Scholarships, stipends, salary will not be cut: Minister Balagopal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government will not cut expenses like scholarships, stipends, salary and pension as part of financial restrictions, Finance Minister K N Balagopal said in his reply to the discussion on the state budget 2025-26 in the assembly on Wednesday. The minister was responding to the Oppositions allegation that the government stopped scholarships to minority communities. The state government allocated Rs 20 crore to continue the scholarship programme for school students from minority communities which was abruptly stopped by the Centre. The state restarted the Maulana Azad scholarship stopped by the union government. As much as Rs 6 crore is spent on this. Balagopal refuted Oppositions allegation on reduced Plan expenditure in the backdrop of the financial crisis. The minister said the progress of the State Plan and LSG Plan in the current financial year was 63.33% and 68.33% so far. The figures will be much higher by the end of the financial year. Though the government is committed to increasing social security pension, the current priority is to disburse the arrears. Of the total five pending instalments, two were paid recently and three would be paid next year. Government also plans to increase the procurement price of paddy and rubber. Budget size to cross two lakh crore Kerala will achieve a milestone in the new financial year with the annual Budget size crossing Rs 2 lakh crore, Balagopal said. The annual expenditure of the government rose from Rs 1,17,000 crore to Rs 1,64,000 crore under the Pinarayi government. The expenditure will cross Rs 1.79 lakh crore in the new financial year. The minister made additional announcements worth Rs 36.5 crore on the day. The total volume of additional announcements was Rs 1,820.50 crore. A major announcement was Rs 3 crore allocation for launching a faceless adjudication system in GST. A total of Rs 2 crore will be sanctioned for the revenue department to launch the Digital Property Card programme. Opposition charge Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan criticised the government for the increase in revenue deficit and fiscal deficit. The GSDP- revenue deficit ratio increased from 1.58% in 2023-24 to 2.29% in 2024-25. Revenue deficit rose from Rs 18,140 crore to Rs 29,195 crore. The effective increase is Rs 11,000 crore. Is there anything to rejoice? he asked.

First stretch of Hill Highway in Kozhikode district is to be opened on February 15

KOZHIKODE: The Kodenchery-Kakkadampoyil road, the first completed reach in Kozhikode district of the statewide Hill Highway, will be opened to traffic on Saturday. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the 34.3km stretch at the St Sebastians HSS ground in Koodaranji. Built at a cost of Rs 195 crore, the road is 12 metres wide. Drains, provisions for underground cables and pipes, solar lights, and signal system have been set up on either side of the road. Prominent streets along the stretch have bus stops, concrete pavements, and guard rails. Two bridges at Koombara and Veettippara, in Koodaranji, are also part of the road. Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas will preside over the inaugural function scheduled to begin at 3pm. The next phase of the development of this road is from Kakkadampoyil to Nilambur. The Kodenchery-Kakkadampoyil road, which passes through Kodenchery, Thiruvambady and Koodaranji panchayats, joins the Thiruvambady-Maripuzha road at Pulloorampara, leading to the proposed Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel road, said Kodenchery panchayat president Alex Thomas. The Hill Highway, or State Highway 59, stretches from Nandarapadavu in Kasaragod to Parassala in Thiruvananthapuram. The construction of the highway is being carried out in three reaches in the Thiruvambady constituency, the longest of which is now being inaugurated. The road is expected to provide a huge boost to the agriculture sector in the hilly parts of the district. Tourism also stands to benefit as the road connects Kakkadampoyil, Iruvanjipuzha in Elanthukadavu where the Malabar River Festival is held, and the Thusharagiri waterfalls. The road passes through an area donated fully by people. Protective walls have been built for those who gave up their land for the reach constructed by the Uralungal Labour Cooperative Society. Advanced technologies including full-depth reclamation which strengthens the foundation of the road and ensures longer life have been used in the construction of the road, besides improved road surface, markings, and basic safety systems. The Hill Highway -- passing through 13 districts, Alappuzha being the only exception -- is the longest state highway in Kerala. The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) is providing financial assistance for the work in 54 reaches. KIIFB has approved Rs 3,593 crore for 793.68 kms of the highway. While 506.73km of road work has received technical approval, work on 481.13km has been contracted. So far, 166.08km of the Hill Highway has been completed at a cost of Rs 1,288 crore. The construction of about 250km of the highway is scheduled to be completed by December 2025, the PWD minister said. Hill highway will help in devpt of tourist centres, says MinisterMohamed Riyas

Hoax bomb threat at Thiruvananthapuram railway station, Kochi airport

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/KOCHI: Security agencies were on their toes as the police received a hoax message on its social media page on Wednesday early morning that bombs were planted in Thiruvananthapuram central railway station and Nedumbassery airport. It was also warned that the bombs would go off in 32 hours. The message was received on polices official Facebook page being handled from the Police Headquarters. Police sources said several phases of security checks were held in the railway station throughout the day and nothing suspicious was spotted. The police, meanwhile, found that the message was sent by a person from Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh. Since the message was sent from an original social media account, the police took it seriously. A city police official said the 32 -hour time span mentioned in the message will finish by Thursday 5.30 am and the agencies will remain vigilant till then. However, as nothing suspicious was spotted in the station, the police are considering it as a hoax call and Thampanoor police have registered a case against the Anantapur native for misleading the police by sending a fake message. The police will despatch a team to apprehend the suspect from Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, the police sources said.

