CM Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter Veena denies media reports of her SFIO statement

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: T Veena, daughter of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, has dismissed reports regarding her statement before the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO). She said reports that she admitted receiving money from CMRL without offering contractual services, were baseless. Media reports have now come out that during her interrogation held at its Chennai office, she reportedly admitted before the SFIO that she had not provided contractual services to CMRL. It was also reported that staff of her firm Exalogic and the CMRL IT wing head too endorsed the same. In a statement on Saturday, Veena said she came across such reports that are being widely circulated. Veena said she gave a statement before the investigating official. She, however, added that no deposition was given to the effect that either she or Exalogic Solutions received payment from CMRL, without offering contractual services.

Cooperative bank in Thrissur told to pay customers who lost pledged gold in burglary

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has directed Thrissur-based Manaloor Service Cooperative Bank to compensate 15 gold loan customers who lost their pledged gold in a burglary at the bank. The order came on an appeal petition filed by the cooperative bank against the state commissions order. The burglary happened at the bank in May 2006. The customers had secured favourable verdicts from the Thrissur district commission and the state commission. The state commission had directed the bank to provide the market value of the gold as on the date of payment after deducting the loan amount and interest. Also, it asked the bank to settle the loans as on the date of filing of complaints before the district commission without charging any interest after that date. The bank argued before the national commission that the complaint was not maintainable in view of Section 69 of the Kerala Cooperative Societies Act. As per the Act and rules, the complaints are to be resolved through arbitration before the cooperative registrar. It challenged the state and district commissions orders to pay market value of the gold. Since BIS certification was not mandatory at the time of the incident, there are chances that the gold would not be 916 carat. The bank further said that claims of 95% of customers were settled by paying the market price from the date of pledge to the date of theft. The case was heard by the NCDRC bench comprising its members Dr Inder Jit Singh and Dr Sadhna Shanker. Advocates Sreevaraham N G Mahesh and Sheeba Sadasivan represented the complainants. The national commission found that the bank lacked adequate security arrangements like security guards or CCTV cameras. It rejected the banks contention of non-maintainability of the complaint stating that the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act are in addition to and not in derogation of the provisions of other laws. The argument on the purity of the gold was not valid as no bank would advance gold loans without checking purity and weight. The customers are entitled to get the market value of the gold on the date of payment, it said. The national panel, however, disagreed with the state commissions finding on interest payment. When the customer gets a refund on the date of refund, he is obligated to adjust this outstanding loan with interest till the date of adjustment. But the bank should charge interest only at the rate at which loan was granted and cannot charge any penalty, the order said.

Wait over, dredger arrives at Muthalapozhi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Giving fresh hopes to fishermen, the harbour engineering department has brought in a dredger from Azheekal to Muthalapozhi. The Muthalapozhi harbour was shut down because of the accumulation of sand, hampering fishing activities. Plan is to expand harbour mouth to a width of 13m and a depth of 3m to ensure movement of large fishing vessels during the monsoon. The state government has decided to rope in Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd (KMML) to cart away the dredged out sand from the estuary. On Friday, the harbour engineering department cut open the sandbar at the estuary to address the flooding issues faced by low-lying panchayats in the area. An official of the harbour engineering department said the dredger is anchored in the sea because of rough weather and will be brought to the harbour on Sunday. The weather is adverse and our attempts to bring the dredger failed. Tomorrow, after 10am, we will try to bring it in when the tide is favourable. It will take two or three days to assemble the machinery and start the dredging activities. We are hoping to begin the work from next week and complete it by May 15, said the official. The official said the department is yet to enter into an agreement with KMML. The matter is with the finance department and they have to fix the rate. KMML has asked around Rs 60 per metre cube. The government will have to issue an order after fixing the rate, said the official. The department has mobilised more machinery to expedite the work and as per the current plan, the 10-hour working schedule will be raised to 20 hours.

INTERVIEW| CPM failed to gauge influence of caste, religion

M A Baby has taken over as the CPMs sixth general secretary at a time when the party is going through a deep crisis, facing political and electoral setbacks. Baby has a tough task ahead of him to win back its fast eroding mass base. Just three weeks after he took over, Baby sat down with Team TNIE at CPMs newly inaugurated office in Thiruvananthapuram for a detailed conversation. He was candid enough to admit the mistakes on the part of CPM in recognising certain Indian realities, like caste and religion, and also what went wrong in West Bengal and Tripura. Baby, the cultural face of the party, also elaborated on his immediate tasks, complications involving INDIA bloc, and the threat posed by the BJP. Excerpts Wt are your immediate priorities and challenges as the CPM general secretary? The first priority is implementing decisions of the just concluded party congress . The demise of Comrade Yechury and the stepping down of senior leaders from the politburo are organisational challenges before us. The recent decline of the partys influence should be addressed seriously. The party also needs to ensure continuity of the LDF government in Kerala. There are challenges, but those challenges should be turned into opportunities. Successive party congresses have pointed out a decline in the partys mass base. How do you plan to reclaim the mass base? Only the CPM has come up with clear political solutions amid the complexities of Indian politics. But it is a flaw on our part that we havent been able to make the people aware of that. As a mass revolutionary party, CPM should reach out to the people. The cadre should approach people with humility. The factors that impede such outreach should be identified and corrected. This can address the erosion of the mass base to a great extent. You have assumed charge when CPM is at its weakest. Why has the party failed to grow in India, other than in a few pockets? EMS was once asked the same question. He had a one word answer -- caste. We have to admit that communists were unsuccessful in recognising the complex manner in which caste plays a role in Indian society. In 2000, when it was decided to thoroughly revise the party programme, this discussion on caste came up. But I can confess that the minute observations on caste in the party programme did not become a part of the collective consciousness of the cadre. The party has decided to address social issues such as caste discrimination more actively. Like caste, hasnt the CPM also failed to understand the depth of religiosity on the collective Indian psyche? The assessment that we have failed to fully understand the influence of religion on people is true. The dialectical materialism followed by communists is not part of peoples consciousness. If our concepts are introduced mechanically, it will be seen as a criticism of religion and belief in God. The recent party congress has made it clear that communalism and superstitions should be differentiated from the religious beliefs of the common man. In other words, we can fight communalism and superstitions only by taking believers into confidence. Can a believer become a true communist? It is possible. Even Marx and Engels have adopted the view that any person who believes in the struggle for the emancipation of the working class can be a member. The issue has been settled back then. But can a believer rise as a leader of the party in todays context? Imbichi Bava, a great communist leader, was a believer. Cherukad, an ally of EMS and a leader of the cultural movement, was a worshipper of Bhagavathi... Can we see a general secretary who is a believer? I have no qualms in admitting my beliefs. I believe in scientific principles. I have a friend who usually remarks By the grace of God. Due to my influence, he has now started saying By the grace of cosmic law (laughs). All religions have evolved as a progressive movement against the injustices of the time. All prophets were in fact, revolutionaries. Muhammad Nabi, Jesus and Gautama Buddha have been revolutionaries. I believe in the teachings of all of them. One of my greatest regrets is not meeting Pope Francis, who led an austere life. Can you emphatically say that CPM is not against religion and God? The communists are against religion and God is propaganda. Communists study dialectical materialism as part of their learning. It doesnt mean that everyone who joins the party must concur with dialectical materialism. In fact, Karl Marxs statement that religion is the opium of the masses has been misinterpreted. Recently, CPM cadre have withdrawn from temple committees, paving the way for Sangh parivar forces to establish their hold over such bodies. Wasnt it a serious lapse on the part of CPM? Communists used to be closely associated with places of worship. During party discussions, there was criticism that the time that needed to be spent on party work was being spent in places of worship. Our withdrawal from such bodies has enabled the entry of fundamentalists. We have decided to correct that stand. Just like Bhindranwale made the Golden Temple his haven, many local Bhindranwales are taking over places of worship. We need to free such places of worship from criminals and fundamentalists. Dont you think there is an over SFI-sation of CPM? Barring a few leaders in the state, the rest of them, including you, have come from SFI. Dont you think there is a need for a de-SFI-sation? Most of the founding leaders of our party came from the student movement. Even leaders like Stalin and Fidel Castro were part of the student movement. But if a conscious effort is not made in addressing the limitations of leaders being exclusively from the student movement, it can be a problem. But there have been leaders like Vijoo Krishnan and Ashok Dhawale who came from student backgrounds but have become key leaders of trade unions and farmers movements. How do you assess the prospects of BJP in Kerala? In the past, we used to feel proud that BJP couldnt enter this side of the Vindhya mountains. Now, they have a Lok Sabha MP (in Kerala). Earlier, they even had an MLA, although we did manage to wrest the seat from them. BJP has transformed into a decisive force in certain assembly constituencies. Though the Congress is primarily responsible for BJPs increasing vote share, the saffron party has been poaching other political parties vote base too, including that of the Left. Their votes have increased even in booths where most voters are from the minority community. What are the reasons for BJPs growth? Sufficient vigil wasnt exercised. There was a lackadaisical approach. I perceive the Sangh parivar as a venomous serpent with 10,000 heads... look how they infiltrate every cell of Indian society. It isnt just another party, its a party with fascist tendencies. We need to perceive this with the requisite gravity and build up the defence. Kerala can resist it, but we cannot lower our guard. RSS can operate in unthinkable ways. But whether Opposition parties, including CPM, are adequately equipped to take on the evil tactics of BJP-RSS is a pertinent question. The Congress leadership, neither in Kerala nor at the national level, has such an understanding. In Kerala, the Congress believes it should take on LDF more than BJP. In this context, how do you look at INDIA bloc? While forming INDIA bloc, we knew that some of these parties, even when joining hands at the national level, will have to contest against each other in some states. However, while contesting against each other, they should ensure the same doesnt turn advantageous to BJP. To some extent, such caution is exercised in Kerala. Yet, in places like Nemom and Thrissur, BJP managed to take advantage. Shouldnt there be an introspection on such lack of vigil? The Congress and UDF approach of always training guns on LDF, sometimes even with BJP support, too contributes to the saffron party finding a foothold in Kerala. If there are any lapses on the part of the Left, we are ready to examine the same. There were reports that, post LS election, CPM is not keen on INDIA bloc. Whats the current position? CPM is of the view that the party should play a role in bringing together all possible political forces to unseat the ruling party from power. Sitaram (Yechury) played a key role in forming the INDIA bloc. Though this platform helped stop BJP from winning a majority on its own, the aim to unseat it from power is yet to be achieved. Hence, INDIA bloc should continue. The last party congress took a position in favour of CPM continuing in INDIA bloc. Having said that, its a fact that post LS elections, the INDIA bloc has been inactive. I have held talks with leaders of other parties, including Kharge and Stalin. Such interventions will continue. The party congress has acknowledged the relevance of INDIA bloc. In tune with that, CPM will follow an electoral-tactical line. BJP has been indulging in a Christian outreach programme to widen its influence... To increase its influence in each place, BJP stoops to unethical means. That happened in Thrissur too. Those who surrendered before such unethical optics should introspect. You are the first CPM general secretary from the Christian community. Till recently, the Christian community was a dedicated vote base for the Congress. Of late, there has been a change. How do you look at this changing scenario? The Communist Party has always maintained good relations with various Christian denominations. During the Vimochana Samaram (liberation struggle), the Church took a strong stand against us. But later, they too started associating with the party. Because of consistent activities and discussions, an atmosphere of cooperation and camaraderie has been created. They have realised that theres scope for communication and cooperation with the communists. We have warm relations with both Catholic and non-Catholic Church denominations. I dont think just because someone named Mariam Alexander Baby has come to a party position, there will be any dramatic change. Neither will the relation become firmer nor will there be any remnants of past differences. I believe we should be receptive to all spiritual leaders. What about the Left joining hands with religion-based parties? As far as communist parties are concerned, tactical decisions on joining hands with different outfits are taken, according to the prevailing situation. Marx has pointed out how communists can take support of the bourgeoisie to take on a most regressive force. Such temporary understandings and compromises are part of a tactical understanding. Its a dialectical approach. The palm-chopping case involving Professor T J Joseph was the most controversial episode during your tenure as education minister. Your remark against Joseph in the assembly triggered a major row. Why did you make such a statement? The attempt was to stop fundamentalists from cashing in on the same. I said, This teacher prepared the question without due diligence. Using the name Mohammed had given a chance for it to be wrongly misinterpreted as something related to the Prophet. The teacher might have prepared it in all innocence. But just because it was an innocent mistake, could it be justified? My remark was made in that context. Theres a misunderstanding that my remark led to palm-chopping. Thats wrong. Palm-chopping happened later. Was your remark against Professor Joseph intended to pacify someone? I was just airing my concern that due diligence wasnt exercised. It was intended to neither hurt nor appease anyone. You had earlier mentioned about the failures in Tripura and West Bengal. What lessons have Kerala CPM learnt from those failures? Not just from Tripura and West Bengal, we have learnt lessons from the Soviet Unions collapse. Weve realised that being in power not only presents opportunities but has its flipsides too. The first and foremost challenge is to provide people the kind of service they expect. In Tripura, it was an under-handed attack. But the question why the party failed to anticipate such a move remains. This is a lesson that the party should remain vigilant to any kind of attack. The same can now be seen in Kerala too. In Bengal, a rainbow alliance was formed against the party. There were Singur-like issues too. A lack of vigil in the process of land acquisition too played a role in antagonising people. The role played by TMC and RSS... CPM failed to foresee its devastating impact. The party also failed to wholly comprehend the change in mass sentiments, and therefore, couldnt ensure proper course correction. Has the party finally realised its errors at Singur and Nandigram? What we have realised is that people should be taken into confidence while implementing development projects. The LDF government implements development projects by taking into account the lessons learnt from Bengal. Theres constant criticism that Kerala CPM has been under the shadow of one leader, Pinarayi Vijayan... The only way to address this concern is to let the media have access to discussions in party forums (smiles). Only then will you realise whether decisions taken by just one leader are accepted. I remember an instance when a name backed by seven leaders including EMS and E K Nayanar was turned down after the majority voted against it. There are umpteen such instances. There are instances where Pinarayi Vijayan and a majority in the party think on the same lines. There are instances on the contrary too. The party takes decisions after independent and detailed discussions at different levels. Id say the narrative that only Pinarayi Vijayan takes a call on all party decisions is part of a deliberate attempt to portray him in a bad light. Recently, there were some reports over the AKG Centre inauguration too. When EMS was the general secretary, it was B T Ranadive who laid the foundation stone for the AKG Bhavan. Such campaigns against Pinarayi are solely aimed at weakening CPM and LDF. During the time of factional feuds in Kerala CPM, your name figured among those in the camp rivalling Pinarayi. Is that the reason why you were often sidelined, despite making it to the central committee well before Pinarayi? We have been colleagues in the party for a long time. The party takes decisions on inducting leaders into different committees, in line with its requirements and based on discussions at different levels. Pinarayi took over as party secretary while serving as a minister. Dont forget that there was a KPCC president who chose to step down to become a minister. The CPM approach is different. Pinarayi chose to quit from the cabinet role to take over a party responsibility. Naturally, he became part of the central committee and politburo. Contrary to media perceptions, the party has an organic way of bringing in leaders to take on different responsibilities. These are collective decisions. Theres no question of sidelining anyone. The party has its own political and organisational logic behind each decision. As far as I am concerned, I have never felt I was sidestepped or ignored for a deserving position. On the contrary, many responsibilities bestowed on me have been much more than what I deserved. I was chosen despite there being numerous other deserving leaders. Theres a narrative that LDF will get a third term. However, there are concerns among puritan leftists that it would be disastrous for the party The party and the LDF will ensure that there wont be any deviations or lapses once the Left gets a third term. By now, we have examples showing what could happen if we dont exercise such vigil. The new government will function keeping those lessons in mind. Thats all I have to say to those who raise well-intentioned concerns (smiles). Some fear Kerala CPM could suffer the fate of its Bengal counterpart... Let me assure them, it wont happen. Having said that, certain changes are now visible in Bengal. It may take some time to convert these into electoral victory. SFI has again started winning in universities. The new generation is in favour of the party. I wont say miracles will happen overnight. But if we wait patiently, admit our mistakes to the masses, there are chances. You said the party needs to adapt to changing times. Isnt it time to shed its puritanical approach that bans party cadre from drinking? In India, the approach towards alcohol is linked to morality. In a way, its part of the Gandhian thought. I believe its better if it stays that way. Recently, actor Prithviraj mentioned how you helped in getting clearance to go to Russia for Empuraans shooting They wanted Russian visas without delay. I just helped them speed up the process by calling some people I know. After he mentioned that, now people are under the impression they can come to me with visa applications (laughs). You are CPMs cultural face too. You started working with Swaralaya when the party was more conservative A classical concert by Alathoor Brothers was part of the Palakkad Party Congress in 1956. The Communist Party has such a tradition. Somewhere, that connection was cut off to some extent. Now, efforts are being made to revive the same. Theres a space for the promotion of classical art and culture. The party has decided to make more focused interventions in the cultural sector. Vigil should also be there against communal interventions in the cultural sphere. You are a food lover too... Who doesnt like good food (laughs)! I like traditional sadya the most. TNIE team: Cithara Paul, Sasidharan Nair M K, Anil S, K S Sreejith, Sovi Vidyadharan. B P Deepu (photos), Harikrishna B (video)

MGS Narayanan was a relentless fighter: M G Sasibhooshan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Remembering how M G S Narayanan would always encourage ideas but seldom endorse them, historian M G Sasibhooshan reminisced how MGS became a critic of precision. Often, his smile was the only response we got. But when he truly loved something, he would share his thoughts openly. That approval meant the world for me, said Sasibhooshan. Speaking of his masterpiece Perumals of Kerala, Sasibhooshan said the work freed Keralas medieval history from myths and misconceptions. His 1996 work Perumals of Kerala analysed both social and economic history along with political history. It is his masterpiece, opined Sasibhooshan. He added that one of his most-cherished memories was when MGS asked him to massage his shoulders the last time he visited MGS at his home in Kozhikode. He was not someone who would ask such things. When he made that request, I knew he considered me as somebody special, he added. Sasibooshan remembered how once, after he wrote an article, MGS not only praised it but also suggested that it should be turned into a book. That was precious for me. We share the same initials, so people used to call me Junior MGS as if considering me as a successor, said Sasibhooshan. Beyond his work as a historian, M G S Narayanan was a remarkable epigraphist and artist, said Sasibhooshan. He identified that Bhaskara Ravi Chakravarthi and Manu Kuladithyan were the same person, as well as that Godaradi and Vijayaragadevan were the same, Sasibhooshan noted. Though MGS was known internationally for his work, serving as a visiting professor at prestigious universities such as Harvard, Oxford, and Moscow, he never compromised on his principles. Sasibhooshan also recalled M G S Narayanans talent for art. In his younger days, he used to compete with Artist Namboodiri and even win. He was truly an all-rounder. He had a heart of gold, and his smile was one of the best Ive ever seen. It is a huge loss, concluded Sasibhooshan. MGS is a historian who salvaged Kerala history from myths and legends, says KKN Kurup

MGS is a historian who salvaged Kerala history from myths and legends, says KKN Kurup

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 92-year-old historian who departed on Saturday, has scripted a new chapter in secular historiography that has a scientific approach. Born in the last decades of our nationalist movement, M G S Narayanan was able to cherish echoes and ethos of leaders like K P Kesava Menon, K Kelappan, EMS and K Damodaran. MGS arrived on the scene when the studies on Kerala were handled by experts in Malayalam, and scientific historiography was camouflaged by myths and legends. The unification of Kerala in 1956 inspired him to trace the history and culture of Kerala, reconstructing the later Chera Kingdom with exact chronology from different epigraphical relics. He mastered early scripts like Kolezhuthu and Vattezhuth and wrote his magnum opus Perumals of Kerala, a doctoral study under the guidance of Prof P K Narayana Pillai. Indian History Congress was held at the fledgling Calicut University in 1974 with more than 700 delegates including top-ranking historians which was inaugurated by K P Kesava Menon. In fact, this meeting of scholars and teachers inaugurated an era of new learning, writing, and teaching of history. This trend could carry on to the present even after his career as chairman of Indian Council for Historical Research (ICHR). I have seen many scholars in India and abroad who are specialised in their respective areas. But MGS was one who was able to share his ideas and knowledge in every channel of human creativity and intellectual achievements. For instance, MGS wrote a masterly foreword for my cultural anthropological work, The Cult of Theyyam and Hero Worship in Kerala (Calcutta, 1973). In his early years he wrote poems, cultural articles and guided doctoral dissertations in different areas like traditional historical accounts to the Punnapra-Vayalar agrarian movement. Only a versatile genius can deliver such different goods according to the needs of the client. I do remember his arguments in academic seminars, committee meetings and witnessed his true love and affection to the student community. He encouraged all, including outsiders, to freely air their views and was untouched by personal or academic rivalries. On one occasion he recommended a centre for Kayyur for Peasant Studies in Kasaragod. At the same time, he could write an article for the public on the achievements of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Being highly influenced by the humanism of writer M Govindan in his youth, even in the career as an academician and administrator, he followed benevolent humanism and rationalism. I have more occasions than any other academician to make him a role model, and evaluate him as a student, fellow delegate, speaker, writer, and researcher in different conferences in India and abroad. His academic experiences in Russia, Japan, the US and the Oriental Institute, London, were helpful to his colleagues, students and even the public. MGS could shed light on Indian historiography and deconstruct the Euro-centric, colonial historical writing. William Logan had written in Malabar Manual about scholars who can be branded as Sons of Soil who could write the scientific history of a region to help their historical progress and development. Surely MGS belonged to this category.

