Amoebic meningoencephalitis claims two more lives

An infant and a middle aged woman passed away at Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode on Sunday

Kerala reports two more deaths from amoebic meningoencephalitis

KOZHIKODE: Two people, including a three-month-old infant, have died from amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare and often fatal brain infection, while undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, health officials said on Monday. With these deaths, the toll from the amoebic brain fever in the state has risen to three within August, officials said. The deceased infant was the son of Abubacker Siddique from Omassery in this district and had been receiving treatment at the hospital for the past month. His condition worsened on Sunday, leading to his death in the ICU, an official said. The other victim, Ramla (52) of Kappil in Malappuram district, developed symptoms on July 8. She was initially treated at a private hospital and later shifted to Kozhikode Medical College as her condition deteriorated. New amoebic meningoencephalitis case reported in Kozhikode district According to health officials, eight other patients from Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad districts are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. Earlier, on August 14, a nine-year-old girl from Thamarassery had died at the hospital due to the same infection. According to health officials, amoebic meningoencephalitis is primarily contracted through swimming or bathing in contaminated water. A total of 42 cases have been reported across Kerala this year. Following the recurring cases, the Health Department has initiated chlorination of wells and water storage tanks in Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Malappuram districts. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted to prevent new cases, the official added. Advisory issued after girl dies of amoebic meningoencephalitis in Wayanad

20 tourists from Kerala stranded in Kalpa after landslide hits Himachal

KOCHI: A trip to Spiti, in Himachal Pradesh, has turned nightmarish for a group of 20 tourists from Kerala. The holidaymakers, including five from other states, are stranded in Kalpa, 216km from Spiti, with roads blocked or washed away in landslides following heavy rains in the state . The group, which reached Spiti on August 25, has sought help to reach Shimla, from where they would be able to continue their journey to Delhi and then home. Jisan Sam Oommen, a member of the group and a social media influencer, said, The main issue is the absence of hospitals nearby. Some of the members are at the risk of running out of everyday medicines. Kalpa is remote village with no medical facility. In the event of an emergency, we will have no one to rely on, Jisan, who is from Kochi, told TNIE. The group, comprising friends and acquaintances from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, had visited Spiti and was on its way to Delhi to catch the flight back home when the landslides struck. We had left our accommodation in Kalpa and travelled nearly 50km when we were told that a landslide had washed away the road ahead. We were notified by locals that it would be wise to stay in Kalpa. So we returned to our hotel and have been staying there since, he added. Himachal's Bada Bhangal village cut off after Kalihani river changes course due to landslides Jisan said that three members of the group are from Tamil Nadu and two from Rajkot, in Gujarat, besides the 20 from Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kasaragod, and Malappuram districts. One member of our group has been dependent on ambulance support throughout the journey. With rains persisting and more landslides reported, we have no idea when the roads will be cleared. He added that BJP leaders Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Shone George had called them and assured help. Himachal govt to evacuate 3,000 stranded Manimahesh pilgrims amid heavy rains and landslides

Natural habitats to be formed to curb man-animal conflict in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced that the state government will give top priority to creating natural habitats for wildlife inside forests as part of efforts to reduce the rising incidents of human-wildlife conflict in Kerala. The chief minister was speaking while inaugurating the state-level Theerthayajna programme on conflict mitigation in Kozhikode. The chief minister said that measures will be taken to ensure adequate food and water for wild animals within forest areas. For this, ponds and water bodies will be renovated and fruit-bearing trees planted. Already, 1,584 hectares have been converted into natural forests, while work is underway across another 5,031 hectares. In addition, solar fencing is being installed along forest borders, and invasive species such as acacia and eucalyptus are being removed. These steps will help reduce wildlife intrusion into human settlements, he said. Pointing out the human cost of conflict, Pinarayi noted that in the past nine years, 884 people have died due to wildlife attacks in the state, with 594 of those deaths caused by snakes and wasps outside forest areas. Over the past five years, the government has disbursed `79.14 crore in compensation to victims families.

Wayanad tunnel a gateway to progress: CM Pinarayi Vijayan

KOZHIKODE: In the picturesque village of Anakkampoyil in Kozhikode, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday inaugurated the construction of the Wayanad tunnel road project , a long-awaited infrastructure initiative poised to revolutionise connectivity between Kozhikode and Wayanad districts. It was a day history would remember, when a decades-old dream began to take solid form. The ceremony, held at the St Marys UP School ground, marks the beginning of a project set to become the countrys largest twin-tunnel road and a vital alternative to the congested Thamarassery Ghat Road. A crowd, vibrant and diverse, had gathered at the venue. Among the onlookers was 70-year-old Thomas, a spice farmer from Kalladi in Wayanad. For him, the Thamarassery Ghat Road has been a story of struggle of hours-long traffic jams and of harrowing journeys during medical emergencies. There were farmers who spent lifetimes navigating treacherous mountain passes, young entrepreneurs whose ambitions were tethered to the whims of the winding Thamarassery churam, and families who simply longed for a safer, quicker connection to their relatives. The chief minister spoke of the tunnel road not as mere asphalt and concrete but as a lifeline. This is more than a tunnel, it is a gateway, Pinarayi declared, his voice resonating with conviction. A gateway to progress, to prosperity, and to a safer future. He then announced the specifics of the dream project. This monumental project is being realised with an investment of `913 crore, fully funded through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), ensuring that progress will be swift and unhindered, Pinarayi said. The chief minister delivered a scathing critique of the Union government, alleging a deliberate campaign of financial strangulation against the state. The state government has gone through a painful period when the Centre denied the states rightful financial share, he said. He pointed to a situation where the state was allegedly denied Rs 12,000 crore, arguing that loans taken through KIIFB cannot be considered as state loans. Pinarayi also accused the Centre of attempting to sabotage development projects, alleging that the progress in Kerala is causing frustration among certain groups. The chief minister spelt out a clear timeline for the tunnel road project. We are committed to completing it within 60 months, he said. He emphasised that the development will not come at the cost of environment. We are not just cutting through rock, we are carving a path that will unite our people while protecting the delicate beauty of our land, the chief minister said. This pledge to harmonise development with nature was a fresh highlight woven into the projects very blueprint, he said. Pinarayi elaborated on the cutting-edge Austrian engineering being employed. Unlike conventional methods that scar the mountainside, this project will utilise a state-of-the-art tunnel boring machine (TBM), a colossal mechanical earthworm that chews through the granite heart of Vellarimala, leaving the forest sanctuary above almost untouched. The excavated rock will not be discarded but repurposed, becoming the very foundation for local infrastructure projects, he explained. Earlier, the CM unveiled the foundation stone for the project. It was a gentle start to a monumental task, a quiet promise of the 8.73 kilometres to come. The journey from Anakkampoyil to Kalladi a gruelling 45-kilometre, 90-minute ordeal will become a mere 20-minute drive in a few years time. Thamarassery Bishop praises Pinarayis determination At the inauguration ceremony for the Wayanad tunnels construction, Bishop Remigius Inchananiyil of the Thamarassery Archdiocese acknowledged the many obstacles environmental concerns, technical studies, and bureaucratic delays that had plagued the project. He praised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans determination, saying that without a leader who is resolute in his vision, the tunnel would have remained a pipe dream. The bishops speech highlighted a moment of convergence. Earlier, the Thamarassery Archdiocese had publicly, and strongly, criticised the state government on a different pressing issue the rising human-wildlife conflicts. At Anakkampoyil on Sunday, the bishop also spoke with gratitude of the contributions of the late leaders like K M Mani and Oommen Chandy, acknowledging that the projects long journey had been a collective effort spanning different political eras.

Works on Anakkampoyil-Meppadi tunnel road get under way

Project, which will offer an alternative to the Thamarassery Ghat road, expected to be completed in 60 months. The road connects Thiruvambady panchayat in Kozhikode district to Meppadi panchayat in Wayanad district

Wayanads 30-year dream takes wings

KALPETTA: Wayanads three-decade dream of reliable road connectivity will take a definite step closer to reality on Sunday when Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurates the construction of the twin tunnel linking Anakampoyil, Kalladi, and Meppadi -- a project that promises to end the districts crippling isolation and unlock new avenues of growth. For years, heavy rain, road accidents, or even minor landslips on the Thamarassery ghat road have cut Wayanad off from the rest of Kerala. The plea for an alternative route has echoed for decades. Local residents believe the twin tunnel will not only end this crippling isolation but also open new doors for development. Even over the past few days, we struggled when landslips forced a closure of the ghat road. No other district in Kerala faces such isolation. Some people oppose the project citing environmental issues but those concerns shouldnt stop our basic development. We dont have good hospitals or schools, nor railways or an airstrip. If the ghat road closes, our only fate is helplessness, said Minhaj Khalid of Kalpetta. He said successive governments ignored the demand for almost 30 years. When the first Pinarayi government announced the twin tunnel, we thought it would remain just a promise. Today, we are hopeful, he added. Tourism and trade groups are equally enthusiastic. The twin tunnel will transform accessibility and boost tourism. At Meppadi, where the road ends, most families survive on tourism, said Wayanad Tourism Association secretary Saifulla K Hassan. Traders see the project as an economic turning point. It will ease the movement of goods, especially coffee, tea, banana, pepper, cardamom, fruits, and vegetables, strengthening the Bengaluru-Mysuru-Kochi industrial corridor, said Jojin, a member of the Wayanad Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi. Kerala's twin tunnel road faces criticism over ecological impact Twin-tunnel road preparation works in progress at Meenakshi Bridge Experts say the project is safe and scientifically sound. The twin tunnel will pass through charnockite rock, which is highly stable, said John Mathai, a former scientist with the National Centre for Earth Science Studies. The main challenges will be at the soil-rich endpoints and ensuring proper ventilation for the 8-km stretch. Overall, this is the safest and most environmentally viable solution. Expanding the Thamarassery ghat road is no longer possible without risking its stability. The tunnel will also leave the top forest layer untouched. The Anakampoyil-Meppadi twin tunnel, one of Keralas largest infrastructure projects, will stretch 8.73 km from Marippuzha in Kozhikode district to Meenakshi Bridge in Wayanad district, including 8.11 km of double tunnels. The alignment will feature six curves, two main bridges, and three minor bridges across the Iruvazhinji river, with cross-passages connecting the tunnels every 300 metres. The project requires 33 hectares, of which 5.7 km is forest and 2.9 km private land. The tunnels will be equipped with modern systems including ventilation, firefighting, radio, telecommunication, surveillance, lighting, and emergency response facilities. The Konkan Railway Corporation Limited, the special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the project, said the construction of the tunnel will begin first on the Wayanad side. The Wayanad entrance will be at an altitude of 851 metres above sea level at the Meenakshi Bridge in Kalladi. The construction is expected to take four years, with the twin tunnel initially opening as a two-lane road before being upgraded to four lanes. Progress will be monitored by an expert committee every six months, and officials have assured compliance with environmental and safety standards. PROJECT DETAILS Cost: Rs 2,134 crore Total length: 8.753km (Anakkampoyil in Kozhikode to Kalladi in Wayanad) Estimated construction time: 4 yrs Travel time saving: 30-45 minutes between Kozhikode and Wayanad; up to 1 hour for Bengaluru-bound travellers Purpose Bypass Thamarassery Ghat to reduce congestion and improve safety Environmental concerns Landslide-prone terrain, disruption to elephant migration routes, impact on biodiversity Legal challenge Wayanad Prakruthi Samrakshana Samithi petition in HC against environmental clearance Environmental clearance conditions Landslide hazard micro-mapping, vibration and weather monitoring, wildlife corridors, species monitoring, periodic audits

Kerala Journalist Nandakumar booked for posting obscene content against CM Pinarayi Vijayan

KOCHI: Kochi city cyber police registered a case against journalist T P Nandakumar aka Crime Nandakumar for posting a social media video allegedly containing obscene content against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Nandakumar, a native of Mankav in Kozhikode, now residing in Kochi, has been charged with attempting to incite a riot under the Indian Penal Code (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), as well as violating Sections 67 and 67(a) of the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008, which address offences related to the publication or transmission of obscene material in electronic form. The suspect posted the video on his Facebook page and YouTube channel on Friday, accompanied by an obscene thumbnail and caption, said Shemeer Khan P A, SHO, Kochi city cyber police. We came across the video, with a caption linking CM with a controversial woman involved in a sensational scam, during cyber patrolling. We filed charges upon determining that the video was intended to disrupt social fabric and incite conflict between groups, he said. He added that further charges may be slapped on the accused after a detailed investigation. Nandakumar was earlier booked and later arrested in a similar defamatory case in 2024 by the Kochi city police for defaming CM on social media in connection with the SilverLine semi high-speed rail project.

