Investigation into BSNL Engineers Cooperative Society scam recommends recovery of Rs 362 crore from officials

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The investigation into the BSNL Engineers Cooperative Society scam has concluded, recommending the recovery of Rs 362 crore from 19 governing body members and one employee. Conducted by the cooperative department, the inquiry identified liabilities stemming from three governing bodies operating since 2007. The misappropriated total comprises Rs 257.34 crore in principal and Rs 104.67 crore in interest, calculated at an 18% rate up to December 31, 2024. The largest recoveries are expected from nine members who served between 2017 and 2022, each responsible for Rs 35 croreRs 25 crore of this amount being the misappropriated funds and Rs 10 crore as accrued interest. All of these individuals were employees of BSNL. From the eight members who held office from 2012 to 2017, Rs 90 lakh will be recovered from each. In addition, seven members who served between 2007 and 2012 each hold a liability of Rs 14 lakh. V R Gopinathan, the primary accused, was the honorary secretary during the first two terms and became president in 2017. The multi-crore fraud occurred during his five-year tenure as president, which ended six months ago with his passing. The total recoverable amount from those responsible during this period is Rs 352 crore, inclusive of interest. The Crime Branchs Economic Offences Wing is currently investigating the case. The inquiry revealed that Gopinathan, along with employee A R Rajeev and associates, misused the embezzled funds for real estate investments and private financial ventures. Audit findings indicated that, aside from bank transactions, most records submitted were falsified. Fake receipts, vouchers, and ledgers were created to conceal the scam, and it was found that large deposits made by the society had not been accurately recorded. Gopinathan also misappropriated these funds, and the investigation uncovered fictitious loans, alongside manipulated records that falsely indicated settled loans as outstanding. Meanwhile, N A Abraham, convener of the BSNL Depositors Forum, filed a writ petition in the High Court requesting an Enforcement Directorate (ED) inquiry into the case.

Training programme to curb sexual harassment in Mollywood

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a bid to ensure safer workplace in the Malayalam film industry, the women and child development department will be rolling out a specialised training programme to enforce the provisions of the POSH Act. Health and Women and Child Development Minister Veena George will inaugurate the state-level launch of the initiative at KTDC Mascot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan will preside over. Prominent figures from the Malayalam film industry will also attend the event. There is a need to educate and create a culture of inclusion for all to ensure equal justice and opportunity in various sectors of the workplace, and becoming forces leading the way for sustainable change. With this objective in mind, in the light of the POSH Act 2013 and the Justice Hema Committee Report, when a film is made through the collective work of about 30 categories of people, it is necessary to ensure a safe working environment for all those working in the sector, said Veena. The initiative, being implemented with the support of Gender Park, is part of the state governments broader efforts to regulate workplace environments and curb sexual harassment in the sector. In the first phase, the training programme will be conducted for 60 people from various sectors of the film industry.

Thiruvananthapuram: Excise raids government college mens hostel, seizes ganja

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a crackdown on drug use in student hostels, an excise team seized 20 g of cannabis during a raid at the Government College Hostel for Men near LMS Church, Palayam, on Tuesday. The contraband was found in room number 455, which, according to hostel residents, was occupied by Pandiyaraj, a native of Chokkanad Estate in Munnar. However, students informed officials that Pandiyaraj had vacated the room early Monday morning. The excise department has since intensified search for him. Acting on a tip-off regarding the presence of MDMA and cannabis, an excise squad led by Thiruvananthapuram Range Inspector S Harikrishnan reached the hostel at 10.15 am. The room was unlocked, and officials discovered cannabis wrapped in paper inside a cupboard. Despite conducting search in eight other rooms, no further contraband was found. The raid followed a recent altercation between Pandiyaraj and students. On March 29, Pandiyaraj and his friend Madanakumar, a native of Lakshmi Estate, Munnar, were allegedly caught smoking cannabis beedis inside the hostel. A heated argument ensued when other hostel residents questioned Pandiyaraj over unauthorised stay of Madanakumar, a former student. Later that night, both left the hostel but were detained near the corporation office based on a complaint by students. Police recovered cannabis-laced beedis from them. During questioning, they reportedly admitted to sourcing the drugs from Chenkalchoola, a known drug hotspot in Thiruvananthapuram. Since the quantity was small, they were released on bail. The cannabis was found in an unoccupied room. A Tamil native was the former resident, and an investigation is under way to locate him, said T N Sudheer, Deputy Excise Commissioner. Meanwhile, allegations surfaced that members of SFI attempted to obstruct the raid. However, the Deputy Commissioner dismissed these claims, stating that SFI had supported the operation. SFI leaders also denied any interference, asserting that they had actually demanded the inspection. The claim that this is an SFI hostel is completely false. Also, it is unclear whether the seized cannabis belonged to any hostel resident at all, said SFI district secretary Adarsh. The search operation was conducted by a team, including Assistant Excise Inspector (Grade) Premanathan, Preventive Officers Binuraj and Jyothilal (Grade), and Civil Excise Officers Biju and Binu Mamachan. The hostel accommodates students from various colleges affiliated to Kerala University.

No April fools! KSRTC staff get full salary on first day

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSRTC has started disbursing salaries in full on the first of the month, starting April 1, fulfilling the promise made by the Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar. On Tuesday, a sum of Rs 80 crore was distributed as salaries to employees. This is the first time since December 2020 that KSRTC employees are receiving salaries in full on the first of the month. April is also the eighth consecutive month that KSRTC employees are receiving their salaries in a single instalment. The money was arranged through a Rs 100-crore overdraft at 10.8% interest from SBI, which shall be repaid using the monthly government aid of Rs 50 crore and collection money. KSRTC aims to repay the overdraft sum by the 20th of every month. The government provides aid of Rs 50 crore in two instalments, on the 11th and 19th of every month. Though Ganesh Kumar had announced that salaries would be distributed from the first of every month from January, it did not happen due to technical issues. A major breakthrough came by way of repaying the debt of Rs 625 crore to KTDFC and replacing them with Kerala Bank in the bank consortium that provided loans to KSRTC. The government, acting as guarantor, facilitated the debt restructuring during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

IB officers death: Family alleges sexual assault

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The family of an Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer at Thiruvananthapuram Airport who had died by suicide, has raised allegations regarding her death. Her father told the media that his daughter was a victim of sexual assault by a colleague and that they had submitted related evidence to the Pettah police. The family arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday morning and handed over hospital records as proof. The father said that the police are examining these records and coordinating with various departments as part of the investigation. Earlier, the family had accused her colleague, another IB officer, of being involved in her suicide. We came to Thiruvananthapuram to understand the progress of the investigation. The case is being handled sincerely under the leadership of the Pettah Circle Inspector. While we were initially dissatisfied with the probe, we are now satisfied with its progress, he said. Family demands probe into circumstances leading to IB officer's death in Kerala He further alleged that her colleague had swindled around Rs 3.5 lakh from her. The police have issued a lookout notice to prevent him from fleeing the country. The police suspect that her death was instigated by her colleague and they are gathering evidence to substantiate this claim. The police are verifying the authenticity of the submitted documents, including phone records and materials found in her bag. However, no case has been registered against her colleague yet. Meanwhile, police teams conducted searches in Kochi and Malappuram to locate him, who has been absconding, but were unable to find him. The investigation has now been extended beyond the state. Police are also investigating the IB officer and her collegues financial transactions. She was found dead on March 24 along the railway tracks between Pettah and Chakka.

Missing MBA answer scripts: Kerala University to conduct retests on April 7, 22

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala University (KU) has decided to conduct the re-examination of the 71 MBA students of the 2022-24 batch whose answer-scripts went missing from an evaluators custody, on two dates. Candidates unable to appear for the re-examination on April 7 can do so on April 22, KU Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal announced after a high-level meeting of university officials on Tuesday. The Controller of Examinations had earlier announced that the re-examination would be held on April 7. However, students facing difficulties in writing the exam on that date will be allowed to appear on April 22, the V-C said, adding that the results will be declared within three days. However, a section of the affected students protested at the KU headquarters after the syndicate sub-committee on examinations insisted on re-examination. They said some of them had already secured jobs abroad and it was not possible for them to appear for retest at such short notice. The university sat on the matter for over two months. This is a grave lapse on its part. Our views were not taken into account while deciding on the re-examination dates, alleged Arjun Madhu, one of the affected MBA students of the 2022-24 batch. Meanwhile, the V-C issued an order to suspend the teacher responsible for the fiasco. The instructor is a faculty of the Institute of Cooperative Management (ICM), Poojappura, affiliated to KU. Further action, including permanently debarring the teacher from exam duties, will be taken after a hearing on April 4, sources said. Admitting to lapses on the universitys part, the V-C said the examination mechanism will be overhauled to address such issues. He said until now, remuneration from the university and the days salary from the institution were not provided to the faculty of self-financing colleges assigned evaluation duties at centralised valuation camps. Such teachers take the answer-scripts home, he said.

Meeting between state, Union Health Minister paves way for fresh talks with ASHA workers in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A meeting between the state and Union health ministers, Veena George and J P Nadda, has paved the way for renewed talks with the protesting ASHA workers. While previous discussions had failed to reach a resolution, Veena now backed by an assurance from Nadda to look into key issues including the Rs 637-crore central due that has restricted the states actions hopes to reassure the ASHA workers protesting in Thiruvananthapuram. She has already expressed her intention to meet with union leaders in the next two or three days. These developments come even as ASHA workers intensify their day-night hunger protest. The ministers plan to meet Nadda on March 20 had failed to materialise as she could not secure an appointment, leading to criticism from the UDF and the ASHA workers. This time, however, Veena was able to present the states concerns and demands during a meeting at the parliament complex in New Delhi. During the meeting, she raised the demands of classifying ASHAs as workers under labour laws, increasing their incentives, and addressing the dues pending under the National Health Mission (NHM). The Union minister informed me that incentive hike is under the governments consideration and agreed to work on clearing the states pending NHM dues for 2023-24, Veena said. Hope health minister will take a positive stand The Centre has withheld Rs 637 crore in NHM funds for Kerala because of a dispute over the co-branding of health centres. Though the state government had taken up the issue twice with the Centre, the issue has remained unresolved. Veena also pushed for financial support for medical colleges in Kasaragod and Wayanad and urged central intervention in regulating the sale of medicines online. Congress workers shaved their heads in solidarity with the protesting ASHA workers on Tuesday The minister has taken our demand for an AIIMS in Kerala positively, she said. Meanwhile, representatives of the Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association have welcomed the development. The ongoing ASHA workers strike is for the basic rights of all ASHA workers in the state. We hope the health minister will take a positive stand on the needs of ASHA workers, including increase in honorarium and retirement benefits, KAHWA president V K Sadanandan said. He pointed out that ASHA workers had raised the demand of increasing the honorarium with the state government and that the plans for an incentive hike had already been announced in the Parliament. ASHA workers have been protesting in front of the Secretariat since February 10, demanding retirement benefits and improved working conditions, besides an increase in honorarium. Their day-and-night protest completed 51 days on Tuesday, while their hunger strike entered its 13th day.

Bhajan rockstars Nandagovindam to perform in Thiruvananthapuram

The scene at Vaikom Mahadeva temple on March 31 was euphoric almost like a rock band in action with fans singing along. However, the music wasnt headbanging stuff but a fluid melody, soul-stirring, with emphatic troughs and crests, and above all, a sense of blissful peace. It was the Nandagovindam team who are on a spiritual music journey across Kerala in action, staging a selection of songs drawn partly from the traditional sampradaya bhajan culture and partly from lilting tunes adapted from popular songs dear to Malayalis. The setting was religious, but the music transcended boundaries, reaching out to the masses and including them as well. We need to reach out that way because this art form, of sampradaya bhajans, cannot remain just for a community or a group, says Naveen Mohan, one of the senior-most members of Nandagovindam. The culture originated in India centuries ago to break barriers of caste and creed and any such limitations. So it has to be taken to the masses again in a way they can relate to. Nandagovindam was formed in 2000 when Naveen and his friend Praveen Anand were still in school. They were joined by Sreelal Venu, a lead singer of the team now. We used to perform with Panickerettan (Rajendra Panicker), who had visually impairment. It was a regular affair, going through stages with him, learning. Even after we grew up, we decided to stick together to boost his morale, Naveen recalls. The camaraderie between the singers continued even after some of them moved to West Asia for work. And they didnt want Nandagovindam to remain just a beautiful memory. We found time on weekends to get together and practise. Soon, many joined us. Today, we have a group of 45 members split between Kerala, Dubai, and Canada, says Naveen. We have also attracted a group of talented youngsters some perform with us, while others assist with programming. The group gained significant traction during the pandemic when their channel became one of the most viewed in Kerala. That trend sustained, making Nandagovindam a top pick in this music genre among Malayalis worldwide. Scenes from Nandagovindams recent sessions We are told that our songs are played in the evenings and mornings in many homes in Kerala. In fact, when we go to perform in places like Kenya, people tell us they listen to us regularly, says Naveen. We see this as the potential of bhajans to reach the masses. After all, it was through this medium that the Bhakti movement unfolded in India in the 15th century. And now, with the fast-paced modern world, perhaps this is needed more than ever. Sticking solely to traditional bhajans wouldnt be enough, he adds. Our song Manohari Radhe Radhe gained a great following among younger listeners. Songs like Enthe Kannan Vanneella and Souparnikamrutha Veechikal Paadum, adapted from popular film tunes, have many fans, says Naveen. We blend these with traditional sampradaya bhajans and even abhangs. The idea is to take it to the masses because it is necessary to steer the younger generation away from influences detrimental to their growth and evolution, he says, adding that the group does not pursue profit through their projects. We have stable jobs that provide for us, so we can focus on this for soulfulness. None of us put money before music. Its always about the joy of sharing and singing. And while doing it, we see no boundaries. We have Sufi singers who join us during performances or even train with us in Dubai. Nandagovindam is now celebrating its 25th anniversary, which they plan as a tribute to their mentor, Rajendra Panicker, who passed away last year. As part of this, the team has launched Bhajan Connect, a unique initiative to take bhajans to the masses. We tried it in Dubai, and it was a success. Now, we are bringing it to Thiruvananthapuram on April 18. Its the state capital, and has a deep connection with sampradaya bhajans, says Naveen. We will be singing for a small group of 200, who will also join us in the songs. They will be given the list of songs beforehand so they can come prepared. What we aim for is not their quality of singing but the bond they share with us and the spiritual energy that emerges through that connection, says Naveen. We want to do it this way to break down the walls that limit us. Being free from those shackles and allowing the soul to soar is the key. We sing for that, and whoever joins us, too, could sing for that.