Pahalgam attack fails to trip Kashmir plans of many Malayali tourists

KOCHI: The April 22 Pahalgam terror attack has failed to deter the travel plans of many tourists, including Keralites. Most of the visitors, on pre-booked package tours, which dont come cheap, are reluctant to give up on a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even as Srinagar city and the entire region have turned into a virtual fortress, popular destinations such as Gulmarg and Dal Lake are once again swarming with tourists. The shutdown was lifted on Thursday. Our tour operator took us to popular spots on Thursday and Friday. However, security is tight in Srinagar. There were military and paramilitary personnel posted every 50 metres en route, Jeeth Kumar, a resident of Thiruvananthapuram who along with his family, wound up their week-long Kashmir tour on Saturday, told TNIE over phone from Srinagar. We visited Dal Lake yesterday (Friday). There were plenty of tourists there, and many of the houseboats were operational. The previous day, we stopped by Gulmarg. We waited nearly three hours before we could ride the cable car, Jeeth added. The family of four reached Srinagar on Monday night and flew back to Kerala on Saturday evening. Local tour operators vouch that the situation is now under control with visitor numbers picking up, though not on the scale as before the attack. This being peak tourist season, business was booming before the attack. Now, with the situation under control, we are receiving tourists from various states, Ajaz Wani, a local tour operator, told TNIE over the phone. We have even had tourists from Kerala. But numbers are far lower than usual. We expect this to go up in the coming days. More tour operators from the state have contacted us, and we plan to resume Kashmir packages in the coming days, added Ajaz, proprietor of Srinagar-based Sun in Snow Tour N Travels, which has tied up with major tour operators in Kerala. However, the situation was worrying on Tuesday and Wednesday, when all hell broke loose following the terrorist attack on tourists. A widespread shutdown was observed in the valley, a first in nearly three decades. We were at Dal Lake when the attack happened after noon on April 22. However, we came to know about it only around 6 pm. By that time, most of the commercial establishments, including petrol stations, were closed. Even the next day, Srinagar, including the Old City area, wore a deserted look. Security personnel were everywhere. Our tour operator said only those proceeding to the airport or seeking emergency services were allowed to venture out, said Aishwarya S, who also hails from Thiruvananthapuram. She, along with her family arrived in Kashmir on the night of April 18 and flew back on Wednesday evening.

Kerala: Senior IPS officer Manoj Abraham to take charge as director general, fire & rescue services

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior IPS officer Manoj Abraham, the incumbent Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order), has been promoted to the grade of Director General of Police and posted as Director General, Fire and Rescue Services. The government issued the order on Saturday, with the appointment taking effect from May 1, 2025. The promotion comes following the retirement of K Padmakumar on April 30, 2025. An ex-cadre post of Director General, Fire & Rescue Services has been created for a period of one year. The post has been declared equivalent in status and responsibility to the cadre post of Director, Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau.

Pope Francis was leader of humankind: Union Minister George Kurian

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/VATICAN CITY, Apr 26: Union Minister of State George Kurian on Saturday said that late Pope Francis was a leader of humankind as he acknowledged and respected all races and religions and served everyone. The Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is in the Vatican City as part of a delegation led by President Droupadi Murmu to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who died on April 21. Speaking to a TV channel from Vatican City, [] The post Pope Francis was leader of humankind: Union Minister George Kurian appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Chennai native IIST student drowns in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An MTech student of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) drowned in the Vamanapuram river at Vithura on Saturday morning. The deceased has been identified as Mohan Raj Subramanian, a native of Chennai. According to sources, the incident occurred around 8 am when Mohan Raj entered the river near the Thavakkal waterfalls for a bath. He reportedly slipped off a rock and was swept away by the strong current. An extensive search operation was launched by the fire and rescue services along with local residents. After nearly an hour of search efforts, his body was found downstream. Local residents said the river's current was particularly strong following heavy rainfall in the area on Friday evening. Vithura police have registered a case and initiated further proceedings.

Bomb threats at various hotels in Kerala capital

Several hotels in the state capital received bomb threats via email on Saturday, leading to immediate police response. Bomb disposal units and dog squads were deployed to inspect the targeted hotels, including the Hilton Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram.

CBI registers case against Kerala CMs principal secretary KM Abraham for disproportionate assets

KOCHI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against Kerala Chief Ministers Chief Principal Secretary, KM Abraham, for allegedly amassing wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income. The FIR will soon be filed at the CBI Court in Thiruvananthapuram. The probe was taken over by the CBI following directions from the Kerala High Court, based on a petition filed by activist Jomon Puthenpurackal. The FIR cites charges of misconduct and accumulation of disproportionate assets under various sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. A Deputy Superintendent-ranked officer from the CBIs Anti-Corruption Unit in Kochi has been assigned to investigate the case. Abrahams statement will be recorded as part of the inquiry. Jomon had alleged at the High Court that, Abraham allegedly owns an apartment in Mumbai worth Rs three crore, another flat in Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram valued at around Rs one crore, and a three-storied shopping complex in Kollam worth Rs eight crore. Jomon claims that the EMI for the Mumbai property alone is Rs 84,000, while Abrahams official salary is Rs 80,000 per month. Jomon further alleged that Abraham failed to disclose the source of funds for the loans on the Thycaud apartment and the construction of the Kollam complex. Earlier, the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) had given a clean chit to Abraham, stating that the Thiruvananthapuram apartment was worth only Rs 13.56 lakh and the Mumbai flat valued at Rs 99.75 lakh. It also concluded that the shopping complex in Kollam was inherited by Abrahams two brothers and no personal funds were involved in its construction. However, the Kerala High Court, after examining the VACB's preliminary inquiry report, concluded that Abraham possessed both movable and immovable properties with substantial value, disproportionate to his known income. Given Abrahams high-profile position, the court expressed a lack of confidence in the VACB investigation and ordered a CBI probe.

Cath lab inauguration at RCC without Minister Veena George's knowledge, orders probe

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George has ordered an inquiry into an incident in which the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) Director Dr Rekha A Nair inaugurated a new cath lab facility without the ministers knowledge. The probe will be led by Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rajan Khobragade, with a report expected within a week. The incident, which unfolded on Thursday, triggered dramatic scenes at the RCC. Despite a directive from the ministers office to defer the event, Dr Rekha went ahead with the inauguration at 9.30 am instead of the scheduled time at 10.30 am. The Left employees union, which has been at odds with the director, removed the inauguration plaque bearing her name. Union members alleged that Dr Rekha was keen on placing the slab with her name before her retirement and she had hastened the event by an hour to prevent intervention by the ministers office. Later, the minister said she was unaware of the inauguration and it was unusual to conduct such informal inaugurations. The director said the facility was opened for the benefit of the patients. The director took the initiative to set up the lab at a cost of Rs 12 crore. The controversy comes at a time when a search committee has been formed to find a new director to replace Dr Rekha.

ISRO, SCTIMST ink pact on space medicine for Gaganyaan Mission

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major step to provide more thrust to strengthening Indias human spaceflight programme the Gaganyaan Mission the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate in the emerging field of space medicine. The MoU was signed by Dr Sanjay Behari, director of SCTIMST, and Ganesh Pillai, scientific secretary at Isro, in the presence of Isro chairman Dr V Narayanan. The agreement marks a significant milestone in advancing space medicine research and its applications in India. With its expertise in biomedical engineering and super-specialty healthcare, SCTIMST will work on studying health issues faced by astronauts exposed to microgravity and high-radiation environments. These include muscle loss, disrupted blood flow affecting organ function, sleep disturbances, and heightened risk of infections due to exposure to novel pathogens in space. Dr Behari highlighted that platforms like the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station would serve as hubs for cutting-edge human research and technological innovation based on national priorities. This collaboration could also spark interest among youth to pursue STEM careers, thereby driving innovation, he added. Dr Behari said SCTIMST is looking forward to a productive partnership with Isro in developing cleanroom and microgravity laboratories, co-developing biomedical devices, and adapting technologies developed for space missions for healthcare applications on Earth. The partnership will focus on areas such as human physiology, behavioural health, radiation biology, biomedical support systems, telemedicine, communication protocols, and the development of space mission medical kits.

How Kasturirangan shielded Isro from the espionage case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A longside being credited with a slew of successful space missions, including operationalisation of PSLV and GSLVs first successful test flight, former Indian Space Research Organisation chief K Kasturirangan is remembered for another achievement: The effective handling of the infamous espionage case, that, if left unchecked, would have derailed the countrys space programme. It was in 1994 that the case first broke out. Kasturirangan had then just taken over as Isro chairman. However, he managed to contain the fallout and ensured that the space agency stayed on track with its mission objectives. But, the case triggered major concerns. The situation worsened to the point where six senior scientists including A E Muthunayagam then director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) figured on the list of people likely to be arrested by state police, recalled G Madhavan Nair, who was also closely involved in the developments. The crisis was averted after a call was made to the then Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao. This helped put an end to the scandal. Had it not happened, the situation would have worsened, added Nair, who went on to succeed Kasturirangan as ISRO chief. He said Isros internal response during the period was calm and pragmatic. One of the major goals set at the time was the successful launch of the PSLV rocket. PSLV was successfully launched on October 15, 1994 with the IRS-P2 satellite. When Kasturirangan arrived to review the situation a month later, the decision was clear. We would not let the episode derail our work. That helped us maintain focus, added Nair. Goldfinger who was a hero: ISRO saw success after success with Kasturirangan at the helm

Rage, grief, understanding: The people's reactions to Pahalgam terror attack

K V Madhusudhanan K V Madhusudhanan, former IG of CRPF and head of SPGs Close Protection Team The dastardly attack is nothing short of a ruthless aggression on the collective soul of the nation. As an Indian, it is difficult to forget and forgive. Contrast the vulgarity of selectively killing people based on religion with the words of Aarathi, who witnessed her father N Ramachandran being shot dead. She praised the care she received from the Kashmiri Muslims. This shows the ulterior motive of communal divide will not work. As a person knowing geopolitical situation of the area, I understand the compulsions of short-sighted political and military leaders of Pakistan. Their economy is in doldrums, and there are internal dissensions. Public attention can be diverted only by stoking the fire of an anti-India campaign. The recent statement of the Pak army chief sounded like that of fundamentalist mulla, so unbecoming of a soldier. The ever-improving status of India in the global platform has been worrying Pakistan. So waging a low-cost war ie sponsorship of terrorism is seen as a better option by the deep state of Pakistan. Diplomatic, military and political management of the emerging situation is needed for a lasting solution. Joel Jolly Mathews Joel Jolly Mathews, college student, Thiruvananthapuram I am not just angry; I am seething. Pakistan is a terror factory. For decades, they have played the same dirty game. Enough! Its time for an iron strategy with teeth, not diplomacy with dimples. Keep poking the lion, and restraint becomes resolve. There should be consequences a retaliation that hurts. We will talk of cross-cultural ties once cross-border terror ends. Every inch of Kashmir should be under the Tricolour I am willing to bleed for it. Vishnu G Vishnu G, businessman, Kochi The attack was a clear attempt to throw Kashmir back into chaos. The place was just picking up after a series of reforms. Indias response has been fierce, especially the decision to put the Indus treaty on abeyance. Unlike before, India has the political will and the global backing. We have always stood for peace, but that should not be mistaken for being meek. Also, I believe some security lapses compounded the situation. Those need to be ironed out as well. Indu K G Indu K G, teacher, Thiruvananthapuram The picture of the wife of Navy officer Vinay Narwal is not letting me sleep. One suddenly feels something like this can happen anywhere, even in Kerala. Survivors say the attackers asked them to recite the Kalima and asked about their religion before shooting. This clearly looks like an attempt to create a conflict between Hindus and Muslims in our country. This did not start yesterday. It has been going on since Partition. Yet, Indians have always been generous and forgiving. But if this keeps happening ordinary people like me feel that a strong reply should be given. Fear should be wiped out. Lakshmi Sreekumar Lakshmi Sreekumar, HR consultant and social worker, Kochi The grief and anger are intense. We lost a brother (N Ramachandran) here in Kochi. It feels personal. If this was an October-7-Hamas-style attack, we want an Israel-type action. People trust the Modi government to give an unforgettable reply to the enemies of India as well as traitors within. The opposition should back the government, not play appeasement politics. Syed Bashaar Syed Bashaar, comedian, Hyderabad None of us sitting in comfort can even remotely process the horrors of those victims and survivors. The fear and rage we feel can only be but a fraction of whats deserving of this tragedy. But I have to say that we would be playing right into their hands if we let our attitude towards civilians change. If they killed innocents and we kill more innocents in response, we become the henchmen of our enemies. It is also upsetting to see people directing hate comments towards Muslim children, using swear words and saying they are time bombs. Naveen Kumar Pivhal Naveen Kumar Pivhal, screenplay writer, Hyderabad It breaks my heart and boils my blood. This isnt just about Kashmir. Its about the soul of this country being attacked again and again. I am angry, I am frustrated, and I am done pretending that peace can come without accountability. This isnt a conflict anymore its cold-blooded violence, and it needs to be called out. My attitude has definitely changed. I have always believed in cultural exchange, dialogue, and hope for peace but attacks like this shake that belief. Right now, I feel we need to prioritise security over cross-border friendships. Charu Chellani Charu Chellani, PR personnel, Delhi The incident has left me shaken. I had just visited Kashmir to celebrate my birthday with my parents, and was in Pahalgam just three days before the tragedy. Throughout our trip, we felt safe and warmly welcomed. Tourism remains an important lifeline for Kashmirs local families. I firmly believe Kashmiris played no part in this violence. This attack has not only struck at humanity and peace but also deeply impacted the regions beauty and fragile economy. Justice must be served for the victims. Avishek Chanda Avishek Chanda, PhD scholar, Delhi The selective targeting of the tourists is deliberately provocative. This is a moment that demands national unity. Pakistans military-jihadi complex undertakes such misadventures periodically for the fulfillment of its political agenda. There must be deterrence against such actions. However, this incident will not change my relationship with Kashmiris. There have been some instances of intimidation against some Kashmiri students. That is exactly what the terrorists want alienate Kashmir from the rest of India. We must not fall into their trap. Rishi Raja Rishi Raja, engineering graduate, Chennai I have been to Kashmir to Pahalgam. The terrorists are trying to create a divide between Hindus and Muslims in India by targeting only the Hindus. What they have done is inhumane. Its not a religious act, as no religion teaches terrorism. Uma Nair Uma Nair, art critic, Delhi What did they gain? At the end of the day, whats the difference between a Hindu and a Muslim? Can someone be blamed for being born into a faith? It is worth remembering that a terrorist, at the end of the day, is an unemployed youth. Tourism was a way to get them to join the mainstream. I feel Pakistan does not like the proximity that India shares with other countries. The economic factor is at play somewhere. Madhu Sharma Madhu Sharma, travel influencer & marketing consultant, Bengaluru Kashmir was on my bucket list. It is heaven on earth. In the past few years, tourism has boomed. I feel a anger, mistrust and frustration. I hope the Centre takes strong action to make sure Kashmir is a safe place to travel to. Anthony Davis Antony Davis, founder of VHT Now, Bengaluru I have spent about 20-25 days in Kashmir. I was supposed to go to Pahalgam this summer. I feel fortunate that I was not there during the attack. What I have realised is that a majority of Kashmiris are among the most amazing people in India. Only a few Kashmiri want to create a stir and are spurred by other outfits to cut off tourism and the livelihoods of the local people. People should continue visiting the place. Bineesh Sadasivan Bineesh Sadasivan, financial consultant, Thiruvananthapuram The scenes broke my heart. They will haunt the nation for long. Gunning innocent people down on the basis of religion is barbaric that too in the name of what many claim is a religion of love. Here, I would like to demarcate the fanatic Islamists and the average Muslim. Kashmiris who were just about experiencing the fruits of peace seem horrified by the incident. It is time for those hapless Muslims to root out terrorists for good. Thats the final solution.

