One killed, another injured in gang rivalry in Kerala's Karunagappally

KOLLAM: In a suspected gang rivalry, a Karunagappally native was hacked to death inside his home, and another man was seriously injured in separate attacks by four gang members early Thursday. The deceased has been identified as Santhosh, who lived with his mother, Omana. Following the incident, police suspect the gang traveled to Vavvakavu in Ochira and attacked another youth, Aneer, a native of Oachira. The attempted murder took place in front of a roadside eatery. Santhosh was attacked around 2.30 am when the four-member gang first created panic by hurling bombs at his house. They then broke down the door, entered the home, and brutally assaulted him. The assailants hacked Santhosh and fractured his leg with a sword and metal rod, inflicting severe injuries on his legs and shoulders. Despite efforts by locals and police to rush him to Karunagappally Taluk Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. His body has been shifted to Paripally Medical College for a postmortem examination. According to police, Santhosh was an accused in two murder cases from 2020 and 2024. He was out on bail at the time of the attack. Santhosh's mother said there had been previous attempts on his life. The attackers arrived wearing masks and threw explosives at the house. They stormed in and killed Santhosh in front of me. They had tried to attack him before. Even when I screamed for them to stop, they did not back down, she said. Meanwhile, Aneer sustained severe injuries to his hands and legs and has been admitted to Alappuzha Medical College Hospital. Police suspect a connection between the two incidents and have deployed forces at both locations. Officials believe the attacks were linked to ongoing gang rivalries. The incidents occurred between 2.30 am and 3.00 am.

Man brutally murdered at home in Keralas Kollam, police suspect past enmity

The victim was accused in an attempted murder case

Garbage-free LSGIs will be declared on March 30, says minister M B Rajesh

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister for Local Self-governments M B Rajesh on Wednesday said that the local self-government institutions (LSGIs) that have met the criteria set by the LSGD will be declared garbage-free LSGIs on the occasion of the international day of zero-waste on March 30 (Sunday). So far, around 8,337 wards have been declared zero garbage wards and a total of 126 gram panchayats and 13 municipalities have already been officially declared waste-free so far, said M B Rajesh at a press conference held here on Wednesday. The minister said that around five local bodies are lagging in progress. The LSGD has set 13 criteria and the local bodies who are able to meet a minimum of 80 per cent of the required conditions will be able to declared zero-waste LSGIs on Sunday. He said that the district level declarations will be held on April 5. The minister said that the government doesnt intend to stop the efforts after the declaration. Our aim is to achieve 100 per cent progress and sustaining these efforts would be key. Comprehensive waste management, digital tracking, establishing resource recovery parks are part of the action plan, said the minister. He said that centralised plants will be set up in major cities. The 150 tonne-bio CNG plant at Brahmapuram is nearing completion and will become operational by May 2025, he said. Five new Bio-CNG plants are in the pipeline at Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Changanassery, Kollam, and Thrissur with a combined capacity of 680 tonnes per day. He said that a 200-tonne capacity CBG plant is under construction through public-private partnership at Kanjikode in Palakkad and will become operational by December 2025.

Kodakara hawala case: ED has lost its credibility, says V D Satheesan

KOLLAM: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has given the BJP a clean chit in the 2021 Kodakara hawala case, drawing sharp criticism from Opposition Leader V D Satheesan. He accused the agency of shielding BJP leaders while aggressively targeting opposition figures. The ED has completely destroyed its credibility with the report in the Kodakara embezzlement case. They have convinced everyone that the ED is a system that behaves impartially. Nothing that was in the earlier police report is in the ED report. The ED has been cleanly saving the leaders of the ruling party at the national level. The ED, which is hunting down opposition political leaders, has cleanly saved the BJP leaders in Kerala, said Satheesan. He also alleged that the CPM was colluding with the BJP on corruption cases. The cases filed by the central government against CPM leaders and the police against BJP leaders are going to end soon. It is yet to be seen whether central agencies would help CPM in the Karuvannur cooperative bank case, he added. The EDs chargesheet, submitted before the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) Court in Kochi, contradicts the Kerala Polices findings. The police had earlier concluded that the money looted in the highway robbery was intended for the BJPs campaign during the 2021 Kerala Assembly elections. However, none of the 23 accused named in the EDs chargesheet have direct links to the BJP, effectively clearing the party of any involvement. The case revolves around allegations that hawala funds from Karnataka, purportedly meant for the BJPs election campaign, were looted near the Kodakara flyover on April 3, 2021, just three days before the state went to the polls. Police announce eight-member team to probe 2021 Kodakara hawala case further BJP has no links with hawala money: K Surendran tellsprobe officials on Kodakara heist case

Akash is kingpin in polytechnic college ganja case in Kochi, say police

KOCHI: Akash M of Kollam, the first accused in a case related to the seizure of ganja from the mens hostel of Government Polytechnic College, Kalamassery, was the kingpin in selling narcotic substances among students. The other accused collected money from students for drug trafficking. According to the probe report, Akash had been actively involved in selling ganja at the Government Polytechnic College and other educational institutions for the past year. The police made this revelation before the High Court while opposing his bail plea. Considering these, the court declined the bail plea. Shalik K S, Muhammed Ashique M A, Anuraj R, Sohail Shaik and Achinta Mandal are the other accused. Senior public prosecutor C S Hrithwik submitted that ganja was seized from the room of Akash. If bail was granted to the accused, he will influence the witnesses and tamper with the evidence. Akashs counsel submitted that he had been falsely implicated in the case only for the reason that the room G-11 had been allotted to him. His roommate Adil Nisan K H was not arrested, stated the bail plea. The petitioner submitted that he is a final year student with upcoming semester exams, and the principal of the college had permitted him to appear for the exam.

Focus on infra and waste management in Kollam Corporation Budget

Woman caught with MDMA hidden in body cavity during police search in Kollam

KOLLAM: In a joint operation, the City DANSAF team and Sakthikulangara police arrested a 34-year-old woman for possessing around 90 grams of MDMA, with a portion of the drugs found concealed in her body. The accused, Anila Ravindran, a Perinad native residing in a rented house at Idavattom, was taken into custody on Friday. Police initially seized 50 grams of MDMA from her car. However, during a subsequent medical examination at the district hospital, authorities recovered an additional 40.45 grams from her rectum. The arrest took place near Sakthikulangara around 7 PM while she was travelling from Karnataka with the MDMA hidden in her car. Earlier, at 5:30 PM, police had spotted her vehicle near the Neendakara bridge, but she failed to stop when signalled. Officers later intercepted her car near Sakthikulangara and, upon searching the vehicle, discovered the drugs concealed inside. According to police, the MDMA was intended for distribution among school and college students in Kollam. They also confirmed that the accused had been involved in similar drug cases before. The operation was led by Kollam City ACP S Sherif. This is the fourth commercial-scale MDMA seizure in the city this month.