Janadhipathya Rashtriya Party, led by C K Janu, leaves NDA

KOCHI: Janadhipathya Rashtriya Party (JRP), the political party led by tribal activist and Muthanga agitation leader C K Janu has decided to leave the National Democratic Alliance led by the BJP. The state committee of JRS, which met in Kozhikode on Saturday decided to leave the front unanimously. Leaders of the BJP in Kerala were surprised by the decision and said Janu has not communicated anything in this regard. The JRP has been an alliance partner of the BJP in Kerala since 2016, but they did not give us the kind of respect we deserve. I have raised our grievances before the BJP leadership many times but they ignored us completely. When the state committee met on Saturday, all members unanimously demanded that we should leave the NDA, Janu told TNIE. Denying rumours that she was planning to align with one of the two major fronts, Janu said the decision is to stand as an independent party.

CM to launch special projects for mitigating human-animal conflict in Kozhikode

Public meeting to be held to discuss issues related to human-animal conflicts

Explore potential of north Kerala, tourism entrepreneurs told

Over 1,500 delegates attend Malabar Tourism Meet in Kozhikode

Vigil stepped up in Kozhikode ahead of Onam to track drug peddlers

The anti-narcotics squads have already collaborated with the special squads of the Excise, Railway Protection Force, and the Motor Vehicles departments to ensure strict vigil at all possible public spots

Kerala records surge in skilled professionals returning from abroad: LinkedIn Report

KOCHI: Kerala is witnessing a major inflow of skilled professionals returning from abroad, particularly from the Gulf region, according to a LinkedIn Talent Insights report. The report was released at the Skill Kerala Global Summit organised by the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), a Kerala government advisory body, held here on Friday. According to the study, more than 9,800 professionals have returned to Kerala from the UAE over the last five years, accounting for the largest share of returnees, followed by Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom with over 1,600 professionals each, while Qatar contributed over 1,400 and the United States more than 1,200, a K-DISC release said. In terms of domestic migration, around 7,700 professionals moved back to Kerala from Karnataka, followed by Tamil Nadu (4,900), Maharashtra (2,400), Telangana (1,000) and Haryana (800). While regional migration is more focused on technology, the global migration inflow enables other field industries like civil and mechanical, too, the report said. According to LinkedIn, returnees are primarily seeking opportunities in IT, healthcare, tourism, and education, while many are also returning to start businesses. Stable employment, proximity to family, and a better work-life balance compared to high-pressure metros and overseas jobs are cited as key reasons for the trend, as per the report. About 52 per cent of Kerala's global returnees came from the UAE, bringing expertise in business operations, finance, and entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, regional migration -- led by Karnataka -- has strengthened Kerala's innovation and technology talent pool, with rising inflows in product management, research, and education. Skill development has also taken centre stage through various initiatives, the K-DISC release said. The report also highlights a 172 per cent increase in Kerala's professional talent pool over the last five years, placing the state ninth among Indian states. Nearly 40 per cent of this workforce is concentrated in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Kozhikode. K-DISC said that findings are expected to guide Kerala's future policies in talent development, global collaborations, and investment in emerging industries.

Traffic curbs lifted on Thamarassery Ghat Road

KALPETTA: The traffic restrictions imposed on the Thamarassery Ghat Road following multiple landslips have been eased, with authorities allowing all vehicles, except multi-axle carriers, to ply from Friday evening. The decision was taken at a review meeting convened at the Kozhikode collectorate on Friday. The indefinite closure of the ghat road -- a key mountain pass -- had triggered strong protests from the public. Considering the risk factors, special traffic arrangements have been introduced for goods carriers on the stretch. Heavy vehicles will not be allowed to move in opposite directions simultaneously. Instead, goods vehicles proceeding in one direction will be cleared at a time. Parking of vehicles near the ninth bend, where multiples mudslips occurred over the past few days, will remain strictly prohibited. Continuous surveillance will be maintained along the pass, officials said. Kozhikode Collector Snehil Kumar Singh, who inspected the ghat road on Friday morning, had said that the route cannot not be reopened fully due to safety concerns. Traffic can be allowed only after detailed study, the collector told media in the morning. However, following the review meeting, it was decided to ease the restrictions. Authorities have also decided to deploy modern monitoring equipment. A ground penetrating radar system will be used, in coordination with the civil engineering department of NIT Kozhikode, to assess the stability of rocks above the road. Drone imaging will also be carried out to map landslide-prone stretches.

Kozhikode Corpn. struggles to identify land for dog park

None of the land under the civic body found suitable; expressions of interest invited from private parties; Opposition councillors stage walkout, insisting the park be built on Corporations plot

Tunnel road to change economic and social landscape of Malabar

It will not only herald a fundamental shift in road connectivity between Kozhikode and Wayanad but also expected to boost farm and tourism sectors. It will be a faster, safer, and reliable compared to Thamarassery Ghat Road

New amoebic meningoencephalitis case reported in Kozhikode district

KOZHIKODE: Health authorities in Kozhikode are on high alert following the confirmation of a fresh case of amoebic meningoencephalitis , a rare and fatal brain infection. The latest patient is a 43-year-old woman, a resident of Perumanna, who is currently undergoing treatment at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital (MCH). The latest case brings the total number of patients currently under treatment at the KMCH to 10. These include six patients from Kozhikode, other five from Malappuram and Wayanad districts. Though the source of infection is not traced yet, the Perumanna panchayat has banned entry and bathing in all ponds and water bodies in the area. The health department has confirmed that a total of 42 cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis have been reported in Kerala this year. With 19 patients currently undergoing treatment in various hospitals across the state, health officials have launched a large-scale public campaign to raise awareness and implement preventive measures. The Water is Life campaign, involving local bodies, the health and water resources departments, and the Haritha Keralam Mission, aims to ensure the cleaning and chlorination of all wells and water storage tanks. The campaign aims to mobilise communities to clean and chlorinate wells, water tanks, and other water sources that could be breeding grounds for the amoeba.

Landslips completely shut Wayanad Ghat Road

KALPETTA: Heavy rain on Thursday triggered multiple landslips near the ninth bend at Churam View Point on the Thamarassery Ghat Road, forcing a complete shutdown of the busy mountain pass. Police sealed the entry points at Adivaram in Kozhikode and Lakkidi in Wayanad, diverting vehicles through Kuttiadi Pass, while travellers from Malappuram were advised to take the Nadukani route. District Collectors of Kozhikode and Wayanad announced that only emergency services including ambulances, fuel, milk supply, and media vehicles would be allowed passage. Kozhikode Collector Snehil Kumar Singh said debris clearance was under way with the support of police, fire and rescue services, and revenue officials led by Thamarassery tahsildar C Subair. Revenue Minister K Rajan held a virtual review with Kozhikode and Wayanad collectors of the situation and directed that heavy vehicles remain barred from the pass until the area is declared safe. Movement of large vehicles will not be allowed through the pass until further instructions. Small vehicles may be allowed after the rain subsides, provided the area is stable. The landslip origin point is at a height of 80 feet. It is a serious situation. Geology experts must examine the landslip origin point to check for further cracks, he said. The Kozhikode Collector has been asked to inspect the site on Friday. An ambulance passes through the landslip-hit area at Thamarassery ghat road A preliminary inspection by the geology department on Thursday confirmed the need for an expert committee to assess landslide risks and recommend preventive measures. Fire and rescue teams used high-pressure water to clear soil and rocks from the road. Officials, forest staff, Churam Samrakshana Samiti volunteers, and local residents assisted in ensuring that the stretch remained open for emergency passage. Traffic on the ghat had briefly resumed around 9 pm on Wednesday 26 hours after the first landslip on Tuesday night but fresh downpours early Thursday dislodged more boulders and mud at the same location, forcing another closure. Successive slips through the day hampered clearing operations. Wayanad landslide rehab: Confusion continues over township beneficiary list

CPI(M), UDF lock horns over protests against Shafi Parambil in Kozhikode

DYFI alleges that MP is protecting Mamkootathil; UDF views the protests as a direct attack on Shafi who trounced CPI(M) veteran K.K. Shailaja in its stronghold Vadakara in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls

Kozhikode MCH to procure surgical devices amid shortage in Cardiology dept.

The issue arose after distributors of these devices stopped supplies, citing pending dues worth hundreds of crores

More labourers to be deployed for NH repair works in Kozhikode

The latest decision is to complete all emergency road repairs on NH-66 within a week, says NHAI

Kerala witnesses landslides, waterlogging due to heavy rains

Thiruvananthapuram: Rains intensified in Kerala on Thursday, causing waterlogging, a rise in water levels of dams and landslides in some parts of the state, with the IMD issuing an orange alert in six districts for the day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts 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 .

Fresh Amoebic Encephalitis Case Reported in Kerala

43-year-old woman tests positive; total cases under treatment at Kozhikode Medical College rise to 10

Fresh case of amoebic encephalitis reported from Kerala's Kozhikode

A new case of amoebic encephalitis has been confirmed in Kozhikode, Kerala, affecting a 43-year-old woman. This brings the total number of patients receiving treatment for the rare brain infection at Kozhikode Medical College to ten, including four children. The infection, caused by amoeba found in contaminated water, has affected individuals from Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Malappuram districts.