High seas, high josh

The vast expanse of the Arabian Sea turned into a stage for a display of sea defence ability as the Indian Coast Guards Thiruvananthapuram unit demonstrated its skills during the event Day at Sea on Wednesday. The event, held about 20 km inside the Arabian Sea off Vizhinjam Port, was part of the 49th Raising Day celebrations of the Coast Guard. From high-speed chases to precision firing drills, the Coast Guard demonstrated how it tackles piracy, hostile threats and emergencies in real-time. Coast Guard vessels and aircraft showcased a series of operations, including anti-piracy and boarding, live firing, a steam-past by ships and a fly-past by aircraft. The participating vessels included ICGS Anagh, interceptor boats Charlie 441 and Charlie 427, and the pollution control vessel Urja Shrota. ICGS Anagh, a high-speed patrol vessel, led the demonstration. The first operation was an anti-piracy drill. The interceptor boat Charlie 441 was tasked with encircling a pirate ship. It completed three rounds around the vessel before giving clearance for a boarding operation. Following this, a boat carrying a specially trained boarding team was launched from ICGS Anagh. A Dornier aircraft makes a low fly-past over ICGS Anagh The team, armed with weapons, climbed aboard the suspect vessel to neutralise potential threats. They searched for any contraband items and secured the area. Once the search was complete, the suspect was detained and taken to ICGS Anagh for further interrogation. The seaboat used in the operation was then retrieved back onto the ship. The next demonstration focused on handling hostile threats at sea. Live firing exercises were carried out using a 40/60 Bofors gun and a motor gun. Showing the Coast Guards readiness in combat situations, the gunnery team efficiently prepared the armament. The 40/60 Bofors gun, known for its ability to track and engage moving targets, was used to demonstrate two rounds of firing. Following the firing demonstration, two ships performed a steam past, sailing in formation past ICGS Anagh. The event continued with a fly-past by a Dornier aircraft. The aircraft made two passes overhead. Finally, a Verys pistol was used to fire a 38mm signal cartridge. Red and green flares were shot into the sky to show the emergency signalling system. Coast Guard Commandant G Sreekumar explained to the visiting press that these signal cartridges are used in emergency situations to draw attention and provide illumination over short distances. In ICGS Anagh, there are 35 sailors and five officers. Charlie 441 and Charlie 427 have one officer and 13 sailors each. Vizhinjam port currently has 150 coast guard personnel, three ships and two boats. At the station, there are 50 personnel and five officers. The Coast Guard is actively participating in a series of coastal security exercises like Sagar Kavach, Operation Sajag, etc. Coast Guard ships sail in formation during a steam-past demonstration Team members prepare to board a speed boat lowered from ICGS Anagh to intercept and neutralise a suspect vessel Coast Guard conducts a mock drill of seizing contraband from a pirate ship Firing drill during the event

Bomb threat at Thiruvananthapuram railway station

Nothing suspicious found, says DCP (Law and Order 2)

Kerala man killed in wild elephant attack; Opposition alleges government inaction

WAYANAD: A 27-year-old man was killed in a wild elephant attack in this hill district in the early hours of Wednesday, police said. The incident was reported from a tea estate in Attamala near Chooralmala where landslides claimed several lives in July last year. The victim has been identified as Balakrishnan, a member of the tribal community, police said. He is a resident of a paddy village, adjacent to the tea estate. The incident is believed to have occurred around 3 am on Wednesday, the police added. Meanwhile, residents protested against the alleged lack of initiatives from the authorities to protect them from wild animal attacks. They did not allow the body to be taken to the hospital until the authorities assured them of adequate steps to prevent such attacks and provide assistance to the deceased person's family. They demanded Rs 10 lakh in compensation, a government job for a dependent, and financial support for Balakrishnan's funeral. As a first step, the forest department will hand over Rs 5 lakh to the victim's kin on Wednesday itself, and the tribal department will provide all necessary assistance for conducting the funeral, the Tehsildar of Vythiri Taluk said. The remaining Rs 5 lakh will soon be handed over to the kin, he told reporters. Following this assurance, the protesters allowed the body to be shifted to a government hospital in Sultan Bathery for a post-mortem. A forest officer said that people living in forest fringe areas should not venture out of their homes at odd hours. Locals complained that wild elephants regularly enter the residential areas of Mundakkai and destroy crops. They sought a permanent solution to the problem. The incident was reported a day after a 45-year-old man was killed in a wild elephant attack in a forest fringe area in Noolpuzha village on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in this district. Meanwhile, the local leadership of the Congress-led UDF has called for a hartal in Wayanad district on Thursday, accusing the state government of 'failing' to take steps to protect people from wild animal attacks. UDF District Chairman K K Ahmed Haji and Convener P T Gopala Kurup said in a statement that the hartal is being organised in response to the government's inaction despite the frequent loss of human lives due to these attacks. Essential services as well as travel for exams, weddings, and annual religious festivals have been exempted from the hartal, the leaders said. Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly V D Satheesan said that shocking news continues to emerge from the high-range areas of the state. In the past three days alone, four people have been trampled to death by elephants. In just one week, five people have lost their lives. Despite repeated demands for urgent action, the government has done nothing. The government's current approach amounts to abandoning the people living near forest borders to their fate, he alleged. He said that elephants are reportedly entering human settlements due to a lack of water in the forest. If that is the case, arrangements should be made to provide water and food within the forest itself. Other states have already implemented systems to supply water and food in forest areas where elephants frequently wander, Satheesan said. Kerala too has taken similar measures in the past. The government must take immediate steps to deploy special teams in areas where elephants are commonly sighted to ensure people's safety, he added. The Congress leader further stated that meetings alone are not solving the issue. Shouldn't the government at least deploy the Rapid Action Force in high-risk areas? Shouldn't food and water be provided for the animals? Temperatures are set to rise further. Does this mean more elephants will enter villages, leading to more human casualties? Is that what the minister is suggesting? Satheesan asked.