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

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

Kerala Woman Arrested for Smuggling MDMA from Bengaluru

Anila Raveendran, 34, was apprehended with 90 grams of synthetic drug MDMA, allegedly smuggled to Kollam for local distribution

Police invoke SAFEMA against drug peddler in Kerala, confiscate assets

ALAPPUZHA: Intensifying the crackdown against the narcotic and drug mafia in the state, police have begun confiscating the illegal wealth amassed by the kingpins of the mafia. The first such case was registered in Alappuzha and the police confiscated the house and 17.5 cents of land belonging to a ganja dealer invoking the Smugglers And Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act, 1976 (SAFEMA Act). The house and land of P K Khan alias Shaiju Khan, 41, of Khan Manzil, Puthuppallikunnam, Nooranad, was confiscated based on the order of the Tribunal under SAFEMA Act, Chennai. According to district police chief M P Mohanachandran, Shaiju Khan has been implicated in seven ganja-related cases registered between 2020 and 2024 at Nooranad police station, Nooranad excise office, and Alappuzha excise enforcement office. He was involved in smuggling ganja from Odisha and Tamil Nadu and distributing it across Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, and Kollam districts, targeting young people and children. He was arrested multiple times, including in March 2023 with 2 kg of ganja, in June 2024 with another 2 kg, and in August 2024 with 8.5 kg of ganja. Despite being granted bail, 125 grams of ganja was found at his residence during a police raid in November 2024. He is a habitual drug dealer and finally the department decided to invoke SAFEMA Act, the DCP said.

Focus on farm, waste management in Kollam district panchayat Budget

Government, Opposition in war of words over performance of Jal Shakti ministry

NEW DELHI: During the discussion on demand for grants for Jal Shakti ministry in Lok Sabha, the Opposition parties and the ruling government on Wednesday traded charges over the budgetary allocation and the performance of the ministry. While initiating the discussion, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal questioned why opposition-ruled states of Jharkhand, Kerala, and West Bengal are lagging behind in providing clean drinking water to rural households under the governments flagship Jal Jeevan Mission. He also questioned the oppositions commitment to ensuring safe drinking water for all. If you are truly committed to providing safe drinking water, then why are these states still behind, Pal asked. Today, when we are working to provide tap water to every household, states like Jharkhand, Kerala, and West Bengal are still the most behind, he said. Pal said that according to official data, Kerala has the lowest coverage under the Jal Jeevan Mission at 54.41 per cent, followed by Jharkhand at 54.77 and West Bengal at 55.01 per cent. Countering the charges, RSP MP from Kollam N K Premachandran termed Jal Shakti as a non-performing ministry. What is the purpose of providing grants to your ministry because you are not utilising the funds. He said the spending towards the Jal Jeevan Mission was the lowest since it was implemented in 2021. Premachandran further said that the right to safe drinking water is a fundamental right. Unavailability of portable water and quality of water are critical issues, he said. The source of water has to be made along with transportation and treatment plants. This would also mean digging roads and creating pipes. This would only benefit contractors, he added. Pal highlighted the Centres achievements under the Jal Jeevan Mission, which was launched in 2019 to ensure 100 per cent tap water supply in rural India.

Couple kill child, commit suicide in Kollam

Kerala government to celebrate fourth anniversary in grand manner in April, May

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government is all set to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the government in a grand manner. A cabinet meeting held on March 18 decided to conduct the celebrations in April and May. A series of events will be organised at the local self-government institution level, district level, and state level. The chief minister will participate in events across all districts. The programme will begin in Kasaragod on April 21 and conclude in Thiruvananthapuram on May 21. Meetings will be organised with beneficiaries of various government schemes and prominent personalities. Also, district-level exhibitions and trade fairs exhibiting the government's developmental and welfare initiatives will be held for a week. District-Level Meetings April 21- Kasaragod April 22- Wayanad April 24- Pathanamthitta April 28- Idukki April 29- Kottayam May 5- Palakkad May 6- Kollam May 7- Ernakulam May 12- Malappuram May 13- Kozhikode May 14- Kannur May 19- Alappuzha May 20- Thrissur May 21- Thiruvananthapuram State-level public events will also be organised in addition to these events. Discussions will be held with various groups under the leadership of respective departments, including youth (Youth Welfare Department), women (Women Development Department), Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST Department), cultural figures (Cultural Affairs Department), professional students and researchers (Higher Education and Health Departments), and professionals (Science & Technology Department). State-Level Meetings May 3- Youth Welfare - Kozhikode May 4- Women Development-Ernakulam May 10- Culture - Thrissur May 11- Higher Education - Kottayam May 17- Professionals' Discussion - Thiruvananthapuram May 18- SC/ST Welfare - Palakkad In addition to exhibitions, discussions, sports competitions, and other programmes will also be conducted. For the smooth execution of the events, district-level organising committees will be formed, with the respective district minister as chairman and the district collector as the general convener. The chief secretary has been assigned to issue necessary guidelines and oversee further actions. Regional Review Meetings To make governance achievements more accessible to the public and ensure the timely completion of development projects, regional review meetings will be held under the leadership of the chief minister. These meetings will also identify and resolve obstacles in ongoing development projects. Four such meetings will be held in May. The chief minister, along with ministers, the chief secretary, department secretaries and heads of departments will evaluate the progress of developmental initiatives in various districts. Any administrative or technical challenges will be identified and addressed. These meetings will be a continuation of the regional review meetings conducted in September and October 2023. Issues from the 2023 review meetings that remain unresolved, major developmental projects raised by MLAs during the meeting with the chief minister, constituency-level projects planned as part of the 'Nava Kerala Sabha', and the rehabilitation of rural roads will be discussed in the regional review meetings. The progress of government initiatives such as extreme poverty eradication, the Nava Keralam Mission (including LIFE, Aardram, the Public Education Protection Campaign, and the Haritha Kerala Mission), and the Malinya Muktha Nava Keralam programme will also be evaluated. Schedule for Regional Review Meetings May 8- Palakkad (Palakkad, Malappuram, Thrissur) May 15- Thiruvananthapuram (Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta) May 26- Kannur (Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode) May 29 - Kottayam (Ernakulam, Idukki, Alappuzha, Kottayam) The chief secretary has been entrusted with issuing guidelines and coordinating the organisation of these review meetings. The district collectors of the respective regions will be responsible for conducting the meetings. The Electronics and IT Department Secretary has also been tasked with developing the necessary software for managing the review process.