Governor Arlekar stresses Pope Francis message of peace and unity

Governor leads a solemn condolence meeting at the Lourde Forane church in Thiruvananthapuram to mourn the passing of Pope Francis

Bureaucrats tell aspirants not to be harsh on themselves while preparing for Civil Services Examination

IAS officers Divya S. Iyer and Vivek K.V. speak at webinar on Cracking Civil Services the Smart Way, held as a prelude to the Civil Services Gateway 2025 event to be held at Hotel Hycinth Confluence, Thiruvananthapuram, on May 9 and 10

Special train to Thiruvananthapuram

Pilot production plant for fortified rice kernels inaugurated at CSIR-NIIST in Thiruvananthapuram

NIIST describes establishment of the facility as a major step towards combating hidden hunger and enhancing nutritional security

Brews and beverages shine at Pandhal Coffee & Brew in Thiruvananthapuram

Four-year UG program: Students allowed to change majors; transfer between colleges, universities

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUGP) introduced in universities and colleges is set to enter its second year, arrangements have been made to allow students to switch between colleges and universities and also to avail of the option of changing their major subject of study. The FYUGP structure permits student transfers and course changes at the start of the third semester (second year). Accordingly, Higher Education Minister R Bindu chaired a meeting of major state universities here on Tuesday, in which a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the purpose was adopted. For a change of major subject, colleges will publish a list of vacant seats on the first working day of the new academic year. If needed, a 10% hike in seats will be implemented. Students can change their major subject to the one already chosen as a minor or being pursued in a multidisciplinary mode. Colleges will prepare a rank list based on the marks of students who want to change their major. The process will be completed in the first five working days. For inter-college transfers, colleges will inform universities of the vacant seats after giving students the option to change their major subject. Based on the applications received from students, universities will prepare a rank list and hand it over to colleges. However, students will have to produce an affidavit that they have not faced any disciplinary action for ragging in order to avail of the inter-college transfer. Students who have passed all courses in the first two semesters will be eligible for inter-university transfers. As per the SOP, students from other states will also be eligible to seek transfer to universities in Kerala. Such applications will be vetted by the university boards of studies. If the student has obtained the prescribed credits, admissions will be carried out at the college level. As the transfer of students between colleges and universities is effective from the upcoming academic year, the need to stick to a uniform academic calendar has become all the more relevant, Bindu told reporters after the meeting. Accordingly, universities have decided to adopt a uniform academic calendar. As per the calendar, the first-year FYUGP classes are scheduled to begin on July 1. The minister added that new courses will be added by universities to the basket of minor courses. The courses will focus on skill development and employability and will complement the major course of study. Besides, comprehensive training will be provided to teachers as part of a comprehensive revision of the existing teaching-learning-examination and evaluation system.

Man found guilty of electrocuting wife for wealth; Neyyattinkara Court to announce sentence on Friday

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Neyyattinkara Additional Sessions Court will pronounce the quantum of punishment of a 33-year-old man, who was found guilty of electrocuting his wife for her wealth, on Friday. The court had on Wednesday found Arun of Athiyanoor guilty of murdering his wife Shakha Kumari at her residence near Vellarada in December 2020. Arun had married Shakha, 52, without his familys knowledge. As per the prosecution, he was enchanted by her wealth he had an eye on the 10 acres of land she owned and had purchased a car and other valuables using a portion of her money. However, after he was taunted by some of his relatives for marrying a woman almost twice his age, he became resentful and killed Shakha by smothering and electrocuting her. His intention, as per the prosecution, was to get hold of Shakhas wealth after her death. Though Arun had tried to pass off the death as natural after claiming she was found in unconscious in her residence, the autopsy report revealed Shakha was electrocuted.

Private bus operators plan strike route against long-distance permit delay

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Peeved at the transport departments inaction over long-distance permits, private bus operators are planning to go on strike. The Kerala State Bus Operators Federation (KSBOF) will take a call on the protest on Saturday. The federation has accused the transport department of stalling approvals despite the Kerala High Court overturning an earlier order that reserved the permits exclusively for KSRTC services. Its been quite some time since the HC ruled in our favour. Still, the government is dragging its feet on implementing the verdict. A decision on launching a protest will be taken at our state committee meeting on Saturday, said Hamsa Erikunnan, KSBOF general secretary. At present, 241 permits for routes over 140 km and more than 1,500 limited-stop services are pending approval. The KSRTC has not challenged the HC ruling in the Supreme Court even after receiving legal advice on March 20 to proceed with an appeal. The counsel had argued that private operators could not be granted permits beyond what is allowed under Rule 2 (oa) of the Kerala Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar had earlier said the KSRTC would file an appeal and introduce new buses along these routes. The KSRTC took control of 243 bus routes through a notification issued on May 4, 2023. However, it could manage to operate less than 25% of the services, citing delay in securing funds for new buses. The gap in service has severely affected commuters, especially in high-range regions like Idukki, where residents had staged protests demanding restoration of services. Hamsa said the KSRTCs move has harmed not only the travelling public but also the private transport sector. Only 100 buses are currently running in the above-140 km category. Around 150 operators have quit due to the prolonged legal uncertainty, he said. The long distance bus operations by private operators in Ernakulam, Idukki, Kozhikode and Kottayam have been affected by the delay in approving permits.

Rejuvenation pending, silt-choked Akkulam lake sparks flood fears in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As yet another monsoon season approaches, the silt-choked Akkulam lake continues to pose flood threat to the capital city. Despite repeated incidents, the long-pending rejuvenation of the lake a vital component of the citys stormwater drainage network remains indefinitely stalled. The lake, which has been rapidly shrinking due to silt accumulation, has lost much of its capacity to retain stormwater during heavy rain, leading to flooding across the city. Experts have cited the deteriorating state of the lake as a key reason behind the recurring urban flooding, particularly during intense rainfall. An ambitious Rs 96-crore rejuvenation project intended to revive the lake remains stuck, with the Tourism Department deciding to initiate a re-tender for its implementation. Harilal V, environment subject committee member of Kerala Sastra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP), said that the state government should take immediate measures to protect the lake, which is dwindling rapidly because of encroachment.The State Wetland Authority of India (SWAK) apart from making a proposal has not taken any effort to notify the lake to ensure its protection. A committee should be formed with various departments to protect the lake. Focusing just on tourism will not help and the rejuvenation project should be implemented with the participation of all departmentsconcerned, said Harilal V. The state cabinet approved the revised estimates of the project back in August 2022. The plan is to implement the project under Design-Build-Operate-Transfer (DBOT) model. WAPCOS Ltd has been roped in as the special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the project that aims to restore the lost glory of the lake. Initially, Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board had allotted Rs 64.13 crore for the project, but the contractor who won the bid had demanded Rs 125 crore which was reduced further to Rs 96 crore after negotiations. An official of the Tourism Department said that the contractor roped in for the implementation of the project was found to be ineligible and the meeting chaired by the chief minister decided to go for a re-tender. We have sent the proposal to the law department to check the legalities involved while going for a re-tender. They will be sending it to the cabinet again for approval, said the official. The lake has been witnessing rampant encroachment and CRZ violations. According to studies, the lake area has come down by 31.06% since 1942 and by 9.86% in the last five years. As per the resurvey carried out a few years ago, the lake is spread over 64 hectares. The detailed project report was prepared by the Translational Research and Professional Leadership Centre (TPLC) under the Government Barton Hill Engineering College.

Education departments tax-evading Christian staff query to schools sparks row in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If there are Christian employees in your school, who draw government salary but do not pay income tax, a report of the same should be submitted within two days to the office of the Deputy Director of Education. This was a strange directive that the state syllabus schools under Areacode educational sub-district in Malappuram received recently from the Assistant Educational Officer (AEO)-in charge.Confusion prevailed as panic-stricken heads of schools rang up higher officials of the department to enquire if the directive, that could create communal polarisation, was genuine. To their surprise, the communication dated April 22 was issued by senior superintendent Shahina A K who is presently holding the charge of AEO, Areacode. The letter, accessed by TNIE, cited a directive from the Deputy Director of Education (DDE), Malappuram, as the basis for the inquiry. The root of the controversial inquiry lay in a complaint filed by a Kozhikode native Abdul Kalam K to the Director of General Education (DGE) in November last year. The complaint to the internal vigilance wing of the directorate alleged that Christian employees were drawing salary from the government but were not paying income tax. According to sources, income tax exemptions granted to Catholic clergy, which were struck down by the Madras High Court in 2019 and endorsed by the Supreme Court last year, could have prompted the complaint. Soon, the internal vigilance wing shot off letters to all 14 DDEs across the state on February 13 seeking details of such employees. Most of the DDEs, in turn, passed on the directives to the AEOs under their jurisdiction. It was the DDE of Alappuzha who alerted the DGEs office about the damage potential of the query. The DGE office soon issued a letter on February 20, directing all the DDEs to put the process on hold until further directives, said a senior official of the General Education Department. However, the communication had already been passed on to AEOs by that time. When contacted, Malappuram DDE-in charge Geetha Kumari said her office as well as the Areacode AEOs office were not aware of the revised communication from the directorate to put the process on hold. Notably, while the Malappuram DDE-in charge gave the directive to all AEOs in the revenue district on March 4, the Areacode AEO-in charge, in her letter to schools, said it was based on a directive issued by the DDE on April 20. After the matter courted controversy, the government swung into action. General Education Minister V Sivankutty ordered the suspension of two officials in the directorate Manoj P K and Apsara who issued the initial directive to the DDEs on February 13. The Malappuram DDE-in charge and the Areacode AEO-in charge have also been placed under suspension pending an inquiry. Directives have also been issued to lodge a complaint with the state police chief against Abdul Kalam K who came up with a complaint that could create communal hatred, Sivankutty said. The minister also directed the General Education Secretary to inquire into the entire incident and submit a report within a week.

TN native gets death penalty in 2022 Vineetha murder case in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ruling that the 2022 Ambalamukku Vineetha murder case fell in the rarest of the rare category, the Thiruvananthapuram Additional Sessions Court on Thursday handed capital punishment to Tamil Nadu native Rajendran. The court sentenced the 40-year-old resident of Thovala in TNs Kanyakumari district to death saying he was not entitled to any leniency. The parents of Vineetha, 38, and her two minor children were present in court at the time of the sentencing. The court also fined Rajendran Rs 4 lakh and said the money should go to the children. The court had perused the various reports submitted by the district collector, police and other government agencies on Rajendrans mental condition, conduct and behaviour to arrive at the decision. It had sought the reports after the prosecution demanded capital punishment for Rajendran, arguing that Vineethas murder fell in the rarest of the rare category. Special Public Prosecutor M Salahudeen argued Rajendran was a serial killer and that three of his four victims were women. The district collectors report said Rajendran was a psychopath engaged in killing, with little chance for reformation. It also supported the prosecutions argument seeking the noose for him and said, his extermination is the only course of action to save innocent people... The report by the Thiruvananthapuram city police commissioner said Rajendran was a hardcore criminal arraigned in a triple-murder case and could not be rehabilitated. Reports by the probation officers of Thiruvananthapuram, Nagercoil and Nanguneri said Rajendran was a cold-blooded killer and posed a threat to society. And while they ruled out any psychiatric issue, mental health experts said Rajendran had Cluster B personality traits characterised by dramatic, emotional and erratic behaviour. Rajendran had sought clemency saying he had to look after his 70-year-old mother. He also said he did not commit the crime as alleged by the prosecution and hence did not have remorse. The defence counsel had urged the court to consider his age and educational qualifications Rajendran has five degrees and two PG degrees. The request was overturned. Vineetha, 38, who worked at a nursery, was killed by Rajendran on February 6, 2022. A team led by the then City Police Commissioner G Sparjan Kumar and comprising then Cantonment ACP V S Dinaraj, Peroorkada Inspector V Sajikumar and others had probed the case.

Kerala faces crisis as rehab centres for drug-addicted children struggle amid funding delays

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With substance abuse among minors emerging as a growing concern, lack of dedicated rehabilitation centres for children and adolescents are becoming a huge challenge in Kerala. There are only two government-aided centres for children in the state and both these facilities are unable to cater to the increasing number of cases being reported. These facilities are yet to get the promised grant from the government. As per the data released by the Excise Department, as part of the Vimukthi project, the number of children coming to Vimukthi centres have gone up in recent years. In 2024, around 2,880 children were treated at Vimukthi de-addiction centres. This year, as many as 588 children sought treatment as of February in Kerala. The state government decided to open two centres jointly with NGOs exclusively for children back in 2021 under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The Samrudha Care Centre for Children in Changanassery is the facility for boys and since its launch, this 25-bedded facility has treated around 260 children. T M Mathew of Samrudha Care Centre for Children said that, We are getting umpteen number of calls everyday. All beds are occupied. Many children are coming here with a history of multiple drug abuse and it takes time to recover, said T M Mathew. He said that the government owes grants to the tune of over Rs 1. 5 crore to the facility. At present, Changanassery Archdiocese and Changanassery Social Service Society are advancing the running cost. Apart from the grant received when we launched, the government hasnt released the grant, said T M Mathew. These centres offer three months of regular counselling, medication, yoga, sports, arts therapy, personality development classes and group therapy to help children regain their lives from addiction. Director Father Joseph Parecattil of Nirmal Nikedhan Mukthi Sadan, de-addiction centre for minor girls, said that they are unable to cater to the growing demand for rehabilitation among children. We are offering treatment for girls above 10 years of age. We have only 20 beds and we have treated around 360 children since its launch. Now people are more aware of drug abuse and hence the number of enquiries have gone up, said Father Joseph. He said that the government owes around `1.28 crores as grant to the institute. Meanwhile, an official of the Department of Social Justice said that the state is unable to claim the grant from the Centre owing to technical reasons. We have already taken up this matter with the Centre. In the recent meeting, we raised this issue as rehab facilities for children is becoming the need of the hour, said the official.

Nearly 82 lakh people in Kerala at high risk of tuberculosis, says health department

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state health department has mapped 81.6 lakh individuals at high risk of tuberculosis (TB) as it plans pro-active measures for early detection and treatment, as part of its aim to eliminate the disease. These individuals were surveyed from 18 vulnerable groups, including people with uncontrolled diabetes, kidney ailments, past or familial history of TB, and those living in overcrowded, socio-economically disadvantaged areas, such as tribal and coastal regions. Despite a decline in overall TB cases, the disease remains a leading cause of death in the state. According to the Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, Kerala records six TB-related deaths every day adding up to 2,123 fatalities annually. The state has intensified efforts for early detection of the disease. In 2023, over 21,500 new cases were identified by screening 5.44 lakh people. A recent 100-day campaign by the State TB Cell screened 53 lakh people and detected 5,588 cases. Health experts stress that detecting TB before symptoms appear is crucial to cutting transmission and reducing the disease burden. A patient with pulmonary TB becomes infectious once symptoms appear, particularly coughing. Unfortunately, many self-medicate or ignore symptoms, which facilitates spread. Men are more susceptible, but less likely to attend screening camps, partly due to the stigma surrounding the disease, said Dr Aparna Mohan, WHO consultant. She warns that one symptomatic TB patient can infect up to 15 others a year. AI X-ray units In a decisive step aimed at eliminating the disease, the State TB Cell is set to deploy artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled hand-held X-ray units to screen vulnerable groups. These portable, battery-operated devices provide high-resolution imaging with low-dose radiation (6mA) and can be easily set up at local health centres, halls, or community settings removing logistical barriers for hard-to-reach groups. The Central TB Division will provide two hand-held X-ray units to each district, and additional devices are being procured using CSR funds, said state TB officer Dr K K Rajaram. Annual chest X-rays will be offered free of cost, especially targeting coastal communities whose work patterns often prevent them from attending regular camps. With portable X-ray machines, we can reach them on their own terms, Dr Aparna added. If the AI analysis flags an abnormality, patients will undergo confirmatory molecular tests such as CBNAAT and TrueNAT. Those testing positive will be administered immediate treatment, in line with national guidelines. If a person is TB negative she or he may be referred to a physician to determine other cause of lung abnormality. According to the National TB Prevalence Survey, nearly 43% of cases would be missed without chest X-ray screening--underscoring the critical role of imaging in disease detection.

Training on cards for 1.7 lakh teachers to school 38 lakh students on cybersafety

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For all its advantages, cyberspace is still full of pitfalls. And frequently, it is the active but vulnerable young minds that fall victim to those. To prevent this, the police and general education departments have joined hands to train around 1.7 lakh schoolteachers across the state on cyber safety and related aspects. The idea: Use the teachers to impress upon the nearly 38 lakh students, right from lower primary to higher secondary sections, in the state the need to use the internet responsibly to avoid pitfalls like online bullying, grooming by sexual predators, cyber addiction and others. The plan, say the authorities, is to impart classes on these topics during the five-day refresher course for teachers that begins on May 13. Master trainers, who are teachers themselves, will handle the classes on cyber safety. The modules will have content that can instil basic awareness on cyber offences. The course material is being prepared in a way that allows teachers to share the information with students from lower primary to higher secondary classes, said State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) director Jayaprakash R K. There is also a plan to sensitise parents about cyber safety and allied aspects. The teachers will interact with them on the topics. The menace can be dealt with only by creating a joint front of teachers, students and parents, he said. A senior police officer who is part of the exercise said they have prepared customised 90-minute modules for the teachers. Issues such as cyber grooming, online bullying, mobile addiction and unauthorized access to private data, which are increasingly affecting students from Class 1 to Class 12 will be discussed, the cop said, adding that each module features stories inspired from real-life, interactive quiz and actionable prevention strategies, all delivered in Malayalam to ensure accessibility and retention. The modules for teachers employ emotionally-resonant storytelling, such as the tale of Rajina, a high school student manipulated into sharing personal content by a predator, to help them build empathy and alertness in students. These stories are followed by structured discussions on consequences, legal protections under the IT and the Pocso Acts, and practical steps like using privacy settings, avoiding unknown contacts and speaking up without fear. For teachers handling lower classes, the modules place emphasis on parental supervision and understanding what constitutes inappropriate contact or media. For those managing teens, the modules delve into the psychology of social media influence, unauthorised access, and the risks of digital oversharing.

RARI Thiruvananthapuram Senior Research Fellow Recruitment 2025 Walk in for 02 Posts

Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI Thiruvananthapuram) Recruitment 2025 for 02 posts of Senior Research Fellow. Candidates with BAMS Can attend the walkin.The Walk-in on 13-05-2025. For detailed information please visit RARI Thiruvananthapuram official website, ccras.nic.in.

Death sentence for TN native in Ambalamukku Vineetha murder case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Additional Sessions Court here on Thursday awarded capital punishment for the Tamil Nadu native, who was found guilty in the Ambalamukku Vineetha murder case. The court ruled that the case fell in the rarest of the rare category and hence Rajendran, a native of Thovala in Kanyakumari district, was not entitled to any leniency. As the judge pronounced its verdict, Vineetha's parents and two minor children were present in the court.The court also imposed a fine of Rs 8 lakh on Rajendran, of which half should go towards the children of the deceased. The court went by various reports it had received from government agencies on the mental condition, conduct and behaviour of the accused. The court had sought these reports after the prosecution argued that Vineethas murder fell in the rarest of the rare category and hence capital punishment should be awarded to the 40-year-old. Special prosecutor M Salahudeen argued that Rajendran is a serial killer and three out of his four victims were women. The district collectors report said Rajendran is a psychopath engaged in killing with little chance for reformation. It also supported the prosecutions argument seeking the noose for the accused and stated that, His extermination is the only course of action to save innocent people from a tragic end. The police too filed a similar report stating that Rajendran is a hardcore criminal and cannot be rehabilitated. Meanwhile, Rajendran sought clemency, citing that he has to look after his 70-year-old mother. He also said he did not commit the crime as alleged by the prosecution and hence he did not have any remorse. The defence counsel asked the court to consider the age of the accused before handing over the punishment, but the court did not pay any heed to that. The case was probed by a team led by then City Police Commissioner G Sparjan Kumar and comprising then Cantonment A C V S Dinaraj, Peroorkada Inspector V Sajikumar and others. Special public prosecutor Salahudeen, Devika Madhu, Fasna J and Chithra O S appeared for the prosecution. The court appreciated the investigating team, prosecutors and forensic team for the achievement.