IIT Madras To Supply Indigenous SHAKTI Semiconductor Chip for ISRO

CHENNAI : The Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are set to create Indias own SHAKTI Semiconductor Chip: India is making great progress in advanced technology. The country has successfully developed its own semiconductor chip for space use. This big achievement was made possible by a partnership between IIT Madras and ISRO. The new chip is called IRIS (Indigenous RISC-V Controller for Space Applications). It is based on the SHAKTI microprocessor and is completely made in India. This chip will help ISRO with important space operations, including command and control systems. It is designed to be highly reliable and can handle tough space conditions. It also has special features like WATCHDOG timers and advanced serial buses, making it strong and efficient. Plus, it can be upgraded for future space missions. Many teams across India worked together to build this chip. IISU Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) came up with the idea, IIT Madras designed it, and Semi-Conductor Laboratory Chandigarh manufactured it. Tata Advanced Systems in Karnataka handled the packaging, while its motherboard was made in Gujarat and assembled in Chennai. IIT Madras also developed the software and tested the chip. Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, said this is Indias third SHAKTI chip, following RIMO in 2018 and MOUSHIK in 2020. ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan called it a huge step forward for Indias semiconductor industry. Kamaljeet Singh, Director General of ISROs Inertial Systems Unit in Chandigarh, highlighted that the chip was made using Indias 180 nm semiconductor technology, proving the countrys growing ability to make its own chips. This achievement is a big boost for Indias Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, helping the country become self-reliant in semiconductor and space technology.

PC Chacko resigns as NCP state president

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Facing stiff opposition from within the party, PC Chacko quit as NCP state president. He sent his resignation letter to party national chief Sharad Pawar. Chacko will however continue as party national working president. The NCP has been going through internal issues for some time now. In the wake of an open tussle between two party MLAs - forest minister AK Saseendran and Kuttanad MLA Thomas K Thomas - the official leadership led by PC Chacko had decided to replace AK Saseendran with Thomas K Thomas. Though PC Chacko was able to convince Sharad Pawar, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was not keen on a cabinet reshuffle. Following this, Chacko suggested that the NCP recall the party's minister from the cabinet. This did not go down well with party leaders. The resignation comes in the wake of infighting in the party and allegations pointed out by sources. PC Chacko had an autocratic way of functioning. There were allegations that Chacko was trying to bring the entire party structure under his control, by sidelining senior leaders. A few allegations too had come up against him, said a leader. Though Chacko joined hands with Thomas K Thomas against Saseendran, the move didn't yield the desired result, after Pinarayi refused to entertain the same. Later Thomas K Thomas and AK Saseendran factions united against Chacko. This too contributed to Chacko stepping down, leader added. A decision on a new leader will soon be taken, sources said. Once a Congress veteran, PC Chacko had joined the NCP a couple of years ago.

A residents association in Thiruvananthapuram propagates cultivation of rarely-grown perennial trees

Kadayilmudumbu Residents Welfare Association has distributed saplings of Frankincense trees free of cost across Thiruvananthapuram district

Finance commission chairperson supports revenue generating model of KIIFB

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The seventh Finance Commission chairperson K N Harilal has said that Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) should find ways to generate revenue including toll collection, considering the present scenario. According to him, the new model should continue till KIIFB gets a favourable court order. He was speaking at the press meet announcing the Kerala Economic Conference 2025 to be held at Government Womens College, Thiruvananthapuram, from February 14 to 16. Recently Finance Minister K N Balagopal said that the government is working on revenue generating models for KIIFB which included the development of IT parks to sustain itself. He also said that a proposal to impose toll on roads funded by KIIFB was also discussed. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the Kerala Economic Conference 2025 to discuss Keralas development model and its challenges, by Kerala Economic Association (KEA). Eminent economists, policy makers, researchers, and industry leaders from across the country will participate in the three-day event. Prestigious institutions such as the Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation and the Centre for Development Studies will also be part of the conference. The conference aims to provide a platform for students, teachers, researchers, and industrialists to discuss the growth of Keralas regional economy. Keralas unique development model, known for its social progress and welfare policies, has earned international recognition. The sustainability and continuity of this model will be central themes of the discussions, said Harilal who is also the president of KEA. Plenary sessions will be held in honour of renowned economists, including Prof K N Raj, Prof M Kunhaman, Prof K K Subramanian, and Prof K K George. A panel discussion titled Prospects and Challenges of Keralas Economy will feature Finance Minister K N Balagopal, former finance minister Dr T M Thomas Isaac, and economist C P John, among others, on February 16.