Political songs have no place in temple festivals, religious events, says Kerala HC

Directs the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to file an affidavit within a week on the actions that have been taken against the advisory committee of the Kadakkal Devi temple in Kollam for organising a musical programme during the annual festival, where political songs were performed and political party flags were displayed on the stage.

Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi awards, fellowships announced

THRISSUR : Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi (KSNA) on Monday announced its fellowships and awards for the year 2024. Veena maestro A Ananthapadmanabhan, dancer Kalamandalam Saraswathy, and theatre director Xavier Pulpattu were honoured with the KSNA fellowship, consisting of Rs 50,000 cash prize, a citation and a memento. Acclaimed keyboard player Stephen Devassy, singer Minmini Joy and Koodiyattam exponent-cum-actor Kapila were selected for the Akademi award. In addition to the fellowships, 18 artists were selected for the prestigious KSNA awards and 22 for the Gurupooja Puraskaram. The other winners of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Awards 2024 were Cheppad A E Vamanan Namboothiri (carnatic music, vocal), Avaneeswaram Vinu (violin), Thrikkarippur Ramakrishna Marar (chenda), Mahesh Mani (thabala), Kottayam Alice (light music), Sreejith Ramanan (theatre), Ajitha Nambiar (theatre), Vijayan V Nair (theatre), Baburaj Thiruvalla (theatre), Bindhu Suresh (theatre), Kalamandalam Soman (kathakali vesham), Kalamandalam Rachitharavi (mohiniyattam), Aparna Vinod Menon (bharathanatyam), Kalabhavan Salim (mimicry), and Babu Kodanchery (kadhaprasangam). The winners of KSNA Gurupuja Puraskaram were Babu Narendran G (carnatic music), K S Sujatha (carnatic music), Chembazhanthi Chandrababu (kadhaprasangam), Kalamandalam Leelamani T N (dance), Beny P J (guitar), Kottakkal Narayanan (kathakali sangeetham), Parassala Vijayan (theatre), P A M Haneef (theatre), M T Annoor (theatre), Kollam Thulasi (theatre actor), KPAC Rajendran (theatre), Sudarshanan Varnam (rangasilpam), K K R Kayippuram (playwright) Mannanam B Vasudevan (carnatic music), Kalamandalam Ambika (carnatic music), Kariyapilly Muhammed (light arrangement, theatre), Kuttamath Janardhanan (ottanthullal), Jayappan Palluruthi (thabala), Nettayam Sainuddin (theatre), Kiliyoor Sadan (kadhaprasangam), Mukkam Salim (mridangam), and Kalabhavan Noushad (mimicry). KSNA secretary Karivellur Murali said the dates of the award presentation would be announced later. The KSNA Awards and Gurupooja Puraskaram carries a purse of Rs 30,000, a citation and a memento.

College student stabbed to death in Kollam, suspect found dead on railway track

KOLLAM: In a suspected crime of passion, a 22-year-old college student was brutally stabbed to death at his house at Uliyakovil in Kollam on Monday. The victim, Febin George Gomez, a second-year student at Fathima Matha College, was attacked around 7 pm by an assailant who arrived in a car. Febins father, Gomez, was also injured in the attack and has been hospitalised. Police have launched an investigation. The suspected murderer was found dead on the railway track near Kadappakada an hour later. The body was identified to be that of Thejus Raj, a native of Neendankara in Chavara, who allegedly died by suicide by jumping in front of a train. A Maruti car with bloodstains was found abandoned near the tracks, and police have confirmed that it was the car used by the Thejus. According to preliminary reports, Thejus arrived at Febins house wearing a burqa around 7 pm. He parked his car nearby and entered the house, where only Febin and his father were there. Thejus first attacked Febins father before repeatedly stabbing Febin. According to preliminary reports, Thejus arrived at Febins house wearing a burqa around 7 pm and attacked Febins father before repeatedly stabbing Febin. Despite sustaining multiple stabs, Febin managed to run outside but collapsed near a wall. He was later rushed to the hospital in an autorickshaw. Febin had multiple stab wounds on his chest and succumbed to his injuries while being taken to the hospital. The police suspect that petrol was poured in the house. Preliminary reports indicate that Febin's sister and Tejas were former classmates. The city police commissioner, Kollam ACP and East police arrived at the scene and launched an investigation. City Police Commissioner Kiran Narayanan told media that the murder is a result of sudden provocation, though the exact motive is still under investigation. Officers are looking into whether the accused had any prior connection with Febin or his family. It is a very unfortunate incident. Children these days don't value life. The investigation is underway and how petrol was accessed for the crime will be probed, said the city police commissioner. The police have launched a detailed investigation into the case. Further forensic analysis of the suspects car and other evidence is underway. Febin is survived by his parents and elder sister, a bank employee, in Kozhikode.

Degree student stabbed to death in his house in Kollam

ASHA workers intensify agitation in Kerala, lays siege to Secretariat

One of the protesting ASHA workers, who came from neighbouring Kollam district, said they won't end the ongoing agitation untill the state government accepts their demands.

ASHA workers blockade Secretariat, demand honorarium hike and benefits

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thousands of ASHA workers from across the state gathered at the secretariat on Monday, intensifying their agitation with a large-scale blockade. Led by the Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association (KAHWA), the demonstration demands an increase in honorarium and retirement benefits, among other demands. Despite weeks of protests, the government has yet to address their concerns. The protest began at 10.30 am. Workers from various districts gathered at the Secretariat, blocking roads and main gates. As the police sealed off the secretariat premises, protestors lay down on the road and blocked it. Asha workers accuse the government of attempting to derail their movement by announcing training programs in multiple districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Thrissur, on the same day as the Secretariat blockade. They claim the health departments directive for mandatory attendance at these sessions is a strategic move to weaken participation in the strike. Speaking at the protest site, KAHWA state president V KSadanandan condemned the governments actions and said that using administrative pressure to disrupt the strike instead of addressing the workers' demands is unfair. Meanwhile, MP Santosh Kumar has issued a rights violation notice against Union Minister J P Nadda and presented documents in the Rajya Sabha to counter the Centres claims on fund allocations to the states healthcare sector. He said that the central government owes the state Rs 100 crore from the 2023-24 dues and disputed the claim that Rs 660 crore had lapsed. He added that the required utilisation certificate had been submitted on November 16, 2024 and dismissed the centres argument of non-compliance. With the protest gaining strength and the government remaining unyielding, ASHA workers have decided to continue their agitation until their demands are met. The standoff has now drawn wider attention, with many people from different fields taking part in the protest and expressing their solidarity to the ASHA workers.