A ratio problem that's plaguing T'Puram Medical College Hospital

Keralas highly acclaimed public health sector has often made headlines for its achievements. However, a closer look reveals several areas that need improvement, one of the most important being the shortage of staff. This issue was highlighted by the recent CAG report, which noted a shortage of 1,160 doctors, 978 nurses, 716 paramedics, and 4,430 other staff across government hospitals in Kerala. In the case of doctor-to-population ratio on the basis of availability, only two districts Pathanamthitta and Wayanad fell under 1:4,000 or the good category. Thiruvananthapuram, with a ratio of 1:5,158, was graded poor. The CAGs recommendations included: * The government should assess the requirement of doctors and paramedical staff at different levels and regions and ensure the availability of human resources required as per the norms stipulated in Indian Public Health Standards/Aardram Mission. * The government should take action to reduce the wide disparity in doctor to population ratio in the state by increasing the strength of doctors in the districts with the most adverse ratios. While this issue has been discussed in the past, a few TNIE readers recently reached out to this reporter to highlight the issue of staff shortage, especially in the case of nurses, at the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital. There are very few nurses here. Even during peak hours at night, just two nurses are responsible for at least 40 patients, says Suresh Kumar (name changed), who was recently admitted to the Yellow Zone at the hospital. The situation remains the same even when there are several accident cases. This made TNIE zoom in on the premier hospital. Notably, the emergency medicine department here was recently identified as one of the five centres of excellence in the country by a NITI Aayog-ICMR study. Earlier, the Centre had designated the SAT Hospital of the medical college as a centre of excellence for rare diseases as well. Now, coming to the issue of nursing woes, the standard staff nurse-to-bed ratio is said to be 1:6 in general wards, 1:4 in special wards, and 1:1 in ICUs. We cannot expect the staff-to-patient ratio in government hospitals to match global standards. But the current ratio is far too high its at least 1:50 here. The number of patients is only likely to increase by the day, says a senior nursing officer at the medical college. Requesting anonymity, she explains that the shortage affects both nurses and patients. We are struggling here. Thats one reason why nurses often get a bad reputation, like being grumpy or insensitive, she says. There are no additional staffers for tasks like blood collection, and this puts extra pressure on us. Nurses are supposed to focus on core duties such as administering injections and medicines, but we are often overloaded with other responsibilities. In ICUs, the standard should be a 1:1 nurse-to-patient ratio, but here, its closer to 1:8. This is an approximate figure, but the reality is indeed concerning. Despite the challenges, she insists that the Medical College ICU remains one of the best critical care units, with staff doing their best to provide quality care. Yet, she adds, conflicts arise due to the staff shortage. There are times when, say, a patient with broken limbs or brain injury arrives after an accident, there wouldnt be enough staff to immediately attend to the case, she says. Originally, Thiruvananthapuram Medical College had 1,952 allotted beds. However, during the pandemic, the number of beds was increased, but the staff strength remained the same. Similarly, new multi- and super-speciality blocks were introduced, yet additional permanent staffers were not recruited, sources point out. Kerala Government Nurses Association general secretary T Subramanian concurs. Over the past few years, the government has focused heavily on development projects in government hospitals. In Thiruvananthapuram Medical College alone, development worth over `700 crore has taken place, he notes. As a result, there has been significant infrastructure improvement in our government hospitals, leading to more people opting for government healthcare facilities. Thats welcome. However, while the number of patients has increased, the staff strength has not grown proportionally. To manage the situation effectively, the current staff strength needs to be doubled. Staff shortage in medical colleges certainly affects patient care, says Dr Ajith Prasad J S, president of the Kerala Government Postgraduate Medical Teachers Association. The bed strength in the medical college has been increased as part of the governments policy to ensure sufficient critical care space. However, the number of staffers has not increased accordingly, he highlights. The government is still following the 1970 staff pattern, despite the rise in population and the number of patients. Staff members are being redistributed across different hospital administration needs, leading to a severe shortage in patient care.There arent enough staff in any particlar place. In ICUs, just 2-3 nurses manage 20-25 patients. Additionally, when new medical colleges are established, existing staff members are transferred there instead of hiring new ones. Currently, all staff are overworked, and the impact of this ultimately falls on the patients. The government must take necessary measures to address this, as nursing care is extremely important. Dr B S Sunil Kumar, superintendent of the medical college, denies the issue, stating that there is no staff shortage and that adequate staff have been allocated to critical care and wards. Kadakampally Surendran, local MLA, also maintains that there was no crisis. The medical college has a well-functioning critical care unit, and there have been no complaints about staff shortages that I am aware of so far. However, I will look into the matter, he assures.

Kerala Health Minister meets Union Health Minister Nadda, Asha workers say will continue protests

Kerala Health Minister meets Union Health Minister Nadda, Asha workers say will continue protests New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram: On the 51st day of the ongoing protests by the Asha workers in front of the Kerala state Secretariat, state Health Minister Veena George finally met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda in Delhi on Tuesday. Speaking to the media [] The post Kerala Health Minister meets Union Health Minister Nadda, Asha workers say will continue protests appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Keltron records revenue of Rs 1,056.94 crore; highest in company's history

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keltron, the state-owned electronics enterprise under the Kerala Industries Department, has recorded a revenue of Rs 1,056.94 crore for the financial year 2024-25. This marks the highest revenue in the companys history. When the second Pinarayi Vijayan government assumed office in the 2021-22 fiscal year, Keltrons revenue stood at Rs 521.71 crore. The latest figures show that the company has now surpassed the Rs 1,000 crore milestone, significantly improving upon the previous record of Rs 643 crore in 2023-24. Industries Minister P. Rajeeve attributed this remarkable growth to strategic business decisions, timely execution of projects, and financial support provided by the state government through budget allocations and plan funds. He also credited the recognition of Keltron as a total solution provider in various projects and the collective efforts of employees for the company's resurgence. Keltrons revenue growth was driven by its expansion into several key sectors, including defense electronics, IT-enabled business services, smart classroom solutions, control and instrumentation, traffic enforcement systems, power electronics for nuclear power plants, smart city initiatives, security surveillance, medical electronics, high mast lighting solutions, and electronic systems for ISRO. The companys subsidiary firms also contributed significantly to the overall performance. The Kannur-based KCCL recorded Rs 104.85 crore in revenue, while the Malappuram-based KECL earned Rs 38.07 crore. Together, Keltron group companies achieved a total revenue of Rs 1,199.86 crore, reflecting a 50% increase compared to the previous fiscal year. According to the master plan submitted by Keltron to the Industries Department, the company had projected Rs 1,000 crore in revenue by 2026 and Rs 2,000 crore by 2030. The minister expressed confidence that the company would exceed Rs 1,000 crore in revenue for the 2025-26 financial year as well. Currently, Keltron has an order book worth Rs 1,400 crore, further reinforcing its growth trajectory.

On eve of Waqf Bills tabling in Lok Sabha, Kerala BJP chief calls on KCBC President

On eve of Waqf Bills tabling in Lok Sabha, Kerala BJP chief calls on KCBC President Thiruvananthapuram: On the eve of the tabling of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha, newly-appointed Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Tuesday called on the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) President, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Catholicos, who has [] The post On eve of Waqf Bills tabling in Lok Sabha, Kerala BJP chief calls on KCBC President appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Excise officials seize 20 g of ganja from Government College Hostel for Men in Thiruvananthapuram

Empuraan producer announces 24 cuts to quell controversy

Thiruvananthapuram: Antony Perumbavoor, the co-producer of the now-controversial Malayalam blockbuster film Empuraan, announced Tuesday that the film will undergo 24 cuts. Those presently engaged in re-editing the film have finished one part, and the second part will begin later in the day. The re-edited version will hit the screens most likely Wednesday. The violent scenes []

Financial hurdles delaying Thiruvananthapurams abattoir project

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The commissioning of a modern abattoir in Thiruvananthapuram, a long-held dream of the city corporation, continues to face indefinite delays because of financial hurdles. The Rs 9.58-crore slaughterhouse project at Kunnukuzhy has remained in the finishing stages for the past several years as the corporation keeps delaying the release of funds for the purpose. The Kerala State Pollution Control Board had sealed the slaughterhouse almost 13 years ago citing pollution issues. Since then, the corporation has made several attempts to revamp and reopen the abattoir to ensure safe and quality meat to citizens. After failed attempts to find a bidder, the civic body brought in the Kerala Electrical and Allied Engineering Company Ltd (KEL) to execute the project in 2019. The corporation has since announced many deadlines for the reopening of the revamped abattoir but failed miserably to make it operational. An official with the Thiruvananthapuram corporation told TNIE that the KEL project has undergone minor revisions. The project needs approval from the Suchitwa Mission. KEL hasnt submitted all the bills. We are waiting for that. We will consolidate all the bills and submit them to the Suchitwa Mission. The project is in the finishing stages and only minor works are remaining, the official said. According to KEL, the delay occurred because of a slow release of funds. Meanwhile, Kunnukuzhy councillor Mary Pushpam laid the blame on the corporation. So many deadlines were announced after a new council took charge and we have now entered the final year of the councils term. Yet they have failed to open the slaughterhouse. This is nothing but apathy on the part of the authorities. The entire premises is covered with weeds and vegetation. The contractor stalled the project because of a fund crunch, Mary said. An official with KEL said the agency will be able to complete the project by May if bills are approved and there are no more delays in the release of funds by the corporation. Work on the rendering plant is nearing completion. Its a specialised work done by the company that supplied the machinery, the official said.

Painguni festival from April 2 to 11 at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The annual Painguni festival at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram will be celebrated from April 2 to 11 with special rituals and cultural programmes. The festival will begin on April 2 with the flag hoisting between 8.45 am and 9.30 am, followed by the Mannuneerukoral ritual at 10.15 am and the Mulapooja at 6.45 pm. The Valiya Kanikka ritual will take place on April 9, while the Pallivetta ceremony is scheduled for April 10. The festival will conclude with the grand Aarattu ritual at Shankhumukham Beach on April 11. During the festival, the Utsava Sheeveli ritual will be held daily at 4.30 pm and 8.30 pm. Various cultural programmes will take place at different venues, including Kizhakkenada Padikettu (east entrance), Sripadamandapam (north entrance), and Thulabharamandapam. Kathakali performances will be staged at Kizhakke Natakashala from 10.00 pm onwards. On the eighth day, the rituals will begin with the Palliyunarthal, the ritual awakening of the deity, at 3.00 am, followed by Nirmalya Darshan at 3.30 am. The Sreebhoothabali and Utsava Sreebali on Garuda Vahanam will be held at 4.30 pm, while the Deeparadhana will take place at 6.15 pm. The Valiya Kanikka ritual will be conducted at 8.30 pm, followed by another Sreebhoothabali and Utsava Sreebali on Garuda Vahanam. On April 10, the ninth day of the festival, the Palliyunarthal will take place at 3.00 am, followed by Nirmalya Darshanam at 3.30 am and Mulapooja at 6.45 am. The Sreebhoothabali and Utsava Sreebali on Garuda Vahanam will be conducted at 4.30 pm, followed by Deeparadhana at 6.15 pm.

Kerala Consumer panel asks agency to pay Rs 4 lakh to burn victim injured in LPG leak

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) awarded Rs 4 lakh compensation and litigation costs to a man who sustained 45 pc burn injuries in an LPG cylinder leak. The commission found fault with two insurance companies which did not provide relief to the victim. The Kollam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission had earlier directed Indane and its agency in Kottarakkara to pay Rs 4 lakh compensation to the injured. The SCDRC order came on an appeal petition filed by the duo. According to the complainant, a driver by profession, the agency staff replaced the cylinder at his house on April 3, 2015. When his wife lit the stove she noticed a fire on the regulator. The husband rushed to her help and moved the cylinder out of the house. His timely action avoided injuries to his family members and damage to his house. Indane had insured its customers with United India Insurance Company and the agency with the Oriental Insurance Company. Both companies claimed that the insured parties did not intimate them within the stipulated time prescribed in the policies. The district commission approved this and exonerated them from the liability. The appeal petitions filed by Indane and the agency were heard by the SCDRC bench comprising its president Justice B Sudheendra Kumar, judicial member Ajith Kumar D and member Radhakrishnan K R. The complainants wife had died of cancer by then. After the accident, the agency had kept the regulator under its custody. Hence, the commission rejected the agencys claim that the regulator was not defective. The SCDRC found that insurance companies declined to honour the claim citing technical reasons. They did not incline to do it even after being impleaded as parties before the district commission. It found deficiency in service on the part of the insurance companies as well. Amending the district commissions order, the SCDRC said the Rs 4 lakh compensation to the complainant is to be paid by Indane, agency and insurance companies jointly.

Kerala LoP Satheesan launches global anti-drug campaign in Vienna

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan inaugurated the global campaign against drug abuse, organised by the World Malayali Federation, in Vienna. The WMF plans to run the campaign across 166 countries and Kerala. Enforcement doesnt mean rise in the increasing number of cases. Instead the source of drugs should be eliminated. The government machinery should break the supply chain of drugs and narcotic substances, pointed out Satheesan. Unlike in the past, now non-residents are worried about sending their children to Kerala for studies, said WMF founder chairman Prince Pallikkunnel. Poulose Theppala, Annie Libu, Koshy Samuel, Hareesh Nair and Mary Roselet of the foundation spoke. As part of the campaign, the foundation plans a slew of programmes, including peoples marathon, awareness short films, various art and culture contests, counselling, setting up helpline and de-addictions centres.

IMD predicts widespread rainfall on April 3

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: IMD has predicted widespread rainfall across the state on Thursday and Friday. Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorm or lightning are likely at isolated places during the period. The agency has issued yellow alerts in Palakkad, Malappuram and Wayanad on Thursday, and in Ernakulam and Thrissur on Friday. IMDs prediction is based on the impact of a north-south trough that runs from a cyclonic circulation over Marathwada to north Tamil Nadu and an upper air cyclonic circulation over south-east Bay of Bengal. IMD has also predicted that thunderstorms with lightning are very likely to occur at one or two places in the state on Tuesday and Wednesday. IMDs extended-range forecast released on Monday predicted that the maximum temperature in the state is likely to be in the normal range for the April -June period. However, the night temperature is likely to remain above normal during the period. Rajeevan Erikkulam, a meteorologist with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority said that the state received 91% excess rainfall in March this year. Kottayam received the maximum rainfall (121%) followed by Pathanamthitta (59%) during the period.

Pen strokes or pixels? The great debate around AI in art

Once, in Japan, there lived a dreamer named Hayao Miyazaki. With a sketchbook in hand and many stories in his mind, he longed to create something that felt alive, something that could capture the magic hidden in everyday moments, tender emotions, and visually rich landscapes. Together with his friend Isao Takahata, Miyazaki founded Studio Ghibli. Instead of the loud, flashy visuals that were popular in animation at that time, they created scenes with hand-drawn frames painted with soothing colours and minute details. Even a five-second animation can take around 100 artists an entire week to complete. Movies made this way at the studio like My Neighbor Totoro , Spirited Away , Kiki's Delivery Service , Porco Rosso , Howl's Moving Castle , and The Wind Rises didnt take long to gain popularity, creating worlds that everyone wished to be part of. Kiki's Delivery Service film poster Spirited Away film poster My Neighbor Totoro film poster Howl's Moving Castle film poster Porco Rosso film poster The Wind Rises film poster Decades after its founding in 1985, Studio Ghibli has suddenly become a buzzword on social media. From Instagram to X, users are flooding timelines with Ghibli-style portraits, transforming their favourite memories into whimsical, hand-drawn scenes. The art style holds a special place in peoples hearts, especially those who grew up watching Japanese animation aired on DD, like The Jungle Book: Adventures of Mowgli , etc. This surge in popularity follows OpenAIs recent update to ChatGPT, introducing advanced image-generation capabilities that mimic the Ghibli aesthetic. While many admire it as a cute trend, others criticise the implications of AI-generated art and its impact on human creativity, sparking discussions about the intersection of technology and art. In The Wind Rises , a single four-second hand-animated scene took one year and three months to complete. But now, with AI, anyone can recreate it with just a click. Miyazaki took a stand against AI years ago, and using the art of someone like him without acknowledgement feels like exploitation. As an artist, AI feels threatening to me. I used to work as a freelance artist for a company, but now they have switched to AI-generated work. It lacks the life and soul that human hands bring, but they see it as more feasible and profitable. I cant say if its entirely good or bad, but everyone should approach these tools responsibly. Maybe debates should focus more on how we use AI rather than blaming the technology, says Jazila Lulu, a second-year BFA painting student from the Fine Arts College, Thiruvananthapuram. According to Seby Sam, a teacher at an AI institute, multinational corporations are pushing for the right to use copyrighted content for AI training. If these rights are granted, art and other copyrighted materials will lose their value. Again, it is an issue of capitalism. While its okay to use AI to create something new, copying someones work is unjust. Any content generated by copying should come with fair compensation to the original artists. Otherwise, it will be like destroying a persons life and dreams that took years to build, Seby asserts. A Studio Ghibli inspired artwork sourced from social media A Studio Ghibli inspired artwork sourced from social media A Studio Ghibli inspired artwork sourced from social media A Studio Ghibli inspired artwork sourced from social media A Studio Ghibli inspired artwork sourced from social media A Studio Ghibli inspired artwork sourced from social media A Studio Ghibli inspired artwork sourced from social media A Studio Ghibli inspired artwork sourced from social media A Studio Ghibli inspired artwork sourced from social media Even in the early days of AI, its influence on art and human expression sparked debates. But the bigger question remains: Can technology really kill art, or is it just changing how we create and experience it? Art has always been manipulated and recreated in different ways; its not something new, says veteran artist Tensing Joseph. From ancient cave art to classical paintings like the Mona Lisa, artists have continually adopted compositions, materials, and colour schemes from older works. Recreating art with new tools doesnt mean art is dead; its just part of the ongoing evolution of art history. When photography first emerged, people said the painting was dead. But photography became just another medium in the vast landscape of art. Its the same with AI today. Technologies are just tools; they cant replace human emotion, imagination, philosophical thought, or psychological expression. Its the human that conceives and creates art. Murali Cheeroth, Chairperson of the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, believes that when an artist has imagination and a strong concept, technology can be a powerful tool. However, he warns that celebrating mediocrity could be a real concern. A real artist always invents, innovates, explores, and experiments. If our education system encourages critical thinking and imagination, we dont need to fear any tool. A tool is just a means of expression; it doesnt control us we control it. Good art and genuine creativity will never be destroyed. In many advanced countries, education is thoughtfully designed to teach technology responsibly. Instead of fearing AI, we should focus on how to use it creatively and meaningfully in art education, he says. Narayanankutty K, principal at the College of Fine Arts Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, shares a similar opinion about incorporating AI into art education. He says, Every tool we use in art has evolved over time. We cannot turn away from this. Instead, we must learn to use these tools in a way that makes them our own. A person without talent and creativity cannot do anything, even with the most advanced tools. They must know how to use them to improve the quality of their work because thats what the industry demands. He further points out that the new generation must learn these tools effectively. Students who study art in traditional ways may have to compete globally with others who have mastered advanced technologies. Our art education syllabus does not yet include AI tools, but discussions are underway to revise it through the Kerala State Higher Education Council. A workshop planned for April will provide more clarity on this. Studio Ghibli cofounder Hayao Miyazaki While AI-generated art continues to spark debate, one major issue that remains overlooked is data privacy. People are uploading personal photos onto AI platforms without realising that their data might be used for training purposes. If the persons intent is malicious, it could harm them, warns Seby. When computers were introduced, people feared job loss. But in India, they actually created more jobs. Jobs are lost only when people are unwilling or unprepared to adopt new technology. AI will not take away jobs; rather, a person who knows how to use AI will replace someone who refuses to adapt. Thats how every technological shift has worked, says G Vijayaraghavan, founder and former CEO of Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram. In art and creativity, there may be concerns about intellectual property. But many paintings are inspired by things the artist has seen; it's not a direct copy but a reflection of their imagination. Similarly, AI can create art, but people may not appreciate it as much as human-made art. Take filmmaking, for example. AI can generate scenes, but the human touch makes a movie unique. The same applies to the medical field. Robotic surgery is possible, but people still seek the best doctors because skilled professionals know how to use advanced tools effectively. Theres no need to worry about AI replacing art as long as we adapt to change, he adds. As the conversation around AI and art evolves, one thing is clear: Technology is not the enemy. How we choose to use it will define the future of creativity.