CM Pinarayi to inaugurate Navapoojitham celebrations at Santhigiri Ashram today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the Navapoojitham celebration on Thursday at 5 pm at Santhigiri Ashram, Pothencode. Swami Chaitanya Jnana Thapaswi, president of the Ashram, will preside over the event. The Navapoojitham Souvenir will be released by Minister Kadanapally Ramachandran, who will hand it over to Koliyakode N. Krishnan Nair, Chairman of the State Co-operative Union. The keynote address will be delivered by KPCC president Sunny Joseph MLA. On Navapoojitham Day, August 29, the ceremonial events will begin at 5 am with a special floral tribute by the monastic order. This will be followed by the flag hoisting at 6 am, and floral offerings from 7 am onwards. Ministers GR Anil, KN Balagopal and BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar will speak at various sessions during the day. Swami Paramatmananda Saraswati, founder of Arsha Vidya Mandir Rajkot will inaugurate the two-day national seminar on Guru Parampara and the Indian Knowledge Tradition at Santhigiri Porhencode on Thursday. As part of the Navapoojitham celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Santhigiri Ashrams Founder, Navajyothi Sri Karunakara Guru, the event will be jointly organised by the Central Sanskrit University, Indic Dharma Academy, Santhigiri Research Foundation, and the Department of Arts and Culture. The inaugural session, to be held at the spiritual conference hall of Santhigiri Ashram, will be presided over by Professor S. Paneerselvam, General Secretary of the Indian Philosophy Congress. Distinguished attendees include Swami Gururatnam Jnana Thapaswi, General Secretary of Santhigiri Ashram, and Swami Sri Atmananda, head of Satyachetana Ashram, Tiruvannamalai. The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Ram Nath Jha of the JNU School of Sanskrit and Indic Studies. Other speakers include Dr N. Radhakrishnan (Chairman, Kerala Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi), Dr. Swami Gurunand Jnana Thapaswi, Professor K. Rajashekharan Nair (Principal, Ananthapuri Global Institute of Public Health) and Professor K. Gopinathan Pillai. The academic sessions will feature presentations by Prof. Balaganapathi Devarkonda, Prof. Lakshmikant Pathi, Dr. Arun Gupta and Dr. Rajesh Kumar. An open discussion session in the afternoon will be chaired by Swami Narasimhananda of the Ramakrishna Ashram, Kozhikode. Topics to be discussed in the seminar include factors that disrupted the continuity of Indias knowledge traditions, their contemporary relevance and applicability, challenges, and future possibilities. Other prominent speakers and presenters include Prof. Srinivas Varkhedi (Vice Chancellor, Central Sanskrit University), Dr. G.R. Kiran (Senior Quality Assurance Expert, Sultanate of Oman Accreditation Authority), Dr. Kishore Kumar Tripathi (Member Secretary, Sri Aurobindo Society), Swami Bhaktadattan Jnana Thapaswi, Prof. Ramanathan Srinivasan, Prof. Sreekala M. Nair, Prof. K. Sreelatha, Prof. N. Gopakumaran Nair, Dr. Janani Ramyaprabha Jnana Thapaswini, Janani Vandita Jnana Thapaswini, Sanjay Jain, Dr. T.S. Somanathan, Dr. K.R.S. Nair and Dr. S. Kiran. The seminar will conclude on Friday at 5 pm, with a valedictory message by Swami Gururatnam Jnana Thapaswi, General Secretary of the Ashram.

Rules to grant unrestricted land use rights to settlers get Kerala cabinet nod

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Bringing in major relief to thousands living in the highranges, the cabinet on Wednesday promulgated rules for the Kerala Land Assignment (Amendment) Act - 2023 to provide unrestricted land use rights to people living on assigned land. With framing of rules, the government can now regularise violations of land use norms so that settlers wont be under legal entangles. Announcing the decision, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the decision will bring relief to thousands of families, who have faced persistent hardships due to rigid land-use restrictions. Briefing the media after the cabinet, along with Revenue Minister K Rajan, the CM said resolving land issues of hill dwellers has been one of the key objectives of the LDF government since it assumed office in 2016. The Land Assignment (Amendment) Act was passed in the Assembly in September 2023, ending a six-and-a-half-decade wait for the people of hilly areas. The governor gave assent in April 2024, and the law was notified in June 2024. Now, with the cabinet approving the rules, the law is ready for implementation, chief minister said. Relief for patta holders Under the original Act of 1960, land was allotted to individuals for agriculture, housing, and small commercial activities. However, those who later deviated from the specified purposes were caught in legal complications, including court-ordered restrictions. The new amendment seeks to regularise such cases by allowing alternative uses without jeopardising livelihoods. The rules approved on Wednesday cover two major aspects: Regulating diversion of land already allocated under pattas and Granting conditional permission to use such land for other livelihood-related purposes. Houses constructed for the owners residence will be regularised with only a nominal application fee, as compounding charges will be completely waived. In cases where patta land was transferred in violation of the stipulated time limits, regularisation will be possible by paying a fixed percentage of the fair value. To simplify the process, the government will launch an online portal where owners can submit applications. They will be given up to one year to apply for regularisation, with provision for an extension if required. Commercial and industrial structures up to 3,000 sq ft used for livelihood purposes will be regularised without charging compounding fees. Large buildings will attract graded charges - from 5%of fair value for those between 3,000-5,000 square feet, up to 40% for those exceeding 25,000 sq ft. Structures larger than 50,000 sq ft , as well as quarries, will be charged 50% of fair value. Exemptions will apply to a wide range of institutions and organisations, including educational establishments, places of worship, cooperative societies, cultural bodies, hospitals, and government-approved buildings. These will either be regularised free of cost or for minimal charges. This is a democratic amendment, framed after extensive consultations with political parties, religious and community leaders, environmentalists, media representatives, and legal experts. The rules strike a balance between livelihood needs and ecological concerns, chief minister explained. Infra push: Anakkampoyil-Meppadi tunnel The CM announced that construction work on the much-anticipated Anakkampoyil-Kallady-Meppadi tunnel road will begin on August 31, following environmental clearance. The Rs 2,134.5-crore project, funded through KIIFB, will include an 8.1 km twin-tunnel system. Land acquisition in Kozhikode and Wayanad districts is almost complete, with forest land already handed over and 90% of private land secured. Once operational, the tunnel will reduce the distance between Anakkampoyil and Meppadi to just 22 km, offering faster access to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Operation D-Hunt Giving an update on anti-narcotics measures, the chief minister said that between February 22 and August 25, authorities had checked 3.82 lakh people as part of Operation De-Hunt, registering 23,652 cases. A total of 24,986 people were arrested, while seizures included 16 kg of MDMA and more than 2,144 kg of cannabis. Onam welfare package Despite fiscal constraints, the chief minister announced a comprehensive Onam welfare package worth Rs 19,575 crore. Of this, Rs 12,100 crore will cover salaries, pensions, bonuses, festival allowances, and relief payments. Another Rs 1,800 crore is allocated for two installments of welfare pensions. File adalat progress The chief minister said that File Adalat, launched on July 1 to expedite clearance of pending files, has disposed of 53.87% of files across the Secretariat, Directorates, and regulatory institutions, with some directorates recording clearance rates above 70%. Concerns over GST revision On fiscal matters, the chief minister voiced strong concern over the Centres proposal to revise the GST rate structure, warning that it could further erode Keralas revenue base. He said a letter had been sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging urgent steps to protect the interests of states. Under the Kerala Land Assignment Act of 1960, land titles were granted for purposes such as agriculture, housing, and small-scale commercial use. But many people later used or transferred such lands for other purposes. This resulted in disputes and prolonged legal battles. To end such issues and protect the livelihood of many people, the state government conducted the Land Assignment Amendment Act. This got passed by the assembly on September 14, 2023, and got the governors assent on April 27, 2024. The amendment law was officially notified as the Land Registry Act, 2023, on June 9 marking the end of a wait. spanning more than six decades for residents in the high ranges. The governments decision will provide relief to several families in the high ranges who had made minor alterations to their land for livelihood. Decades ago, many farmers who began cultivation in these areas also built houses within their farmland, which later received electricity connections and house numbers. However, their successors often faced hurdles while renovating these houses as they were marked in records as land for farm use. The new move will allow such genuine applicants to regularise their homes after proper verification of property documents. Officials clarified that the concession will not apply to ecologically sensitive areas.

DYFI workers block MP Shafi Parambils car at Vadakara in Kozhikode

KOZHIKODE: Tense scenes unfolded in Vadakara town on Wednesday when DYFI activists blocked the vehicle of Congress MP Shafi Parambil. The incident took place near the Town Hall while Shafi was returning after attending a programme. According to reports, DYFI workers, carrying party flags, stopped the MPs car and raised slogans against him. The police quickly intervened and removed the protestors, using force to disperse them. The protest came in the backdrop of the sexual harassment allegations raised against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil . While several voices have demanded Rahuls resignation, Shafi Parambil had earlier taken a firm stand that the MLA should not resign. This position triggered anger among DYFI activists, who had openly warned that they would block Shafi during his Vadakara visit. When the protesters stopped his vehicle, Shafi stepped out of his car and confronted them. He engaged in a heated exchange of words with DYFI workers, declaring that he had no intention of fleeing from Vadakara out of fear. I will not leave Vadakara market out of fear. I am ready to face the protest, but dont resort to abusive slogans. Call it a protest, not personal insults, Shafi told the agitators. For nearly half an hour, the situation remained tense. Eventually, Shafi re-entered his vehicle and continued his journey under police protection. The incident occurred while Shafi was returning from an Onam celebration for differently-abled children organised by local MLA K K Rema. The protest led to a confrontation with the police, which eventually ended up in a clash between Youth Congress activists and the police. Some leaders were injured in the melee. KPCC president Sunny Joseph demanded that the police arrest the CPM workers who tried to attack Shafi.

Health department expands Japanese Encephalitis vaccination to Kozhikode, Malappuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:The Health Department has decided to expand the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccination programme to include Kozhikode and Malappuram districts, following reported cases from these areas. A catch-up vaccination campaign will target children aged 1 to 15 years, and the JE vaccine will also be introduced into the Routine Immunisation Programme (Universal Immunisation Programme) in these districts. Until now, the vaccine has been administered only in Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha, where it was introduced in 2009 following JE outbreaks. The latest decision follows a directive from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. JE is a serious viral brain infection transmitted through mosquito bites. Although case numbers remain relatively low, experts emphasise that the disease is endemic in parts of the state, posing a continuous risk, especially to children. The JE virus occurs naturally in some ecosystems. Except in Assam, nearly all JE cases in India occur in children below 15 years. For every single JE case, there are around 400 infected children in endemic areas, said Dr T Jacob John, eminent virologist and former head of ICMR's Virology Research Centre. According to Dr Althaf A, epidemiologist and professor at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, the earlier introduction of the JE vaccine in Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram has significantly reduced cases. We have been administering the JE vaccine for the past 15 years, and it has been a success. The number of cases has dropped drastically, he said. In 2024, Kerala reported 10 JE cases and 4 deaths. In comparison, 6 cases and 1 death were recorded in 2023. Despite the seemingly low numbers, health experts underscore the importance of vaccination due to the disease's high mortality rate. JE is vaccine-preventable. Even one or two cases warrant vaccination because of the fatality risk. We plan to expand routine immunisation to other districts as cases emerge, said Dr Aravind R, Head of Infectious Diseases, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. Doctors also point out that incorporating JE vaccination into routine immunisation can aid in early detection of Nipah virus infections, which often resemble JE in their initial stages. Both viruses cause encephalitis, and symptoms such as fever, headache, and vomiting overlap, complicating early clinical diagnosis. Nipah and JE are caused by different viruses, but both present with similar neurological symptoms in the beginning. Nipah may also include respiratory symptoms. In fact, during the first Nipah outbreak in Malaysia in 1998, over 100 cases were initially misdiagnosed as JE, said a senior clinician. Experts stress that all JE and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) cases should be screened for Nipah virus, especially in districts known for previous outbreaks.