Main accused in Kalamassery ganja seizure held; cops raid more hostels

KOCHI: A 21-year-old has been apprehended in connection with the ganja seizure from the mens hostel of the Kalamassery Government Polytechnic College, taking the total arrests to six. The police nabbed the main accused, Anuraj R, of Karunagappally in Kollam, from Kalamassery on Saturday night. He is a third-year Mechanical Engineering student. According to the police, Anuraj had collected money to buy ganja ahead of the Holi festival. Nearly 2kg of ganja was seized in the surprise raids held at the Periyar Mens Hostel on Thursday night. While 1.9kg of ganja was seized from the hostel room of Akash M, 21, a student of the Polytechnic and a native of Kulathupuzha, another 9.7g of cannabis was recovered from the room of Adithyan, of Haripad and Abhiraj, hailing from Karunagappally. As per the preliminary probe, Anuraj handed over the money to two former students of the college, Ashique, 20, and Shalik K S, 21, who supplied the ganja. Four covers with ganja weighing 3.5kg was brought to the hostel to celebrate Holi. We could recover only two covers. The interrogation of the accused is on and attempts are being made to recover the remaining 1.5kg of ganja. Ashique and Shalik, both natives of Purayar, supplied the ganja. They both were sent out of the fourth semester of Automobile Engineering last year as they didnt have the required attendance to attend the exams, P V Baby, assistant commission of police, Thrikkakara, told TNIE . The duo was arrested on Saturday. Cops suspect that they procured the contraband from migrant traffickers smuggling ganja from West Bengal and Odisha. We are examining Anurajs financial transactions and his connection with drug mafia. Interrogation of the accused revealed that he procured ganja from rackets and supplied them to college students when needed. He is the main link of the drug racket that used to supply ganja and other substances in smaller and bigger quantities. We have intensified the probe to ascertain the sources of the ganja that Ashique and Shalik handed over to Anuraj. The role of more former students of the college who acted as drug peddlers is also being looked into, sources with the police said. The police raided the hostel on Thursday night after receiving a tip-off about potential ganja use by students ahead of the Holi celebration on Friday. Following the arrests, the four implicated students were suspended from the college, which launched an internal probe. The incident has sparked a dispute between the KSU and SFI on campus. KSU members allege that the police granted bail to Abhiraj due to his connections with the SFI, while the SFI claims that KSU member Adhil was also involved in the incident. In response to the ganja seizure, the police have intensified their efforts against drug-related activities. A team of officials conducted surprise raids in private hostels and PG accommodations near Cusat on Saturday night, resulting in the arrest of three individuals who were released on bail due to the small quantity of drugs seized.

Omallur farm fair: Portal to timeless agricultural heritage

PATHANAMTHITTA: In the Central Travancore region, where tradition unfolds a timeless agricultural heritage, the Omallur Vayal Vanibham, or farm fair, is a reminder of ancient life and culture. The month-long extravaganza, steeped in history and brimming with local charm, is more than just a trade fair: its a living narrative of the districts enduring links, that extended from nearby areas such as Kollam, Alappuzha, and Kottayam to Tamil Nadu state. Vayal Vanibham is a nostalgic experience. The fair will take you to a period when there was only bullock carts for travel. The fair is believed to be between 500 and 600 years old. This was the main trade hub of the region, which extended up to the border villages of Tamil Nadu. There is much folklore associated with the fair, Omallur panchayat president Johnson Vilavinal said. The fair primarily dealt with the sale of cattle and local farm produce. Quality seeds were also in demand. The event begins on the first day of the Malayalam month of Meenam, said N Midhun, an organiser. Health Minister Veena George inaugurated the latest edition on Saturday. A museum will be set up to enable future generations to see and understand the history of the fair, the minister said. The fair began with a procession, bearing a lamp, from Thekkevayal, in Velinelloor panchayat, in Kollam. This will later be welcomed in Omallur, where the lamp will be lit under a symbolic pala tree, also known as devils tree. According to legend, a gigantic bull freed itself and ran towards Omallur from Thekkevayal area. The animal was, however, restrained by a farmer in Omallur by tying it to a pala tree. Later, the spot started hosting a cattle and farm fair, which eventually morphed into the Vayal Vanibham. From elephant yam and colocasia to yam and a variety of tubers, this years fair offers a glimpse into the regions bounty. Adding to the allure are saplings of fruit and vegetable plants, alongside vibrant garden species. The event also serves as a showcase of traditional craftsmanship. Stalls brim with earthenware, tools, and rare pans made from the unique black soil of Thanjavur. Visitors can browse through heritage items such as para and nazhi--traditional measuring tools--besides vegetable knives, grindstones, and agricultural implements that echo the simplicity and ingenuity of yesteryear.

New freshwater algae species discovered in Western Ghats

KOCHI: The Western Ghats continue to reveal their immense and largely untapped biodiversity. In a recent discovery, researchers from Mar Athanasius College, Kothamangalam, have identified a new species of freshwater algae in Rosemala, located in Kollam district. The species, belonging to the genus Sheathia, has been named Sheathia rosemalayensis after the place where it was found. The discovery was made by Dr Jayalakshmi P S, assistant professor at Mar Athanasius College (Autonomous), Kothamangalam, and Fr Dr Jose John, former principal of Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Thevara. This discovery is crucial because Sheathia species are extremely rare in India. Before this, only one other species was reported from the Himalayas, Dr Jayalakshmi told TNIE . The research has been published in Phycologia, an international journal on algae by the International Phycological Society (USA). This is not the first major discovery by Dr Jayalakshmi and Fr Dr Jose John. Previously, the duo identified three other new species of freshwater red algae: Kumanoa chaugulei, Kumanoa periyarensis, and Macrosporophycos sahyadricus. These were found in freshwater habitats in Kuttampuzha (Ernakulam district) and multiple locations in the Idukki district. Notably, Macrosporophycos was a newly discovered genus, a rare feat in algal taxonomy. Fr Dr Jose John, Dr Jayalakshmi P S DNA barcoding was performed on all four newly discovered species, confirming their unique identity. The findings were subsequently published in international scientific journals, Dr Jayalakshmi said. She stressed the importance of genetic analysis in taxonomy, adding, Physical characteristics alone are not sufficient for species identification. When asked why such a species had remained undiscovered until now, she pointed to a lack of specialised research in India. Very few researchers focus on freshwater red algae, particularly in the Western Ghats. These studies are crucial, as freshwater red algae only thrive in pristine, undisturbed habitats. Their presence has significant bio-geographical and environmental implications, she said. Dr Jayalakshmi further pointed out that Sheathia rosemalayensis has so far been documented only in the southern Western Ghats, a geographically distinct region. In contrast, other species within the Sheathia genus, such as S. assamica, S indonepalensis, and S dispersa, have broader distributions spanning Assam, Nepal, Indonesia, Taiwan, and even the Hawaiian Archipelago.

