakulam Junction with the help of three friends. The land was handed over to the postal department, hoping it would soon house a dedicated post office building. Yet, three decades later, nothing has been done. The land has been overtaken by nature. Despite long delays and advancements in communication technology, Sreekala continues to visit government offices and approach local MPs and MLAs to fulfil the vision of a post office for her village. Speaking to TNIE, Sreekala recounted how, in 1990, the state government promised a dedicated post office if villagers arranged for land. Poothakulam is a small village, but by the early 1990s, the number of experts and residents here grew. We had a post office, but it wasnt enough; the volume of letters and money orders had surged. My husband and his friends, O K Gopal Krishnan Pillai, Rajendran Pillai, with other friends in Gulf, bought the land but no progress was ever made. Over the last three decades, weve petitioned both the state and Union governments. Each election, political parties made promises, but nothing changed. Now, as land values in Poothakulam soar to over Rs 3 lakh per cent, Sreekala says she wont stop fighting for her cause. Since Sashidharan Pillais passing in 2022, Sreekala has kept up the fight alone. Gopalakrishnan has also passed away, while the other two friends have settled abroad. Our dream of a post office building remains. Its our right as citizens, said Rajandran from Dubai, echoing Sreekalas commitment. Today, the Poothakulam post office remains in a rented space with limited facilities, far from the dedicated building once envisioned. Sharadha K, a senior official in the postal department in Kollam, noted that despite advancements in communication technology, many people still rely on the post office for various services, particularly for savings account facilities. We have instant messaging services like WhatsApp and email, yet many important letters, both official and personal, are still exchanged through the postal system. People trust our services more than any other. The post office continues to handle a large volume of mails, depicting its essential role in our community. Additionally, we offer an efficient banking system supported by our extensive network, which serves as a substantial customer base. Our Savings account services cater to a diverse range of customers from young adults to senior citizens, said Sharadha. Meanwhile, Kollam MP N K Premachandran noted that the postal department remains reluctant to construct new buildings. We have petitioned the Union government several times. Currently, the agenda of the postal department is that they will not construct new buildings. The postal department is cautious, only maintaining existing infrastructure. But we will continue with our petition, he said.

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).

Bus conductor hailed as hero for saving lives, then forgotten

KOLLAM: The date, November 8, invokes a myriad of emotions in 76-year-old S Thulsidharan, a retired KSRTC conductor. It brings up a decades-old memory of a day of tragedy and heroism, and remains a haunting reminder of unfulfilled promises. It was on November 8, 1987, that Thulsidharan faced a horrific accident, one that tested his courage. He was on duty as conductor on board a KSRTC bus from Karunagappally depot when it rammed a railway gate at Vavvakkavu, rendering it immobile on the tracks even as an express train approached. Amid the chaos and panic, Thulsidharan sprang into action. Giving no thought for his own safety, he managed to pull six passengers out of the bus moments before Jayanthi Express struck the vehicle, killing eight passengers, including the driver Rajagopalan Pillai. Days after the accident, the state government and the KSRTC spoke of honouring Thulsidharan for his bravery. The then transport minister Sankaranarayana Pillai even praised Thulsidharans courageous act in the state assembly. Thirty-seven years on, Thulsidharan has received neither an award nor a mention. The man who was once hailed as a hero, has become a figure lost to time. I had a bad feeling that day. Just before Vavvakkavu, the brakes of the bus failed. On one side were shops teeming with people, and on the other, a canal. The drivers last resort was the railway gate. However, we crashed through and got trapped on the tracks. Everyone panicked. We knew the train was coming. I pushed two young women off the bus, helped a young man, and carried two children out. Seconds later, the train hit, and I ended up in the hospital, recalls Thulsidharan. He spent days recovering at Karunagappally taluk hospital, where the then Chief Minister E K Nayanar praised his bravery. Nothing happened after that. Despite his brave act, Thulsidharan was neither promoted nor formally recognised. In 2003, he retired from KSRTC without even a commendation. Thulsidharan believes professional jealousy played a role in the lack of recognition. The bus had brake issues, and the driver had reported it in the logbook before we left. However, during inquiry, they claimed he was under the influence of alcohol. It is a lie. I refused to support the false report, and thats why they never recommended me for an award, he alleges. Today, Thulsidharan runs a small business in his hometown of Karunagappally. The railway crossing remains a place of deep emotion for him. Even now, when I pass by that track, it sends chills me to the core, he says. When contacted, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar said he recollects the incident that happened. However, nothing could be done, he said, as many years have passed since then. We cannot give him rewards or promotion as many years have passed. Moreover, currently, we dont have any plans to give him any reward, said Ganesh Kumar.

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.

