UKs F-35B stealth fighter jet stranded in Kerala for a week
New Delhi: A team of technical experts from the UK is expected to arrive in Thiruvananthapuram in the next couple of days to examine a stranded F-35B Lightning stealth fighter jet of the Royal Navy, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday. The jet, worth over USD 110 million and known to be one 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 .
UK team to arrive in Kerala to inspect stranded F-35B stealth fighter of Royal Navy
NEW DELHI: A team of technical experts from the UK is expected to arrive in Thiruvananthapuram in the next couple of days to examine a stranded F-35B 'Lightning' stealth fighter jet of the Royal Navy, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday. The jet, worth over USD 110 million and known to be one of the most advanced fighters, made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport on June 14. The aircraft, part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group of the Royal Navy, reportedly had a problem in its hydraulic system. The people cited above said a team of experts from the Royal Navy is arriving in Thiruvananthapuram to inspect the aircraft. Few days ago, a maintenance team from the Carrier Strike Group inspected the aircraft but could not address the glitch, they said. The Indian Air Force last week said it was providing all necessary support for the ectification and subsequent return of the aircraft. The aircraft was undertaking routine flying outside Indian Air Defence Identification Zone with Thiruvananthapuram earmarked as the emergency recovery airfield, it said in a brief statement. The HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group carried out military drills with the Indian Navy last week. It is learnt that the aircraft could not return to the carrier on the night of June 14 due to bad weather and made the emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram airport. The F-35B is the only fifth generation fighter jet with short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities, making it ideal for operating from smaller decks, austere bases and ships. Known simply as the 'Lightning' in British service, the F-35 model is the short take off/vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the fighter jet that is designed to operate from short-field bases and air-capable ships.
UK's F-35B stealth fighter jet stranded in Kerala for a week
A UK team of technical experts is set to arrive in Thiruvananthapuram to examine a stranded Royal Navy F-35B 'Lightning' stealth fighter jet, which made an emergency landing on June 14 due to a hydraulic system problem. The advanced aircraft, part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, couldn't return to the carrier due to bad weather.
Fresh UK Crew To Arrive In Kerala With Spares To Inspect F-35B: Sources
A team from the British navy carrying spare parts will arrive in Kerala to inspect F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet, which has been stranded in Thiruvananthapuram for a week, sources have told NDTV.
Chief Justice calls for coordination between government offices and legal services authority
Delivers inaugural address at Legal Services Summit 2025 organised by Thiruvananthapuram District Legal Services Authority
Impact of sea fury on Thiruvananthapuram coast
Fisherfolk at Kannanthura attempt to save their homes and shoreline by stacking sandbags and unused fishing boats. A coastal road adjacent to St. Peter's Church at Kannanthura. Seventy-year-old Pelkis Amrutham and his wife Amalolbhavam watch helplessly as the sea closes in on their house at Kannanthura. A Vettucaud resident looks into the advancing sea from his home. After over a decade, monsoon fury has returned to haunt Kannanthura and Vettucaud two densely populated coastal hamlets in Thiruvananthapuram. Fierce sea surges and relentless coastal erosion have once again displaced dozens of fisher families, laying bare the vulnerability of Keralas 590-km shoreline.Year after year, thousands of coastal residents are forced to flee their homes as the sea continues to trouble them with alarming intensity. According to various studies, over 55% of Keralas coastline is at risk of erosion. A study by the University of Kerala a few years ago reveals a staggering loss of 647 acres of coastal land along a 58-km stretch in Thiruvananthapuram district alone over the past 14 years, making it one of the worst-hit regions. Despite the recurring threats and displacement, the state governments response has been largely limited to announcements and budgetary promises. On the ground, little has changed. For the coastal population living on the frontline of the climate crisis, the absence of sustained intervention and long-term protection measures amounts to a grave policy failure.
F-35B Stealth Jet: Why The Crown Jewel Of British Navy Has Been Stranded In Kerala For A Week
UKs most advanced fighter jet has been stuck at Thiruvananthapuram airport since June 14. Sources say India offered hangar space and technical help but the British Navy declined
Kerala Fire Force gets app-savvy: AI-powered rescue system to slash response time
KOCHI: In a major upgrade to boost its emergency response capabilities, the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Department is set to introduce an advanced AI-integrated, mobile app-based platform. The new system aims to enable quicker, more precise mobilisation of personnel and equipment during the initial stages of rescue operations compared to the existing traditional telephone-based 101 helpline. Currently, people in distress-whether due to fires, accidents, drowning, or natural disasters-must call 101 to request assistance. However, officials say that limitations in voice-based communication often hinder accurate assessment of the situation. Callers in panic may fail to provide precise location details or clearly describe the nature of the emergency. There have also been instances where multiple fire tenders were deployed for relatively minor incidents, straining resources. To address these shortcomings, we are transitioning to an app-based alert system, said a senior official from the Fire and Rescue Services Department. The new system will enable real-time location tracking and allow users to upload photos and videos, helping our responders assess the situation more effectively. The app will also track the live location of the person seeking help, and in turn, the user can view the approaching rescue vehicle in real-time. All department vehicles will be equipped with GPS for this purpose. To coordinate this integrated response system, a central control room will be established in Thiruvananthapuram, supported by district and station-level control rooms. Specialised software will be deployed to manage emergency navigation, identify proximity to water bodies, allocate resources, access hospital information, plan fire safety operations, log vehicle usage and maintenance, record incident details, map hazard zones, and monitor outreach and education efforts. The central control room will serve as the nerve centre, enabling instant communication with all stations and district headquarters. Distress calls received via the app will be routed to local stations through the district control centres, significantly reducing response time. The public will be able to download the app from mobile app stores, the official added. A fund of Rs 1.95 crore has been earmarked for the project. The department has already floated a tender for the development of the mobile application and the modernisation of central and district-level control rooms. While Kerala Police have introduced the Pol-App for citizens to report emergencies and the national '112 system' provides general emergency support, our proposed system is specifically tailored to situations where the Fire and Rescue Departments intervention is essential, the official said.
MLA VK Prashanth, Collector Anu Kumari take part in Yoga Day demonstration in Thiruvananthapuram
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Vattiyoorkavu MLA VK Prashanth and Thiruvananthapuram District Collector Anu Kumari participated in the Yoga Day demonstrations organised in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. The legislator inaugurated the district-level Yoga Day programme at Central Stadium here. The ex-Mayor said that Yoga should be proactively propagated throughout the world and appreciated the efforts of the AYUSH mission in popularising the traditional discipline. 'Yoga is a comprehensive package, said collector Anu Kumari, mentioning the physical, mental and spiritual gains one can achieve through it. She also congratulated the mission for starting over 10,000 yoga clubs in the district during 2024. The programme, which had over 500 participants, aged from 10 to 80 years, from over 53 Yoga clubs of the district. The yoga demonstration was followed by a public meeting and a yoga dance competition. The Green Yoga Club also distributed saplings of medicinal plants to the participants in the ceremony organised by the National AYUSH Mission Kerala. The function was attended by national AYUSH mission state programme manager Dr Saji PR, Homoeopathy department Deputy Director Dr VK Priyadarshini, District Medical Officers Dr Manjula Sree Thankachi (Homoeopathy) and Dr Mini S Pai (ISM), among others.
Concerns over tardy progress of much-delayed Nemom road project in Thiruvananthapuram
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A key road in General Education Minister V Sivankuttys Nemom constituency is better off as an off-roading trail, say locals. Riddled with potholes, which keep increasing with every passing monsoon, widening of the Thirumala-Thrikkannapuram road has been under consideration for the past 20 years. All these years, the 3.6km-long stretch, which connects several wards to the Thiruvananthapuram-Nagercoil highway, has been marked for widening from around 8m to 15m. But, with the project getting tangled in red tape, people have been facing the music. Bhaskaran Nair, a resident, said he has parked his car at a plot a few metres from his house due to the bad condition of the road just outside his house. The senior citizen adds that it has become impossible for two-wheeler riders to navigate the stretch without incident. Good road infrastructure is important for businesses to flourish. But given the condition of this road, people tend to avoid it, a local shopowner said. With e-commerce and online deliveries already eating into revenue, he says that rent, and not business, remains the only constant. Several businesses have moved from the area. Accidents are a daily occurrence. Two-wheeler riders suffer the most, but such incidents never get reported, say auto-rickshaw drivers. Besides the physical toll that motorists endure, is the damage to vehicles. Most of us are helpless when passengers ask us to avoid potholes. Some residents complain that their legislator rarely visits the constituency. However, Sivankuttys office denied most of the allegations. Although the project was taken up 20 years ago, land acquisition was completed only in the last 18 months. We expect the road to be completed by December, an official said. Road-widening activity has picked up, with construction of the retaining wall progressing from Thrikkannapuram, say locals. With the assembly election due next year, the work has now covered over a kilometre. The land acquired for widening is now used by people to park vehicles and even dispose of work debris, a resident said. Meanwhile, authorities plan to raise the road, but shopowners are concerned that this will lead to waterlogging along the sides. The slow progress has evidently been exacerbated by lack of coordination among government departments. KSEB and PWD officials have been trading blame for delays on their part. Work is progressing at a very slow pace. People are willing to cooperate, but the response from authorities has been slack, especially with regard to work on the drainage system, said Thrikkannapuram ward councillor Jayalakshmi P S. The damage to byroads as a result of the widening project should also be rectified in a time-bound manner, she added.
30 habitual offenders detained under KAAPA so far this year
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Intensifying its action against history-sheeters, the city police have taken 30 habitual offenders into preventive detention under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities Prevention Act (KAAPA) so far this year. The detention orders of the repeated offenders were passed by the district collector acting on the inputs provided by the police department. Police sources said that KAAPA is being used wide and effective to crack down on those involved in heinous crimes. Those detained will be jailed for a year. Apart from preventive detention, the police have banished 37 serial offenders from the district. DCP Nakul Rajendra Deshmukh said the city police have been pro-actively preparing Rowdy History-Sheets (RHS) in all the police stations so that when they repeat a serious offence, the department can quickly recommend action against them under the KAAPA. RHS is a dossier of all the contacts, background and antecedents of a criminal. We have kept all the files on the habitual offenders ready so that when we got to know that theyve committed a crime somewhere, we can immediately collect all relevant details and recommend proper legal action against them, he said. The city police have also started to make habitual offenders sign a bond that they will not commit any other offence for a definite period.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After much hue and cry, a high-level meeting convened by Antony Raju MLA has decided to coordinate the construction and protection activities at Shankhumukham Beach one of the popular beaches in the capital city. The meeting has decided to prioritise protective measures to save the fast-eroding Shankhumukham Beach without it losing its tourism appeal. The meeting discussed the proposals and recommendations put forward by the Public Works Department (PWD) and the technical suggestions given by M V Ramana Murthy, technical advisor to the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) and director of the Deep Ocean Mission. The fisheries and Irrigation departments jointly reviewed the proposals. The major proposal under consideration for Shankhumukham is a shoreline protection project involving geotubes and sand nourishments. The Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation has proposed the installation of geotubes at a depth of 6 metres, 200 metres offshore, along a 1.5-km stretch of the beach for protection. Additionally, the irrigation department has submitted a plan to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to construct two groynes -- one each on the northern and southern sides of the beach extending 235 metres from the coast and spaced 160 metres apart. The PWD has also suggested increasing the length of the existing diaphragm wall as another defence mechanism to curb erosion. The meeting has assigned a high-level technical panel, guided by Ramana Murthy, to finalise and approve a viable plan and submit it to the state government. A meeting of the panel members will be held within this month. The aim is to complete the project before the onset of the next monsoon season. To protect the existing Arattu Mandapam at Shankhumukham, the irrigation department has proposed the installation of a 120-metre geo-bag wall on its western side. The tourism department has been requested to grant immediate approval for this component, following the urgent submission of the proposal.
Declare wild pigs as vermin for at least six months: Kerala forest minister
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Close on the heels of the Centre rejecting its request to bring amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act, the state has again approached the Union Ministry with the same demand. In a letter to the ministry, Forest Minister A K Saseendran pointed out loopholes in the Centres stance that the chief wildlife warden has powers to effectively deal with human-wildlife conflict. The minister urged the Centre to declare wild boars as vermin at least in villages identified as conflict hotspots for a period of six months. Saseendran, in his letter to Union Minister for Environment and Forests Bhupender Yadav, pointed out that the chief wildlife warden has only limited powers to act swiftly in critical situations involving human-wildlife conflicts. Chief wildlife warden is empowered first to capture, tranquilise or translocate a dangerous animal. If these options are not feasible, then only the chief wildlife warden may permit killing of the identified wild animal listed in Schedule I of the Act. These procedural constraints have limited the wardens ability to act swiftly in critical situations, he said. Despite the state adhering to all relevant advisories and guidelines issued by the Centre, human-wildlife conflicts continue to escalate in Kerala. The current framework often delays timely action, thereby limiting the states ability to effectively mitigate conflicts and protect human lives and livelihoods, said the minister. The state further pointed out that the act does not provide a clear definition of dangerous animal. It would be highly beneficial if the Centre could consider amending the Act and Rules as well as simplify the standard operating procedures for eliminating dangerous animals, said Saseendran. Raising the demand once again to declare wild boars as vermin, the state pointed out that such a declaration should be made in villages identified as hotspots. If such a declaration is made at least for a short period of six months, it would not only facilitate site-specific management of the species but also significantly contribute to mitigating human-wildlife conflicts. The minister also demanded funds to the tune of `620 crore for various projects for preventive measures. The Centre has not yet considered the states demand for special assistance. This has hindered our efforts, he said.