Water supply will be disrupted in several areas in Thiruvananthapuram from April 2 to 4

The 74 mld water treatment plant at Aruvikkara will be shut down during this period

BJP Leader's Enlightened Praise For Shashi Tharoor Over 'Vaccine Diplomacy'

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the BJP's new Kerala chief, has embraced the Congress leader's comments praising the Narendra Modi government, and congratulated the Thiruvananthapuram MP, and others from his party, for having become enlightened.

RSS mouthpiece targets Prithviraj over Empuraans Gujarat riots portrayal

Thiruvananthapuram: After targeting Mohanlal, RSS-affiliated publication Organiser has now turned its guns on actor-director Prithviraj Sukumaran over his much-anticipated film Empuraan. In a fresh article, RSS mouthpiece Organiser has alleged that Prithviraj has aligned with anti-national voices, citing his role in the Save Lakshadweep campaign, which opposed certain Union government policies in the islands. His 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 .

CISFs coastal cyclothon to arrive in Thiruvananthapuram on March 31

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A coastal cyclothon organised by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will reach the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) at Thumba on Monday. Around 75 cyclists, who began their journey from Lakhpat Fort in Gujarat, are expected to arrive at the venue before noon. They have already covered nearly 3,700 kilometres along the Western coast, passing through coastal states including Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka. Following the event in the capital, they will head to Kanyakumari for the grand finale, where they will be joined by a 50-member team of cyclists who have travelled along the Eastern coastline through West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Jose Mohan, IG of Airport Sector-II, explained that the CISF Cyclothon 2025 is a unique initiative that spans the entire coastline of the country. The cyclothon aims to raise awareness about coastal security, emphasising the role of coastal communities in addressing threats such as drug trafficking, smuggling, and illegal intrusions. It also aims to promote environmental conservation, and highlights the critical role of the CISF in protecting Indias economic and strategic assets, he said during a briefing in the capital. The theme of the cyclothon is Surakshit Tat, Samriddh Bharat (Secure Shores, Prosperous India), which is particularly relevant given that drug trafficking via coastal borders is a major national security concern. The CISF is responsible for securing key ports and strategic institutions like the VSSC. Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off the cyclothon at the CISF Regional Training Centre in Ranipet, Tamil Nadu, on March 7. The event will conclude in Kanyakumari, where CISF Director General R S Bhatti will attend the final ceremony.

CM Pinarayi Vijayan rallies behind Empuraan, hits out at Sangh Parivar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Condemning the hate campaign unleashed by the Sangh parivar against the cast and crew of the recently released film L2:Empuraan , Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that the atmosphere of fear instigated by right-wing groups was concerning. In a Facebook post, he said he watched Empuraan, which is poised to take the Malayalam film industry to greater heights, at a time when the makers of the movie are under attack from the Sangh parivar. He said the right-wing groups were angered by the references in the movie to one of the worst genocides the country has seen. Pinarayi said he has come to know that the producers of the film have been forced to carry out cuts and submit the movie for re-censoring . It does not befit a democracy to subject artists to attacks by fundamentalists for taking a stance against communalism or for portraying its horrors. The creative freedom of a citizen has to be protected in a democratic society. The right to create, watch, enjoy, criticise, agree or disagree should be ensured, he said. Terming attempts to destroy or ban artists or works of art as the latest manifestation of fascism, the chief minister said the state, which believes in secular and democratic values, should unitedly raise its voice against such groups.

Commission calls for city-specific hubs, road map for urbanisation in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Constituted by the state government in December 2023, the Urban Policy Commission (UPC) has submitted its final report to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wherein it has recommended a slew of measures, including setting up of city-specific hubs to exploit local potential and preparation of a road map for urbanisation by addressing all concerns. The report calls for developing Thrissur-Kochi as the financial technology (fintech) hub of the state. It also proposes growing Palakkad and Kasaragod as industrial smart cities and the Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam knowledge corridor, to foster research and innovation. Kannur must be promoted as a fashion city, while Kannur-Kasaragod and Thrissur-Ernakulam should be leveraged as education-health hubs, the report said, calling for branding Kozhikode as the City of Literature, drawing on its rich literary heritage. Another key recommendation is the setting up of six directly elected Metropolitan Planning Committees (MPCs) linked to the municipal corporations of Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Kollam, Thrissur, and Kannur. According to the report, the MPCs will be responsible for steering the process of urban development in and around the respective areas. Planning areas of the MPCs should be delineated on the basis of population size and density, connectivity, ubiquity, land use, and other relevant criteria, it says. The report also proposed the launch of the Jnanashree programme, which would provide sustained technical support to institutions, covering technology, planning, management, finance, legal and other aspects at all levels of administration. Panel calls for introducing targeted green fee on urban devpt projects It calls for introducing a targeted green fee on urban development projects to fund disaster risk reduction initiatives, including resilient infrastructure and emergency response systems. Another key proposal is elevation of the steering committee to the position of city cabinets, headed by mayors. Initially, this will be implemented in the municipal corporations and a chief executive, jointly selected by the state government and urban local governments, shall be appointed to municipal corporations. The chief executive will perform the role of the secretary. The city police commissioner will also be part of the city cabinet as an ex-officio member, the report says. It also highlighted the need for formation of specialised cells for solid waste management, climate and disaster management apart from setting up city-level urban observatories. Another proposal is to transform state universities into globally competitive research and innovation centres and to strengthen the university-industry-government triple helix model. The state should move towards Industrial Revolution 4.0 by strengthening MSMEs, leveraging high technology and collaboration between educational institutions and private investors, and reducing the licensing-approval window to 7-15 days, it added. Local Self-Government Minister M B Rajesh said the commission has drafted the framework of a comprehensive policy that will address the challenges and opportunities of urbanisation. The policy will power the development of the state over the next 25 years. The government will now examine the draft before giving its final approval, the minister said..

Think-tank set up to monitor drug abuse, violence among youth: CM Pinarayi Vijayan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has constituted a think-tank to monitor in detail drug abuse and rising violent tendencies among the youth, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said here on Sunday. He was speaking at a meeting of experts from various sectors and representatives of student and youth organisations to chalk out an action plan against rising instances of drug abuse and violence in the state. Pinarayi said a web portal will be set up through which the public can confidentially inform authorities about sale and use of drugs and other banned substances. He said the government was taking stern action to prevent drug abuse and rising incidence of violence. However, the fight against them needs the active support of society, he underscored. Pinarayi said drugs worth Rs 25,000 crore were seized in 2024 compared to Rs 16,100 crore the year before that in the country, an increase of 55% in a single year. However, the worth of drugs seized in Kerala was below Rs 100 crore. The stern action the government is taking against the drug mafia is also evident from the high conviction rate of 98.19% in drug related cases in the state, compared to the national conviction rate of 78.1%, the CM said, adding that the state government will continue with its fight against drugs. On the rising incidents of violence among children, Pinarayi said its social and mental reasons have to be examined in detail. In nuclear families, children do not have the environment for inculcating values. Children trapped at homes are easily lured by the drug mafia. Also, access to reels and films that promote violence should be restricted. Instead, their attention should be diverted to informative online content, he said. While strictly enforcing the law, a humane approach needs to be adopted towards children who are first time offenders, the CM said. Special care should be given to children who are subjected to sexual violence following drug abuse. Also, children should be given the confidence to overcome any adverse situations, he said. Pinarayi said the action plan against drug abuse and violence among youngsters will be prepared by mid-April and unveiled before the public. By June, it will be implemented in all educational institutions, he said. Zumba in schools The chief minister has proposed introducing zumba sessions after classes in the states schools to improve childrens physical and mental health. Zumba is a fitness programme that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance. Half an hour before the final bell can be utilised for the session, the CM said, and asked General Education Minister V Sivankutty, who was present at the venue, to examine whether it could be introduced in schools from the next academic year.

Centre approves two major tourism projects in Alappuzha, Palakkad

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a significant boost to Kerala Tourism, the Centre has given administrative and financial approval for two projects with a total outlay of Rs 169.05 crore to enhance the appeal of water tourism in Alappuzha and the Malampuzha Garden in Palakkad. The projects were submitted by the state tourism department, seeking clearance under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme of the Union Tourism Ministry. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) drawn up by the state tourism department were reviewed by the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee. The Alappuzha - A Global Water Wonderland project, which seeks to integrate the water tourism of the region, involves a total cost of Rs 93.17 crore while the Enhancement of Tourist Experience at Malampuzha Garden and Leisure Park project is estimated to cost Rs 75.87 crore. Welcoming the Centres decision, Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas said these projects will reinforce Keralas standing as a major destination in the country, boosting both international and domestic tourism. The Global Water Wonderland project will firm up Alappuzhas position as a global water tourism hub and bring benefits to the sectoral stakeholders and the local community in the entire south Kerala, the minister said. He recalled that he had taken up these projects with the Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat during his visit to the state capital earlier this month for the review of tourism activities in Kerala. The Alappuzha project envisages beachfront development, canal-side transformation, waste management systems and more. The Malampuzha project, on the other hand, envisages the development of theme parks, water fountains, recreational zones, walkways, etc. Both the projects are to be completed before March 31, 2026.

Bus operators to stage statewide protest seeking hike in student ticket fare in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the next academic year approaches, private stage carriage operators are gearing up for a statewide protest against the delay in increasing student ticket fares. T Gopinathan, general secretary of the All Kerala Bus Operators Organisation will lead a protest march from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram from April 3 to 9. The organisers are calling for urgent government intervention to support the industry by increasing student ticket fares, renewing private bus permits, regulating fines, and withdrawing unscientific directives that impose heavy financial burdens on operators. They have warned that if the government fails to take a favourable decision, bus services may be halted by the end of April. Bus operators have been demanding a hike in student fares since March 24, 2021, proposing a minimum concession fare of Rs 6. The last revision, which set the student fare at Rs 2, was implemented in 2012. In May 2022, the Justice Ramachandran Commission recommended increasing student fares alongside a general fare hike. However, instead of implementing the recommendation, the government appointed another committee led by Planning Board member K Raviraman to study the proposal. The committees report has yet to be made public.

Deceased IB officials family alleges financial exploitation by colleague

PATHANAMTHITTA: The family of Megha Madhusudhanan, an intelligence bureau official who was found dead near a railway track in Thiruvananthapuram on the morning of March 24, has alleged financial exploitation by her colleague, citing evidence from her bank account statements. Madhusudhanan, Meghas father, alleged that a major portion of her salary was regularly transferred to the account of Sukanth Suresh, her colleague from Edappal in Malappuram, since May 2024. There is evidence of repeated monetary transactions to his account from that of Megha. It can also be seen that after drawing a huge amounts from her salaries, he returned small sums of money, alleged Madhusudhanan, a retired teacher. He said there were also doubts that Sukanth threatened Megha to extract money. In our earlier complaints, we could not provide bank account details as those were not known at the time. We also didnt have details of her phone calls and postmortem examination. More details will emerge after the investigation, he said. The police confirmed that Sukanth, the last person to call Megha, is absconding and his phone is switched off. His office and home were searched, but his whereabouts remain unknown. Madhusudhanan criticised the police for failing to keep tabs on Sukanth and over their alleged mishandling of the probe. Hailing from Karakkakuzhi at Athirumkal in Pathanamthitta, Megha was found dead at Chakka around 9.30am on March 24. She had been posted in the emigration section at Thiruvananthapuram airport, and was the only daughter of Madhusudhanan and Nisha, a collectorate employee. The family had earlier said Megha had been in a relationship with Sukanth and had talked about marrying him. They alleged she had been upset for days when he backed out of the relationship and that this led to her taking the extreme step. The relatives demanded a probe to ascertain whether her suspected suicide was caused by her colleagues withdrawal from the relationship. We want to know the truth behind her death. The investigation should reveal the circumstances surrounding her death and whether there was any foul play involved, her uncle, Biju, said.

IIT Madras Alumni Association Thiruvananthapuram chapter holds first annual meet

Director of CSIR-NIIST hails Keralas initiative to introduce hydrogen-powered buses

KCBC urges Kerala MPs to support Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament

KCBC urges Kerala MPs to support Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) has urged all Members of Parliament from Kerala to support the Waqf (Amendment) Bill introduced by the Central government. The Council stated that passing the bill is essential to ensure justice for the people of Munambam, a [] The post KCBC urges Kerala MPs to support Waqf (Amendment) Bill in Parliament appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Empuraan movie row: Mohanlal apologises after backlash from RSS, BJP

Thiruvananthapuram: Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has issued an apology following a wave of criticism from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) cadres over certain scenes in his latest film Empuraan. The actor took to Facebook to express regret over the emotional distress caused by the film and confirmed that the contentious 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 .