Kerala Murder Verdict: Tamil Nadu Man Gets Death Penalty for 2022 Thiruvananthapuram Killing - Deccan Herald

Kerala Murder Verdict: Tamil Nadu Man Gets Death Penalty for 2022 Thiruvananthapuram Killing Deccan Herald

Seven tries, two kids, one dream: Nisa's IAS journey is peak perseverance

At 40, Nisa Unnirajan from Thiruvananthapuram defied age, disability, and daily challenges to clear the 2024 UPSC exam in her seventh attempt. A mother of two, full-time employee, and hearing-impaired, she secured a rank of 1,000 and is eligible for the IAS under the disabled category. Inspired by real-life stories and relentless in her efforts, Nisas journey, as reported by TNN, is a powerful testament to determination, late blooming, and breaking societal barriers.

From rural roots, giving politics young shoots

PALAKKAD: In the quiet, story-laden Kumbidi village, in Palakkad district, which once nurtured the legendary author M T Vasudevan Nair, a young leader is reshaping the governance and public service landscape. Sneha P, who in 2022, at the age of 22, became the youngest block panchayat member in the state, is more than just a public servant she is a symbol of generational change, proving that leadership is not bound by age but by vision and action. At an age when most are still mapping out their future, Sneha has already walked the corridors of governance representing her ward in Thrithala panchayat, and emerged as a symbol of new-age leadership. I represent a rural area, where people look forward to governing bodies for basic necessities secure homes, decent roads, accessible healthcare and job opportunities. In the two years as a peoples representative, I realised leadership isnt about grandeur; its about listening, understanding, and standing up for those without a voice, Sneha, who is currently pursuing her BEd degree in social sciences from Thiruvananthapuram, tells TNIE . Her first taste of public work was when she stepped into student politics while pursuing her bachelors degree at Sree Kerala Varma College, Thrissur. She contested and won the college election an experience that laid the foundation of her larger political journey. Then, while carrying out her studies at the Karyavattom campus, fate knocked at her door once again. A call from her party, the CPM, changed everything an invitation to contest in a block panchayat by-election. The weight of expectation was heavy. As a student, her dreams revolved around education, not electoral battles. Could she balance both? Would people trust someone so young? I was clueless, Sneha recollects. The campaign was relentless early mornings, late nights, countless meetings, and a whole community watching with curiosity. Her youth became a talking point. Some dismissed me as a child. They ridiculed me as an inexperienced kitten playing the game that grownups play, Sneha said. But the ballot box had the final say. The peoples verdict was clear: she wasnt just a contestant; she was their choice. The Left retained the seat with a record margin, and Sneha became the face of a new political dawn. But leadership isnt just about winning its about withstanding storms. Juggling governance with academics wasnt easy. There were days when an important board meeting clashed with an exam, nights when policies and textbooks competed for her attention. Yet, through it all, her party stood by her, reminding her that education was never to be sacrificed for politics it is meant to buttress it. As she navigated the challenges of being a block panchayat member, she realised a deeper truth: Politics wasnt just about roads and budgets. It was about perceptions. Society still viewed politics as a battlefield for seasoned men in white khadi, and students hesitated to step in, fearing it was a world tainted with cynicism. Sneha saw it differently. Politics, to her, was about breaking barriers, about proving that young voices deserve a place at the table. But Snehas journey didnt stop at politics. She saw another silent crisis gripping people their battle with mental health. While governments debated policies, individuals continued to suffer in silence, their struggles buried under the weight of stigma. She knew she had to act. And, she did. Sneha, along with her friends, launched a counselling centre in Thiruvananthapuram. At a time when stress, anxiety, and depression have become everyday realities, she has created a space where healing is not just a concept but a lived experience. Snehas journey is a testament to the fact that change isnt always loud. Sometimes, it begins in the quiet corners of a village, in the dreams of a young girl who refuses to accept the world as it is. A degree course in life: For Keralas youngest panchayat president, politics means service

CM Pinarayi Vijayan bats for third Left term, inaugurates new AKG Centre in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Stressing the need for a third term for the Left government, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that continuity in governance had helped bring significant developmental shifts across numerous sectors. He was speaking after inaugurating the new CPM state headquarters AKG Centre in the state capital on Wednesday. Pinarayi also pointed at the efforts towards building a new Kerala. He said the state had successfully overcome multiple crises and bring in change. People should ask how this transformation was made possible. Since 2016, there has been continuity. People can experience the changes firsthand. Thats why they reject the misleading campaigns by the Opposition, he said. He criticised the Centre for not extending adequate support to the state after the floods. Yet, the state overcame the crisis due to public support, he said. Pinarayi said the public health and education sectors have made remarkable progress since 2016. He said that at a time when there are attempts from various corners to stifle the Left, efforts should continue to strengthen the CPM and the Left front. Addressing the gathering, CPM general secretary M A Baby too underscored the possibility of a third term for the Left. Referring to the efforts towards Nava Kerala, he recalled how the study Congress organised by the party had earlier envisioned such a perspective. Presenting a vision, E M S Nampoothiripad had said that there should be attempts to build consensus on key issues concerning the states development. Even amid political and electoral contests, efforts to reach a consensus must be made. This was partially supported by Congress leader A K Antony, Baby said. CPM state secretary M V Govindan and several senior Left leaders were present at the inauguration of the new building. The nine-storey structure, with two underground floors, includes parking facilities for up to 60 vehicles.

Thiruvananthapuram Corporation to launch emergency palliative care response

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The city corporation is all set to roll out a first-of-its-kind emergency palliative care response in the state capital. In an effort to ensure inclusive healthcare for everyone , the civic body has decided to scale up its much-acclaimed palliative care programme by adding seven more palliative care units. At present, the civic body has around 13 palliative care units offering medical care for bedridden and terminally ill patients. The initiative is covering around 6,000 beneficiaries in all hundred wards. The plan is to raise the number of beneficiaries and offer better healthcare and service to the vulnerable regardless of their financial background. We have around 6,000 beneficiaries at present and there are many who are not covered under this programme, especially among the upper middle class, and most of them are depending on these private service providers for palliative care. We want our programme to be more inclusive by covering all vulnerable populations in our jurisdiction, said an official of the health wing under the city corporation. This year, the civic body has set aside Rs 1 crore for the project, which is Rs 50 lakh more compared to the previous years allocation. The emergency response team will be the main highlight of the programme. At present our units are offering a minimum of 16 visits and the services of the doctors are offered as per requirement. We are planning to form an emergency response team to attend to emergency calls, said the official. The civic body is planning for a mass media campaign to include more beneficiaries to the scheme. Beneficiaries will be included with the help of ward councillors, ASHA workers, residents associations. Our aim is to extend this service to everyone. Many well-off families land in financial crisis after the breadwinner becomes bedridden and we want our services to be equally distributed to the entire population, the official added. The project preparations are under way and the project is expected to be launched soon. More vehicles will be hired as part of the expansion plan. Palliative care nurses will also be recruited for the programme, the official added.

Textbooks of next academic year to reach schools three weeks before distribution schedule

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The entire first volume of textbooks followed by state syllabus schools are set to reach students by May 10, which is almost three weeks earlier than the distribution schedule of the previous academic year. The general education department has set an early distribution target this year despite the textbooks of classes II, IV, VI and VIII and X undergoing a thorough revision. Textbooks for Class X, that has a new syllabus this year, were distributed in schools before the end of the previous academic year. On account of this, over four lakh students, who are set to enter Class X this year, have got more time to familiarise themselves with the new books. According to the General Education Minister V Sivankutty, the General Education department has revised 443 textbook titles over the last two years. This included 238 titles of textbooks of classes I, III, V, VII and IX that were revised and distributed in the previous year and 205 titles of textbooks of Classes II, IV, VI, VIII and X that underwent revision during this year. The timely printing and distribution of textbooks has come as a shot in the arm for the General Education department, which once earned brickbats on this front, especially during the UDF governments tenure. The printing and distribution of textbooks came back on track after two years of Covid-related disruptions. A detailed analysis by TNIE of the textbook distribution schedule post the Covid pandemic has revealed that the process has picked up pace with each passing year. In 2022-23, 2.68 crore textbooks reached the students in the first week of June when the schools had re-opened. In 2023-24, the print order increased to 2.80 crore but the distribution was completed just ahead of school reopening. In the previous academic year, 3.53 crore textbooks reached students by the last week of May. For the upcoming academic year, state-owned Kerala Books and Publications Society (KBPS), that is entrusted with printing of the textbooks, has been given a print order for 3.94 crore textbooks. For textbooks that have a second volume, the distribution is scheduled to be completed before the end of the first term. For the 2024-25 academic year, procurement of printing materials was done through the state governments printing and stationary department in a timely manner. Periodic meetings were held and timelines were strictly adhered to, both in terms of indenting of textbooks and providing the print order, said an official of the General Education department. KBPS is also in charge of the distribution of textbooks. The printed textbooks are sent to 14 district hubs and from there, it is sorted and sent to over 3,000 school societies and then to the schools.

Kerala University wins patent for solar reflective spinel pigments

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The University of Kerala has been granted an Indian patent for an innovative process of preparing solar reflective spinel pigments, paving the way for its application in creating dark infra-red reflective coatings. The technology, developed by Prof S M A Shibli and his research team at the Department of Chemistry and Centre for Renewable Energy and Materials, holds significant potential for improving energy efficiency in various applications. The patent, facilitated by the Technology Incubation Programme for Startups - Technology in Medicine and Devices (TIPS-TiMeD), was filed through the University of Keralas Patent Cell at the Translational Research & Innovation Centre. The novel pigments possess unique properties, allowing them to reflect a significant portion of solar radiation while maintaining a dark appearance. This characteristic makes them ideal to use in coatings on buildings, vehicles, and other surfaces where heat absorption needs to be minimised. By reflecting solar heat, these coatings can contribute to reducing energy consumption for cooling, thereby promoting environmental sustainability.

Maala Parvathi: 'Growing public resentment against women is worrying'

Maala Parvathi has donned many roles in her life psychologist, social worker, corporate employee, TV anchor and, of course, actor. An avid reader and lover of all arts, she is known among Malayalis not just for her memorable anchoring and cinema roles, but also for her strong personality. For being outspoken, something that gets her in trouble often. In person, however, she doesnt come across as the headstrong woman one would expect her to be. She is warm, loving, sensitive and an artist who loves letting her thoughts out. Here, she opens up about an array of topics such as her entry into cinema, personal politics and faith, the complexities of the film industry, political correctness, drug abuse and more. Excerpts You studied psychology, but did anchoring on television and later entered cinema. How did you get into the space of art and acting? It was a bit of a coincidence that I ended up on television after doing my MA, getting married, and having a baby. Initially, I used to travel around as a resource person for the state AIDS cell. Thats how I landed on the popular talk show Nammal Thammil . That appearance somehow led to a surprise call to anchor a show named Ulkazhcha . That experience opened the door for me to co-anchor Suprabhatham, the first ever live morning show on Asianet, that ran from 1997 to 2000. Then I moved to another channel, where I did a similar show for four years, before taking a break to study law. Subsequently, I was approached to play Padmapriyas mother in the Suresh Gopi film Time. Suresh ettan and I go a long way back his wife Radhika was my batchmate, and my mother was their doctor. He assured me it was a quick two-day shoot, and thats how I dipped my toes into acting. Soon after, Lal Jose called me for the remake of M T Vasudevan Nairs Neelathamara . I wasnt fully happy with my performance in Time, so I joined a one-day workshop with Abhinaya theatre group to see if acting was really for me. That was a turning point. I ended up staying with the drama group until 2015. My proper acting debut was as Ellida Wangel in M G Jyothishs adaptation of Ibsens Lady from the Sea , which we performed at many international stages. I also had the incredible opportunity to act alongside the legendary thespian D Raghuthaman chettan also. In the case of cinema, its with Leela (2016) or Godha (2017) that I truly began to feel at home in front of the camera. Your role in Godha was noticeable how did you approach it? All credit goes to Basil. When I did Godha , I didnt add my own interpretations since I was still learning. Basil knew exactly what the role needed, even down to a subtle smile. I respect him a lot. Hes a great actor, trainer, and director. Working with Amal Neerad in Bheeshma Parvam was also a delight. Of all my films, Mura was the most challenging, but I really enjoyed playing Molly in Bheeshma Parvam . Maala Parvathi Psychology, social work, law, acting where do you find satisfaction as a person? Having studied psychology has been one of the biggest advantages in my life, especially for acting. It helps you understand people on a deeper level you can pick up traits from personality disorders, depression, even sociopathy, like in the character I played in Mura . It really helps you get under the skin of a role. Your choices make us curious what was your childhood like? I grew up hearing a lot of stories. My [paternal] grandfather, Velayudhan Kottukkoyikkal, was a disciple of Sree Narayana Guru and even wrote his biography. My fathers mother was a Sanskrit scholar, a woman of wisdom, always reading poetry, especially (Kumaran) Asans. I grew up hearing stories of Marthandavarma and Dharmaraja. My mother was a busy doctor, which meant I had a lot of freedom. My world was mostly outside home with my friends, and that continues to this day. I was also close to my father, who used to take me wherever he went. I have many fond memories of meeting his friends, such as Vayalar Ramavarma, S K Nair, Thoppil Bhasi and Veliyam Bhargavan. Do you think all that experience influenced you to take up social work and later, arts? Maybe, it runs in the family. One of my fathers sisters worked for All India Radio and wrote columns for newspapers. Having grown up in an environment where political conversations were normal, I am used to voicing my opinions. It is only now that some of these opinions have started biting me back (laughs). Did you have this freedom of expression while working with TV channels? Yes. Now when I look back, I dont know where we got all the courage from. There would be celebrity interviews every day for around 45 minutes. I was blessed enough to interview legends such as Madhavikutty, O N V Kurup, T Padmanabhan, Devarajan master and L Subramaniam. Interactions with such great minds can influence your personality. The nature of interviews has changed over the years, which has also attracted a lot of criticism We used to try our best not to get into controversies. We might have asked some tough questions to politicians, but with artists, we never got into their personal space. What I have noticed today is a lack of preparation. During those days, we used to study the guests thoroughly. I still remember interviewing Mohanlal during Thanmathra s shooting. We were given a 10-minute slot, but it went for over two hours as we discussed the books he read, his rapport with artist Namboothiri, Mani Ratnam, etc. You can engage Mohanlal if you have answers to his questions. Despite being surrounded by political discussions from a young age, why did you choose not to be part of active politics? I am too sensitive to be a politician. I was the chairperson of Thiruvananthapuram Womens College when SFI came to power for the first time ever in 1989. But in the same year, I had a fallout with them after people went around spreading rumours that I was in a relationship with [B] Satheeshan. It disturbed me so much that we eventually decided to get married. I am that sensitive. In your 16 years of being in the film industry, what kind of evolutions have you witnessed so far? When I first entered the cinema, it really wasnt a safe space, one had to be very cautious. But things have changed a lot now. After the actress assault case, WCC, the Hema Commission report, and media attention, there is more accountability. People cant get away with things anymore. How about the quality of films? Earlier, films focused more on literature and organic storytelling. Now I know this might sound controversial political correctness has curbed the space for sex and romance, while violent content has shot up. We have become too strict. As a psychologist, I have seen how love can completely change even the most aggressive person. With moral policing, we blur the lines between love, friendship, and violence. This can be dangerous. Do you mean to say society is more confused now? We are heading in the right direction, but theres still a long way to go. Earlier, for instance, the idea of consent barely existed. Its better now, but still far from ideal. Everything is so fragile that relationships can break over misunderstandings. Theres growing public resentment towards women, which is worrying. You hear men openly railing against women. The law supports women now. But if its not used wisely, it could create a bigger divide between men and women. It is said that you pray a lot in the caravan Yes, I do. What do you pray? I do naama japam. For the films success, or generally? No, not for the film (laughs). I chant Narayana, Narayana.... Hare Rama Hare Rama the normal nama japam. Its a habit. I do it from morning to night. From a follower of Sri Narayana Guru to being a communist... Even when I was with SFI, I was never away from prayers. I pray a lot. I have written Devi Stuti. I have sometimes woken up startled from sleep, dreaming that they do not let me into temples thinking that I am a communist. How do you tackle attacks on social media? My family supports me. My background also gives me some strength. Earlier, people used to collectively forgive small mistakes. That sense of community is fading. As for social media criticism, if I have done something wrong, I will admit and try correct it. I am human, I make mistakes. In the case of backlash after the statement on Vincy Aloshiouss allegations against Shine Tom Chacko, do you think it was best to have withheld such remarks? I was very clear with her. I told her, Why should you be afraid? This is not the old times. People are aware and alert now. The internal committees act quickly, they dont even wait for a formal complaint. Women actors should not live in fear. Thats what I said. My stance is clear: success is not something sexually transmitted. It is something that we earn with hard work. We take what we deserve. No matter who it is a director, producer, or co-actor we must respond then and there. As I said, the industry has changed. Basils set, for instance, is like heaven. Todays film industry is a much more sensitive space. And in the end, a film succeeds or fails because of its quality, not personal politics or power games. Since we discussed film sets, could you share how it was during your initial days? It was horrible. We were always scared like we could be trapped at any moment. Once, after a shoot, I was brushing my teeth when someone knocked, claiming to be an executive with a parcel. The moment I opened the door, he hugged me. I was standing there with toothpaste in my mouth, asking, Should I spit? He ran off. The next day, I didnt go back to my room and waited at the reception till night. Those days, people used to question the morality of women actors, which is not the case today. Earlier, we wouldnt get support from anyone, even the director, but now producers are alert about even unwanted calls that we might get in our rooms. I had a terrible experience while working on a Sibi Malayil film when a Tamil actor groped me during the shoot. But nobody took it seriously and the next day, some crew members even turned it into a joke. Maala Parvathi gets emotional as she talks about some her recent statements being misconstrued Do you think actors like Parvathy are being denied opportunities because they chose to raise their voices? In the last 4-5 years, she has acted in a handful of Malayalam films, hasnt she? There was that issue with the Mammootty film, which we all know, but they later acted together in Puzhu . Maybe its the case of her not giving dates. Im not sure. But I keep hearing during script narrations that certain roles are set aside for her. Its also true that WCC members are being sidelined. You had deposed before the Justice Hema committee... The three committee members were friendly and asked me to share my experiences openly. Since Im also someone who speaks frankly, I told them everything I knew and heard about the industrys shady side. Among the many things I shared was a bitter experience faced by a Tamil actress. When the SIT was formed they wanted to investigate it, which shocked me. I called the actress to inform her about it, but she was upset that I shared something that was between us and wanted her name to be out of it. But the SIT insisted on taking it forward and questioning her, which caught me in a fix. Thats when I got legal advice to approach the Supreme Court. It wasnt to derail the fight for justice. I just wanted to protect someones identity while trying to do the right thing. The problem is that I speak too honestly and dont think of the consequences. Even in Vincys case, some media outlets reported me saying that harassment should be taken as a joke. Thats so painful. Would I ever think that? About Shine, I said he should face the consequences if he has spoken inappropriately, but that part wasnt shown. Only selected clips are shared, which is scary. If someone wants to target us, they will. And I feel Ive been in the spotlight for that reason. Whats your take on the alleged drug menace in the Malayalam film industry? Theres indeed a drug problem in the industry, though its not always visible. Weve heard stories, but its never done openly, especially in front of senior actors. Issues often start in shared living spaces like flats. Ive noticed some youngsters suddenly changing, growing a beard, and developing a new attitude. You have been acting in Tamil and Telugu as well... Im getting more calls from Tamil and Telugu nowadays. I recently did Veera Dheera Sooran with Vikram, which was a beautiful experience, thanks to Arun (SU Arun Kumar) sir. Sometimes, Im labelled unfairly here as a troublemaker or a woman who speaks her mind, but once we work outside, offers start coming here as well. Do you feel books impact you more than watching a film? Yes, because when you read, your imagination takes you places. I watched Aadujeevitham and loved it. But I still remember how I felt after reading the bookit was so intense that I found it difficult to even drink water; I actually felt guilty doing so. But I stopped reading for a while. I had taken a long break after reading Francis Itty Cora that book really affected me. The rape scene in it hit me hard and I even vomited. It was so emotionally overwhelming that I couldnt bring myself to read anything else for a long time. Recently, I got back into it with Kara by Sara Joseph, which is giving me joy. Books give you a kind of experience nothing else can. That said, there are series and works like Adolescence , Schindlers List , The Shawshank Redemption , Substance , Amlie , Anora , and The Girl With a Needle all of these have left a deep impact on me. Are you choosy when it comes to selecting roles? Yes, Im hesitant to play a character who traffics children or forces them into prostitution. I was offered such a role once, and I had to say noit was just too panic-inducing for me. I think the trauma of sexually abused children is something that stays with them for life. I could play a murderer or a smuggler... but not that. Do you consider whether the character aligns with your personal beliefs or politics? For example, a regressive mother-in-law, whose actions are justified in the film... Ive actually faced this situation in a film. I played a regressive mother-in-law, and in the story, the daughter-in-law is unable to conceive. Theres a scene where my character says a dialogue about a superstitious belief on women who cant bear children, which goes unchallenged in the film. I had a long argument with the director about that dialogue. My concern wasnt about the character being regressiveI have no issue playing such rolesbut I was worried about the audience, especially women who are struggling with infertility. A dialogue like that can deeply hurt them. When such superstitious beliefs are uttered without any challenge, it reinforces them. I wanted a shot where someone criticises my comment, but it was never corrected. If a topic in a movie is not conveyed in a politically correct way, it could be hurtful or leave a scar. Do you think writers today are forced to make every character politically correct out of fear? Not every character has to be politically correct, even if the film takes that stand overall. If we try to filter every portrayal through political correctness, it can affect the craft itself. People are now rewatching films like Vandanam and questioning the portrayal of romance in them. Showing a man following a woman he loves is now viewed as glorifying stalking. Because of this shift, were seeing fewer portrayals of romance and more violence. But I feel looking at someone out of love or wanting to be near them shouldnt be called stalking. The basic human instinct to seek connection and choose a partner is being questioned today. But in Kerala, it sometimes feels like even asking someone if theyre interested is seen as wrong. Of course, if someone says no, that must be the end of it. No staring or pestering. But getting to that point does take a little time. Wanting to see someone, and feeling curiousthose are natural. We should be allowed to ask that question, and whatever the answer is, it must be respected. This divide were creating feels like moral policing. And it shouldnt be only men trying to figure out how to talk to women. Women should also share what feels right to them. Were all human and we all want to be loved. If we keep pushing people to suppress these feelings, it can lead to frustration, addiction, or even violence. Were emotional beings, not robots. Dont you think, this issue stems from how the person is approached? Take Annayum Rasoolum for instance... many feel Rasool was creepily stalking Anna. Theres an arc to how we come to like someone. You first notice them, observe their personality, their behaviour, and gradually start liking them. That arc exists for everyone. Isnt that what we read in books or see in films? So if thats somehow wrong now, then women should also tell us how it should be done. Im saying this because, during counselling, many boys have asked me, How should I talk to her? And honestly, I dont know. Are we becoming paranoid, expecting danger in every interaction? Yes, there are real threats like acid attacks, but not every situation is dangerous. In my case, I was the one who asked my husband to marry me. He denied and later, I told his sister about it. Was that stalking? I dont know. What if he thought Id throw acid on him? Coming to Annayum Rasoolum , how do you think someone like Rasool would have approached a girl? Youve to consider where hes coming from. Viewing from a politically correct lens isnt ideal for every situation. Thats why we need open conversations. We dont want drugs, addiction, or violence. Isnt love better than violence? But society seems to be moving in the wrong direction. We need to bring back love, laughter, and fun. We need more live arts, like theatre, music and festivals. Love stories should be celebrated across all art forms. Do you think were trying to become a puritan society? Exactly. We are moving to a puritan society, returning to the Victorian era. We are imposing moralistic, utopian standards for everyone. Mens situation is very difficult today and its time we pay attention to them as well. With more laws supporting women, there should be ways to ensure they are not misused. Basically, our society was not good. Its only getting better now and we should try to improve it further. Team TNIE: Vignesh Madhu, Krishna P S, Ronnie Kuriakose, Vivek Santhosh, A Sanesh (photos), Pranav V P, Harikrishna B (video)