Kollam Pooram: permission for fireworks display denied

Decision to deny permission was issued considering the impracticality of safely conducting fireworks in the Asramam ground as well as the inability to establish a magazine as per Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation regulations for storing explosives in the location

Man held with drugs worth over Rs 2.5 lakh in Kochi

KOCHI: The police on Saturday arrested a man and seized a large quantity of methamphetamine and ganja from him at Edappally. The arrested person is Krishnakumar, 28, of Plachery in Kollam. According to police officials, the District Anti-Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF) team received a tip-off about a suspicious man in Brahmasthanam, Edappally. The DANSAF team reached the place and approached Krishnakumar who was waiting for someone on a bike. On seeing the police officials, he tried to flee the place but the police managed to nab him. On searching his bag, the police found 121.91 grams of methamphetamine and 1.016 kgs of ganja. The seized drugs were worth over Rs 2.5 lakh. According to police, Krishnakumar worked as a driver in Kochi. He procured methamphetamine from Bengaluru and ganja from a migrant worker. Police have launched a probe into the origin of the narcotic substances and the list of people who procured drugs from Krishnakumar. The accused was produced before the court and remanded in judicial custody.

Revolutionary songs at temple festival in Kollam trigger row, TDB orders probe

KOLLAM/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The rendering of revolutionary songs at a music event during the festival at the Kadakkal Devi temple in Kollam has kicked up a controversy, with criticism coming from various quarters. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has sought an explanation from the temple advisory committee on the music programme. The board also directed its vigilance wing to probe the events leading to the rendering of songs glorifying CPM and the alleged display of DYFI flags in the background screen. TDB president P S Prasanth said a probe has been ordered and action will be taken based on the report. The High Court had banned the display of symbols or flags of political, religious and caste organisations at temples. The TDB is responsible for ensuring it. The board takes a strict stand against such incidents, TDB said in a statement. The controversy stems from a music event by singer Aloshi Adam organised by the Vyapari Vyavasayi Samiti (Madathara unit) and Kadakkal CPM Area Committee as part of the Thiruvathira festival at the temple on March 10. Aloshi sang revolutionary songs like Pushpane Ariyamo and Nuru Pookkale, while CPM and DYFI flags and symbols were reportedly displayed on an LED screen on stage. CPM trying to politicise temples to help BJP: UDF J Unnikrishnan Nair, Assistant Devaswom Commissioner, Kollam, said the display of political flags or symbols inside temples is strictly prohibited by the courts, and the board had issued a circular in this regard to all places of worship under its control. The superintendent of vigilance will investigate the matter. If it is found that this was done deliberately, strict action will be taken, he said. The incident has invited strong criticism from the Opposition, with the UDF accusing the ruling party of attempting to politicise temples to benefit the BJP. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan wondered whether the programme was aimed at creating tension, which would help BJP. CPM is a shameless party. Why would they ask the devotees about Pushpan? he asked. Kollam MP N K Premachandran said the CPM is trying to create party villages in Kadakkal, like in Kannur. Chanting party slogans and displaying party flags during festival programmes is a violation of common decency, he said. Meanwhile, senior BJP leader V Muraleedharan accused the CPM of turning the temple festival into a political propaganda event. Will the CPM dare to do such things at other religious establishments? Such discrimination is only towards the Hindu community, he said. Hindu Aikyavedi state president R V Babu said the incident was a challenge to Hindus. CPM is implementing its agenda to politicise temples and make them a tool for political campaigns, he said. Hindu Aikya Vedi Patron K P Sasikala alleged that the CPMs influence over temple administration is leading to the misuse of temple land and finances. The incident at Kadakkal temple shows how temple rituals are being dismantled by turning temples into meeting venues for the Communist party, she said. Dismissing the controversy as unwarranted, the Vyapari Vyavasayi Samiti said songs like Pushpane Ariyamo were performed during temple festivals in the past. Such songs have been part of temple festivals before, and even communist-themed dramas were staged here. It is possible that some audience requested the singer to sing Pushpane Ariyamo. We are not trying to politicise the temple. We respect all political parties, said Anil Madathara, president of the Samiti, Kadakkal unit.

DYFI flags at temple festival in Kollam: TDB orders vigilance probe

Display of political flags or symbols inside temples is strictly prohibited by the courts and the board had issued a circular regarding this to all places of worship under its control, says TDB president

Kerala police arrest two former students in ganja seizure at polytechnic hostel

KOCHI: The Kerala police on Saturday arrested two more persons in connection with the seizure of two kilograms of ganja and the arrest of three students following a raid at the men's hostel of Government Polytechnic College, Kalamassery here. According to the police, the arrested persons, Ashique and Sharil, are former students of the institution and are suspected of supplying the contraband to the hostel. They were taken into custody this morning after their involvement came to light through statements given by students previously arrested in the case, and their arrest was also recorded following a detailed interrogation, police said. Five people have been arrested in connection with the incident so far, according to the police. Thrikkakara Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) P V Baby said these two persons had provided some information regarding the ganja seized. However, he added that the police would confirm their findings only after gathering supporting evidence. More details cannot be disclosed at this stage since students are involved in the case, the ACP told reporters. The preliminary investigation suggests that the arrested people supplied drugs based on demand, the officer said. This is the first time they allegedly brought such a large quantity of ganja to the hostel, though they had supplied smaller amounts earlier, ACP Baby stated. Both suspects passed out from the college last year, and their role in the case will be fully established once corroborative evidence is obtained, he added. The ACP also hinted at the involvement of more individuals and the possibility of further arrests. The police had conducted the raid on Thursday night as part of a stringent crackdown on narcotics and arrested three students. Two of them were released on station bail while another student, Akash M, 21, a native of Kulathupuzha in Kollam was arrested and remanded to judicial custody on Friday. The police recovered 1.909 kg of ganja from his room. Police seized 9.7 grams of ganja from the two students who were released on station bail --Adithyan, 20, a native of Haripad in Alappuzha, and Abhiraj R, 21, a native of Karunagappally of Kollam-- officers said. The college authorities have suspended all three students and ordered an internal inquiry into the incident. According to police, the contraband was intended for both sale and personal use. The police also stated that the raid was conducted based on a tip-off about large quantities of ganja being stored on campus ahead of Holi celebrations. The search that began on Thursday night lasted nearly seven hours and concluded at 4 am on Friday, police officials said. The incident triggered a blame game among student outfit leaders, including those from the Kerala Students Union (KSU) and the Students' Federation of India (SFI), over the alleged involvement of their activists in the crime.