DYFI activists block Shafi Parambil MPs vehicle at Vadakara in Kozhikode

The incident happened in the evening when Mr. Parambil was returning from an Onam event for differently-abled children organised by K.K. Rema, the local MLA

Fathers six-year wait for missing son ends in despair in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: For years, N P Vijayan has kept a silent vigil at the door of his home in West Hill. Every passing motorcycle that sounded like his sons, every familiar laugh from a group of boys down the street would stir a flicker of hope in his heart. For six long years, he waited for his son, Vijil, to walk through that door, just as he had promised on the morning of March 24, 2019, when he left to meet his friends, saying, Ill be back soon. That hope was brutally extinguished this week. For Vijils friends confessed to a truth more horrifying than any nightmare Vijayan could have imagined. His son wasnt coming back. Vijil, 29 at the time of his disappearance, had died that very same day. The heart-wrenching revelation in the six-year-old missing person case came after the state police chief ordered a reinvestigation into old cases. A special team, led by Kozhikode Town ACP P Bijuraj, began to piece together the final hours of Vijils life. Suspicion quickly fell on the three friends -- Nikhil, Deepesh, and Ranjith -- who were with him on the day he vanished. Under intense questioning, the friends confessed that he died because of an overdose of drugs. According to the Elathur police, the four friends had gathered in a secluded area near Sarovaram BioPark to use drugs on March 24, 2019. There, Vijil was allegedly injected with a fatal overdose of brown sugar, said Elathur SHO K R Ranjith. As he lost consciousness, his friends, instead of seeking medical help, panicked. When they realised he was dead, they buried Vijils body in the nearby marshland, weighing it down with stones. The officer said the trio also admitted to returning to the burial site eight months later. They dug up what was left of Vijils remains, and in a final, desperate act to erase all evidence, scattered his bones in the sea. We need to gather the evidence, especially from where the group buried the body, and a scientific examination needs to be carried out before confirming the details, he said. It is learnt the police are not fully convinced of the drug overdose explanation and are checking the possibility of murder. On Monday, the police registered the arrest of Nikhil Kulangarakandy, 35, and S Deepesh, 27. And on Tuesday, the Koyilandy court allowed the police a three-day custody of the duo. According to the statements of Nikhil, a resident of Eranjipalam, and Deepesh, of Vengeri, they left Vijils bike and mobile phone at the Kozhikode railway station after burying the body. The accused were taken to the railway station premises on Tuesday for evidence collection and the police found Vijils bike. They have also revealed that they threw away the mobile phone after deleting Vijils call records. Officers said evidence collection will be carried out at the Sarovaram Biopark on Wednesday morning. Meanwhle, a manhunt is under way for the third accused, Ranjith. They face charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and destruction of evidence. For the investigators, the confession is a major breakthrough but it also presents a near-impossible task: recovering any physical evidence of a crime so meticulously hidden. For Vijayan, though, the revelations of the friends came as a shock. He now suspects that the group murdered his son. The story the accused told the police is unbelievable, my son did not use drugs. Every time I saw his friends on the street, I would ask, Have you heard from him? Do you know where my Vijil is? They would look me in the eye and say he went on a train, that he had left home like that twice earlier, he would come back when he was ready. They told me not to worry. They drank tea with me. They watched me waiting for my son. They were cheating me. I really suspect they killed my son, it was not an overdose of drugs, Vijayan said.

Hybrid ganja worth Rs 4 crore seized at Kochi airport

KOCHI: The Customs Air Intelligence Unit on Tuesday intercepted a Thrissur native who flew in from Bangkok at the Kochi airport by a Malaysian Airlines flight and seized 4.1 kilograms of hybrid ganja, that has an estimated market value of Rs 4 crore. The customs officers acted on a tip off and intercepted the passenger Seby Shaju, a native of Irinjalakuda, who had arrived from Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur by Malaysian Airlines flight MH 0108. The passenger was subjected to a detailed examination at the exit based on profiling. The scrutiny of his check-in baggage led to the recovery of 4.1 kgs of hybrid ganja, a Customs official said. The passenger, an offender with multiple cases registered against him, including under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act (KAAPA), has admitted to his involvement in smuggling activities. There is a spurt in the smuggling of hybrid ganja into the state via airports. The same has resulted in calls for setting up modern baggage checking systems at airports in addition to the existing X-ray machines. The other day, hybrid ganja worth Rs 13 crore was seized from a Kozhikode native based on information received by the intelligence wing of the Kerala police. Similarly, a group of students from Malappuram, studying in Karnataka, attempting to smuggle 10 kgs of hybrid cannabis from Singapore via the Thiruvananthapuram airport, was also apprehended following a tip-off. Over the past year, the AIU wing of the Cochin Customs has seized a total of 101 kgs of ganja across 20 cases. The operation on Tuesday was led by Chief Commissioner S K Rahman, while the successful interception was executed by Assistant Commissioner Paul P George and team.

Opposition Leader Satheesan warns CPM, BJP of explosive revelations in coming days

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:Opposition Leader VD Satheesan on Tuesday warned that Kerala will soon witness explosive political revelations, cautioning both the CPM and BJP against playing dangerous political games. This is indeed a warning. Kerala will soon be jolted by shocking revelations, Satheesan told reporters in Kozhikode, hinting at a major expose in the coming days. Ridiculing the BJP's bull protest outside his residence last week in view of allegations against Rahul Mamkoottathil, he said, Dont release that bull. Tie it up in front of your party office. You will soon have to take it to BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhars house. Turning to the Palakkad MLA Rahul Mankoottathil issue, Satheesan said that the suspension decision against the colleague was taken with an aching heart. No harsh action on Mamkoottathil as he threatened Cong leadership, alleges Minister Sivankutty It was not an easy decision, but it was necessary. Many appreciated our action, which was hailed as a model decision in Keralas political history. The real question is for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayanhow can a minister who insulted an IAS officer still remain in his cabinet? he asked. The Opposition Leader also alleged large-scale corruption in the GST Department, claiming senior positions in that department were occupied by CPM loyalists. The Kasaragod GST bribery case, using a middleman, he said, was just the beginning, and more such scams would soon come to light. He further demanded a probe into the death of Aryanad panchayat member Sreeja, alleging she was driven to suicide by CPI(M) harassment over financial issues. According to him, the CPM highlighted the Rahul controversy only to divert attention from hawala and reverse hawala charges against party leaders and the allegations surrounding CPM secretary MV Govindan's son. The CPM cannot escape with diversionary tactics. More truths will come out, and Kerala will be shocked, Satheesan said.

Haryanas illegal kitchens source of synthetic drugs flooding Kerala

KOZHIKODE: Three Nigerian nationals, masterminds behind a cross-border synthetic drug racket, were brought to Kozhikode under heavy security and produced before the Vadakara court on Monday. Their arrest follows a breakthrough investigation by Kozhikode Town Police, which uncovered drug kitchens operating in Gurugram, Haryana, that were supplying chemical drugs to South Indian states, including Kerala. The operations of the racket came to light after the arrest of K Siraj, 31, a native of Pudukkottu, Malappuram, on February 16, 2025. Acting on confidential information, Kozhikode Town Police, led by SI Muralidharan and the DANSAF team, seized 778g of MDMA from Siraj near the railway station. Scientific analysis of his bank accounts and mobile phone, conducted with the help of the Cyber Cell, revealed that Siraj had purchased drugs from a Nigerian supplier. The probe also showed money transfers from Sirajs account to those of two Nigerian nationals, with withdrawals traced to Delhi and Haryana. Investigators identified three key Nigerian nationals Ugochukwu John alias David, Henry Onuchukwu, and Okoli Romanus as central figures in the network. Their locations were traced to Gurugram, and the information was shared with Haryana Police. A raid followed, in which eight people were arrested: six Nigerians, one Nepali, and a Mizoram native. Police seized 1.60kg of sulfa, 904g of cocaine, 2.34kg of raw cocaine, 42 mobile phones, three electronic scales, packing materials, and Rs 7,500 in cash. The seized drugs were valued at over Rs 1 crore in the market. Crucially, the raid also uncovered for the first time clandestine drug kitchens inside an industrial estate in Gurugram. According to police, except for Okoli Romanus, none of the foreign nationals arrested had valid visas or documents to stay in India. Investigators found that the group used the dark web for drug transactions and were involved in similar cases in Delhi and Himachal Pradesh. Meanwhile, Kozhikode police confirmed that the three Nigerians directly linked to the Kozhikode MDMA seizure - Ugochukwu, Henry, and Okoli - were taken into custody by the Town Police team led by Inspector Jitesh. The accused were taken to Kerala and produced in Vadakara court on Monday. The investigation also revealed how Siraj operated a sophisticated trafficking network. He collected MDMA from Henry in Delhi, smuggled it to Goa by train, and concealed it inside AC coach bathrooms. He would then fly to Goa, board the train en route, retrieve the hidden stash, and carry it to Kozhikode. The Town Polices special teams - one in Delhi and Haryana, another in Himachal Pradesh - were instrumental in cracking the case. The core team included Sub-Inspectors Saji Shinob and Mohammed Shabeer, SCPO Deepu, and CPOs Ragesh, Sugesh, Raghuraj, Ranjith, and Vipin. Police officials described the bust as a major breakthrough in dismantling an international drug syndicate operating across India. For years, we suspected production centres, but this is the first time a drug kitchen has been traced and dismantled. Its a big win against synthetic drug smuggling into Kerala and South India, a senior officer said.

Rare amoebic variant detected in Kerala; total active cases touch 18

KOZHIKODE: Amid serious concerns over an increase in the cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis in the state, an expert team at the Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital (MCH) has confirmed the detection of a rare amoeba variant, Sappinia pedata, in a patient under treatment at the MCH. This is the first time the variant is detected in the state. Currently, there are 18 active cases of amoebic meningoencephalitis across Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Malappuram districts. Of them, eight have been admitted to the Kozhikode MCH. This year, 41 cases have been confirmed in the state so far. With the cases on the rise, the state government has heightened vigil, launching preventive measures, including chlorination of wells and water tanks across homes, hospitals, hostels and educational institutions. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged local self-government institutions to carry out preventive measures effectively. Vermamoeba vermiformis, a free-living amoeba that has been identified as a cause of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), and Naegleria fowleri, also known as the brain-eating amoeba, were the two variants identified in the cases reported in the state so far. Chlorination drive on August 30, 31 The Sappinia pedata strain is particularly rare and can trigger both granulomatous amoebic encephalitis and PAM conditions that are often fatal if left untreated. Sappinia infections are extremely rare. The fact we have detected it here is of high clinical importance. It may represent a changing trend in environmental exposure or simply improved diagnosis, but it warrants detailed study, said a neurologist at Kozhikode MCH. Patients with Sappinia infection usually show symptoms such as fever, severe headache, nausea, seizures, or confusion. The challenge, experts say, is these symptoms mimic other types of meningitis. In laboratory tests, these amoebae are often mistaken for bacteria, fungi, or other parasites. Unless doctors suspect amoebic infection, it can go unnoticed. That delay is what makes the disease dangerous, said a microbiologist at the MCH. Despite the strains rarity, doctors stress that clinical outcomes have improved due to quicker detection and aggressive treatment. Meanwhile, Health Minister Veena George urged the public to be cautious but not alarmed. She announced a statewide water hygiene campaign to arrest the rise in amoebic encephalitis cases. Urging LSG bodies to intensify preventive measures, the CM said the government will launch Water is Life to combat waterborne diseases. The initiative, led by Haritha Keralam Mission will begin with a statewide drive on August 30 and 31 to chlorinate wells and water storage tanks across homes, hospitals, hostels and educational institutions.