Thiruvananthapuram: One severely hurt as cylinder explodes in Vattiyoorkavu

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A gas leak caused a fire at a house near Vattiyoorkavu on Tuesday, resulting in severe injuries to one person. The incident occurred at the residence of Bhaskaran Pillai at Chembukonam. After a loud explosion around 11.45 am prompted locals to rush to the scene, they found Bhaskaran Pillai suffering from severe burns. He was quickly transported to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital before personnel from the Fire and Rescue Services arrived. By the time emergency services reached the location, flames had spread from the kitchen to the adjacent work area, causing significant damage to the wall. Firefighters from the Chengalchoola fire station worked for nearly an hour to bring the blaze under control. Preliminary investigations indicated that the fire was triggered by a gas leak. Fire officials believe the explosion occurred when the refrigerator restarted automatically, igniting the leaked gas. The fire destroyed the refrigerator, microwave oven, and other kitchen appliances. A fire force official said, Bhaskaran Pillai might have entered the kitchen after hearing the sound. If he had been there when the explosion happened, the situation could have been far worse. Two gas cylinders were present in the kitchen, with one propelled outside due to the explosions force. The blast was reportedly audible up to 300 metres away, and the estimated damage is around Rs 20 lakh. The rescue operation was led by officers Nithin Raj and Aneesh Kumar.

Kerala: Wild jumbos kill three in 24 hours; minister calls meet amid outrage

KOCHI: With protests raging in the high ranges following the death of three people in wild elephant attacks within a span of 24 hours, Forest Minister A K Saseendran has convened an urgent high-level meeting to explore ways to curb the rising human-wild animal conflict in the state. Head of Forest Force Ganga Singh, Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G Krishnan and other principal chief conservators will deliberate over the prevailing situation at the meeting scheduled to be held at 2.30pm on Wednesday. Saseendran said the department will deploy the entire field staff, including social forestry officials, to strengthen patrolling in the conflict hotspots to avoid human casualty. This apart, primary response teams will be formed by recruiting local residents as volunteers to alert people about the presence of wild animals in their areas. On Tuesday, residents blockaded roads in Idukki and Wayanad districts, demanding protection from wild animals. As many as 11 people have died in wild jumbo attacks in Kerala between December 14, 2024, and February 11, 2025, indicating a rise in human-wildlife conflict. The body of Babu, 54, a resident of Venkolla near Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, was found around 8 km inside the forest on Monday evening. Babu, who had gone to visit his relatives on the other side of the forest, was trampled by a wild elephant. He was missing for the past five days. Manu, a 45-year-old tribal man, was killed by a wild elephant when he was returning after attending a temple festival at Kappad in Noolpuzha in Wayanad on Monday night. Both deaths occurred inside the forest. On Monday, Sofia Ismail of Peruvanthanam in Idukki was trampled to death by a wild elephant when she went to take bath in a nearby stream. The same day, Prasad, a plantation worker, suffered rib fracture in a wild elephant attack at Ayyampuzha in Ernakulam. Apart from elephants, there has been an increase in incidents of other wild animals, including tiger and leopards, straying into human habitations. We have deployed more rapid response teams On January 24, Radha, a tribal woman, was killed by a tiger at Pancharakolli in Wayanad. As shrinking water bodies and drying grasslands drive wild animals to human habitations, the forest department has launched Mission Food Fodder and Water (FFW) to ensure availability of food and water inside the forest. However, farmer organisations are demanding culling of wild animals to reduce conflict. We have deployed more rapid response teams (RRT) and strengthened patrolling on forest fringes to avoid any untoward incident. Steps are being taken to restore defunct solar fencing and alert people about the presence of wild animals with the help of primary response teams, said Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G Krishnan. The forest department should conduct vista clearances to a distance of 50m on either side of the solar fencing along forest border to prevent wild animal attacks. Bushes should be cleared on either side of the roads passing through forest areas. This will help people understand the presence of wild animals. The KIFA will launch a statewide protest on February 15 demanding steps to restrict wild animals inside the forest and save human lives. The first protest march will be held in Kannur, said Kerala Independent Farmers Association (KIFA) chairman Alex Ozhukayil. KILLED IN JUMBO ATTACKS IN 2025 January 4: Mani, a 37-year-old tribal man, trampled to death in Karulai range of Nilambur forest while returning home at Poochapara in Malappuram January 8: Vishnu, 22, from Kutta in Karnataka, attacked and killed while returning to his village through forest road in Pulpally, Wayanad January 15: Sarojini, 52, of Uchakulam colony in Nilambur forest, trampled to death while collecting forest produce February 5: Vimalan, 57, of Champakkad tribal settlement, killed at Chinnar in Idukki February 10: Manu, 45, killed while returning from a temple festival in Noolpuzha, Wayanad Sofia Ismail, 45, of Idukkis Peruvanthanam killed when she went to a stream to take bath Babu, 54, of Venkolla near Palode, TPuram, who went to visit his relatives, trampled to death in the forest. Babu was missing for 5 days and his body was found on February 10

