Veteran Actor Meghanathan Dies at 60: A Look Back at His Career in Film and

Malayalam cinema lost a cherished talent as actor Meghanathan passed away on Thursday at the age of 60. The veteran actor, who had been undergoing treatment for a severe lung condition, died at a private hospital in Kozhikode. Meghanathan was the son of the legendary actor Balan K Nair and had been battling respiratory issues for a significant time. The funeral is set to take place on Thursday in Shoranur. Meghanathan's last film appearance was in 2022, marking the end of a career that began in the 1980s. He initially entered the Malayalam film industry with a minor role, quickly earning recognition for his acting skills and compelling performances. Following the news of his passing, many in the film fraternity expressed their sorrow and shared heartfelt condolences. About Meghanathan Meghanathan's career was not limited to the big screen; he also made a significant impact in television. Reports indicate that he passed away at 2 AM on Thursday. His journey in the film industry began as a studio assistant in the movie Astram, directed by PN Menon. His final film, Kooman, was released in 2022. Born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Meghanathan was the third child of renowned actor Balan K Nair and Sarada Nair. He leaves behind his wife, Susmitha, and daughter, Parvathi. Notable Film Contributions Throughout his career, Meghanathan was part of many well-known Malayalam films. Some of his notable works include Panchagni, Chamayam, Rajdhani, Bhumi Geetam, Scepter, Malappuram Haji Mahanaya Joji, Praikkara Papan, Udyanapalakan, Ee Puzha Kaandam, Ullasapungattu, Rashtram, Kudamatam, Vasanthi and Lakshmi, I, Vastavam, and Action Hero Biju. His health had been declining for the past two years due to his respiratory illness. Meghanathans TV Legacy In addition to his film achievements, Meghanathan had a noteworthy presence in the television industry. Over his 40-year career, he featured in several popular TV serials such as Sthreetvam, Meghasandesham, Kathayariyathe, Snehanjali, and Chitta. Kerala: Sabarimala Temple Opens for Annual Pilgrimage, Virtual Queue Fully Booked for 2-Weeks

Malayalam actor Meghanathan dies at 60 due to lung-related illness

A prominent figure in the Malayalam film industry, Meghanathan was born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, as the third child of the iconic actor Balan K. Nair and Sarada Nair

Kerala expands Ernakulam Model to tackle antibiotic misuse

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Building on the success of the Ernakulam Model, which demonstrated that door-to-door campaigning reduces antibiotic misuse, the health department plans to expand the initiative statewide. While launching the campaign at Vattiyoorkavu UPHC in Thiruvananthapuram, Health Minister Veena George said that the departments intervention led to a 20-30% reduction in antibiotic use over the past year. Awareness is crucial for antibiotic literacy, the minister said, noting that health workers are visiting homes to educate the public. On Wednesday, she joined health workers in Vattiyoorkavu to promote the cause. In Ernakulam, more than 2,250 ASHA workers conducted door-to-door campaigns, reaching 2 lakh homes, including rural, urban, tribal, and migrant areas. Each worker visits 50 homes monthly with support from medical officers, Middle-Level Service Providers, and other coordinators. Awareness efforts also targeted local representatives and guest workers in their native languages. The campaign is part of a broader strategy to reduce antibiotic misuse, including issuing antibiotics in blue-coloured envelopes for identification and ensuring they are only dispensed with a doctors prescription. The minister also announced plans for all hospitals to become antibiotic smart, in line with the World Health Organisations warning that antimicrobial resistance could lead to one crore deaths globally by 2050 if antibiotics are misused.

100 years on, Napier Museum relives British Empire Exhibition in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Organised to herald an imperial revival, the British Empire Exhibition, which ran over two six-month-long seasons in 1924 and 1925, was designed to showcase produce and manufactured goods, arts and crafts as well as historical artefacts from the jewels of the empire. Century-old textile items from the event, which was held at Wembley Park in London, went on display from Tuesday at the Napier Museum in Thiruvananthapuram. Organised by the British government, the British Empire Exhibition was inaugurated by King George V. Documents about the exhibition, currently with Napier Museum, reveal that the event attracted over 25 million visitors. P S Manjula Devi, director the Department of museums and zoos, said textile items, including intricate French lace work, from the event are on display at the Napier Museum. We understood that there are many art aficionados who are keen to see century-old works in gold embroidery and lace. The lace work looks as good as new even after 100 years, said Manjula. The British Exhibition also featured Travancore lace, which has its origins in south Kerala. It was started as a cottage industry among Christian fisherwomen in south Travancore. Manjula added that the Travancore lace gained a wide reputation and won awards at various exhibitions in Europe. The Wembley Exhibition Medal will be among the exhibits at Napier Museum. Struck to commemorate the British Empire Exhibition, one side features King George V, with the reverse bearing an iconic image of the roaring Wembley Lion, with the towers of Wembley in the background and the words British Wembley Exhibition 1924 engraved below.

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

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

'The scent of a rising star'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It was a quiet day at Delhis airport in March 1995, the kind where every sound a crying toddler, the silence of a bored official, the tap of the rain seems amplified. Amid the chaos, the narrator of The Scent of Fallen Stars finds himself caught in the peculiar energy of the city, an India both bewildering and intoxicating. This unsettling start to the journey foreshadows the complex web of identity and secrets that Aishwarya Jha, debut novelist and winner of this years Ramnath Goenka Sahithya Samman (Best Debut Fiction) by The New Indian Express Group, so skillfully weaves in her first novel. Writing has always been my greatest dream, she says, recalling childhood visits to bookstores, inhaling the intoxicating scent of paper and wood. But much like her characters, the path wasnt straightforward. After countless rejections from literary magazines, she persisted, honing her craft through plays and short stories. Writing plays taught me to craft dialogue and get to the heart of a scene quickly. You only have ten minutes in a one-act play, so every word has to count. It taught me to edit ruthlessly if it doesnt serve the story, it goes, she says. The Scent of Fallen Stars , which explores the turbulent intersection of personal histories and Indias evolving landscape, quickly earned a place among the most celebrated debut works of the year. Its layered narrative delves into the lives of two characters, Aria and Will, whose personal histories - much like India itself - are marked by contradictions, hidden truths, and a constant search for belonging. Like the characters in her novel, this debutants journey has been about discovering her place in a world that constantly shifts, whether through the lens of a city like Delhi or the unpredictable nature of the writing world itself. Initially, my book wasnt aligned with market trends. I heard, Youre a great writer, but we dont know how to position this. But when my editor saw it, he just got it, she says. The Scent of Fallen Stars ultimately found its place not only in literary circles but also in readers hearts. Aishwarya admits that she didnt expect the kind of recognition shes now receiving. To get this award for something Ive poured my heart into is incredible, she says, reflecting on the validation of years of perseverance. Writing, after all, can be an isolating pursuit. You send your words into the world, hoping theyll resonate, and when they do, it feels like everything youve worked for has come together. She didnt expect this award either. Every writer hopes for some success, but an award like this? I hadnt even dreamed of it. When I found out, it took a while to sink in, she says. Exploring relations In The Scent of Fallen Stars , Aishwarya captures the beauty of understated yet profound human connections through simple, everyday moments reflecting how life much like writing often unfolds through small but meaningful exchanges. One such moment occurs when Will nervously asks Leela for help with Hindi lessons. His awkward request is the beginning of a deeper bond between them. These small interactions, full of hesitation and warmth, reflect the complexity of relationships and the journey of self-discovery that runs through the novel. Set in Delhi of the 90s a city she has always loved and at times, been frustrated by adds a layer of charm. Those sections of the story are filled with simpler moments, perhaps because of the time period, Aishwarya explains. I wanted to bring that era alive because I have so much nostalgia for it. Life felt less hurried, and connections were forged through shared spaces and quieter gestures. Talking about her love-hate relationship with the city, Aishwarya says, After living abroad, I realised how much the city meant to me. Its challenging, congested, and impossible at times, but theres something uniquely beautiful about it. My novel is an ode to Delhi, seen through the eyes of two characters who discover the city for the first time. Its this blend of personal and professional that makes Aishwaryas achievement so poignant. She offers heartfelt advice for aspiring writers: There are lots of pieces of advice that float around, and they all have merit. Whether its to write something every day or take your work around. You have to have a writers mindset. An artists vision of the world is different from a normal persons vision. Even with writing, whether youre writing fiction or non-fiction, youre telling the truth, and everything you should look at is through the lens of a writer. Anything that strikes you, write it down and look at it from a writers eye. Looking ahead, Aishwarya shares that her next book will be very different. This one was about the beauty of relationships, but my second novel explores the complexities of family relationships, she says, hinting at a new direction in her writing.

Bypolls see negative voting trend over past five years

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Contrary to the general perception that bypolls tend to increase political vigour among both the cadre and the voters, political Kerala has of late been witnessing a reverse trend. Over the past five years, bypolls in the state have been seeing a dip in voter turnout. On a day the Palakkad assembly constituency went to the polling booth, the state witnessed a lukewarm response from voters in yet another by-election. A general reluctance on the part of voters coupled with a slew of other factors, including predictability and a lack of significance in the overall political scenario, have played a key role in keeping voters away from bypolls. A scan through the by-elections in the state since 2019 shows that most of them have had a substantial decrease in polling percentage. In 2019, the state saw bypolls in six assembly constituencies. While the death of sitting MLAs necessitated elections in Pala and Manjeswar, bypolls were held in four other seats -- Ernakulam, Vattiyoorkkavu, Konni and Aroor -- after the sitting MLAs were elected to the Lok Sabha. Amid a general dip in voter turnout, the polling percentage in Vattiyoorkkavu came down to 62.66% from the 2016 figure of 70.29%. Similarly, in Ernakulam, the percentage dipped to 57.90% from 71.76%. During the past two bypolls held during the current LDF government -- in 2022 and 2023 -- the voting percentage witnessed a dip. The trend has continued in the three bypolls, including a Lok Sabha constituency, held this month. While there was a small decrease in Chelakkara and Palakkad, the Wayanad LS seat witnessed a substantial reduction in polling percentage. Voters are usually reluctant to cast their franchise during bypolls as these results do not determine the fate of a government. In constituencies like Wayanad, where the result is more or less predictable, voters tend to lose interest in the political contest, observed psephologist Sajad Ibrahim. Psychologically, people are not inclined to vote in by-elections, Sajad told TNIE. They know that their votes wont change anything. And there is only a short period left for the next election. The general character of voters in Kerala has also been changing through the years. They are now more educated but are not enthusiastic about casting their votes in the general election. This also reflects in the by-election. The ruling front suffered losses. However, this changes in the assembly election, he said. LDF candidate P Sarin and wife Dr Soumya after casting their votes at True Line Public School in Manappullikkavu

Palakkad couple on overlanding mission to plant one lakh trees in five years

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If one happens to spot a rugged 4x4 camper somewhere in the remote areas of the country, it must probably be Sangeeth, Kavya and their pet dog Drogo planting the seeds of tomorrows forests. When most people prioritise luxury and leisure, this couple from Palakkad has chosen to overland across India in their modified 4x4 SUV with a mission to plant one lakh trees in five years. Their journey Mission Mother Tree is a project towards sustainability, adventure and making a difference. It started as a simple plan leave a living memory in the form of trees across places they visit. It quickly became a full-scale drive. They left the security of their corporate jobs to pursue a life closer to nature. Sangeeth, who was previously a sales and marketing officer, and Kavya, a professional in dairy technology now pursuing research, packed up their lives, outfitted their vehicle and set off on a path that would take them to some of Indias most remote regions. Their goal is to explore responsibly and give back to the earth. Over the past two years, we have covered 45,000 kilometres across the country. Our travels arent just the thrill of overlanding but driven by a sense of purpose. We have successfully planted over 10,000 native saplings across the remote regions of India, with the help of a growing community of 4,000 volunteers who joined through social media and the acquaintances between travels, Sangeeth told TNIE. Their Instagram page lifeonroads_ is where they document their journey, and it has crossed over 2.4 lakh followers. To keep their journey sustainable and affordable, Sangeeth and Kavya transformed their Force Gurkha SUV into a camper, all for just Rs 20,000. All the work on the camper was completed by their IT friends group. The couple prepare their meals on the road, sharing their experiences with their companion, Drogo, who is as much a part of the adventure as they are. The couple relies on locally sourced seed balls, which they gather with the help of volunteers from the areas they visit. This ensures that the plants are suited to the local soil and climate, increasing the chances of survival. Their saplings span ten varieties of native trees, and they have achieved a 60% survival rate. For Kavya, the journey is about creating something lasting. One lakh trees may seem like a drop in the bucket against climate change, but were doing the best we can to build a community that values life on this planet, Kavya said. Not only do they plant these saplings but also keep track of their growth through an application, Tree Tag. Each sapling they plant is tagged and tracked using GPS coordinates via the app Tree Tag. Like a live report card, volunteers across the country too regularly update the couple on the progress of these plants. We note down the GPS coordinates of each tree we plant and track it through Tree Tag. It is a collective effort that wouldnt have been possible without the support of the people, Sangeeth said. In Kerala alone, they have planted around 300 saplings in Palakkad, 220 in Munnar, and 70 in Ernakulam. And each time they return to their home base, they plant a batch of seed balls nearby to keep a part of their mission close to home. They have travelled to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. They deviate to remote areas and camp there.Planning this mission often takes more time than the execution, Kavya said.

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

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

44.7 per cent Muslim families have at least one member abroad

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: More people from Muslim households in Kerala opt to migrate abroad. Among migrant families those having at least one member abroad Muslims comprise the majority (44.7%) followed by Hindus (38.2%) and Christians (17%), says a new research on Keralas migration and standard of living. Among non-migrant families, Hindu households form the majority (63%) followed by Christian (21.2%) and Muslim (15.6%) households. Among Muslim households themselves, around 43% have at least one member in a foreign country. The study also showed that a substantial portion of Kerala households without migrants fall below the poverty line (BPL). Around 42.38% of non-migrant families are in the BPL category, much higher than the state average of 38%. The research, based on the Centre for Development Studies (CDS) 2018 migration study, was carried out by three researchers from the International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai - Afsal Kalangadan, Muhammad Thalil, and Reshmi Ramachandran Sukumari. Published in September, it revolves around the pivotal role played by international remittances in fostering upward income mobility among migrant households, leading to tangible transformations in their living standards. It shows marked disparities among households with and without migrants across different dimensions like poverty indicators, housing quality, asset ownership and consumer durables. Almost 95% of the households, irrespective of their migration status, possessed valid ration cards. Going by the findings, migrant households not only surpass non-migrant ones in land ownership but also allocate more resources to house construction, positioning a higher proportion of them above the poverty line. When it comes to the standard of living, 42.1% of migrant families have significantly high living standards, while 35.7% fall under the category of middle living standards. Among non-migrant families, it is 28.9% and 31.9% respectively. The low-category of living standards is significantly high among non-migrants (39.2%), compared to migrant families (22.2%). The study revealed that 16.3% migrant families reside in houses categorised as luxurious, while 38.7% live in very good houses. In non- migrant households, it is 10.4% and 27.8%, respectively. A higher proportion of non-migrants live in houses classified as poor (17.8%) and 5.2% of families live in low-cost traditional houses constructed with mud, bamboo or corrugated sheets. However, in migrant families, only 8.2 per cent live in houses classified as poor and 0.7 per cent live in low-cost traditional houses. As much as 4% of migrant families and 5% of non-migrant families live in rented houses. A substantial proportion (14.7%) of non-migrant families constructed houses that cost less than Rs 1 lakh and 30.3% spent between Rs 1-Rs 5 lakh on house construction. However, migrant families allocated a larger house construction budget exceeding Rs 5 lakh. When it comes to possessing land, 74.2% of migrants and 69.7% of non-migrants own properties. In the case of owning televisions, the difference between the two groups is 2.1%. About 59.3% of migrant families use LPG, compared to 54.9% among non-migrant families.