Probe sought into suspected unnatural deaths of people who quit Nakshbandi Thareeqath

Kerala State Human Rights Commission has already registered a case and sought a report from the police about the suspected human rights violations in the name of safeguarding the Thareeqath rules by the Sufi order based in Kozhikode districts Koduvally

Haryana police arrest eight for alleged drug manufacture and trade based on tip-off from Kozhikode police

Onam rush grips Kozhikode as shopping, cultural festivities begin

Concerns mount over amoebic infection spread in Malabar region

KOZHIKODE: The Malabar region is facing growing concern over the rise of amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare but deadly brain infection, with two new cases confirmed in Wayanad district over the past two days. They are now under treatment at the Government Medical College Hospital (MCH), Kozhikode. The outbreak has already affected individuals across multiple districts. A three-month-old infant from Omassery in Kozhikode remains in critical condition. In Malappuram, a young man from Chelambra has been under treatment for the past 21 days. Tragedy struck a family in Thamarassery when a child died of the infection, while her seven-year-old sibling is under treatment at MCH. Another older sibling has been placed under observation with suspected symptoms. Hospital sources revealed that those admitted include a 55-year-old woman from Karumarappatta in Malappuram district, a 49-year-old man from Malappuram, and a 40-year-old man from Annassery in Kozhikode district. Several children, including a 12-year-old girl from Chelari in Malappuram, are being treated at the Institute of Maternal and Child Health attached to the hospital. Medical experts warn that the recent surge may be linked to different types of amoeba, including Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba, Sappinia, and Balamuthia, all of which are known to cause severe brain infections. The disease is not contagious and does not spread from person to person. Instead, infection occurs when amoeba-contaminated water enters the body through the nose, often while swimming, diving, or engaging in water-related activities in stagnant or slow-moving water bodies. Kerala has witnessed a significant increase in amoebic meningoencephalitis cases since last year. By September 2024, the state had reported 19 confirmed infections, several of which were fatal. Health authorities have urged the public to exercise caution while engaging in water activities, especially in ponds, lakes, and poorly maintained swimming pools. Preventive measures, including avoiding diving in stagnant water and using clean, treated water sources, are being emphasised to contain further spread of the disease. 30-year-old man in Wayanad tests +ve Kozhikode: A 30-year-old man from Tharuvana in Wayanad, has been diagnosed with amoebic meningoencephalitis. The patient, who works in Chennai, is reported to have contracted the infection after swimming in a pool. He is undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. His condition is reported to be stable. The latest diagnosis has taken the the total number of confirmed cases of the amoebic infection in the state to eight. On Saturday, a 45-year-old man from Sultan Bathery in Wayanad was diagnosed with the disease.

Planetarium in Kozhikode set to go hybrid

A new digital projector to be introduced along side the existing one; dome, chairs to be changed as well

With Onam round the corner, law enforcers gear up to handle rush in Kozhikode city

Ongoing work on the Mananchira-Vellimadukunnu Road and restricted entry points from the National Highway are expected to increase traffic on major roads

One more person diagnosed with amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kozhikode

Delay in relief aid dashes hopes of seasonal farmers in Kozhikode hit by monsoon

Even as Agriculture department officials claim to have finished field-level assessments and forwarded crop loss estimates, farmers say the proceedings are still moving at a snails pace, leaving them bewildered

Will resist attempts to target Shafi, says Kozhikode DCC

The remarks came in the backdrop of a protest staged by pro-Left activists in Vadakara while Mr. Parambil was attending an event

Havent received any complaints against Rahul Mamkootathil: Shafi Parambil

KOZHIKODE: MP Shafi Parambil has said that he had not received any complaint from anyone against Rahul Mamkootathil , who resigned from the post of Youth Congress state president over allegations of sexual misconduct. Rahul resigned immediately after the controversy erupted, he told reporters in Vadakara. There is no FIR or any other finding against him, Shafi said. The MP said the resignation is an important step at this point of time, adding that the CPM or BJP didnt show such a gesture when their leaders were embroiled in similar situations. The Congress leadership didnt want to emulate what other parties did in similar circumstances and accepted Rahuls decision to step down from the party post, he said. Shafi said raising a hue and cry after the resignation is only meant to silence Congress workers from raising voices against the government. We will continue the fight against the government. Congress workers will not lose their energy to fight against the government because of the controversy. he said. Shafi also discounted the allegation that he escaped to Bihar without addressing the Rahul issue. He said the decision to join Rahul Gandhis yatra was taken much earlier. Moreover, party leaders including the KPCC president had reacted to the developments, he said.