Keralites lost Rs 1,021 crore to cyber fraud in past three years

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The collective loot from Kerala by cybercriminals over the past three years has exceeded Rs 10 billion, data with the police revealed. Fraudsters swindled Rs 1,021 crore between 2022 and 2024, of which Rs 763 crore was siphoned off last year. While Keralites lost Rs 48 crore to cyber fraud in 2022, the amount rose to Rs 210 crore in 2023. A total of 41,426 complaints were registered in 2024, which roughly implies that as many people lost money to various cyber fraud activities. At Rs 174 crore, Ernakulam topped the districts in terms of money lost in 2024, followed by Thiruvananthapuram with a loss of Rs 114 crore. Wayanad was the least affected at Rs 9.2 crore. Of the total amount lost since 2022, around Rs 149 crore has been recovered. Most of the recovery was made in 2024. During this period, the cops froze 76,000 fraudulent transactions and recovered Rs 107.44 crore. The recoveries made in 2022 and 2023 amounted to Rs 4.38 crore and Rs 37.16 crore, respectively. According to the victims demographics prepared by the cyber investigation division in 2024, one-fifth of the victims were employees of private companies (19.5 %), followed by pensioners (10.9 %), homemakers (10.37 %) and businessmen (10.25 %). Job scams preyed on the highest number of victims (35.34 %), followed by online trading fraud (34.96%), Fedex-type scam (7.17%) and loan scams (3.36 %). Last year, the cyber cops blacklisted nearly 50,000 smartphones/devices that were used for scamming. About 19,000 SIM cards, 31,000 websites and 23,000 social media accounts were also blocked after their involvement in cyber financial crimes were exposed. The surge in digital financial crimes had earlier prompted the state police chief to write to the Reserve Bank of India and the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking certain policy changes and technological intervention to curb the menace. Vigil on the part of public key in curbing menace State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb had recommended reining in the unfettered use of current accounts of Indian banks from other countries. He had also sought a restriction on the number of electronic devices, using which digital transactions can be done from an account. Saheb also suggested preparing credibility scores for each bank account, which will help users verify their trustworthiness before carrying out transactions. A senior police officer said vigilance from the part of the public goes a long way in curbing the menace. A dip in cyber financial crime rate was observed in recent times after the police intensified awareness drives to sensitise the public about the matter, the officer said. The telecom operators have started broadcasting cyber crime awareness caller tunes to the subscribers on a daily basis and that seems to have an effect. People are getting acquainted with the message and it seems they are becoming alert to scam calls. Those who fall prey to the scam calls should immediately call 1930 and register their complaint. Only a coordinated effort of the public and the enforcement agencies can purge cyber financial crimes, the officer added. Amount swindled in 2024 Ernakulam - Rs 174 crore TPuram - Rs 114.9 crore Thrissur - Rs 85.74 crore Kozhikode - Rs 60 crore Malappuram - Rs 52.5 crore Kannur - Rs 47.74 crore Palakkad - Rs 46 crore Kollam - Rs 40.78 crore Alappuzha - Rs 39 crore Kottayam - Rs 35.67 crore Pathanamthitta - Rs 24 crore Kasaragod - Rs 17.63 crore Idukki - Rs 15.23 crore Wayanad - Rs 9 crore

UDF puts government in dock over rise in drug-fuelled crimes

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Opposition UDF on Tuesday accused the government of doing little to curb the influx of drugs and other narcotic substances to the state. The Opposition unleashed an attack on the government and the excise department when the assembly held a deliberation on the increase in violent crimes owing to drug abuse among youths after the government agreed to discuss the adjournment motion on the matter moved by the UDF. Moving the adjournment motion notice, UDF MLA P C Vishnunadh said the use of intoxicants, including synthetic drugs, has become rampant among youths and that was creating severe law and order issues in the state. The drug abuse has increased among school children as shown by the excise statistics which said 145 women and 102 boys were apprehended for drug offences in a span of 19 months, he said. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan also came down heavily on the government. During a discussion on the same topic in the assembly in 2022, the UDF had offered full cooperation to the government to combat the menace. Now its 2025 and what has happened? Vimukthi (a de-addiction project of the excise) is operational, but has its performance been reviewed? Schools are covering up cases of drug abuse among their wards, Satheesan said. In response, Excise Minister M B Rajesh said it was wrong to paint Kerala as a hub of drugs, but added that the extent of drug abuse among Malayalis has increased alarmingly. He stressed that Kerala was leading in terms of effective enforcement and prosecution in drug cases. He said 24,517 people were arrested in 2024 for drug-related offences in the state and this was thrice the arrests recorded in Punjab, which is the worst-affected.