Mercykutty Amma accuses Prasanth of conspiracy in trawler controversy

KOLLAM: Amid the recent squabble between IAS officer N Prasanth and his senior A Jayathilak, former fisheries minister J Mercykutty Amma has come out against Prasanth, accusing him of playing a key role in a political conspiracy with Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala back in 2021, when she was at the departments helm. Mercykutty alleged the corruption charges levelled against her over the deep-sea fishing deal were orchestrated by Prasanth. She also alleged that Prasanth, who had served as the private secretary to Chennithala, aimed to give the UDF an edge in coastal constituencies ahead of 2021 elections. Today, Kerala is witnessing reports of Shri Prasanth IAS violating service rules and common etiquette. Back in February 2021, he played the role of a political conspirator. On February 21, when the Congress political campaign march reached Kollam, Ramesh Chennithala made the controversial claim that the fisheries department had sanctioned Rs 5,000 crore for deep-sea trawlers. When my response as minister was sought, I had firmly denied the allegations, she said. She said during the period, the industries department organised an investor meeting in Kochi, where Prasanth, then MD of the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation, signed an MoU with EMCC for a Rs 5,000-crore development project. She said the deal was unrelated to the fisheries department or her ministry. She also accused local vested interests, alongside Sangh Parivar elements, of joining in the smear campaign to falsely implicate her in the deal. The goal was to sway coastal constituencies in the UDFs favour. The same EMCC representative who contested against me in Kundara was involved, supported by Dallal Nandakumar, a local figure. The dishonest accusations that I sold the sea were completely unfounded, as the fisheries department had no involvement. Despite the smear campaign, fishermen were not deceived. They know what I have done for them, Mercykutty said.

Four arrested for alleged moral policing, assault on youth in Kollam

KOLLAM: In a suspected case of moral policing, police have arrested four persons for allegedly stripping and assaulting a young man at Thenmala in Kollam district. The suspects, identified as Sujith, Rajeev, Sibin, and Arun, are accused of stripping Nishad, a resident of Edamon, tying him to a post, and assaulting him. The incident was reportedly filmed by the accused and circulated on social media. The police have stated that in addition to the four arrested individuals, they are also searching for a fifth person connected to the incident. Nishad is currently receiving treatment at Punalur Taluk Hospital. According to the police, the assault occurred around 11 pm on Thursday. Nishad had arrived at his friend Pramila's house in Anoor, Thenmala, when the accused arrived with the intent to attack him. Upon realizing the presence of the assailants, Nishad attempted to flee. However, the accused managed to overpower him, dragging him onto the road where they assaulted him with a rod and a machete. Nishad sustained injuries to his head and both legs, with his left leg being fractured. After the brutal attack, the suspects stripped Nishad and tied him to an electric pole near a bus stop. They continued to assault him and filmed the ordeal, later sharing the footage on social media. The police have indicated that the incident stems from a family dispute between Sujith and Nishad. The incident was filmed on a mobile phone and circulated on social media. The family dispute between Sujith and the victim appears to be the motive behind the assault. Further details will emerge as the investigation progresses, a police source stated. The police have filed charges under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act, including Sections 296(b) (obscene acts in public places), 127(1) (wrongful restraint), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 118(1) (grievous hurt), 110 (attempted culpable homicide), and 111(2)(b) (organized crime), along with Sections 66(E) and 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, for circulating obscene material in electronic form.

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

Heavy rains lash southern Kerala; IMD sounds orange alert in three districts

Orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta districts for Friday, while yellow alert issued for Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki districts

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

Three sentenced to life in Kollam collectorate blast case

KOLLAM: The Principal Sessions Court here on Thursday sentenced three individuals to life imprisonment for their roles in the 2016 Kollam Collectorate blast. The convicted individualsAbbas Ali, 31; Shamsun Karim Raja, 33; and Dawood Sulaiman, 27were each fined Rs 30,000 in addition to their prison sentences. Principal Sessions Judge G. Gopakumar delivered the verdict. All three convicts are residents of Madurai district in Tamil Nadu. A fourth accused, Shamsuddin, also from Madurai, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence linking him to the incident. The convicts were found guilty under sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 307 (attempt to murder), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means), and 427 (causing damage valued at Rs. 50 or more). They were also convicted under provisions of the Explosives Act, Prevention of Destruction of Public Property Act, and Sections 16B, 18, and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. On last Tuesday, the court found these three men guilty, concluding the trial nearly a year after the incident. The convicted individuals were found to be members of the Base Movement, a group with alleged ties to the terror organization Al Qaeda. The blast occurred on June 15, 2016, at the Kollam civil station. The accused had used an improvised explosive device (IED) with a time mechanism, which they planted in an unused Labour Department jeep parked near the Kollam Munsiff Court. One person sustained serious injuries in the explosion. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested the suspects in 2017, leading to charges under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosives Act, and the Indian Penal Code.