After four decades, horticulture course set to make KAU comeback

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After being kept away for four decades, horticulture is set to make a comeback in the states mainstream agriculture curricula with the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) deciding to re-induct it as a four-year BSc programme. Horticulture was last taught in KAU in 1979- 1983. The course was discontinued after an alleged ego clash between two departments. The university has decided to bring it back, thanks to the constant pressure of the alumni of the last horticulture degree batch. Though the KAU academic council passed a resolution to restart the degree course on March 24, it got delayed due to various reasons. Finally, the university has published the prospectus for the new course. The horticulture course has been moduled in a cost-sharing mode with a higher fee structure. We have relaunched the course as other states are starting new courses and colleges related to horticulture, KAU Vice-Chancellor B Ashok told TNIE. We have also started 25 new courses in the university. The Achutha Menon ministry started the first College of Horticulture in 1972. According to former students and teachers, a clash of ego between the departments of agriculture and horticulture culminated in the stoppage of courses in horticulture. While various state and central governments were initiating and strengthening measures for horticulture revolution, known as Golden Revolution, Kerala lagged, lamented a former academician. Though Kerala cultivates horticultural crops in 22 lakh hectares out of the 26 lakh hectares of agricultural area and produces more than 25 million tonnes of horticulture per year, the government never bothered to reintroduce horticulture degree courses in KAU and considered it secondary to agriculture. Contrary to the general perception that the state has a higher field crop area, paddy, 26 species of horticulture crops are being produced from six sectors. They are fruit crops (banana, mango, jackfruit, pineapple and papaya), plantation crops (coconut, rubber, areca nut, cashew, tea and coffee), spice crops (pepper, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, clove and cinnamon), vegetables (cucurbits, brinjal, okra, chilli, amaranthus and cowpea), floriculture crops (orchids, anthuriums, heliconia), and many medicinal and aromatic plants. The state has a monopoly in the production of rubber (92%), pepper (81%), cardamom (74%), coconut (40%), coffee (22%), cashew (15%) and tea (8%). As the states horticulture sector lags due to a lack of focused interventions, a strategic effort is needed, former KAU registrar P B Pushpalatha said. When Kerala restricted horticulture as a wing under the Department of Agriculture and limited graduation-level agricultural education to BSc Agriculture, other states behind us set up separate departments of horticulture and colleges of horticulture.

AG&P Pratham to open five more CNG stations in Thiruvananthapuram by December

Kudumbashree one-stop facility centres launched in select blocks

Project is being implemented in Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha to provide business development services to microenterprises

183 bird species documented in Thiruvananthapuram during WINGS survey

Thiruvananthapuram Mundela Cooperative Society president found dead

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: M Mohankumar (62) aka Mundela Mohanan, president of the Mundela Rajiv Gandhi residence welfare cooperative society, was found dead on Wednesday. He was found hanging behind one of his resorts at Thekkupara in Amburi,nearKattakada. Vellarada police have initiated an investigation. Preliminary investigation suggests that it is a case of suicide. There had been ongoing protests for a long time against the cooperative society, managed by Congress, for failing to return money to investors. An investigation by the Cooperative Society Registrar revealed a misappropriation of Rs 34 crore, leading to the dissolution of the governing body. Following the cases, Mohanan had been in hiding. He was also a local Congress leader. Last month, investors staged a protest at the cooperative society, alleging delays in the repayment of funds. Police had asked the cooperative society to make repayments starting November 5. The cooperative society, founded in 2004, had been under the management of a Congress-led governing body. Following the inquest procedures, his body was sent for post-mortem. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)

Karnataka HC imposes Rs 10k cost on alleged LeT supporter for delaying trial

BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court has imposed a cost of Rs 10,000 on Dr Sabeel Ahmed, also known as Motu Doctor, an alleged supporter of the terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The penalty was imposed while dismissing his petition challenging a trial court's order to deposit Rs 20,650 towards travel and other allowances for a witness from Kerala to appear for the trial in Bengaluru. Dismissing the petition with costs, a division bench comprising Justice K.S. Mudagal and Justice Vijaykumar A. Patil observed, The facts and circumstances support the prosecution's contention that the petitioner was abusing the process of law by filing such applications only to delay proceedings. According to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the petitioner is accused of raising funds and providing logistical and financial support to organise events for Lashkar-e-Taiba in Riyadh. During these events, speakers from Pakistan would address attendees, and organisers would identify potential recruits for LeT. The prosecution claims the petitioner was a supporter of LeT, a terrorist organisation with roots in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, and had associates in India. He allegedly planned to strike terror in India through targeted killings of prominent Hindu figures and police officers. The charges against the accused and co-accused are based on an NIA chargesheet, filed under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The trial court completed the framing of charges and recorded the examination of a witness, a scientist from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on 15 February 2024. On that day, the accused sought an adjournment to 19 March 2024 and requested additional time for cross-examination. The trial court adjourned the case to 5 April 2024, on the condition that the accused pay Rs 20,650 for the witness's travel and related expenses. Instead of complying, the accused applied to reduce the amount, which the trial court rejected. Subsequently, he moved the High Court, which criticised the petitioners conduct, noting that the case had been delayed for nearly a year due to his actions. The High Court concluded that the petitioner was attempting to misuse legal provisions to stall the proceedings and upheld the trial courts order to deposit the requisite amount.

SC restores criminal proceedings against Kerala former Minister Antony Raju in 1990 evidence tampering case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a setback to Antony Raju, former Minister and MLA of Kerala's ruling LDF, the Supreme Court on Wednesday reinstated criminal proceedings against him in a decades-old evidence tampering case. Raju, who was a junior lawyer at the time, is accused of tampering with material evidence in a drug seizure case from 1990. He has been directed to appear before the trial court on 20 December. The Kerala High Court had earlier quashed the criminal case but allowed fresh proceedings to be initiated. The Supreme Court, however, noted that the High Court erred in holding that the proceedings against Raju were barred. The High Court was not in error in ordering that an investigation be initiated against him, observed the apex court. The Supreme Court restored the order of the Chief Judicial Magistrate that took cognisance of the chargesheet against Raju. Taking into account the fact that the alleged offence dates back more than two decades, the Court directed that the trial be concluded within one year. The case originates from a 1990 drug seizure involving an Australian national who was found in possession of drugs hidden in the pocket of his underwear. At the time, Raju was working as a junior lawyer for the defence counsel. The underwear, a key piece of evidence, was seized and later returned to the accused following a court order permitting the release of his personal belongings. The sessions court subsequently convicted the Australian under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. However, on appeal, the Kerala High Court acquitted him because the underwear did not fit him, casting doubt on the integrity of the evidence. The High Court, while acquitting the accused, directed a Vigilance probe into potential evidence tampering. Following this inquiry, an FIR was registered in 1994, naming Raju and a court staff member as accused. A final report was filed the same year. Despite this, the trial faced significant delays and remained unresolved for decades. In 2022, Raju approached the High Court after media reports highlighted the case's prolonged pendency. The Supreme Court's ruling now reopens the criminal proceedings, bringing renewed focus to a case that has spanned over 30 years.

Argentina football team, including Messi, set to visit Kerala for exhibition matches

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Football fans in Kerala are set for an unforgettable experience as the Argentina national football team, featuring the legendary Lionel Messi, will visit the state next year. Sports Minister V Abdurahiman confirmed the exciting development during a press briefing on Wednesday, announcing that the team will participate in an international exhibition match organised by the state government. The event, titled Olopo Magic, is being spearheaded by the All Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association (AKGSMA) with financial backing from local merchants. The Olopo app, launched during the Grand Kerala Consumer Festival, is the primary facilitator for the event. Fans can secure entry passes through reward points earned via purchases at retail outlets partnered with the app. According to the minister, two matches are planned as part of the event, with Kochi being considered as the primary venue. The opponent team is yet to be announced. A high-level delegation led by Minister Abdurahiman recently travelled to Spain to hold discussions with the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Describing the meetings in Madrid as highly productive, Abdurahiman stated, We had excellent discussions on hosting an exhibition match in the state. As a follow-up, an AFA delegation will visit the state within two months. The discussions also included the possibility of establishing football academies in Kerala to improve sports infrastructure. Key representatives, including KVVES state president Raju Apsara, AKGSMA state president Justin Palathra, and state sports council president Sharaf Ali, were present at the press conference. This landmark event is expected to bring global attention to Keralas footballing fervour and further solidify its reputation as a hub for the sport in India.

Argentina football team, featuring Lionel Messi, to play in Kerala next year

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman on Wednesday revealed that the Argentina football team, including legendary player Lionel Messi, will visit the state next year for an international match. Addressing a press conference here, the minister stated that the match would be conducted under the complete supervision of the state government. All the financial assistance 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 .

Education qualifications of Keerthy Suresh's husband-to-be Antony Thattil. His business ventures and their love story

South Indian actress Keerthy Suresh is preparing to marry her longtime friend, Kochi-based businessman Antony Thattil. The private ceremony will reportedly occur in Goa, with a possible reception in Thiruvananthapuram. The couple, who have known each other since school, are keeping the exact date under wraps as Keerthy gets ready for her Bollywood debut.

Moving Mountains

KOCHI: Climbing peaks is akin to a marathon up a rock wall with a bag of bricks on your back, battling freezing winds, dizzying heights, and pushing ones limits. Shaikh Hassan Khan, a state secretariat employee with a passion for adventure, loves doing that. His dream was to conquer the highest peaks on all seven continents. And, a few days ago, he became the first person from Kerala to achieve this feat. My love for the mountains began in 2015 when I was posted in Delhi for work. Thats when I started sneaking off for trips to the hills whenever I could, says Shaikh. On one such journey, I ended up at the Himalayan Institute of Mountaineering in Darjeeling. I felt a spark, and alongside my civil service training, I took a 28-day basic mountaineering course at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. By the end of the course, I was completely hooked. Not long after, I climbed Mount Satopanth, a 7,000-metre peak, and that was just the beginning of my journey. The Thiruvananthapuram native scaled his first summit, Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341ft) in Tanzania, in February 2021. At 3pm on November 10 this year, by waving the Tricolour atop Mt Kosciuszko, the highest peak in Australia, Shaikh completed the Seven Summits challenge. I cant put into words how jubilant I felt as I stood atop Mt Kosciuszko with the Indian flag, wearing the mundu in the cold just to add a bit of Kerala vibe, Shaikh smiles. His earlier conquests include Mt Vinson in Antarctica, Mt Everest in Asia, Mt Denali in North America, Mt Elbrus in Europe, and Mt Aconcagua in South America. Shaikh also holds a world record for unfolding the largest Tricolour atop Mt Everest, a feat that he achieved on the 75th anniversary of Indias Independence. I carried a 30x20ft flag. It was heavy, but its symbolism outweighed its physical weight, he says. On his return from the Everest Eco Expedition, Shaikh carried back more than just memories; he lugged down over 100kg of junk. About challenges of mountaineering, Shaikh concedes that there have been moments of doubt when giving up seemed tempting, but his passion pummelled through those blocks. Solitude can be daunting, but its also a space for self-reflection, he adds. I use solitude to connect with my inner self. During expeditions, I also rely on mindfulness techniques, journaling, and reminding myself of the people who believe in me. What about physical fuel? I take calorie-dense foods like nuts, energy bars, and dried fruits for quick energy boosts, he says. I consume complex carbohydrates like oats and rice for sustained energy, and ensure adequate protein intake through dehydrated meal packs. I also carry electrolyte tablets to replenish myself. Most importantly, we need to listen to our bodies and eat regularly, even when our appetite is low. Reflecting on his three-year Seven Summit journey, Shaikh recalls the most memorable moments that deepened his appreciation for nature and reaffirmed his commitment to environmental conservation. Climbing Mt Vinson in Antarctica, the sheer purity of the place humbled m making me realise how small we are compared with nature, he says. And when I stood on the rim of Mt Kilimanjaro at sunrise, watching the golden light spread across the savannah, I felt like the world had paused. It was a powerful reminder of why I climb to experience natures raw beauty. For Shaikh, conquering the Seven Summits is just the beginning. At 37, he now aims to become the first person in the world to scale the highest peak in every country over the next five years. However, securing sponsorships for a less popular sport like mountaineering remains a challenge. I often find myself knocking on 100 doors to get one to open, he says. For my Everest expedition, I had to take loans and faced a lot of struggles. But for my trips to Antarctica, Russia, and Kangchenjunga, Al Muqtadir jewellery stepped in as sponsor. My alma mater, Musaliar College of Engineering, supported my American expedition. I didnt have any sponsor for the Australian one, but my friends raised the funds to make it happen. Shaikh rues that the governments efforts to promote sports in Kerala are minimal. I dont expect much, he says. My goal is to inspire others through my Seven Summits journey and attract sponsors for my next challenge covering 195 countries. I remain hopeful that someone will see the value in my effort and offer support. Going beyond the thrill factor, Shaikh says he has been raising awareness about climate change and world peace. I have seen the effects of climate change up close, he says, suddenly turning grim. The ice on the peaks is melting, and theres more rainfall in North America than ever. Everywhere I go, I try to spread the message about whats happening to our planet and share it through my social media. Shaikh is also planning a project focused on cleaning the beaches in Kerala, believing that to inspire others to take action, one must lead by example. He asserts that every human has infinite potential within. Standing atop the peaks, I realised that the summit is not just a physical goal but a metaphor for life itself. The unexpected revelation was the power of resilience within me an ability to push beyond limits, he says. The journey taught me that every small step matters, and that great achievements often require one to go through solitude, discomfort, and uncertainty.

Delimitation: Coastal folk to have fewer representation in Thiruvananthapuram corporation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The draft notification for ward delimitation released on Monday triggered a controversy after it was found that the coastal population in Thiruvananthapuram will have lesser representation in the city corporation. Three coastal wards, Shankhumukham, Beemapally East and Mulloor, disappear after delimitation, while six new wards are created in Kazhakoottam constituency. The wards have been merged with existing ones. Irked by the development, which they allege is a deliberate move to favour the ruling Left Front in the corporation, opposition UDF and the BJP are set to move court. The opposition parties allege widespread manipulation in the process and term it unscientific. As per the draft, the number of coastal wards in the corporation comes down from 17 to 14, which, according to the UDF, will significantly reduce coastal representation in the council. UDF parliamentary party leader P Padmakumar alleged the delimitation will affect coastal areas, considered Congress strongholds. He said the exercise aimed at eliminating Congress representation in the council. Its a hidden deal between the LDF and BJP. They have been playing dirty politics. The boundaries have been fixed in BJPs favour. We will raise our grievances before the state delimitation commission and the district collector. If the matter is not addressed, we will move court. We will also be collecting and consolidating grievances from the public, Padmakumar said. IUML state secretary and UDF district general convener Beemapally Rasheed alleged the number of wards are being increased as per the whims and fancies of the ruling front and the BJP, by cutting down coastal wards. It is a political move. We cant accept this draft delimitation process, he said. The BJP too raised similar allegations against the ruling front. We dont trust the process. It was highly influenced by the ruling front. Many wards with strong BJP presence were cut down and added to others. We have decided to take the matter to court after raising our grievances with the election commission, said senior BJP councillor P Ashok Kumar. Former state election commissioner K Sasidharan Nair said the delimitation process might get influenced by parties at the helm of local bodies as it is done by officials under the respective local body. However, approaching the court will not help, he said. Usually, issues arise during reconstitution. The ward delimitation is done by local bodies under the supervision of the election commission. Only after the drafts submission does the panel comes into the picture. It will treat all grievances fairly, irrespective of political affiliations, he said. The total number of wards in the corporation has been raised to 101. The State Election Commission will accept complaints and grievances until December 3. Delimitation changes Nine new wards Kizhakkumbhagom, Chenkottukonam, Karyavattom, Kariyam, Alathura, Kuzhivila, Ramapuram, Gowreesapattom and Karumam Wards removed Mulloor, Perunthanni, Shankhumukham, PTP Nagar, Kuriyathi, Beemapally East, Manikyavilakam and Sreevaraham

Kerala cybersecurity student foils fraud bid against father, lodges police complaint

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A cybersecurity student outsmarted a group of scammers who attempted to scam his father by posing as officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Tuesday. The scammers had contacted the father of Ashwaghosh Saindhav, 21, the student, claiming that a SIM card issued in his name was being used for cybercrimes. Claiming urgency, they instructed Ashwaghosh to appear at the Mumbai Cyber Cell office within two hours for recording his statement. When he told them he could not travel to Mumbai, the scammers suggested a video call. During the call, people dressed in police uniforms appeared on screen and displayed fake ID cards. They also demanded that Ashwaghosh put his phone on silent and be alone in a room while communicating with them. However, Ashwaghosh, who sensed the fraud early on, turned the tables on them, engaging with them for around 1.5 hours and cleverly mocking their claims with witty replies that left them embarrassed. He also recorded the video call for evidence. Realising they were being outsmarted, the scammers abandoned their attempt and disconnected the call. He later lodged a complaint with the Thiruvananthapuram Cyber Cell and handed the recording as evidence. Police have initiated an investigation. Meanwhile, the Kerala Police shared the footage on their official social media handles and urged people to remain cautious of cyber frauds.