CPM strengthens minority outreach

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the curtain falls on the CPM district conferences, for the first time in its history, by design or by chance, three district secretaries the party has chosen belong to the Muslim community. The party leadership, however, explains it away as a natural development. Meanwhile, two district secretaries Raju Abraham in Pathanamthitta and C V Varghese in Idukki represent the Christian community. The leadership was also careful to elect fresh and clean-image faces to lead the CPM in all 14 districts. K Rafeeq in Wayanad, M Mehboob in Kozhikode and K V Abdul Khader in Thrissur are the new district secretaries from the Muslim community. Though Wayanad (P A Muhammad) and Thrissur (A C Moideen) have had district secretaries belonging to the minority community, it is for the first time Kozhikode is getting a secretary from the community. Though the CPM state leadership claims that the election of new secretaries is a normal process considering the organisational skills and leadership qualities, party insiders term the appointments in Wayanad and Thrissur as a strategic move. CPM has made a calculated move given that Wayanad is a district with a high Muslim concentration where Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi won elections with the help of the IUML. CPM has been trying to make inroads into the community and the new move shows that the party is sensing a positive response, a Left leader tells TNIE. Rafeeq had been serving as the DYFI district secretary. Coming from the League bastion of Vellamunda, Rafeeq was instrumental in attracting many youths from the minority community to the organisation. According to the CPM leadership, in recent years, new cadre have joined the CPM from the IUML strongholds of Meppadi, Thondernadu, Panamaram, Kaniyambetta and Kambalakkad too. In Thrissur too, Abdul Khaders elevation is being viewed as a move to keep pace with the fast-changing political geography in the district. Khader, who represented Guruvayur in the assembly for 15 years, has a clean slate to start with. In all his contests, Khader managed to maintain a lead in Guruvayur town which is a Hindu-dominated area. The CPM is presenting Khader, a secular and at the same time a leader belonging to the Muslim community, against both the IUML and other Muslim fringe groups, a CPM Thrissur district committee member says. In Kozhikode, the development is seen as a change that was in the making for the past few years. The organic relation with the minority community and the party has improved as they now recognise that the CPM is not against beliefs. Our stand against majority and minority communalism is being increasingly accepted, former Kozhikode district secretary P Mohanan says. A district secretary from a Christian minority section too is a first for the CPM. The arrival of Raju Abraham, a Knayaya Jacobite, to the helm of the party in Pathanamthitta could resonate with many in the coming months. All denominations from the minority community now have representation in different area committees, CPM leader Udayabhanu says. In Idukki, though P M Manuel had served as the district secretary earlier, the election of Varghese is seen as a signal to the Christian community. The decision should be seen in the background of the UDF-BJPs move to have an upper hand in the district using minority politics, says a former Idukki district secretary. New district secretaries Thiruvananthapuram V Joy - Second term as district secretary - Varkala MLA Kollam S Sudevan - Third term as district secretary - Former district panchayat vice-president Pathanamthitta Raju Abraham - First term as district secretary - Former Ranni MLA Idukki C V Varghese - Second term as district secretary - District Planning Council vice-chairman Alappuzha R Nazar - Third term as district secretary - Former district panchayat president Kottayam A V Russel - Second term as district secretary - Former DYFI central committee member Ernakulam C N Mohanan - Third term as district secretary - CPM state committee member Thrissur K V Abdul Khader - First term as district secretary - Former Guruvayur MLA Palakkad E N Sureshbabu - Second term as district secretary - CITU district vice-president Malappuram V P Anil - First term as district secretary - District Sports Council president Wayanad K Rafeeq - First term as district secretary - District Football Association president Kozhikode M Mehboob - First term as district secretary - Consumerfed chairman Kannur M V Jayarajan - Third term as district secretary - Former MLA Kasaragod M Rajagopalan - First term as district secretary - Trikaripur MLA

Curbs on English medium in LP schools limit students future options: Study

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Owing to the government policy that places certain restrictions on the creation of an English medium section at the Lower Primary (LP) level in government and aided schools, a high proportion of students from poor households continue to stick on to Malayalam medium in higher classes and are left with limited options by the time they reach higher secondary level, a recent study has shown. The study titled Separate & Unequal? authored by Sajitha Bashir, former advisor, Office of the Global Director of Education Practice, World Bank, has called for the adoption of a bilingual model from the LP section itself to arrest the skewed social composition in government and aided schools. The study report, published by the Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust of which Sajitha is the executive vice-president, has based data from National Sample Survey (NSS), Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) and Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) for its analysis. The study pointed out that in primary section, the students from the poorest households (the bottom 20 per cent) overwhelmingly study in Malayalam medium, and almost entirely in government schools. They stay in government schools as they go higher up the system, studying mainly in Malayalam medium. However, differences become apparent only in grades 11 and 12, at the higher secondary level. At this stage, the opportunities for these students become far more restricted, often to humanities courses, it said. The findings of the study have been corroborated by higher secondary teachers who have seen learning difficulties among students during the sudden switch to instruction in English medium. Despite the option to attempt the exams in Malayalam, students from Malayalam medium find the transition tough, affecting their learning outcome and also their performance in entrance examinations, admitted Manoj S of Aided Higher Secondary Teachers Association. The study cited a government order that stipulates that all government and aided schools have to maintain at least one Malayalam section for creation of an English medium. Due to the wide network of schools close to habitations, enrollment dropped as the child population declined. In effect, government policy has ensured that only LP schools in the government and aided sector were forced to remain Malayalam only, the report pointed out. The report concluded by calling for an effective bilingual education system, making all students competent in both Malayalam and English, instead of separating them into different streams. There are many such models of bilingual education and many more are being developed as societies become increasingly multilingual, the report suggested. Categories of schools Govt - 5,010 Aided - 7,183 Unaided - 3,164 Others - 883 Total schools - 16,240