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

Ripples of a Tsunami

KOCHI: Twenty years ago on December 26, 2004 deep beneath the Indian Ocean near the island of Sumatra, a 1,300km-long rupture occurred on the faultline between the Burma and India tectonic plates. The Indian plates edge lies beneath the Burma plate. Due to a build-up of tension, a slip occurred on the boundary about 30km below sea leavel. The time was 7.59am (6:28am IST) at Banda Aceh, Northern Sumatra, in Indonesia when this tectonic shift occurred. As is often the case with tectonic movement, this slip triggered an earthquake. It was no ordinary quake. With a magnitude of 9.1 on the Richter Scale, it was recorded as the third-largest earthquake since 1900. It lasted for about 10 minutes. Tremors were felt in neighbouring countries, including India. Within minutes, enormous waves rising as high as 51m began crashing against the coasts of Sumatra. The ensuing seven hours were terrifying. Like a nightmare. News channels across the world started flashing a phenomenon that the modern world had not heard much of: tsunami. In Japanese, the word means harbour wave tsu meaning harbour and nami, wave. Sounds harmless. But that isnt the case. Within 90 minutes, the waves reached the Indian shores, devastating coastal communities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh. Though the tidal intensity had waned by then, the waves were still nine metres high more than enough to wreak havoc on a coastline that, at the time, lacked warning systems and quick-evacuation action plans. It was the day after Christmas. Kerala woke up from holiday slumber to the grim news of hundreds of deaths. The tsunamis global death toll was 2,30,000. Over 10,000 Indians perished. In Kerala, where the tsunamis destructive force swept across the shores of Kollam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam, 171 lives were lost, including 132 in Alappad village of Kollam alone. U Ullas, Alappads current panchayat president, was 18 at the time. He still remembers the day that upended many lives and altered the coastline. Suddenly, the sea retreated. Thats the first thing I remember, he says. The retreating sea piqued the local residents curiosity, drawing many, including children, into the now-dry seabed. In some time, albeit late, warnings reached the community. People ran helter-skelter for safety. But the towering waves struck swiftly. We lost more than a hundred lives. The water that lashed the land retreated within 10 minutes, but by then, thousands of houses were swallowed by the sea, Ullas says. The waves also claimed a large chunk of land. We couldnt even distinguish between the lake and the sea, Ullas recalls. He adds that until that day, neither he nor anyone in his village had heard the word tsunami. Now, we can, and will, never forget it, he says. A map showing Ring of Fire in the Pacific Ocean In Ernakulams Vypeen, the waves hit later that afternoon. Abhilash, a fisherman from Edavanakkad panchayat on the island, was 22 at the time. First, it was just the water level rising and homes slowly getting flooded. As far as I remember, the high waves struck later, he says. Back then, we used to watch films together on Sundays in nearby homes two or three families together. That Sunday, water entered our homes. Fortunately, most people moved to relief camps. We, however, lost about five people when the waves came. It was 20 years ago; the day is like a blur in my mind. Vypeen also lost part of its shore and many homes. Over the years, many residents have moved farther from the sea. The remnants of a few abandoned homes are still visible along the coast, alongside the large sea wall destroyed by the tsunami, still awaiting repair. For India, the 2004 tsunami was a wake-up call, sparking a major project to enable disaster prediction and warning. After the event, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) worked to establish the Tsunami Early Warning System (TEWS) to provide timely tsunami advisories, says INCOIS director T M Balakrishnan Nair. At the early warning centre, seismic and sea-level data are continuously monitored. Operational since October 15, 2007, the system detects tsunamigenic earthquakes in the Indian and global oceans within 10 minutes and disseminates advisories to national and state disaster management authorities. Notably, Unescos Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) has recognised the Indian unit as a primary Tsunami Service Provider for the Indian Ocean region. Since 2012, the centre has provided tsunami advisories to 25 countries along the Indian Ocean rim, says Balakrishnan. He underscores that while preventing a disaster is impossible, timely warnings, preparedness, effective response, and public education can mitigate its impact. In recognition of this, the world observes Tsunami Awareness Day on November 5, to ensure no one is caught off-guard. Indias situation is particularly concerning. The Indian Ocean is likely to be affected by tsunamis generated by earthquakes from two primary regions: the Andaman-Nicobar-Sumatra Island Arc and the Makran Subduction Zone (a boundary between the Arabian and Eurasian tectonic plates), Balakrishnan notes. These regions are monitored using a real-time network of seismic stations, tsunami buoys, and tide gauges. He adds that INCOIS has also been working on detecting atypical tsunamis (generated by non-seismic sources like unusual weather events). So far, the Indian TEWS has monitored about 730 tsunamigenic events (earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.5 on the Richter Scale and higher) worldwide, says Balakrishnan. Now, we can detect any earthquake in five to six minutes and provide timely tsunami advisories. The Indian TEWS has been recognised as one of the best tsunami warning centres in the world. Private weather analyst K Jamshad, better known as Weatherman Kerala on social media, says Indian coasts, including parts of Kerala, are near the Pacific Ring of Fire, the worlds most seismically active region, which holds 90 per cent of the worlds volcanoes. The 2004 Indonesian tsunami and the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami occurred within this area. In the event of a strong offshore earthquake particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Bay of Bengal, Sri Lanka, Kanyakumari, or the southwest Arabian Sea Kerala should anticipate a tsunami, he cautions. Indias sea-level monitoring stations are near the Andaman in the Bay of Bengal, Indonesia, Minicoy Island, Kochi, Goa, and Gujarat. However, two near Gujarat and some in the Bay of Bengal (belonging to India and Thailand) are currently non-operational, explains Jamshad, who heads Metbeat, a private weather agency. Despite this, the system still provides warnings by tracking water levels at other locations. In addition to the early warning system, INCOIS conducts regular workshops, training, and mock drills to spread tsunami awareness and build capacity for disaster management. To enhance community preparedness, the Central agency coordinates the Tsunami Ready programme, led by Unesco. Alappad is one of nine villages in Kerala participating in the programme this year. On World Tsunami Awareness Day 2024, Ullas is leading a mock drill in Alappad panchayat. From swift evacuation to rescuing people caught in rising water, the mock drill helps us prepare, he says, after concluding the drill. He and the team from INCOIS, along with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and local agencies, will now analyse each part of the drill to perfect their preparedness. There are more than 200 coastal villages in the state. For now, we have selected nine villages from as many coastal districts, says KSDMA secretary Sekhar Lukose Kuriakose. By 2025, as the first phase concludes, these villages will be declared tsunami-ready.