Economic growth project gets KIIFB nod

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

BJP leader Muraleedharans remarks about Wayanad landslides draw flak

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior BJP leader V Muraleedharan on Tuesday courted a controversy after he claimed only three local body wards were washed away in the Wayanad landslides, not an entire region. It is not right to say a region was washed away in the landslides. Only three wards in two panchayats were destroyed. Money can be sanctioned only according to the law, Muraleedharan had told reporters in response to questions over the delay in central aid to rehabilitate the victims of the July 30 calamity. Maintaining that the Union government had not said additional assistance wont be given to Wayanad, Muraleedharan accused political parties of using the disaster for political gains. He also termed the joint LDF-UDF hartal in Wayanad against the Centres stand, a drama to prevent BJPs victory in the bypolls. He also said there was no point in having emotional talks on the issue. The state governemnt asked for Rs 214 crore from the Centre for rehabilitation. It is, however, not spending the Rs 788 crore it has in its possession for disaster relief, he said. His remarks stirred up a controversy with the CPM and Congress accusing him of trivialising the tragedy. Kalpetta MLA T Siddique accused Muraleedharan of insulting the victims, while Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas, in a Facebook post, termed Muraleedharan a disaster of a severe nature. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam said the former union ministers remarks could not be pardoned. There are a lot of victims in Wayanad who do not have any information about their kin. Muraleedharan spoke against them. It is unpardonable, he said. LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan said Muraleedharans analysis of the disaster was unrealistic. Protests across district Kalpetta: Wayanad saw a slew of protests on Tuesday against BJP leader V Muraleedharan for his remarks on Wayanad landslide. The UDF workers burned the former Union minister in effigy at Chungam near Sultan Bathery. MLA T Siddique said with this statement, the BJPs true face has come out once again.

CM Pinarayi Vijayan fires fresh salvo at Sadiq Ali Thangal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/KOLLAM : In an evident political move ahead of the crucial assembly by-election in Palakkad, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asserted that the IUML has warmed up to the SDPI and Jamaat-e-Isami after Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal assumed the office of the partys state president. Firing a fresh salvo at the Muslim League president, Pinarayi said there has been many Thangals from the Panakkad family, but he has criticised only Sadiq Ali. The CM said he criticised Sadiq Ali for his role as IUML president. Arent you responsible for taking a pro-SDPI and pro-Jamaat-e-Islami stance? Pinarayi asked Thangal. We are naturally bound to state our opinion. But the League says we should not do so. This is the language of terrorists. No League worker should approach us speaking such a language, the CM said during the inauguration of the CPM area committee office at Neduvathur in Kollam on Tuesday. He also targeted the Congress, accusing the party of compromising its secular credentials ahead of the by-elections. The Congress cannot reject SDPIs votes in Wayanad. While the CPM has always taken a firm stance against communalism, the Congress seems to be pandering to communal forces for mere electoral gains, said Pinarayi. CPM has always opposed all forms of communalism, says CM Pinarayi Is this the path they want to tread to garner votes? Such moves are damaging the country, he said. The CM further alleged that Congress leaders in Palakkad had welcomed an RSS member, a move that has reportedly alienated secular factions within the Congress as well as the IUML. He said the CPM has always opposed all forms of communalism. He recalled that several CPM workers had lost their lives in the Thalassery riots, for the sake of protecting a mosque. The CMs fresh offensive against Thangal came despite the Muslim League and the UDF taking strong exception to his earlier comments accusing the IUML supremo of breaking away from the glorious legacy of the Panakkad Thangals and behaving like a Jamat-e-Islami follower. Addressing an LDF election rally on Sunday, the CM launched the first round of attack on Sadiq Ali. He alleged that Sadiq Ali did not have the qualities of his eldest brother, Syed Mohammedali Shihab Thangal, who was also a former state president of IUML. Pinarayis criticism invited a strong rebuke from the Muslim League with its national secretary PK Kunhalikutty retorting that the CMs remarks were borne out of his jealousy towards Sadiq Ali Thangal.

Kerala students set example, turn one tonne of plastic waste into eco-bricks

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If left unattended, a tonne of untreated plastic waste can cause immense harm to the environment. Realising this, students of a government school in Thiruvananthapuram reduced the eco-hazard by converting nearly 1,300 kg of plastic waste into eco-bricks for use in construction. An eco-brick is a plastic bottle densely packed with clean, dry, non-recyclable plastic to create a reusable building block. Its use in construction is gaining traction the world over as it is economical, eco-friendly and also an inventive way to reuse plastic waste. It is also encouraged as conventional brick manufacturing requires removal of topsoil, thereby degrading agricultural land besides causing air pollution and requiring significant energy consumption. The Student Police Cadets (SPC) of Government High School, Avanavanchery, are using the eco-bricks for construction of public utilities in schools and common areas nearby. According Sabu Neelakantan Nair, the Community Police Officer (teacher in-charge of the SPC unit), the cadets have prevented nearly one tonne of plastic waste from mixing into the soil and water bodies nearby over the past four years. Close to 1,200 eco-bricks prepared by our students were handed over to Victory VHSS, Olathani for construction purposes. This is in addition to providing 400 eco-bricks to Sai Gramam at Thonnakkal and using another 700 bricks in our school for constructing outdoor benches, Sabu said. The latest initiative of the SPC cadets was construction of resting benches using 800 eco-bricks on the Attingal municipality premises for members of the public visiting the office for various purposes. An enterprise of green activists involved in manufacturing eco-bricks in the locality trains the cadets every year. Student Police Cadets with Community Police Officer Sabu Neelakantan Nair Eighty-eight cadets from the school are engaged in periodically collecting cleaned and dried plastic waste from the neighbourhood. The collection is carried out with the partnership of residents associations, covering over 250 houses. The cleaned and dried plastic waste and bottles are handed over to the cadets on a fortnightly basis. The students initiative has earned praise from Attingal municipality which is itself grappling with the growing waste in the town limits. Municipal chairperson S Kumari said the menace caused by plastic waste can be brought down considerably extent if other schools replicate the model. This is not the first time that the student police cadets of Avanavanchery HS have hogged the limelight for their novel initiatives. The cadets have been engaged in paddy cultivation on two acres of nearby land taken on lease. The SPC unit has also launched a rice brand named Niravu which is marketed locally and is popular for the organic methods employed for its cultivation.

Nine wards created, eight wards scrapped in ward delimitation in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation

Ration dealers stage protest in Thiruvananthapuram

Digital life certificate campaign 3.0 held for railway pensioners in Thiruvananthapuram

Pensioners can generate life certificates conveniently using Jeevan Pramaan app on their mobile devices, eliminating the need to visit the bank.

Lulu Mall Thiruvananthapuram wins Indian Green Building Council award

Award was given away in acknowledgment of the malls strong commitment to green building movement

Relief For Malayalam Actor Siddique, Supreme Court Grants Anticipatory Bail In Sexual Assault Case

A female actor had accused Siddique of sexually assaulting her at a hotel in Thiruvananthapuram on January 28, 2016.

Kerala leads haemophilia care with costly but effective monoclonal antibody treatment

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The global shortage of anti-clotting drugs, or anticoagulants, did not affect the medication of over 2,000 haemophilia patients, thanks to a timely shift in treatment protocols by the health department. The shortage was triggered when drug companies stopped making older medicines and focused on new ones, leaving states with limited options. However, Kerala was not affected as in July, the health department switched to Emicizumab, a monoclonal antibody treatment that is more expensive but effective against bleeding, for all patients aged below 18. The move helped the department manage the shortage of factor concentrate for adult patients, as the nationwide supply disruption led to serious issues. Factor shortage is a global issue. We have been gradually increasing the number of beneficiaries getting Emicizumab. This shift is unavoidable, but we started early and could provide treatment with minimal disruption, said Dr Rahul U R, the state nodal officer for Child Health. The shortage triggered protests in West Bengal and Karnataka. Tamil Nadu is now planning to buy Emicizumab to switch to the new treatment. The health department spends around Rs 35 crore on haemophilia treatment annually. The switch to Emicizumab increased the budget, as each vial costs between Rs 50,000 and Rs 3 lakh. The additional spending is being managed by using the states share under the national programme. However, the department found the new treatment to be more cost-effective in the long run. Dr Rahul said the rise in cost of using monoclonal antibody would be balanced by a reduction in the treatment required to manage complications under the factor replacement therapy. The department spent around Rs 11 crore on treating the complication using FEIBA (factor eight inhibitor bypassing activity) treatment. After switching to monoclonal antibody regimen the FEIBA treatment use came down by 50% this year, said Dr Rahul. The advanced preventive treatment eliminated the need for bi-weekly hospital visits for injections, which had previously caused disruptions in school and work for families. Previously, preventive care involved administering blood clotting factor concentrates, which could also potentially lead to drug resistance if used indiscriminately. In the absence of a national guideline for haemophilia, many states are in nascent stage of dealing with the disease. Health departments of various states have sought Keralas support in haemophilia management. Meanwhile, haemophilia patients are not happy with the shortage, saying it has affected adult patients. Factor concentrate is not available in many taluk hospitals. Patients have to travel far for an injection to stop bleeding, said Jimmy Manual, regional council chairman of the Hemophilia Federation of India. The health department is planning to buy newer drugs, including extended half-life products, and expand the use of monoclonal antibodies as part of its strategy.

Salary delay: KSRTC workers body protests, minister calls it drama

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Members of the Congress-affiliated Transport Democratic Federation (TDF) staged a protest in front of the KSRTC headquarters on Monday against the delay in salary disbursal, and prevented senior officers, including the KSRTC chairman & managing director, from entering the office. The police stepped in after members of the TDF and the Kerala State Road Transport Employees Association (CITU) clashed during the protest. The police removed the protesters from the venue. Meanwhile, TDF has called for observing a black day in all depots on Tuesday in protest against the alleged attack by the CITU leaders. Criticising the TDF for staging the protest drama on the day of salary disbursement, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar said, TDF decided to stage a protest on Monday after we announced that the salary will be distributed. The distribution was affected after they prevented senior officers from entering the office. The union is staging such protests for cheap mileage ahead of the trade union referendum. They also wanted to show the LDF government in a bad light ahead of the by-election, said Ganesh Kumar. He said the government was trying to provide the entire salary instead of giving it in installments.

Kerala's first EV research, industrial park to come up at Vilappilsala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An electric vehicle (EV) research and industrial park, the first-of-its-kind initiative in Kerala will come up at Vilappilsala in the state capital. It will focus on research, development, and manufacturing of components such as batteries, motors, controllers and charging systems. The park will be located on a sprawling 23-acre site owned by Trivandrum Engineering Science and Technology Research Park (TrEST) and it is expected to go on stream by December 2025. TrEST has issued a notification inviting consultants to prepare the projects master plan and detailed project report (DPR). Once a consultant is finalised, the DPR will be drawn up within two months. Experience in these sectors and expertise in setting up industrial parks are among the criteria for eligibility. The deadline for submitting bids is November 22, with the opening of bids scheduled for November 28. Incidentally the park would be the second in the country to have a battery testing centre. Currently, the countrys lone battery testing centre is located in Bengaluru. The park is designed to attract major corporate players and startups A consortium, which includes TrEST, VSSC (Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre), C-DAC and Travancore Titanium Products(TTP), has been formed to oversee the execution of the project. Besides, the park is expected to attract e-mobility, aerospace, defence, logistics and medical equipment manufacturing companies. TrEST CEO P R Shalij said that the park could accommodate both large corporations and startups. Its proximity to Vizhinjam Port will benefit import and export capabilities for EV components. TrEST has also established a drive-train testing lab for electric vehicles. This facility, located at the Energy Management Centre in Sreekariyam, tests the connection between EV batteries and drive train systems. Once the park goes on stream, the lab would be relocated to Vilappilsala.

Vet varsity: Kerala government panel starts process to pick VC

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The search-cum-selection committee formed by the state government last month to select a new vice-chancellor (VC) for Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) has started the process of shortlisting potential candidates. The five-member panel, chaired by B Ekbal, former VC of Kerala University, does not include a nominee from the governor, the chancellor of KVASU. The panel was set up in accordance with the provisions of the University Laws (Amendment) Bill, which, though passed by the assembly, is yet to get assent from the President. In a public notice inviting applications for the post, the panel outlined the eligibility criteria. Applicants must have served at least 10 years as a professor at a university or in a similar position at a research or academic institution. The deadline for submitting applications is December 7. The panel said it will also consider eligible academics who have not formally applied. The tenure will be five years or until the appointee reaches 70 years of age, whichever comes first. Sources have raised concerns about the legal validity of the selection process, given that it is based on a Bill not yet enacted into law. The panels formation comes in the wake of a controversy involving the reinstatement of two KVASU officials M K Narayanan, former Dean of the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Pookode, and R Kanthanathan, assistant warden of the hostel, who were suspended following the death of J S Sidharthan, a student at the college, in February.

Public Campaign Comes to an End in Palakkad Assembly Bypoll

Thiruvananthapuram : The public campaign for the Palakkad assembly by-election concluded on Monday, with hundreds of supporters of the three main contendersthe Congress-led UDF, the CPM-led LDF, and the BJP-led NDAgathering at the town centre for the grand finale. The constituency saw over a month of fervent campaigning. The leading candidatesRahul Mamkootathil from the UDF, Dr. P Sarin from the LDF, and C Krishna Kumar from the BJPrallied their supporters to the central town junction on Monday evening as the campaign peaked. The voting will take place on November 20 and the counting will take place on November 23. The Palakkad by-election was necessitated because of the election of sitting MLA Shafi Parampil as MP from Vadakara constituency in 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Shafi emerged victorious over BJP candidate Metro Man E Sreedharan in a tightly contested race. The Congress faced a setback immediately after the election announcement in October when its youth leader and IT Cell Chief, P Sarin, resigned and joined the Left camp. He was promptly nominated as the independent candidate backed by the CPM-led LDF, contesting with the stethoscope symbol. The candidates of Congress and the BJP are contesting on their party symbols Hand and Lotus respectively. The BJP, which secured second place in the previous election, encountered internal strife. The nomination of C Krishna Kumar as their candidate met with resistance from some party leaders. The BJP's challenges intensified when attempts to appease dissatisfied leaders failed, leading to the resignation of their prominent spokesman and state committee member, Sandeep Varier, who defected to the Congress just days before the election. The constituency saw an intense campaign, with senior leaders from all three fronts actively supporting their candidates. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his cabinet, and CPM state secretary M V Govindan campaigned for Sarin, while KPCC president K Sudhakaran, opposition leader V D Satheeshan, and MP V K Sreekantan addressed a series of rallies in support of the Congress candidate Rahul. The BJP's campaign efforts were spearheaded by state president K Surendran, union minister Suresh Gopi, and Shobha Surendran.

A year after launch of heli-tourism, sector still at a nascent stage in Kerala

Though the idea of linking scenic destinations in Kerala with Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram seems attractive, developing a dedicated traffic of guests on these routes will take time

Kerala Maritime Board looks to tap tourism potential of Valiyathura

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ambitious plan of the Kerala Maritime Board (KMB) to tap Valiyathuras tourism potential is moving forward steadily. The plan is to bring in private investment to develop a parcel of land close to the Valiyathura Pier and the beach that is in the KMBs possession. Built in 1956, the pier had been a big tourism draw for years. However, after it collapsed partially in March, the pier was closed to the public and the local fishing community. Now, ahead of calling for the Expression of Interest (EoI) for developing the land and pier, the KMB recently invited tenders to rope in an agency to survey the land in its possession at Valiyathura. The location has immense tourism potential. We possess around 4.5 acres of land there. However, to invite the EoIs, we need to survey the place and ascertain the exact area of land available for development. We need to provide specific idea about the land, its location and its distance from the sea, said a senior KMB official. Though the board had initially planned to invite global tenders immediately after the Lok Sabha elections, it has now decided to take things slow fearing local resistance. We are preparing the document for inviting EoIs, and will be able to invite tenders within two months. There are other issues that could arise later, when the project takes off. Hence, we have decided to hold a meeting of stakeholders, said the official. Officials said the area is majorly used by the local fisherfolk. We need to find an alternative pathway. A lot of issues could arise. When we give the area to a private party, there will be restrictions. Before launching the project, we need to take the local community into confidence. We will make a request to the government so that peoples representatives and representatives of the local community can hold talks for avoiding future problems, said the official. Nearly eight months since the partial collapse of the Valiyathura pier in March, the government has been unable to conserve the structure, which serves a testament to the maritime heritage of the capital. Rough waves have split the 214-m-long pier into two. As per the study carried out by IIT Madras, the piers restoration will be a very expensive affair. The private party taking up the project, if interested, will develop and conserve the pier. There is immense potential as the pier can be developed as a wharf where ships can dock, said the official.