Meet the pedal pals of T'Puram

Since the 1990s, Thiruvananthapuram has seen many changes. One of the most significant is the shift to machines on its roads. Like elsewhere in Kerala, and probably across south India, the city once had a thriving cycling culture, with the good-old Hercules a mainstay in most households. From school and college commutes to running errands and even getting to work, cycling was a way of life. But, like how machines took over most manual activity, scooters and then four-wheelers took over cyclings charm, says Prakash P Gopinath, founder of the Indus Cycling Embassy. However, the taste for cycling is slowly and steadily making a comeback here. Indus was among the first cycling clubs in Thiruvananthapuram. It started in 2009 with a voluntary service event we organised, where we had to interact with many groups. The common point was cycling, says Prakash. The idea emerged from that. Initially, we were mostly into training, including breaking the taboo around women cycling. I began by encouraging women in my locality through programmes such as She Cycling. This has taken off well, and now the academy has several women as patrons. Indus boasts a team of women who rediscovered their passion for cycling after years of dormancy. Fifty-three-year-old Maya G Nair, principal of Valiashala Government LPS, is one such example. She fondly remembers her student days as an NCC cadet, cycling her way to happiness on a BSA Ladybird, which had no bar so that girls wearing skirts could pedal with ease. That has changed now, with gender-neutral bikes available. Our attires have changed, too. Our team now has avid bikers, including Beena, who works with the NCC, and Vimala, a senior LIC official. They have helped train many women, Maya smiles. The attitude of people was one of the main reasons she couldnt keep up her cycling until she enrolled with Indus. I used to take my daughters bike to school, and people would make fun of me. I also used to get exhausted. I realised it was because I was out of touch and not keeping up with the times, she says. Now, I have changed my technique, and with our womens team, we are encouraging many more women to cycle. If women in Tamil Nadus villages can cycle at 70 or even 80, why cant we? She Cycling by Indus Cycling Embassy Other groups in Thiruvananthapuram also have strong female participation. One such group is the Trivandrum Bikers Club (TBC), formed in 2013. With over 150 members, TBC boasts a formidable team of individuals who, despite their busy schedules, find time to participate in the clubs many programmes, including periodic trips to scenic locales around the city. Their upcoming trip, on March 2, is to the dams near the district. We have a strong membership comprising people from all walks of life. There are senior citizens among us as well, says Alsameer N, a techie and secretary of TBC. People are realising how cycling is fun and a great fitness activity. The citys cycling clubs coordinate via Strava, an app catering to cycling communities. It also helps us plan trips and coordinate with fellow clubs for joint programmes, Alsameer adds. Though cycling has been a prominent activity in Thiruvananthapuram since 2012, it only gained momentum after the pandemic, when outdoor activities became a solace for people forced indoors by the deadly virus. The clubs that formed during this time vouch for the relief cycling provided not just in terms of physical fitness but also for much-needed mental well-being. We came together as a team promoting cycling in 2020, says Dr Nigel R S, founding member of Cyclo Trivians, a Kattakkada-based group that regularly meets at Enchakkal in Thiruvananthapuram for 50km rides every Sunday. We also organise regular long rides to the suburbs, which, thankfully, have the terrain for serious biking enthusiasts. Our community started with around 80 members and now has grown to 360, including senior citizens, children, women, and people from all walks of life. Cyclo Trivians The Cyclo Trivians, now said to be the most active club in the city, has also organised over 20 cyclothons, often partnering with organisations such as the IMA for awareness campaigns. This year, the club is collaborating with the India chapter of the global cycling giant Giant for the Giant Cycling Challenge 2025. Another group that emerged during the pandemic is the Nedumangad Bikers (NDD), which now has over 200 members. It was formed in a unique way. The founder, Murali, was an avid cyclist who would ride through the city and befriend others with a similar passion for cycling. Thats how the group took shape. It also brought in some of us who were active in the competitive cycling circuit, says NDD member Ranjith C, who is gearing up for the Spinneys Cycle Challenge in Dubai on February 23. We have a club where riders are trained professionally. Its called the RaceFit Coaching Academy, where a select group of 30 professional riders train. Our riders are bringing in medals at national and international competitions. Cycling is really picking up in Thiruvananthapuram. Of late, with more people investing time in fitness activities that combine adventure and fun, cycling was only waiting to take off. Yet, despite its growing popularity, cycling remains more of a weekend passion than a daily commuting option, as it once was. This is despite the new-age push for cycling as an eco-friendly mode of transport. There are many hurdles, says Prakash, of Indus Cycling Embassy. One is the lack of designated cycling pathways. We had approached the authorities, and there was some movement on this, but nothing materialised in the real sense. Alsameer, of TBC, notes that there was an attempt to designate part of the road in front of the Museum as a cycling pathway. But the plan fizzled out after about six months. Its not enough to just draw lines on the road and mark it as a cycling path. We need dedicated roads for this, he shrugs. Moreover, cycling to work would also require facilities such as shower rooms in offices, so employees could freshen up before starting their day, Prakash points out. Thiruvananthapuram, with its lush and varied landscape, is an ideal cycling terrain for adventure seekers, who make up a significant portion of our clubs, he adds. For them, the bikes need to withstand wear and tear, and the gear must offer protection. Procuring these in Thiruvananthapuram is not difficult, thanks to dedicated shops, but it can take time as most equipment is custom-made. We have riders using bikes ranging from `20,000 to several lakhs, including some who ride non-gear cycles. The demand for servicing personnel is also growing, with more people signing up for certification courses from accessory firms such as Japan-based Shimano. The city is at its cycling pinnacle, the clubs believe. Thiruvananthapuram is a haven for outdoor activities, with its scenic surroundings. What is needed, however, is improved infrastructure dedicated cycling pathways and more support from the authorities to truly make cycling a viable everyday mode of transport.