Thiruvananthapuram to host Koottam 2025, the two-day volunteering carnival

The festival, organised by Volunteer For India collaborating with the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, will take place at Tagore Theatre

IB officers suicide: Colleague Sukanth accused of deceit, exploitation, financial abuse in police report

KOCHI: The police have uncovered significant details pointing to the involvement of Sukanth Suresh P in the events leading to the suicide of a 24-year-old Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer in Thiruvananthapuram. According to the police report submitted to the Kerala High Court, an examination of the late officers bank records revealed that, starting from October 2024, she had been transferring her entire salary to Sukanths account on the very day it was credited. Sukanth, a fellow IB officer, collected the money from her on the false promise of marriage, the police added. The police registered an FIR based on the complaint of the officers father who stated that his daughters suicide was due to the threat and compulsion imposed by Sukanth after cheating and sexually exploiting her on the false promise of marriage. The report filed by K Premkumar, Inspector, Pettah police station, Thiruvananthapuram, said that more than 20 witnesses, including the officers friends and roommates, were examined and their statements recorded. Everyone stated that she was in extreme mental agony arising out of the mental torture inflicted by Sukanth, who was in a relationship with her, the report said. The two attended training together at Jodhpur, Rajasthan, during April-May in 2024, and Sukanth was posted with the immigration department in Kochi. The woman was working at Thiruvananthapuram airport. During the period, Sukanth enticed the victim to have a physical relationship with him by deceitful means by promising to marry her, the report said. The police said that she conceived from Sukanth and the pregnancy was aborted at a hospital in Thiruvananthapuram on July 4, 2024. After she informed her parents about the relationship, they gave consent for marriage. Though she approached him several times to marry her, Sukant denied her request, after which she fell into depression. Excerpts from counter-affidavit filed by victims mother Sukanth had only an evil motive of sexually abusing her daughter, and thereafter, simply informed her that he was withdrawing from the proposal. Large amounts were also extracted from the late officer Sukanths allegation in the anticipatory bail plea that her parents objected to the proposal of marriage was an utter lie Her daughters dreams were crushed, not by fate, but by the calculated deceit of Sukanth

Kerala Government begins processing of bills in treasury queue

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The finance department has directed various government departments and local self-government institutions (LSGIs) to prioritise bills kept in treasury queue before resubmission. The bills submitted in the fag end of the just-concluded financial year were kept in the queue system due to fund shortage. Bills of LSGIs, various government departments and institutions which could not be passed in 2024-25 can be passed without revised administrative sanction. The drawing and disbursing officers should take appropriate decisions on resubmission as the bills are to be honoured from the budget allocation for the current financial year, said a circular issued by additional chief secretary (finance) A Jayathilak. It said the administrative sanction for spending from the current years budget allocation will be given after deducting the amount of the resubmitted bills. Administrative departments, their heads and sections concerned in the finance department should ensure this. Treasuries have been asked to ensure that the treasury accounts of the LSGIs and government departments have sufficient balance to honour the cheques. Bills are to be passed in accordance with their seniority in the treasury queue system. The circular warned of disciplinary action against lapses in following the guidelines in the circular. According to the finance department, treasury disbursals in March 2025 alone came to Rs 26,000 crore, the highest in recent years. LSGIs and departments were allowed to submit bills until March 26 as the last working day of the month was March 29. Plan funds for LSGIs were fully sanctioned. The state governments expenditure in the 2024-25 financial year was over Rs 1.75 lakh crore.

Dredging begins at Kerala's Muthalapozhi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The harbour engineering department on Tuesday began dredging activities to remove the accumulated sand at the harbour mouth in Muthalapozhi, Thiruvananthapuram, after several days of protest by the fisherfolk and trade unions. An indefinite protest was launched following the shutdown of the harbour due to the sand accumulation last week. Although a consensus has been reached, the fishermen have restricted dredging activities within 20m of the sandbar from the sea. As many as five panchayats in the area are under flood threat due to the formation of a sandbar in the estuary. An official from the harbour engineering department said the fishermen are adamant and have tied ribbons to restrict dredging activities and prevent the opening of the estuary. They have demanded that the sandbar not be cut open fully until the dredger arrives. We have started the work and are trying to mobilise more machinery to expedite it. The fishermen insist that the sandbar should only be cut open after the dredger arrives, said the official. The department is bringing a dredger from Azheekal via sea to Muthalapozhi to make the harbour mouth navigable for fishing boat operations.

Earth Day Marathon held from T'puram's Pulluvila to Adimalathura beach

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Over 45 young volunteers hit the Pulluvila beach on Monday evening, running all the way to Adimalathura beach, as part of the Earth Day Marathon, an initiative to promote environmental awareness and marine conservation. Organised by Ocean Students Community (OSC) in collaboration with the Change Can Change Climate Change Foundation (C5), the run was flagged off at 4.15pm by SI Anaf of Poovar Coastal police station. The event, themed Youth Run for the Planet, was a call to protect the earth and oceans. The initiative received strong support from partner organisations including Positive Change For Marine Life, Skating Team from SISP India, Adimalathura Jai Christ Library, and the NSS unit of Christ College, Vizhinjam. At the finish line in Adimalathura, runners gathered to take an Earth Day pledge to continue working for environmental sustainability. This was not just a marathon, but a message in motion, an alert to those who are still not awakened and a hug to the planet, said F Fredy, administrator and advisor of OSC. The Ocean Students Community is a youth-driven group working towards marine conservation and coastal resilience. C5 is a Kerala-based non-profit dedicated to community-led climate action.

Kerala aspirants put up stellar show in Civil Services Exam 2024

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Registering an impressive performance in the Civil Services Examination 2024, candidates from Kerala have secured up to six of the all-India top 100 ranks, of which women clinched five. Alfred Thomas, a Delhi-based Keralite who relocated to the state recently, bagged the all-India 33rd rank. Malavika G Nair (AIR 45), Nandanaa G P (47), Sonnet Jose (54), Reenu Anna Mathew (81) and Devika Priyadersini (95) were the women candidates who figured in the top 100 ranks. Alfred, who was born and brought up in Delhi, shifted to his hometown in Kottayam two years ago. After completing BTech in Mathematics and Computation from Delhi Technological University in 2018, he set his eyes on civil services. This was my fifth attempt since 2019, In 2022, I reached up to the interview round, but in vain, Alfred told TNIE. Besides self-preparation, the 29-year-old had been attending online coaching of the Kerala State Civil Services Academy. According to him, civil services was a dream right from his college days. Hard work and determination is key. But along with it, one has to pay equal attention to physical and mental well-being, and utilise time judiciously, he added. Furthermore, all five women from the state who secured ranks in the examination underwent coaching at Fortune IAS Academy in Thiruvananthapuram. Malavika of Tiruvalla, who clinched the top rank among women candidates, is a 2020 batch IRS officer. This was her sixth and last attempt at the examination, which she passed with flying colours. Her husband M Nadagopan is an IPS officer who had cleared the civil services exam earlier. Meanwhile, in her second attempt, Kottarakkara native Nandanaa was able to clear the civil services examination. After graduation from Mar Ivanios College in Thiruvananthapuram in 2022, she had taken the exam in 2023, however, failed to clear it. Sonnet of Mundakkayam in Kottayam, who graduated in Physics from Miranda House College in Delhi, also clinched the exam in her second attempt. For Reenu from Pathanapuram in Kollam, it was her fourth attempt this year. Whereas for Devika of Chathannoor in Kollam, it was her third attempt which yielded the desired results. She completed her BSMS degree in 2019 from IISER UPSC TOP RANKERS FROM STATE

Gautam death homicide, not suicide: Kerala HC in CBI probe order

KOCHI: T K Vijayakumar and Meera of Veloor were brutally murdered when the couple was seeking justice for their son Gautam, who was found dead under suspicious circumstances eight years ago. Accepting the homicide angle, the High Court had ordered a CBI investigation into Gautams death on February 19. Subsequently, the CBI launched an investigation into the case in March. While ordering a CBI probe, the High Court observed that the inquest report shows that there were serious injuries all over the body of the deceased. The postmortem report reveals two incised horizontal wounds on the front neck. The postmortem certificate further reveals that as a result of the said incision wounds, the platysma, right sternohyoid muscle, superior belly of the right omohyoid muscle,right sterno cleido mastoid muscle, and right external jugular vein were cut. The cause of death was also opined to be the injuries sustained to the neck and chest, said the court. The mahazar was prepared by the Kottayam West Police after seizing the car of the deceased, which was found 240 m away from the place where his body was found. The mahazarshows that there was blood all over the front seat as well as the rear seat of the car. A knife blade (box cutter) covered in blood was found on the rear seat of the car. All these materials suggest a strong probability of homicide and not a suicide, as found by the local police in the final report, said Justice Kauser Edappagath. In his petition before the HighCourt,Vijayakumar stated that his son, Gautam Vijayakumar, who was running a business at Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram, left his house in Thiruvathukkal, Kottayam, on June 2, 2017, around 7.15 pm. He was driving his Maruti Suzuki Brezza to meet his friend Prashob, who owned a shop at Pulimoottil Junction, Kottayam.At approximately 8.05 pm, Gautam called his mother, informing her that he was on his way back home. However, he never returned. Upon enquiring, Prashob told Gautams father that he had left the shop alone in his car around 8 pm to return home. The petition further said that Gautams body was found on June 3, 2017, lying on the railway track near Caritas Hospital. The probe was handed over to the CrimeBranch of the Kottayam West police. After the, the Crime Branch filed a final report stating that it was a case of suicide. It was concluded that the wounds were self-inflicted and the deceased had taken his own life by jumping in front of a moving train. Advocate T Asaf Ali, counsel for the parents, said that without applying mind and without conducting any investigation at all, the local police filed a final report stating that it was a case of suicide. Sons mysterious death shattered family June 3, 2017 -Vijayakumars son, Gautham Vijayakumar, is found dead near the railway tracks adjacent to Caritas Hospital, Kottayam Police concluded injuries on Gauthams body as self-inflicted and concluded that he had died by suicide 2019 - Citing dissatisfaction with the initial investigation of the local police, Vijayakumar demands a CBI probe. Vijayakumar approaches High Court seeking a CBI probe High Court rules that multiple injuries, especially on the neck, cannot be self-inflicted 2025 - The High Court says it was not a suicide, but murder, and ordered a CBI investigation March 2025 - CBI begins an investigation into Gauthams death Vijayakumar and his wife had fought for five years to obtain the court order

Material collection facility gutted in Kerala's Kattadimukku blaze

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An abandoned building at Kattadimukku in Azhoor, functioning as a material collection facility (MCF), was completely gutted in a massive fire that broke out around 11.50am on Tuesday. The building, previously used by the Chirayinkeezhu Anchuthengu Coir Mats and Mattings Cooperative Society Ltd, was leased by the Azhoor panchayat to be used as an MCF by the Haritha Karma Sena. Fire engines from Attingal, Kazhakootam and Varkala rushed to the scene and managed to bring the fire under control after a four-and-a-half-hour operation. Around 30 personnel from the three stations used nearly 25,000 litres of water to douse the flames. One of the engines had to be refilled mid-operation. An excavator was brought in to scour through the smouldering plastic waste to help clear the smoke. Fire force personnel said huge piles of plastic waste had been accumulating on the premises. The panchayat had been notified of this matter during an earlier inspection. However, the waste was not removed, and large quantities of non-recyclable plastic were reportedly left abandoned in one corner of the building. Although the fire was extinguished, thick smoke continued to rise from the debris. Officials confirmed that the entire building had been destroyed, with the estimated damage pegged at around one lakh rupees. While the exact cause of the fire remains unclear, fire officials have ruled out the possibility of a short circuit. The local ward member hinted that antisocial elements might be involved, as some people use the place to drink and smoke. It is possible that something they left behind may have triggered the fire. No casualties were reported in the incident. Station officer Akhil S B and grade station officer Sajju Kumar from the Attingal station, along with station officer Rejikumar from the Varkala station, led the operation. The Attingal station received the fire alert around noon. The mini MCF was functioning inside the old coir factory building with an area of approximately 600 square metres.