Zookeeper loses battle to cancer

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Krishnakumar, a well-respected zookeeper at the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo died on Sunday after battling cancer. The 47-year old Vattiyoorkavu Manikanteswaram native, who had been working in the city zoo since the last 16 years as a daily wage labourer, had been battling cancer for the last several years. But that did not deter him from discharging his duties. When his health started deteriorating, the authorities urged him to work as a crowkeeper, relaxing the workload. Krishnakumar was a selfless human being who was fully dedicated to his work. He also used to take care of the spotted deer and the aviary. But his deteriorating health prompted him to take over the role of crowkeeper as a good population of crows come to raid the food served to the animals. His role had been to shoo away those crows which pestered the Barasingha deer, also known as swamp deer, spotted deer and other animals, M Rajeev, one of his colleagues, told TNIE. Since he had exceeded his age, Krishnakumar had been unlucky not to have a permanent job at the zoo. His body was brought to the zoo office on Sunday afternoon where the staff paid their last respects to him. A commemorative meeting was also held, which saw veterinary surgeon Dr K R Nikesh Kiran and zoo superintendent V Rajesh paying rich tributes in memory of their colleague. His last rites were held at Santhikavadam. According to P S Manjula Devi, director, Thiruvananthapuram Museum and Zoo, Krishnakumar is survived by wife S Suja Kumari and children S Gopika Krishnan (BSc nursing student) and S Gokul Krishnan, a class 3 student.

Moving KSRTC bus catches fire, none hurt

PATHANAMTHITTA: A moving KSRTC bus that was on its way to pick up Sabarimala devotees caught fire at Attathodu between Nilakkal and Pampa in the early hours of Sunday. Only the driver and the conductor, both hailing from Attingal in Thiruvananthapuram, were in the bus when the incident took place around 5.30am. They both escaped unhurt. We caught whiff of an odour. Then there was a spark and smoke started coming out of the bonnet. Immediately, the driver stopped the bus and doused the flames with the fire extinguisher. That did not work. Since there was no mobile coverage at the place, we could not alert anyone, the conductor said. He said they also stopped other vehicles on the route and used around eight extinguishers to try and stop the fire. As soon as the fire department received an alert, three fire engine units, two from Pampa and one from Nilakkal, reached the spot and doused the flames. By the time the fire was fully doused, the bus was gutted. The non-AC bus from the KSRTCs Peroorkada depot comes under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) project, an official said. Devaswom Board member A Ajikumar visited the spot later to assess the situation.

15-year-old dies by suicide at Nemom

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Class 10 student died by suicide at his house at Nemom after his grandmother reprimanded him for using mobile phone during studies. The deceased is Ananthu Krishnan, 15, a student of Victory VHSS, Nemom. Nemom police said the incident occurred on Sunday morning. Ananthus parents are separated, and he was living with his aunt and grandmother at Nemom. A police source said that on Sunday morning, after returning from kalaripayattu class, Ananthu went to his room to study. His grandmother went upstairs to hang washed clothes when she found Ananthu immersed in his mobile phone, which was hidden inside his book. She scolded the boy and snatched the phone from him. However, later when his aunt checked him, she found him dead in his room. After inspecting the room, police suspect that Ananthu might have tried to just scare the family members by staging a suicide attempt, unfortunately leading to his death. Nemom police have registered a case under Section 194 of BNSS for unnatural death.

Unregistered docs under medical councils scanner

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Medical Councils (KSMC) have intensified its crack down on practitioners displaying qualifications not officially recognised by them, as they look to curb fraudulent and unqualified medical practices and safeguard patient welfare. The Council for Indian System of Medicine has been particularly active, investigating clinics and practitioners with unregistered or unrecognised qualifications. The law mandates that only registered practitioners can legally practice, said council president Dr Sreekumar T D. We deploy teams to conduct investigations, and based on their findings, decide whether to grant registration, he said, noting that such investigations often face resistance, leading to the involvement of police for ensuring compliance. Recently, the council acted against SJ Herbo Life Ayurveda and Siddha Hospital in Kozhikode following a complaint by Campaign Against Pseudo Science Using Law and Ethics (CAPSULE), a public health initiative under the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP). The clinics doctor-promoter was summoned for violating the Kerala State Medical Practitioners (KSMP) Act, 2021. Representatives from the Ayurvedic Medical Association of India too have expressed concern over illegal practices within the medical community, and are closely monitoring unethical and unregulated activities among practitioners. While the Council for Indian Systems of Medicine focuses on alternative practices, the Council of Modern Medicine has been taking action against doctors having unregistered qualifications. The council officials said there were multiple instances where doctors were found practising without proper registration of their MBBS qualifications or additional specialisations such as MD, MS, DNB, DM, MCH, and DrNB. Some doctors were also found displaying additional qualifications not recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC), which sets the national standards for medical practice. This is a violation of the National Medical Commission Act, 2020, as well as the KSMP Act, which mandates that all medical practitioners must be registered with the respective state medical council. Medical practitioners are required to display their council registration number, registered qualifications, and a legally attested copy of their registration certificate at the locations where they practice. Only qualifications and registration numbers officially recognised and registered with the state medical council should be used on prescriptions, letterheads, and seals.

Kerala health department rolls out rapid-action med unit for Sabarimala devotees

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health department has launched a rapid-action medical unit of Kanivu 108 ambulance scheme along the Sabarimala route. A bike feeder ambulance that can travel on narrow roads, a four-wheel drive rescue van that can travel on rough roads and an ICU ambulance are part of the rapid action unit. A bike feeder ambulance is fitted with a sidecar equipped to carry a patient. The vehicle will be operated by an emergency medical technician who is trained to treat patients. The four-wheel drive vehicle has been based at Apachimedu. It can easily travel on rough roads and is equipped with medicines and equipment for providing emergency medical care. The vehicle has an emergency medical technician trained to attend to patients. An ICU ambulance has been set up to transfer patients with serious health problems from Pampa to other places for specialist treatment. The unit is functioning under the Kanivu 108 ambulance scheme at Pampa Hospital.

Panakkad pill to counter Sandeep entry backlash

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While elated over the entry of dissident BJP leader Sandeep Varier to its fold , the Congress state leadership was equally concerned about the adverse impact it may have, specifically the possibility of voters from minority communities ditching the party in the November 20 Palakkad by-election. For, Sandeep has in the past not only targeted Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, but also raised eyebrows with his comments on the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. This was why the AICC leadership insisted on Sandeep visiting the Panakkad family in Malappuram on Sunday. Sandeeps Congress entry on Saturday had sent ripples in political circles and received widespread media coverage. With news channels devoting most of their time to Sandeeps political play, the Left front targeted Sandeep, saying UDF will lose its minority votes in Wednesdays bypoll. With Sandeeps entry triggering significant backlash on social media too, the AICC leadership, under the aegis of general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal sprang into action. After he attended the road show of Congress candidate Rahul Mamkootathil in Palakkad on Saturday, Sandeep was directed by the Congress leadership to call on IUML state president Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal in Malappuram on Sunday, as the party looked to convey the message that he is a secular leader. A senior Congress leader said the IUML leadership welcomed Sandeep wholeheartedly. Sandeep is definitely a prize catch. Pinarayis claim that Sandeeps entry will not go well with IUML supporters and workers shows the CM is in panic. Initial hiccups aside, we are confident that contrary to the CPM propaganda, the UDF will not lose minority votes, the Congress leader told TNIE. The Congress is also upbeat that the contest in Palakkad is between itself and the CPM, while the BJP, according to the grand old party, has been pushed into oblivion. It believes that Sandeeps entry has given impetus to the party.

29 died in ambulance accidents in Kerala last year

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ambulances are considered to be life-savers where even seconds count. Sirens blaring and lights flickering, they rush through traffic at insane speeds to save a life, but at times lead to fatal outcomes. According to the State Crime Records Bureau, 29 people died in accidents involving ambulances in 2023 in Kerala. The death toll saw an increase from the previous year from 23 to 29 even as the number of accidents dipped from 169 to 150. In the 150 accidents last year, 117 people sustained grave injuries while 63 suffered minor injuries, the data revealed. Speeding, as ambulances are generally exempted from traffic rules in emergency situations, and social media reel craze among young drivers are the major reasons for most of the accidents, said healthcare professionals. The state has 9,964 ambulances registered with the motor vehicles department (MVD), including 476 under the directorate of health services. But, according to the Kerala Ambulance Drivers and Technicians Association (KADTA), only around 5,000 are operational. Since 2018, there have been 820 accidents involving ambulances, in which 161 people lost their lives and 974 sustained injuries. It is a misconception that all patients should be taken to the hospital at a high speed, says Dr Sunil Kumar, superintendent of the Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. In our experience, only 25% of the total people taken on ambulances require critical care. In most cases, ambulance drivers are unnecessarily speeding, he told TNIE. Another worrying trend is alcoholism among the drivers. Being an emergency service, police will not stop a running ambulance and subject the driver to alcohol test. Apparently, some drivers are misusing this privilege, he said. KADTA treasurer Muhammed Jaleel said lack of proper training, especially for newcomers, is another major reason for the accidents. At least 70% of the accidents happen due to rash and reckless driving, he said. MVD urged to conduct training for new drivers A section of drivers, especially beginners, has a craze to ride the vehicle fast. In most of the cases, a maximum of 60 km per hour speed will be sufficient on our roads as fellow motorists always oblige and make way for ambulances. Those who drive at 80 or 90 km per hour will have to apply breaks frequently. In both cases, the travel time will be almost the same, Muhammed Jaleel said. A driver with two decades of experience, Jaleel said the social media reel craze of young drivers is extremely risky and unacceptable. This is a life-savers job and filming it for self publicity is shameful, he said, adding that the MVD should conduct training programmes for new drivers.

Salabhakoodu, a haven for children at the Thiruvananthapuram district court campus

Tharoor wrote to Musk over stagnant X follower count, received lawyer's reply denying issue

NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Sunday raised questions over his followers on X remaining almost the same for four years and said there is clearly something wrong that the people in charge of the microblogging website in India do not care about. Tharoor, who is among the most-followed politicians in India, also said he had earlier written to X owner Elon Musk flagging the issue and in turn received a reply from a lawyer flatly denying there was a problem. Tharoor's remarks came in response to a post by an X user who said, Who can tell us, @elonmusk, why, despite being tremendously liked by people across various lines, Dr.@ShashiTharoor's @X followers remain stuck at 8.4M? Reacting to the post, Tharoor said, Good question. This has been the case for four years! A source at the old Twitter India told me there was a problem he couldn't understand: he had reviewed my daily statistics over six months, and found a strange pattern my followers went up by over 1,000 a day, about 60-70 unfollowed me each day, but my overall followers total wouldn't budge above 8.495 million. He thought it was an algorithm glitch. Since my account is never 'suggested' for anyone to follow, and many of my followers complain about not receiving most of my posts on their timeline, I wondered if I had been 'shadow-banned'. (My source has since left @X), he said. Good question. This has been the case for four years! A source at the old Twitter India told me there was a problem he couldnt understand: he had reviewed my daily statistics over six months, and found a strange pattern my followers went up by over 1000 a day, about 60 - 70 https://t.co/IpfTJpMvwt Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) November 17, 2024 After three years plus of noticing this and no change under @X, I wrote to @elonmusk to inquire about this and received a lawyer's letter in return -- flatly denying there was a problem! So much for corporate responsiveness....The only practical consequence of my inquiry is that my followers count now drops unsteadily each day from the peak of 8.495m to 8.429m today, the Thiruvananthapuram MP said. There is clearly something wrong that the people in charge of X India don't care about, Tharoor said. But more and more people have been noticing and asking me, so I have finally decided to go public about it, he said. Given all the more important issues in our public life, it seems too petty to mention, he said. But whether it is deliberate or accidental, I hope those asking understand that there is a problem. Perhaps laying it out here might get the attention of someone responsible at @XCorpIndia but I am not holding my breath! Tharoor said.

Ex-BJP leader Sandeep Varier meets Muslim League supremo in Kerala

Ex-BJP leader Sandeep Varier meets Muslim League supremo in Kerala Thiruvananthapuram: Former BJP state committee member Sandeep Varier, who joined the Congress, met Muslim League supremo Panakkad Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal on Sunday. The meeting was marked by a warm reception from Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, Muslim League national general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty, and other [] The post Ex-BJP leader Sandeep Varier meets Muslim League supremo in Kerala appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

KSEB set to expand time of day tariff

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSEB meter readers have started taking stock of existing meters when they visit the houses of the consumers while going there to take the reading. This comes after the KSEB decided to expand the Time of Day (ToD) tariff, which charges different rates for electricity based on the time of use. However, the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission has yet to approve the tariff revision and the implementation of the ToD. The ToD tariff is already in effect for domestic consumers who use more than 500 units per month, as well as for commercial consumers. The distribution wing of the KSEB had asked the meter readers to take stock of the meters belonging to domestic consumers. The two-month-long drive will conclude on November 30. The KSEB's proposal, which is still awaiting approval from the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC), seeks to implement the Time of Day (ToD) tariff to reduce power consumption during peak hours. If approved, the ToD tariff would introduce three types of rates: a normal rate (6 am to 6 pm), the peak rate (6 pm to 10 pm), which would be 20% higher than the normal rate, and an off-peak rate (10 pm to 6 am), which would be 10% cheaper than the normal rate. A senior distribution official expressed hope that the KSERC will soon grant approval for the ToD implementation. By implementing the ToD tariff the KSEB can control the peak time usage as well as there will be less pressure to procure power from outside sources. Close to 18, 000 households are currently paying ToD tariff as they consume more than 500 units per month. Currently, those meters which don't have LCD displays have to be changed which comes to 3 lakh. The number of meters can either go up or down as the final tally will be known only after November 30, he added. The KSEB will fix the new meter where the consumer will have to pay its rent in their bi-monthly bill ranging from Rs 6 - Rs 10 for single and three phases. Another KSEB official told TNIE that the board has approved a tender for new meters, priced at Rs 630 for a single-phase meter and Rs 1,300 to Rs 1,500 for a three-phase meter. Due to a reduction in power consumption during the daytime, the electricity board is keen on increasing the tariff rates during peak hours. This move is prompted by the growing number of electric vehicle users, who tend to charge their vehicles mainly during peak hours. It is also reported that the KSEB, in its proposal to the KSERC, has suggested that electric charging stations be set up in all government and private offices. Speculation is rife that the KSERC is likely to announce the revised power tariff later this month, following the three by-elections in Wayanad, Palakkad, and Chelakkara, to avoid any potential impact on the ruling government's prospects.