KSRTC to offer free emergency medical care in select depots

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSRTC has started an emergency medical care unit in Thiruvananthapuram Central as part of its plan to expand healthcare networks in its depots. Inaugurating the event, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar said it was the first such initiative by a state RTC in a bus terminal in India. The unit offers the service of a nursing officer round-the-clock. The treatment and medicines are provided free of cost. The facility can be used by the public too. People in a 1-km radius from the depot will benefit from it, Ganesh said. NIMS Medicity will provide support for the Thiruvananthapuram unit. Ganesh said KSRTC is planning to start medical check-up for all employees using CSR funds. The check-up package will include cancer screening for women. He also stressed on maintaining bus stations clean to keep diseases away. KSRTC is focusing on punctuality, zero cancellations, clean toilets, rest rooms and good behaviours of staff to attract passengers. We want to show that public transport facilities are attractive, he said. KSRTC plans to set up 14 such units in depots in Thiruvananthapuram Central, Kottarakkara, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Sultan Bathery, Kannur, Kasaragod, Neyyattinkara, Nedumangad and Thrissur, in association with the Society for Emergency Medicine India. Dr Shiju Stanley, president of SEMI (Kerala), said the emergency medical care units would help address the gap in providing pre-hospital treatment during an emergency. The units will also act as a centre for creating health awareness, he said.

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

In-principle approval for CGHS Wellness Centre in Kollam

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.

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 .

Swell waves continue to pound coastline of Kerala

INCOIS forecasts swell waves in the range of 0.5-1.3 m height in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kannur, Kasaragod, Kollam, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thiruvananthapuram, and Thrissur till 5.30 p.m. on Friday

Centre approves CZMP of 10 coastal districts of Kerala

Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change approves the CZMPs of Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram, as per the CRZ Notification 2019. The new regime will benefit 10 lakh people, according to the State government

Kerala Weather Forecast: Heavy rain and thunderstorms for eight districts, IMD issues yellow alert

Kerala Rains: Eight districts in Kerala, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Malappuram, receive yellow alerts for potential heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority advises residents in landslide and flood-prone areas to relocate and remain vigilant for updates and evacuation orders.

IMD issues yellow alerts for eight Kerala districts

Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow alerts for eight districts in Kerala, forecasting the possibility of isolated heavy rain in those areas on Thursday. According to the weather office, the three southern districts--Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta--and the northern districts of Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod are expected to receive heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms. The term heavy rain refers to the possibility of receiving between 64.5 millimeters and 115.5 millimeters of rain within 24 hours, it stated. In a statement, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority advised those living in areas prone to landslides, mudslides, and flash floods to relocate to safer places as per the authorities' instructions. It also cautioned people residing near riverbanks and low-lying areas of dams to anticipate potential risks and move to safer locations as directed by the authorities. Residents in disaster-prone areas must ensure that camps are set up in their locality and should move to those locations during the daytime. For this, they may contact local bodies and revenue authorities, it said.

Kerala rains: Yellow alert for six districts on October 11

Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki districts have been put on yellow alert

Digital survey progressing in Kollam

Collector directs all landowners to be a part of project to provide land-related services at their fingertips

Special trains between Kollam, Ernakulam to clear festival rush

Kollam gets 10,765 houses under PMAY

Unreserved MEMU special train to ply in Kollam-Ernakulam corridor from Monday

The train will have stops at Sasthamkotta, Karuanagapally, Kayamkulam Jn., Mavelikkara, Chengannur, Thiruvalla, Changanassery, Kottayam, Ettumanur, Kuruppanthara, Vaikom Road, Piravom Road, Mulanthuruthy, and Thripunithura

Special MEMU service on Kollam-Ernakulam route announced

Kollams Constitution literacy campaign to be implemented across Kerala

Minister inaugurates Dakshayani Velayudhan Memorial Womens Hostel at Kerala Institute of Local Administration, Kottarakara