Kerala vehicle registrations rise to 7.83 lakh in 2024-25 after brief sputter

KOCHI: After a marginal decline in the previous year, Kerala posted an increase in vehicle registrations in 2024-25, with 7.83 lakh new vehicles added across the state. This, however, remained below 2022-23 numbers, when a post-Covid surge saw 7.91 lakh new registrations. The pent-up demand cooled off in 2023-24, when it came in at 7.44 lakh. The total number of registered vehicles in Kerala has now crossed 1.82 crore, reaffirming its reputation as among the most vehicle-dense states in the country, with 425 vehicles per 1,000 people. Among districts, Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode accounted for the highest number of new registrations in the last financial year. The capital district saw 32,399 new registrations, including 10,074 light-motor vehicles (LMVs) and 18,803 two-wheelers. In 2023-24, the district recorded 33,061 new cars, and 33,091 in 202223. Ernakulam registered 24,640 vehicles in 202425, slightly down from 24,932 the previous year and 25,703 in 2022-23. Kozhikode, which overtook Ernakulam in total vehicle count, registered 18,978 new vehicles, including 4,764 LMVs and 12,967 two-wheelers, compared to 19,219 and 19,242 in the two previous years. The pace of new registrations is also evident in the progression of the number series. Ernakulam crossed into the DG series by the end of March 2025, with Thiruvananthapuram in the DF series. Each series corresponds to 9,999 registrations. Transport Commissioner Nagaraju Chakilam attributed the increase to a shift in transport preferences and improving road infrastructure. He said the rise in vehicle ownership is linked to growing purchasing power in the state and a marked shift from public to personal transport, particularly after the Covid pandemic. People are increasingly opting for personal vehicles due to convenience, and the improved road network between towns, he said. D Dhanuraj, chairman of the Centre for Public Policy Research, a Kochi-based think tank, pointed to localised factors influencing vehicle purchases. He noted that in Thiruvananthapuram, land acquisition for major development projects resulted in lump-sum compensation, a portion of which was used to buy vehicles. One concern behind the rising vehicle numbers, especially in Thiruvananthapuram, is the inefficiency of the public transport system. With many people finding it unreliable or insufficient, they are turning to private options, he said. Experts also attribute the rise to increased adoption of electric vehicles. Nationally, Kerala remains one of the most motorised states. While Uttar Pradesh leads in total vehicle numbers with over 5.07 crore registered vehicles, followed by Maharashtra (3.96 crore), Keralas per capita vehicle density is significantly higher. Only Chandigarh (702 vehicles per 1,000 people), Puducherry (521), and Goa (476) exceed Keralas density, according to data with the ministry of road transport and highways. With vehicle numbers continuing to rise steadily, urban planners and transport experts are calling for strengthened public-transport systems and better traffic management to balance the growing pressure on the states roads. Rapid pace Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode accounted for the highest number of new registrations in the last financial year The pace of new registrations is also evident in the progression of the number series

Asked To Pay Customs Duty, Kerala Woman Throws Away 15 Pounds Of Gold Jewellery At The Airport

A woman from Kollam caused chaos at Thiruvananthapuram Airport by refusing to pay customs duty on 120g of gold, claiming it was her personal property.

Kerala PSC issues highest number of advice memos in the country

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Public Service Commission has issued the highest number ofadvice memos in the country between January and June 2024, a newsletter from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) said. The Kerala PSC had issued 18,051 memos, and the total number of memos issued by all other state commissions stood at 30,987. According to the newsletter, the number of appointments made by the Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat government were 753 and 611, respectively. Of the appointments made by the Kerala Government, 1442 persons from the Scheduled Castes made it to the Group A category. 843 candidates from the Scheduled Tribes, 5959 from Other Backward Castes (OBC), and 9807 from the general category were also appointed. However, appointments were not made to the Group B and C categories. The state government had made 1.61 lakh appointments during 2016-21 and 1.11 lakh appointments during 2021-25. According to a booklet brought out by the Kerala Government to mark its fourth anniversary, Kerala makes the maximum appointments through the PSC. It also said that 66 per cent of the total government appointments in the country were made in Kerala.

Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai lead Indias Mid-Market GCC growth

Interestingly, tier-ii locations such as Ahmedabad, Coimbatore and Thiruvananthapuram are emerging as a lucrative option for early-stage mid-market GCCs

Amid negotiation talks, Muthalapozhi fishers call off protest

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The indefinite protest launched by fishermen at Muthalapozhi was called off on Monday after negotiations talks with the Harbour Engineering Department. Muthalapozhi has been witnessing multiple protests by fishermen, trade unions and other allied workers for the past many days after the harbour mouth was closed following accumulation of sand bringing all fishing activities to a grinding halt. The negotiation talk held at the protest venue by the Harbour department authorities had decided to cut open the sandbar with 13-metre width and a depth of 3 metres to ensure operations of fishing vessels during monsoon. The Harbour department is bringing a dredger from Azheekal to carry out dredging activities and ensure the removal of the accumulated sand by May 15. Sajeev Salahudheen, vice chairman of the Muthalapozhi Avakasa Samithi said that the authorities and the operators roped in for removing the sandbar have held discussions. We called off the protest after they promised to break the sandbar with sufficient width and depth so that fishing activities can be resumed, he said. An official of the Harbour Engineering Department said that the dredging activities will resume on Tuesday. The discussion was fruitful and the fishermen spoke with the dredger operator also. Following this, they agreed to withdraw the protest and allow the resumption of dredging activities at the harbour mouth. The dredger is being brought via sea and it has reached Kozhikode. If the weather is favourable it will reach by Friday, said the official. The department has mobilised more machinery to expedite the work and as per the current plan, the 10-hour working schedule will be increased to 20 hours. We aim to complete the work by May 15, said the official.

National Herald case is Congress's own battle, political vendetta: AICC gen secretary Deepa Dasmunsi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The National Herald case against the Gandhi family is Congress own battle against the BJP-led Uinion government, AICC general secretary Deepa Dasmunsi said on Monday. The response followed questions why other opposition parties were not supporting the Congress in the case. The case against Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and her husband Robert Vadra is political vendetta. The Union government is focusing on names, she said during a press conference at Indira Bhavan. On why the Congress was adopting a different stance on investigation by central agencies against other opposition leaders by supporting the same, Dasmunsi said each case should be considered on merit. That is our stand. The case against the daughter of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is a state issue. When the Enforcement Directorate investigated a case against Mamata Banerjee, the CPM and Congress adopted a different position, she said. Declaring that the Congress will organise rallies in all states in protest against the Union governments decision, Dasmunsi said, Whenever there are protests against the government, they start to abuse the Gandhi family. There is no question of money laundering in the National Herald case. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan alleged that the central agencies were keen on not disturbing the CM and the LDF government.

Kudumbashree farmers to go hi-tech with K-TAP

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Around 4.3 lakh women farmers part of Kudumbashree farmer groups in the state are set to embrace modern farming technologies thanks to the Kudumbashree Technology Advancement Programme (K-TAP). The initiative aims to provide better employment opportunities to women by using innovative technologies in agriculture and allied sectors. The programme will also help improve production, value-added product manufacturing, processing and marketing, and achieving progress in all areas of agriculture. For this, a centralised technology repository, with over 180 new technologies, has been prepared in collaboration with renowned agricultural technology research institutes in the country. This is the first time that Kudumbashree has acquired so many technologies for modernisation of the agricultural sector and empowerment of women farmers. The new project will change the face of agricultural activities currently being implemented through Kudumbashree, said an official. Currently, around 4.3 lakh women are cultivating rice, banana, various vegetables and fruits in 92,442 farmer groups under the Kudumbashree across the state. In addition, producer groups, agricultural enterprises, farmer producer companies and integrated farming clusters are also functioning. Kudumbashree will provide assistance to those working in the agricultural sector to strengthen their livelihood activities through the new technology bank. Entrepreneurs currently doing good agriculture and related businesses have been identified for the same. They will be trained in collaboration with leading agricultural research and technology institutions in the country, paving the way for them to increase their income. A big leap is also expected in areas such as processing of agricultural products, value addition of small grains, coconut products, and eco-friendly packaging. Technology will also be used to innovate organic production methods, smart farming, packing, branding, and licensing. This will enhance expansion of existing enterprises and increase in income. The project also includes a plan to overcome all the limitations currently faced in product marketing.

Kerala's deepening drug crisis

Kerala is on edge. The rise in incidents of drug abuse and related crimes has become a state issue, sparking discussions, debates and calls for action. Yet, there remains a general lack of clarity on the laws that are aimed at curbing the menace that is sparing none, be it celebrities, other professionals and, more worryingly, the youth of Kerala. The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act deals with all drug-related offences and imposes stringent penalties and punishments on those caught on its wrong side. All aspects, including drug production, manufacture, possession, sale and purchase are treated as serious offences and dealt with strictly. The severity of the punishment varies depending on the nature of the offence, and in most cases, is determined based on the quantity of the contraband seized. The quantity is classified as small, intermediate and commercial, the latter attracting the heaviest of penalties and strictest of punishments. Thats not all. Under the NDPS Act, abetment, criminal conspiracy or even an attempt to commit a drug-related offence carries the same punishment as the offence itself. Every step right from receiving information about the contraband to inspection, seizure, arrest, and eventual punishment after trial, is meticulously laid out in theNDPSAct. If a respective officer strictly follows procedure, the accused is bound to face the full force of the law, says advocate Sekhar G Thampi. Even preparing to commit an offence attracts half of the total quantum of punishment, he explains. For repeat offenders in cases involving the seizure of commercial quantity drugs, the penalty can go up to one-and-a-half times the standard or even capital punishment, explains Suresh M F, assistant excise commissioner of Ernakulam. In small quantity cases, says Thiruvananthapuram rural district police chief K S Sudarsan, the accused is often slapped with a fine. In many instances, bail can be granted at the police station itself. In a majority of such cases, we ensure the accused signs a bond pledging not to repeat the offence, he says. For a previously convicted individual found involved in a narcotic offence again, the consequences are worse. The action taken includes cancellation of bail, the invoking of the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act, imprisonment without trial, seizure of property, and other stringent steps, Sudarsan says. In most cases, the origin could be a tip-off, often anonymous or intelligence inputs. We then track and apprehend suspects and seize the drugs. The seized material is sealed in the presence of a gazetted officer, explains S Syamsundar, inspector general of police (South Zone). The record of the seizure or mahazar is prepared and a case is registered based on the quantity of drugs involved. The suspect is arrested and produced before the court. The samples are sent for testing, and the trial proceeds based on the findings and charges, he adds. Story in numbers Kerala recorded 27,701 NDPS cases in 2024, three times the number of cases recorded in Punjab (9,025), which is considered the hub of drug trade and drug abuse in India. Also, as per reports, Kerala has the highest rate of drug-related cases in India in 2024 78 cases per lakh people. Punjabs is 30. The state also registered 87,101 drug-related cases in the past four years. This is a 130 per cent hike compared to the previous four-year period. The numbers certainly paint a bleak picture. Highest conviction rate At the same time, conviction is drug offences is much higher in Kerala than in other states, IG Syamsundar says. Proving the effectiveness of the coordinated efforts between Kerala police and the excise department, conviction rate of NDPS cases in Kerala is high when it comes to commercial quantity drug cases. Excise Minister M B Rajesh echoed similar sentiments in the Kerala Assembly. According to him, the state had a 98.34% conviction rate in 2023 and a 96.5% conviction rate in 2024, well above the national average of 75%. Despite the high conviction rate, certain loopholes and grey areas exist in the Act, which is often exploited by traffickers and users. A top police source, speaking on condition of anonymity, says, One of the main reasons for the rise in repeat offenders is the lack of enhanced penalties. In many cases, individuals get caught with intermediate quantities and even those with prior convictions receive similar punishments. There is a pressing need to strengthen the law by increasing the minimum imprisonment for such offences to at least three to five years. He adds that only stricter punishments and robust enforcement can instil real fear in those inclined towards drug abuse or trafficking. Is the punishment adequate? This sharp rise in drug abuse and trafficking, particularly involving minors and repeat offenders, raises a critical question: Are the current punishments and fines under theNDPSAct sufficient to deter individuals from engaging in drug-related activities? One of the key setbacks is the lack of dedicated and special courts to handleNDPScases, says V Ashish, superintendent in charge of Ernakulam district jail. Due to this, trials are delayed and accused individuals are held in custody for extended periods. However, as per the law, an individual cannot be imprisoned indefinitely without trial or sentencing, which results in bail being granted, he adds. According to him, nearly all jails in Kerala are overcrowded, and a significant portion of the inmates are those charged under theNDPSAct. Among them, those involved in cases of small or intermediate quantities of narcotics often secure bail and are released. Under theNDPSAct, Adv Sekhar adds, the chargesheet must be filed within 180 days. If the law-enforcing bodies fail to do so, the accused walks out of jail. In around 99 per cent of cases, the chargesheet is submitted within 90 days, but exceptions do occur, he adds. He also points out that detaining an accused for more than 10 months without trial or conviction is considered a violation of the law. Because bail is the rule and jail is an exception. However, repeated offenders do not usually benefit from this leniency, he adds. While Kerala boasts of such high conviction rates, drug abuse in society seems to be only increasing. Most young people dont seem to fear the consequences, and many of them believe these charges arent serious, says M V Nishad, Kerala Police Officers Association (KPOA) Ernakulam district secretary. For example, if someone is caught with a small quantity of narcotics, they often get released on station bail. When others see this, they get the impression that drug cases arent a big deal, Nishad explains. He adds that there is a growing reluctance among the public to report the details of drug abusers in their neighbourhoods. Theres fear that revealing such information might endanger their life if their identities are leaked. This needs to change. Every individual in the community should stand with law enforcement and excise officials in combating the drug menace, he says. For that, he says, there should be more community-based movements. From Kudumbashree units to every individual at the ward level, everyone must be actively involved in raising awareness and participating in efforts to curb drug abuse, without fear, he says. What about the children The rising involvement of children, especially minors, as both users and carriers of narcotics is an alarming trend. Minors benefit from provisions that focus on reform in the law. K V Manoj Kumar, the chairperson of the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, says, In many of these cases, only a small percentage of the children are actual instigators; the rest are often dragged into it due to peer pressure. Adding to this, Aju R V, the superintendent of the Borstal School in Ernakulam, highlights a rising trend in drug-related offences among adolescents aged 18 to 21. Among our inmates, approximately 20 to 30 per cent are facingNDPScharges. There are also more repeat offenders. While some are the primary accused, a significant number are facing punishments for playing supportive roles in narcotic activities, he explains. Rather than being subjected to harsh punishments, offenders should be thoroughly reformed through counselling and medication, Manoj adds. Harsh punishments wont lead to a change. Just like the quality of ink defines the clarity of writing, counselling and treatment will shape the future of these children, he says.

RSS conducts arms training camp at Christian college campus in Kerala

An arms training camp by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at Mar Ivanios College Ground in Keralas capital city, Thiruvananthapuram, has sparked protests amongst the student community, who raised questions at the management on what grounds it was permitted. The training is part of the RSS Officers Training Camp, which is scheduled for May 2. 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 .

Mata Amritanandamayi pays tribute to Pope Francis

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi has expressed sorrow at the passing of Pope Francis, remembering him as a global symbol of compassion, unity and service. In a statement released after the Popes death on Monday, Amritanandamayi said his life reflected the values of courage, humility, and universal love. He lit the path for many and stood for unity in a divided world, said Amritanandamayi. Amritanandamayi also recalled her visit to the Vatican in 2014, where she met Pope Francis to sign a joint declaration against modern slavery, including human trafficking and forced labour. She described the meeting as heartfelt and inspiring. I cherish that moment and our meeting, where he welcomed me with open arms. His modesty and warmth touched my heart profoundly. I witnessed a soul fervently committed to uniting in those precious moments, a leader who embraced humanity as one family, noted Amritanandamayi. Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church since 2013, was widely respected for his efforts to address global issues such as poverty, inequality, and migration. His message often focused on compassion and inclusiveness. Even as we mourn his passing, we must also celebrate his life and carry forward his legacy, added Amritanandamayi. The Popes death has drawn tributes from across the world, with many leaders honouring his impact on society and his role as a unifying spiritual voice.

Man dies by suicide after setting house on fire in Kerala's Eroor

KOLLAM: A 52-year-old man died by suicide after setting his house on fire in Eroor village on Sunday night. The deceased has been identified as Vinod, a resident of the area. According to police, the incident occurred on Sunday night following a quarrel with his wife and daughter-in-law. Vinod allegedly opened the gas cylinder and ignited it, causing a fire and a subsequent explosion that completely destroyed the house. After setting the fire, he reportedly went to his bedroom and hanged himself from the ceiling fan. Though relatives alerted the police, Vinod had already set the house ablaze by the time officers arrived. A fire and rescue team from Punalur later reached the spot and extinguished the blaze. Police said Vinod frequently came home under the influence of alcohol and would often engage in arguments with family members. On the day of the incident, a similar quarrel reportedly preceded the tragedy. The body has been shifted to the Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, for postmortem examination.

NHM Thiruvananthapuram Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online for 12 DEO cum Accountant, Assistant and More Posts

The National Health Mission Thiruvananthapuram (NHM Thiruvananthapuram) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 12 DEO cum Accountant, Assistant and More posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official NHM Thiruvananthapuram website. The last date to submit the application form is 28-04-2025.

Railway infrastructure contract works eligible for 12 per cent concessional GST rate

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court has held that contracts awarded by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) for railway infrastructure development works are eligible for the concessional rate of 12% GST. Justice Mohammed Shaffiq passed the order recently on the petitions filed by a joint venture between Stroytech Service LLC, Russia, and KEC International Limited, challenging the orders of state tax officer imposing 18% GST on the contracts awarded by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited for the track doubling works between Vanchi Maniyachchi and Nagercoil. The work included construction of roadbed, minor bridges, platforms, buildings, water and effluent treatment facilities, wagon or coaching maintenance infrastructure, supply of ballast, installation of tracks and other electrical, signalling and telecommunication infrastructure in Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram divisions of Southern Railway. The petitioner claimed that as per central government notifications, supply of works such as construction, erection, commissioning or installation, pertaining to railways, including mono rail and metro rail, is liable to be taxed at 12%. However, tax authorities refused to provide the concession on the ground that RVNL is not directly under the control of Indian Railways and hence the GST rate of 18%. Hearing both sides, Justice Shaffiq observed that the functions of RVNL and Indian Railways are inseparable and both work in tandem to develop rail transport infrastructure. The judge also rejected the stand of authorities that the definition of railway under Indian Railways Act, 1989, is limited to Indian Railways alone.

Prime accused in multiple crimes, arrested in Ooty by Kadinamkulam police

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kadinamkulam police on Sunday arrested Bibin alias Kannan, 26, a prime accused in multiple criminal and narcotics cases, from Ooty. A native of Kadinamkulam, Bibin had been evading arrest for the past two months and was working at a hotel in Ooty at the time of capture. According to police, the arrest was based on a tip-off received recently regarding his location. The charges against him include a brutal assault on a group of youngsters on February 25, an incident that became the basis of a major investigation. Kannan had reportedly fallen from his bike while being followed by the group and, driven by vengeance, he later conspired with his associates to abduct and violently assault them at various locations in Chirayinkeezhu and Kadinamkulam. The group also allegedly attempted to kill the victims. Kannan is the main accused among a group of seven involved in the case. Police had earlier arrested several others, including his wife, Madonna. The Kadinamkulam police confirmed that three more accused are yet to be apprehended. The police added that Bibin faces nearly 15 criminal cases, including charges of attempted murder and drug trafficking. He is believed to be a major player in the drug mafia operating in southern Kerala. Cases have been registered against him at the Kadinamkulam, Mananchery, Poonthura, and Poojappura police stations, as well as the Pathanapuram and Chathannoor Excise Stations. The operation was executed under the directive of Thiruvananthapuram Rural SP K S Sudarshan. The arrest team was led by Attingal DySP Manjulal and Varkala DySP Gopakumar, with Kadinamkulam Inspector Saju V, SI Anoop, and CPOs Suresh, Aneesh, and Deepak forming the team.