Tharoor on fresh diplomatic push, leaves for Russia
NEW DELHI: Days after wrapping up a multi-nation tour on Operation Sindoor, the Centre has assigned Congress MP Shashi Tharoor a second round of diplomatic outreach to countries such as Russia, the UK and possibly Greece, said sources. The Thiruvananthapuram MP, who left for Moscow on Friday, is on a two-week mission, said sources familiar with the developments. The mission aims to further bolster Indias position among all-weather allies and to amplify the countrys voice, said sources. During the two-week trip, Tharoor will be liaising with Indian diplomatic missions in various countries. His visit to Russia assumes significance amid the softening of the ties between the US and Pakistan. India has reasons to worry after Pakistans army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, recently held a one-on-one meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House for more than two hours. Sources said that the government was keen on sending Tharoor for another round of diplomatic push as the all-party delegation led by him was considered as one of the most impactful ones. The team led by Tharoor has also visited the United States, where they met Vice President J D Vance and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. During the meeting with Landau, the Tharoor-led delegation explained to him Indias stance against terrorism, with Operation Sindoor being launched in response to the brutal April 22 Pahalgam terror attack . Though Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Tharoor and all the other members of the all-party delegations of Operation Sindoor at his residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg last Tuesday, sources said that the PM held a separate meeting with Tharoor the next evening. The PM spoke with Tharoor for an hour on the new assignment and his responsibilities, said the source. During his meeting with the MPs, the PM is learnt to have said that such endeavours could be institutionalised in future. Tharoor, who is the head of the standing committee of the External Affairs Ministry, has also chaired the meeting of the panel on June 17. It was not clear whether Tharoor had informed the Congress leadership about the new diplomatic mission.
Raising their game! Ex-varsity circuit hockey players live the global dream
KOLLAM: They have aged like fine wine giving the world a taste of their talent and skill. Marking a comeback in a sport they once cherished, a group of four middle-aged women from the state, who in their youth were active on the national university circuit, have raised their game: Now, making a mark in the field of international masters hockey. Leading the charge is Saritha Devi, a 55-year-old schoolteacher from Thiruvananthapuram. The Indian captain guided her team to a gold at the recent World Masters Games in Taiwan. Becoming an international player was always my dream. After university, family pressures took over. But the passion never faded. Now, in my fifties, Im determined to keep playing for the national team as long as health permits, Saritha told TNIE . My university days were filled with dreams and aspirations. Playing hockey was a dream come true, and I lived it during my time at university, recounts Sheeba R, 50, another member of the team. The Kerala players in the squad were active at the university level in the 1990s. But after marriage, our paths diverged. Society has never backed women sportspersons making a comeback, the former from Thiruvananthapuram points out. For 30 years, I lived for my family. Now that my children are independent, I want to live for myself and explore my passion. At this age, Im not afraid, adds Sheeba. Despite the global success, the players face persistent challenges. We receive no government backing -- not even basic infrastructure or financial aid. We have often paid from our own pockets to travel and train. We have even been denied access to public grounds. But we didnt give up. After much struggle, we secured permission to practise at the University Stadium in the state capital. That itself felt like a win, emphasises Saritha. Saritha Devi (L) in action during a match at the World Masters Games People keep saying its time to hang up our boots, but were not ready to quit. At 55, I still have aspirations. Even though we dont receive any government help, our determination and passion keep us going. Still, we hope that someday, some kind of support will come our way. But until then, well continue with what we love, because passion doesnt retire, says Geetha Mohan, another team member who works as an insurance agent in the state capital. Swapna S P, a former RTO officer, describes her return to the game as a return to the joy and dreams of her college days. When I started playing again, it felt like I should have started earlier. We all got stuck in a comfortable life, and by the time you realise it, its often too late. But thanks to the Masters Games, we got a chance to live our dreams again. Despite societal pressure and age barriers, weve decided to move forward and pursue what we love most, stresses Swapna, who is from Ernakulam. All four players returned to the national circuit in 2021. They are now preparing for their next international outing next year.
Nearly half of Wayanads tourism constructions illegal: Government study
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Nearly half of all tourism-related constructions in Wayanad are operating without a valid licence, according to a study by the local self-government department. The comprehensive report, released last week on sustainable and responsible tourism, has uncovered widespread regulatory violations, rampant illegal operations, and blatant environmental disregard affecting the districts tourism sector. The study by the planning wing of the department revealed that nearly half of all tourism establishments in Wayanad -- including resorts, homestays, and serviced villas -- are operating illegally. Only 56% of these properties hold the mandatory LSGD licence, a mere 16% are registered under GST, and just 53% have secured consent from the Pollution Control Board (PCB) -- a critical requirement for ensuring environmental compliance and responsible operations. One of the most alarming revelations is the unchecked operation of tourism properties within environmentally sensitive and hazardous zones. Numerous establishments have been built or are under construction in designated High Hazard Zones (HHZ) or within 500-metre buffer zones identified for landslide and flood vulnerability. These zones are particularly fragile given Wayanads history of tragic landslides and frequent human-wildlife conflicts. Yet, many tent stays and resorts in these regions lack even basic safety measures such as fencing or emergency response infrastructure. Meanwhile, Wayanad district panchayat president Samshad Marakkar has called for crackdown on illegal tourist establishments. Expressing concern over the growing number of tourist accidents linked to unauthorised resorts and accommodations, he said that many of these facilities operate without the knowledge of local bodies. Several of these resorts are located in remote, inaccessible areas with poor or no road connectivity. In emergencies, rescue operations become extremely difficult, he said. He added that the study would serve as a baseline document and that the district panchayat has recommended the formation of special inspection squads under each local body to identify, inspect, and take corrective action against illegal constructions. These property owners must be compelled to produce updated building plans. Even those holding licences have constructed unauthorised extensions. Local bodies are losing significant tax revenue because of this unchecked expansion, he said. Marakkar further stressed the urgent need for the state government to establish a legal framework for camping sites, tents, and tree houses. Right now, local bodies have no authority over these facilities. Its time the government steps in and sets clear regulations, he added. The town planning department has attributed the surge in violations in Wayanad to the misuse of K-SWIFT (Kerala Single Window Interface for Fast and Transparent Clearance) -- an online platform designed to streamline the process of obtaining various licences and approvals for businesses. As part of the study, field surveys began in 2021 with an initial list of 2,764 properties. Over a span of 89 days, the survey team successfully visited 2,478 properties, covering 89% of the total. However, detailed assessments were completed for only 1,040 of them. The remaining 1,438 could not be fully surveyed due to several challenges including data duplication. Notably, 116 properties had no records beyond their names, making verification and any further follow-up virtually impossible. Near buffer zones The study by the tourism dept planning wing revealed only 56% of properties hold the mandatory LSGD licence, a mere 16% are registered under GST, & only 53% have consent from Pollution Control Board Numerous establishments built or are under construction in designated High Hazard Zones or within 500-m buffer zones identified for landslide and flood vulnerability
In Pics: Waves of woes at Kerala capital's shoreline
After over a decade, monsoon fury has returned to haunt Kannanthura and Vettucaud two densely populated coastal hamlets in Thiruvananthapuram. Fierce sea surges and relentless coastal erosion have once again displaced dozens of fisher families, laying bare the vulnerability of Keralas 590-km shoreline. Year after year, thousands of coastal residents are forced to flee their homes as the sea continues to trouble them with alarming intensity. According to various studies, over 55% of Keralas coastline is at risk of erosion. A study by the University of Kerala a few years ago revealed a staggering loss of 647 acres of coastal land along a 58-km stretch in Thiruvananthapuram district alone over the past 14 years, making it one of the worst-hit regions. Despite the recurring threats and displacement, the state governments response has been largely limited to announcements and budgetary promises. On the ground, little has changed. For the coastal population living on the frontline of the climate crisis, the absence of sustained intervention and long-term protection measures amounts to a grave policy failure. A fisherman is caught in the raging waves while trying to place sandbags to protect his house from sea erosion at Vettucaud A Vettucaud resident looks into the advancing sea from his home Seventy-year-old Pelkis Amrutham and his wife Amalolbhavam watch helplessly as the sea closes in on their house in Kannanthura The coastal road adjacent to St. Peters Church at Kannanthura A coconut tree stands precariously with its roots exposed due to severe sea erosion at Kannanthura Monsoon surges have begun swallowing 42-year-old Isabel's single-room house at the fragile coastal edge of Kannanthura
Thiruvananthapuram Corporation dstributes electric tricycles
After a robust start, monsoon slips into lull phase
We expect a revival or another vigorous spell only by the end of the first week of July, says Neetha K. Gopal, IMD Director, Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram railway division charts growth path to meet Keralas rising demand
Station redevelopment worth 3,000 crore is nearing completion in key locations such as Ernakulam, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KPCC president Sunny Joseph on Friday clarified that Shashi Tharoor was officially included in the list of star campaigners released by the party ahead of the Nilambur bypoll. He was speaking to the media in Kollam. His response came after Tharoor had expressed his displeasure over not being invited to campaign, stating that he only attends events when formally asked and had received no such invitation, not even after returning to the country. The party had officially released the list of star campaigners. Shashi Tharoors name was on the list. However, he was abroad on official commitments during the phase of the Nilambur bypoll campaign, Sunny Joseph said. He added that the campaign was carried out in an organised manner. Both the UDF leadership and workers came together as one. The preparations were carried out effectively, he said. Sunny Joseph added that apart from A K Antony, who avoided long-distance travel due to health issues, all senior Congress leaders had reached Nilambur and actively took part in the campaign.
Kerala education minister walks out of Raj Bhavan event over RSS image
Thiruvananthapuram: The Bharat Mata controversy resurfaced in Kerala after State General Education Minister V Sivankutty walked out of a state government event at Raj Bhavan recently, protesting against the display of an image widely used in RSS functions, during the programme. Following his walkout, the Raj Bhavan issued a statement in which Governor Rajendra Vishwanath 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 .
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opening a new battlefront with the Raj Bhavan after the Bharat Mata portrait controversy, the state government has decided to incorporate the Constitutional rights and duties of the Governor in the school curriculum. General Education Minister V Sivankutty said the government is planning to include the constitutional rights and duties of the Governor in the second volume of the Class X Social Science textbook. It will also be included in the Plus One and Plus Two texts that are set to be revised soon, the Minister told reporters here on Friday. Sivankutty said the school curriculum has been revised by upholding constitutional values, and the government would give full support for the inculcation of these values by students in their daily life. The Minister's statement came a day after he walked out of an event at the Raj Bhavan protesting the display of a Bharat Mata portrait, allegedly used in RSS functions, at the venue. The Raj Bhavan had termed the minister's act as a protocol violation and an insult to the office of the Governor. The Left government's latest move is seen as part of buttressing its argument that Governor Rajendra Arlekar was exceeding the rights given to him by the Constitution. After the Minister's walkout from the event attended mostly by students, the Raj Bhavan said his action had set a 'wrong model' before them. In his speech after the Minister's walkout, the Governor had criticised those who opposed 'Bharat Mata'. I need not teach you anything. Compared to other people, some politicians, you are far, far ahead. You know what Bharat Mata is and what we are for, Arlekar told the students on Thursday.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM-led LDF government in Kerala has reacted sharply to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement that soon a time would come when those speaking English in the country would feel ashamed. Higher Education Minister R Bindu said Shah's statement reflected the arrow-minded politics that he represents and that it would only serve to curtail students' knowledge and global outlook. Amit Shah's statement should also be seen in the context of attempts to impose Hindi across the country. This is a major transgression on India's linguistic diversity, she told reporters. General Education Minister V Sivankutty said no language is inferior or superior to another and asserted that, as an international language, English is an important medium for communication and exchange of knowledge. The government of Kerala is committed to encouraging learning of all languages and protecting the right of students to select the language of their choice, Sivankutty said. He added that linguistic diversity was the strength of the nation and should be protected. Speaking at a book release function in Delhi on Thursday, Shah said, In this country, those who speak English will soon feel ashamed, the creation of such a society is not far away. Shah also said that the time has come to reclaim India's linguistic heritage and lead the world with pride in native tongues. 'Those who speak English in country will soon feel ashamed': Amit Shah
The showcase features 110 works across two chapters in a range of mediums such as oil paint, charcoal, pastels and so on
ITD Cementation Share Price Swings After Securing Orders Worth Rs 960 Crore
ITD Cementation has been awarded a project at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala and a multi-storeyed commercial building development in Kolkata, West Bengal.
French envoy meets Kerala CM, explores ties with state
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday and discussed avenues to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors. The envoy said France would explore the possibility of offering employment opportunities to nurses from the state, with language training support. He also proposed collaboration with the Fisheries Department to boost Blue Economy initiatives. French representatives will participate in a conclave on the subject scheduled for September. Mathou highlighted ongoing partnerships in Kerala, including projects like Mane Kancor, a natural ingredients manufacturer, and expressed willingness to enhance French investments in the state. He added that the matter was discussed with the Minister for Industries as well. Climate change was another area identified for potential collaboration.
Pavangal sparked EMSs interest in Marxist ideology, says Tharoor
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Pavangal, the Malayalam translation of Victor Hugos Les Miserables was one of the sparks that led E M S Namboodiripad to Marxist ideology, author and MP Shashi Tharoor has said. According to Tharoor, Nalappattu Narayana Menon made a transformative act by translating Les Miserables into Malayalam. This was no simple transference of words; it was a cultural transplantation. And the soil of Kerala received it not just with curiosity, but with revolutionary gratitude, he said. The work had a profound impact on Kerala politics, he said. So profound was this impact that E M S Namboodiripad, the first chief minister of Kerala and a stalwart of Indian Communism, openly credited Pavangal as one of the sparks that led him to Marxist ideology. The fire ignited by Hugo burned brightly in young political minds of the time. The novel stirred a generation not merely to weep, but to act, he said. Tharoor was speaking at the launch of Pardon My French, book shelf at DC Books store here on Thursday. He also had a conversation with French Ambassador Thierry Mathou at the event. Pavangal changed the very trajectory of Malayalam literature and social thought. For the first time, readers here encountered a literary hero like Jean Valjean - broken by systems, redeemed by compassion, awakened to justice. It lit the torch of conscience in countless readers, he said. The book offered prominent modern novelists Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, O V Vijayan and others a new idiom of empathy, a new narrative possibility, a new lens through which to view the oppressed and the invisible, he said. According to Tharoor, reading French literature is to step into a world where beauty and pain walk hand in hand. The moral complexity of Camus, the passion of Hugo, the subtle defiance of Colette, the psychological depth of Duras... these are not just artistic achievements, but guides to understanding the human condition, he said.