Kerala: KSEB's seaplane move yet to take off

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At a time when the seaplane project , connecting water bodies and airports in Kerala, snowballed into a major controversy over the LDF government delaying it by a decade, the KSEB had evinced keen interest to launch it in 2022. The KSEB had sought Expressions of Interests from aviation service providers to operateamphibious floatplaneand/or helicopter services between their dams and reservoirs which received excellent feedback. This was mooted during former KSEB chairman and managing director B Ashok's tenure, but did not go further after he was shifted from there. The tourism department had earlier burnt its fingers by launching the country's first seaplane coughing up Rs 18 crore which had to be grounded owing to stiff opposition from fishermen during Oommen Chandy government's tenure. The ambitious project of the KSEB to operate floatplane and/or helicopter services between their dams and reservoirs saw them inviting EoI during April 2022. KSEBL had planned to take up their ambitious project at the first stage in the Banasurasagar Dam in Wayanad and Mattupetty Dam in Idukki. In fact when the tourism departments seaplane took off fromKochi's Bolgatty Marina on Monday, it landed smoothly at the Mattupetty dam. The trial run by the 17-seater seaplane has been part of the Union Ministry of civil aviations initiative to explore the possibilities of inland transport using amphibious aircraft. Ashok recalled to TNIE that two operators had come quoting Rs 2500 and Rs 1000 each as landing fee towards the seaplane project. Unfortunately, the successive CMD maintained that it should be the state government floating the project, and not KSEB, before the union civil aviation ministry who does not want the state to operate. Instead, they sought an operator. It was at this point the project came to a standstill, said Ashok. The role of the board would have been only that of a facilitator of the project. Float Planes have been introduced earlier in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Sardar Sarovar Dam inGujarat.The advantage for having a float plane is that it requires only a floating dock, adhering to the Director General of Civil Aviation and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security guidelines. Also, it can also fly to the four regular airports in the State. For operating helicopters, helipads have to be established in the destinations. An incumbent senior board official told TNIE that the seaplane project envisaged by the KSEB should have taken off as it would have only benefited the consumers. The board has 18 major reservoirs with five big dams which have got national importance. The revenue from the seaplane project would have benefited only the consumers as it would have brought down the power tariff, said a senior board official. The KSEBL had also envisaged providing joy rides in these destinations, wherein sorties can be done for a small duration of time to give the tourists a first-hand feel of a float plane/helicopter. Greens to move Kerala HC against Mattupetty seaplane operations

Wayanad bypoll gives new lease of life to landslide-hit district

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thanks to the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election, the struggling homestays and resort owners have reaped good business following the twin landslides at Chooralmala and Mundakkai. The leaders and party workers belonging to all the three mainstream political parties who camped in Wayanad for campaigning over the last one month stayed in hotels, homestays and resorts. But those hotels, homestays and resorts situated in the interiors of Wayanad have not thrived from the loss due to the landslides that wrecked the district. With 420 fatalities occurring in the Wayanad landslides which occurred on July 30, there was a general perception that the hilly district is no longer safe to travel. The hospitality industry felt the heat for the next three months with almost zero reservations. Wayanad landslides: A heart-wrenching tale of devastation Muhammed Salif, general manager (sales and marketing), of Vistara lake resort told TNIE that it was tough for the first three months following the twin landslides. The tourism season has since started in Wayanad from October onwards. The Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election has triggered interest in terms of business. The fear factor among the tourists that Wayanad is not safe to travel has since been changed. There are more enquiries for the coming months which has given a fillip to the hospitality industry, he added. Wayanad LS bypoll: Rehabilitation of landslide survivors takes centre stage The presence of AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as the by-election candidate in Wayanad triggered a nationwide interest in her debut electoral battle. The most number of leaders and party workers that came to help Priyanka in her campaign were from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. For fear of the wrath of the Election Commission of India observers, the majority of these outstation leaders and party workers coughed up money towards their accommodation from their own pockets. The arrival of the Gandhi Nehru scion has evolved into election tourism If Wayanad is considered as a popular hill station and pilgrimage tourism destination, the arrival of the Gandhi Nehru scion, Priyanka , has evolved into election tourism. UDF convener M M Hassan told TNIE that Priyanka has lots of ideas to give the battered hospitality industry a stimulus. I had campaigned in Wayanad for six days. The changes I witnessed there is a matter of immense satisfaction as the hotel, homestays and resorts have picked up their businesses. Several resorts and home-stays which were locked up following zero businesses have since made up their lost businesses. Priyankas presence in Wayanad is only expected to generate further business in the days ahead, said Hassan. Election campaign for Wayanad Lok Sabha seat gains momentum Former Wayanad MP, Rahul Gandhi also ensured that his travel in the zip line near Karapuzha Dam along with Priyankas son, Raihan Vadra, will only convey a positive message to the outside world on whats in store for the tourists there. Rahul Gandhi quipped, Theres no problem in Wayanad. The landslide was a localized event, so tourism must not be damaged. Since Priyanka was wearing a sari, she shied away from tagging along with her brother and son in the zip line. One huge effect of the landslide is on Wayanad tourism which is unjustified in the sense as it happened in a very restricted area. Wayanad actually has a huge area, a very, very beautiful, natural landscape and many beautiful things too. People should come, they would just love it, said Priyanka. Jibran Asif, director (sales and marketing), Abad Brookside, told TNIE that his two resorts in Lakkidi and Mananthawady did not get good business post the festive season of Pooja and Diwali holidays. Wayanad tourism had been looking really bleak after the twin landslides. It was the hill stations which had been badly affected. Since our properties were not in the mainstream region and in the interiors, we actually did not get good business due to the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election. But were hopeful of catching up with the business in the days to come due to the tourism season, said Jibran. He also added that whatever little business they did during the last few days was from tourists from other South Indian states.

Sanitation workers threaten to end their lives amid ongoing protest in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The inordinate protest launched by a section of sanitation workers in front of the city corporation office turned violent on Saturday when four of the protestors climbed the arch entrances of main office threatening to suicide in Thiruvananthapuram. This is the third time the protestors have threatened to end life in the past 44 days since the strike was launched demanding right to work. On Saturday, the sanitation workers intensified their protest after the meeting called by the Labour Commission on Friday failed to find a solution to their problems. The workers were protesting demanding the release of 12 vehicles seized by the corporation. The repeated protest at the corporation office is becoming a huge inconvenience to the public and on days when the protests are staged, the office hours are disrupted for many hours denying service for citizens. On Saturday also, owing to the protest, all three gates of the corporation office were closed. Following calls, the Fire and Rescue Services officials arrived at the scene at 7 am. An official of the department involved in the rescue said that the workers climbed the arch entrance with rope, kerosene and matchbox. It took us nearly 3 hours to pacify and bring them down. Later the police came and took them to the station, said an official of the Fire and Rescue Services. Our protest has completed 44 days and even after the direct intervention of Labour Minister V Sivankutty, the corporation authorities are not trying to resolve the crisis. Several meetings were held since the launch of the protest but they are not giving us the seized vehicles, said district joint secretary Kallayam Joy, Thiruvananthapuram Jilla Shucheekarana Thozhilali Union. He alleged that health standing committee chairperson Gayathri Babu, who attended the hearing called by the deputy labour commissioner, insulted the workers by addressing them as low grade people. We have decided to file a complaint for addressing us as a different class belonging to a different category. We were treated in a very bad way, he alleged. According to corporation officials, the vehicles were seized for illegally dumping waste in water bodies. The police have taken a case and the matter is in the court. For getting the vehicles they have to approach the court and as per the current law they will release the custody of the vehicles to them under certain conditions, said an official of the corporation.

KSRTC's innovative approach revitalises shop leasing at bus stations

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSRTCs commercial complexes are turning lucrative for the cash-strapped fleet operator with a new approach being adopted to utilise the properties located in key locations. KSRTC is making the turnaround with a dedicated team which is addressing the technical challenges to ensure compliance with regulations, boosting participation in the bidding process, and streamlining lease agreements by eliminating middlemen. Early results have been promising, with KSRTC successfully leasing three shops at the Kottarakara depot for Rs 60 lakh. Despite the advantages of strategic locations, KSRTC previously struggled to lease out these spaces. However, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar directed to bring in major changes as part of improving the non-ticket revenue of KSRTC. Earlier he said that the KSRTC would be earning in crores if all the commercial spaces were rented out. One of the key changes was reducing the participation fee for tenders from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 50,000, a move designed to encourage more bidders. In addition to standardising lease agreements, KSRTC introduced stricter conditions for renewals. Rental agreements will only be renewed if tenants have no outstanding dues for rent, water, or electricity charges. KSRTC has also eliminated subletting, which was found to be a major financial setback for the corporation, said an official. Apart from a few shops in major centres, KSRTC is yet to lease out around 250 shops in Thodupuzha, Muvattupuzha, Harippad and Pathanamthitta bus stations primarily due to technical issues.

Kerala HC raises concerns over Muslim survey by US company

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has raised concerns over a controversial survey involving questions relating to the Muslim community conducted in the state by an American company in 2010, calling it suspicious and recommending a further probe. The court expressed surprise at a foreign entity conducting a survey in India with questionable intent, and directed authorities to take appropriate action. The court made the remarks while dismissing a petition filed by TNS India Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, seeking to quash a case against four employees linked to the survey conducted in Friends Nagar, Attakkulangara, Thiruvananthapuram. According to the FIR, the survey booklets included questions targeting the Muslim community, which had the potential to disturb communal harmony. Justice P V Kunhikrishnan stated that foreign companies cannot conduct surveys or research in India without prior approval from the Centre. The case revolves around a 2010 agreement between Princeton Survey Research Associates, Washington, and Taylor Nelson Sofres PLC (TNS India Pvt Ltd), whereby the American firm commissioned TNS India to conduct a study in India. Similar surveys were conducted in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. No Centre sanction for conducting survey: HC It is surprising to see that a foreign company is conducting a survey in our country with a set of suspicious questions. The survey itself raises concerns. India is a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic, and there is no significant divide among our communities. Religious harmony is one of the pillars of our nations integrity, Justice Kunhikrishnan said. The court stated there was no sanction from the Central governmentfor the conduct of such a survey. An investigation by the state police is not enough in this case. If these types of surveys are allowed to continue, the same willaffect the security of our country and importantly religiousharmony. The Union government should take it very seriously,and if there is any intention to topple the integrity of ourcountry by conducting such surveys, appropriate steps shouldbe taken per the law, it stated. The court directed the Fort Police Station, Thiruvananthapuram, to submit a report on the investigation to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs within one month. It also directed the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs to take necessary steps and conduct further investigations if required, in line with the law. The Union government must address such matters seriously to ensure the nations security and communal unity, it added. The company argued before the court that the booklets were a questionnaire prepared to support a study on a project titled Green Wave 12 for its client Princeton Survey Research Associate, Washington DC, USA. The petitioner contended that the research was to help clients understand a countrys traditions, values, and attitudes. The company had conducted surveys in 54 locations across India and there were no complaints on earlier occasions. Some of the questions in survey What poses the second greatest threat to Islam today? If the respondent is a female, is she wearing the hijab(head covering) or niqab (full body covering)? How much of a role do you think Islam plays in the political life of India a very large role, a fairly large role, a fairly small role, or a very small role?

State did not ask Centre to declare landslide as natural disaster: Revenue Minister K Rajan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: More than 100 days after the Chooralmala-Mundakai landslides in Wayanad claimed 254 lives and left 128 missing, the Union and state governments and the three political fronts are engaged in a bitter dispute over whether it is a national disaster and whether the state government has asked for relief based on a non-existing clause in the Disaster Relief Fund. The controversy began when Union Minister of State Nityananda Rai gave a reply to state governments special envoy K V Thomas, turning down the latters request to declare the Wayanad landslide as a national disaster. Under the existing guidelines of SDRF/NDRF, there is no provision to declare any calamity as a national disaster, said the response. However, contrary to the Union ministers claim, the state has not requested the Centre to declare it as a national disaster, according to the states memorandum submitted to the Home Ministry on August 17. We have not requested the Union government to consider the disaster as national disaster, Revenue Minister K Rajan told TNIE . It was in the letter sent by K V Thomas that he referred to it as a national disaster. The state has not made any such demand. Our demand was based on three points. First, we wanted the disaster to be included in L3 category - to declare it as a disaster of a severe nature as the state could not handle the rehabilitation. If it is included in L3, the state can avail national and international aid. Second, we requested the centre to waive off loans of the disaster-affected people using the power under national disaster management authority. Third, the state asked the Centre to issue additional financial aid, he said. It was further pointed out that the word national disaster was used only till the tenure of the 10th Financial Commission. Centre says no provision to declare Wayanad landslides as national disaster The state government alleged that the Union ministers reply was silent on these demands. The officials in the revenue department also said that the details about the Central share in the SDRF are irrelevant as far as Wayanad rehabilitation package is concerned. According to the official data in the memorandum, a copy of which is with the TNIE, the estimated loss in the disaster is Rs 1,202 crore. The state has requested Rs 2,262 crore for the rehabilitation package. The memorandum includes a rough cost of the resilient township with community micro irrigation, dairy development, PWD, commercial and industrial establishments, police stations and agricultural development schemes. According to revenue officials, the SDRF / NDRF funds cannot be used for rehabilitation in Wayanad. The Centre has allocated its share of SDRF on two occasions in 2024-25, a senior revenue officer told TNIE. However, it is of no use to the state in rehabilitating Wayanad victims as there are strict norms for utilising the same. These funds are given to all states irrespective of any disaster and it did not lapse. Funds from SDRF can be given for different purposes - right from house destruction at Parassala to firework damage at Neeleswaram. It is also used to build flood-affected roads or to give compensation for people who died in natural disasters. For a 1 km flood road only Rs 75,000 will be allocated and for destruction of houses Rs 1.3 lakh is allowed, he said. Survivors with no relatives 10 Women 5 Male 6 Children under 18 yrs age Though its being widely used, currently the term National Disaster does not exist in disaster-related guidelines. Disaster of severe nature is the usage now. The state wants the Centre to include Wayanad under this category.

Air India Express Expands Winter Operations from Vijayawada and Vizag

Vijayawada: Air India Express has announced a major increase in its flight operations from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam for the winter season, boosting its weekly flights from 173 to approximately 250, marking a remarkable 45% rise. The airline has also expanded its direct routes, including new connections between Hyderabad and Gwalior, and Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, while increasing flight frequencies on several key domestic routes, including from Hyderabad to Bengaluru and Kochi. With the growth of its fleet to over 90 aircraft, Air India Express winter schedule has grown by 30% compared to last year. The airline is set to operate over 400 daily flights this season, up from 325 last winter. New routes introduced this season include connections from Chennai to Goa, Jaipur, and Pune, as well as Delhi to Indore. Additionally, starting December 1, the airline will begin operations to two new destinationsJammu and Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair). The frequency of international flights to Abu Dhabi, Ras al-Khaimah, and Muscat has also been increased. From Vijayawada, Air India Express operates 23 weekly flights connecting the city to three domestic destinationsBengaluru, Hyderabad, and Visakhapatnamalong with one international destination, Sharjah. The airline will also provide one-stop connectivity to 15 other domestic destinations, including cities like Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Delhi, Goa, Jaipur, Kochi, and Varanasi. From Visakhapatnam, Air India Express operates 28 weekly flights connecting directly to three domestic citiesBengaluru, Hyderabad, and Vijayawada. The airline also offers one-stop connections to 21 other domestic destinations and three international citiesDammam, Jeddah, and Riyadh. The list of domestic cities includes popular destinations such as Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Kochi, Mumbai, Pune, and Thiruvananthapuram. Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India Express, emphasized, By increasing our operations from these cities, we are reinforcing our commitment to the region, offering better connectivity to the rest of India and the Middle East. We are proud to be the only airline offering international flights from Vijayawada. Our new aircraft, featuring a Kalamkari-inspired livery, reflects our dedication to celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Telugu-speaking region.