Karamana riverfront development project nearing completion in Thiruvananthapuram with tourist attractions

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Rs 17.6-crore project to develop the banks of the Karamana river at Azheekal and transform it into a major tourist attraction is nearing completion in the capital. A slew of attractions for recreation and relaxation have been introduced at the location as part of the project, implemented jointly by the Smart City Thiruvananthapuram and the Irrigation Department. On Saturday, local MLA and Education Minister V Sivankutty visited the site to assess the project which is in its final phase of its completion. The project includes a 2 km-long renovated riverside walkway along the banks of the Karamana river. It features ground-level pedestrian paths, dedicated cycle tracks, and comprehensive parking facilities that can accommodate up to 80 cars and 100 two-wheelers. Other features of the development project include an open gym, beautifully landscaped parks, seating areas, ornamental plantings, and recreational infrastructure. Besides this an open-theatre is also coming up at the location to host cultural programmes and community events. Two boat landing centres have been set up at the location for boating activities. Balconies with rail shelter, selfie spots, yoga space, fishing points and gathering areas are also there to woo the tourists. Sivankutty, in a press release issued here, said that the project will not only boost tourism but also offer the local population an escape from their busy life. He said that the project stands as a testament to the governments commitment to sustainable urban development and environmental conservation. The ongoing work includes interlocking of the walkway, strengthening of the bund, installation of CCTV cameras and public restrooms. A cafeteria is also being set up as part of the project. In addition to the ongoing development activities, the authorities are planning to construct a suspension bridge across the Karamana river. The Kerala Electrical and Allied Engineering Company (KEL) has been tasked with the project. Other features The riverside walkway will feature ground-level pedestrian paths, dedicated cycle tracks, and comprehensive parking facilities that can accommodate up to 80 cars and 100 two-wheelers. Other features include open gym, parks, seating areas etc.

Private medical colleges in Kerala struggle to fill non-clinical PG seats despite incentives

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite offering attractive incentives such as fee waivers and scholarships, private medical colleges in the state are facing challenges in filling non-clinical PG medical seats due to low demand. As many as 28 seats in MD non-clinical subjects like pharmacology, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, and anatomy remain vacant, even though admissions for the 2024 academic year have concluded, according to a response to an RTI query. Young doctors attribute the lack of interest in these courses to limited job prospects and poor return on investment. The postgraduate medical entrance exam remains highly competitive, with fewer than 900 seats available for all PG courses (excluding in-service, minority, and NRI-quota seats). Aspiring doctors must secure a rank within the top 2,500 to qualify for the most popular clinical courses, which have fees upward of Rs 17 lakh per year. Non-clinical PG courses, on the other hand, charge Rs 9 to Rs 10 lakh per year for the three-year programme. However, a representative from a private college, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that many colleges resort to aggressive marketing and offer fee waivers or scholarships to attract students. Dr Ashik Basheer, state president of the General Practitioners Association (GPA), noted that private colleges typically fill non-clinical seats by canvassing aggressively. To secure a spot in a clinical PG course, one needs a NEET rank within the top 15,000. For non-clinical courses, however, simply qualifying for NEET is enough. These colleges often push offers of scholarships or fee waivers to fill seats, he said. Despite these attractive offers, many students hesitate to pursue these courses, as they dont see much in terms of career prospects. On the other hand, colleges need non-clinical PGs to serve as tutors for MBBS students, he added. Kulathoor Jaisingh, a lawyer who filed the RTI request, raised concerns about the growing shortage of doctors in relation to the increasing number of patients. The authorities need to do more to increase the number of clinical PG seats each year, he said. In contrast, government medical colleges have successfully filled their non-clinical course seats, with many doctors attributing this to the greater exposure and prestige associated with studying in a government institution. Employability is the key reason students shy away from non-clinical subjects. However, some still opt for these courses out of genuine interest and the better working conditions they offer. What we really need is an increase in seats for clinical courses, said Dr Althaf A, an epidemiologist and professor at the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kerala excise recommends transferring hybrid ganja case to central agencies over international links

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The excise team probing the seizure of hybrid ganja worth Rs 2 crore from Alappuzha has filed its preliminary report recommending transfer of the case to central agencies as multiple angles some of them remaining out of excise departments purview have popped up during investigation. The preliminary report, which a source said was filed on Wednesday before the excise top guns, revealed that the case has wider ramifications, as the main culprits were connected to rackets involved in gold, sex, and drug trafficking. There has been mention of several financial transactions running into millions of rupees in the report. The accused have an international connection also and hence it will be prudent to handover further probe to an agency that has the means and authority to probe various elements involved in the case, said an excise source. Tasleema Sultana, alias Cristina, and a male accomplice were arrested on April 2 after they were found possessing 3 kg of hybrid ganja -- a substance more expensive than synthetic drugs such as MDMA. Her husband, Sultan Akbar Ali, was arrested a week later after it was discovered that he was actively involved in the operation. The extent of the couples links to criminal cartels became apparent after Sultan, a native of Tamil Nadu, was apprehended. It was revealed that, posing as a dealer of electronic gadgets, he frequently travelled to countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, where he used his connections with gold and drug traffickers to carry out illegal activities. Sources indicated that he had also been involved in gold smuggling, and that some of his visits to Malaysia were intended to procure hybrid ganja sourced from Thailand. To mask his travel history, Sultan reportedly obtained duplicate passports three times by falsely claiming his previous ones had been lost. He was found to have travelled to Malaysia seven times, and on at least two occasions, returned using either a short-term passport or an emergency certificate, the sources had said. The case had evoked wide interest as Tasleema had connections with film industry. She had reportedly told the sleuths during interrogation that she had supplied drugs to some of Malayalam movie stars.

BJP leaders reach out to Christian community on Easter; discuss Munambam land dispute

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid the waqf land row in Kochis Munambam and the residents apprehensions whether the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 would resolve their woes or not, top Kerala BJP leaders conducted Christian community outreach on Easter Sunday by visiting churches and meeting prominent leaders of the community across the state. While BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar called on Cardinal George Alencherry in Thiruvananthapuram, Union Minister Suresh Gopi met Thrissur Archbishop Andrews Thazhath and later Jacobite Syrian Orthodox Church head Baselios Joseph I in Kochi. The BJPs Easter outreach, a practice the party is following meticulously for the past couple of years, assumes significance this time in the wake of the criticism surrounding Union Minister Kiren Rijijus statement last week that the 2025 Act might not directly address the Munambam land dispute. The partys renewed efforts appear aimed at mending fences and strengthening ties with the Christian community. During his meeting with Alencherry at Lourde Forane Church in Palayam in the state capital, Chandrasekhar, accompanied by senior BJP district leaders, conveyed Easter greetings and belated birthday wishes to the cardinal. He also expressed hope that the Waqf (Amendment) Act would help resolve the long-pending Munambam land dispute, and backed Rijijus remarks that the amended Act provides a legal pathway for resolution by enabling parties to approach the Supreme Court. His (Rijijus) remarks were well-intentioned, and I believe the Munambam issue will be resolved once the Act is implemented following the Supreme Courts ruling, Chandrasekhar said. He also pointed fingers at parties in Kerala for failing to address the issue in the past. Speaking to mediapersons later, Cardinal Alencherry described the meeting as informal. He said the Union and state governments appeared keen on resolving the Munambam issue, and added, They say people will benefit once the practical aspects of the law are implemented. Suresh Gopi attends special Easter prayers Suresh Gopi attended special Easter prayers at churches in Thrissur. He participated in the Holy Mass at Ollur Mary Matha Church and Puthanpally Mary Matha Catholic Church. He also met Archbishop Andrews Thazhath at Bishops House and Baselios Joseph I at his residence in Mulanthuruthy, where the Munambam issue was also discussed. The BJPs state leadership had directed party workers to join the Christian community for Easter celebrations. In previous years, BJP leaders from the booth-level up would visit homes of members of the community and convey Easter wishes under the banner of Sneha Yathra, which used to begin 10 days before Easter.

ADGP Ajith Kumar recommended for Presidents honour despite pending controversies

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: ADGP M R Ajith Kumar, who has been embroiled in various controversies of late, has been recommended for the Presidents Medal for Distinguished Service. The recommendation comes at a time when Ajiths name figures among the six officers being considered for the state police chief post. State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb forwarded the recommendation to the state government, which will send it to the Centre. Though the government had recommended Ajith for the honour five times in the past, the Centre had not approved the same in the wake of alleged adverse Intelligence Bureau observations against him. Ajiths private meetings with RSS leaders in the past had raised eyebrows. It was alleged he had met them to get his name cleared for the Medal for Distinguished Service. Sources said there was nothing unusual in the DGP recommending the officers name as, by convention, the vetting of the list of IPS officers in the state-level is done by a committee chaired by the chief secretary. Ajith was caught in the eye of the storm after former Nilambur MLA P V Anvar raised a slew of allegations against him, ranging from amassing of disproportionate wealth to gold smuggling links. The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau had recently filed a report favouring Ajith, saying there was no evidence to corroborate the allegations against him. Despite being shunted out of the Law and Order portfolio he had handled, the state government has been firmly backing Ajith as was evident from the cabinet approving his elevation to the DGP rank, which is due by August. Request for nod to take action against ADGP on hold The government has also been seen as being benevolent towards Ajith as it has refused to take a stand on the complaint filed by Intelligence ADGP P Vijayan seeking action against the officer for connecting his name to gold smuggling. Vijayans request for government nod to initiate civil and criminal proceedings against Ajith has also been lying in cold storage and with only months to go for the promotion, its unlikely the government will take an action against the officer, whom many deem a confidante of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Sources said the state police chief vets the list of officers of the state service for the Presidents Award and the list of the IPS officers are vetted by a special committee. Ajith is a recipient of the Presidents Medal for Meritorious Service. The Medal for Distinguished Service is awarded for long and distinguished service to individuals who have served at least 21 years in police service. Several officers junior to Ajith have received the honour.

BJP leaders reach out to churches on Easter; Rajeev Chandrasekhar discusses Waqf, Munambam issue

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: On Easter Day, BJP leaders engaged in community outreach by visiting Christian churches. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the state BJP president, visited Cardinal George Alencherry at the Lourde Forane Church in Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram. During his visit, Chandrasekhar expressed optimism that the Waqf (Amendment) Act would help resolve the Munambam issue. Lets wait and see who resolves the Munambam issue, he remarked, blaming the states ruling political parties for their failure to address it. He also defended Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijijus statement, suggesting that the issue could be resolved through legal means, as the amended Act provides an opportunity to approach the Supreme Court. Union Minister Rijijus remarks were well-intentioned. I believe the Munambam issue will be resolved with the implementation of the Act once it comes out of the Supreme Court, he added. However, Cardinal Alencherry later clarified to the media that the meeting was informal. Chandrasekhar was accompanied by BJP district leaders, including S. Suresh. Meanwhile, Union Minister Suresh Gopi attended special Easter prayers at churches in Thrissur. He participated in the Mass at Ollur Mary Matha Church and Puthanpally Mary Matha Catholic Church. He also visited Archbishop Andrews Thazhath at the Bishops House.

BJP Kerala chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar says Waqf Act implementation will resolve Munambam issue

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 20: Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday reiterated that the implementation of the Waqf (Amendment) Act would pave the way for resolving the Munambam issue. Addressing reporters after visiting Cardinal Mar George Alencherry, here, Chandrasekhar said, Lets wait and see who resolves the Munambam issue, he said. I believe that once the Waqf (Amendment) Act is implemented, a solution to the Munambam issue will also emerge, he said. What have Keralas ruling and opposition parties done over [] The post BJP Kerala chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar says Waqf Act implementation will resolve Munambam issue appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Mother booked for scalding daughters in Thiruvananthapuram's Kilimanoor

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Police have registered a case against a woman who allegedly scalded her two daughters using a heated ladle. The incident came to light after school authorities filed a complaint. The children, aged eight and six, suffered burn injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment. Police said no arrest would be made at this point. According to police sources, the mother reportedly confessed that she heated the ladle to scare the children because she was unable to tolerate their mischief. She said the situation got out of hand when she heated the ladle and accidentally caused burn injuries. The father had taken photos of the burn injuries and shared them with the one of girls class teachers. Following this, the school officials alerted the police. The police immediately intervened and took the children to a hospital for preliminary treatment. The incident happened at their rented house near Kilimanoor Government HSS, where the family currently resides. The mother was called in for questioning at the police station on Saturday. She was later allowed to return home but remains under police watch. Child welfare officials have been informed and further steps will be taken to ensure the safety of the children.

20 people in hospital after having shawarma from eatery in Thiruvananathapura's Manacaud

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At least 20 people have been hospitalised with food poisoning after eating shawarma from a restaurant Istanbul Grills and Rolls in Manacaud. The incident came to light early Saturday morning when several people sought treatment at different hospitals in the city with symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and fever. The affected, most of them young adults, had reportedly bought shawarma from the popular eatery earlier on Friday night. They are currently undergoing treatment at KIMS, PRS, SP Fort and Al Arif hospitals. Police have not yet registered a case. According to a food safety official, an intimation was received on Saturday morning. Initially, ten complaints had been reported. All patients are said to be in stable condition. As we received reports of food poisoning, we conducted an urgent inspection of the restaurant. During the raid, we found unsanitary kitchen conditions and improper food storage practices. The restaurant was immediately sealed and food samples, including shawarma and sauces were collected and sent to the food testing laboratory, said Magfirath A V, foodsafety officer of the Thiruvananthapuram circle. Magfirath added that they are waiting for the lab report and that higher authorities have been informed. Further action will be taken based on the results, she said. The food safety department has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of contamination. Officials suspect either spoiled meat or unhygienic handling of ingredients may have led to bacterial growth. Shawarma requires proper cooking temperatures and handling. Even slight lapses can trigger outbreaks, said a food safety officer. Fort police have been informed and they may register a case depending on the investigation report or formal complaints. In recent years, several similar food poisoning incidents linked to fast food have been reported across the state. Istanbul Grills and Rolls will remain closed until further notice as the investigation continues. The franchise operates food trucks and restaurants in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.

Protesters burn hall tickets after PSC rank list for CPOs expires in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The PSC rank list for Women Civil Police Officers expired on Saturday, leading to the end of an 18-day-long protest by rank holders in front of the Secretariat. In a display of frustration, they burned their hall tickets and rank lists. The rank list, which was established in 2022, included 967 candidates, of whom only 337 were appointed during its validity period. The protesters claimed that their efforts were met with indifference. We were on the streets, and all we received were smirks and humiliation. Not a single woman leader came to offer support, they lamented. The previous recruitment had a cut-off of just 45 marks, resulting in the appointment of 815 candidates. This time, despite a higher cut-off, less than 30% of those on the rank list secured appointments. Its not just about passing a written exam. We undergo intense physical training, and if we qualify, we continue training for another six months. During the last elections, 815 rank holders were appointed. With elections approaching next year, many from the upcoming list are likely to receive postings, said Athira M S, a rank holder.

Bank deposits of Kudumbashree women cross Rs 9,000 crore across Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kudumbashree neighbourhood groups (NHGs), known as the backyard bank, have deposits worth Rs 9,369 crore in various banks in the state. The project was started with the condition that all members should invest at least Rs 10 every week, while the gradual progress in the number of NHGs, members, and their investments helped the savings head to thousands of crores. According to Kudumbashree, all NHG members have their own bank accounts with 3.07 lakh NHG accounts being linked to banks so far. This has enabled the NHG members to conduct their own banking transactions and make digital payments.Savings creation at the NHG level is part of the micro-finance project that Kudumbashree has been implementing since 1998 to promote the saving habits of ordinary women and meet their personal needs. One of the biggest achievements of Kudumbashree is the huge investment made by the NHG members so far, a Kudumbashree official said. In addition, the average weekly savings of the NHG members have significantly increased through the Sustainable Thrift and Credit Campaign conducted by the Kudumbashree during 2024-25 period. With this, the Kudumbashree has also earned the reputation of being the womens fraternity that achieved the highest investment through weekly savings in Asia. Along with savings, loans can also be availed of from NHGs at low interest rates. By obtaining these loans, one can also avoid the debt trap of private loan lenders. A member can take a loan proportional to the investment according to their needs. If other members permit, they can get more than their own investment amount in the form of a loan. There is an opportunity to take loans in NHGs as personal loans and with mutual guarantees. Till date, Rs 28,723.89 crore has been disbursed to the NHG members in the form of internal loans. A considerable section of Kudumbashree entrepreneurs have successfully started their businesses by taking loans from NHGs, the official added.

Stance of Jamaat-e-Islami, Anvar puts Congress in a spot in Kerala's Nilambur

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With Jamaat-e-Islami and P V Anvar canvassing for Malappuram DCC president V S Joys candidature publicly and KPCC general secretary Aryadan Shoukath refusing to withdraw his claim, the Congress party has started looking for a third candidate for Nilambur bypoll to salvage the situation. Anvar had met senior Congress leaders the other day and asserted that he would support only Joy and any other candidate would upset Congress chances in Nilambur. This has irked a large section of top leadership in the Congress and IUML. But what seems to be hurting Joys chances more is Jamaat-e-Islamis open backing of Joy. This has irked traditional Muslim organisations like Kerala Samsthana Jamiyyathul Ulama, Kerala Samsthana Jamiyyathul Ulama (AP Sunnis) and Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen. How can Congress allow an extremist group like Jamaat-e-Islami to dictate terms? asked a Samastha leader. The IUML state leadership is also not happy with the way Anvar is interfering in the candidate selection of Congress though he is not even part of UDF. Only Anvar has to be blamed for this state of affairs, a top League leader told TNIE on condition of anonymity. Anvar definitely has some votes in the constituency. And the UDF is ready to listen to his opinion. But he has destroyed all the political edge the UDF had in this by-election by openly announcing his support for Joy, he said. With the political situation getting complicated as days pass by, the Congress has started looking for an amicable solution so that its prospects in Nilambur, one of the strongest bastions of the party in Malabar, are not affected. Former minister Aryadan Muhammed was elected from Nilambur eight consecutive times. And now with Anwar switching sides, the Congress party is quite hopeful of re-capturing Nilambur. It is a safe seat for us, provided this public spat does not spoil it, said a KPCC general secretary. We are looking at all options including a third candidate, a senior Congress leader told TNIE. According to sources, KPCC state secretary and former Malappuram DCC general secretary K P Noushad Ali has emerged strong contender. His name is learnt to have been proposed by a section of Congress leaders in Nilambur. He is a popular face in Malappuram and will be a good choice as both Joy and Aryadan Shoukath are fighting out in the open. If one of them is chosen, the other will scuttle the chances. It is better to avoid such a scenario and go for a third candidate, said the leader. The name of former KPCC president K Muraleedharan is also doing rounds in party circles.