Court slaps Rs 1 crore fine on private dairy for copying Milma branding
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Principal Commercial Court in Thiruvananthapuram has imposed a penalty of Rs 1 crore on Milnna, a private dairy, for copying the cover design and brand name of Milma on its milk packets an act the court ruled as a violation of trade laws. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Milma said the court has also barred Milnna from advertising, marketing, or selling milk or any dairy products using trademarks or packaging that resemble Milmas branding. Additionally, the court directed Milnna to pay `8,18,410 to Milma to cover litigation costs. Milma Chairman K S Mani welcomed the verdict, calling it a stern warning to companies attempting to mislead consumers with counterfeit branding and damage the reputation of the state-run cooperative. Milma is a major cooperative network of dairy farmers in India. We remain committed to protecting the interests of our farmers and the integrity of our brand, he said. Milma had initiated legal proceedings in 2022 against two private dairies, including Milnna, for imitating its name and packaging design.
Kerala police clearance rule hits hiring in private bus sector
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A recently introduced rule requiring police clearance certificates (PCCs) for private bus crew is beginning to impact employment in Keralas bus industry, which provides jobs to nearly 40,000 people. Bus operators and trade unions allege that PCCs are being denied even in cases where employees are involved in police cases-such as family-related property disputes or participation in trade union protests involving picketing. The rule, introduced by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) in May as part of a broader effort to enhance safety on public transport, mandates that all crew members drivers, conductors, and cleaners - must obtain police clearance. The PCC must be presented during inspections by police or MVD officials. While the MVDs order outlines specific categories under which PCCs can be granted or denied, bus operators claim that police officials are failing to apply discretion in implementation. Denying clearance for participating in a political protest or being named in a family property dispute case is unfair and could lead to job loss, pushing the industry into crisis, said T Gopinathan, general secretary of the All Kerala Bus Operators Organisation. Following talks with Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar, the MVD has temporarily suspended enforcement of the rule.
Senior IPS officer Ravada A Chandrasekhar meets Kerala CM ahead of SPC selection
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a crucial development ahead of the new state police chief selection, Ravada A Chandrasekhar, who is the second senior-most IPS officer from the Kerala cadre, and is in the fray for the post of the SPC, met CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday. The meeting gains significance at a time when hardly 10 days remain for the government to finalise a new state police chief. The visit of the officer, a special director with the Intelligence Bureau, holds significance as he is the second name in the list that the state government has forwarded to the UPSC. Kerala government coaxing seniors to drop out of top cop fray The UPSC is expected to meet earlier next week to prepare a shortlist of three officers from which the state government is at liberty to pick its man. Nitin Agrawal, Ravada A Chandrasekhar, Yogesh Gupta and Manoj Abraham, and ADGPs S Suresh and M R Ajith Kumar are the six officers, who are in the race to replace incumbent State Police Chief Sheik Darvesh Saheb, who is retiring on June 30. There were reports that the government wanted to avoid the possibility of having to choose the next top cop from the three senior-most IPS officers Nitin, Ravada and Yogesh who are expected to be included in the UPSC shortlist, and with whom the government has a frayed equation. The Centre had announced that Ravada will be appointed as secretary (security) in the cabinet secretariat from August 1.
Trump-Munir lunch: Tharoor reminds US of Osama, hopes America reminded Pak not to support terror
Thiruvananthapuram: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Thursday reminded the US of Pakistans role in sheltering Osama bin Laden, saying he hoped Washington used the meeting between Donald Trump and Pakistans Army General Asim Munir to tell Islamabad not to support terrorism. The Congress MP made the remark in response to a question from reporters here about []
U.K. fighter jets departure to be delayed further
British authorities have sought more time and a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility to fix the technical glitches the aircraft sustained during an emergency landing in the Thiruvananthapuram airport on June 14. The fighter jet could not return to the aircraft carrier because of inclement weather and it was running low on fuel
British Fighter Jet Remains Grounded At Thiruvananthapuram Airport
The aircraft had taken off for a training mission from the aircraft carrier, which was anchored 100 nautical miles off the coast.
ITD Cementation Wins Orders Worth Rs 960 Crore In Kerala, West Bengal
The company has received a construction project at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and development of a multi-storeyed commercial building in Kolkata.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: General Education Minister V Sivankutty walked out from an event held at the Raj Bhavan here on Thursday registering his protest over a portrait of 'Bharat Mata, allegedly holding an RSS flag, that was kept at the dias. The incident, that occured during the Rajya Puraskar award distribution ceremony of Bharat Scouts and Guides attended by Governor Rajendra Arlekar, evoked a sharp response from the Raj Bhavan. This is the second instance in which a minister in the LDF government boycotted a Raj Bhavan event objecting to the display of the Bharat Mata portrait. Agriculture Minister P Prasad had kept away from another event at the Raj Bhavan earlier this month over the same issue. Later addressing a news conference, Sivankutty flayed the inclusion of religious symbols in official events and said it violated the secular nature of government programmes. The Minister said he expressed his objection towards the display of the Bharat Mata portrait at a government function before staging a walkout in protest. Meanwhile, the Raj Bhavan issued a statement quoting the Governor that there was no question of doing away with Bharat Mata. Viewing the developments with utmost concern, the Raj Bhavan said the walk out staged by the Minister from the dais while the Governor was present, was a gross violation of protocol and a grave insult to the office of the Governor. The Minister who handles the Education portfolio has set an unprecedentedly wrong precedent by his misconduct. Significantly, the Minister has come with a prepared speech which he chose to read out - a clear indication of his preparedness for an impending showdown, the statement said. The Raj Bhavan also noted that the performance of the Minister was right in front of the disciplined Scouts and Guides who had come to receive the awards from the Minister and the Governor. The Minister has insulted the students as well, apart from setting a wrong model before the students, the statement said.
Shashi Tharoor Seeks S Jaishankar's Help For Indian Stuck On North American Peak
Shaikh Hassan Khan from Thiruvananthapuram is stuck at the 17,000-foot base camp atop Mount Denali in Alaska.
Smoked briskets are slowly making it big in Thiruvananthapuram
The American beef brisket is a new addition to Thiruvananthapurams food scene among other continental flavours in the city
CM Pinarayi Vijayan warns of debris as cargo ship burns off Kerala coast
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that the cargo vessel Wan Hai 503, which was involved in a maritime accident off Kerala coast, has been shifted 57 nautical miles away from shore, and efforts are ongoing to tow it further out to sea. Despite the relocation, fire and smoke are still reportedly emanating from the ship. Addressing the media, the Chief Minister warned that debris from the vessel, including containers that fell overboard, could wash up along the southern coast of Ernakulam district and the shores of Alappuzha and Kollam. The alert was based on information received from the Indian Coast Guard and the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited. If you see any object suspected to be from the shipwreck, do not touch it. Maintain a distance of at least 200 m and immediately call the emergency number 112 or inform the State Disaster Management Authority, Pinarayi said. As of Wednesday morning, 65 containers linked to the accident had already been recovered from the shore and moved to various ports. Additionally, 21 barrels found in the Vizhinjam and Kovalam areas of Thiruvananthapuram have been safely relocated to Vizhinjam port. Two more barrels believed to be from the vessel were found on the coast of Alappad in Kollam and at Kumbala and Koippadi in Kasaragod district. The State Disaster Management Authority has launched a dedicated web applicationwhich allows citizens to report shipwreck-related objects found on land or sea. Users can submit their name, contact number, a description of the object, its location or nearest landmark, and photographs.
Filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan expresses concern over Sabarimala airport
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Acclaimed filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan, on Wednesday, expressed his concern over the possible environmental damages that the proposed Sabarimala Airport would cause. He was speaking at the book release function of Sugathaparvam, a book on the life of the late poetess and environmental activist Sugathakumari, written by journalist C Rahim. We have four airports in our small state. The construction of this new airport might lead to loss of mountains and cause severe environmental damage, he said. The senior director stressed that his words should not be misconstrued but seen as a citizens genuine concerns, adding that this would only serve to increase the issues of wild animal invasion into populated areas. Hindus misunderstand that they will benefit from this airport, but it will happen otherwise. The authorities should reconsider this project, he said. The book Sugathaparvam delves into the life of Malayalam poet Sugathakumari as an environmental activist, and focusses on the footprints she left in the ecological sphere of Kerala, including her protests at Aranmula, Silent Valley, etc. Olive Books chairman M K Muneer MLA, who presided over the event reminisced about his experience of working with the poetess during his tenure as a minister. It was Sugathakumari Teacher who suggested the name Nirbhaya for the protection scheme for women and children, he said. Architect G Shankar, who received the books first copy post-release, spoke about the various initiatives she took, including the Krishnavanam forest project and silent valley protests. I am a person who grew with the poems of teacher, he reminisced and added that she passed away with many unfulfilled dreams. This book deserves a special place among the books that retell the life of great people, said dubbing artist Prof Aliyar.
Dalits still treated as slaves by Sanatana Dharma: Rapper Vedan
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rapper Vedan said he faces challenges walking the path paved by Ayyankali and Ambedkar, but vowed to continue moving forward with courage. He was speaking at the 84th death anniversary event of social reformer Ayyankali, organised by the KPMS district committee at Olympia Hall, Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. Vedan also offered a floral tribute at the Venganur Ayyankali Smrithi Mandapam on Wednesday morning. While speaking at the event, Vedan pointed out that the casteist society of Kerala celebrates Ambedkar and Ayyankali as leaders of a particular community and that must change. He said the community is yet to grow into an organised group capable of questioning political parties, and added that there is a need to resist the politics of Sanatana Dharma that divides people, especially marginalised communities. He added that Dalits are still treated as slaves by Sanatana Dharma and that a time should come when events like this are celebrated by a diverse audience in a larger venue. We are becoming divided ourselves. The lack of fraternity encouraged by extreme Sanatana Dharma has crept into us too. What I witnessed here today is proof of that. Next time when such an event is organised, I hope to see it held in a bigger venue with participation from a broader audience, he said. Vedan also said he would rather call Ayyankali a Mahaveeran (great warrior) than a mahatma (a revered person). It is unfortunate that we are remembering someone as great as Ayyankali from such a small room. He should be celebrated in a way that the world recognises him. A time will come when the mainstream accepts him, he said. The event was inaugurated by KPMS General Secretary Alangode Surendran. Vedan was honoured at the event. When presented with the Ayyankalis Thalappavu (head gear), he respectfully declined to wear it, saying he did not feel worthy. He performed two songs at the event, one based on a poem by Poykayil Appachan, and another, his own rap number titled Kondal.
Kerala government coaxing seniors to drop out of top cop fray
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an apparent bid to boost the chances of Manoj Abraham as well as M R Ajith Kumar, who are among the six IPS officers whose names it has proposed for the state police chief post, the Kerala government has resorted to an unprecedented act: Asking the contenders to drop out of the race to facilitate those next in line. The move, say those in the know, also aims at avoiding the possibility of the government having to choose Keralas next top cop from the three senior-most IPS officers Nitin Agarwal, Ravada A Chandrasekhar and Yogesh Gupta who are expected to be included in the short-list prepared by the Union Public Service Commission, and with whom the government has a frayed equation. Sources revealed that Ravada and Yogesh were approached by the government with the strange request. The intention, sources said, is to facilitate the inclusion Manoj, S Suresh and Ajith Kumar officers who are next in line in terms of seniority and whom it favours in the UPSC list so that it can pick a favourite. Currently with the Intelligence Bureau as a special director, Ravada has been offered the post of secretary (security) in the cabinet secretariat. Yogesh is currently the director general of the fire and rescue services department. As per sources, Ravada and Yogesh, the second and third senior-most IPS officers in Kerala, were sent feelers by the government through unofficial channels: Serving and retired IAS officers as well as retired IPS officers. Offers were made to the officers sources said, without divulging what was promised. Officers displeased with govt tactics On account of their seniority and blemishless records, the duo is expected to figure in the three-member list that the UPSC forwards to the state government from which the latter would select the next state police chief when incumbent Shaik Darvesh Saheb retires on June 30. Nitin, the most senior of the three, is expected to be the first name in the list, provided his forced repatriation to the state from the Border Security Force, where he was serving as the DG, for reasons yet unknown is not counted against him. Meanwhile, sources said the two officers did not take the bait and also expressed strong displeasure to the mediators with the governments attempt to arm-twist them. There have been reports that the state government, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to be specific, has apprehensions regarding the three seniors, Nitin, Ravada and Yogesh. The government is more interested in Manoj or Ajith becoming the next top cop. However, Ajith is unlikely to make it to the UPSC list as Suresh, his senior, has expressed willingness to be considered for the post. Meanwhile, the vigilance court here has postponed to June 21 the petition challenging the bureaus clean chit to Ajith in a disproportionate assets case.