TN Agriculture Budget 2025: Minister announces special incentive of Rs 349 per MT to sugarcane

CHENNAI: Agriculture Minister MRK Panneerselvam on Saturday announced that eligible farmers who have registered with and supplied sugarcane to sugar mills for the 2024-25 crushing season will be paid, a first time special incentive of Rs 349 per Metric Tonne of Sugarcane over and above the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) fixed by the Union Government. This provides a cane price of Rs 3,500 per MT, benefiting about 1.30 lakh sugarcane farmers. An amount of Rs.297 crore will be allocated for this scheme, the Minister said, presenting the budget for 2025-26 in the State Assembly. The Minister said that, considering the importance of the consumption of traditional varieties of vegetables, a special programme will be implemented to encourage farmers to cultivate traditional varieties of vegetables. Through this scheme, traditional varieties, viz., Manaparrai Kathari, Sillukodi Kathari, Kulasai Kathari, Periya Kollampatti Kathari, Tharuvai Thakkali, Manjalkudam Thakkali, Anaikomban Vendai, Sivappu Vendai, Siragu Avarai and Mukkuthi Avarai will be encouraged at an outlay of Rs 2.40 crore to promote the cultivation of traditional vegetable varieties. This scheme will benefit 7,000 farmers cultivating traditional vegetables in 2,500 acres of land. TN Agriculture Budget 2025: Minister Panneerselvam announced initiatives to promote organic farming

CPM to take up Padmakumars public statement

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM state leadership will take up the issue of former MLA A Padmakumars public statement against minister Veena Georges induction into the party state committee. At the recently concluded CPM state conference in Kollam, Veena was inducted as a special invitee to the state committee. However, Padmakumar came out against it and told the media that while selecting leaders to higher committees their organisational experience must be considered. CPM state secretary M V Govindan told reporters on Thursday that though the state committee did not take up the matter, it would discuss the issue soon. Issuing public statements is against party discipline. A matter that should be raised in the committee should not be aired in public, he said. The secretary also dismissed Padmakumars claim that seniority is the criterion for selecting leaders to higher committees. Experience is not the criterion. The leadership is looking for a convergence of new and experienced leaders. Merit and value are the bases of inducting leaders to committees, he said. Govindan said that the party would fight the Enforcement Directorates move to question its MP and former minister K Radhakrishnan both legally and politically. He also criticised the RSS workers for obstructing Tushar Gandhi and raising slogans against him during a function in the Thiruvananthapuram district.

UV index touches 10 in Kollam, alert issued

While a UV index of 6 to 7 indicates a need for precautions, 8 to 10 requires extreme vigilance, and above 11 is considered high risk

Kollam cyber fraud case: main suspect arrested

Kerala: Two kg of ganja seized from Polytechnic hostel in Kochi

Two of the students were released on station bail, while Akash, 21, a native of Kulathupuzha, Kollam, was booked under a separate FIR after authorities recovered 1.909 kg of ganja from his room

Police arrest three students, including SFI leader, for possessing ganja in overnight raid

KOCHI: The city police on Friday carried out an overnight raid at the hostel of the Government Polytechnic College in Kalamassery and arrested three students, including an SFI leader, for possessing ganja. The arrested persons are Akash M, 21, of Kulathupuzha, Kollam; Adithyan, 20, of Haripad, Alappuzha and Abhiraj P, 21, of Thodiyoor North, Kollam. Abhiraj is the SFI leader and Union General Secretary of the Polytechnic College. According to police, 1.909 kg of ganja was seized from Akash and 9.7 grams of ganja was recovered from Adithyan and Abhiraj. The search that started at 10.30 pm on Thursday concluded at around 1 am on Friday Based on the tip-off, the District Anti-Narcotics Special Action Force (DANSAF) team, combined with Kalamassery police, searched the Periyar Men's Hostel rooms of the polytechnic college at around 10.45 am. Akash was staying at the G11 room of the hostel from where he seized 1.909 kg ganja. The search at the F 39 room, where Adithyan and Abhiraj stayed, resulted in the seizure of 9.7 grams of ganja. We have arrested three accused persons after charging two separate cases under the NDPS Act. Some of the students fled from the place, seeing the police team. We are investigating them, a police official said. Adithyan and Abhiraj were released on bail from the police station as the seized ganja was minimal. Akash will be produced before the court in the evening. However, KSU activists alleged that to ensure bail for Abhiraj, police have registered two separate cases. The classmates of Akash claimed that he was neither a drug abuser nor a peddler and raised suspicions that some person had placed the ganja packet in his room deliberately. On this, the police officials said that separate cases were registered as ganja was recovered from two different rooms of the hostel. But we will probe whether Adithyan and Abhiraj had any connection with the ganja seized from Akash. The investigation is currently in the preliminary stage. We will probe whether the ganja seized from Akash's room belonged to some other persons. The source of these contraband will also be checked, a police officer said.

Soaring devotion amid scorching heat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sumithra Chetri, a resident of Assam, was so captivated by the Attukal Pongala festival that this year she decided to participate and offer her first-ever pongala. Having worked in a star hotel for the past four years in the capital, the grand annual pongala ritual had caught her attention since she arrived here. I was amazed by the spectacle. Hundreds of women coming together on a particular day and participating in such a grandeur. I was curious and this year I decided to take part and I feel really good and blessed, says Sumitra Chethri, who was seen offering pongala near Bakery Jn - Thampanoor Road. Men participating in pongala ritual is not common and 29-year-old Vishnu Binu has broken this norm by offering pongala in 101 pots at Thampanoor. Vishnu, a Kayamkulam resident came all the way from Dubai to participate in the pongala this year. I came with my mother and brother to offer pongala and I am performing the ritual because my marriage got fixed. I had prayed and offered this pongala hoping that my marriage would happen. My mother and brother came to help me, says Vishnu. The sweltering heat and temperature alerts failed to deter the festive spirit of devotees as they turned up in large numbers to take part in the annual Attukal Pongala ritual, which began at 10.15 am on Thursday. Owing to the high daytime temperature, the pongala chain was broken and scattered and people in large groups were seen offering pongala under tree shades and where there were shades to take rest. East Fort, Thampanoor and the entire MG Road stretch were taken over by devotees. Devotees offering pongala at Thampanoor in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, as part of the Attukal Pongala festival Leela Kumari, from Kollam, who was seen resting, complained about the distribution of drinking water. I have been offering pongala for the past 25 years and they are distributing water but if we ask for more they are hesitant. Usually its not like that. I felt it was hotter than in previous years, says Leela. The pongala concluded with sprinkling of holy water at 1.15 pm. Rathi V, another devotee from Kollam, who offered pongala at Fort, was seen resting under the shade of a tree. The weather was so good yesterday. It was cloudy and today its just the opposite. Yesterday, because of good weather, we could roam around all day, says Rathi. As many as 30 wards in the city corporation were declared festival zones for pongala. However, the pongala spread, though broken, was offered even in areas bordering the capital. The capital witnessed heavy traffic for hours, even after pongala as devotees started leaving in large numbers. Transgender community members participating in the ritual at Pulimood Junction