Judo training facility for girls set up in Nagapattinam under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme

A professional Judo coach from Thiruvananthapuram has been appointed after the physical education teacher in Thirupoondi school helps students excel in various competitions

Most of Indian silent films have been lost: Samantha Leroy

KOCHI: Samantha Leroy is, put simply, a guardian of silent cinema preservation. She has been serving as the head of programming at the Fondation Jrme Seydoux Path in Paris since 2020, curating year-round lineups of silent films. Her journey began with cinema studies and projection work, before launching into archival film research and programming at the Cinmatheque franaise. Samantha is dedicated to preserving cinematic legacy and history, playing an important role in initiatives like coordinating the international festival of restored films, Toute la mmoire du monde, and co-organising the International Federation of Film Archives Winter School on Programming Film Heritage. TNIE sits down for a quick chat with Samantha, who anchored some sessions at the recent Film Preservation & Restoration Workshop India 2024 in Thiruvananthapuram. Whats it like working with silent films, especially when cinema, culture, and audiences have changed so drastically over time? When working with silent films, one is in contact with a kind of lost world, because silent cinema was completely different from what followed. The people who made these films are no longer here, though we can read interviews or texts, such as Buster Keatons memoirs or Charlie Chaplins writings. Whats fascinating is reading how film historians and critics viewed these films throughout the history of cinema. The perspective was different then, and now we have another lens through which to view them. Watching silent films reveals the evolution of vision, which is interesting in itself. These films connect us with history and help us understand the human experience. Watching them today isnt just about the past; its about making connections to the contemporary world, and thats incredibly valuable for understanding ourselves. At a time when there are so many options to watch films online or at home, what makes the silent cinema experience special? Watching a silent film in a theatre with live music whether its a piano or a full orchestra is a completely different experience. Watching on a big screen creates an emotional sensation thats hard to match. Many people think silent cinema is just Chaplin or Keaton, or that its dark and hard to understand. But when audiences discover the variety and beauty in silent films, theyre excited to return, as the music truly adds another dimension. For children, they dont see silent films as anything different; to them, its just another film. The earlier we introduce young audiences to silent cinema, the more open-minded they will be. How do different musicians with different styles impact the experience of live accompaniment for silent films? Each musician brings their own sensibility and improvisational style, making every performance unique and keeping the experience fresh for audiences. With silent films, the music is all about improvisation, so no two screenings sound the same. The piano is often the main instrument, but we sometimes add small ensembles of three or four instruments, depending on the space and the films needs. Even with a limited setup, we have experimented with instruments like the cello, flute, trumpet, saxophone, drums, and even electronic music. Once, we even used Indian music accompaniment for Shiraz, a silent film restored by the British Film Institute. This variety of instruments and styles allows us to create different moods and atmospheres. Whats the most rewarding part of your work? I get to discover a lot, and also learn every day. One of the biggest discoveries is often an entire national cinema. For example, in Czech or Danish silent films, we know famous directors like Denmarks Carl Theodor Dreyer or Benjamin Christensen, who are still well-known today. But then, I find other films influenced by them or from other directors, revealing different national perspectives on cinema. Countries such as Denmark and Sweden were producing brilliant films as early as 1910 or 1911. Sadly, many of these films have faded from memory. Rediscovering them is an emotional experience. As a programmer, my role is to connect these films with the audience and allow them to feel the same thrill of discovery I do. Whats your take on Indian silent cinema? I love Indian films, and I was amazed by [Shyam Benegals] Manthan at the screening here it was fantastic! But when it comes to Indian silent films, unfortunately, most of them have been lost. I did have the chance to show Shiraz, a beautiful Indian silent film. Additionally, at the Fondation Path, we restored a rare Indian film called Behula, which was shot by a French operator from Path. It was filmed in India with a French director, Camille Legrand. The film was never released, and when Legrand returned to France, he took the negative with him. We were lucky to find it, and after restoring it, we had to reconstruct the story, which was quite challenging, especially since its based on an Indian folk legend. I had the opportunity to present it in Mumbai two years ago.

Swachh Bharat: Thiruvananthapuram division ends cleanliness drive

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thiruvananthapuram Division of Southern Railway conducted a cleanliness drive to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission, from September 17 to October 15. The campaign covered 103 stations, 74 trains, and 428 offices. A total of 40,505 participants, including 15,505 volunteers of NSS, NCC, Student Police Cadets(SPC), other volunteers from schools and colleges, railway staff, and the general public, joined hands to clean 724,749 sq metres of area, including 508.16 km of tracks. It was not just about cleaning spaces but also fostering awareness and accountability, said Manish Thaplyal, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Thiruvananthapuram while inaugurating the month-long programme. It will be heartening to see the transformation we achieve through collective effort. This is not just about cleanliness but also about building a culture of responsibility and pride for our surroundings. Together, we can make our Railways a shining example of a Swachh Bharat, he added. These volunteers worked alongside railway staff to clear careless throwing of waste and illegal waste dumping sites, also turning neglected spaces into clean, usable areas. The drive also had a creative flair, with 325 Nukkad Nataks (street plays) and 218 cultural performances at station premises. At 30 stations, waste-to-art installations attracted media attention, also attracting selfies and conversations about sustainability. The divsion adopted a three-pronged approach against illegal waste dumping. It included awareness, vigilance, and collaboration. As many as 1,283 offenders were penalised and a penalty of `2,38,850 collected. As part of the awareness drive 181 pledge taking meetings, 2 marathons, 5 cyclothons, 44 walkathons, and 46 seminars/webinars were held. As many as 30 health camps were organised for safai karmis and 3,421 saplings were planted. The division has also reached out to local self-government bodies to prevent unauthorised waste dumping.

Child rights panel intervenes over denial of right to education at Beemapally

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) has intervened and directed the city corporation to relocate the nursery students in Beemapally and resume classes by utilising the first floor of the Akshaya Centre located within the compound of the Beemapally Urban Primary Health Centre. The action comes close on the heels of a TNIE report highlighting the plight of children in Beemapally who have been denied their right to education. For over a month, around 25 students of the school have been denied education owing to the apathy on the part of the authorities. The Commission has directed the city corporation and the other parties involved to submit an action taken report within 15 days of receiving the order. Previously, the school has been functioning in a single room with no proper facilities. The dump site close to the school was also posing serious health issues to the children studying with no play areas, toilets or other facilities. The Kerala State Human Rights Commission intervened and registered a suo motu case related to the issue and has directed the city corporation to clear the dumpsite immediately. Following complaints, the Child Rights Commission had directed the city corporation to temporarily shut down the school and undertake its renovation. But even after a month, the city corporation has failed to complete the renovation work or find an alternative location for temporary shifting of school leaving the parents and teachers in the lurch. In the recent order, the commission highlighted that the right to a clean and healthy environment is a fundamental right under Article 21 and Article 45 of the Constitution. The state shall endeavour to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six. The Commission has directed the authorities to make all necessary arrangements, including kitchen and other amenities at the building identified for the smooth functioning of the nursery. Beempally East ward councillor J Sudheer said that the school building has been identified and classes will resume immediately. Expressing dissatisfaction with the order, complainant Sanjeev S J alleged that as per the previous order the direction was to renovate the current school and clear the dumpsite. Instead of clearing the illegal dumpsite, they are attempting to relocate the school and taking a U turn from the previous directive., said Sanjeev S J.

ABVP stages protest over relocation of school gate in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: ABVP activists took out a march to the corporation office on Friday, demanding the Mayors resignation over allegations that the main gate of SMV Government Model HSS was relocated to facilitate a bar licence. The protest, which began at 12.30pm from Martyrs Square in Palayam, turned chaotic when protestors tried to jump the boundary wall. Police used water cannons twice to disperse them, followed by lathi charges when protestors breached the barricades. Arrested protestors were later released. Speaking at the protest, ABVP state secretary E U Eshwaraprasad accused SFI and DYFI of shielding the mayor and warned of retaliation if ABVP was suppressed. He also called for an investigation into allegations that the mayor accepted bribes for permitting the bar licence. The corporation had halted construction of the new school gate following the protests. The project was initiated in 2020 and delayed multiple times, said High school head of SMV School, Rani Vidyadharan.

Murder bid: 11 PFI men get seven-year jail

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

Congress upset over low voter turnout in Wayanad bypoll

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency witnessing its lowest-ever voter turnout, the Congress state leadership is upset over a possible dip in Priyanka Gandhis majority. Its learnt that, irked by the significant dip in polling, the central leadership has decided to probe into the reasons behind it. The leadership has started collecting booth-level polling data to review the polling pattern and identify what went wrong. Speaking to TNIE, KPCC general secretary (Organisation) M Liju said it is a normal practice to collect booth-level polling data soon after the election. The national leadership has not sought any special report from KPCC. However, as per the usual process, the party has been collecting booth-level polling data in Wayanad. Its natural for the national leadership to collect booth-level data, especially since Priyanka Gandhi was contesting, he said. According to the leadership, most Congress votes have been polled in Wayanad. Since there was no major contest - with both the CPM and the BJP staying away from active campaigning - it was an election with less enthusiasm. There was a general indifference towards the byelection as there was no tight contest, he added. The dip in polling has forced even senior leaders to look into reasons behind such an unexpected twist. An array of factors including an ineffective local leadership and resentment among the Christian community over the Munambam-Waqf issue are pointed out as some of the reasons behind the unexpected low voter turnout. The party leadership felt a combination of factors may have led to the dip in poll percentage. The district leadership in Wayanad has been highly ineffective. There was a hush-hush campaign among the voters on what led to the byelection. There was a feeling that the bypoll was unnecessary. Amid the high-voltage election campaign, the UDF couldnt effectively counter this campaign. Similarly, there was resentment and confusion among the Christian community over the Munambam-Waqf issue. These factors together reflected in the election, pointed out a senior Congress leader from Malabar.

Actor Indrans clears 7th std equivalency examination

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Actor Indrans, who had successfully reprised many roles in the reels, triumphed a unique real life challenge on Friday as he cleared the seventh standard equivalency exam conducted by the State Literacy Mission. The 68-year-old award-winning actor passed the examination scoring 297 out of 500 marks, which comes to 59.4 per cent, thereby earning the eligibility to appear for the 10th standard equivalency exam. Indrans was among the 1,007 people, who had passed the examination. General Education Minister V Sivan Kutty greeted the actor on his win via social media. Indrans, who had studied only till the fourth standard, appeared for the examination at Attakkulangara Government HSS. Prior to that, Indrans had attended the equivalence classes held at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College High School. However, owing to busy film shooting schedules, he mostly opted for home-learning, taking lessons from his family members. He also found time to study in between shooting schedules.

Protests brew as conduct of festivals faces uncertainty in Kerala

THRISSUR : At a time when fans are working hard to make Thrissur Pooram and other major festivals a memorable experience for participants, it seems the authorities are hell bent on dampening the festival spirit by enforcing impractical rules. If one sticks to the rule that the crowd has to be at a distance of 8m from the elephant parade, it would lead to difficult situations in the conduct of festivals. While the ultimate objective of all stringent rules is welfare of animals, it seems the rules are too harsh to the extent of putting an end to age-old festivals in the state. According to Rajesh G, secretary of Paramekkavu devaswom, It is totally impossible to conduct Thrissur Pooram adhering to the new set of rules. We urged the central and state government to intervene in the matter so that the next pooram can be organised without any issues. Thiruvambady devaswom secretary Girishkumar K also sought support of central and state governments in resolving the present situation. The devaswoms are planning to initiate necessary action to take the matter to the court so that the ground-level situation could be presented before the judges who issued the order. He added that as organisers of Thrissur Pooram they would move a review petition against the recent verdict. Samasrishti formed Animal rights organisations in the state have joined hands to form a new outfit named Samasrishti-Federation of Animal Rights Organization of Kerala to fight for the protection of animal rights. The organisations include SPCA Idukki, Heritage Animal Task Force, People For Animals Thiruvananthapuram, PAWS Thrissur, PAW Kannur, SEW Kannur, WEFAA Thrissur and ARROW Pathanamthitta. Samasrishti has been formed as the legal battle and awareness programmes that the organisations conduct separately seem to be insufficient to achieve necessary results, said the office-bearers of the new organisation including M N Jayachandran, Sushama Prabu, and Preethi Srivalsan.

Lack of operation policy, forest dept curbs hit Kerala's heli-tourism project

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Restrictions imposed by the forest department and the failure of the tourism department to formulate an operation policy have set back the states ambitious heli-tourism initiative. Kerala Tourism had launched the initiative last December with the aim of promoting aerial travel to attract high-end tourists. A lack of helipads is also posing a major challenge, discouraging additional private operators from entering the states tourism industry. Chipsan Aviation, a non-scheduled air operator approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), is the lone agency to have joined the heli-tourism initiative. We are unable to position a helicopter exclusively for heli-tourism here because of the lack of infrastructure and the objection from the forest department. To operate it without loss, we should get a minimum of 35 hours fly time every month. Even after so many months, we have hardly recorded 20 hours of flying. We have been covering up the loss by operating the machine in other states, Chipsan Aviation director Anil Narayanan told TNIE. He said the forest department objection has meant that they are unable to tap the potential of Athirapally and Munnar. The operator had approached the High Court in 2019 to get approval for their operations but the case is pending. The agency has set up helipads at major destinations Wayanad, Munnar, Thekkady, Ashtamudi, and Kovalam after tie-up with resorts. The high operating cost at the Kochi airport is another issue flagged by the operator. When we design a tour package worth Rs 3 lakh, around Rs 1 lakh is charged by CIAL for the pick up and drop of the guest from the airport. The package has become very expensive compared to other states, Anil said. While the operator has identified around 200 locations, including school grounds and open spaces for the heli-tourism project, the tourism department is yet to finalise a policy for its smooth operation. At the same time, an official with the forest department said they cannot allow the operations of the helicopter to Athirappilly because it is a highly vulnerable forest area lying sandwiched between Malayattoor and Parambikulam. It is one of the hotspots vulnerable to man-animal conflict and we cannot allow them to operate from this area as it could have an impact on animal behaviour. Also, the matter is now with the High Court, the official said. Industry experts feel that many new tourism projects are failing as there is no proper system in place at the tourism department. There should be a strong marketing wing and a single point of contact to address the challenges when a new product is launched. The industry needs new products like seaplanes, heli-tourism and caravans. We should launch all these on an experimental basis without holding back, said Prasanth Vasudev, former deputy director of Kerala Tourism. He said the government should form a high-level committee comprising representatives from all stakeholder departments while implementing such projects to avoid unnecessary delays and confusions. Queried on the matter, an official with the tourism department said they have drawn up a policy for heli-tourism, with approval awaited from the state government. The government is giving major thrust on facilitating private players. Its related to aviation and there are regulations in place. The Union government has an Udan Scheme and our policy should align with Centres policy. We have identified locations for helipads at major destinations. We will finalise them based on the demands of the travellers arriving at the four airports in the state, the official said.

Railway Thiruvananthapuram division holds month-long transformative cleanliness drive

The campaign, held from September 17 to October 15, covered 103 stations, 74 trains, and 428 offices

Thiruvananthapuram corporations' allocated revenue deficit for 2023-24 was highest in Kerala: RBI

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Municipal corporations in Kerala budgeted the highest aggregate revenue deficit for 2023-24, according to the Reserve Bank of Indias Report on Municipal Finances released on Wednesday. Civic bodies in Maharashtra budgeted the highest revenue surplus of Rs 11,104 crore in the same fiscal year. Other states with combined surplus of above Rs 1,000 crore were Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Telangana. Besides Kerala, only seven other states posted a revenue deficit: Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Tripura. At Rs 789 crore, Kerala had the highest total revenue deficit while Tripura posted the lowest deficit of Rs 2 crore. Except Kerala, all other southern states had budgeted revenue surpluses -- Karnataka (Rs 1,942 crore), Telangana (Rs 1,494 crore), Andhra Pradesh (Rs 603 crore), and Tamil Nadu (Rs 100 crore). In the previous years, Kerala had reported a revenue surplus. The revised estimates of 2022-23 budgeted a surplus of Rs 486 crore. The actual surplus in 2021-22 was Rs 156 crore. For these years, the state was ranked sixth and eighth, respectively, in the country for revenue surplus. The report said municipal corporations (MCs) need to augment their own revenue sources for greater operational and financial flexibility. The primary tax revenue source for MCs is property tax, constituting an average of 59.1% of revenue. Leveraging technologies such as Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and digital payment systems can enhance property tax collection. Periodic revisions in water and drainage taxes, and fees and user charges, coupled with use of technology for plugging leakages, can also help improve their revenue collections, the report said. Municipal bonds The report made a recommendation to allow municipalities to explore innovative financing instruments. While the larger MCs are already using municipal bonds for financing some of their infrastructure projects, other MCs can also explore municipal bonds and innovative financing instruments for capital investment for diversification of their funding sources. Creating mechanisms that allow MCs to pool resources for large-scale infrastructure projects will help overcome the fiscal constraints of individual corporations, it said. The idea of municipal bonds is worth exploring. It is among the terms of references of the State Finance Commission as well. Besides a policy decision by the state government, several factors like the financial health of municipal corporations are to be studied before allowing them to explore the bond market, opined K N Harilal, chairman of the Seventh State Finance Commission. Drop in capital outlay The report also threw light on the widening revenue gap of Keralas MCs. The increase in revenue receipts between 2019-20 and 2023-24 was 103.82%. The revenue expenditure rose by 174.29% over the same period. The budgeted expenses under salary, wages and bonus for 2023-24 were Rs 4,034.1 crore, an increase of 44.51% from 2019-20. The increase in pension expense was 57.41%. The sharp increase in committed expenses (salary and pension) has taken a grave toll on the capital outlay of MCs. It declined from Rs 12,133.3 crore in 2019-20 to Rs 8,883.8 crore in 2023-24. Kerala was positioned 15th in the country in capital outlay by MCs in 2023-24, the report said.