In scenic Russia, teenage student trio from Thiruvananthapuram broaden their horizons
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Imagine having a large circle of friends from different parts of the world buddies who respect you and your culture! How about developing such bonds while being trained in your areas of interest? That is exactly what Aaaqil, Vishal, and Vaiga, three teenagers from Thiruvananthapuram, are experiencing, as they represent India at Artek a globally renowned childrens centre on Russias Black Sea coast. Artek conducts annual camps for students from around the world. Children are trained in various domains according to their age and areas of interest on a campus spreads over 252 hectares. Speaking to TNIE by phone, Aaaqil M Aju, the author of a collection of horror short stories, termed his experience in the Crimean peninsula as refreshing. I was surprised to see people turn more considerate and friendlier on coming to know that we are from India, exclaimed the Class 12 student of St Thomas Residential School, Mukkolakkal. Aaaqil penned a song about his experience at Artek, which was put to music and played at the camps farewell. Having participated in media workshops, the 16-year-old hopes that interactions at the camp will help shape him in his quest to become a filmmaker. Vishal S Nair, 16, was deeply moved by the scenic beauty of the location. We are surrounded by mountains on three sides, and by the sea on the fourth. An avid sports and arts enthusiast, the 11th grader of Sai Krishna Public School, Chenkal believes that this is the best time to be at Artek, as participants got to celebrate Russia Day and Russian Childrens Day. Despite her family having concerns about the conflict in the region, 13-year-old Vaiga Sanker B S took the opportunity to improve her social skills. I was an extremely shy person, but I am surprised by the level of confidence I have gained after coming here, said the only female participant from the country this year. Amazed by the egalitarian nature of the camp, Vaiga, a Class 9 student of St Marys School, Poojappura, said she made the most of her opportunities. An aspiring singer and writer, she overcame stage fright and believes that her interactions with a global crowd will help to make her dreams come true. The camp, said the only participants from India, aims to promote friendship among students from different cultures, enhance their confidence and leadership skills, and sharpen their talents through various activities. Empathy and inclusivity are the key pillars of this years camp, which started on May 28 and will wrap up on June 20. The students were selected based on their performance in various contests organised by the student clubs of the Russian House at their schools.
M V Govindans goof-up leaves CPM red-faced on Nilambur bypoll eve
TPURAM/KOZHIKODE : An off-the-cuff remark by CPM state secretary M V Govindan on the eve of the Nilambur by-election has left the LDF camp embarrassed, forcing Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan himself to launch a fire-fighting mission. The UDF, which was on the defensive over its tie-up with the Welfare Party - the political wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami - was quick to sense the opportunity Govindan opened up by his remarks on the CPMs association with the RSS in opposing the Emergency in the 1970s. The UDF is relieved that the CPM-RSS ties took the spotlight on Wednesday, pushing its association with the Jamaat to the sidelines. After his remarks on the RSS, in a Malayalam channel, kicked up a controversy, Govindan convened a press conference to accuse the media of twisting his statements. History should be viewed in historical perspective. There is a concerted effort to create controversy over the statement I made about the Emergency 50 years ago, he said. Govindan asserted that the CPM has had no cooperation or understanding with the RSS till now. This was the case in the past, as it will be in the future... The CPM and the Janata Party, which was formed by dissolving various socialist parties, had an electoral understanding to fight the Emergency. The Janata Party and the Jan Sangha were two separate entities, he said. In damage-control mode, Pinarayi Vijayan says CPM never appeased RSS Sensing that things were getting out of hand, Pinarayi converted his press conference in Thiruvananthapuram into a salvage mission. Making his partys position clear, he said the CPM has never had any sort of agreement with the RSS. We have never appeased the RSS. However, we have seen certain individuals bowing to pictures of those revered by the RSS. We have also seen a former KPCC president boasting about providing protection to RSS shakhas, he said. Pinarayi said the CPM had never shied away from speaking its politics. The RSS has brutally murdered 215 of our comrades over the years... Have you ever seen the Congress condemning any of these murders? It was the Congress that had associated with the RSS and the Jan Sangh at the national and state levels, he alleged. Quoting from the book How Prime Ministers Decide, written by senior journalist Neeraja Chowdhury, the CM alleged that Indira Gandhi had received RSS support in the 1980 Parliament election, and Rajiv Gandhi had held discussions with RSS leaders. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan termed Govindans statement significant. Before the formation of Janata Party, the CPM had associated with the Jan Sangh in 1975, and former general secretary P Sundarayya had resigned from his post protesting against the move. Even now an understanding between the CPM and the BJP exists. That is why BJP had, in the beginning, decided not to contest the Nilambur by-election, he added. Independent candidate P V Anvar said a nexus exists between the RSS and the CPM and this has come out in the open. I have been saying this for the past few months, he said.
Kerala HC says no to opening toilets at private petrol pumps for general public use
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has directed the state government and local self-government institutions not to require that toilets in private petroleum retail outlets in Kerala be opened for public use. The court issued the order on a petition filed by the Petroleum Traders Welfare and Legal Service Society, an association of 300 retail outlet dealers, against a government order to convert their private toilets into public facilities. The petitioners contended that they were being forced to open the private toilets maintained by them at the outlets for the emergency needs of customers to the public. They also alleged that the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, as well as certain other local bodies, had pasted posters in some of the retail outlets to give the impression that the toilets are public toilets. The petitioners said treating toilets in private petroleum retail outlets, which are classified as high-risk zone, as public facilities would lead to unauthorised access. Also, chances of fire breaking out and other catastrophe are very high when a large number of people access the retail outlets in an unauthorised manner. Suman Chakravarthy, the standing counsel for the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, submitted that it is the duty of the dealers at the petrol pumps to ensure neat and safe toilet facilities for the public, and it is the duty of the LSG department to ensure that the dealers complied with it. In 2013, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had issued a circular stating that drinking water and toilet facilities at such outlets shall be accessible to the public around the clock. Recently, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Pathanamthitta, had ordered a petrol pump owner to pay Rs 1.65 lakh as compensation to a teacher for not letting her use the toilet on the premises. The complaint was lodged by C A Jayakumari, a resident of Ezhakulam in Pathanamthitta, against the owner of the filling station in Payyoli, Kozhikode.
50 years on, Emergency victims in Kerala await official recognition
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A long 50 years after whats termed the dark age of Indian democracy, thousands of Emergency victims in Kerala are yet to be officially recognised. As many as 13 states have accorded them Emergency victims status, providing them monthly pensions, with Odisha being the latest to announce it this January. Despite Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan himself being a victim, the state government has curiously been unfavourable towards the demand. Ironically, in a first, the CPM plans to observe an anti-Emergency day on June 25 this year on the 50th anniversary of Emergency. Though there are no official data available, it has been estimated that currently around 5,000 people including those arrested or who took part in protests during the 1975 regime, are alive today in Kerala. On its 50th anniversary, the victims continue to knock at the doors of the state government as well as the Centre for acknowledgement of their status. The Emergency Prisoners Coordination Committee had approached both the CM and CPM general secretary M A Baby another emergency victim a few weeks ago with their long-standing demand. The government, however, turned down their request, citing a 2019 HC order that had then referred the matter to the Union government. The EPCC had also long wanted the history of Emergency and the resistance it faced, to be made part of school curriculum, with the Emergency torture camp at Sasthamangalam as a memorial. Shouldnt the younger generations know that India underwent a dark age for democracy, not long ago? Having resisted it, the Left has an added responsibility to consider these requests. Several other state governments have accorded the victims such a status; why then cant Kerala accord us political prisoner status? asks P C Unnichekkkan of the EPCC. On the 50th anniversary, the EPCC plans to hold a dharna raising these demands, chips in Dhanuvachapuram Sukumaran of EPCC. It was Punjabs Akali Dal government, which first recognised these prisoners as secondary freedom fighters in 1980 and provided them pension. Later many states followed suit, with the Odisha government being the latest to provide monthly pension of Rs 20,000 to those imprisoned during Emergency. While there are mixed responses from Emergency victims themselves with regard to the demand for pensions, many do affirm the need for official recognition. I dont agree with asking for remuneration for a sacrifice that we made willingly. But some associations of Emergency victims have asked for pensions, said senior CPM leader and ex-Speaker M Vijayakkumar, who underwent jail term during Emergency along with M A Baby, G Sudhakaran among others. More than pensions, an official acknowledgement is what many of us would like. Of those who underwent imprisonment under MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act) or DIR (Defence of India Rules) roughly 1,000 could be alive today, said Sarathchandrababu, who was taken into custody on the very day Emergency was declared. Meanwhile, Aluva-based Association of Emergency Victims, a pro-right wing outfit, approached PM Narendra Modi, seeking to declare the fight against Emergency as freedom struggle, and that that they be accorded the status of freedom fighters. Its high time that the Centre took suitable steps to recognise the sacrifice of these fighters/satagrahis against the Draconian Emergency era. Any further delay in this matter would be most painful and deplorable, pointed out association secretary R Mohanan. Though the V S Achuthanandan government had prepared a list of 6,300-odd Emergency prisoners, the matter was not taken forward. In 2019, the state government started collecting details, but the process was once again put on hold. Behind bars during Emergency Those who took part in Satyagraha and underwent imprisonment - 7447 Those who took part in Satyagraha, but were not arrested - 2714 Jailed following various police actions - 86 Jailed under MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act) - 178 (As per data with Association of Emergency Victims)
Israel-Iran conflict hits Kerala-Gulf flight services, ticket rates skyrocket
KOZHIKODE: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has severely disrupted flight services from Kerala to several West Asian countries. Following the closure of Irans airspace, six flights between Gulf countries and Kannur were cancelled on Wednesday. Similar disruptions were reported at Kochi, Karipur and Thiruvananthapuram airports. Services to Dubai and Sharjah were the most affected. On Tuesday, two flights each between Abu Dhabi and Thiruvananthapuram, and Sharjah and Kozhikode, were cancelled. The situation escalated on Wednesday, with six flights from Kannur grounded. Additionally, four services each from Kozhikode, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram were called off. All cancelled flights were operated by Air India and Air India Express between Kerala and Sharjah - Dubai. Several other flights between Keralas four international airports and various GCC countries were delayed by hours. Authorities at Dubai International Airport had earlier warned of significant delays and cancellations due to airspace restrictions over Iran, Iraq, and Syria, urging passengers to check with airlines for the latest updates. However, Airports Authority of India has not issued any such advisory. Meanwhile, expatriate organisations, including the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), and Kerala Pravasi Sangham have voiced concerns over a sharp spike in ticket prices amid the crisis. They alleged that passengers are being forced to pay exorbitant fares to travel to Gulf countries. As we know, the Israel-Iran conflict is affecting expatriates from Kerala severely. Many flights between Kerala and GCC countries, especially to Dubai and Sharjah, are being cancelled without prior notice. The most affected are Kannur and Karipur airports. Numerous Malayalis are stranded both in the Gulf and in Kerala due to these cancellations. We are planning protests against the airlines for cancelling services without any intimation, said KMCC state committee member Sainudheen Cheleri. Adding to the crisis is the summer vacation period in Gulf countries, during which airlines have reportedly hiked fares. Like every year, this steep hike is mostly targeted at Kerala. The increased fares, which began this week as part of the cancellation of flights, are expected to continue until mid-August. We are not sure when this conflict will end. However, the flight companies have already increased their fares aiming at school vacation in Gulf countries. We have raised the issues to the Central government many times. But no action was taken, said Kerala Pravasi Sangham state committee member C V Iqbal.