Protesting ASHA workers to cut their hair as agitation intensifies in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ASHA workers protesting outside the Secretariat here have announced that they will intensify their agitation by staging a 'hair cutting demonstration' on Monday as their stir enters 50th day. As the government has not made any favourable decision, a section of protesters launched an indefinite hunger strike at the protest venue here last week. Mini S, one of the leaders of the protesting ASHA workers, criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday for remaining silent about their agitation and said they would not backtrack from the stir until the government accepts their demands. The CM is concerned even about animals, birds and other creatures in the wake of the heat wave warning in the state. But, he has not uttered any word on these ASHA workers who have been protesting under scorching sun for the last 50 days, she told reporters here. She said she had cut her hair several times before but it is for the first time that she is doing it as part of a protest. Not just me, ASHA workers who arrive here from several districts will cut their hair as part of the protest. It will become a significant episode in the agitation, the leader added. A section of ASHA workers have been protesting outside the Secretariat here for the last several weeks raising various demands including post-retirement benefits and an increase in honorarium. INTUC criticises ASHA workers' strike despite Congress's support The Left government in the state made it clear that such a steep hike in honorarium is not practically possible and said it was the responsibility of the Centre to address the demands of the ASHA workers. According to the government, it has not received any cash grant from the central government under the National Health Mission (NHM) for 2023-24 for payment towards various Centrally sponsored schemes, including ASHA. The central government has, however, rejected the state's claims and contended that it has given what was due, but the utilisation certificate did not come from Kerala. Kerala should increase honorarium of ASHA workers: AICC general secretary K C Venugopal It said that once the certificate comes, the requisite amount would be given to the ASHA workers and the state. Union Health Minister J P Nadda had also announced in the Parliament that the Mission Steering Group of the NHM has decided to raise the incentives for ASHA workers.

Kerala BJP chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar to boycott controversial film Empuraan

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala BJP State President and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has announced that he will not be watching the recently released Malayalam film Empuraan, starring superstar Mohanlal. Directed by actor-filmmaker Prithviraj Sukumaran, Empuraan is the much-anticipated sequel to Lucifer, a 2019 blockbuster. However, the film has been mired in controversy, prompting the leader to 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 .

Bhubanananda Orissa School of Engineering, Mercedes-Benz pact for advanced automotive mechatronics course

CUTTACK: Bhubanananda Orissa School of Engineering (BOSE), Cuttack, has signed an MoU with global automobile major Mercedes-Benz India to offer an advanced diploma in automotive mechatronics (ADAM) course. This collaboration was formalised on Friday between BOSE principal Hrushikesh Mohanty and VP of customer services, Mercedes-Benz India, Shekhar Bhide. The programme will commence in the ensuing academic year 2025-26. The ADAM course is a highly specialised one-year programme that integrates mechanical engineering, electronics, and computing technologies to develop industry-ready professionals. With the automotive industry rapidly advancing towards automation, electric mobility and intelligent vehicle systems, there is an escalating demand for skilled professionals in this domain. The introduction of this course at BOSE Cuttack aims to bridge the skill gap and create a workforce equipped with cutting-edge expertise, said Mohanty. Developed in collaboration with the Mercedes-Benz Academy, the ADAM curriculum is designed to provide students with comprehensive theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. It includes modules on automotive electrical and electronic systems, hydraulics and pneumatics, advanced diagnostics, engine and transmission systems, vehicle software programming, and direct training with Mercedes-Benz vehicles and tools. This ensures that students are not only academically proficient but also practically skilled to meet the evolving demands of the global automotive sector, Mohanty added. Several leading institutions across India have already been offering the ADAM course in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz India. They include Government Engineering College, Barton Hill, Thiruvananthapuram; NIET, Greater Noida; KIET Group of Institutions, Ghaziabad; Government Polytechnic, Pune; Government Polytechnic, Aurangabad and RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru. BOSE Cuttack has become the first institution in Eastern India to offer this highly sought-after programme. Candidates aspiring to enroll in the course must have a diploma or degree in mechanical, electrical, electronics or automobile engineering. The selection process includes a written examination and a personal interview to assess the candidates technical knowledge and aptitude for the programme, said Mohanty adding that the admission process and detailed guidelines would be announced soon.

Kerala should increase honorarium of ASHA workers: AICC general secretary K C Venugopal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: AICC general secretary K C Venugopal has asked the state government to increase the honorarium of ASHA workers. Since it is the responsibility of the state government to implement the programme, it has the responsibility to increase the honorarium, he said. Venugopal was speaking to the media on Saturday. He questioned the state governments stance that it is the Central governments responsibility to increase the incentive first. Other states have increased the honorarium. If the state government increases the honorarium and demands the Central government to increase its share, the UDF will definitely stand with the government, he said. Venugopal criticised Congresss trade union INTUCs stance against the striking ASHA workers. Congress has always supported popular protests. It is not who is protesting which is important. If the protest is for the uplift of the poor, Congress will support it. This is the national policy of the Congress. INTUC leadership in the state must stand with the partys position, he added. He said the Central governments stance on ASHA workers protest raises suspicion. When the UDF MPs raised the issue in Parliament, the Union Health Minister said that the government was considering a hike in honorarium. However, when I sought more clarification, he did not give a proper reply. The minister also denied permission to meet him in his office, Venugopal said.

Amid debate, CM Pinarayi Vijayan watches 'L2: Empuraan'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid the ongoing row over Mohanlal-starrer Empuraan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan watched the movie. The CM went with his family to the theatre at Lulu Mall to watch the late evening show. The film has already kicked up a row after RSS mouthpiece Organiser openly came out against it, for its portrayal of the right wing. A couple of Left leaders have come out against the demands to cut portions from the movie. Education Minister V Sivankutty too came out against demands for cuts in the movie. Why should there be Censor Board cuts which were not there for The Kerala Story movie that portrayed the state in bad light? The Gujarat riot and Godhra incident are part of Indian history, he said.

Anganwadi workers end stir after government assurance in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The two-week agitation by a section of anganwadi workers in front of the Secretariat has been withdrawn after talks held with the state government arrived at a consensus. The decision comes after the government assured that their demands including an increase in honorarium, pension, and festival allowance would be considered. Indian National Anganwadi Employees Federation president Ajay Tharayil said that the strike was called off based on assurances given by Finance Minister K N Balagopal and Health Minister Veena George. As per the consensus, the government will form a committee within 10 days to examine the demands. The committee would be asked to submit the report within three months. Necessary action will be taken based on the committees findings. The anganwadi workers had been on an indefinite strike in the state capital since March 17. Their demands included recognising them as employees and an increased honorarium paid in a single instalment.

One in every three new buildings in Kerala owned by women

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Women own one in every three new buildings in Kerala. The Building Statistics 2022-23 released by the economics and statistics department showed that the states male-female ratio in property ownership was 2.76:1 in the year. Kollam district topped in gender parity in property ownership, with one in every 1.76 new buildings owned by a woman, showed the report. The highest disparity was in Malappuram, where the ratio stood at 3.84:1. Of the total 4.31 lakh new buildings under private ownership in the state, 2.77 lakh were owned by males, one lakh by females, 53,055 under joint ownership and four by transgender persons. Urban areas showed a higher male-female ratio (2.91:1) than rural areas (2.70:1). According to experts, Kerala is among the states that fare well in gender equality in property ownership. Kerala would be better positioned among all states. Earlier, the Agricultural Census had revealed that the womens ownership of land was comparatively high in Kerala, said Prof Praveena Kodoth of Centre for Development Studies. The historical reasons for increased level of female ownership includes the marumakkathayam tradition giving importance to women. The preference given to women in the governments free housing schemes and bank loans could be a reason for the present level of female ownership, she said. Over an eight-year period starting 2015-16, male-to-female ownership ratio has remained relatively stable at around 2.7:1. Although the ratio remained the same, in absolute terms, the numbers depict a gradual increase in female ownership over the years, which is a positive sign towards reducing the gender gap in property ownership, the report said. According to Praveena, property ownership enhances womens security. Women who own properties would be in a better position to fight domestic violence. It enhances her physical and social security and confidence. Kerala should aim for making our male-female ownership ratio even better. The government can consider giving incentives like relaxations in stamp duty for women buying properties, she said. 2022-23 data Of the total 4,39,857 new buildings in 2022-23, 4,31,111 (98.01%) were owned by private parties and 3,244 (0.74%) by government or LSG institutions. 72.21% of them were residential buildings. Malappuram topped the list with 62,576 buildings, and Idukki the lowest (10,598).

Kerala Water Authority gearing up to meet April and May water demand in Thiruvananthapuram city

Officials are keeping their fingers crossed with regard to summer temperatures, its impact on demand and summer rainfall volumes

Thiruvananthapuram airport to resume full-fledged operations from Sunday

The airport was partially closed for the last 75 days as part of mandatory maintenance works. Recarpeting of 3.4-kilometre-long and 60-metre-wide runway completed in a record time

MBA answer sheets missing, Kerala University to hold re-exam on April 7

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala University has asked 71 MBA students to sit for a reexamination after their answer sheets went missing. The answer sheets of third semester examinations of the 2022-24 batch students went missing from the custody of a teacher assigned with their evaluation. The serious lapse on the part of the university has invited scathing criticism from the student community. The examination for 'project finance' was held in May last year. The university has now scheduled the reexamination for 7 April. The reexam has come as a setback to the students who were already disappointed over the delay in course completion. It took 2.5 years for the completion of the two-year course. The delay in publishing results is affecting their career prospects. The teacher hailing from Palakkad reportedly informed the vice chancellor that the sheets went missing during a journey. The matter was discussed by the senate which gave approval for a reexamination.

Zero tolerance towards corruption, says BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Making his intentions clear on charting a new course for the state BJP which has been crippled by a host of issues ranging from groupism to alleged hawala transactions, new state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar has told the core committee members that he would have zero tolerance towards corruption and tainted personalities. Moreover, in a marked change from the partys conventional approach, Chandrasekhar made it clear that the defectors from other political parties who joined the BJP would be given priority during candidate selection. Chandrasekhars warning is seen as a message from the party national leadership as he has been handpicked by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to lead the Kerala BJP in the coming local body and assembly elections. The leaders we select for standing in the elections and for party posts must have high moral grounds. They should be a model to the public. The candidates of the BJP should be free from corruption charges. Integrity will be the primary condition for considering a person as a candidate, he reportedly told the meeting. Chandrasekhar also told the top leaders that defectors from rival political parties would be treated generously and given priority while selecting candidates for elections. Besides, youths and women will be given priority in the local body election, he said. The meeting also approved the presidents proposal to name subject experts to respond to issues and controversies that arise from time to time. Leaders were given charges of subjects ranging from Central government aid to state, state finance, state governance, cultural sphere etc. M T Rameshs response on 'Empuraan' was based on this decision. To prepare candidates for the local body polls, 30 district units of the BJP have been divided into five zones. The core committee members were given charge of each zone. They will travel to each zone and monitor the completion of the draft candidate list and report to the state president before April 12. The meeting also entrusted the president to submit a proposal regarding the state office-bearers to the national leadership. It was also decided that the new state office-bearers should be declared before April 15. The BJP will take the initiative to enrol beneficiaries for Centrally aided projects in view of the LDF governments alleged inaction. For this a help desk would be opened in each district.

Kerala HC dismisses plea for vigilance probe against CM Pinarayi, daughter on CMRL-Exalogic transactions

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday dismissed two petitions seeking a vigilance investigation into the alleged illegal financial transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL) and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, his daughter T Veena, and three UDF leaders. The petitions were filed by Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan and the late Gireesh Babu of Kalamassery. An unnecessary investigation or an enquiry into an offence under the Prevention of Corruption Act against a public servant based on suspicions may cause a blemish on his career or reputation. Being called to appear before a criminal court as an accused is a serious matter that affects ones dignity, self-respect, and image in society, said Justice K Babu. The complainants alleged that CMRL paid Rs 1.72 crore to Exalogic Solution Pvt Ltd and Veena T, which was a bribe paid to Pinarayi Vijayan for doing favours and misusing his official position. Besides, MLAs Ramesh Chennithala and P K Kunhalikutty and former public works minister V K Ebrahim Kunju, and A Govindan were also alleged to have received illegal gratification. The complaint was based on the order of the Interim Settlement Board, New Delhi, wherein many admissions were made by CMRL officers that would reportedly disclose offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. The IT department had found that CMRL has been systematically inflating its expenses and made payments in cash to several individuals, including media houses and politicians. T A Shaji,Director General of Prosecution, submitted that the statement made by the authorised officer of CMRL before the Interim Board for Settlement based on certain loose papers regarding the receipt of money by political leaders cannot be treated as a fact constituting the alleged offence. Senior advocate P Vijayabhanu, counsel for CMRL, submitted that the confession alleged to have been given by the Chief Financial Officer of CMRL before the Interim Board for Settlement has no evidentiary value, and the same cannot be relied upon to set the criminal law in motion. The court said the complainant could only place certain materials highlighting suspicions based on the allegations in the complaint and not facts constituting the alleged offences. The court made it clear that rejection of the complaint does not preclude the complainant from filing a fresh complaint with adequate materials in the future. CMRL pay-off case: MLAs plea for confidential branch info dismissed THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Information Commission has disposed of the appeal filed by Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan seeking information from the confidential branch of the police headquarters on the alleged corruption involving Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Exalogic Solution owned by Veena Vijayan, the daughter of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) V Hari Nair passed the order dismissing the MLAs appeal, saying the confidential branch was excluded from the purview of the RTI Act.

Censor Board could have intervened more effectively while censoring 'L2: Empuraan', say BJP leaders

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid controversy surrounding the newly released Mohanlal-starrer 'L2: Empuraan' over the manner in which the film treated Gujarat riots, there is a feeling in the state BJP leadership that the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)members with close links to the Sangh Parivar could have intervened more effectively. There are four pro-Sangh Parivar members in the CBFC. G M Mahesh, general secretary of Tapasya, the cultural forum of the BJP, and a member of CBFC, however, told TNIE that the Censor Board can only act as per the rules. People creating controversy are ones who have not watched the film. There is no mention of Godhra in 'Empuraan', he said. Mahesh also said it is up to the viewers to assume whether it is about Godhra or not. That is their discretion, he added. Mahesh further said that recently the Union government had brought in some changes in the certification of films. Now we have films categorised as UA 16+ (Only those aged above 16 years can watch), UA 13+ (only those above 13 years can watch), UA 7+ (only those above seven years can watch) with parental guidance. We have cut a 22- second-long scene in which a pregnant woman is being raped. Though in the scene the head of the actress was shown, we cut it down to four seconds. According to him, there was also a scene in which a character says a communally biased dialogue against Kerala showing the green colour in the National Flag. We cut that scene as it would lead to religious hatred, he added. BJP leaders divided on their stand to Mohanlal starrer 'L2: Empuraan' The BJP core committee meeting held on Friday, is understood to have decided not to get embroiled in the controversy. After the meeting, BJP general secretary P Sudheer told the media that the party is not against any films. Films will be considered as such. We are not for any campaigns. As a movie buff, anyone can express their opinion about each film, he said. However, as the news about the discussions held at the core committee about 'Empuraan' was taken up by news channels, Sudheer later issued a press release dismissing the news that the core committee meeting discussed the film. The news which is being reported in the media that the BJP core committee discussed the film 'Empuraan' is against facts. Its not BJPs style to discuss any films promotion or whoever should watch the films, he said. A middling midpiece of a still-enticing franchise

Study finds several rare species in Vellayani Lake

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An academic study by a team of students revealed presence of several rare and endangered species, including endemic fish varieties and aquatic plants, crucial for maintaining Vellayani Lakes ecological balance. The students from Marian College of Arts and Science conducted the comprehensive biodiversity study at Vellayani Lake- one of the largest freshwater lakes in the state. The research led by the students aims to shed light on the rich flora and fauna in Vellayani lake - an ecological hotspot. The study documented a wide range of species including aquatic plants, birds, fish, and other organisms that thrive in and around the lake. According to the research team, the findings highlight the ecological importance of Vellayani Lake and the urgent need to implement conservation measures to safeguard its biodiversity. The research study was conducted by students - Hajara, Archa, Nandhana, Malavika and Mayookha - under the guidance of assistant professor of Department of Zoology Sheema S H. Vellayani Lake serves as an important sanctuary for both migratory and local bird species, making it a key location for biodiversity conservation. We hope this research will raise awareness about the importance of conserving the lakes biodiversity and lead to stronger conservation policies at local and state levels, said project leader Hajara. Preliminary findings of the study revealed the presence of several rare and endangered species including endemic fish varieties and aquatic plants crucial for maintaining the lakes ecological balance. The study highlighted the growing concerns on the invasion of water hyacinth which is disrupting local ecosystems and threatening biodiversity. The study emphasised the impact of human intervention and growing pollution levels, spread of invasive species and increasing threats posed by urbanisation and agricultural activities. The students are gearing up to present the report at the upcoming environmental awareness conference and will be shared with experts and environmentalists. The team also aims to collaborate with authorities and conduct awareness sessions for the local community.