Paddy production in Thiruvananthapuram rose by 47 per cent in 2023: Statistics dept handbook

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Paddy production in the capital district rose by 47% in 2023 though the area under cultivation saw a 7% drop from the previous year. Total production in 2022-23 was 6,530.81 tonnes. Productivity rose by 57%, according to the handbook brought out by the district office of the Economics and Statistics Department. Agriculture plays an important role in the economy of the district. More than 50% of the total population depends on agriculture for its livelihood, the report said. The major crops cultivated in the district are coconut, tapioca, rubber, plantain, paddy, vegetables and pepper. Among the 15 major crops listed in the report, the highest increase in YoY production was for pepper, 49.02%. Paddy came second at 47.01%, followed by cocoa at 43.32% and banana, 36.38%. Coconut production dipped to 471 million nuts from 490 million in 2022. Serious crimes come down Incidences of serious crimes saw a dramatic decline in Thiruvananthapuram last year. The total number of crimes under eight heads dipped from 1,453 in 2022 to 1,225 in 2023, as per the handbook brought out by the district office of the Economics and Statistics Department. Rape cases went down from 344 in 2022 to 116 in 2023. Murders came down from 54 to 39 and kidnappings from 32 to 22. There was a 5.5% drop in theft cases and not a single riot case was registered. There were three riot cases in the previous year. A glaring exception was burglary which remained stubbornly high. The number of burglary cases rose by 18.3% - from 289 in 2022 to 342 the following year. Three dowry death cases were registered in both years. Huge inflow of tourists Maximum number of foreign tourists who visited Thiruvananthapuram in 2023 was from the USA, 19,714, followed by the UK, 19,586 and the Maldives, 17,413. As many as 1.48 lakh tourists visited the capital district, an 81% increase from the previous year. There were 11,090 tourists from Germany. key points 20% of govt employees in Kerala are from Thiruvananthapuram and 49% of total students in Thiruvananthapuram study in public schools Floriculture cultivation in 216.82 ha Road accidents increased by 11%

Kerala school students raise slew of waste management issues

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

53,290 immovable waqf holdings in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There are 53,290 immovable waqf properties in Kerala as on November 13, 2024. Of this, 1,008 face litigation, reveals data accessed by TNIE from the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs. Of the total, 10,841 properties are agricultural land. On expected lines, Malappuram district tops the list with 21,537 properties. Idukki with 227 properties comes last. Besides agricultural land, there are 936 buildings, 90 houses, 28,256 plots, three fishing ponds, 788 shops and 173 schools registered as waqf properties. As many as 12,000 institutions are registered as waqf in the state till date, Waqf Board CEO V S Zakir Hussain told TNIE. Registration (of new properties) takes place every day. These new properties include schools, agricultural land, shopping complexes, he added. BJP state prabhari Prakash Javadekar had recently challenged the LDF government in Kerala to reveal the details of waqf properties in the state. His remarks, made in the backdrop of the Munambam controversy, had kicked up a debate on the number and extent of properties managed by the Waqf Board. Only two properties are directly managed by the Waqf Board. As many as 39,708 are managed by management committees, while 11,752 are managed by Mutavallis. Administrators manage 478 properties. In 1,350 cases, no system is in place to manage the properties. Strictly speaking, the Kerala State Waqf Board owns no properties, Waqf Board chairman M K Sakeer said. The waqf properties are managed and registered in each district and we have 14 divisional offices. The board intervenes only when the properties are not protected under the Waqf Act, he said. Zakir Hussain said the campaign that the board evicts people on the basis of claims are not right. Once the board is convinced that there is merit in the petition of the divisional office, we start the process and send notices to the parties concerned. We hold a hearing and verify the documents. If we feel that there is alienation or encroachment, we forward it to the three-member tribunal headed by a sessions judge in Kozhikode. After the verdict of the tribunal, the parties can approach the HC for review. This process has been going on since 2022. The reports that the board has been serving notices in haste is not correct, he said. Going by the official data, there are 1,008 litigations in waqf properties. Of this, 457 are external (with members of other communities) and 551 are internal (with members of the Muslim community) litigations.

A child stands near Pt. Jawaharlal Nehrus wax statue at a museum on the occasion of Childrens Day, in Thiruvananthapuram, on Thursday.

A child stands near Pt. Jawaharlal Nehrus wax statue at a museum on the occasion of Childrens Day, in Thiruvananthapuram, on Thursday. (PTI) The post A child stands near Pt. Jawaharlal Nehrus wax statue at a museum on the occasion of Childrens Day, in Thiruvananthapuram, on Thursday. appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Sabarimala temple opens for Mandala season today

Thiruvananthapuram: The renowned Lord Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala is prepared to open for the Mandala season on Friday and will stay open till December 26. The Mandala season lasts for over one and a half months during which devotees will be allowed to enter Sannidhanam from Pamba starting at 1 pm on Friday. A significant influx of devotees is anticipated during the Mandala season, as virtual queue bookings for November are already full. Except for a few afternoon slots on November 30, all booking slots from November 15 to 29 have been taken. Temple authorities said that individuals who have booked a virtual queue slot should cancel their booking if their trip is postponed or cancelled. If they do not cancel the booking, they will not get another chance, and the cancelled slots will be allocated to spot bookings instead. Devotees interested in spot booking must provide a copy of their Aadhaar card, voter ID, or passport. Seven counters have been established at Pamba for this purpose. Accommodation facilities are available for 8,000 pilgrims at three locations in Nilakkal and for 7,000 people at Pamba. The Travancore Devaswom Board is also considering extending the darshan timings by 30 minutes to one hour during the Mandala Makaravilakku season if there is an increase in the number of devotees. The current darshan timings during the Mandala season are from 3 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 11 pm. Health minister Veena George announced that the health department is preparing comprehensive arrangements for the Mandala season. In addition to health department and medical college doctors, the assistance of trained volunteers is also secured. Health department services will be accessible along all principal Sabarimala pathways and it is imperative that everyone adheres strictly to the guidelines. The command center at Pamba will operate around the clock. The minister said, Should any devotee encounter any difficulty while ascending the hill, they should approach the closest health center for assistance. We have heightened awareness efforts in several languages such as Malayalam, English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada for the benefit of pilgrims. Meanwhile, drinking water supply, approximately 68 lakh litres will be stored across eight reservoirs stretching from Pamba to Sannidhanam. Additionally, temporary taps have been set up, according to the water authority. The water authority also declared that 35,000 litres of fresh water will be distributed hourly via reverse osmosis (RO) plants in Sabarimala. Drinking water will reach the pilgrims through 270 taps located in 103 kiosks, with pipes connected from the RO plants. Furthermore, the authority plans to establish additional kiosks based. Advisory for pilgrims: Devotees undergoing treatment for any ailments should bring their medical records and medications for darshan. Continue taking prescribed medications during fasting periods. Light exercises, such as walking, several days prior to the visit must be followed. Ascend the mountain gradually, taking breaks to rest. Should you feel extreme fatigue, chest pain, or shortness of breath during the climb, pause and seek medical help immediately. Consume only boiled water. Always wash your hands with soap before eating. Eat fruits only after thoroughly washing them. Avoid consuming stale or exposed food. Use toilets instead of defecating in the open, and wash your hands with soap afterwards. Dispose of waste properly in bins provided. In the event of a snake bite, seek immediate medical help. Anti-venom medication is available.

Girls lead Childrens Day rally in Thiruvananthapuram

Rally held from University Stadium to Kanakakkunnu; CMs message stresses on education and health of children

IMD launches dedicated weather forecast for Sabarimala pilgrimage

Thiruvananthapuram: In a first for the Sabarimala pilgrimage, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has introduced a localised weather forecasting system, similar to those for the Amarnath and Char Dham yatras. IMD officials announced on Thursday that its regional centre has installed three rain gauges at Sannidhanam, Pamba, and Nilakkal to issue three-day weather forecasts. These forecasts will soon be upgraded to real-time weather bulletins, known as owcasts, said IMD regional director Neetha K Gopal. Recognising the challenges posed by rising temperatures and high humidity during dry spells, the IMD also plans to install temperature gauges in the area. The initiative follows a request from the Pathanamthitta district administration, which sought real-time weather updates for Sabarimala due to the region's susceptibility to extreme rainfall. Recent landslides in Wayanad have further emphasised the need for caution in sensitive areas. Authorities revealed that while the IMD initially considered setting up Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) at Sabarimala, they opted for rain gauges to expedite the process. Plans for a permanent weather monitoring facility in the area are under consideration. This is the first time we are providing localised weather forecasts for Sabarimala, akin to our services for Amarnath and Char Dham yatras, Gopal said. She noted that the effort is a collaboration between the Pathanamthitta district administration and the IMD. The IMD staff have trained district administration personnel to collect data from the gauges, which are validated at the IMD centre. However, Gopal emphasised that offering district-wide forecasts would require a larger network and substantial manpower. Currently, the State Disaster Management Authority is disseminating the weather updates to the public. Additionally, efforts are underway to integrate the weather bulletins into the Swamy AI Chat Bot app, recently launched by the state government for Sabarimala pilgrims. This app, available in six languages, provides pilgrims with assistance and information. Once integrated, the weather updates will be easily accessible to users. The path to Sannidhanam from Pamba, featuring small streams and the Pamba River, remains a focus of safety measures. Severe flooding during the 2018 deluge devastated the area, washing away several pilgrim facilitation centres.

Enter sandman

KOCHI: Science recognises that sand can store memories, while life sees it as creative enough for things to thrive upon. These qualities draw artists like Pallichal Rajamohanan to choose sand as a canvas, shaping ideas that spring from their imagination. Rajamohanan, a senior clerk at the Karumkulam grama panchayat in Thiruvananthapuram, dives into this unique medium, creating captivating sand portraits that have won him several accolades, including the Bharatan Smaraka Award. To bring life to sand, Rajamohanan infuses his energy into every grain, handling each step with care. The sand is meticulously collected, washed, dried, and stored as though it were a cherished companion. Each portrait takes immense effort, he explains. The process begins with sketching on cardboard, then applying glue, over which sand is sprinkled. When the sand adheres, I go through various stages until the portrait is complete. A single piece can take anywhere from six months to a year. The sand he uses comes from a wide range of shorelines, each with its unique qualities that lend themselves to his art. From the shimmery silver grains of Lakshadweep to the fiery orange of Shankhumukham, each type conveys a specific mood or story. Lakshadweep sand has a silver hue, Dhanushkodis is bold with a distinct glaze, Shankhmukhams is fiery, and Kanyakumaris has a soft brown tint with a quiet maturity, Rajamohanan says. Other types, such as Azhikkals casual black or Alappuzhas small white grains, add depth, innocence, or even intensity to his work. The red sand from Thoothukudi, for instance, is perfect for depicting sensitive, intense emotions, he notes. Rajamohanans interest in sand art dates back to his school days when he attended drawing classes under his guru, Nemom Krishnan. Watching him create beautiful portraits with sand sparked my interest. I eventually focused on my studies, but I never stopped drawing. Inspired by Krishnan sir, I began collecting sand and making artworks, he recalls. His first portrait was a watermelon split into two halves, and from there, his journey continued. Over the years, he has experimented with his portraits, often aiming for unique expressions. One example is his portrait of former prime minister Indira Gandhi, where he captures two different sides of her one serious and the other joyful. Another powerful piece depicts the effects of substance abuse: one side shows a man consuming alcohol and smoking, while the other side shows his grieving mother. That exposes the grim side of drug abuse, he says. Among his 130-odd works, one portrait holds a special place in his heart that of his friend Captain Jerry Premraj, who was martyred in the Kargil War. Rajamohanan wanted to create a piece using sand from where Captain Jerry had served. With help of a friend in the Army, he procured sand from Dras in Kargil, and from Meerut, where the officer was first stationed. I mixed it with sands of Shankhumukham and Azhikkal to reflect the fiery aspects of his last days and the starkness of what remained after. The work, which was appreciated by the Army as well, took me a year to complete. Some pieces have taken even longer. The most challenging portrait was of Mecca, which took me four years, he says. I used sand from Lakshadweep and Shankhumukham, and applied three layers, as people in the portrait needed careful representation. It was an arduous process, and I almost abandoned it a few times. But the result, he believes, is one of his best works. Currently, Rajamohanan is working on a portrait of children playing on a beach. However, on a closer look, you will see the children are actually hanging from a tree. Its like an optical illusion, he says. Besides this, he is also working on a mural. Its quite a stressful piece, he smiles. Rajamohanan, who has held over 50 exhibitions, is on the lookout for rare sands to expand his work. I would love to have the green sand found in Iceland, he says. As one of the few artists in the region exploring this artform, Rajamohanan says he would be more than happy to mentor aspiring artists. I want to be an inspiration for those who want to follow suit, sharing my passion and skills with future generations. In this way, I feel I can empower upcoming artists to nurture their talents, he smiles.

Sweet inner child o mine!

KOCHI: The inner child has been an in-thing of late. Not merely in the therapeutic sense that Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung advocated nearly a century ago, but also as a means for ordinary adults to reconnect with the joy and lightness they experienced as children. I thought it was new-age mumbo-jumbo when I first heard of it, says Rashmi Menon, a Dubai-based engineer. But as I explored it further, I found that indulging the inner child made me carefree and happy. Rashmi zeroed it down to Chandamama magazine, which she loved thumbing through as a child. I tracked down some copies and began rereading them. Now, I make time to read them every evening after work. Its become a form of meditation for me, she smiles. The inner-child concept gained traction in the 1990s after American self-help pioneer John Bradshaw highlighted dysfunctional upbringings as a root cause of adult suffering. However, in recent years, the idea of nurturing or pampering ones inner child has evolved beyond healing past wounds; today, many see it as a practice just to be that happy child again. Krishna (name changed), for instance, was crazy about toy guns in his childhood. A media professional in his 40s, he still gets excited seeing replica guns at malls or temple fairs. Initially, I used to feel embarrassed and would pretend I was buying them for my son. But now, I dont care, he chuckles, adding that hes eagerly awaiting the arrival of an Airsoft BB M9 pistol, which is currently out of stock online. I wanted to be a soldier, but life took a detour. Now, holding a replica takes me to a happy place, where I and my inner I rejoice in unison. Another childhood fancy that has become a popular inner-child indulgence among adults is Hot Wheels. The growing adult interest in these miniature cars has nudged Mattel to produce limited-edition Hot Wheels for collectors. Joseph Charly, as a sales operations lead in a cybersecurity firm, rekindled his love for Hot Wheels a few years ago. As a child, I always dreamed of owning one. My family could afford only locally made toy cars, but I always wanted Hot Wheels, he recalls. That desire grew into a passion, deepening my interest in cars. Now, when I can afford it, I collect Hot Wheels. Its also a way to quench my desire for high-end luxury cars, which are beyond my means. But more than anything, it satisfies my inner child and brings me the same joy I would have felt as a kid. Age is no barrier to this nostalgia trip. Sarojini Bai, 71, finds comfort in the fragrance of bhasmam or vibhuti (sacred ash), which takes her back to her childhood home, steeped in tradition and agriculture. During Makarakoythu (harvest season from January to February), farmhands would separate paddy from chaff. The chaff and cow dung cakes would be dried and burnt to create white ash, which was then refined and kept in containers as bhasmam for us to wear when stepping outside, she recalls. I still try to make it at times. Just remembering the process and fragrance brings me peace, as though nothing has changed I become that innocent little girl. Writer Shoukath A V attributes his love of nature to his childhood, when he would dawdle on his way to the madrassa purposely to avoid the classes by exploring the bamboo groves near his house. In those groves, I grew close to nature the chirping birds, vibrant parrots, and elusive chameleons. That time awakened a space in me that still feels like home. I often revisit the place. It reconnects me to a world thats indescribably calming. Shoukath also facilitates sessions for children and adults to reconnect with nature. Keeping the inner child alive and happy is a great way to find peace. That child can also help one face the challenges of adult life, he says. The inner child remembers even things like the scent and touch of loved ones. I can still feel my grandmas warm kisses as she said goodbye after each summer break, recalls researcher Manasvi N. I was very close to her. When things get difficult, I think of her kiss and the sight of her fuzzy white-clad figure. It keeps me going. Experiences shape personalities, Shoukath notes, recalling a friend who, as a child, enjoyed giving rice to the needy along with his mother. The sound of rice grains falling into their bowls or bags fascinated him. He still loves that sound, he says. Today, as a successful businessman, he finds peace in helping others. Although revisiting ones inner child may seem fun and simple, it can also be a deeply emotional journey, says Kochi-based psychologist Shibili Suhanah. It may seem like a fun, quirky pastime, but trace the activity back, and you might find an unprocessed emotion, perhaps something that has remained unresolved. The inner child invites us to revisit those emotions with the understanding of an adult. Dr Arun B, professor of psychiatry at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, says it is heartening to see adults reconnect with their inner child an act that can be immensely beneficial for mental wellness. However, he cautions about unhealthy childhood baggage, which must be addressed while nurturing ones inner child. The innocence and uncorrupted thought processes that form the core of childhood are always very positive, Dr Arun explains. Adults who display universal oneness and equanimity have a charming calm about them. That can be easily achieved if one keeps alive the innocence and purity of a child within. But the flipside is immaturity, impulsiveness, and lack of responsibility. So, when we pamper the inner child, we should allow ourselves to be absorbed by the positives of childhood, its negatives should be kept at bay. A balanced approach is the key to fully nurturing the child within, and thus rejuvenating your core. Return to innocence Lisha P Balan The inner child is the part of us that holds memories, feelings, and traits from childhood. This part of ourselves reflects innocence, playfulness, and curiosity, but it also carries any unresolved hurts, fears, or unmet needs from those early years. The inner child isnt just an idea its a real and active part of who we are. Childhood is a key time that shapes who we grow up to be. Experiences like trauma, neglect, or feeling misunderstood can leave lasting emotional marks that we carry into adulthood. By understanding our inner child, we can learn how it affects our emotions, relationships, and self-care, guiding us towards greater self-acceptance and healing. Carrying the torch When the inner child carries feelings of rejection, neglect, or low self-worth, this can show up as low self-esteem or a harsh inner voice in adulthood. Unresolved feelings may lead to behaviours such as self-sabotage, withdrawal, irritability, and difficulty in relationships. Positive early experiences usually lead to secure, trusting relationships, while instability can lead to anxious or avoidant relationship patterns. Many adults fear conflict or rejection, which can make it hard to say no or lead to overcommitting. By nurturing the inner child, we learn to meet our own needs, respect our limits, and build stronger self-worth. Path to healing Our inner child is always with us, no matter how old we are, making healing an important path to understanding ourselves and growing emotionally. Let yourself fully feel any strong emotions connected to childhood memories, like sadness or anger. Recognising and accepting these is an important first step. Take time to revisit happy as well as difficult memories. Reflect on what you felt or needed back then, and approach these memories with kindness, seeing your younger self as someone who did their best. Treat yourself with the same gentle care you would show a child now. Be a child again Reconnect with childhood joys by doing things you loved as a kid. You could read or watch old favourites, play with retro toys, make comfort foods you enjoyed, look through family photos or old drawings, or visit places you often went to as a child. These fun moments can bring back feelings of joy, wonder, and creativity, giving your inner child a safe space to express itself. You can also create a comforting mental safe space where your inner child feels secure and valued. Return to this space whenever you feel stressed or vulnerable to strengthen your sense of security. A therapist who understands inner child work can help you deal with past emotional issues, guiding you as you heal and meet needs that werent met in childhood. Healing your inner child can make you a stronger, happier, and more balanced adult, helping you stay connected to who you really are. This approach lets you keep a sense of wonder while handling adult life with strength and stability. Connecting with your inner child isnt about going back to being a kid its about becoming a whole person who values both the wisdom of being an adult and the joys of childhood. The writer is a clinical psychologist at Prayatna, Kochi