Boy Oh Boy! Why men in the making need more mental wellness support
Internet denizens are certain to have come across at least one poster about June being observed as Mens Mental Health Awareness Month. While most may have simply scrolled past it, a few might have extended the benevolence of leaving a like or sharing the post. But awareness seldom translates into urgency, especially at a time when there is seasonal angst: unrelenting rains and back-to-school chaos amid a thousand other everyday pressures. Mens mental health rarely makes it to the list of societal concerns. Stats, however, demand urgent attention. Here is a stark sample: according to the State Crime Records Bureau, the male-to-female suicide ratio in Kerala stands at 80:20. In 2023 alone, of the 10,972 suicides reported, 8,811 were men. Suppression syndrome This disparity is no anomaly. Emotional suppression and stoicism, considered by many as the cornerstones of traditional masculinity, create the perfect storm for internalised distress. And this issue isnt just about men its more about the men in the making. A boys relationship with vulnerability is forged early. From childhood, many boys are subtly nudged to trade sensitivity for toughness. Its a deal that often costs many their internal emotional stability. Traditional gender roles dictate how a boy should behave, says Dr C J John, a senior psychiatrist at Medical Trust Hospital in Kochi. They are taught that expressing emotions, crying, or feeling low is feminine. They suppress. That suppression often grows into depression or behavioural disorders. On the other hand, he adds, girls are more likely to receive structured emotional guidance during crucial developmental stages such as menarche. Boys, in contrast, are left to fend for themselves. Generally, theres a dangerous assumption that boys will figure it out on their own, Dr John points out. Moreover, from a young age, boys internalise the idea that speaking out about their problems makes them weak. So very few seek help. Representational image Dr Arun B Nair, professor of psychiatry at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, echoes the same view as he highlights a problematic parental pattern. Many parents emotionally distance themselves from sons during adolescence to avoid discussing uncomfortable topics like sexuality or aggression. This vacuum is exactly what needs to be addressed, he stresses. By the time they reach college, a sense of guardedness gets deeply ingrained in boys, says Anu Bejoy, former Jeevani counsellor at Union Christian College, Aluva. However, once that guard is brought down, many open up. I recall several boys revealing family tensions, especially about a distant or demanding father, she says. Some had taken up part-time jobs instead of asking for money at home. But the stress of work started affecting their academics. Thats another factor to be noted. Breadwinner expectations take root early in boys. Friends & family For many boys, friendships once used to be a source of camaraderie and solace. That cushioning, apparently, has been shrinking. A history undergraduate, who has been battling depression, shares how he got isolated after sharing his inner woes: We mostly talk about films, cars, girls. Once when I tried to open up, my friends got visibly uncomfortable. I changed the topic quickly. Everyone behaved as if nothing was wrong. Dr Arun agrees: Two decades ago, friendships buffered emotional stress. Not anymore. The digital revolution has pushed many boys into isolated online worlds. They have retreated into shells, and its stunting emotional growth. What about familial support? Well, unfortunately, even the most loving parents stumble here. The Netflix series Adolescence illustrated this, Dr John notes. Most parents are often unaware of what their children are dealing with. He also highlights an imbalance in parental and social conditioning. While many women have become informed and empowered, men remain caught between outdated norms and biology. Parents should help boys understand their hormonal makeup. Risk-taking and aggression are real but need healthy channels. Instead, male aggression often receives social sanction, confusing boys further, says Dr John. We must teach boys to name their emotions not hide or evade them. Akhila M S, a school counsellor, says many parents normalise boys problematic behaviour. They assume boys are just being boys, she says. When counsellors raise concerns, they are often dismissed unless the problem is extreme. She adds that, in serious cases, referrals are made to district resource centres (DRCs), which include psychiatrists and psychologists. She recounts such a case: I was asked to talk to a Class 10 boy, whose performance had dropped drastically after the pandemic. It took months for him to open up. He had gotten hooked on pornography during lockdown. That triggered severe anxiety about his body. He believed something was wrong with his genitalia. This turned into a two-year silent struggle, leading to suicidal thoughts. He hadnt shared any of this with even his closest friends. That student got help. Many others dont. V T Prema, a counsellor at GHS Chalai in Thiruvananthapuram, underscores the need for safe emotional spaces. Mental health awareness should begin early and be non-gendered. Involving parents more actively in school counselling is key. Interventions at the right time prevent the escalation of emotional crises. Dr John recommends peer mentoring. Train four or five emotionally healthy students in each class to look out for their peers. This approach is especially effective in tackling substance use and suicidality, he notes. Time to redefine masculinity? According to Dr Arun, the first shift must be in parenting. Just 30 minutes of undistracted, emotionally open conversation a day can make a world of difference, he says. It keeps the emotional bond alive, and helps parents stay aware of their childs influences. He also calls for systemic changes. Unicef identifies the unhealthy triad in adolescence as substance abuse, risky sexual behaviour, and aggression, he notes. We need curriculum changes to tackle these. He recommends: Activity-based life skills education from early school years. At least 20 hours annually dedicated to mental health and emotional development. Cyber and legal literacy woven into school programmes. Training more adolescent counsellors and sensitising teachers. Most importantly, Dr Arun says, We must reframe gender itself. Boys must realise emotions arent a weakness. Sensitivity is strength not antithetical to masculinity. Well, can traditional gender roles be dismantled so more boys feel safe expressing distress? Its tough, Dr John admits. Especially when you are the dominant one. Its a feel-good position. He points to how rigid social systems still uphold outdated ideas of male dominance. Boys havent had enough opportunities to recalibrate with changing gender realities. Its high time we redefined masculinity. Dr Arun says a shift is under way. More boys are speaking up these days. Initiatives like Mens Mental Health Awareness Month are sparking important conversations on some campuses. Thats progress, he smiles. No boy is born with a stigma about his mental health. Its the society that creates that. So, you know what needs to change first.
Airlines in India hugely impacted by Middle East crisis, Air India flights taking detour via Egypt
NEW DELHI: Even as airlines are grappling with the closure of airspace in Pakistan post the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, the Israel-Iran conflict has put further stress on them. Cancellation of flights or circuitous routes has become the norm since June 13 after Israel announced the closure of its airspace. An Air India official said, The closure of airspace by Pakistan followed by Israel, Iran, Iraq and then Jordan has forced us to take a roundabout route via Egypt, which involves an additional 45 to 60 minutes travel for every flight. On the day Israel announced the closure of its airspace, we had to divert 16 flights when they were airborne. The official said, We operate an average of 50 flights (inward and outward) daily from India to the US and Europe. All of them have to go down south and fly through Egyptian air space. It has definitely increased the turnaround time for all our flights. Air India has flights to Vienna, Copenhagen, London, Zurich, Milan, Paris and Frankfurt in Europe. It also has flights to Los Angeles, Newark, New York and San Francisco in the US. Making operations tougher are the stringent tests ordered by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in the aftermath of the Ahmedabad flight accident. These tests take anywhere between four and seven hours, an official said. Operation Sindhu: First evacuation flight with Indians from Iran to land early Thursday Air India Express cancellations Though its subsidiary Air India Express does not operate beyond Iran, it was also impacted because of the crowded airspace in Dubai. An Air India Express spokesperson said, We cancelled four flights totally today. We operate two pairs of flights daily between Mangaluru and Dubai. We cancelled one pair today. There was no other reason except the heavy congestion in the air space in Dubai. Due to the closure of the Iran air space, most international airlines are now flying through the Dubai airspace. They are planned cancellations and the passenger are intimated in advance before they leave their homes, the spokesperson added. Air India Express cancelled flights on Thursday between Sharjah and Kochi, Mangaluru and Dubai, Thiruvananthapuram and Dubai, and Sharjah and Indore. IndiGo refused to reveal details about its cancellations or delayed flights and asked this reporter to speak to the Civil Aviation Ministry about it. India ramps up evacuation from Iran amid Israel tensions; 110 citizens, mostly students, moved to safety
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday criticised the display of a Bharat Mata portrait at the Raj Bhavan, stating that the Governor's office should not be used to promote the ideological agenda of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Responding to a question about the controversy surrounding RSS-linked images displayed at the Kerala Raj Bhavan, Vijayan told a press conference that the Governors residence must remain neutral and should not be turned into a platform for political propaganda. It is unacceptable to make the Governor's residence a venue for pushing the RSS agenda. This trend is a direct challenge to the Constitution, he said. The Chief Minister was referring to a recently displayed portrait of Bharat Mata, holding a saffron flag, at an event inside the Governor's official residence. He pointed out that the flag in the image is not the Indian national flag but one associated with the RSS. They may accept it, but insisting that everyone else must accept it is not right, the Chief Minister said. Vijayan added that the image of Bharat Mata shown did not even feature the actual map of India in the background. We are not obliged to accept anything that is not recognised by the Constitution, he said. A notice from the Raj Bhavan reportedly stated that only officially approved symbols will be displayed at government events in future. Vijayan said the Governor must also be aware of this position. The Raj Bhavan should not be reduced to the level of an RSS shakha (branch), he added. The remarks come amid an escalating political row between the state government and the Governor over the use of ideological imagery in official spaces. Referring to the boycott of an Environment Day programme organised at the Raj Bhavan by state Agriculture Minister P Prasad over the display of the Bharat Mata image, Vijayan said that was the state government's clear stance on the matter. We may have personal affinities towards many ideologies, faiths and actions related to them. But at government events, only government-recognised symbols should be present. A deviation from that was seen at the Raj Bhavan, and the state Agriculture Minister rightly said it could not be accepted, the Chief Minister said. Later, the Governor also became convinced and clarified that such symbols would not be included in official programmes, Vijayan claimed. Whatever the case may be, the government's position is very clear -- programmes must follow the recognised format, and no exhibitions should be held based on individual interests, he added.
Indie musician Aksomaniac on his track Kanmashi and choosing music as a career
The 22-year-old independent artiste from Thiruvananthapuram on his new track espouses fluidity, dealing with self-love and self-exploration
Timeline: World's Most Expensive Fighter Jet Is Still Grounded In Kerala
The British F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet, which made an unscheduled landing in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Saturday night, remains grounded for the fourth straight day on Wednesday.
Pics: 72 Hours On, World's Most Expensive Fighter Jet Remains Grounded In Kerala
72 hours on, a British Royal Navy F-35B stealth fighter jet remains grounded at Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
Second Edition of UST Trivandrum Marathon on October 12; Training Runs to Begin on June 22
Business Wire India UST Trivandrum Marathon, the Kerala capitals largest ever marathon, is back for its second iteration. UST Trivandrum Marathon 2025 will be organised on Sunday, October 12, 2025. Organised by UST , a leading digital transformation company, in collaboration with NEB Sports, the second edition of the UST Trivandrum Marathon will start from UST Campus, and will include four different events, such as Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K Run, and 5K Fun Run, similar to what was organised in the 2024 Marathon . More than 10,000 participants are expected to run in the different categories of the UST Trivandrum Marathon 2025. Those looking to participate may register online via this link - bit.ly/3ZnARUv . Three training runs will be organised before the runners get ready for the main event of the second edition. The first training run will be held at the UST Campus Trivandrum on June 22, Sunday, and subsequent runs will be scheduled as events to help participants prepare well for the main race day. Runners who participate in the training runs will be given T-shirts, route support, and breakfast. Im really delighted that UST is hosting Thiruvananthapurams largest marathon for the second year in a row. Aligned to our organisations mission of Transforming Lives, this marathon is designed to uphold our communitys wellness and health. This year, we aspire to make it larger than the previous edition, with advanced training runs, support initiatives and expert advice. With more than 10,000 runners participating, we are committed to making the UST Trivandrum Marathon 2025 a memorable event, said Alexander Varghese, Chief Operating Officer, UST . As in the first edition of the UST Trivandrum Marathon, we are excited to be joining hands with UST for the mega event this year. With the date now set for the training runs and the main event, we are excited to host the maximum number of runners from across the country, added Nagaraj Adiga, CMD, NEB Sports . About UST Since 1999, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a powerful impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Our digital solutions, proprietary platforms, engineering, R&D, products, and innovation ecosystem turn core challenges into impactful, disruptive solutions. With deep industry knowledge and a future-ready mindset, we infuse expertise, innovation, and agility into our clients' organizations delivering measurable value and positive lasting change for them, their customers, and communities around the world. Together, with 30,000+ employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com .
US tariffs may give competitive edge to India: Expert
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Trump administrations tariffs on imports to the US give a competitive edge to India in certain areas, opined Dr V Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India. He said this citing the higher tariffs for imports from China. The tariffs for India are on hold till July 9 and that for China till May 12. Right now, whatever was announced on April 2 by President Trump gives India certain tariff advantages compared to other countries. If your competitor is going to face a higher tariff, then you are at an advantage, he said. Nageswaran was delivering a talk on Global economic trends: Indias challenges and prospects at the Raj Bhavan here on Tuesday. If the tariffs remain after July 9, India will have an advantage. It is an opportunity for us to improve and promote labour-intensive manufacturing like footwear, textiles, leather products, and chemicals, he said, adding that the country could reclaim its lost market share. The world is realising the vulnerabilities of depending on China for imports, he said. So India can develop itself into a more reliable trusted alternative source in the world, he said. There was uncertainty following Brexit in 2016, global financial crisis around 2008, and during the pandemic in the 2020-21 period. Now the level of uncertainty is rising and may well go above the previous highs during the pandemic or the Russia-Ukraine war. In three decades we may be heading to the most uncertain phase in the world, he said. Global FDI flow is coming down as a consequence of rising uncertainty. But the good news is that India remains a top destination for FDI. In 2024-25 we attracted 81 billion dollars of gross FDI. So India is likely to be an exception to this declining trend, he said. India faces a challenge amid the worldwide clamour for switching to renewable energy sources. The western world became developed using oil, coal and gas, and now in the name of global warming and climate change, we are being denied that. Today everything is electrified and we need more energy and we are told you cannot use the cheapest forms of energy like coal because they are polluting, he said. The global warming discourse has become louder and India has to find a way to balance the two. The government is taking efforts to improve the efficiency of thermal sources with supercritical and ultra supercritical power plants, he said. Nuclear power is also being explored. Renewable energy sources will continue to increase, but only in proportion. A diversified energy production will provide baseload power and ensure grid stability, he said. Governor Rajendra Arlekar, in his address, said the Raj Bhavans have become Lok Bhavans now. Earlier, Governors residences were secluded. It saw a change after we decided that Raj Bhavans are not for the Governor alone but Lok Bhavans of the people of the state, he said.
Houses on Thiruvananthapuram's coast continue to face seas wrath
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: My daughters house nearly collapsed three days ago. Sea waves have reached my gate too. We dont know how long it will take for it to claim my home too, said Alphonsa, as she pointed towards her daughter Rajis house in Valiyathura. One of the many victims of the rogue sea, the house compound, which included an outdoor toilet and a dog kennel, was washed away by the waves that hit over the last two days. With the base of the house too partly swallowed by the sea, Raji and her husband Sajans home is now unfit for living. The tragedy took place in the Thoppu area of Valiyathura, where the sea wall is under construction. Rajis house was located in a stretch where construction had not yet started. At least 8 ft of the compound was washed away in the last three days, said Jerome, Sajans father-in-law. We made multiple requests to the authorities for a better housing facility, but in vain, said Alphonsa. Its not just Rajis house, in Shankhumukham ward under the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, that has been affected. A provision shop owner in Valiyathura locality, Susemariya said sometimes, waves rise above his shop and that they are unsure of their fate in the coming days. Many houses near his shop have also been half eaten by the sea. When contacted, Shankhumukham ward councillor Seraphine Fredy said people could have shifted much earlier. People wasted time by taking the situation lightly. It is not a good practice to ask everything from the government and the corporation, she said. The irrigation department provides clay, sacks and manpower for the construction of the temporary sea wall. Some execution delays aside, the councillor expressed hope the wall will be built at the earliest. Sea fury has also claimed both lives and property at Valiyathura, Beemapally and Poonthura wards, said a fisheries department official. Vettucaud ward councillor Clinus Rozario said though there has not been any severe damage in the locality, the threat remains. He said he had held discussions with MLA Antony Raju on the issue. An employee at the Pettah village office said this was the third layer of houses being damaged in recent years. Some residents have already shifted, said the staffer. The official, however, refuted allegations that rent distribution had been irregular in the last months. Another source said several people who receive the rent amount havent shifted from risky areas, perhaps since the threat is only when the sea is rough and because the place offers ease in fishing. Meanwhile, construction of flats for victims of the sea fury is on. The complex at Muttathara will be inaugurated by the chief minister on June 27, said Anilkumar S, the state coordinator of Punargeham relocation project, adding that around 332 families will receive keys to their flats at the ceremony. The project at Kadakampally is in the starting phase, said Anilkumar, while asserting that whoever has consented to shift will receive a flat. However, Molly, another resident, expressed doubts. Fisheries officials collected our details at least two years back. Still, our houses are being claimed by the waves every day, she said. High tides in monsoon season mean the sea taking away whatever it wants, she sighed just before a wave splashed above her.