Corruption almost nil in Kerala, most taxpayers are honest

Shaik Khader Rahman, chief commissioner of Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Customs, Kerala, has been successful in increasing GST revenue and reducing litigations in the state. An IRS officer with 32 years of service, he has won accolades by reducing smuggling and developing IT architecture for tax officers, besides serving as a defence counsel in the Tax Tribunal. In an interaction with TNIE, he shares his thoughts on a wide range of issues connected to commerce in Kerala. Excerpts Whats your first impression of working in Kerala? Keralas work culture is slightly different from the rest of India. People here are very intelligent and knowledgeable. The work culture, its different from that of Mumbai. The same Malayalis who are working in Mumbai are the best in the country (laughs). Here, it took me a month to understand the ethos. Peoples attitudes are also good, just that you have to understand them. The north Indian feudal system wont work here. I didnt have any difficulty in gelling with the people here. What problems do you find here in terms of tax collection? The revenue growth in Kerala from 2023-24 to 2024-25 is only 5%. If you look at the last three years, the total revenue collected from excise taxes is around Rs 26,000 crore. But the entire GST in this state is only Rs 18,000 crore. I have around 1.67 lakh taxpayers. I get 60% of the revenue, which is Rs 18,000 crore, while the Kerala government -- which has 2.16 lakh taxpayers -- gets below Rs 15,000 crore. So, the first task I focused on with my team was to increase revenue. T he GST regime was expected to benefit Kerala, a consumer state. But tax collection was not robust... The number of industries in Kerala is low. We only have services here. Of the Rs 18,000 crore GST revenue, nearly 75% comes from services. Since there are only a few industries, the revenue from the supply of goods is lower. For tourism and hotel purposes, the place of service is the place where the hotel is located. If a Delhi-based company conducts an event here, they may engage an event manager, and the CGST, IGST invoice is issued to that company. Thus the money goes out. How does the Centre distribute money? The SGST revenue goes to the state. But the IGST money is deposited in the consolidated fund of India and 60% of the revenue comes back to the state. The GST Council has a formula. Every three to four months, they distribute IGST. The central government takes time to distribute. What should Kerala do to increase GST revenue? Kerala has some great positives. The states land records are very good and the people are educated. Kerala has won awards for fastest GST registration and settling disputes. The lawyers here are very good and disputes are resolved faster. We managed to resolve most disputes within 3-4 months. However, there is no growth in GST registrations. My concern is how to expand the tax base. Weve dispelled the fears of those in the informal sectors through interactions and trade facilitation meetings. Kerala has commodities like spices, coir, seafood, and cashew. We are planning to approach traders through commodity boards, listen to them, and solve their problems. Around 40% of the problems can be resolved through negotiations. We dont file a case against them, but nudge them to take GST registration. Another great thing about Kerala is that corruption is almost nil in the state. Once the tax base widens, believe me, Kerala will undergo a transformation. At least from the point of view of indirect tax, it will become Kerala 2.0. We expect a 20% increase in GST registration in the next three months. Whats the indirect collection for the state in value terms? We have set a target of Rs 53,610 crore for the departments of customs, central excise, and GST. Last year, the GST collection was Rs 18,371.25 crore and the target for the GST department this year is Rs 20,940 crore. The GST collection in 2024-25 was Rs 17,773 crore, and the growth rate was only 3.4%. Now, for the first four months, my growth rate is 15.7%. The GST growth rate in north Kerala is 20% and that of south Kerala is 27%. However, the growth in central Kerala is only 5%. If I can maintain a growth rate, the GST collection for the year will be Rs 21,126 crore. Why is there such a drastic difference in GST collection? North Kerala has a lot of potential but remains untapped. There are well-established industries in south Kerala. Though central Kerala is known as the financial capital of Kerala, it doesnt have the tax base. Where are the industries and the taxpayers? The only industries are BPCL, which is giving central excise revenue, and Cochin Shipyard. Does it mean the industries in central Kerala are non-compliant? No, they are complying. Around 85% of the taxpayers in Kerala are honest. None of them intentionally avoid tax. I have worked in many states, and compared to my experience in those states, I can confidently say that intentional evasion of tax is very low in Kerala. It is not that the taxpayers in central Kerala are not paying. The revenue from BPCL goes to the central excise department. Does the state receive a share of the central excise revenue? The state receives a share of the central government revenue through the Finance Commission. The state receives the entire amount collected through state GST and 60% of IGST. Apart from that, a share of central GST also comes to the state. What are Keralas strengths and weaknesses in GST? People in Kerala tend to litigate a bit. I tell chartered accountants and cost accountants that, in case of a dispute, they can pay the disputed tax along with interest and 15% of the disputed amount as penalty. No show cause notice will be issued. As they are not attempting to avoid tax intentionally, there wont be any penalty. Im trying to make people understand, Lets not litigate. Is litigation high here? No. Im bringing pending litigation to zero. Litigations, per se, are not high in Kerala. I went to the Thrissur Chamber of Commerce and they said it was the first time a chief commissioner had come to talk to them. I also visited the Kozhikode Chamber of Commerce and held discussions. People understand that when the department is coming two steps forward to shake hands, (it is best to) seize the opportunity. Where does the 20% increase in GST revenue come from? During the first five months, the additional revenue came from existing taxpayers. Ive only sown the seeds to increase the number of taxpayers and Im sure it will grow within the next three months. Which sectors are you targeting? Tourism, rental properties, hotels, restaurants, etc. Rs 20 lakh per year is not a big amount and every restaurant is earning more than this amount. Theres huge potential in the rental sector. Have you carried out any study in that regard? No. Im meeting representatives of the coir sector in Alappuzha, rubber sector in Kottayam and the cashew sector in Kollam. I tell them: We will facilitate your exports by putting up a fast-track channel. The exporters can seal the cargo at their factory. Its a one-time permission, valid lifelong. And then you can move the container to whichever customs station you want. In the customs sector, we get a revenue of hardly Rs 4,000 crore because revenue comes from imports, not exports. But Kerala is also one of the worlds biggest exporters of spices and cashew. Cashew was once the pride of Kerala. But today, Vietnam is number one. And Keralites who have shifted to Vietnam are running the business there. They moved out due to inadequate care and support. Exports can move through courier, post, or regular cargo. The director general of foreign trade (DGFT) has set an exports target of Rs 300 billion in the coming years, of which Rs 200 billion should come via e-commerce. Kerala, especially north Kerala, is ideally placed for this. Handloom, agriculture, handicrafts, artefacts... everything can be displayed online. Kerala has four international airports and two-thirds of its passenger traffic is international. You also have four notified minor ports: Azhikkal, Beypore, Kollam, and, of course, Cochin (Kochi). And now Vizhinjam. So, the exporters can use the nearest customs station to file the shipping bill, complete customs clearance, and then move the cargo to the major port. But there are reports that many exporters in Kerala are depending on the Mangaluru port? True. Exporters told me Kochi is too far and too costly for them, so they prefer Mangaluru. In fact, footwear exporters from Kozhikode are even sending cargo via Mumbai! Which means Kerala is losing revenue. Thats why I have been pushing for the use of minor ports. Whether or not a major shipping line calls there, our customs stations are available. Unfortunately, customs preventive units are only focused on anti-smuggling. Smuggling by boat from Dubai is history now, but our staff mindset hasnt changed. We are now training and re-orienting them. I told my officers: Your role is not just preventive. You can multitask. At Beypore, Azhikkal, Kollam... you can process shipping bills, allow clearance, and connect to the central server. Exporters dont need to go to Kochi every time. What are the advantages of Vizhinjam? Once Vizhinjam port becomes fully operational, south Kerala will transform into a true blue economy. Logistics operators, marine services, and shipping stakeholders will come. Our customs office was ready well ahead of the inauguration, and it is the second biggest after Kochi. But the import and export of cargo hasnt started. Operators say they dont have road connectivity. I told them they can move goods by barges to the nearest port, like Kollam. Im sure this is going to happen in the next three months. Vizhinjam port is strategically located and well get connectivity to the Far East, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the US. The freight charges are expected to decrease by 40%. Is Vizhinjam port a game changer? It is a game changer. Blue economy will rule south Kerala. My vision is that my customs stations should be ready to provide service. If you dont want customs clearance for your cargo at Vizhinjam, you can take it to Kollam by availing Sub Manifest Transhipment Permit (SMTP). The importer can produce the bill of entry and pay the duty to take the cargo. Who carries it to Beypore, Im not sure. The problem with Beypore is that the draft is low. Any study on exporters shift to Mangaluru? I have the data on exporters from Kozhikode and Kannur going to Mangaluru. I interacted with those in Kozhikode. They used to import dates through Beypore and palm oil through Azhikkal port. I told them, If you kill the trade in Kerala, other states will flourish. From Kochi, people are going to Mumbai. Exporters complain that labour cost and turnaround time are high in Kochi. Cant these problems pose challenges to Vizhinjam too? Vizhinjam can overcome that as it can handle a huge number of transshipments. How will the opening of Vizhinjam affect the Vallarpadam terminal? Vallarpadam is fighting for survival and will have to cut costs heavily. They have already decided to expand their business. I have offered them all support. We have worked out a plan with them too. And how to manage the draft problems at Azhikkal and Beypore are issues the state government has to address. I interacted with the chief secretary and other officials on these issues. Im very happy with the way the state government is cooperating to solve GST issues. Kozhikode airport was infamous as a gold-smuggling hub. Whats the status now? (Laughs) Now, there is no gold smuggling. I agree Kozhikode had a bad reputation. But the number of cases has come down recently. After March 24, we havent witnessed any gold smuggling at Kochi, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, or Kannur airports. The cases have come down at all airports. We havent seen any gold smuggling rackets or institutional arrangements for smuggling. There are sporadic incidents. It isnt profitable to smuggle gold now, at this rate. Which airport has the largest number of cases? As per the earlier data, it is Kozhikode. Still, I want to defend Kozhikode. The perception has to change. There are allegations that customs officers are involved in gold smuggling... I know there were some disputes between the customs and the police in the past. Because some people managed to escape without being caught by the customs department, does it mean that we are supporting smuggling? We cannot perform 100% checking. Can police say that customs knowingly allowed a person to escape? We have a good relationship with the police, why do you want to spoil it? Whats the economics behind gold smuggling? Is it only to evade tax? I dont know about Kerala. But in Mumbai, there are some people who buy gold abroad and send it through carriers, who are mostly genuine passengers. They send 10 consignments. The rate at which it is available is Rs 100. If I land in India, the rate will be Rs 124. Bringing gold in huge quantities was profitable due to the huge difference in duty. Now, the rate of profit is very low because the rate of duty has come down. If I catch them, I will get a 20% reward from the government. And the punishment for smuggling? One is that the entire gold goes to absolute confiscation. A penalty is imposed. Then we launch prosecution. There are two kinds of proceedings. One is quasi-judicial proceedings, where we adjudicate, and the entire gold is taken over. The other is criminal proceedings. He (the carrier) may be sentenced to three years imprisonment. He will be jailed and will have to pay a penalty. Is there no provision to pay the duty and get the gold back? No. We dont have the option to release the gold on payment of duty. In the airport, we dont collect revenue. You are allowed to take baggage and jewellery. If you are bringing 10 laptops, it will be considered a commercial trade. Hence, we will confiscate, impose duty, and clear them. In the case of gold, generally, absolute confiscation is done. If you have something to declare, you can. What happens to the confiscated gold? We had a huge stash of gold. Thanks to an initiative by the finance minister, theres no gold in customs warehouses now. As per the new procedure, we can dispose of the gold. The SPMCIL (Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited) picks up the gold from our godowns, values it, and converts it into gold bars. It is delivered to the Reserve Bank of India for sale at market rate. Has there been any increase in drug trafficking through the sea? There hasnt been any report of smuggling at seaports. It isnt profitable. Whats your opinion on the customs department in Kerala? Many people have a wrong perception about the customs department. My experience is that Kerala customs is the best. There is absolutely no corruption. In Delhi and Mumbai, the officers have political and other pressure. Here, when I ask them to serve at the airport, they refuse. I couldnt understand why. After one month, I realised there is no corruption here, which is why people dont want to go to the airport. They are reasonably honest. Will GST rationalisation affect Keralas lottery income? The state government is the biggest taxpayer in Kerala. The lottery system here is state-run, and hence, the government pays a huge amount in GST. The rate of duty for the state-run and private lotteries is fixed. Earlier, there used to be a huge difference in the tax for the public sector and private sector. Of course, the rate of duty is high. And because of this, the state government has been listed as a taxpayer with the central government. It pays huge GST to the central government. Hence, lotteries are a huge revenue source for the GST department. Kerala is one of the largest consumers of jewellery. The annual consumption is around 750 tonnes. But GST collection is below Rs 1,500 crore. Many say there is a huge underlisting. Have you investigated that? Invoices are raised for business-to-business transactions. We have e-invoices. Thats done systematically. Business-to-customers is one area where some revenue leakage might happen because the customer wants cost reduction. The government launched a campaign emphasising on the need to obtain a bill for every purchase. Some economists say the consumption in white goods is not reflected in the tax... I partially agree with that. Considering the level of wealth in Kerala, there could be some leakage here and there. The DGGI needs to be alerted and sensitised about this. The more trade facilitation you do, you know its like a balance. Before we search any office or shop, we have to obtain permission from senior officers. What about the proposal to have an e-way bill to transport gold? Kerala was the first state to ask the GST council for it... The e-way bill was not applicable for jewellery and gold ornaments in India, but Kerala asked for it and it has been implemented. It is mandatory only in Kerala. The state government is responsible for it and we dont make e-way bill cases. The GST for banana fritters is 18% while other sweets and savouries are charged just 5%... The rate issues are political decisions. It is to be streamlined, rationalised, or corrected by the GST Council. You have to approach the finance minister of the state who attends the GST council. Food items, per se, are sensitive issues. TNIE team: Cithara Paul, Rajesh Abraham, Rajesh Ravi, Manoj Viswanathan, Harikrishna B T P Sooraj (photos) Pranav V P (video)

Kerala fast turning into hub for hybrid ganja smuggling

KOCHI: Thanks to the Union governments decision to reduce the import duty on gold from 15% to 6%, gold smuggling through airports has seen a steep decline. However, Kerala is witnessing a spike in the smuggling of another contraband: hybrid ganja. From nil in 2022-23, 89.11 kg of hybrid ganja was confiscated in 2024-25 from airports in the state. This jumped to 129.68 kg in the first seven months of the current year. There has been a decline in gold smuggling, but the bigger concern for Kerala is the smuggling of drugs. Earlier, a state in the Northeast was infamous for drug consumption. But the picture has changed and Kerala is fast turning into a hub for consumption and transaction of hybrid or hydroponic ganja. Hydroponic ganja is the weed grown in lab conditions without soil. Its narcotic content is more than 40%. It comes mainly from Thailand. Every week we report two or three seizures at airports in the state, Chief Commissioner of Customs and Central GST (Kerala and Lakshadweep) Shaik Khader Rahman told TNIE. He said detections are only the tip of the iceberg and the actual volume of weed smuggled into the state could be much larger. We can only estimate volumes by analysing published data. The value of 1kg of hydroponic ganja in the international market is around `1 crore. Other major airports like Mumbai have also reported a spike in the smuggling of hydroponic ganja. As most of the ganja originates from Thailand, we have started checking flights from that country thoroughly. Now smugglers have changed their modus operandi. In some cases smugglers fly in from Dubai, said Rahman. Kerala: Hybrid weed smuggling outpaces gold after customs duty reduction Customs to introduce sniffer dogs to check baggage Considering the increase in volumes of hybrid ganja being smuggled into the state, the customs department has decided to introduce sniffer dogs to check baggage. Kochi airport already has two canines and the customs department has requested the Customs K9 establishment, under the Directorate of Logistics, to provide eight more dogs. We have forwarded the request and expect deployment of the dog squad within two months. We are planning deployment of two dogs each along with handlers to Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur, Kozhikode and Kochi airports, he said. We are eyeing the labrador, German shepherd and cocker spaniel breeds for the purpose.

Free parking space proposal on government land in limbo in Kozhikode

PMSSY block of Kozhikode MCH to be partially reopened from Aug. 24

Young docs in bid to redefine rotund Maveli

KOTTAYAM: For Malayalis around the world, the image of a rotund man with a prominent moustache, holding an umbrella made from palm fronds, serves as a cherished symbol of Onam. The figure represents the mythical king Mahabali aka Maveli, who, as the legend goes, visits his beloved subjects on the day of Thiruvonam. Mavelis traditional portrayal, as a man with a notable pot belly, was meant to embody the spirit of abundance and property. However, this characterisation raises an intriguing question: Should Maveli, a revered ruler known for his courage in the three mythical worlds of heaven, earth and underworld (pathalam), be shown as a rotund figure? In a distinct initiative, a group of young doctors is working to redefine the image of the legendary king, envisioning him as a fit and healthy individual. The objective is to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy body to prevent lifestyle diseases prevalent in Kerala. Considering that Kerala is often termed as the diabetes capital of India, that is witnessing an alarming rise in lifestyle diseases, particularly among the younger population, mySugarClinic, a telemedicine and digital health platform dedicated to the prevention of lifestyle diseases, will hold a statewide campaign, Fit Maveli, Fit Kerala, from August 22 to 25. The initiative, led by Dr Shamnad P, consultant nephrologist at Believers Church Medical College Hospital, and Nazer Mohammed, a cycling enthusiast, seeks to challenge prevailing social perceptions about obesity and health. Obesity has become normalised in society, while fitness and healthy bodyweight are viewed as exceptions. This narrative must change, Dr Shamnad said. Organisers noted that while folklore describes Maveli as a strong and battle-hardened leader, modern depictions often portray him as obese. They argue that this distortion coincided with the rising tide of lifestyle diseases in the 1980s, sending misleading signals about health and prosperity. Our mission is to restore the image of Mahabali as fit and strong, and make him a role model for a healthier Kerala, Nazer said. As part of the campaign, a group of cyclists will ride from Thiruvananthapuram to Kozhikode, spreading the message of fitness and preventive health. Public awareness events will be organised en route to engage communities in discussions on healthy diet, exercise and lifestyle practices. Dr Shamnad said Kerala ranks first in the country in diabetes prevalence, with obesity and related lifestyle disorders affecting younger age groups at unprecedented rates. Health experts warn that unless urgent action is taken, the states demographic dividend could be undermined by the burden of chronic illnesses. Through Fit Maveli, Fit Kerala, organisers aim to redefine health as strength, discipline, and vitality not body size. By reclaiming Mahabali as a symbol of fitness, they hope to inspire Malayalis, especially the youth, to adopt healthier lifestyles and turn Onam into a celebration of well-being as much as tradition.