APSRTC, ECoR increase passenger services for Dasara

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is deploying 250 special buses from Visakhapatnam in different directions to help people reach their homes for the Dasara festivities. APSRTC district transport commissioner (DTC) G. Satyanarayana told Deccan Chronicle that this year, they are deploying many more buses compared to last year's 195 vehicles. 40 of the 250 buses to be deployed will be run on the Visakhapatnam-Hyderabad route, 60 on the Vizag-Vijayawada segment and the remaining will service various destinations in north Andhra. The DTC said that based on crowd levels, they will start operating additional buses for the festival from Wednesday. However, he said, the rush is expected to start from October 7, when many more extra buses will be deployed. On regular days, APSRTC operates around 1,000 buses from Visakhapatnam, with approximately 200 serving Hyderabad and Vijayawada, and 800 dedicated to north Andhra. So much so, that buses from Vizag run to Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Parvathipuram every five minutes. Waltair division of the East Coast Railway (ECoR) is also operating 14 pairs of special trains for transporting passengers heading home for the Dasara, Chhath, and Diwali festivals. These special trains will cover routes, including from Visakhapatnam to Secunderabad, Tirupati, Bangalore, Araku, MGR Chennai Central and Shalimar. Special services will also operate from Srikakulam Road to Tirupati and Kollam.

Delegation from Ivory Coast visits cashew factories in Kollam

Pattaya Mela in Kollam on October 4

Kerala Cricket League Final | Sachin Babys ton powers Kollam Sailors to the title

The skippers unbeaten 105, and his 114-run partnership with Vatsal, helps the side overhaul a challenging target of 214 set by Globstars

Hit-and-run accident kills woman in Kollam, triggers public outcry

Car rams scooter from behind, runs over pillion rider who falls on the road in the impact, and speeds away. Tests reveal that car driver and co-passenger were inebriated. Police later arrest both

Festival frenzy grips Kollam on the eve of Thiruvonam

Goodbye, Comrade: Affectionate and firm, Yechury embodied both Sita and Ram

It was probably the most famous picture involving Sitaram Yechury . As the president of the JNU Students' Union in October 1977, Yechury nonchalantly read out a chargesheet against Indira Gandhi seeking her resignation as JNU Chancellor. The Iron Lady of Indian politics had an amused, indulgent look, while standing by his side outside her residence. What could have gone through Yechury's mind when the event in this iconic photograph was being captured? Asked this many years later, he was still for a moment, as if looking within. All one got was his classic smile that began with him wrinkling his eyes, before he got back once again to wearing the aura of a senior politician. Another Gandhi, another memory. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, campaigning in Wayanad was tricky for Sitaram. Congress had fielded Rahul Gandhi, ignoring opposition from CPI and the Left. All eyes were on Yechury, as he was known to be close to Rahul. Many doubted whether Yechury would actually campaign in Wayanad against Rahul. In a detailed hour-long interview with The New Indian Express , during which my colleague Rajesh Abraham and I tried to corner him for his silence on Rahul, Yechury was visibly irritated. Later in the evening at the LDF convention, not only did he make a mention of this, but also pointedly asked why Rahul was contesting against the Left in the first place? One of the greatest Marxist leaders of our times, the three-time CPM general secretary had ideological commitment as well as practical wisdom. Affectionate and firm at the same time, Yechury did honestly embody both Sita and Ram, as in his name. Pragmatic to the core, Yechury knew how exactly a modern-day Marxist leader ought to take on communal forces. He had always batted for a vast alliance of secular forces to fight divisive, communal ideologies, but never at the cost of the mission diverting him from his Communist leanings. The 2016 Kerala assembly polls was in progress -- his first major election, after taking over as general secretary. Without fail, Yechury would attend campaign meetings across the state. The Left Front convention was going on at the Putharikandam maidanam in the state capital. Every now and then, he would disappear for a few minutes. (A story below will explain the reason behind these disappearing acts.) I caught up with him behind the stage asking for an interview -- his first during the 2016 polls. During an almost half-an-hour car journey, he took great pains to explain why the Left should come to power, why the Oommen Chandy-led UDF government mired in a slew of allegations -- the solar scandal, bar bribery scam etc -- should go. Noticeably, never once did he personally attack Oommen Chandy. Remember it was a time when his party colleagues were going all out indulging in spicy innuendos targeted at Chandy. Yes, he did dodge some pointed questions occasionally, like who would lead the party once the LDF comes to power -- Pinarayi Vijayan or VS Achuthanandan. But everything else was by the book. As soon as the car came to a halt in front of the hotel, to my surprise, he jumped out and literally ran to an isolated corner, cleverly eluding the The New Indian Express cameraman Deepu who was waiting to click his picture. I mistakenly assumed he was rushing to relieve himself, but no, he was only dying to take a puff! Keeping away from a smoke was not something Yechury ever did. He would disappear in a whiff, just to take a puff. Two puffs would do for him. He would smoke, as if he was running out of breath. I still remember how a couple of us had to run around to get his favourite brand -- Charminar -- when he came to Kollam for the NGO union state conference. It was about 35 years ago. He had just been inducted into the Politburo, recounted a CPM state committee member. A political leader who nurtured a personal warmth in all his relations, he had always been a warm host to me. On occasions when, knowing fully well there were bound to be uncomfortable political questions too, he would, albeit visibly reluctant, still agree to a short informal meeting over a cup of tea. Even when he found it difficult to reveal the actual reasons behind a current tricky political scenario or why a key decision was taken, he would never try to mislead on purpose. The CPM's decision to not accept the Magsaysay award for former Kerala Health minister KK Shailaja was one such occasion. On the eve of The New Indian Express' report making headlines , I tried in vain to get in touch with him. But the very next day, he took great pains to explain why the party had taken a collective decision to not accept the award. A few weeks later during an hour-long evening meeting with him in the state capital, I once again broached the topic. Wasn't it a foolish decision? Wouldn't accepting the award have lifted the spirits of Left comrades across the country? Wasn't it a global recognition for the strides Kerala had made in its anti-Covid fight? Personally, did you feel such a decision was right? - a barrage of questions fired at him. You want black tea or milk tea, was how he chose to first respond with that ever-ready smile of his. Yaar , why do you guys have to term it a historical blunder? It sounds funny, nah ? Let me explain to you something.. The CPI(M) has certain principles... he went on elaborating at great length why the party had done what it did . Later on, I would learn from sources that it was indeed a collective decision. Just that, one of them did have a different view. May be, it was this personal warmth that prompted me to ask him about the passing away of his son Ashish Yechury due to Covid -- a loss that had completely shattered him. I still remember the empty stare and the painful smile when a mention was made, almost a year after, at the CPM state conference in Kochi in 2022. My last lengthy interaction with him was during the recent Lok Sabha polls. A detailed interview was fixed on a Sunday morning, but got cancelled due to an unavoidable reason. I was naturally disappointed. A couple of hours later, I got a call from him, first apologising and then asking whether the interview could wait. I was more interested in the interview than the apology. Can we meet today? I asked. Pat came the reply: How about 7.30 pm? Being politically honest to the core is a virtue seldom practised by most politicians. Sitaram kept his word, more often than not, and even apologised when he couldn't honour it once. The honesty with which he responded to political questions, even at the cost of inviting the wrath of his party colleagues, kept him distinct from many others. He wasn't hesitant to admit that the party needed introspection, that too when a crucial election was around the corner. Having said that out loud, he didn't, however, fail to put it across tactfully so as to not get the party in trouble. In his interaction with The New Indian Express during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the veteran leader didn't mince his words while responding to a query on an ongoing spat between Rahul Gandhi and Pinarayi Vjiayan. It's going to be counter-productive, even for them (Congress), warned Yechury, in an apparent reminder to his own party colleague. Yechury was also not reluctant to admit the presence of an anti-incumbency factor and the need for the party to introspect on the same, If indeed what you said was true, he was quick to add with a smiling wink! A rare combination of an orator, strategist, ideologist, Yechury was a charismatic leader who could be a unifying force among like-minded parties. He was undoubtedly one of the most 'timely' leaders, the CPM had in the 21st century. His passing away is indeed a colossal loss that has put the Marxist Communist Party in a quandary of sorts. Who'll now lead the CPM in its politically worst-ever period?