SFI stages stir against governor at Kerala University
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: SFI leaders staged a protest at the Kerala Universitys Senate House campus on Wednesday against the display of the portraits of RSS leaders alongside that of Bharat Mata at the Raj Bhavan, amid a Senate meeting at the varsity presided over by Governor Rajendra Arlekar. After their attempts to hang banners against the governor at the university gate were prevented by the police, the SFI activists held pictures of BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi, and continued their protest as the Governor passed by. Addressing the Senate meeting, the Governor called for freeing educational institutions from the clutches of politics. Arlekar also decried attempts of the state government to assert its supremacy in higher educational institutions. Later, the governor chaired a meeting of vice chancellors at the Raj Bhavan in which the VCs explained the steps they have taken to achieve academic excellence in their respective varsities. The Governor also inquired about the vacant faculty positions and seats in universities and colleges and directed the varsities to strictly adhere to the academic calendar. The SFI emerged victorious in the election of student representative post to the KU Syndicate on Wednesday. SFI candidate Vaibhav Chacko, a student of Kerala Law Academy Law College, bagged 56 of the total 69 votes polled.
Governor must uphold constitutional values: CPI
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Asserting that CPI doesnt want a tussle with Raj Bhavan, party state secretary Binoy Viswam said that the governor should uphold constitutional values and national interests as Raj Bhavan is a constitutional establishment. The governor holds a constitutional position. The primary duty of the person residing there is to uphold constitutional values and national interests, said Binoy Viswam. He alleged that the governor failed in this responsibility. Unfortunately, the governor has forgotten that, he said. Referring to Agriculture Minister P Prasad boycotting an event at Raj Bhavan, Binoy said a Communist minister in a Left government can take only such a position. He said the party will not allow any attempt to smuggle in a version of Bharat Mata that resembles the one seen only in RSS shakhas, he said. While acknowledging that the governor may personally hold certain ideological views, Binoy Viswam said that such positions should not influence the constitutional office he holds. While holding the position of governor, it is not the RSS ideology that should be projected. If the strong protest raised by the Communist party has opened his eyes, that is a good thing, he said. Binoy Viswam added that the CPI and the CPM stand united on the matter.
British F-35B jet remains grounded, additional crew arrive for repairs
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The British F-35B fighter jet that made an emergency landing at the Trivandrum International Airport on Saturday night remains grounded due to a technical fault in its hydraulic system. The jet, hailed as one of the worlds most advanced fighter aircraft, was scheduled to depart by Tuesday noon, but the departure was deferred. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has been tasked with safeguarding the aircraft, which is currently parked near the domestic terminal. A Royal British Navy helicopter (MJS-101) landed on Sunday, bringing in an additional pilot and an engineering crew member to assist with the repairs. All three personnel have been accommodated at the airports Emergency Medical Centre. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport authorities have also arranged their food and lodging, and provided ground-handling support at the request of the UK officials. The F-35B is part of the UKs Carrier Strike Group, stationed aboard HMS Prince of Wales, which is currently positioned around 100 nautical miles off the Indian coast in the Indian Ocean. The fighter jet was forced to land in Thiruvananthapuram due to deteriorating weather conditions and low fuel. The Indian Air Force coordinated the emergency landing. The jet was refuelled on Sunday itself. The Carrier Strike Group has been operating in the Indo-Pacific and recently concluded a joint maritime drill (PASSEX) with the Indian Navy.
Keralites in Israel and Iran safe
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keralites in strife-torn Iran and Israel are safe at present and details of those who have contacted the state government for assistance have been passed on to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), officials of Norka have said. A batch of 12 medical students from Kerala at Kerman in Iran and a business delegation from the state presently in Irans capital Tehran have contacted Norka. CEO Ajith Kolassery said the students are safe in their dormitories and their details have been passed on to the Indian Embassy in Iran through the MEA. The business delegation, along with local Iranians, has moved to a safer place, which is 10 hours away from Tehran. They are expected to reach the Bandar Abbas port and head to any of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy has begun efforts to shift Indian citizens, including students to Armenian capital Yerevan. Norka officials got in touch with Keralites and members of the Loka Kerala Sabha in Israel who informed them of the overnight strikes. All of them, including care givers, paramedical staff, nurses and students, are safe. Besides the helpline numbers of the MEA and Indian embassies in both countries, Norkas global contact centre is also handling calls for assistance. Helplines MEA control room 1800118797 (toll free) +91-11-23012113 +91-11-23014104 +91-11-23017905 +91-9968291988 (WhatsApp) email: situationroom@mea.gov.in Indian Embassy (Iran) +98 9128109115, +98 9128109109 WhatsApp: +98 901044557, +98 9015993320, +91 8086871709. Bandar Abbas: +98 9177699036 Zaheedan: +98 9396356649 Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in Indian Embassy (Israel) + 97254-7520711, +97254-3278392 Email: cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in. Norka global contact centre 18004253939 (toll-free) +91-8802012345 (international missed call)
Rain claims two more lives, extensive damage in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rain-related incidents have claimed two more lives and caused widespread damage across the state. Extensive waterlogging was reported in Kasaragod and Kozhikode districts. The fatalities were reported from Kozhikode and Kasaragod, where a three-year-old child and a 63-year-old man drowned, respectively. Between June 15 and 17, the highest rainfall was recorded at Mundakkai in Wayanad with 594 mm, followed by Valamthodu in Malappuram with 572 mm. Several rivers, including the Manimala, Korapuzha, Nileswaram, Mogral, and Uppala, have breached danger levels. On Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for Kannur and Kasaragod, and an orange alert for Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. Though the intensity of rainfall has slightly decreased, the IMD has forecast isolated heavy rainfall on Wednesday. An orange alert has been issued for Kannur and Kasaragod, while a yellow alert is in place for Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. Rain or thundershowers are likely to continue in many parts of the state until June 23. Strong surface winds, with speeds occasionally reaching 40-50 kmph, are expected to persist till Thursday.
Kerala LoP Satheesan raises CM Pinarayis comment on Holy Relic to corner Left front
MALAPPURAM: In a tactical move on the last day of campaign for the Nilambur bypoll, leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan has recalled Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans remarks on the holy relic, which is an emotional issue for the Kanthapuram faction of the Sunnis. Just before the Piravom by-election, Pinarayi who was then the CPM state secretary said that the nails and the hair of a person should be treated as body waste. He will not say it here (Nilambur), Satheesan told a press conference on Tuesday. Satheesan deliberately raked up the issue to put the Kanthapuram Sunnis on the defensive because they have been very vocal in attacking the UDF for accepting the support of the Jamaat-e-Islami in the Nilambur by-poll. The scholars from the Kanthapuram group have blasted Satheesan for giving a clean chit to the Jamaat. They questioned the Opposition leaders statement that the Jamaat has backtracked from its earlier stand on theocracy. It may be recalled that there was a hue and cry when Kanthapuram brought what he claimed as the holy hair of Prophet Muhammad. Other Muslim organisations, especially the rival faction of Sunnis, asserted that it was a fake relic and challenged the Sunni leader to prove the authenticity of the relic. Pinarayi made the remark that hair and nails are body waste at a seminar in Kozhikode in 2012. The Kanthapuram group had reacted strongly against Pinarayi at that time, saying that the issue is out of the purview of politicians. Satheesans attempt is to remind the Kanthapuram group about the controversy. Satheesan also said at the press conference that the CPM has the habit of picking up certain issues and figures that are convenient to the party. At one point CPM raised the photographs of Saddam Hussein and Yasser Arafat. In Thiruvananthapuram they used the photos of Chattambi Swamikal and Mannath Padmanabhan. In some parts of Kottayam, the party used the photos of Mannam and in others that of Mother Teresa, he said.
Class I enrolment in Kerala government, aided schools drops; minister cites dip in birth rate
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The number of students enrolled in Class I in government and aided schools has dropped to 2.34 lakh this year compared to 2.50 lakh the previous year. However, the overall number of students enrolled in Classes II to X in government and aided schools rose by 40,906 from the previous year to settle at 29.27 lakh. General Education Minister V Sivankutty announced the enrolment figures here on Tuesday based on the sixth working day statistics collected from schools. The minister attributed the drop of 16,510 students in Class I enrolment in government and aided schools to the decline in birth rate by 2.89% during the 2010-2020 period. Students mostly born in 2020 have been admitted to Class I this year. The birth rate in 2020 was 12.77% which is a drop of 2.89% when compared to the birth rate of 15.75% recorded in 2010, Sivankutty said. Notably, the enrolment in Class I in unaided schools remained mostly stable at 47,863 with an increase of just one student this year compared to the previous years figure of 47,862. Asked about the unaided enrolment figures remaining unaffected despite the dip in birth rate, Sivankutty evaded a comparison and said those who prefer unaided schools and those who opt for government and aided schools were from two distinct sections of society. Sivankutty said Higher Secondary Plus-I classes will begin on Wednesday with 3.4 lakh students who have secured admission in the three main rounds of seat allotment. He said the government had made prior arrangements to ensure a sufficient number of seats this year taking into account the protests over alleged seat shortage in the previous years. When the admissions draw to a close this year, there will be a large number of vacant seats in the state, including in Malappuram district, he said. The minister said the general education department will conduct a thorough study on the Plus-I seat vacancy scenario this year and take a decision on what needs to be done with the seats that have remained permanently vacant over the years. Sivankutty said the menu of the noon-meal scheme in schools has been thoroughly revised based on the recommendations of an expert committee.
British Navy's F-35 still stuck in Kerala, CISF posts man to guard it
A British Royal Navy F-35 fighter jet remains grounded at Thiruvananthapuram airport following an emergency landing on Saturday night due to a hydraulic system malfunction. The aircraft, operating from the HMS Prince of Wales, situated off the Kerala coast, faced further delays despite initial repairs.
Rise of new 'A' group leaders triggers unrest in Congress ranks after Nilambur by-poll campaign
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As curtains fall on the campaigns in Nilambur by-poll, Congress politics is witnessing the emergence of new 'A' group leaders in the form of PC Vishnunathand Shafi Parambil, much to the discontent of a large section of other youth leaders. There is also resentment in the party over the way in which these two Agroup leaders were elevated to important organisational post such as KPCC working president, while mostother leaders representing 'I' and old 'A' group wereleft behind. The leaders who decided to keep their resentment to themselves during the campaign have now decided to raise their concerns in partyplatforms. According to sources, some leaders have already approached the leadership and expressed their discontent. We have told them that this was not the way reorganisations are carried out. After the 2016 and 2021 losses, there was a consensus that group politics will be stopped and merit will be considered for future appointments. We acted in accordance with it. However, in the appointment of two working presidents- Vishnunath and Shafi this was violated, a youth leader told TNIE on condition of anonymity. It is also alleged that the new KPCC appointments were made, ignoring the names of many youth leaders like Mathew Kuzhalnadan who is the face ofCongress's anti- Pinarayi Vijayan attacks, Roji M John, CR Mahesh, Chandy Oommen, Hibi Eden, K Sabarinath, KM Abhijith, Aloshious Xavier, AbinVarkey. It is also pointed out that Rahul Mankootathil even after being elected as a MLA is holding the Youth Congress president post. The discontented leadershave also decided to meet the national leadership if their complaints are not addressed. Incidentally, the style of campaigning brought in by Shafi, Vishnunath and Rahul in Nilambur has also invited wrath from all corners. Their 'reel politics' is critically viewed as deviating from 'real politics' of the rest of the leaders and party workers. There is also criticism against Rahul's behaviour throughout the campaign, creating needless controversies.The failure to correct him is also seen as the new power group's supremacyover KPCC president and the Opposition leader. It was after Shafi's victory in Vadakara and Rahul's subsequent candidature at the former's insistence, that internal equations within the 'A' group visibly changed.After the removal of Ramesh Chennithala and K Sudhakaran from key posts 'I' group did not have representation. AICC general secretary KC Venugopal has taken a non-partisan role, both 'A' and 'I' group leaders told TNIE . Shafi and Vishnu now call the shots.They are reorganising the group with new youth leaders,even changing affiliations. Instead of KC Joseph, Benny Behnan and MM Hassan, it is reportedly the Opposition leader VD Satheeshan who is patronizingthem. Unfortunately the other youth leaders who do not have godfathers are now left behind, they said.