Sea ranching project: 20,000 fish seeds released off Vizhinjam coast

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an effort to replenish natural fish stock, 20,000 seeds of pompano fish were released into the sea off the Vizhinjam coast on Wednesday as part of the Sea Ranching at Artificial Reefs initiative of the central (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sambada Yojana) and state governments to improve fish availability and promote the welfare of traditional fishermen. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the marine fish seed deposition at Vizhinjam North Harbour, Union Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian said that the new project aims to improve fishing and enhancing livelihoods for the states coastal communities. Minister for Fisheries Saji Cherian presided over the function.As part of the projects first phase, 6,300 artificial reefs have been deployed across 33 sites of the total 42 locations in the sea of Thiruvananthapuram district.Artificial reefs are concrete modules in the shape of triangles, pipes or flowers in which flora and fauna are grown to increase the availability of the fishes. Once the fish seeds are deposited, it will be monitored with underwater cameras and an impact study will be carried out, said Smitha R Nair, additional director, Fisheries Department. Stakeholders (fishermen), coast guard and Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation Ltd. (KSCADC) were involved in the sea ranching. With a budget allocation of Rs 13.02 crore, the project has received funding from both the central and state governments in a 60:40 ratio. These reefs are intended to provide a sustainable fishing environment by creating habitats that support fish breeding and increase fish stock. To boost the fish population in these artificial reefs, the Union government has sanctioned an additional `3 crore through the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) for the Sea Ranching project. This involves the systematic release of fish seeds, including pompano and cobia, to increase fish stocks within the artificial reef areas. In this phase, 10 lakh fish seeds will be introduced across 10 reef sites at the rate of one lakh per reef. These fish seeds consist of juvenile fish weighing between 8 and 10g, which will be deposited at regular intervals to ensure optimal growth and survival rates.

Thiruvananthapuram zoo receives new animals from Karnataka

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Thiruvananthapuram zoo has received a few animals as exhibits following an animal exchange programme from Shivamogga Zoological Park, Karnataka. Three hyenas, two jackals, marsh crocodiles and civet cats each were brought to the city zoo on Wednesday morning. In return, the city zoo will give them Rhea birds, six sun conoure parrots, two crocodiles, a hyena and four porcupines. Dr K R Nikesh Kiran, the zoo veterinarian, has since put the animals at the quarantine centre after examining them. The animals brought from Karnataka will be put in quarantine for 21 days. Later they will be shifted to their normal enclosure which would help the visitors to the zoo to see these new exhibits. The health condition of the new animals is excellent, said Dr Nikesh Kiran. The Thiruvananthapuram zoo belongs to the large zoo category which has 94 animals, which include the new animals brought from Shivamogga Zoological Park. Manjula Devi, director, Thiruvananthapuram Museum and Zoo, said that talks on animal exchange are currently on with Vandalloor Zoological Park, Chennai, to procure a lion, two jackals and white peacocks each and six yellow anacondas.

29th edition of IFFK to begin on December 13

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 29th edition of the IFFK is set to be a historic success, with a huge turnout of participants and best organisational quality, Minister for Fisheries, Culture and Youth Affairs Saji Cheriyan said on Wednesday. He was speaking at the inaugural meeting of the festivals organising committee at the Government Guest House in Thycaud on Wednesday. He noted that government interventions to enhance cinema and its culture will also be reflected in the efficient organisation of the festival. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will be the chief patron, and Minister Saji Cheriyan will serve as the festival president, overseeing the organising committee comprising 501 members. Various subcommittees, including hospitality, programming, finance, media, delegate cell, technical, sponsorship, volunteer, audience poll, health, exhibition, and theater committees, have been formed. The 29th edition will be held from December 13 to 20 across 15 theatres in Thiruvananthapuram, showcasing 180 films. As many as 14 films are featured in the Malayalam Cinema Today category. The selection committee for this section includes director Jeo Baby as chairperson, along with actor Divya Prabha, directors Fazil Razak and Vinu Kolichal, and scriptwriter P S Rafeeq. Fazil Muhammads Feminichi Fatima and Indulakshmis Appuram have been selected for the international competition category. The Minister also announced that, as in previous festivals, a package to encourage female directors will be featured this year. The delegate registration of 29th edition of IFFK will start on November 20 with a 60:40 reservation system and physical queuing to manage the crowd. This edition will prioritise accessibility of people with disabilities. Measures like ramps at all theatres, and other facilities were announced. Indian regional films chosen for the competition section include Jayan Cheriyans The Rhythm of Dammam and Abhijit Majumders Body.

Ernakulam court summons Ramdev, Acharya Balkrishna in drug promotion case

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A court in Ernakulam has directed Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna of Divya Pharmacy to be present in the court in cases filed by the Drugs Control Department. The Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Kakkanad issued two separate orders in connection with the illegal drug promotions. The department accused both Ramdev and Acharya of violating Section 3(d) of Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act in these cases. The court issued summons to the accused in one case on January 30 and issued directions for the production of the accused in another case on February 17 next year. Besides the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate in Thiruvananthapuram also issued notice to the same accused in another case filed by the department. The case is posted for November 21. The Drugs Control Department has filed a total of 10 cases against Ramdev-promoted Divya Pharmacy for publishing misleading advertisements in various courts in Kozhikode (4 cases), Palakkad (3 cases), Ernakulam (2 cases) and Thiruvananthapuram (1 case). The cases have been registered for violation of Section 3(d) of Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable advertisement) Act 1954. Under the law, cure of 54 diseases listed in the schedule should not be advertised. The states drugs control department became the first drug licensing agency in the country to file a case against Patanjali Ayurved in a court for publishing misleading advertisements in April. The department found that Patanjalis Divya Pharmacy advertised pharmaceutical products for diseases, in which the cure should not be advertised, in more than 30 instances. The cases were initiated based on a complaint filed by Dr Babu K V, a health activist from Kannur.

Govt constitutes panel to investigate Kerala school sports meet disruption

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The general education department has constituted a three-member committee to inquire into the alleged attempts to disrupt the valedictory ceremony of the Kerala School Sports and Games in Kochi on Monday. This was announced by General Education Minister V Sivankutty after chairing a meeting here on Wednesday. The committee comprises General Education Department additional secretary M I Meenambika, joint secretary Biju Kumar BT and State Council For Educational Research and Training (SCERT) director Jayaprakash R K. The committee has been asked to submit a report into the incident within two weeks. An explanation will be sought from two schools -- Navamukunda HSS Thirunavaya and Mar Basil HSS, Kothamangalam -- that staged the protests at the valedictory ceremony. Kerala school sports meet: Thiruvananthapuram all set to emerge overall champions Tense scenes unfolded at the closing ceremony of the meet on Monday after the results were announced in the Best School category. After second position was awarded to G V Raja Sports School, Navamukunda HSS moved from the initial second to third spot and Mar Basil HSS, which was in third position, fell out from the top three slots. An expert panel will be constituted to study if sports and general schools can compete together in upcoming meets since the schools had objected to it. Kerala school sports meet to see participation by differently-abled students for first time

Aadhaar must for Sabarimala spot booking

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has clarified that Aadhaar card, or a copy, is mandatory for spot booking of darshan at the hill shrine in Sabarimala. The board has also banned the use of mobile phones around the shrines of Lord Ayyappa and Goddess Malikappurathamma during the upcoming Mandala-Makaravilakku season. These were announced by TDB president P S Prasanth and members A Ajikumar and G Sundaresan at a press meet in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. This time, TDB has renamed spot booking as entry point booking. This is because it is different from the previous years spot booking where details of just one person in a group was recorded while granting passes. This year, every person has to provide Aadhaar number or ID proofs like passport or voters card, the TDB president said. The board said it will allow 10,000 bookings at the entry point per day, in addition to the 80,000 advance online bookings. The smartphone ban is to prevent devotees from photographing the insides of the sanctum sanctorum. They should switch off their phones before climbing the 18 holy steps. The ban will be enforced strictly, Prasanth said. Parking at Pampa Parking of small vehicles will be allowed at Pampa. Vehicles can be parked at Chakkupalam and hilltop. A maximum of 1,500 vehicles can be parked in these areas. The parking area in Nilakkal has been enhanced, where 10,000 vehicles can be parked. At Erumely, the Kerala State Housing Board will open a new parking space on 6.5 acres. The charge will be the same as that of TDBs parking lot. Medical team A team of around 100 doctors, called Devotees of Doctors under the leadership of neurologist Dr Ram Narayan, will offer voluntary service to the pilgrims. They will be stationed at TDBs old Ayyappa Hospital at Pampa. The team will bring cardiology equipment, including echocardiogram, and medicines. They will work in coordination with health department. Ropeway The TDB plans to lay the foundation stone for the ropeway project during this season. The cabinet is set to approve the project after the model code of conduct is lifted. The total project cost is estimated at `250 crore.

Kerala police unlikely to book Gopalakrishnan in IAS WhatsApp group row

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police are unlikely to register a case against suspended IAS officer K Gopalakrishnan following a complaint lodged by a Kollam-based political activist over the creation of a WhatsApp group exclusively for Hindu bureaucrats. Police sources said that there is no evidence to suggest that Gopalakrishnan posted any content in the group, and the complainant was not involved in the incident in any way. He was suspended on Monday after Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan forwarded a police report on the matter to the chief minister for further action. The report rejected his claim that his phone had been hacked and that the group was created without his knowledge or consent. The chief secretary had also recommended action against the officer, stating that his actions violated the All India Services (Conduct) Rules. Sources indicated that the police would conduct a preliminary inquiry into the activists complaint. However, they said that the complainant had no direct involvement in the case, as he was neither a member of the WhatsApp group nor had any direct knowledge of its creation. An FIR cannot be registered based on a complaint stemming from media reports and hearsay, said a cop. The controversy began when Gopalakrishnan, a senior IAS officer, created a WhatsApp group called Mallu Hindu Off on October 31, which was intended for serving and retired IAS officers. After some members expressed concerns about the groups nature, it was deleted. Gopalakrishnan later claimed that his phone had been hacked and that another WhatsApp group for Muslim bureaucrats had also been created using his account. However, he failed to provide any evidence. In the aftermath, the police conducted a preliminary investigation into the officers allegations of hacking. Reports from Google and the Internet Service Provider contradicted Gopalakrishnans claim.

CPM not to take action against EP for now in autobiography row

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM will not initiate disciplinary action against its senior leader and former LDF convener E P Jayarajan over the controversy related to his alleged autobiography Kattan Chayayum Parippuvadayum , for the time being. The state leadership is of the view that any kind of action against EP at this stage would affect the partys prospects in the upcoming bypoll in Palakkad. The party is not in a mood to respond to any controversies that would affect the CPM and the government, a senior CPM leader told TNIE. For the moment, we will go by what E P Jayarajan has told the media about the publication of his alleged autobiography. He has filed a case with the police. We are closely monitoring the developments, he said. It is learnt that the leadership is not happy with the new developments. A section of leaders, who are of the view that EP is continuously putting the party and leadership on the defensive, are likely to bay for his blood. The CPM would not be able to remain silent on the content of the book which has critical remarks against Pinarayi Vijayan and M V Govindan. The party is wary of the role of a journalist with CPM mouthpiece Deshabhimani in the book row. However, the new controversy has caught E P Jayarajan off guard at a time when he was becoming active on the organisational front. He had met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on October 31 in Kozhikode and had also participated in the central committee meeting thereafter. EP was also active in the programmes and area conferences organised as part of CPM state conference. Its learnt that EP was planning a comeback with a clean slate this time, a CPM leader said. However, the latest controversy has derailed his entire plan. Though he had distanced from the autobiography issue, its contents are likely to stir a hornets nest. There is also a pertinent question as to how a publisher would publish a book in the name of EP without his consent, the CPM leader said. The party is likely to look into the controversy after the bypoll results are out. After EP was removed from the post of LDF convener, he was not seen much in public life. His unhappiness in not getting a ticket in the 2021 assembly election and the partys decision to make M V Govindan its state secretary after Kodiyeri Balakrishnans demise had led him to keep away from active politics. Jayarajans controversial meeting with BJP leader Prakash Javadekar had kicked up controversy ahead of the last LS elections. His admission on the day of LS election that he had indeed met Javadekar had cost him dearly in the end.

Kerala lottery TODAY November 14: Karunya Plus KN- 547 result to be OUT at 3 PM, know how to check full winners list

The Kerala Lottery Result for Karunya Plus KN 547 is set to be drawn today (November 14, 2024). The draw is scheduled to be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The public can view the Winning Number post at 2.55 pm during the Kerala Lottery Today live broadcast.

Childrens Day: public meet, rally led by girls to be held in Thiruvananthapuram

25,000 students from 200 schools will be part of the rally

Sea ranching launched off Thiruvananthapuram coast as follow-up to artificial reef project

Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian launches project; 10 lakh pompano, cobia fingerlings to be deposited in 10 selected locations

Thiruvananthapuram Zoo welcomes new species from Shivamogga

Arrival of hyenas, jackals, marsh crocodiles, and palm civets raise species count to 94