6th case of amoebic infection confirmed; Malappuram man +ve

KOZHIKODE: A new case of the rare but deadly brain infection, amoebic meningoencephalitis, was confirmed on Friday. The infection was detected in a 47-year-old man from Chelambra, Malappuram, who is currently undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College. According to health officials, the patient had been suffering from persistent fever for the past 20 days and was admitted to the hospital when his condition worsened. Laboratory analysis of fluid samples conducted on Thursday confirmed the presence of the disease. Authorities revealed that the patient had been working in Kannur about a month ago, raising concerns about possible exposure to sources outside his native place. Soon after the confirmation, health workers carried out intensive chlorination in 80 wards in the affected region to prevent further spread. With this the total number of cases reported in Kozhikode and Malappuram district have crossed six cases, including a three-month-old baby hailing from Omassery in Kozhikode. Amoebic meningoencephalitis is caused by a free-living amoeba found in contaminated water sources such as ponds, lakes, and poorly maintained swimming pools. The amoeba can enter the body through the nose and travel to the brain, leading to severe inflammation. Symptoms usually include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, and confusion, which can quickly progress to seizures and coma. Health authorities have again urged the public to avoid bathing in stagnant or untreated water bodies.

Kozhikode becomes first Kerala district to achieve full disability ID registration

Brother of victim test positive for amoebic infection in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: Health authorities on Thursday confirmed a new case of amoebic meningoencephalitis (AME), commonly known as the brain-eating amoeba, in the younger brother of nine-year-old Anaya, who recently died of the disease. The seven-year-old boy, whose name has not been disclosed, tested positive and is now undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Government Medical College Hospital, where his condition is stable. The new case brings the total number of patients currently under treatment for the disease at the hospital to four. Anaya and her brother, residents of Thamarassery, had reportedly bathed in a pond near their home, a likely source of infection. This is a grave situation, and we are mobilising all our resources to contain the spread, said Dr K K Rajaram, Kozhikode District Medical Officer. The disease appearing in a cluster indicates a potential common source of infection. We have initiated a comprehensive survey of water bodies in the affected areas, including the pond near the residence of Anaya at Thamarassery, to identify the specific source, he said. On Wednesday, an 11-year-old girl from Chenakkalangadi, Malappuram, was diagnosed with AME. She had bathed in a stream near her house and a pool near a turf field at Kayantha, Kozhikode. Water samples from both sites are being tested. Other patients currently receiving treatment include a three-month-old infant from Omassery in critical condition on a ventilator and a 49-year-old man from Annassery, whose health status remains unchanged.

Campus placements still a distant dream for law students in Kerala

KOCHI: In the current scenario regarding higher education institutions, the primary factor that prompts students to pursue a course is the job prospects it offers. Placements have been a significant aspect of technical education. Now, even ITI institutions and arts and science colleges are making a concerted effort to secure placements for their students. In contrast, law colleges, especially Government Law Colleges, still have a considerable distance to cover. Speaking to TNIE, Safi Mohan, assistant professor in law at the Government Law College (GLC), Thiruvananthapuram, says, Things are picking up. Though more needs to be done. In the past two years, four of our students got placements. This year, three students got placements in Infosys. It should be noted that of the 1,000 students called for the job interview, three of our students made it. We are providing them with training to skill them to take up the jobs. According to him, as the first step towards achieving placements in multi-national companies and also big firms, the college has been securing internships for its students with IT companies. Last April and May, 75 students did internships in different institutions through the placement cell. Next year, in April and May, we plan to send 150 students to Tier 1 , 2, and 3 law firms in the country. Fifty students will be placed with corporate firms for internships. Almost 25 students are now doing a hybrid internship in different institutions. It should be noted that all internships in law firms and corporate firms are paid internships. Vidyuth K S, principal of Government Law College, Kozhikode, also highlighted the efforts being made by the college to gain visibility. According to him, in the past three years, the college was able to place 28 students in various firms that include Tri Legal, Conga Software Pvt Limited, Lakshmi Kumaran Sidharthan Attorney, and a Canadian company, Mathew and Gupta. We were the first in the history of the Government Law Colleges to organise a management fest. We did that in association with the Calicut Chamber of Commerce and Industry. We will be signing an MoU with them for the conduct of a series of activities. We have begun a training programme in association with the CCCI with an eye on the corporate sector, he added. He claimed that GLC, Kozhikode, has been having an active placement programme for the past five years. Though the numbers were fewer, the placement cell was active. We aim to increase the visibility of our college to attract the attention of the corporate sector, said the principal. However, even as these two GLCs are coming up with activities to increase their placement numbers, the same cant be said about their sister institutions GLC Ernakulam and GLC Thrissur. The activities of the placement cells in these colleges seem to have been confined to training their students for job interviews. Even as GLC Thrissur claims to be active in conducting training classes for its final-year students to prepare them for jobs, GLC Ernakulam is just waking up. According to Sonia K Das, principal, GLC Thrissur, the college had 14 of its students placed with a Hyderabad-based law firm in 2024. Explaining the difficulties in holding a campus recruitment drive in the law college, she said, Firms dont come to the law colleges to recruit employees. The reason behind this is that the majority of the students prefer to join the judicial services. Even in the case of the 14 students who had been placed with the Hyderabad law firm, many resigned to pursue judicial services. The firms dont want to take the risk. Then there are some who want to go for LLM. According to Advocate Mohammed Sha, chairman of the enrolment committee, Bar Council of Kerala, the main reason is the lack of quality. Why should MNCs or corporates come and recruit when the talent pool is mediocre? They prefer students passing out from National Law Universities (NLUs). I recruited five juniors from among those who did their LLB from NLUs. The other five juniors are rank holders from state law colleges, he said. He said that to be visible before the MNCs and the corporates, the law colleges need to either revise their curriculum or come up with activities that will see the skill and talent of their students honed.

Varnapakittu transgender arts fete begins in Kozhikode

This years edition to feature a transgender film festival and a national seminar addressing issues related to health, education, law, and rehabilitation of the transgender community

High-end surveillance cameras to be operational soon on Kozhikode bypass

The Vengalam-Ramanattukara stretch will have 47 cameras which will be linked to a control room at Mampuzha for real-time monitoring

One more amoebic infection case in Kerala; 11-year-old girl critical

KOZHIKODE: The state has reported a fresh case of amoebic meningoencephalitis , commonly called amoebic brain fever, raising serious public health concerns. An 11-year-old girl from Chenakkalangadi, Malappuram, has been diagnosed with the rare disease and is undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. Her condition is said to be critical. The girl was admitted on Tuesday after developing fever and related symptoms. Laboratory tests later confirmed the infection. Health officials have launched urgent measures to find the source of infection, believed to be linked to contaminated water. Following the confirmation, authorities have prohibited people from entering a public pond near the girls house, suspected to be a potential source. Local bodies have been directed to chlorinate nearby water sources as a precaution. With this, the total number of patients currently under treatment for amoebic brain fever at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital has increased to six, including a 3-month-old infant from Omassery, who remains in critical condition on ventilator support. Early detection and prevention crucial: Experts The outbreak has already claimed lives in the state. Recently, Anaya, a fourth-grade student from Thamarassery, succumbed to the infection, prompting extensive investigations around her residence. Her seven-year-old brother, who developed fever symptoms, tested negative but remains under observation. A 49-year-old man from Annassery is also hospitalised without significant improvement. Amoebic brain fever is caused by the free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri, which thrives in warm, stagnant freshwater such as ponds and lakes. Infection occurs when contaminated water enters the nose, allowing the amoeba to reach the brain. Though rare, the disease is often fatal, with very low survival rates. The health department has issued guidelines to local bodies for chlorination and public awareness campaigns, urging people to avoid swimming in untreated water, especially during the monsoon. Medical experts stress that early detection and prevention are crucial. Once the infection sets in, the chances of survival are minimal. Avoiding exposure to unsafe water is the best protection, said a senior doctor at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. As of now, the 11-year-old girl continues to receive intensive care, as Kerala confronts another alarming case of this deadly infection.

Approval for LIFE Mission loans, Kerala government's Onam gift for tribal people

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state cabinet on Wednesday cleared a series of key decisions, including financial approvals under the LIFE Mission, welfare measures for Scheduled Tribes, and creation of new posts in government institutions. As part of the LIFE Mission housing scheme, the Cabinet gave in-principle approval for loans worth Rs 1,500 crore. Of this, a loan of Rs 1,100 crore will support 1,27,601 houses currently under construction and provide Rs 400 crore in housing assistance to beneficiaries in gram panchayats with large Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe populations. The total loan of Rs 1,500 crore will be taken from Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO) through Kerala Urban Development Finance Corporation (KURDFC) with government guarantee. The repayment of principal will be made over 15 years from the Local Government Development Fund, while the state will meet the interest cost from the annual budget. The borrowing plan will be spread over Rs 750 crore each in 2025-26 and 2026-27. In a major Onam relief package, the government will provide Rs 1,000 each as a festival gift to 52,864 eligible Scheduled Tribe members above 60 years, excluding pensioners of central, state and semi-government institutions. The assistance, amounting to Rs 5.28 crore, will be disbursed from the Chief Ministers Relief Fund for this. The Cabinet also approved the creation of new teaching posts in five government nursing colleges in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad, Wayanad and Kasaragod districts. Each college will get one assistant professor and one associate professor post. Additional posts will be created at Thiruvananthapuram Nursing College-Annex, taking the total to seven assistant professors and six associate professors. New posts have also been sanctioned for the excise department to oversee operations at nine newly opened Kerala State Beverage Corporation warehouses in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode, besides three junior teaching posts at Perdala Navajeevana HSS, Kasaragod. Key cabinet decisions Re-appointment of retired IHRD Associate Professor P Suresh Kumar as managing director of the Centre for Advanced Printing and Training. Salary revision for contractual employees of Kerala Medical Services Corporation, with retrospective effect from December 15, 2022. Guidelines for the payment of bonus to employees of state public sector undertakings for 2024-25. File Adalat: Ministers and secretaries have been directed to speed up disposal of pending files in departments where progress has been slow. Rebuild Kerala Initiative: Approval for road projects, including three in Pathanamthitta district, nine in Kollam, and three in Vattavada panchayat of Idukki district.