RMS pension adalat in Thiruvananthapuram on June 27
Thiruvananthapuram airport receives another hoax bomb threat
Jal Jeevan Mission comes to a standstill in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The implementation of centrally sponsored scheme Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in the State has come to a standstill as the contractors have stopped the works after the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) failed to meet the arrears to the tune of Rs 4874 crore. The JJIM aims to provide functional household tap connections to every rural household. The arrears are for the period of the last 18 months. As per the data of KWA till April 30, 2025, the authority has to pay Rs 4874 crore to the contractors. According to the project, both the Centre and the State have to spend equal amounts Though the deadline of the project had ended in 2024, it is now extended till 2028. However, the central government had only disbursed Rs 5508.92 crore compared to Rs 5951.89 crore released by the State. Till April 30, a total works worth of Rs 44718.78 crore had been given administrative sanction. The works have been implemented through government contractors and contractors approved by the KWA. According to an RTI reply, provided by the KWA for the year 2025-2026, the central government has not allocated any amount for the project as the budget allocation. However, the State has allocated Rs 500 crore in the state budget for the project. In the data provided by KWA, from the year 2020-21 to 2024-25 it was the State which had allocated more money for the project in the last two financial years. If the works had to be completed on deadline, the central government has to spend Rs 16848.47 crore and the State has to spend 16425.50 crore, Government Contractors Association state president Varghese Kannambally told TNIE . There are around 800 contractors who have been engaged in the works related to Jal Jeevan Mission. They had been denied the money and now became bankrupt. The situation has occurred due to the administrative sanction provided without allocating funds for the works and inviting the tender. The contractors are now facing actions from the banks and other financial institutions, he said. The works of the JJIM projects in the State had stalled by mid- February 2025. In the website of KWA in the weekly progress report the last month of update was recorded as February. In March, after the contractors went on strike, a meeting was called by the Irrigation Minister Roshi Augustin. It was assured that the arrear amount would be disbursed through loans. The minister gave an assurance that Rs 2,000 crore would be disbursed in March itself. However, it did not materialise. Now all the work has been stalled. If the state government did not disburse the arrear amount and give a clear assurance about the rest of the amount, we would approach the judiciary, Varghese Kannambally said. Meanwhile, Minister Roshi Augustine told TNIE that the issue would be resolved in June- July. The state government will fully disburse the arrear amount, he added.
IAF says it identified and detected UK's F35B fighter jet: Has India cracked the 'stealth code'?
The Indian Air Force successfully detected a Royal Navy F-35B fighter after it made an emergency landing near Thiruvananthapuram. The IAF's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) identified and cleared the stealth aircraft, showcasing India's ability to track sophisticated, low-observable aircraft.
48 Hours On, Royal Navy's F-35 Fighter Jet Remains Grounded In Kerala
Royal Navy's F-35B stealth fighter jet remains on the ground at Thiruvananthapuram airport, over 48 hours after making an emergency landing on Sunday morning.
Explore therapeutic benefits of self-expression at this workshop
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a world where sharing often boils down to a caption or status update, finding someone who truly listens to your happiness, fears, or doubts feels rarer than ever. Real friendships are harder to form, and people seem increasingly guarded. Perhaps thats why journaling has found new life. Of course, weve all had those classic Dear Diary days a little scribble here, a secret there. But journaling today is more expressive, more intimate. Its no longer just about writing down thoughts. Its about tucking in a dried flower a friend gave you, pasting that first solo bus ticket, or keeping a chocolate wrapper that meant something. To explore this creative, open-ended form of journaling, a three-hour mindful workshop is being introduced in Thiruvananthapuram for the first time on June 29. It will be led by Meera Nazer, a lawyer, economist, and one of the pioneers of journaling workshops in cities like Kochi, Kozhikode, and Bangalore. I used to journal as a child, in a playful way, Meera shares. You know how, around New Year, we get leftover diaries of our parents? Id scribble in them without any pattern. The workshops took shape much later, in 2023, during her breast cancer journey. When I was diagnosed, people around me started looking at me like I was fragile, like I was going to die, she recalls. Ive always been loud and outspoken, and people assumed I would lose all that. I wasnt scared, I was angry. Angry that even in 2023, with all the medical progress, people still saw cancer as a death sentence. Meera Nazer While undergoing chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, she turned to her journal. Those pages became my refuge. A place where I could be completely honest. That space kept me sane through the darkest tunnel of my life. Journaling made me realise this is a life skill. Everyone should know how to be honest with themselves. She also wants to bust the myth that journaling is only for people who write well or are naturally artsy. Instagram made it seem like you need aesthetic skills. That your life has to be colourful enough to write about. But no, I want people to reclaim art. Art is not just what hangs in museums. Its in your daily life. Everyone can make their own version of it. Her workshops began with a simple idea she shared with Thudippu Dance Foundation in Kochi. They told me, Just give it a shot. So I did. Since then, shes conducted 11 workshops across Kochi, Kozhikode, and Bangalore. Now, Thiruvananthapuram is on the list on June 29, from 3pm to 6pm at The Reading Room. People can doodle, draw, paint, paste, gossip, and express themselves without filters, in any form they like, says Meera. What makes these workshops special, she says, is the presence of homemakers. They come up to me and say, I dont know anything about journaling. And I tell them, thats why Im here. This isnt your typical mental health workshop. I call it an informed gossip session, she smiles. People say this is a space where they can decorate their emotions. The event is open to anyone aged 15 and above. In addition, Meera is bringing another initiative to the capital city: The Feminist Reading Circle on June 28, also at The Reading Room.
Students train fishermen on tackling sea emergencies in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Over the years, several deaths of fishermen have been reported due to various factors other than rough seas. From lightning strikes mid-ocean, heart failures to even attacks from large fish are a dangerous life-and-death battle for the fisherfolk. After Kannur, such cases are most reported in Thiruvananthapuram. Our neighbourhood in Adimalathura itself has seen several such cases, says Febin Freddy, administrator of the Ocean Students Community (OSC), a group that works among coastal villages of Thiruvananthapuram. The community is working towards making traditional fishermen aware of the hazards and training them for such exigencies. The OSC recently organised a safety training session for fishermen along with the parish officials on how to give CPR, precautions to take during animal attacks, how to respond in cases of lightning strikes, and even how to have food in mid-sea on a moving boat. The training was attended by over 100 fishermen and OSC now plans to expand it to more coastal villages in the district. We also want to take it across Kerala. If not, at least encourage a network of safety officers to make training modules for fishermen. The government could also help, says Freddy.
Activists stage protest in front of bank with couples bodies in Thiruvananthapuram
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: VSDP activists on Monday, protested in front of the SBI SME branch with the bodies of Satheesh and Bindu, the couple from Karamana who died by suicide after facing threats of property seizure by the bank. The protesters demanded that the loan liability of the deceased couple be waived. The protest started in the morning and continued till afternoon. After the postmortem, around 2.30 pm, an ambulance carrying the bodies reached the SBI branch near the general hospital. The activists brought the bodies out in front of the bank and continued the protest for about an hour. Following this, bank officials assured the protesters that the loan would be waived. They gave a written statement promising to clear the loan liability of the deceased within 20 days. After receiving this confirmation, the protest was called off and the bodies were taken for the funeral. There was also a protest in front of the couples house on Monday. Locals and the Contractors Federation said the banks harassment caused the deaths. They demanded the presence of the collector or RDO before moving the bodies. After talks with the tahsildar, the bodies were moved for postmortem after eight hours. Officials came three times to seize the house where the couple lived. But activists and locals stopped them each time. Locals said the bank officials had warned the couple the last time that the house would be seized on Monday. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
Key accused, brother remanded in Priyamvada murder case
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The murder of 48-year-old Priyamvada from Panachimoodu has taken a turn with police confirming that the accused Vinods brother, Santhosh, helped him bury the body. Both Vinod and Santhosh were remanded on Monday. Santhosh also helped Vinod clean the room where the body was hidden. Police booked him for destroying evidence. According to Vellarada police, Vinod killed Priyamvada following a financial dispute and hid her body under a cot for three days. To suppress the foul smell, he burned sandalwood incense in the room. Suspicion arose when Vinods mother-in-law noticed the smell and asked Vinods child to check the room. Though Vinod tried to scare the child away, the child later told his grandmother that he had seen a hand under the cot. The family informed a local parish priest, who then alerted the police. Vinod confessed that he strangled Priyamvada after a fight and buried her body on Saturday night with his brothers help. Police believe the argument began after Vinod asked for repayment of a loan. Priyamvada, a cashew factory worker, had gone missing on June 12 after leaving for work. When she failed to return, her family filed a complaint. Vinod acted as if he was helping with the search while hiding the truth. Her gold jewellery and mobile phone were missing and this raised further suspicion. Vinods wife is currently abroad. His mother-in-law and two children live nearby.
Union govts assistance sought for setting up metro rail tech institute in Kochi
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala has sought the Centres assistance for setting up the proposed Institute for Metro and Rail Technology (IMRT) in Kochi. The IMRT, to be established in collaboration with National Skill Development Corporation and Kochi Metro, will offer courses in metro rail technology. The proposal was made by Labour Minister V Sivankutty at the Kaushal Manthan conclave organised by the Union Ministry of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in Hyderabad on Monday. Sivankutty informed Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, that the Detailed Project Report for IMRT has beep prepared and the space has been allocated. The Centres assistance will help fast-track the project that would generate huge employment opportunities for youth in the state. The minister also sought the Union governments assistance for the Indian Institute of Foreign Languages (IIFL) that the state has proposed to set up in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Assistance was also sought for developing the Digital University of Keralas Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence that aims to nurture next-generation talent. The state also made key recommendations at the conclave including continued support for the institutional framework created under the SANKALP programme. Sivankutty pointed out at the conclave that in the last four years, Central assistance to the state has been limited to PMKVY, SANKALP, PMNAPS AND STRIVE schemes. Emphasising the constitutional spirit of cooperative federalism, he urged equitable treatment of all states, irrespective of political alignment.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With complaints and media reports piling up about the inaction of authorities despite continuous rough sea surges along the Thiruvananthapuram coast, the Minorities Commission on Monday took a suo motu case. The panel has sent a notice to the district collector, tahsildar, state fisheries head and the city police commissioner. Commission chairman A A Rasheed instructed that the detailed report of all actions taken should be submitted within ten days. Property damage has become a daily occurrence ever since the monsoon started, accompanied by crop loss and potholes. Several houses on the Thiruvananthapuram coastline have been damaged, and the safety of many others remains ambiguous. With sand sacks deposited to protect the coasts during the sea fury, buildings in areas with higher minority populations like Beemapally, Vettucaud, Cheriyathura, Valiyathura, Shangumugham, Veli, Kannanthura, Kochuthoppu, Pozhikkara are in danger, the commission says. Houses in the areas where the sea wall is yet to be built can fall victim to waves any time. Fishing boats kept metres away from the shore have also been damaged, affecting the lives of those in fishing-allied jobs. The commission said the district administration lags in taking prompt decisions, village offices and other government institutions are refusing to accept pleas. Taking to task 1 .Commission chairman A A Rasheed said the detailed report of all actions taken should be submitted within ten days 2 .Buildings in areas with higher minority populations like Beemapally, Vettucaud, Cheriyathura are in danger, the panel observed 3 .They observed that the combined technologies delivered green fluorescent protein DNA into three kinds of blood vessel cells in the lab
Three dead, widespread damage as heavy rain batters Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rain and strong winds have led to three fatalities and widespread damage, especially in the northern districts of Kerala. The casualties were reported in Alappuzha, Palakkad, and Kasaragod. Several homes were damaged, power outages were widespread, and waterlogging affected vast areas in Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kasaragod, Wayanad, and Kannur districts, all of which were placed under a red alert on Monday. Coastal erosion caused significant damage to houses in Kannamali in Ernakulam. In response to continued downpours, authorities opened the shutters of the Ponmudi Dam in Idukki. They have issued a warning to residents living along the Panniyar River, a tributary of Periyar to remain vigilant. Water levels of rivers such as Manimala, Bharathapuzha, Nileswaram, Mogral, and Uppala have exceeded dangerous levels. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations for the next two days. An orange alert has been issued for Kannur and Kasaragod, while a yellow alert is in place for Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad on Tuesday. Coastal areas can expect strong winds, with speeds reaching 40-50 km/h. Fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea due to the squally weather and high wave alert. Rain and thunderstorms are likely to persist across the state until June 22.
24 lives lost in a year as illegal electric fences turn into deathtraps in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Illegal electric fences claimed 24 lives in the state over a one-year period, ending this March. This is a sharp increase from the 16 deaths reported in the previous year. In 2024-25, Palakkad accounted for the most deaths (10), followed by Thrissur (5) and Malappuram (3). Two people were killed in Pathanamthitta while one person each died in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha and Kannur, showed the data with the states Electrical Inspectorate (EI). In 2023-24 too, Palakkad reported the highest number of deaths (9). Several farmers are using illegal electric fences to prevent wildlife incursions. Casualties can be prevented if they take the legal route erecting the structures with an equipment, fence energiser. An ISI-certified energiser costs around Rs 10,000, says Vinod G, Chief Electrical Inspector. As per law, electric fences require prior sanction from the EI. A fence energiser converts power into short high-voltage pulses and will not kill humans or animals upon contact. Though non-lethal, such fences will effectively deter animals or intruders. Anti-social elements using electric fences to trap wild boars for trading their meat is another cause for concern. Such fences are directly connected to the KSEB power line. Unsuspecting landowners or passersby fall victims to it, Vinod said. According to him, a high-level committee had recently discussed the issue of illegal fences. On its basis, the EI will recommend the government to form micro-level committees to identify and prevent installation of such fences, said Vinod. Electrical accidents claimed 241 lives in a year We will also push for the use of insulated cables for power supply in forest fringe areas to prevent people from directly powering the fences from KSEB lines, Vinod said. Illegal fences are mostly erected in remote areas bordering the forests, making surveillance difficult, said Sujesh P Gopi, district electrical inspector in Palakkad. There were incidents in which people died after coming into contact with the fence that they themselves had erected. In such cases, people charge the fence in the evening but forget to snap the connection in the morning, he said. Meanwhile, deaths due to electrical accidents claimed 241 lives in 2024-25, a marked increase from 205 in the previous year. The number of people who suffered non-fatal injuries rose from 109 to 140. The state witnessed a total of 455 electrical accidents in 2024-25, up from the previous years 362. Nearly 20% of the deaths were due to two preventable causes illegal electric fences and the careless use of iron rod/ ladder near power lines. Deaths due to the latter doubled from the previous years 11 to 22 in 2024-25. Palakkad, for the fifth consecutive year, reported the highest number of electrical accidents (59) and deaths (32). Thrissur was second in the number of accidents (53), while Kollam reported second-highest fatalities at 31. Installing unauthorised electric fencing is punishable under law. In case of death, offenders are charged under IPC Section 304, which deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The maximum punishment is up to 10 years in jail and fine.