First public limited firm opens office at Technopark Kollam

Joint inspections held in Kollam to prevent unfair trade practices during Onam

16 cases were registered for violations, including non-display of price list, during the inspections since September 5

Onam Festival: Railways to Operate Three Special Trains from Telangana and Karnataka

Onam Festival Kerala:-As the Onam going on,the Indian Railways has announced the operation of three special trains to accommodate the heavy passenger rush from Telangana and Karnataka to Kerala. The special services will run from Kacheguda, Secunderabad, and Hubballi to various destinations in Kerala, offering much-needed relief to those traveling home for the festive season. Special Train Services: Train No. 07333/07334 (Hubballi-Kochuveli): This special service will depart from Hubballi at 6:55 AM on the 13th of September and arrive in Kochuveli at 6:45 AM the following day. The return journey will commence at 12:50 PM on the 14th of September. Train No. 07119/07120 (Secunderabad-Kollam): Departing from Secunderabad at 5:30 PM on the 13th of September, this train will reach Kollam at 11:20 PM on the 14th. The return trip is scheduled for 2:30 AM on the 15th of September. Train No. 07044/07045 (Kacheguda-Kollam): This service will leave Kacheguda at 4:00 PM on the 14th of September and arrive in Kollam at 11:20 PM on the 15th. The return journey will begin at 2:30 AM on the 16th of September. Passenger Surge for Onam The Onam season is one of the busiest travel periods in Kerala, with a significant influx of people returning home for the celebrations. This year, the Indian Railways expects around 1.48 lakh passengers to travel to Kerala by train for the festival. In response to this demand, the Railways has scheduled 129 special trips for the season, a significant increase from 52 special trips last year and 22 the year before. Additionally, 190 extra coaches will be deployed to accommodate the surge in passengers. The introduction of these special trains is aimed at easing the travel difficulties faced by passengers during the festive period, ensuring smoother journeys for thousands of travelers heading home to celebrate Onam with their families. Onam Wishes on Chodi (Chothi): How to Send Heart-full Greetings to Your Loved Ones Onam 2024: A Grand Harvest Festival Begins Today with Atham If you also want everyone to see you, then follow these tips.