UV radiation levels spike in Palakkad, Malappuram districts

PALAKKAD: With the state recording high ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels on Thursday, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has cautioned people against direct exposure to the sun between 11am and 3pm. A red alert has been issued for Palakkad and Malappuram districts where the UV index rose to 11. Kollam and Idukki districts recorded a level of 10, while Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam posted 9 on the index. The index is recorded on a scale from 1 to 11+ that indicates the intensity of UV rays from the sun at a particular time and place. Experts say the ozone layer and cloud cover act as protective shields from UV radiation. Changes in the amount of ozone in the atmosphere and cloud cover determine the UV radiation reaching the earths surface. When the sky is clear the intensity of UV radiation will be high. During summer, when the sun moves to the northern hemisphere and comes directly over the region, which leads to the intensity of heat. The UV level will be high for a couple of weeks from March 20 due to variations in radiation intensity. Direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours can cause sunburn, said S Abhilash, director of the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research at Cusat. According to reports, the UV index in Palakkad district touched 11 at 12.26pm, a level that poses serious health risks to people working under direct sunlight. UV metres installed in Thrithala and Ponnani have been monitoring radiation levels in Palakkad and Malappuram districts. Prolonged exposure to intense UV rays can lead to sunburn, skin diseases, eye disorders, and other health complications, district health officials said. Independent weather researcher Vijith Hamza, who last year co-authored the study, Assessment of UV Index in Kerala, along with Ninu Krishnan, of the Research Institute for Sustainable Environment, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, told TNIE that Kerala has been experiencing increasing levels of UV radiation over the past two decades. The study analysed 6,574 UV index readings recorded in the state between 2004 and 2022. Changes in climate, moisture levels, movement of clouds, thickness and patterns of rainfall influence UV radiation levels. The index will be highest where there is direct sunlight, the skies are clear, and elevation is high. The absence of thick and scattered clouds that actually filter ultraviolet rays increases the UV index, Vijith said. Safety measures To stay safe from high UV radiation, individuals should wear hats, use umbrellas, and wear sunglasses while stepping outside. It is advisable to choose light cotton dresses that cover the body to minimise exposure. Extra caution is necessary in hilly regions, tropical areas, and open landscapes, as these locations typically experience higher UV radiation levels.

State panel berth row: CPM leaves Padmakumars remarks untouched

PATHANAMTHITTA: Amid controversy over CPM district secretariat member A Padmakumar publicly expressing his dissatisfaction for not getting a berth in the partys state committee, it was reported that the CPM Pathanamthitta district committee meeting on Wednesday did not discuss anything related to his remarks. Following the meeting, district secretary Raju Abraham told reporters that such discussions usually occur in meetings attended by state committee leaders or under the guidance of state leadership. We have already informed the state secretary about the incident. However, we have not received any directions in the matter, said Raju. He also pointed out that majority of the discussions were about the campaigns against the Centre. In todays committee, we mainly discussed a campaign about launching protest marches to the Union government offices against the Centre. Comrade Padmakumar actively took part in the discussion. There are no other issues, he added. Though on Sunday, Padmakumar had left the CPM state conference venue in Kollam without attending the public meeting, he notably softened his earlier stance later on. Taking to Facebook, Padmakumar had written Deception.... Betrayal..... Insult.... Balance sheet of 52 years..... Lal Salam (sic) as the caption of his changed profile picture, in which he is seen sitting inside a car, worried. However, he later deleted the caption but retained the picture.

Kerala Police Finds Human Skeleton In Suitcase Near Cemetery In Kollam

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

Summer rain likely, yellow alert for four districts in Kerala on Tuesday

Isolated heavy rain forecast in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Idukki on Tuesday. Kottayam registers day temperature of 38.2C on Monday

Left front shall emerge strong and uncompromising to fight BJP, RSS: Brinda Karat

CPI(M) Polit Bureau member arrives at partys 24th Kerala State conference in Kollam

Kollam Corporation fines CPI(M) State conference organisers

Unauthorised installation of flags, banners, and other items along roadside cited as reason for the 3.5-lakh fine

Illegal boards, flags in public places: Kerala HC expresses concern over inaction by State

Court says it has received nearly 200 complaints from individuals in Kollam, which was now filled with boards and flags on streets and other public areas

CPI(M) State conference begins in Kollam

Kollam@75 exhibition drawing crowds

Kollam Corporation to launch mass campaign against narcotics

Wait for new CPI(M) district secretary likely to get longer

All eyes now set on the State committee to be constituted during the partys State conference in Kollam from March 6 to 9

Keralas first We Park opens in Kollam

The park, located near SN College Junction below the railway overbridge, includes facilities such as walking tracks, a cafeteria, badminton and volleyball courts, a chess block, a skating area, an open gym, a yoga and meditation zone, an event space, toilets, and parking.

Honey Benjamin of the CPI elected Kollam Mayor

Prasanna Earnest of the CPI(M) resigned following a pact in the ruling Left Democratic Front

Passengers on Ernakulam-Kollam rail corridor seek more MEMU trains

Because of ongoing six-laning works of NH-66, bus commuters and even those who relied on private vehicles have shifted to trains causing heavy crowding on trains, say rail users. Passengers faint because of the crowding, they say

Prakash Karat to inaugurate CPI(M) State conference in Kollam

Two held in Kerala for attempting to sabotage train

Two men were arrested in Kerala for allegedly placing a telephone post across a railway track, endangering the lives of passengers. The accused, Rajesh and Arun, were taken into custody and confessed to placing the post on the tracks, but the police are still investigating a possible sabotage angle. The incident occurred on the Kollam-Shenkotta route, and the accused have a criminal track record, with one involved in 11 criminal cases and the other in five cases. The police are investigating whether more people were involved in the incident.

Taluk-level adalat remaining complaints will be resolved at the earliest, Kollam DDC meeting decides

Telephone pole on railway track: Police suspect attempt to derail Palaruvi Express, arrests two

Police filed cases against two persons who allegedly placed a telephone pole across the railway track suspecting an attempt to derail Palaruvi Express (16791) heading towards Kollam.