VSDP protests with bodies in front of bank in Thiruvananthapuram
They accuse the bank of pushing the couple by demanding repayment of a loan the couple had availed several years ago
KMRL enters eighth year with plans for tramway, metro expansion
In-principle approval granted for feasibility study of proposed elevated tramway from High Court to Thevara; metro system planned for Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, with Water Metro model set to expand to 21 locations nationwide
U.K.s F-35B fighter remains grounded at Thiruvananthapuram airport
Final decision will be made only after considering cost factors as well as practical issues of managing the transport
Kerala monsoon havoc: Floods disrupt life in northern districts, rail services hit
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Incessant monsoon rains continued to wreak havoc in Kerala on Monday, disrupting normal life, including road and rail traffic. Northern districts bore the brunt of the rainfall, witnessing rising water levels in rivers and other water bodies. Several residents were forced to evacuate to relief camps in districts, including Kannur and Kasaragod as flood water entered their homes. In Kannur, people were seen wading through knee-deep water to reach safer places since Sunday evening. Children and elderly people were already shifted to relatives' houses. We are now moving to a relief camp opened nearby, a resident said. He lamented that frequent waterlogging following rains has made their lives miserable, preventing children from attending school and adults from going to work. In the Kakkad area of Kannur, an arterial road was completely submerged, bringing traffic to a standstill. Commuters, unaware of the situation, struggled to push their two-wheelers through knee-deep water on the road. Four dead as heavy rain causes widespread damage across Kerala In Kasaragod, major rivers including Thejaswini Puzha are in spate, prompting authorities to issue warnings against venturing into water bodies. At least 10 families were moved to relief camps in the Vellarikund area in the district, authorities said. In the southern district of Pathanamthitta, a man sustained injuries after a tree uprooted by heavy rains and gusty winds fell on his house in Malayalapuzha on Sunday evening. Heavy rainfall caused significant delays in rail traffic across the state. According to authorities, several trains, including Venad and Malabar Expresses and passenger trains, were running behind schedule. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon remained active over Kerala, bringing widespread rainfall across the state and Lakshadweep. Extremely heavy rainfall of 21 cm was recorded in Thennala (Malappuram district), while Vadakara in Kozhikode received 18 cm and multiple locations in Kasaragod and Kannur reported 1516 cm. A total of 127 stations reported rainfall, with one location experiencing extremely heavy rain, 19 with very heavy rain, and 33 reporting heavy rainfall, it said. Gusty winds were also reported, peaking at 80 kmph in Idukki, followed by 61 kmph in Kottayam and Wayanad. Moderate rainfall and gusty wind speed reaching 50 kmph is likely to occur at one or two places in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts in the coming hours, IMD added.
MEDISEP govt insurance scheme to continue in present form till new deal
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The MEDISEP insurance scheme for government employees and pensioners will continue in its current format for the time being. The governments agreement with Oriental Insurance, which ends on June 30, 2025, has been extended until a new arrangement is finalised. Recently, an expert committee submitted major recommendations to make the scheme more attractive. At present, Oriental Insurance is the service provider and the annual premium for a beneficiary is Rs 5,664 including 18% GST. The government makes advance payment of the premium amount to the insurance company in four installments a year. This amount will be recovered from the salary or pension of beneficiaries in 12 installments. The agreement with the insurance company is from July 2022 to June 30, 2025. It is learnt that the expert committee has recommended to hike the monthly premium amount from Rs 500 to Rs 750 and to enhance the coverage to Rs 5 lakh. Another recommendation is to collect premiums from only one person in a family having more than one government employee. Employees should be given the option to stay away from the scheme. The package should be revised to attract more private hospitals, especially speciality hospitals, to join the scheme, it said. At present, the scheme is mandatory for employees and pensioners. The government has directed Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) K R Jyothilal to take further steps on the report. The health secretary will also be asked to submit recommendations. New scheme to offer better packages, says minister Finance Minister K N Balagopal said the MEDISEPs second edition will be more attractive. We want more hospitals, especially major private institutions, to join the scheme. The treatment packages will be revised for this, he told TNIE . On whether the premium would see an increase, he said: The present rates were fixed some three years ago. A decision on increasing the premium would be taken after consultations with stakeholders. The minister said the insurance provider for the next edition will be selected through a fair and transparent bidding process. At a glance Claims approved (From Jan 1, 2025 to June 6) Total claims: 10.18 lakh Amount: Rs 1,863.22 crore Private hospitals Claims: 9.43 lakh Amount: Rs 1,745.36 crore Government hospitals Claims: 74,000 Amount: Rs 117.86 crore Total beneficiaries covered Employees and pensioners: 11.44 lakh Dependents: 19.49 lakh
Havent received complaints against revised school timings: Minister Sivankutty
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Five days after the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyatul Ulama voiced opposition to the revision of school timings and urged the government to reconsider, General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Sunday said no formal complaints had been received against the revised timings. The Samastha had said extending the school timings would affect the madrasa education of around 12 lakh students. I havent received any complaints, but that doesnt imply any suggestion or criticism is invalid. If a religion or community is facing a problem (due to the move), we are ready for open discussions. We are not forcing anything, he said in Thiruvananthapuram, and added that the groups concerned can come forward with suggestions. Samastha president Sayyid Muhammed Jifri Muthu Koya Thangal had expressed concerns over the governments decision to extend high school study hours by 15 minutes each in the morning and afternoon sessions. Meanwhile, the minister blamed the Union government for the delay in the distribution of uniforms among BPL students, saying the Centre had not provided adequate funds. He also said the student count in the state will be published within two weeks, as some more evaluations are required. Show-cause notice to teacher for punishing students A show-cause notice has been served on the school teacher who forced female students to do sit-ups as punishment, General Education Minister V Sivankutty said. The district education officer has been asked to investigate the incident and submit a report to the deputy director of education, he said, adding that further action will be taken after considering the teachers response. The incident took place at Cotton Hill Girls School in Thiruvananthapuram on June 10. When eight Class 9 students insisted on leaving school before the National Anthem ended, the teacher locked the classroom and made them do sit-ups as punishment. Such things must not happen, from the side of teachers as well as students, Sivankutty said, adding that punishing students in such a way and showing disrespect to the National Anthem were not ideal practices. We are getting inputs that similar forms of punishments are doled out in several schools. It should be avoided, he said.
Couple found dead at residence in Karamana
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A couple was found dead at their house in Karamana on Sunday. The deceased are Satheesh, 52, and his wife Bindu, 44. Police suspect it to be a case of suicide. Satheesh was found with his throat slit, while Bindu was found hanging. Initial investigation suggests that the wife may have killed her husband and later died by suicide. Police said the family was facing serious financial issues. They had a debt of around Rs 2.3 crore, of which Rs 64 lakh was a bank loan which they failed to repay. Relatives said the house was under the threat of attachment. According to Satheeshs brother, the couple was found dead around 10 am. Bindus brother visited in the morning but did not see anyone. Since it was a Sunday, he thought the couple was sleeping. Later when Satheeshs brother and his wife came to the house, they saw him lying in blood through the window. They immediately broke open the door and found Bindu hanging inside. Police have registered a case and started detailed probe.
Steep hike in parking fees at railway station, bus stand leaves commuters frustrated
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A hike in parking charges at Thiruvananthapuram central railway station and the KSRTC bus terminal has left daily commuters, short-term visitors and others who use them in a hassle. The revised parking fees, which came into effect from June 1, have drawn criticism from regular users of these major hubs. At the central railway station, the cost of parking a two-wheeler for up to two hours has gone up from Rs 5 to Rs 10. For four-wheelers, the charge has increased from Rs 25 to Rs 30. Longer parking like overnight four-wheeler parking now costs Rs 180, up from Rs 100. Monthly passes for two-wheelers, once priced at Rs 360, now stand at Rs 600. Premium parking spaces which are meant for closer or faster access have also become costlier. Four-wheelers have to pay Rs 40 for two hours, up from Rs 30. I drop my wife off at station regularly. We never stay more than 10 minutes. But now, even a brief stop is more expensive. Its unfair to charge for short drop-offs without any grace period, said a local resident. Meanwhile, the situation at the KSRTC bus station is even worse. Although the official parking fee for one hour is Rs 10, commuters are being asked to pay Rs 20 upfront. Those who park for longer durations are charged higher rates, but the additionally charged `10 is not refunded even if the vehicle leaves within the first hour. Many commuters argue that the revised charges are unfair, especially considering the poor condition of the parking area. They say the hike is for improving infrastructure, but there is no shelter, no proper markings, and less space now because of construction work at the station. Officials expect the common man to just silently bear such changes, said Shaji, a daily train commuter. Meanwhile railway officials said the revision is part of an effort to effectively manage parking. The officials said the rate changes were implemented after a standard review by the railway board. The last revision happened in 2017. The current rates were introduced only after proper redevelopment in many stations and ongoing works in others. We now ensure 24-hour security. It is no longer viable for contractors to operate with the meagre rates like before. At least three staff members are needed to manage vehicle movement and safety. Without a revision, its not feasible. The funds collected will be reinvested to improve station facilities such as surveillance, lighting, and space management, said the railway official.
Kerala Plus-I admission third allotment to begin on June 16
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The third allotment for Plus-I admission will begin on June 16 at 10am and will be open until 5pm on June 17. The final allotment of sports quota and the model residential schools under the SC/ST development department will also be published at the same time. Allotment details are available at www.hscap.kerala.gov.in. Students who didnt get a higher option in the allotment, but got temporary admission in the first two do not need a new allotment letter. However, they will not be able to retain their higher options. Students who fail to get admitted despite getting allotments will not be considered for further supplementary allotments. All allotted students with their guardians are to be present in the schools by 5 pm. Since the admission procedures of various quotas happen simultaneously, a student can enrol themselves only under one quota. The students who couldnt apply till now, those who submitted incorrect details or options, and those who werent considered for previous allotments can apply for supplementary allotments, details of which will be available on the website after the third allotment. Who can apply The students who couldnt apply till now, those who submitted incorrect details or options, and those who werent considered for previous allotments can apply for supplementary allotments
DGP selection in Kerala takes a surprise turn, Ravada Chandrasekhar handed new assignment
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The process to select a new state police chief to replace Shaik Darvesh Saheb, who will hang up his boots on June 30, has taken an interesting turn. The second-most senior officer in the probable list, DGP Ravada A Chandrasekhar, who is on central deputation, has been selected for appointment as secretary (security) in the cabinet secretariat. The 1991 IPS batch officer is currently a special director with the Intelligence Bureau (IB). According to the appointment order, Ravada will replace Harinath Mishra, who is also a Kerala cadre IPS officer, on August 1. Though a powerful post, Ravada, who has one more year of service under his belt, cannot expect an extension of tenure as secretary (security). However, thats not the case with the post of the state police chief. If selected, Ravada will be eligible for a years extension, with a Supreme Court ruling mandating said state police chiefs should get a minimum two-year tenure. Ravada is likely to return to the state if he gets a call as police chief, sources in the Kerala Police said. However, if he decides to stick with the central deputation, vigilance director Manoj Abraham is most likely to make it to the three-member shortlist that the UPSC sends to the state government. The government is at liberty to appoint one of them as police chief. DGPs Nitin Agrawal, Ravada, Yogesh Gupta, and Manoj Abraham, and ADGPs S Suresh and M R Ajith Kumar are the probables who are being considered by the UPSC. Yogesh, the director general of fire and rescue services, has been contemplating a central deputation if he is overlooked for selection. Yogesh had a fallout with the CMs office during his stint as vigilance director, which led to his transfer. He reportedly recommended investigations against certain public institutions and political leaders suspected of being involved in financial irregularities, which did not sit well with a section of CPM leaders, culminating in his exit. Its to be seen whether this rift would have any bearing on further postings. Sources said the officer has been awaiting a clearance from the state since April 24 to apply for central deputation. However, the government has been keeping the request on hold, diminishing his chances of getting empanelled.
Rain lashes Kanniyakumari; student drowns in Paraliyar
KANNIYAKUMARI: A second-year BSc nursing student drowned in Paraliyar river, when he, along with a few other students, had gone to take bath in the waterbody near his college in Thiruvattar on Saturday. The deceased has been identified as S Neeraj (20) from Vidurai in Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala. Kulasekaram fire and rescue services personnel recovered the body of the victim. Kumari district receives 22.19 mm average rainfall Meanwhile, incessant rainfall in the district significantly increased the inflow to Pechiparai and Perunchani dams. In the 24 hours ending Sunday morning, the district registered an average rainfall of 22.19 mm. Kolipurvilai recorded the maximum of 40.8 mm. All the rainfall stations in Kalkulam, Vilavancode, Thiruvattar and Killiyoor taluks recorded moderate rainfall. Light rainfall was observed across Balamore, except in Thovalai taluk, which recorded moderate rainfall. Similarly, only Kottaram in Agastheeswaram taluk received moderate rainfall. Further, 15.2 mm rainfall was registered in Nagercoil. Sources from the Water Resources Department (WRD) said the inflow to Pechiparai dam stood approximately at 2,000 cusecs, while Perunchani dam received an inflow of 1,131 cusecs. Around 500 cusecs water was released from Pechiparai dam for irrigation purposes. The water level in Pechiparai dam stood at 44.33 ft against its capacity of 48 ft, and Perunchani dam stood at 62.7 ft (capacity 77 ft). Similarly, water level in Poigai dam stood at 15.4 ft (42.65 ft capacity) and Mambalathuraiyaru dam (38.71 ft). The water level at Mukkadal dam, the drinking water source of Nagercoil municipal corporation, stood at 3 ft (against its cpaacity of 25 ft).