Excise steps up Onam surveillance in Kollam district

Drive to prevent inflow of narcotics and hooch during Onam. A total of 101 persons arrested in Abkari cases

Vadamalli spreading its hues across farms in Kollam

Floriculturists are slowly shifting to the more climate-resilient flower over marigold that is often ravaged by heavy spells of unseasonal rain

District Development Committee meeting held in Kollam

Keralas cricket carnival set to begin on Monday

Six teams Trivandrum Royals, Aries Kollam Sailors, Alleppey Ripples, Thrissur Titans, Kochi Blue Tigers, and Calicut Globstars will vie for top honours in the Kerala Cricket League

Shamshabad Syro-Malabar Church Gets New Bishop

Hyderabad : The Syro-Malabar Church has appointed Mar Prince Antony Panengadan as bishop of the Shamshabad Eparchy. The outgoing Metropolitan Bishop, Mar Joseph Kollamparampil, who also served as the administrator of Shamshabad, welcomed the newly appointed bishop. The members of the Permanent Synod and the Bishop of Palai Eparchy felicitated Bishop Panengadan in the presence of bishops attending the synod, as well as priests and religious members of the curia. The Syro-Malabar Church, which oversees around 20,000 Syro-Malabar Catholics in Telangana, mentioned that the date of the bishops installation will be announced later. The appointment was made by Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil during the ongoing third session of the 32nd Synod of Bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church, which began on August 19 at the Major Archiepiscopal Curia in Mount St Thomas, Kakkanad in Kochi, Kerala. Bishop Antony Prince Panengadan was born on March 13, 1977, is the second son of P.J. Devassy and A.M. Kochuthressia. After completing his school education, he joined the CMI congregation but later transitioned to the Eparchy of Adilabad after his novitiate. He completed his philosophical studies at Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram, Bengaluru, and his theological studies at Ruhalaya, Ujjain. Ordained as a priest in April 2007, he later obtained a doctorate in Biblical Theology from the Pontifical Urbanian University in Rome. In 2015, he was appointed the second bishop of the Eparchy of Adilabad and was consecrated and installed as its bishop in October of that year. Bishop Panengadan is fluent in Malayalam, English, Telugu, Italian, and German.

CPI(M) gave maximum amount to Mukesh, embroiled in sexual harassment saga, to fight LS polls

Mukesh given 79 lakh to fight elections from Kollam Lok Sabha constituency, the highest amount given by CPI(M) among all left party candidates

Special Trains Announced for Festive Season Rush

Indian Railways schedules special trains from Visakhapatnam to ease festive rush, including routes to Chennai, Kollam, and Tirupati

Jinson Abrahams exhibition that marks 1200 years of the Kollam Era calendar, is a tribute to Keralas cultural heritage

Jinson Abraham sets his photographs against a unique fusion of Keralas agrarian history, cottage industry and ancient timekeeping tradition

Sexual assault: Row intensifies as Kerala govt accused of shielding accused

Protests raged in Kerala on Friday as outrage grew over shocking accounts from several female actors in the Malayalam film industry, with the Leader of the Opposition, V D Satheesan, accusing the CPI(M)-led government of shielding the culprits, including actor-politician Mukesh, who stands accused of sexual assault. Mahila Congress activists in Kochi and Kollam took to the streets, demanding the resignation of CPI(M) MLA Mukesh and a thorough investigation into the shocking allegations of sexual misconduct made by female actors in the Malayalam film industry to the Justice Hema Committee. In Kochi, demonstrators vented their anger by beating effigies of Mukesh, Sidhique, and Ranjith -- all accused of sexual assault -- with brooms. In Kollam, a protest march was held outside Mukesh's residence, with activists calling for his immediate resignation as MLA. Satheesan alleged that the accused in the Malayalam film industry scandal are being protected by a power group within the ruling

Hema Committee Report: Outrage grows in Kerala as opposition accuses govt of shielding accused

Protests erupted across Kerala as female actors in the Malayalam film industry alleged sexual misconduct by prominent figures like CPI(M) MLA Mukesh. Opposition leader V D Satheesan accused the ruling government of shielding the accused. Demonstrations were held in Kochi and Kollam, calling for the resignation of Mukesh and a thorough investigation.

Heavy rains hit parts of Kerala causing waterlogging, traffic snarls

Heavy rains lashed several districts of Kerala on Friday morning, leading to waterlogging of roads and traffic snarls in various parts of the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted thunderstorms with heavy rainfall and gusty winds close to 50 kilometers per hour (kmph) at one or two places in Kottayam and Ernakulam districts of the state. Additionally, it also predicted moderate rainfall and gusty winds of around 40 kmph in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad districts. On Thursday, it had issued an orange alert in the districts of Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod for August 30. It had also issued a yellow alert in the remaining districts of the state except for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha. An orange alert means very heavy rain (6 cm to 20 cm). A yellow alert means heavy rainfall between 6 and 11 cm.