Kerala minister Sivankutty writes to Centre, seeks intervention

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: General Education Minister V Sivankutty has written to the Centre against the decision of the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to give Hindi names to English-medium textbooks. In a letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Sivankutty said the naming of textbooks reflects a clear disregard for the linguistic diversity of the nation and undermines the spirit of federalism enshrined in the Constitution. The decision to assign names in Hind such as Purvi (Classes 6 and 7 English), Mridang (Classes 1 and 2 English), Santur (Classes 3 and 4 English), and Ganitha Prakash (for both English and Hindi versions of the Class 6 Mathematics textbook), marks a disturbing departure from the long-held practice of naming textbooks in the language in which they are written, Sivankutty pointed out. The minister said the unilateral move by NCERT contradicts the principles of inclusivity and linguistic plurality that are fundamental to our educational framework. It is disheartening that instead of celebrating and reflecting the cultural and linguistic diversity of India, NCERT appears to be taking steps that promote homogenisation through linguistic imposition, he said. Sivankutty said Kerala, as a state with a proud multilingual heritage and a vibrant tradition of education, views this development with serious concern. Our classrooms celebrate diversity -- not just in thought, but also in language. Imposing uniformity in the name of culture is not only unwarranted but also detrimental to the cause of education. Sivankutty urged the Union Ministry of Education to immediately intervene in this matter and direct NCERT to restore the practice of naming textbooks in accordance with the language in which they are published.

KSEB clears 78-crore project to replace overhead power lines with underground cables on major roads in Thiruvananthapuram

The project will primarily cover the stretch from Attakulangara Junction to Kowdiar Junction along the M.G. Road.

Adventure park, training centre to come up in Thiruvananthapuram

Pre-bid meeting on April 22

Majortobaccoseizurein Kollam, driver fled after police chase

KOLLAM: A total of 109 bundles of tobacco, valued at Rs 50 lakh, were seized from a pickup truck during a vehicle inspection by Kollam West Police at Anandavalleeswaram. The operation was carried out based on a tip-off from the GST intelligence wing. According to the police, the driver fled the scene during the inspection, and efforts are underway to apprehend him. The vehicle inspection was initiated after the police received information about a narcotics smuggling attempt at around 3 am today. In response, night patrolling was intensified. The pickup truck, which was coming from the Thiruvananthapuram side, was flagged down at Anandavalleeswaram. However, when the police signaled for the vehicle to stop, it sped off and fled the scene. The police gave chase, and during the pursuit, the truck collided with a divider. The driver abandoned the vehicle and escaped on foot. A search is currently underway. Subsequent to the incident, the police discovered bags containing tobacco inside the vehicle. The suspect fled the scene, but we have gathered information that will help us arrest him soon. We believe the tobacco was smuggled into the district for distribution to school and college students in Kollam town areas. We also suspect the vehicle came from Thiruvananthapuram, and investigations into the RC owner and the driver at the time of the incident are ongoing, said a police official.

LDF governments fourth anniversary fete: CM Pinarayi to meet 500 people in each district

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As part of the fourth anniversary celebrations of the LDF government from April 21 to May 30, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will chair district-level meetings in which a select group of 500 people will participate in each district. The participants will include beneficiaries of various state government schemes, representatives of trade unions, representatives of youth and student outfits, personalities in the field of art, sport and culture, professionals, industry leaders, NRKs and community leaders. The schedule of the chief ministers district-level meetings have been announced. Pinarayi will attend the meeting in Kasaragod on April 21, Wayanad on April 22, Pathanamthitta on April 24, Idukki on April 28 and Kottayam on April 29. The chief minister will attend the meeting in Palakkad on May 5, Alappuzha on May 6, Ernakulam on May 7, Kannur on May 9, Malappuram on May 12, Kozhikode on May 13, Thrissur on May 14, Kollam on May 22 and Thiruvananthapuram on May 23. As part of the celebrations, regional-level assessment meetings will also be chaired by the chief minister. The meeting for Palakkad, Malappuram and Thrissur districts will be held on May 8 in Palakkad. While the meeting for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts will be held in Thiruvananthapuram on May 15, the regional meeting for Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad and Kozhikode districts will be held in Kannur on May 26. Similarly, Kottayam will host the regional meet for Ernakulam, Idukki, Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. Both the district and regional-level meetings will be convened from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. Besides these, state-level meetings on various topics will be organised by government agencies and departments. While the Youth Welfare Department will hold a meeting on the topic of youth welfare on May 3 in Kozhikode, the higher education department will convene a meeting of students of professional colleges on May 11 in Kottayam. The science and technology department will convene a meeting of professionals on May 17 in Kottayam followed by a meeting on the topic of SC/ST development by the Department of SC/ ST Welfare on May 18 in Palakkad. This will be followed by a cultural meeting by the cultural affairs department on May 19 in Thrissur and a meeting on the topic of women empowerment organised by the Women and Child Development Department on May 27 in Ernakulam.

After fishers protest, plan to break sandbar at Muthalapozhi dropped

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following stiff protest from the fishermen, the Harbour Engineering Department had to drop its plan to break the sandbar at Muthalapozhi Estuary on Thursday. Hundreds of fishermen gathered at the Muthalapozhi Harbour on Thursday to protest the move of the Harbour Engineering Department to remove the sandbar to avoid flooding in the area. Though the officials arrived along with police protection and the proceedings issued by the district collector under the Disaster Management Act, the protesters refused to heed the request of the officials. All fishing activities at the harbour, located at the meeting point of Vamanapuram River and Arabian sea, came to a grinding halt following the accumulation of sand. The fishermen, allied workers and trade unions had launched protests for the past five days demanding that the authorities take action to remove the accumulated sand in the estuary. However, when the officials from the Harbour Engineering Department arrived on Thursday, the fishermen expressed skepticism towards the authorities move. The meeting convened by Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian on Wednesday also failed to pacify the protestors. The minister had announced that the accumulated sand at the harbour mouth will be cleared and made navigable for fishermen by May 15 before the monsoon. Sajeev Salahudheen, vice chairman of the Muthalapozhi Avakasa Samithi said, They are not worried about our livelihood and are doing this just to avoid flooding in the area. We have been at the receiving end for so many years and now we are unable to earn our living. We dont trust them anymore. A meeting chaired by Minister Saji Cherian on Wednesday arrived at the decision to start the dredging activities at Muthalapozhi. The district collector has issued proceedings under the DM Act to carry out dredging activities. According to the Harbour Engineering Department, a report will be submitted to the government and that further activities for breaking the sandbar will be initiated only after the direction from the state government. We tried to convince the protesters but they are not ready to listen. We promised to reinstate the channel so that boats can venture into the sea. We even called for a meeting today but they refused to attend, said the official. Labour Minister V Sivankutty, in a statement released, said that there is a deliberate attempt to mislead the fishermen at Muthalapozhi. He said that if the estuary is not opened there is a potential flood threat in four or five low-lying panchayats in the area and any attempt to block this is anti-people.

Volunteers to gather for Koottam 2025 carnival in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The largest volunteering carnival in India, Koottam 2025, is set to take place on April 26 and 27 at Tagore Theatre in Thiruvananthapuram. Organised by Volunteer for India (VIF) in collaboration with the city corporation, the two-day event is co-presented by Good Deeds Day and Captains Social Foundation. VFI is a registered non-profit organisation founded in 2020 to promote volunteering across all causes. To take this spirit to more people, we envisioned the initiative Koottam. Now in its second year, Koottams major goal is to provide a basic understanding of what volunteering means. Since January, around 400 volunteers have been working behind the scenes to make this initiative a reality, says Gautham Ravindran, co-founder and CEO of the organisation. The carnival aims to bring together over 8,000 participants, including students, families, senior citizens, professionals, NGOs, corporate leaders, and grassroots changemakers. The event will be inaugurated by G R Anil, Minister of Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs. Visitors can expect a wide range of activities, including more than 40 awareness and engagement stalls hosted by NGOs. There will be hands-on volunteering experiences focused on themes such as climate action, mental health, education, and sustainability. A special Koottam CSR pavilion and volunteer awards will honour contributions made by people and organisations toward social good. People always assume volunteering is something serious. So, we want to break that barrier and present it in a fun atmosphere. That is why we present Koottam as a carnival, Gautham explains. Children will also have a dedicated space called Kutti Koottam. To register and for more information, visit:volunteerforindia.com.

R&D spend high, patent output low; Kerala lagging, says study

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Governments substantial investment in research and development (R&D) is not translating to intellectual property outputs. Though the state allocates 0.30%of its GSDP to research, higher than the inter-state average of 0.24%, it generates only 0.14 patent applications per Rs 1 crore of research expenditure, ranking 13th among 14 major Indian states, according to a research paper in the latest edition of Kerala Economy from the Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation. Since 2023-24, Kerala government has been bringing out an exclusive R&D Budget, along with the annual budget, to accelerate the states transition into a knowledge-based economy. But it has not made a significant impact on patent generation, showed the paper Evidence-based financial for Keralas Knowledge Economy: Patent metrics for policy reform authored by Rajesh Many, assistant professor, School of Gandhian Thought and Development Studies, and founding director of Centre for Technology and Human Development Studies, Mahatma Gandhi University. The state so far generated only 850 patents with first applicants from Kerala. The paper revealed disproportionate allocation for various sectors in the R&D budget. Despite receiving 44.81% of the total allocation, education-related institutions generated only 7.29% of Keralas patents, yielding an investment-patent ratio of 6.15. Agricultural research received 14.03% of funding but generated only 1.65% of patents, clocking the highest investment-patent ratio of 8.50. In contrast, industrial research demonstrated highest patent productivity, generating 24% of patents while receiving just 9.16% of the allocations, with a ratio of 0.38. The environmental sector which received 0.40% of the total allocation had a patent share of 0.94%, showing a high productivity at 0.43 ratio. The sector has good potential for strategic expansion given Keralas natural advantages and sustainability challenges, according to the paper. State government universities, despite substantial R&D funding, contributed only 7.29% of Keralas patents. Central government institutions showed higher patent productivity, 34.24%. Individual inventors constituted 36% of patent holders. Better integration of these individual innovators with the formal innovation system could enhance overall knowledge production, it said. The sectoral distribution of patents showed the state has distinct technological strengths in medical technologies, analytical sciences, and emerging capabilities in digital technologies and nano technology. The report called for enhancing industrial research allocation to 15-20% of the total R&D budget allocation and environmental research to 2-3%. Enhancing knowledge transfer mechanisms between research institutions and industry, implementing performance-based funding models, and creating targeted incentives for patent development could help address these challenges in our innovation ecosystem, Rajesh told TNIE. State institutions way behind in no. of patents An analysis of patent data from 2023 onward reveals concerning patterns in Keralas knowledge production. Of the 100 patents produced in this period (73 in 2023 and 27 in 2024), central government institutions dominated with 66% of all patents. State institutions contributed 9% of which state government universities accounted for 7% and state government institutions just 2%. Individual inventors were responsible for 13%, while the remaining 12% came from various private institutions. While there is an expected lag between research investment and patent production, this delay becomes particularly problematic in fast-evolving technology sectors such as ICT. Here, delayed innovation would result in the technology becoming obsolete before it can be commercialised, Rajesh said.

Prime Minister Modi to commission Vizhinjam port on May 2

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed his availability to commission the Vizhinjam International Seaport on May 2. The Prime Ministers office has communicated his schedule to the port authorities, with an official announcement from the state government expected soon. The port began operations for commercial purposes in December last year, following successful trial runs conducted between July and December. Since then, it has received over 250 vessels and handled more than 5 lakh TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of containers. The formal inauguration had been delayed due to technical issues. However, the port has since resolved several pending matters, clearing the path for future development. The Centre and the state government have also resolved disagreements over the sharing of the Viability Gap Fund (VGF) for the project, culminating in an agreement signed on April 9. Before this, in March, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) granted environmental clearance for the second and third phases of the port's development. As part of the agreement, the Centre has committed to contribute Rs 817.80 crore as its share of the VGF to Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL), the project's concessionaire. A tripartite agreement was signed among the Centre, AVPPL, and the consortium of banks involved. Additionally, the state government has agreed to share 20% of the port's revenue with the Centre.

EPFO Cant Deny Higher Pension Over Delayed Contributions, Says Kerala HC

The High Court was hearing the petitions filed by four retired employees of the Thiruvananthapuram Regional Co-operative Milk Producers Union.

Thiruvananthapuram Airport Expansion Faces Delay Over Environmental Clearance

International recreational sports laser tag and hyper grid come to Thiruvananthapuram

Sector7 Games located at Kazhakuttam, owned by Govind Ajayakumar and Ajesh Anil, is the possibly the first in the city to introduce laser tag

Major bureaucratic reshuffle in Kerala: Sharmila Mary Joseph to WCD; key changes in LSGD

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a bureaucratic reshuffle, Sharmila Mary Joseph has been appointed the Principal Secretary of the Women and Child Development Department. She was previously serving as the Principal Secretary of the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD). Keshvendra Kumar, who was Secretary of the Finance (Expenditure) Department, has now been transferred and posted as secretary of the LSGD. Mir Mohammed Ali, currently Director of the Industries and Commerce Department, will take over as Managing Director of the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation. He will also hold full additional charge as Special Secretary, LSGD. Anupama T V will continue as Special Secretary, LSGD, with independent charge of waste management. S Harikishore, Secretary of the Information and Public Relations Department, has been given additional responsibilities as Secretary of the NORKA Department, Officer on Special Duty to the Chief Minister, Director of Loka Kerala Sabha, and will also handle matters related to External Cooperation. Seeram Sambasiva Rao, Principal Director of LSGD, has been posted as Special Secretary of the Electronics and Information Technology Department. He will also hold full additional charges as Special Secretary of the Environment Department and Director of the Survey and Land Records Department. Haritha V Kumar, Director of the Women and Child Development Department, will take on the additional role of Principal Director, LSGD. Sriram V, Director of the Agriculture Development and Farmers Welfare Department, will continue to serve as Managing Director of the Kerala Financial Corporation. Chithra S has been posted as Additional Secretary, Finance (Expenditure) Department. She will also hold full additional charge as Mission Director of the PforR Additional Finance Programme (Coastal Protection). Anie Jula Thomas, Officer on Special Duty in the Industries Department, has been given the full additional charge of Managing Director of the Kerala Transport Development Finance Corporation, in addition to her existing responsibilities. Vishnuraj P, Director of the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, has been transferred and posted as Director of Industries and Commerce Department. He will continue to hold additional charges as Director of Sports and Secretary of the Kerala State Sports Council. He has been relieved from the roles of Additional Director (General) of Tourism and CEO of the Thenmala Ecotourism Promotion Society.

Muthalapozhi deadlock: DM Act invoked as fishers vow to block sandbar removal without dredger

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The district administration has decided to invoke the Disaster Management Act at Muthalapozhi as the meeting convened by Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian failed to reach a consensus. The harbour was shut down following sand accumulation along its mouth, which has brought fishing operations to a grinding halt for the past four days. Trade unions, fishermen and other allied workers have been on the warpath since the closure of the harbour. On Wednesday, a section of fishermen took out a protest march and conducted a dharna at the office of the assistant executive engineer of the harbour engineering department. The meeting chaired by the minister decided to launch dredging activities at the Muthalapozhi harbour mouth from Thursday. The minister assured protesters that the harbour mouth will be reinstated by May 15. He said that advanced machinery will be employed to expedite dredging activities. Cherian also announced that the project to extend the breakwater, to ensure safety of fishing vessels, will take off by March 20. District Collector Anu Kumari told TNIE that proceedings under the DM Act will be issued on Thursday to break the sandbar at Muthalapozhi estuary. Many panchayats in the region are under flood threat as the estuary remains closed owing to sand accumulation. The attempts made by the department to remove the sandbar in the past days failed owing to protest from fishermen. However, fishermen remain adamant, saying that they will intensify their protest on Thursday and will not allow authorities to break the sandbar without bringing a dredger. We dont trust any of the decisions taken and we have decided to intensify protest. We will stall the activities to open the sandbar tomorrow at any cost. We will not allow them to do the work without bringing the dredger, said Sajeev Salahudheen, vice-chairman of the Muthalapozhi Avakasa Samithi. He said many people have lost their lives because of the lousy and inadequate dredging activities of the department. The government didnt promise any relief in the meeting, he added. With the monsoon season fast approaching, the department has decided to intensify operations by working 20 hours a day to expedite the clearing of the harbour mouth. An official said that a dredger owned by the Maritime Board is being transported from Azheekal via sea and is expected to reach Muthalapozhi within 10 days. As an interim measure, Anu Kumari reached out to the Kollam district collector to accommodate displaced fishermen from Muthalapozhi at Sakthikulangara harbour. She said that the Kollam collector will hold a meeting soon with representatives of the harbour to ensure that fishermen from Muthalapozhi are accommodated there without any issue.

Suspended IAS officer Prasanth N defends social media posts; denies service rule violation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Suspended IAS officer Prasanth N appeared for a hearing before Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan here on Wednesday in which he maintained that he has not violated any service rule through his social media posts, allegedly directed at senior IAS officer A Jayathilak. The 2007 batch officer is also learnt to have reiterated his demand for action against Jayathilak and IAS officer K Gopalakrishnan for falsely charging him with missing files and attendance irregularities. He also demanded action against a Malayalam daily that published the news containing the false charges against him. Prashanth reportedly told the chief secretary that he would be forced to take legal recourse if action was not taken against the two IAS officers and the daily. Emerging after the hearing at the Secretariat, Prasanth told the media that the hearing has given him an opportunity to present the facts before the chief secretary. If there are lapses on account of my official duty, there is nothing wrong in taking action. But I have been using social media for many years and it has a language of its own. Sensible people are not offended by it, he told reporters. Just before attending the hearing, Prasanth came out with a Facebook post in connection with the Chief Secretary turning down his demand for a live streaming of the hearing. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the suspension of Prasanth was on charges of violating service rules.

Congress sees BJP-RSS campaign over Munambam issue as bid to divide minorities, destroy party

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress state leadership believes the high-voltage BJP-RSS campaign against the party over the Munambam land issue is part of a conspiracy to destroy the Congress politically. The KPCC office-bearers meeting held in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday had a lengthy discussion on the matter. Presenting his view during the meeting, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan is learnt to have said that the Sangh parivar campaign aims to divide the states Christian and Muslim minorities, who form the base of the Congress and the UDF, and thereby destroy the party. He also told the Congress leaders that both the BJP and the CPM have adopted the same strategy in the Munambam issue. The LDF governments of VS (Achuthanandan) and Pinarayi Vijayan have worsened the whole issue. However, the BJP doesnt criticise the CPM or the LDF government. The current governments decision of constituting a commission will drag the issue further in the court. Still, there is no criticism of the CPM. Thats because the BJP-RSS wants to see the destruction of the Congress, Satheesan said. He also spoke of a bishop having told him personally that the Church was carried away by the BJP campaign. There was also an opinion within the Church that placing a board against Hibi Eden wasnt right. After Union Minister Kiren Rijijus statement that the Waqf Amendment Act cannot resolve the issue, there is a feeling that the Congress had taken the right stand, he added. Satheesan also reportedly said that there is an apprehension within the church whether their stand would later backfire.