Thiruvananthapuram Corporation budget with Rs 1,928.34-crore outlay passed; Oppn expresses dissatisfaction

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After two days of discussion, the LDF ruling front at the council has passed the final budget for 2025-26 fiscal in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. Deputy Mayor P K Raju unveiled a budget with an outlay of Rs 1,928.34 crore on Tuesday. The civic body has an estimated Rs 257.64 crore surplus and a total revenue of Rs 2,185.99 crore with major thrust to welfare schemes, sustainable development, waste management, empowerment of women, children and the elderly. The council sessions turned stormy during Mayor Arya Rajendrans concluding speech before passing the budget. The ruling councillors raised placards against BJP district leader and councillor V V Rajesh, who was recently accused of working against the victory of Rajeev Chandrashekar during election. The BJP councillors staged a walkout after the conclusion of the discussions, raising slogans and placards against the ruling front for not acknowledging the Union government for various projects implemented by the civic body. BJP parliamentary party leader M R Gopan said that majority of the schemes and projects implemented by the civic body were sponsored by the Union government. They are basking in the glory of the accomplishments they received by implementing centrally sponsored schemes like smart city, Jal Jeevan and AMRUT. They are arrogant to admit this fact anywhere in the budget, said M R Gopan. UDF parliamentary party leader P Padmakumar said that the budget is disappointing and there is nothing new.

Palayam Connemara Market traders resist relocation over waste woes

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The redevelopment of the century-old Palayam Connemara Market one of the key projects taken up by the Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) continues to drag on with the City Corporation and the authorities failing to reach a consensus with the traders. With the SCTL all set to wind up its operation on March 31 (Monday), in a desperate attempt to launch the project the civic body has served final eviction notices to the traders operating from the market. However, the traders are refusing to relocate to the newly constructed rehabilitation block. There is no proper ventilation or light in the rehabilitation block and there is a legacy dumpsite near to it making things worse. We are not against the project but we have raised this issue in every meeting. People are unable to pass by this area because of the nauseating smell emanating from the dumpsite and the market. We want the authorities to remove the dumpsite and only then will we relocate, said Rajas J, secretary of Palayam Connemara Merchant and Labourers Association. According to traders, the authorities are threatening to forcefully evict them. Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi state president S S Manoj said that the civic authorities are turning a blind eye towards the dumpsite. Haritha Karma Sena members collect user fees from every trader from the market and the waste is getting dumped in a huge tank near the rehabilitation block. The accumulated waste has turned into a huge heap because of continuous dumping, said S S Manoj. He alleged that the civic body is very keen to impose fines on traders and citizens and is neglecting this waste accumulation in the heart of the city. Palayam ward councillor Palayam Rajan said that biomining needs to be done at the site. We have called tenders to undertake biomining there. The redevelopment project has been long pending and we have to launch the work immediately to avoid lapse of funds. The traders should cooperate with us, said Palayam Rajan.

'Sticking around' in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Workers at the Sunny Match Factory at Vlathankara in Neyyattinkara number just a handful. But they represent countless stories of a time when the entire region had several such units where the little packets of ignition were packaged for the markets. Jerry David, foreman of the company, has over 40 years of experience in the sector. I have seen many factories that once thrived in Thiruvananthapuram close down. I joined Sunny a decade ago; this is probably the last one standing in the region, he says. Founded in 1972, Sunny Match Factory is, in fact, the only fully active one in the district. And the future looks bleak, says factory manager Sam S J. The government is unsupportive. We are not given the licence to use the chemicals needed to make the match head. So, we ready just the sticks, which are sent to Tamil Nadu for applying the combustive tip and packaging. Then they are sent back to Kerala. The matches industry in Tamil Nadu is doing well, he says. Sunny Match Factory has just seven people on its payroll. They do not see much of a future for the industry here unless there is some policy change.

IIT Madras Alumni Association Thiruvananthapuram chapter to organise first annual meet

Gujarat riots reference in L2: Mohanlal starer Empuraan sparks row

Thiruvananthapuram: The much-hyped Mohanlal-starrer L2: Empuraan, directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran, received an overwhelming response in theatres on its opening day on Thursday, followed by raging controversies about its political content. A political firestorm erupts The film, the second part of the Lucifer movie, a trilogy planned by the Prithviraj-Mohanlal team, has become a topic of Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Thiruvananthapuram zoo authorities scramble to shield their charges from summers worst ravages

Come summer, the zoos caretakers mirror paramedics tending to humans beset by heat exhaustion and dehydration. However, their approach appears more pre-emptive in nature

Police officer stabbed by habitual offender in Thiruvananthapuram; search underway for attacker

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A police officer sustained injuries after he was stabbed by a habitual offender near Poojappura on Thursday night. Poojappura station Law and Order Sub-inspector Sudheesh S L was stabbed by a Thirumala native, Sreejith Unni.The SI sustained injuries on his arm while trying to block Sreejith, who was aiming to stab him in his mid-section using a knife. The police sources said the incident occurred by 9.30 pm near Kallaramadom temple. The police came to the place after receiving a tip-off that a drunken brawl was taking place in the area.As the police began searching the area, Sreejith, who was released from KAAPA detention four days back, drew a knife that he was carrying and attacked the cop. The condition of the cop is stable. Sreejith, meanwhile, managed to flee the spot and a search is on to locate him.

Church aggressive, protest for opening Old Aluva-Munnar Road gains momentum

KOCHI: The protest demanding the opening of Old Aluva-Munnar Road passing through the evergreen forests of Pooyamkutty has gained momentum with the Syro-Malabar Church taking an aggressive stand. A group led by Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose, Kothamangalam MLA Antony John and Kothamangalam former bishop Mar George Punnakottil had entered the forest on March 16, demanding that the road be opened. Forest officials booked the protesters for trespassing, saying they destroyed the cross bar erected to stop vehicles and damaged a forest vehicle parked in the area. However, the decision to book Mar George Punnakottil triggered resentment with members of the Church taking out a torch rally in Kothamangalam town on Wednesday demanding the case against the former bishop be withdrawn and the Old Aluva-Munnar Road opened. The protest, inaugurated by Kothamangalam Bishop Mar George Madathikandathil, was led by MLA Antony, Vicar General Pius Malekandathil, Fr Robin Padinjarekuttu, Sijumon Francis and others. Meanwhile, a delegation led by Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday demanding to open the road. MLA Antony and Kuttampuzha St Marys Church vicar Fr Arun Valiyathazhath were present. Antony said the CM promised to take necessary steps after discussions with stakeholders. The office of Forest Minister A K Saseendran said the case was pending before the Kerala High Court. As per records, there is no road known as Old Aluva-Munnar Road passing through the Malayattoor reserve forest. The Neriamangalam-Adimali road was constructed after the Munnar road was washed away in the 1924 floods. There is another road available for the residents of Kurathikudi passing through Perumbankuthu and Mankulam. The route of the Old Aluva-Munnar Road, as specified by protesters, passes through pristine evergreen forest and is the habitat of wild animals like elephants. Opening a new road through the forest will disturb wildlife and lead to an increase in human-wildlife conflict, said a senior officer. Fr Malekandathil said the forest departments move to file a case against Mar George Punnakottil and 23 other leaders for walking through the 140-year-old road had created unrest among residents. Residents of the area have been demanding that the road be opened as it would reduce the distance between Kochi and Munnar considerably, he said. The Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) had in 2005 cautioned against opening the stretch, considering the environmental sensitivity of the Pooyamkutty forest. Old Aluva-Munnar Road revival rejected 15 years ago

Moving history with AI

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: How would it feel if those who left their mark on history and faded into the past suddenly came back to life? The generation now knows these people who shaped life and history of the region only through photographs and paintings. Them appearing as real seemed improbable, atleast till now. But with AI, a technology that turns the unimaginable into reality, and a touch of creativity, even this has been made possible. Yuhab Ismail from Thiruvananthapuram has proven just that. His AI-generated video Naduvazhikal went viral on social media, impressing viewers with its realistic recreation of a historical era. The rulers of Travancore, from Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma to Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, have been brought to life, making history feel more real than ever before. Designer by profession, Yuhab Ismail has been learning AI tools for nearly three years. AI has entered every field, including design. There were concerns about whether it would take away jobs in this industry. If we dont learn and adapt, that risk becomes real. AI alone isnt enough; it needs the right human touch to be truly effective, which is why I started learning it, says Yuhab. Initially, I focused on image generation, and about six months ago, I began experimenting with video generation. When I posted my first AI-generated video as an Instagram reel, it started gaining traction. The real breakthrough came when I brought Raja Ravi Varmas paintings to life; thats when people really noticed my work. After the video gained attention, Yuhab was invited to Kilimanoor Palace, the birthplace of Raja Ravi Varma, where he was honored for his work. Following Naduvazhikal, he was also invited to Kowdiar Palace by the royal family of erstwhile Travancore, who appreciated his efforts and presented him with an award. Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma (also known as Dharma Raja), Ayilyam Thirunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi, Uttrathathi Thirunal Gowri Parvathi Bayi, Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma, Uthram Thirunal Marthanda Varma, Ayilyam Thirunal Rama Varma, Vishakham Thirunal Rama Varma, Sreemoolam Thirunal Rama Varma, and Pooradam Thirunal Sethu Lakshmi Bayi were among those featured in the Naduvazhikal video. People in Thiruvananthapuram have a deep connection with these rulers. Handling something as historically significant and sensitive as this requires much care and precision, says Yuhab. Similarly, when creating a video on Sree Narayana Guru, I visited Sivagiri and Chempazhanthy to gather information, read multiple books, and spoke to people to ensure accuracy. Thats the approach I take for every project. Perhaps this is why even the royal family invited me and appreciated my work. For me, that itself is the greatest award. Yuhab adds that the royal family will showcase the video at various venues as part of the Painkuni festival celebrations at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, which will be held from April 2 to 11. People think AI is a simple process, but its not. For a single video, I use around 16 to 18 tools, most of which are paid, he says. For Naduvazhikal, it took me nearly two weeks to complete, using around 16 AI tools, including six paid ones, says Yuhab. His dream it is to work in films. With the success of his reels, he has now received opportunities to contribute to movie projects and series. Additionally, he has been entrusted with a project related to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple festival by the royal family.

Changing names in birth certificates to be easier

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Name change in birth certificate is all set to become easier. In a major decision that would help many people, the state government has decided to bring in major relaxations in the norms for name change. Local Self-Government Minister M B Rajesh said that this would resolve a long-pending complex issue. People with birth registration in Kerala and have changed name through Gazette notification will be allowed to make a one-time change in birth certificate, he said in a statement. The decision on norm relaxation has come as a relief for people who studied in CBSE, ICSE streams or abroad. At present, those who had education in public schools in Kerala can change their names in their SSLC certificate and school records after a gazette notification. These school records can be used for changing the name in the birth certificate. But those who had education in the CBSE/ICSE schools or those who had education abroad did not have this facility. They had to produce a changed birth certificate for making a change in school certificate and vice versa. With relaxation in norms, there will be corresponding changes in K Smart too. The decision to revise the norm on changing the name in birth certificates is part of the LDF governments efforts for timely reforms in laws and rules, Rajesh said. The LSG department had received several applications for relaxation in norms. The latest decision will be a relief for them. The government, with the help of technology, initiated revolutionary reforms in birth, death and marriage registrations. Today Keralites can register their marriage from anywhere in the world using video KYC. More reforms will be made in civil registrations, he said. The latest reform was based on an application submitted at the Nava Kerala Sadas. The person who submitted the application had changed his name from Kannan Baiju to Kannan Divakaran. But a change in birth certificate was inevitable to change the school certificate. But as per rule, the changed school certificate was necessary to effect a change in birth certificate which put him in a quandary.

In a first, AICC to establish direct link with DCCs across country

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) has decided to establish direct link with around 700 District Congress Committees across the country. The AICC will organise leadership training in all districts across the country. This was announced at the first meeting of DCC presidents with AICCs top leadership, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandi, in New Delhi on Thursday. As per the high-level decision, the AICC will have direct contact with all DCCs. The leadership training camp will be directly organised by the national leadership in view of the partys decision to revamp the organisation across all states. In addition, DCC presidents were asked to take decisions impartially considering merit without any interference from middle-level managers. The DCCs will consist of new and old leaders. The DCC presidents should arrive at decisions only after taking the members into consideration. In each DCC, a team of leaders will be formed to deal with political developments and sort out organisational issues. AICC organisational general secretary K C Venugopal, Deepa Dasmunsi and Ajay Maken also participated in the meeting. As a step to strengthen the organisation at the lower level, the AICC has come to the conclusion that strengthening of DCCs is essential. Rahul Gandhi told leaders that DCC presidents should act impartially after consultations with other leaders in the committee. The meeting instructed DCC presidents to travel to booths to find out the organisational weakness of each one of them and ask the leaders concerned to sort them out. Venugopal told DCC presidents that if one wants to mingle with the people and know their pulse, the booth-level operations must be strengthened. Common people are residing there, he said. AICC informed the leaders about the necessity to build a powerful narrative. The party will organise a sustained and targeted campaign. There should also be micro-planning and good management. DCCs have been asked to keep a professionally trained team to run the social media pages. Each ward committee must keep the social data related to the ward. The aim is to understand the social fabric of the wards so that at the time of elections we can calculate the implications, a Congress leader who attended the meeting told TNIE . At the meeting, Rahul said DCCs are the foundations of the Congress. Like the foundation of a building, a strong DCC is essential. From now on, AICC will directly communicate with the DCCs. Without a strong DCC in place, Congress could not defeat its political opponents, he reportedly said. Kharge said though Congress has an ideology, it lost the power because the around 700 DCCs across the county failed to propagate the ideology and work as an opposition party. On the first day, DCC presidents of 16 states, including Kerala and three Union territories participated. The meeting will end on Saturday.

Eateries in Thiruvananthapuram put their spin on idlis

Ahead of the World Idli Day (March 30), let us take a look at how foodpreneurs from the Kerala capital are making idlis interesting

Kerala Industries Minister denied permission to travel to US to attend conference

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Centre has denied permission to Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeeve and his team to attend the annual conference of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) in Washington to speak about the 'year of enterprises' in the state. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Rajeeve condemned the union government's action, terming it as extraordinary. The ASPA's invitation was for presenting the topic of entrepreneurship ecosystem policy and successful implementation: a case study of the year of enterprises' at the conference to be held in Washington DC from March 28 to April 1. The minister, Industries department Principal Secretary Muhammad Haneesh and Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) Managing Director S Harikishore were to present papers at the Conference. The central government has denied permission to all of them to travel to the US. Kerala has lost an opportunity to stand proudly at a world stage, Rajeeve said in the post. The team led by Rajeeve was planning to reach Washington DC on March 28 and return on March 30. Only personal presentations are allowed in such a conference being attended by delegates from 152 countries. Even the organisers are surprised that permission was denied to our team to participate in the ASPA conference, he said. The idea that Kerala should not be recognised at the global conference should be condemned, he added. The minister mentioned that he has asked the organisers whether online presentation on the topic will be allowed at the conference in view of the Centre's decision.