Kerala has advanced facilities to detect amoebic brain fever: Public health lab

KOZHIKODE: The Kerala State Public Health Laboratory has dismissed recent reports suggesting inadequate facilities for testing amoebic meningoencephalitis (amoebic brain fever) as baseless, clarifying that the state has robust systems for detection and diagnosis. While only about five laboratories in India currently have Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing facilities to detect amoebae, Kerala has operated an advanced molecular diagnostic system in Thiruvananthapuram since June last year. This facility enables both confirmation of amoebic infections and precise species identification a breakthrough in the states medical infrastructure. Until recently, amoebic fever cases were confirmed only at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. With Keralas testing capability, confirmation is now faster and available within the state, aiding timely treatment and research. The Thiruvananthapuram lab can identify five types of pathogenic amoebae Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba species, Vermamoeba vermiformis, Balamuthia mandrillaris, and Paravahlkampfia francinae. Most labs in the country can detect only three types. Additionally, Kozhikode Medical Colleges microbiology laboratory provides preliminary testing to detect the presence of amoeba. When a patients cerebrospinal fluid sample is submitted, immediate initial testing is carried out. If amoebae are detected, treatment begins without delay. Only species-level identification requires the sample to be forwarded to Thiruvananthapuram, where results are made available online soon after testing. The state is also developing Kozhikode Medical Colleges microbiology department into another specialised centre for confirming amoebic brain fever. Amoebic meningoencephalitis is among the deadliest infections worldwide, with a 97% global mortality rate. However, Kerala has reduced the mortality rate to 23% through early diagnosis, preventive measures, and improved treatment strategies, according to the State Public Health Laboratory. The lab reiterated that Keralas advancements in diagnostic facilities and its proactive health policies have significantly enhanced both patient survival chances and medical research opportunities in the fight against this rare but fatal disease.

Visa okayed: Girls with cerebral palsy to play in UK

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After several days of anxious wait, five girls with cerebral palsy from Kerala are now a relieved lot. Their visas have finally been approved and they can now travel to the UK to participate in an international football tournament. The girls constitute the five-member team representing India in the intercontinental football tournament for children with cerebral palsy. Organised by the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF), the tourney began in Loughborough on Monday. Having undergone a rigorous one-month coaching camp in Alappuzha, the girls were in distress owing to the delay in issuance of UK visas. Their parents too stayed at the camp organised by the Cerebral Palsy Sports Federation of India (CPSFI). Following a report published in TNIE on August 15 highlighting the plight of the children, the Chief Ministers Office intervened and took up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs and the UK Embassy in India. We are thankful to the chief ministers chief principal secretary K M Abraham who contacted us after seeing the news report. He and S Harikishore, NORKA secretary and officer on special duty at the CMO, who liasoned with the MEA and embassy, gave us real-time updates on each step, said R Girija Kumari, the teams coach. India to play first match on Friday; participation ticket to 26 World Cup The state government had a challenging task at hand as only a few days were left for the event. We went through anxious moments from last Thursday, starting with the non-issuance of visa for the travel originally scheduled for Monday, Girija, who is the secretary of the Cerebral Palsy Sports Association of Kerala, said. Then came the CMOs intervention. On Tuesday afternoon, we received information that visas would be issued. The next morning, however, we were in for a rude shock as the UKs Home Office sent a letter rejecting our visit visa applications. The children broke into tears and we had a tough time consoling them. Barely two hours later, we received a communication from the UK Visas and Immigration Office that six-month visit visas have been approved, she said. The team will fly to the UK on Thursday. The team members are Riya Koshy from Alappuzha, Arya S Nayan from Thiruvananthapuram, and Niya Fathima, Avanthika Vinod and Vrajasurya from Kozhikode. Meanwhile, the IFCPF took a favourable position by postponing the Indian teams match following talks with CPSFI president Rajesh Thomar and general secretary Kavitha Suresh, who are in the UK. The first match, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, has been slated for Friday. The second match is on Saturday. Participation in the event will help the Indian team get an entry to the 2026 IFCPF World Cup. Non-participation would have resulted in a two-year ban. On Tuesday, Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor had posted the TNIE report on X, seeking the intervention of MEA.

Man held under POCSO Act in Kozhikode

Kozhikode MP flags concerns over key road projects with Gadkari

Issues raised include missing entry points on the KozhikodePalakkad Greenfield Highway, exclusion of the KozhikodeMysore project, and demands for underpasses and foot overbridges on the Kozhikode Bypass

RBI shifting towards principle & outcome-based regulations: Dy Guv Rao

MUMBAI, Aug 20: The Reserve Bank is gradually shifting towards principle and outcome-based regulations that will give operational flexibility to regulated entities (REs) and tailor their activities to their unique needs, said central bank deputy governor M Rajeshwar Rao. There is no perfect regulatory approach, however, principle and outcome-based regulation is generally found to be more suitable for mature markets, he said while addressing the DoPT MDP on Financial Market Regulations at the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) [] The post RBI shifting towards principle & outcome-based regulations: Dy Guv Rao appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

PMSSY block of Kozhikode MCH gets Fire dept.s NOC

Kozhikode beach to get modern food street

12 leopards died in Kerala this year; highest in a decade

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state has recorded the highest number of leopard deaths in a decade this year, with 12 fatalities reported till August 2025, according to forest department data. Between July 2015 and August 2025, a total of 92 leopards including adults, sub-adults, and juveniles have died due to natural causes, infighting, snaring, poisoning, hunting, electrocution, and vehicle hits. The toll was spread across almost every district, but the highest losses were in Palakkad with 34 deaths, followed by Wayanad with 20 and Thrissur with eight. Idukki recorded six deaths, Kottayam five, and Ernakulam four. Thiruvananthapuram reported three, the same as Malappuram and Kasaragod, while Kollam and Pathanamthitta had two each. Kozhikode and Kannur recorded one each. The trend shows an alarming spike this year, surpassing the previous peak of 10 deaths each in 2020 and 2024. In 2025 alone, six adult leopards, two sub-adults, three juveniles, and one of unidentified age were lost. Snaring has been a persistent threat, claiming two leopards this year and eight in total since 2018. Trapping accounted for a death this year, while other causes include hunting, poisoning, and electrocution. Vehicle collisions have also been reported, though less frequently. Despite conducting anti-snare drives across the state, incidents of snaring have increased. Conservation can only be done with community participation. Thats the only sustainable way. But there are certain groups among locals that encourage setting up snares in the name of safety, which have become dangerous, a senior forest official told TNIE. Snares are typically set for wild boars or other animals but end up killing non-target species like leopards. Trapping, the official explained, is different. Trapping is when the animals limbs are caught. It could be a cage trap or any other device. That wont trap the animal like snares do. Snares catch the animals entire body, the official said. Wildlife researchers say the danger is not limited to the snare itself. The animals might remain trapped for a long time before they are found. Their desperate efforts to escape can strangle them or tighten the snare around the body, causing internal bleeding. By the time darting and tranquillisation are attempted, the animal may already be in extreme stress and poor health, said Sandeep Das, a research associate with the department of zoology, Calicut University. While natural deaths form a significant portion of the toll, conservationists say that preventable causes like snaring demand urgent attention.

Health dept. issues alert against amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kozhikode

Chief Minister to inaugurate work on Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel road project in Kozhikode on August 31

2,134-crore project will be completed in association with Public Works department, Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board and Konkan Railway Corporation

What Is Brain-Eating Amoeba? Kerala Girl Dies From Rare Infection

A nine-year-old girl in Keralas Kozhikode died from a rare brain infection caused by the brain-eating amoeba.

Brain-eating amoeba kills 9-year-old in Kerala: How it enters the human body, symptoms, treatment, and precautions

Brain-eating amoeba symptoms and treatment: A nine-year-old girl in Kozhikode, Kerala, has died from amoebic encephalitis. This rare brain infection is caused by amoeba found in contaminated water. Health officials are investigating the source. This is potentially the fourth case in the district this year. The infection is often fatal. People should avoid swimming in unclean water.

Water tank collapse at Eranhiparambu in Keralas Kozhikode floods houses, worsens water shortage

One of the concrete walls of the square-shaped tank gave way, producing a loud noise that alerted local residents

Architect Nazeer Khan passes away in Kozhikode

Two more diagnosed with amoebic meningoencephalitis in Kozhikode

Senior citizen found dead in Kozhikode

Advisory issued after girl dies of amoebic meningoencephalitis in Wayanad

KOZHIKODE: The health department has issued additional cautionary instructions post the death of a girl due to amoebic meningoencephalitis in Thamarassery. Nine-year-old Anaya Sanoop died of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis on Thursday. The health department has instructed people to refrain from bathing in ponds, water bodies, streams, rivers etc. within the limits of Thamarassery panchayat. The health department has also conducted inspections in these areas. Four people, including the childs relatives, are suffering from fever and are under observation at the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital. However, it is not clear how the girl contracted the disease. A week ago, she had gone swimming in a pond in Anappoyil near her house. This being a stagnant pond, has increased the possibility of presence of the amoeba in the water. Therefore, the water in the pond was sent for testing by the health department. Anayas two brothers had also bathed in this pond and their saliva samples were also sent for testing. The authorities will also test the tap water used at home. Anaya, a fourth-grade student at Korangad LP School, developed symptoms of fever after returning from school on Wednesday. The girls health condition deteriorated and she was brought to the Thamarassery Taluk Hospital on Thursday morning. She was later shifted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, but she had died by the time she reached here. Her parents have come forward with serious allegations against the Thamarassery Taluk Hospital in the incident.

237 grams of suspected MDMA seized in Kozhikode; one held

Woman passenger injured, falls unconscious as KSRTC bus hits pothole in Keralas Kozhikode

Passengers say the incident was caused not only by the poor condition of the road stretch but also by the bus drivers rash driving

Vigilance probe sought into collapse of Thorayikadavu bridge in Kozhikode

Preliminary report on the incident submitted to Minister for Public Works

Congress, CPI(M) trade charges over draft voters list in Kozhikode

DCC president says a preliminary study by the party has found over one lakh double votes and fake voter identity cards in Kozhikode; CPI(M) alleges efforts by IUML to add fake voters

Local bodies in Kozhikode to initiate stringent measures against people who abandon pets

List of dog owners who are yet to comply with the registration formalities to be prepared in the limits of various local bodies in the district as part of the action plan

Over 3 lakh apply for inclusion in voters list in Kozhikode

Kozhikode ranks second in the State for the highest number of applicants, while Malappuram, with 4,14,953 applicants, tops the list

Nipah survivor from Mangaluru in coma at Kozhikode hospital to get 17 lakh from CMDRF

He had initially contracted the infection while attending to a patient during the 2023 outbreak in Kozhikode

Initial delays hit Kozhikode Corporations menstrual cup project

Teachers collective takes out march in Kozhikode

IUML alleges malpractice in voters list in Kozhikode Corporation

Deviant children emerging as a social concern in Kerala schools

Functionaries of the Higher Secondary School Teachers Association (HSSTA), an organisation of teachers in government higher secondary schools, claim that such incidents have recently been reported from Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod, and other districts in the State as well.

DGCA Sends Show Cause Notice To IndiGo For Lapses In Simulator Training For 1,700 Pilots

The DGCA found that simulators used for training, testing, or checking for airfields such as Kozhikode, Leh, and Kathmandu were not qualified or approved for the specific airport models, sources said.

Kozhikode has to be regular venue for RIFFK: Minister

Mavelicus 2025 Onam celebrations to begin in Kozhikode on August 31

Celebrations will be held on a grand scale with a variety of programmes, says Tourism Minister

SHOCKING! 64-yr-old woman pushed off moving train by thief and robbed of hand bag in Kozhikode

Railway police have launched an extensive search operation to apprehend a thief, who allegedly pushed a 64-year old woman from a moving train after snatching her bag.

Two women found dead in Kozhikode