Court Stays Arrest of Malayalam Actor and CPM MLA Mukesh for Five Days

Thiruvananthapuram: Kollam MLA and Malayalam actor M Mukesh, booked by Kerala police for rape and assault, was granted a reprieve on Thursday as District and Sessions Court Ernakulam stayed his arrest for five days. The court will consider his anticipatory bail plea on September 2, amidst escalating protests by the opposition Congress. Mukesh has contended that the actress who accused him of sexual harassment had attempted to blackmail him. Nevertheless, the police have filed a case based solely on the statement provided by the complainant. Maradu police in Ernakulam had slapped non-bailable charges including rape, against the CPM MLA following the complaint filed by the actress in Kochi. She accused Mukesh of sexually assaulting her at a private hotel in Maradu. The Malayalam actor was charged under IPC sections 376 (rape), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), and 454 (trespassing). The actor's counsel stated that they would cooperate with the investigation, as the circumstances did not justify an immediate arrest for an incident that allegedly occurred 15 years ago. Mukesh could not appear in the court in person to furnish the evidence because of the protests. There is a clear attempt to blackmail the actor and the evidence including electronic mail and WhatsApp chats to this effect have been submitted in the court. The counsel said the actor is a public personality and had not gone into hiding. Mukesh reportedly explained to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday concerning the allegations against him by the actress. He described the allegations as unfounded and claimed that the complainant was blackmailing him. He allegedly informed the chief minister that he would provide evidence, such as WhatsApp conversations, to substantiate his accusation of blackmail against the complainant. Meanwhile, the CPM appears to be facing more pressure from its principal ally, the CPI, than from the opposition Congress, with the party urging Mukesh to take a call given the serious sexual harassment allegations. While the state leadership has not formally demanded the actor's resignation, CPI veteran leader Annie Raja has called for him to step down. The majority of party leaders believe that the government's stance will become indefensible, and its stand on women safety will come under the scanner. CPI leaders, including the party's state secretary Benoy Viswam, have urged the CPM and Mukesh to decide on his resignation. It has been reported that the CPI leader discussed the issue with the top CPM leadership in Kerala. LDF Convenor and CPM Central Committee member E P Jayarajan challenged the opposition Congress's call for Mukesh's resignation, pointing out that Congress MLAs did not resign when faced with similar allegations. He stated that the LDF government had made a historic move to protect women by forming a high-level police team and filing cases against prominent film personalities, regardless of their status in the industry. The government has stated that appropriate action will be taken against the accused if victims or survivors file complaints. The CPM leadership has decided not to press for Mukeshs resignation for now. However, the actor will be excluded from the high-level panel constituted for framing the Kerala governments film policy. SIT collects evidence against actor Siddique Meanwhile, the special investigation team has gathered evidence related to the complaint filed by a young actress against actor Siddique. The police secured significant evidence against Siddique during a search at the Mascot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. According to the evidence collected on Thursday, Siddique and the complainant stayed at Mascot Hotel during the same time in 2016. The police secured a hotel register as evidence confirming Siddique's stay at the Mascot Hotel on the date cited by the complainant. Siddique was registered at the Mascot Hotel on January 28, 2016, coinciding with the film preview held that day. The allegation against Siddique is that she was summoned to the hotel on the preview day and was assaulted. In her complaint, the young actress alleged that Siddique raped her in 2016 at the Mascot hotel in Thiruvananthapuram. According to the complainant, she met her when she came for a preview of one of Siddique's films at Nila theatre, after which she was called to the hotel for a movie discussion and raped. The Museum police had registered a case against Siddique for rape under sections 376 and 506 of the IPC. A team led by Cantonment AC reached the hotel and collected evidence. The investigating team is collecting more evidence to prove that the complainant too had reached the hotel. Siddique had stepped down as general secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) following sexual assault charges. Opposition Congress protest Congress workers organised protests in front of Mukesh's house in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam demanding the resignation of the legislator in the wake of the rape and assault case. Opposition leader V D Satheeshan said the CPM should immediately seek the resignation of its MLA.

Kerala Social Reforms Show Path: Bhatti

Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu said the spirit of Kerala social reforms and progress resonates deeply with the values of Telangana state as well. He was the chief guest at the mass marriage of 400 couples organised by the Oachira Parabrahma Temple Administration Board at Oachira, Kollam district in Kerala on Wednesday. He was accompanied by Kerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan, MP K.C. Venugopal and MLA Ramesh Chennithala. Mallu recalled that Keralas temples, like the Oachira temple, have historically been more than just places of worship. They have been centers of social reform, education and community building. Lauding the temple for its tradition of hosting mass marriages for several decades, Mallu said it was a reflection of the commitment to a more inclusive and just society and he was honoured to be at the temple, which had been a beacon of spiritual and social enlightenment for several decades. From the times of great temple entry movements that challenged caste-based discrimination to the efforts led by reformers like Sri Narayana Guru, Chattampi Swamikal and Ayyankali, temples in Kerala stood at the forefront of social change. They were the places that nurtured the ideals of equality and social justice long before such concepts were enshrined in the Constitution, said the Deputy Chief Minister. Recalling that the transformative movements that swept across Kerala in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were echoed in the rest of South India, said Mallu adding that Telangana too has a rich history of struggle and reform- from the Telangana peasant armed struggle against feudal oppression to the fight for separate statehood- which was