Migrant worker held with 9 kg ganja in Perumbavoor

KOCHI: In a major narcotics bust under Operation Clean Perumbavoor, the Ernakulam Rural police on Wednesday arrested a migrant worker with 9 kg of ganja intended for distribution among college students, residents and migrant workers. Rabeen Mandal, 24, of Raipur in Murshidabad, West Bengal, was apprehended by a team led by Perumbavoor ASP Shakthi Singh Arya. The arrest came after a college student, Rabeens customer, disclosed details about the supplier. The raid was conducted in a Bengali colony, where the cannabis was found hidden in secret compartments in a room, said an officer with the squad. Preliminary probe revealed Rabeen was a key figure in the local drug network, he said. Operating under the alias Robin Bhai, Rabeen allegedly sold ganja in small packets for Rs 500 each. Having arrived in Kerala a year ago, he worked in Thiruvananthapuram before moving to Perumbavoor, where he lived in Bhai Colony. He worked at a hotel before shifting to drug trade.

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

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

108 Olive Ridley Turtle hatchlings released to sea on Valiyaveli beach

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a significant conservation effort, as many as 108 Olive Ridley Turtle hatchlings made their way back to the sea on the Valiyaveli beach in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. The hatchlings emerged from the nest made by fishermen and conservationists at Valiyaveli overnight on Wednesday after 46 days of waiting. Fishermen and conservationists took extensive measures to ensure the safety of the eggs during the incubation period. On Wednesday morning, the hatchlings were released to the sea by fishermen and forest officials. Ajith Shankumugham, a fisherman conservationist of The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) - an NGO, said that they found the egg near to the Valiyaveli Church. The location was not ideal because of the crowd and exposure. Hence we safely relocated the eggs 500 m away from the church. We proved that this method of relocating eggs is safe. All the remaining eggs are also safe and intact and will hatch in the coming days, said Ajith Shankumugham. Last year in April, around 80 eggs of Olive Ridley Turtles were found at a nesting site in Shankumugham and none of them hatched because of bad weather. There has been criticism about relocating the eggs because of that bad experience last year. We couldnt protect the eggs from the rain at Shankumugham, he said. Recently, heavy summer showers lashed the capital and the local fishermen and children stood guard over the eggs to ensure their safety. Depleting shorelines and climate crisis are adversely impacting the population of Olive Ridley Turtles - an endangered species. There is no vast shore or beach now and conservation activities are the only way to save the species, he added. The time for hatching eggs is 42 days and Olive Ridley Turtle is one of the common turtles found on Kerala shore. A grab of the report that appeared in TNIE on March 15

Kerala cabinet revises norms for compassionate appointments

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state cabinet has decided to revise the conditions for providing jobs under the compassionate employment scheme for dependent family members of government servants, who died while in service. The revised conditions have been ratified in principle. As per the revised conditions, dependents of the deceased government employees will be entitled to employment irrespective of the circumstances of the death. If a government servant, who is an invalid pensioner, dies then the dependents will not be eligible for employment. In the case of those who died while remaining in service via extension or re-appointment, the dependents will not be entitled to appointment. The dependents of government educational institutions, including colleges, will be entitled for the benefit. However, the employees of aided institutions cannot avail the benefit. Same is the case of dependents of those employees, who took voluntary retirement. The dependents considered for appointment should be 13 years or above at the time of the death of the government servant. In case of married employees, widow/widower, son, daughter, adopted son and adopted daughter are eligible for appointment in that order. If the deceased was unmarried, father, mother, unmarried sister and brother are eligible in that order. This order can be changed if there is consensus among the dependents. If the married children are applying for a job, they should produce a certificate from the tahsildar stating that they were dependent on the deceased at the time of his death. In case of any dispute, the appointment will be given to the one recommended by the widow/widower of the deceased.

CM Pinarayi Vijayan: Kerala always stands united in adversities

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keralas collective response to the landslide disaster in Wayanad once again proved that the state will always stand united in the face of adversity, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said. The model township to be built at the Elston Estate in Kalpetta will have 430 houses on seven-cent plots each. There will be modern facilities such as community centres, market areas, primary health Centres and anganwadis. Recreation centres, parks, playgrounds and an open gym are the other highlights. Solar plants and a mechanism to process contaminated water will also be set up. The project will create history in the annals of resilient and sustainable rebuilding, he said in an article released to the media. The houses will have strong foundations to support additional floors. This approach will ensure that families have secure and future-ready homes, reflecting the state governments commitment to sustainable rebuilding. The houses will be constructed uniformly, with assured quality. The rehabilitation package also includes livelihood support, focus on employment opportunities and training programmes for women to engage in occupations of their choice. The list of eligible persons was prepared in a most-transparent manner and complaints were adequately addressed. The peoples response to the rescue and rehabilitation works, both in financial and non-financial terms, has been extraordinary. The global Malayali diaspora also extended its support through generous contributions to the Chief Ministers Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF). Rs. 734.68 crore was mobilised. Sponsorships also came from various sources offering to build houses for the victims. The Government of India provided loan assistance of Rs 529 crore under the Capital Assistance to the States Scheme. The amount can be utilised for reconstruction, but is repayable by the state. Kerala is still pursuing its demand for a special package for Wayanad. Kerala has been continuously facing natural disasters of differing degrees of severity, the chief minister said.

Global union demands urgent steps to end ASHA workers stir

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Public Services International (PSI), the global federation representing 122 unions in 22 countries with 30 million workers, has urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to resolve the demand of the protesting ASHA workers. In a letter to the CM, PSI regional secretary Kate Lappin has urged the state government to take immediate and effective steps to ensure that ASHA workers enjoy fair, dignified, decent and secure working conditions, and provide clear leadership on a fundamental labour rights struggle, for other states in India to follow. Over one million ASHA workers in India are denied their fundamental rights. The work of community health workers (CHWs) is vital to public health and sustainable development and should be treated as work that deserves living wages, respect and recognition. The International Labour Organisations Committee on Experts on Application of Conventions unequivocally affirmed in its 2022 report that CHWs are undoubtedly covered by fundamental rights and principles at work. The WHOs guidelines on community health workers recognise the critical role CHWs play in reducing inequities in access to care, and call on governments to fund the provisions of financial package commensurate with the job demands and establishing agreements specifying roles, responsibilities, working conditions remuneration and workers rights, the PSI said.The PSI has also extended its interest in discussing the matter with the state government.

Delimitation: Women leaders fear reduced representation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid the ongoing debate over delimitation , concerns are being raised about how badly will women representation be hit by it. The delimitation debate has brought back a much required focus on its impact on women reservation. Though the Womens Reservation Bill was passed, its implementation depends on two factors - next census and the delimitation process. Kerala politics is steeped in a patriarchal mindset, feel women leaders in the state. In general, parties offer very few seats to women, as was evident from the last LS polls where the LDF fielded three candidates out of 20, the UDF just one while the BJP-led NDA scored with five women in the fray. Once the number of total seats come down post delimitation, there is bound to be a further dip in seats offered to women, they said. Cutting across political parties, women leaders feel that women reservation should be implemented immediately, and adequate women representation be ensured. Senior CPM leader and ex-minister K K Shailaja said political parties should ensure sufficient women representation, when delimitation is carried out. There should be adequate representation for women in all houses. The delimitation process should not affect women representation, she pointed out. That the Women Reservation Bill was passed with two riders, clearly shows that it was more of an election strategy for the BJP, said Congress leader Shanimol Usman. Kerala politics is deeply immersed in patriarchy. Any shrinkage in LS seats due to delimitation would take the state backwards at least by 25 years, was how she saw it. Curiously theres a tendency in Kerala politics to enforce male dominance. If theres one sector which is steeped in a patriarchal mindset, its politics. Already women representation in elections is so less. The delimitation process would make it worse, felt Shanimol. Senior CPI leader Annie Raja too felt that passing the legislation with two criteria, is itself aimed at sabotaging women empowerment. No other legislation has been introduced with such binding conditionalities and without any timeframe. Fascists never believe in gender equality. Thats why the BJP brought in the legislation in such an anti-women manner. And look at the irony. In the LS polls held after the women reservation bill was passed, women representation has come down in Parliament. If it was was 14 % last time, it has come down to 13%, she said. Irrespective of political parties, theres a general reluctance to field women candidates, she added. Winnability is the criterion often cited to keep women candidates away, observed CPM central committee member A R Sindhu. Not that theres no favourable mindset in the party, when it comes to fielding women candidates. But the argument thats often being cited while awarding seats, is the sole criterion of winnability, she pointed out. This could well be the reason why women do not get sufficient representation, Sindhu opined. Meanwhile BJP national council member Padmaja Venugopal pointed out that compared to the Congress, the BJP offers more opportunities to women. The Congress wont offer winning seats to women. Even if its given, they ensure these candidates are defeated. So whats the purpose of giving such seats? Theres a tendency to defeat women candidates in the Congress. Even the LDF is better than Congress in this aspect, said Padmaja.

Ettumanoor temple mural regains sheen, past glory

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The restored mural Ananthasayanam at the Ettumanoor Siva temple will be dedicated to the public by Cooperation Minister V N Vasavan on Friday. The largest mural discovered in Kerala so far, Ananthasayanam measuring 580cm in length and 247cm in height features Lord Padmanabha reclining on his serpent in the company of consorts Sree Devi and Bhoodevi. The 18th-century paintings on the inner and outer walls of the temple gopuram are priceless specimens of the Dravidian tradition of mural art, according to art historians. The state government initiated conservation steps following a TNIE report describing their sorry state. Following a direction from Vasavan who held the cultural affairs portfolio then, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) assigned the restoration work with the Aranmula-based Vasthuvidya Gurukulam. The state government approved Rs 54 lakh for the project. A statement issued by Vasavans office said the restoration of all murals will be undertaken in phases. The mural Ananthasayanam was included in the first phase, at a cost of Rs 18 lakh. Restoration of Nataraja (dancing Siva) is included in the second phase and that of Lord Krishnas Vasthrapaharana, Vetta Sasthavu, and Venugopalam in the final phase, the statement said. Over 168 wood pieces and metal objects that caused damage to Ananthasayanam were removed during the restoration, the statement said further. The wall surface was strengthened with lime mixture. A border five inches wide and two inches thick has been installed for its protection. The conservation work was carried out in line with the guidelines of the Archeological Survey of India, it said. The TNIE had reported that the paintings were vandalised by TDB staffers and also miscreants. The board had installed an electrical control panel and related installation just below Ananthasayanam. The electrical conduit was nailed over the painting on one side. Utensils were stacked on the wall front. The groin of the gopikas featured in Vasthrapaharana were seen scratched white by miscreants. Vasthuvidya Gurukulam artists Kadammanitta Sreekuttan, Mannady Abhilash Kumar and Aranmula Jayakrishnan carried out the restoration. A grab of the Express report published on August 17, 2022

Digital threat: Keralites losing Rs 85 lakh every day to cyber fraudsters

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Its crazy. Despite numerous awareness campaigns, including constant reminders via text messages, against online scams, Keralites continue to lose lakhs of rupees to cyber fraudsters. As per official police documents, scammers are, on an average, swindling a whopping Rs 85 lakh every day (you read that right) from Kerala! Going by the figure, it can be safely assumed Keralites would lose more than Rs 300 crore this year in cyber scams. Between 2022 and 2024, cyber fraudsters swindled Rs 1,021 crore from Kerala, of which Rs 763 crore was siphoned off last year alone. As many as 41,426 complaints of online fraud were registered in 2024. In 2022 and 2023, the money lost was Rs 48 crore and Rs 210 crore, respectively. According to the police, trading scams claimed the most number of victims. Despite serious preventive measures, cyber criminals manage to identify victims by tweaking their strategies and the nature of scams, a source in the Kerala Police cyber investigation division told TNIE. Earlier, the source said, job scams, digital arrest scams, gaming scams, romance fraud and the like were prevalent. Now, trading scams claim the most number of victims, many of whom hail from high-income groups that comprises working and retired professionals, said the source. In fact, those hailing from affluent strata of society fall prey to trading scams, the source said, adding, Surprisingly, many victims trade via bonafide firms. Then, they channelise some of the fund to phoney trading apps. Whats confusing is that many victims go for these apps despite being aware of the pitfalls of trading via those. Another officer, who did not wished to be named, said during investigation into a few cases, certain details emerged suggesting a link between hawala rackets and scamsters. It was noted that certain hawala rackets, upon receiving money from abroad, sought scammers support to send cash to Indian accounts. The scammers transferred the ill-gotten money to accounts mentioned by the person who handed over the money to hawala rackets. In return, hawala rackets paid the fraudsters in cryptocurrency. The probe into cyber financial crimes, said police sources, is both time-consuming and expensive. Since culprits use VPNs (virtual private networks), which encrypt data, investigation is fraught with challenges. Even if the culprits are identified say there are four people involved all from other states the police team has to conduct field work for at least 10 days in those states to arrest them. We have a high number of cases to investigate; it puts a huge stress on the states exchequer, the officer said. The scammers mostly operate in northern states, said the officer. Keralites are regularly targeted due to the states geographical location. We are very far away from the scammers. So they assume it would be tough for us to reach them even if they are identified, the officer said.

Olive Ridleys successfully nest on the Thiruvananthapuram shoreline after a hiatus of 10 years

Kerala accepts VGF from Centre for Vizhinjam port development

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Cabinet meeting on Wednesday decided to accept the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) from the union government for Vizhinjam port development. The state had earlier opposed the repayment condition for the VGF of Rs 817.80 crore. The state has to repay the VGF in net present value terms through premium sharing. According to the state government's estimate, the actual repayment would be Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to avoid repayment conditions. The fund should be sanctioned without any conditions. According to him, Vizhinjam was the first port project where the union government demanded VGF repayment. The VGF is sanctioned under the union government's scheme for financial support to public-private partnerships in infrastructure. The CM argued in the letter that the repayment condition would make the assistance a loan and is against the spirit of the scheme envisioned as a capital grant. According to the CM, the union government did not impose repayment conditions on the VGF granted to the outer harbour project linked to the Tuticorin Port in Tamil Nadu. The project was similar to that of the Vizhinjam port and both should be treated equally. Cabinet approves Rs 1,482 crore underground rail project for Vizhinjam Port

A pani puri spot in Thiruvananthapuram run by four women grabs attention

Chashu Mumbai Pani Puri near MG College serves pani puri in five flavours besides chaats in the evenings

'I need to own my blackness': Kerala Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan calls out skin colour bias in style

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan is not someone who would mince words when it comes to calling out deep-rooted colour and gender biases in society. Her Facebook post on Wednesday, which has sparked debates, is ample evidence for her stand on the said issues. In her post, she recounted an offhand remark made by a person who compared her tenure to that of her predecessor V Venu, who's also her husband. Heard an interesting comment yesterday on my stewardship as chief secretary -that it is as black as my husband's was white, she wrote. Initially, overwhelmed by responses, she deleted the post. However, she later decided to repost it, believing the issue deserved attention. It was about being labelled black (with that quiet subtext of being a woman), as if that were something to be desperately ashamed of, she wrote. Even as conversations about self-acceptance and representation are all over the place, the roots of colourism and gender bias remain stubbornly deep. We still live in a world where a woman in power can be reduced to the colour of her skin. Where a child can wish to be born all white and pretty. Where success is still painted in shades of fair. These biases continue, often disguised as casual remarks, sometimes as a conversation starter, phrases like (Youve darkened) or (Shes beautiful despite being dark). Sarada Muraleedharans post reminds that these offhanded comments shape perceptions in ways that go beyond personal experiences. The comparison between her and Venu was not about policies or governance. It was about skin tone, a factor irrelevant to leadership yet still central to societal judgment. I have lived for over 50 years buried under that narrative of not being a colour that was good enough, she wrote. For women in public life, whether bureaucrats, actors, politicians, or professionals, appearance remains an unfair measure of worth. A man is seen as firm, while a woman is labelled cold. A man is a leader, a woman is bossy. A man is measured by his actions, a woman by her appearance, tone, and demeanour. Sarada Muraleedharan recalled how, at the age of four, she once asked her mother if she could be put back in the womb and brought out again, all white and pretty. It was a personal yet universal reflection of how colour bias dictates beauty standards, self-worth and even professional credibility. Societys obsession with these stigma is evident everywhere. From fairness creams and photo filters to matrimonial ads still seeking wheatish or fair brides to overlooking budget over Nirmala Sitharamans sarees. These associations go beyond skin tone. They creep into our judgments of character, leadership, and credibility. A fair-skinned leader is seen as authoritative. A dark-skinned one, as aggressive. A fair-skinned woman is elegant and dark-skinned woman, too bold. Yet, Sarada Muraleedharans post does not end in despair but in reclamation. It ends in confidence. Unlike Sarada, her children did not grow up burdened by the idea that black was something to fix or hide, she wrote. They gloried in their black heritage,. They found beauty where she had been conditioned to see none. They showed her what she had been unable to see for decades and wrote: That black is beautiful. That black is gorgeousness. That I dig black. Meanwhile, many have come up expressing their solidarity. From senior CPM leader PK Sreemathy to Opposition Leader VD Satheesan. Salute, dear Sarada Muraleedharan. Every word you have written is heart-touching. It deserves to be discussed. I had a mother whose skin colour was black, wrote V D Satheesan.