Connect 2K25 mega job fair heldin Kollam

Kollam DCC, Matsya Thozhilali Congress plan protest at sea against Centres offshore mining project

Leaders say BJP government is moving forward with project. The Centre has already signed the death warrant for Keralas fishing sector. In protest, a day-and-night agitation will be held off the Kollam port harbour on February 22

Mobile tele-veterinary unit starts functioning in Kollam

First geriatric centre in cooperative sector to begin in Kollam

Saphalyam, spanning 105,000 sq. ft, is the largest geriatric centre in Kerala, according to officials

Kerala Police Highhandedness in Midnight Arrest Sparks Outrage

Kollam resident Aji was forcibly taken from his home at midnight over a settled rent dispute, prompting widespread condemnation

Empowering people to choose their end-of-life medical preferences

The main objective of the Living Will Information Counter at Government Medical College Hospital, Kollam, is to help individuals choose their health care preferences should they become incapacitated and are unable to make decisions due to a terminal illness or life-threatening condition

Draft UGC regulations for selection of VCs 'anti-constitutional': Moitra

NEW DELHI: TMC MP Mahua Moitra on Tuesday termed as anti-constitutional the draft UGC regulations for selection of vice chancellors in Central and state universities. Demanding a rollback of the criteria of the search-and-selection committee of vice chancellors of state-aided universities, Moitra said during Zero Hour that there is no state-government representative in the committee even though states pay completely for the state-run universities. The draft UGC regulation, 2025, which seeks to replace the UGC regulation 2018, is over-centralised, anti-constitutional and anti-federal, Moitra said. According to the draft regulations, industry experts, as well as senior professionals from public administration, public policy and public sector undertakings, might soon be eligible for appointment as vice chancellors. The draft norms have also given power to chancellors or visitors to constitute the three-member search-cum-selection committee to appoint vice chancellors. The new guidelines will also amend the norms for hiring faculty members in universities allowing people having a postgraduate degrees in Master of Engineering (M.E) and Masters of Technology (MTech), with at least 55 per cent marks, to directly get recruited to the Assistant Professor level without qualifying for the UGC National Eligibility Test (NET). Raising the issue of sand mining, Opposition Congress and the RSP demanded that the Centre withdraw its decision to conduct offshore sand mining in Kerala, Gujarat and Andaman and Nicobar islands. NK Premachandran (RSP) said the Centre has not taken concurrence of the state for sea sand mining, which is proposed to start from the Kollam region of Kerala. In Kerala, livelihood of thousands of people is based on fishing. If sand mining is conducted, it will destroy the coastal ecosystem and the livelihood of fishermen, Premachandran said. He said the intention is to privatise sea sand mining. I urge upon the government to stop and withdraw from the move because it is adversely affecting the fishermen and coastal ecosystem, he added. KC Venugopal (Congress) said the livelihood of fishermen community would be affected. Government has to withdraw this order to save the environment and fishermen, he added. K Francis George (Kerala Congress) said Odia film 'Sanatani-Karma Hi Dharma' violates all norms of decency and respect for a religion and religious faith. He urged the government to ban the film across India to protect religious harmony. This film is a dangerous piece of propaganda aimed at spreading misinformation and division among communities. The film can cause communal disharmony and incite people to commit violence against minority Christians in Odisha, George said. TR Baalu (DMK) raised the issue of shooting of fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy and said 97 fishermen and 216 boats are in Sri Lanka custody. Alleging the government's response to this issue is lukewarm, Baalu said if the government is not able to resolve the issue it should facilitate talk among the parties and settle the matter. DM Kathir Anand (DMK) asked Speaker Om Birla to provide MPs wireless bluetooth earphones to listen to Parliament proceedings. He said all over the world Parliamentarians are provided with wireless bluetooth earphones. But, here (in India) they are provided with headphones. The headphones are not being properly maintained and they fall on the floor..., Anand said.

Rabies-free Kerala project launched in Kollam

Kollam NCC Group wins laurels

Protest against sea mining held in Kollam

Alignment for Kollam-Theni NH development gets final approval

The stretch from Kadavoor in Kollam to Anjilimoodu in Alappuzha of the NH-183 will be completed initially, says Kodikunnil Suresh

Kochi gets little for road development vis-a-vis other cities

A total of 5,207.43 crore allocated for development of 48 roads in Kannur, Kozhikode, Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram through KIIFB funding

Stakeholders welcome Kerala govt.s initiative to transform State into industrial hub

CCCI highlights the Vizhinjam-Kollam-Punalur growth project, healthcare investment, and infrastructure expansion; FICCI views the Budget as a catalyst for growth, criticises the tax hike on premium electric vehicles

Kerala Budget 2025-26: LDF government to explore the possibilities of transforming KIIFB into a revenue-generating entity

In his Budget presentation, Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal announces two pilot initiatives an IT Park in Kollam city and another on the Kallada Irrigation Project campus at Kottarakkara that are part of the revenue-generating projects proposed to be funded through KIIFB

Kollam Greenfield Highway Hits Speed Breaker As Kerala Forest Department Rejects NHAI Proposal

The Kerala Forest Department rejected the proposal of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the diversion of forest land in two villages Ayiranalloor and Edamon.

CPI standing committee heads resign from Kollam Corporation

Resignation after the unwillingness of the CPI(M) Mayor to step down from her position as per a prior agreement

Thiruvananthapuram district tops in number of dog bite cases in 2024

Thiruvananthapuram tops with 50,870 persons seeking treatment, followed by Kollam with 37,618 cases. However, data is for all kinds of dog bites as separate data is not maintained for stray dog bites

Asian Waterbird Census in Kollam records 11,525 birds from 81 species

Rise in rabid dog attackscauses concern in Kollam

DDC discusses delay in MGNREGA payment to workers in tribal regions of Kollam

Kerala: Man arrested for pronouncing triple talaq to wife over phone

Kollam: A man has been arrested for pronouncing triple talaq to his wife over the phone, police said on Saturday. Abdul Basith, a native of Mynagappally in Kollam district, was arrested two days ago and remanded to judicial custody for 14 days, they said. Basith was booked under relevant sections of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act and other charges for abuse under sections of BNS. He is currently lodged in judicial custody at Chavara sub-jail. The arrest followed a complaint by his 20-year-old wife, a resident of Chavara in Kollam district. According to the complaint, Basith married her without disclosing his first marriage. After their wedding, Basith allegedly took her to a rented house, as his first wife was staying in his family home. Upon learning about his first marriage, the woman confronted him, which led to mental and physical abuse, the complaint stated. Basith also threatened to marry another woman, further escalating issues between them. Following a quarrel, the woman returned to her parents' home. On January 19, Basith reportedly called her and pronounced triple talaq over the phone, declaring that their relationship was over, the complaint stated.

Interviews at Kollam Employment Exchange

CPI(M) welcome committee office inaugurated in Kollam ahead of State conference

Prior to the 24th CPI(M) party Congress scheduled to be held in Madurai from April 2-6, the Kerala State conference will take place in Kollam from March 6 to 9.

Senior Resident vacancy at Kollam GMC

Efforts on to clear bottlenecks in Kottayam-Kumily Road

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

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

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

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.

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

Kollam DDC takes action to prevent dumping of material at highway construction sites