Anchored in a 19th-century ideology, Shashi Tharoor slams Left

Anchored in a 19th-century ideology, Shashi Tharoor slams Left Thiruvananthapuram: Congress Lok Sabha member Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday took a swipe at the CPI(M)-led Left government in Kerala over the delay in permitting private universities to open in the state, saying that they are anchored in a 19th-century ideology, and will enter the 21st century, [] The post Anchored in a 19th-century ideology, Shashi Tharoor slams Left appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Breaking barriers: Women bouncers shatter stereotypes in Kerala's male-dominated security industry

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Wearing a close-fitting black T-shirt and jeans, she walked confidently before superstar Mohanlal, clearing the path for him by efficiently managing the crowd. Her tough looks and commanding gestures made her stand out among the male watch-and-ward staff escorting the actor when he attended a function in Kochi recently. She is Anu Kunjumon, one of several women who are now breaking gender stereotypes by entering the long-standing, male-dominated profession of bouncers. Bouncers are professional security personnel deployed to manage crowds during mass events, escort celebrities, provide personal security to those facing threats, handle party spoilers during DJ parties, and deal with troublemakers at pubs and bars. Like Kunjumon, several women who are confident in their physical fitness and mental strength are now working as bouncers, a relatively new and unconventional profession in Kerala. If anyone asks what made her choose a profession that women do not typically take up, Kunjumon would say that she has always liked to command people and earn their respect. The 37-year-old would also say that she has always wanted to be mentally strong and physically powerful in life. I am a person who grew up fighting all kinds of challenges in my life. I had to strive to look after my mother and sister and to live a dignified life in society. But I overcame everything with my mental strength, she told PTI. A photographer by profession, Kunjumon used to take photos at film promotional events and celebrity programmes as per the demands of clients. She said that women photographers covering film promotions were also very rare when she began her career years ago. At one such event, she had an argument and altercation with a male bouncer, which ultimately led her to choose that profession. One of the bouncers pushed me while I was taking pictures at the function. I didn't like the way I was treated, so I gave him a strong push, which literally knocked him down. I later called the agency that supplied bouncers for the event and asked them why they don't hire women bouncers. I also expressed my interest in working as a female bouncer, she said. She believes that a woman with strong willpower, mental strength, and a moderately fit body can excel as a bouncer. During her years-long career, Kunjumon, who hails from Kochi, has worked as a bouncer at celebrity events and pub parties, as well as escorting female celebrities and business professionals. I have never felt any difficulty in managing crowds over the years. I have had to deal with troublemakers--men, women, and transgender individuals--in many situations. However, I have never had any bad experiences as a woman in such circumstances, the bouncer said with a smile. She also stated that she is pursuing her job as a bouncer with the same passion as she had for photography. Another woman bouncer, who does not wish to be named, said they receive almost equal pay to their male counterparts for their services. We are hired based on the demands of clients. In the majority of award nights, celebrity events, and DJ parties, women bouncers are now a necessity, she told PTI. However, she admitted that the lack of professional training is a major challenge for bouncers like her. I have been going to the gym for years and am very particular about keeping my body fit. But apart from that, I have not received any professional training to work as a bouncer or to meet the required responsibilities, the 32-year-old said. Rakhee K George, who runs Bonfire Events, an event management company in Kochi, said there is no proper system in place to provide training for women bouncers. Many bouncer-supplying agencies simply send physically strong-looking women to events as per the clients' demands. Many women bouncers overcome challenges during work through their mental courage, she said. Umesh Kumar, who runs a private security agency here, said they usually do not provide women bouncers due to the lack of trained personnel. It seems that the majority of such recruitments are done through gyms. Physically strong women, especially those with gym training, are deployed as bouncers by many agencies, he said.

Thiruvananthapuram Corporation unveils Rs 1,928.34 crore budget for election year

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Giving a major thrust to welfare schemes, sustainable development, waste management, empowerment of women, children and the elderly, the city corporation budget was presented for the fiscal year with an outlay of Rs 1,928.34 crore on Tuesday. The civic body has an estimated Rs 257.64 crore surplus and a total revenue of Rs 2,185.99 crore. The budget, presented by Deputy Mayor and finance standing committee chairman P K Raju, has allocated Rs 305 crore for infrastructure projects and town planning-related projects, of which Rs 200 crore will be utilised for road development. The civic body has also decided to upgrade all major corporation roads to BM&BC standards for improving durability. The budget has also announced subsidies for beneficiaries installing solar panels at households and those switching to EVs. As part of the project, the civic body will be giving Rs 10,000 each to 10,000 beneficiaries this fiscal for installing solar panels. Promotion of organic farming is another major announcement in the budget, with focus on converting barren private land to farmland and generating livelihood for a total of 500 women. Waste management has received a major boost with an allocation of around Rs 300 crore. An amount of Rs 100 crore has been earmarked for setting up a Compressed Biogas Plant with a capacity to process 150 tonnes of biodegradable waste. The budget also proposes an initiative to collect and dispose of biomedical waste from households. Trashbooms will be deployed in water bodies to prevent marine pollution, Sewage treatment plants (STPs) at Rajaji Nagar and Mathipuram are among the major waste management projects proposed in the budget. Many women-friendly projects have been announced in the budget. They include women fitness centres, ladies only bus services, martial arts training, CCTVs at women fitness centres and gym, a 24-hour toll free women help desk at every zonal offices. The budget has also mooted a project for installation of CCTVs at all schools. Modernisation of anganwadis, nutrition screening test for children, school counselling, swimming pools and gyms at schools are other major announcements in the education sector. In the wake of growing drug abuse, the budget has allocated Rs 1.5 crore for Drug-Free Trivandrum project. It has also earmarked Rs 100 crore for the completion of projects under Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL), which will be winding up this month. An amount of Rs 200 crore has also been set aside for flood mitigation projects and Rs 22 crore for various disaster management initiatives. The budget will be passed in the council on Friday after two days of discussion. Major allocations Town planning and infra devpt: K305 cr Housing schemes: K220 cr Waste management: K80 cr Poverty alleviation and livelihood: K85 cr Health sector: K77.17 cr Education sector: K65.16 cr Women empowerment and welfare: K67.40 cr Organic farming and livelihood generation: K48 cr Fisheries sector and fishermen welfare: K41 cr Elderly protection and welfare: K40 cr SC/ST welfare: K38.20 cr Social justice and child devpt schemes: K34.75 cr Zero Carbon Ananthapuri: K28 cr Sports and youth welfare schemes: K19 cr

Police strengthen surveillance in schools to prevent student clashes in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With intelligence reports warning of potential clashes among students, the state police have devised a comprehensive action plan to ensure strict surveillance in schools after the SSLC and higher secondary exams. All 20 police districts have been directed to enhance security during the final exam days. Station house officers (SHOs) have been instructed to monitor known hotspots, review past incidents on school campuses and curb activities such as drug use and reckless vehicle stunts. The Special Branch has identified schools requiring heightened surveillance. Deployment will be based on school strength, past incidents, and intelligence reports, with officers in mufti from the Special Branch stationed in critical areas. Police will patrol near schools, and if celebrations turn violent or violate regulations, strict action will be taken. Special attention will be given to March 26, the final day of the SSLC exams. Additionally, social media will be monitored for any indications of planned clashes, said ADGP M R Ajith Kumar. Schools with a history of student clashes will receive additional security. On March 26 and 29the concluding days of the SSLC and higher secondary exams, respectivelysecurity measures will be intensified in collaboration with school authorities. The road safety department will seize vehicles engaged in reckless driving on school premises, while the police and excise departments will conduct joint operations to prevent drug-related activities. In Kozhikode city, five schools have been identified as potential trouble spots based on intelligence inputs. Patrolling has already commenced near these institutions. In Kannur rural, authorities have not identified specific hotspots but will maintain general monitoring as per directives. Meanwhile, in Kottayam, three police station limits out of 132 schools have been marked as hotspots, warranting heavy police deployment, including plainclothes officers. At least two officers will be stationed at every school for general patrolling. Kasaragod police have reported no identified hotspots but will continue general surveillance. In Idukki, additional manpower will be deployed in schools with a history of unrest. Similarly, in Palakkad, two schools with prior incidents will have an increased police presence, while others will be under general monitoring. In Wayanad, strict surveillance will be enforced in schools in Sultan Bathery and Kalpetta, with general patrolling extending to other areas.

Opposition wins, Kerala government agrees to lift construction curbs near dams

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Giving in to the Oppositions prodding in the assembly, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Roshy Augustine on Tuesday said the government would cancel its order, issued last year, imposing restrictions on construction activities near dams in the state. Responding to a notice for adjournment motion moved by UDF MLA Mons Joseph, Roshy said the order will be nixed as there are concerns among the public on the curbs imposed. He said discussions will be held with the legislators who represent the affected constituencies, if required. Roshy had on various occasions informed the assembly that the order will be tweaked to ensure no inconvenience is caused to the public when it comes to construction activities. However, not content with his promise of amending the order, the UDF MLAs on Tuesday demanded the order be struck down in its entirety. Finally, Roshy agreed to cancel the fiat. The order had deemed the land falling within 20m of the reservoirs as buffer zone, where construction activities are banned. It said beyond the buffer zone, construction activities would be regulated for another 100m. Roshy said the order was issued in connection with a litigation that was initiated by a resort owner, whose application for a no objection certificate (NOC) for construction activities was rejected. Its to protect the interest of the public and ensure the safety of dams that the order was issued. Shouldnt we regulate the distance between dams and buildings? Since the order has created an apprehension among people, we will change it, Roshy said. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said though the dams have been there for decades, there were no such restrictions on construction. The resort owner approached the court in 2024, but the government issued an order regarding the NOC in 2023. The order, Satheesan said, bypassed existing rules on construction activities and if implemented, will lead to restrictions in places such as Iritty town. Satheesan also said the minister had talked about amending the order, but it will not resolve the issue. If the order exists, officers will misinterpret it. Hence, it should be withdrawn, he said. Following this, Roshy promised the order will be revoked.

Kerala's Athirappilly tribal farmers organic pepper, coffee to enter Euro market

KOCHI: The organic pepper and coffee cultivated by tribal farmers of Athirappilly are all set to reach the European market in three months. Athirappilly Tribal Valley Farmer Producer Company chairman M Ratheesh and Sweden-based VakeWorks AB chief operating officer Rajesh Rajagopalan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of Agriculture Minister P Prasad at a function held in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday for export of two tonnes of pepper to Sweden per year for three years. The pepper will be marketed through cobranding strategy. An MoU was signed by M Ratheesh and JS and T Associates representative Jinu Joseph for export of 20 tonnes of coffee to Europe per year for the next five years. The farmer producer company has been formed under the Rebuild Kerala Initiative with financial support from the agriculture department aiming to ensure better income to tribal farmers through diversification and value addition, said the minister. The project, launched in 2023, has helped improve the livelihood of tribal farmers. A processing unit has been established for value addition and the products are marketed under the brand name Athirappilly, he said. There are 239 shareholders in the all-tribal farmer producer company and around 330 hectares of land has been utilised for cultivation of organic products. The farmers are cultivating coffee, pepper, turmeric, wild arrowroot, cocoa and nutmeg in the farm lands which are being marketed under the brand name. The company will export both white pepper and black pepper to Sweden. The coffee will be exported as beans and an agency in Europe will process and market it as a premium product. The first consignment is expected to be shipped within three months. Honey marketed by Athirappilly Tribal Valley FPC The samples of coffee and pepper have been tested and certified by international sustainable certification agency Rainforest Alliance. The foreign testing lab has certified the products as excellent. We are exporting Robusta and Liberica varieties of coffee to Europe. The Rainforest Alliance is an agency that provides ecological, social and economical sustainability certification, which is of high value and preferred by premium customers. We have established a processing facility at Vettilappara as part of the project, said Athirappilly Tribal Valley Agricultural Project advisor S S Salumon. The formation of the farmer producer company has helped avoid middlemen and ensure better returns to the farmers. We collect the producesfrom farmers directly at market rate. A share of the profit and bonus will be given to the farmers after sale, said Athirappilly Tribal Valley FPC chairman M Ratheesh.

Fresh faces in line for politburo vacancies as CPM prepares for top brass reorganisation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Gearing up for its 24th Party Congress next week, the CPM is preparing for a major churning of its top brass. In a hitherto unprecedented scenario, half of the politburo (PB) is set to give way to fresh faces. Going by the age criteria, and with a position left vacant by the demise of general secretary Sitaram Yechury, there will be eight vacancies in the PB. In the 17-member PB, seven leaders have crossed the upper age limit of 75. This includes PB coordinator Prakash Karat, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, women leaders Brinda Karat and Subhashini Ali, West Bengal leader Surjya Kanta Mishra, and ex-TN secretary G Ramakrishnan. Of these, Pinarayi is expected to get an exemption. At the recently concluded central committee meet, there were demands that a few seniors be given relaxation, considering the countrys political scenario. Women leaders are of the view that Brinda, being a known name, should be retained. It has almost been confirmed that Pinarayi, being the CPMs only CM, will be retained in the PB -- either via exemption or as a permanent invitee. But the leadership doesnt seem flexible about age-relaxation for other leaders, be it Brinda or anyone else. Prakash too seems to have made up his mind to exit, a CC member told TNIE. New general secretary The successor to Yechury as the new general secretary will be the most keenly watched aspect. Going by seniority, a couple of names including that of ex-Andhra Pradesh state secretary B V Raghavulu and senior Kerala leader M A Baby are doing the rounds. There are reports that the party may consider Kisan Sabha leader Ashok Dhawale, who was inducted into the PB in 2022, for the post. A section within the party has demanded that Brinda be made the party chief. They feel its high time the party received a woman secretary. There were discussions to this effect after Yechurys demise. But it was pointed out that giving her or anyone else the charge at the time would send out a message of pre-empting someone else. Thats why Prakash was chosen as the coordinator, another CC member said. New faces With the impending mass exodus from the PB, a slew of new leaders will make their way in. With two women leaders on their way out, a few names are doing the rounds. AIDWA general secretary Mariam Dhawale, CITU national secretary A R Sindhu, senior Tamil Nadu trade union leader U Vasuki, and ex-minister K K Shailaja figure among the likely candidates. There are indications that Kisan Sabha leader Vijoo Krishnan could be considered. TN state secretary P Shanmugam, who was inducted into the CC last time, may replace G Ramakrishnan if Vasuki is not considered. Arun Kumar from Delhi and former WB MP Samik Lahiri are some other names doing the rounds. While there is no Kerala leader other than Pinarayi among those nearing the end of their PB tenure, there are a few seniors like E P Jayarajan, T M Thomas Isaac and K Radhakrishnan who may make the cut for the top body should the party choose to give Kerala better representation. Party will use leaders politically, ideologically, & organisationally The CPM had introduced the age cap to amend its image of an ageing party, said CC member A K Balan. The 22nd Party Congress brought in an age cap of 80 years. Later, the 23rd Congress revised it to 75 years. Now, its a transition stage. When a number of people go out at once, there is bound to be a vacuum. The party views it seriously. For us, its not retirement, but more of a relieving. The party will use leaders who are healthy and can effectively contribute politically, ideologically, and organisationally, without any specific organisational role, he said. PINARAYI LIKELY TO CONTINUE In the 17-member PB, seven leaders have crossed the upper age limit of 75 This includes Prakash Karat, Pinarayi Vijayan, Manik Sarkar, Brinda Karat, Subhashini Ali, Surjya Kanta Mishra, and G Ramakrishnan. Of these, Pinarayi is expected to get an exemption

Private Universities bill passed in Kerala assembly

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The assembly on Tuesday passed the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2025. Higher Education Minister R Bindu described the bill as a new foray by the government, drafted after extensive consultations and studies. The universities will remain under government control and the LDF government had strengthened public universities before taking up the cause of private universities. The government reserves the right to withdraw the sanction given to private universities, she said. The ministers remarks on the LDFs past agitation against private universities during the UDF rule triggered a heated debate. She alleged that the UDF government, without tabling a bill in the house, tried to auction off higher education to private agencies. Congress leader P C Vishnunadh asked the Speaker to remove her remark from assembly records to which the Speaker responded positively. Except for the RMP, the Opposition parties did not oppose the bill in principle. Satheesan said the government should implement the bill only after a proper study. He also urged the government to give preference to credible agencies functioning in the state. RMP leader K K Rema asked the government to withdraw the bill. Off-campuses The Bill passed by the assembly followed the UGC norms on off-campus. The draft bill provided for new universities to start functioning with off-campus/multi-campuses.

First batch of cyber commandos completes training at IIIT-Kottayam in Kerala

KOTTAYAM: The first batch of cyber commandos, constituted by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), completed the six-month training programme at the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Kottayam. The batch joined the passing-out ceremony held in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. Thirty commandos, selected from various state police forces in the country, underwent training at the IIIT to safeguard the countrys digital ecosystem. Selected through an all-India entrance exam, they have received advanced training in cyber defence strategies, ethical hacking, digital forensics, and penetration testing. IIIT authorities said these cyber commandos are now fully prepared to tackle cyber threats at both national and global levels. With a strong emphasis on practical learning and industry collaboration, the institute has provided trainees with globally recognised certifications in cybersecurity domains such as Certified Ethical Hacking (CEH), Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), Certified Penetration Testing Professional (CPENT) and CompTIA Security+, they said. To validate their expertise, the commandos had to clear a final-level examination. For real-world exposure, the trainees also participated in industry visits to various organisations, including the Kerala Police Cyber Dome and Drone Lab, gaining hands-on experience with cybersecurity operations. The IIIT Kottayam has also provided short-term cybersecurity training to five batches of Kerala Police personnel in collaboration with the Cyber Crime Department of Kerala. M Radhakrishnan, registrar, IIIT Kottayam, described the cybersecurity programme as a transformative mission aligned with the vision of the Government of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Cyber Commando Training Programme is set to be a continuous endeavour, producing the next generation of cyber warriors, he said.

BJP to take up Kerala unit reorganisation soon

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Having picked a new state president, the BJP is set to begin deliberations on the reorganisation of the party unit in Kerala. Though Rajeev Chandrasekhar presided over a core committee meeting after taking charge, the issue of reorganisation did not come up. Once he has settled into the post, the new president is expected to call another meeting of the core committee in the coming week, sources said. Chandrasekhar has a task of finding his team. Hence, there will be new office-bearers and there are chances, if the BJP extends a request, of the RSS sending an organising general secretary to help him out. As a presidential party, it is up to him and hell have to take all sections into confidence, a senior BJP leader told TNIE. The BJP state presidency has gone to the Nair community after a brief gap. At the same time, the leaders have dismissed the charge that the party is moving away from the OBC plank. Despite having adopted strategic social engineering, by promoting OBC leaders to the top, the party has struggled to penetrate new areas. The problem lies in the caste hierarchy system existing in society. If you are to be accepted by the leadership of all castes and communities, the upper caste background is an essential plus, the senior BJP leader said. Chandrasekhars act of highlighting Sree Narayana Gurus words before taking over as the BJP state chief was meant to be a message to the SNDP Yogam and the ezhava community. SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan also responded positively to the new president. With Chandrasekhar credited with having played a major role in the formation of BDJS, the BJP leaders calculate that he will not find it difficult to strike a rapport with the NSS either. However, the real challenge before him will be to move forward electorally in assembly constituencies where the party has reached a saturation point. The leaders view the high growth of the middle class and the formation of a new upper middle class, besides youths, as the partys potential base. To tap votes from these sections, we needed a new face and strategy, a BJP national leader said. Chandrasekhar has all the qualities that aspiring middle and upper middle class seeks. The party will be trying to reach out to these classes in the coming days, he said. There is still an antipathy towards the Left, especially the CPM, among these classes though the latter is trying hard to reach out to them. Except in Thrissur, the Christian inclination towards us is limited and Muslims are against us. Hence, we have to find new avenues. The good certificate given by Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan that Chandrasekhar is not a person with a BJP ideology will make our effort easier. And our fight will be with the Congress, the BJP leader added.

Tagores poems find life in Mohiniyattom

Bhanusimha was just 16 when he began exploring human emotions through the grand backdrop of divine interplay a theme that has long inspired and continues to inspire soulful poetry. Fresh in his mind was Gita Govindam, the celebrated work of Jayadeva, which deeply influenced his artistic sensibilities. His fascination with Maithili (a Hindi dialect) further fuelled his urge to write. Not in his native Bengali, but in Brajbauli, another variant. These poems were later published in 1884, introducing the world to the young poet behind the pseudonym. Over time, he became better known by his real name: Rabindranath Tagore. The collection, now famous as Bhanusingher Padabali, remains widely sung, choreographed, analysed, and discussed, just like his other literary masterpieces. Kerala has long embraced Tagore translating his works, celebrating them, and watching films based on them. Yet, Bhanusingher Padabali has remained largely unexplored here. Seeking to change that is Kalamandalam Sony, an exponent of mohiniyattom. Based in Thiruvananthapuram, she and her team brought Bhanusingher Padabali to life through dance at the Tagore Fest, held on March 24 and 25 at Bharat Bhavan. Translations cannot compromise the originality of either the work or the dance form conveying it. So how do we do it? We focus on the soul of the creation. Tagore himself spoke of the souls progress as a perfect poem. Our goal is to recreate that soul the emotions behind it which hold a universal appeal, says Sony. It is this universality in Tagores works that makes them sensitive yet adaptable. Perhaps this is what facilitated the translation of Chitrangada one of his deeply intrinsic works into mohiniyattom. This adaptation, likely a first of its kind, was performed at the Tagore Fest by dancer Vidya Pradeep. A snap from the performance The story of Chitrangada is widely known and performed. Devoted Tagore fans often sing Ami Chitrangada, Rajendranandini, evoking goosebumps and a deep sense of exhilaration. It was a challenge, Vidya admits. But as I read it, the sheer power of the storyline captivated me. The idea is universal it resonates even today. Tagores portrayal of the epic Manipuri princess Chitrangada, who transforms herself into a delicate damsel to woo Arjuna, only to realise that her true strength is her beauty, is deeply moving. He saw her as a strong woman willing to appear weak for love, only to learn that Arjuna valued her strength above all. The message is profound true nature is the most beautiful. Tagore expressed this a century ago, yet the thought is more relevant than ever. Both Sony and Vidya relied on state-of-the-art music and accompaniments to present Tagores stories through mohiniyattom. As they put it, the universality of his ideas made adaptation seamless. The grace was already embedded in his works, making them an ideal fit for mohiniyattom. The only element that needed translation in Chitrangada was the text, a task accomplished by K Jayakumar, a former bureaucrat and lyricist. As for Bhanusingher Padabali, its lilting music and the enchanting romance of Radha and Krishna set against the serene landscapes of Vrindavan naturally lend themselves to the magic of mohiniyattom. Keeping the originality of both the works and of mohiniyattom was an artistic balance, say the dancers considering the drama element in Padabali and Chitrangada. Its staging elsewhere, in a Bengali setting, had the accompaniments that enhanced presentation. But here, the setting had to be created by the nuances of mohiniyattom. There is grace, as we said earlier, in Tagores words which is a common ground in both Mohiniyattom and his works. So what needed translations was the setting. The use of props, costumes, and music accompaniments are the usual ways this is done. But any change would affect the scheme of Mohiniyattom. So, using traditional musical instruments used in the dance form, without changing the costume to suit any mood, the interpretations only focused on the emotions that are being conveyed, they say. In some ways, the similarities in traditions did help. The idaykka has a tone quite similar to the dhol...mildly booming to create intense, deep music. The music too had a flow about it, which suits the subtle swells of mohiniyattom. So, the emotions alone needed to be understood well for a fulfilling interpretation. Language, it turns out, is no barrier. Especially when it comes to Tagore, the dancers affirm.

CAG report shows Keralas public sector profits doubled, but major losses persist

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India's latest report on Keralas State Public Sector Enterprises (SPSEs) for the financial year ending March 2023 has revealed a significant improvement in profitability. The combined profits of SPSEs more than doubled to Rs 1,368 crore, up from Rs 654 crore in 2022. The report also highlighted a reduction in losses, which dropped from Rs 4,065 crore in 2022 to Rs 1,873 crore in 2023. Among the profit-making enterprises, Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEB) recorded the highest profit of Rs 736 crore, accounting for 53.79 per cent of the total sectoral profit. This marks a major turnaround for KSEB, which had reported a net loss of Rs 1,822 crore in the previous year. Kerala State Financial Enterprises Limited (KSFE) followed with a profit of Rs 105 crore, contributing 7.71 per cent to the overall profit. Three previously loss-making enterprises, Kerala Forest Development Corporation Limited, Oil Palm India Limited, and KSEB, became profitable, signalling a positive shift in financial health. The Return on Equity (ROE) for 58 SPSEs stood at 32.37 per cent in 2023, a notable rise from 10.32 per cent in the previous year. This increase was driven by profit growth, which surged from Rs 654 crore in 2022 to Rs 1,368 crore in 2023. Additionally, for the first time in three years, the Return on Capital Employed (ROCE), a key measure of profitability and capital efficiency, turned positive. However, despite the overall financial improvement, 66 SPSEs continued to report losses, amounting to Rs 1,873 crore. This was a decrease from the Rs 4,065 crore loss recorded by 63 SPSEs in 2022. Two entities, Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and Supplyco, accounted for the majority of the losses, contributing Rs 1,327 crore to the total deficit. The losses reported for these entities were based on financial audits dating back to 2015-16 for KSRTC and 2017-18 for Supplyco. KSRTC, in particular, has a significant backlog, with its accounts pending from 2016-17 to 2022-23. While the turnover of SPSEs grew from Rs 34,769 crore in 2020-21 to Rs 38,781 crore in 2022-23, this growth lagged behind the state's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), which rose from Rs 7.71 lakh crore to Rs 10.46 lakh crore over the same period. As a result, the percentage of SPSE turnover to GSDP declined from 4.51 per cent to 3.71 per cent. As of 2022-23, 56 SPSEs had outstanding state government loans amounting to Rs 12,302 crore, up from Rs 10,621 crore in 2021-22. During the fiscal year, the government disbursed fresh loans of Rs 1,696 crore to 25 SPSEs. Additionally, 77 of the 131 operational SPSEs had accumulated losses totalling Rs 18,026 crore, highlighting continued financial strain across several entities. The CAG has urged the state government to expedite the winding-up of defunct SPSEs, particularly those that have remained non-operational or in various stages of liquidation since 1986-87. The report recommends a review of the business models of loss-making SPSEs to identify the root causes of financial distress. If found unsustainable, the government should consider shutting down or divesting its stake in these enterprises, especially those whose net worth has been entirely eroded. Report highlights: Profit growth: Profits for 58 SPSEs more than doubled, reaching Rs 1,368 crore in 2023, compared to Rs 654 crore in 2022. Loss reduction: SPSE losses declined from Rs 4,065 crore in 2022 to Rs 1,873 crore in 2023. Top performer: Kerala State Electricity Board posted a record profit of Rs 736 crore, contributing 53.79 per cent of total profits. Major loss-makers: KSRTC and Supplyco, with a combined loss of Rs 1,327 crore. Total SPSEs: 149 (131 operational, 18 non-operational). Government investment: Rs 20,439 crore as of March 2022, rising to Rs 22,318 crore by March 2023. Financial distress: 77 working SPSEs had accumulated losses of Rs 18,026.49 crore. Eroded net worth: 44 SPSEs have completely lost their net worth.

Thiruvananthapuram Corporation Budget thrust on basic infrastructure, welfare measures

The Budget proposes 1,928.35 crore expenditure for the year, a jump of around 226 crore from the previous year, and a projected surplus of 257.64 crore. One of the biggest allocations is for waste management at 300 crore.

Kerala Asha workers protest: Congress mulls extra payment from local bodies

Kerala Asha workers protest: Congress mulls extra payment from local bodies Thiruvananthapuram: As the Asha workers protest outside the State Secretariat entered its 44th day on Tuesday in Kerala, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) is considering providing additional payments to the protesting workers from the funds of local bodies under their control. Currently, the [] The post Kerala Asha workers protest: Congress mulls extra payment from local bodies appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Prodded by opposition, LDF govt announces cancellation of order regulating construction activities near dams

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Roshy Augustine told the assembly that the government will roll back the order it had issued in 2024, which imposed restrictions on construction activities near dams. Responding to a notice for adjournment motion moved by UDF's Mons Joseph, Roshy said the order will be nixed as there are concerns among people regarding the curbs imposed. He said discussions will be held with the legislators who represent the affected constituencies, if required. The minister on different occasions had informed the assembly that the order will be tweaked so as to create no inconvenience to the public regarding construction activities. However, the UDF members were not content with the promise of amending the order and on Tuesday they demanded that the order be struck down in its entirety. The serious prodding finally yielded results as the minister agreed to cancel the order. As per the order, land area falling within 20 metres of the reservoirs categorised as buffer zone, where construction activities are banned. Beyond the buffer zone, construction activities will be regulated for another 100 metres. The minister said the order was issued in connection with a litigation that was initiated by a resort owner, whose application for No Objection Certificate for construction activities was rejected. It's to protect the interest of the public and ensure the safety of dams, he order was issued. Shouldn't we regulate the distance between the dams and buildings? Since the order has created an apprehension among people, we will change the order, he said. Mons said the order has created issues across the state. After the order came into effect, about 7732 acres of land has been deemed as buffer zone, while 38661 acres of land has been declared as restricted areas, he pointed out. Opposition Leader V D Satheesan said though the dams have been there for decades, there were no such restrictions on construction. The resort owner approached the court in 2024, but the government had issued an order regarding the NOC in 2023. The order bypassed existing rules on construction activities and if it's implemented there will be restrictions in places such as Iritty town, he said. Satheesan added that the minister had talked about amending the order and that will not solve the issue. If the order still exists, the officers will misinterpret it. Hence it should be withdrawn, he said. Following this the minister assured that the order will be revoked.

Family alleges foul play in IB officers death

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The family of Megha Madhu, an Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer at the immigration department of Thiruvananthapuram airport, has raised suspicions over her death after she was found dead on the railway tracks. The family has filed complaints with both the IB and the police, demanding a thorough investigation. According to her family, Megha had a close relationship with a Malappuram native who is also an IB officer. She had spoken about this relationship with her family. Though they initially opposed, later they accepted the relationship. After their relationship progressed to marriage, the IB officer allegedly withdrew and Megha was upset for days. This led her to take the extreme step, as reported by her colleagues. Megha, a native of Karayakkakuzhi in Pathanamthitta, was found dead near the railway tracks in Chakka on Monday morning around 9.30 am. She had left the airport in the morning after completing her shift. She had joined the department a year ago and was the only daughter of Madhusoodanan and Nisha. The family has urged authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding Meghas death. Police have begun enquires based on the complaint.

Kerala govt to press Centre for regulating exorbitant airfares: CM

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Tuesday that the state government would continue to pressurise the union government to regulate the exorbitant ticket charges imposed by airline companies on Haj pilgrims and expatriates. Airline companies are charging huge amounts as ticket fare from Haj pilgrims and expatriate Keralites who come to the home 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 .