Kerala Budget 2025: Focus on sustaining existing growth initiatives

The Kerala State Budget 2025-26 aims to support the smooth continuation of initiatives launched by the state government in previous years. The government plans to achieve an accelerated growth rate by adopting a pro-cyclical approach, aligning policies with the overall economic cycle. Many of the budget's projects build on existing policies, focusing on the knowledge economy and introducing new technology and digital infrastructure initiatives. The budget also expands the government's size and plan outlay, reflecting a 7% increase. Notably, it avoids raising taxes, protecting citizens from reduced consumption. Keralas economy has two key strengths: urbanisation and in-migration. However, challenges such as an aging population and declining birth rates remain. To address these, a strategy is needed to turn challenges into opportunities. For example, the 'New Innings' project encourages senior citizens to remain socially active and economically engaged. The budget prioritises the knowledge economy, with the creation of seven new Centers of Excellence, new fellowships and scholarships, and the continuation of existing scholarship programs. Kerala is also positioning itself as an early adopter of artificial intelligence (AI), launching initiatives ahead of the Union Government. The establishment of a GPU cluster will make Kerala a hub for AI and the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) sectors, attracting investments and creating job opportunities for youth. This early-mover advantage is made possible by Kerala's comparative advantage, with the budget taking an 'eco-spatial planning' approach instead of focusing on a single region. Initiatives such as the Vizhinjam-Kollam-Punalur Growth Triangle and the Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam Industrial Corridor exemplify this strategy. Significant attention is also being given to urban development in major cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode. The government aims to capitalize on investments, as seen in projects like the Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam Industrial Corridor, with a strong emphasis on the Vizhinjam Seaport. There is also a push to decentralise IT infrastructure beyond major metropolitan areas, extending to cities like Kollam and Kannur. Revenue generation strategies, such as land taxes, are in place, while fiscal prudence is maintained through strict expenditure controls. Kerala is currently undergoing its second turnaround, similar to the first in the early 1980s, which was driven by Gulf migration. This new phase of economic growth is fueled by public investment in infrastructure, the expansion of MSMEs, and a dedicated labor force. The states development strategy mirrors South Koreas economic growth model, with a focus on strategic investments and workforce commitment. The Kerala State Budget 2025-26 reflects a forward-thinking approach, leveraging strengths and addressing challenges to sustain long-term growth. ( Dr Ravi Raman is a Member, State Planning Board, and a former senior fellow at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi. He was also Director, Institute of Applied Manpower Research, at the Planning Commission, and a visiting fellow at the Oxford, Cambridge and Manchester Universities for varying periods.)

IIT Madras & ISRO jointly develop and successfully boot aerospace quality semiconductor chip

A joint effort with ISRO Inertial Systems Unit, Thiruvananthapuram, the chip was manufactured at Semiconductor Laboratory Chandigarh & packaged at Tata Advanced Systems, Karnataka

New Delhi must 'delicately' convey message to Washington: Tharoor on treatment of US deportees

NEW DELHI: The way a batch of Indians were deported from the US has naturally caused a great deal of anxiety, resentment and anger in India, and New Delhi will have to delicately convey a message to Washington behind closed doors on this, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said. The MP from Thiruvananthapuram made the remarks in response to a query at a book launch event on Monday evening, the same day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-nation tour with the US being the second destination after France. During his two-day visit to the US starting Wednesday, the prime minister will hold a bilateral meeting with President Donald Trump and interact with the business leaders and members of the Indian community. The interaction with Tharoor was hosted at the Foreign Correspondents' Club following the launch of the book 'Indian Parliament: Shaping Foreign Policy' penned by veteran journalist and scholar K V Prasad. After his speech as the chair of the session, Tharoor, who also heads the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, fielded a swathe of questions from the audience on subjects ranging from the Bangladesh situation, ties with Pakistan, Modi's visit to the US, to nuances of parliamentary democracy. A US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal Indian immigrants last week landed in Amritsar, the first such batch of Indians deported by the Donald Trump administration as part of a crackdown against illegal immigrants. Some deportees claimed that their hands and legs were cuffed throughout the journey and they were unshackled only after landing in Amritsar. Two other areas of sensitivity that have just arisen, one of course not so much as the deportation of illegal immigrants, entirely appropriate. But, the manner of the deportation has naturally caused a great deal of anxiety, resentment and even anger in India, Tharoor said. Somehow the message will delicately have to be conveyed behind closed doors and this must never be repeated, he said. The former minister of state for external affairs said having Indians arriving in their homeland in handcuffs has ot played well with anyone in the political spectrum. But, if anyone enters a country illegally that country has a right to deport. And, if your identity and nationality is not disputed, if your identity is proven to be Indian, India has an obligation to take them back, the Congress MP said. These two things are beyond debate, Tharoor asserted. Therefore that's not where an argument should lie. The argument should lie that treat our people with respect because that is how we would treat your people if we were expelling any nationals of your country, he said. Treat them with respect, they are not criminals, rapists or murderers. They are illegal immigrants and once they have left your soil, they don't need to be handcuffed. And, certainly, shouldn't be mistreated, he added. Tharoor conjectured that some unpredictable issues may also come off the cuff during the Modi-Trump meeting in the US. Travellers still willing to take donkey route to US

Message will have to be conveyed: Tharoor on treatment of deportees from US

The MP from Thiruvananthapuram made the remarks in response to a question during an interaction at an event here on a day Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-nation tour with the US being in the second leg of his visit

Cabinet okays draft bill, clears decks for private varsities in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Overcoming the opposition from within the ruling LDF, the state government has cleared the decks for the establishment of private universities in Kerala. The cabinet on Monday approved a draft bill that allows private varsities to function in the state. The draft bill is expected to be tabled in the current session of the assembly. Taking into account certain reservations of ministers from the CPI, a provision in the bill that designates the higher education minister as visitor of private universities has been removed. A previous meeting of the cabinet had deferred a decision on the draft bill in the wake of concerns expressed by CPI ministers. Though the reservations of the CPI have been addressed in the cabinet, All India Youth Federation and the All India Students Federation, both affiliated to the CPI, have opposed the move to permit private universities, alleging that it will lead to commercialisation of education. According to a note from the Chief Ministers office, a sponsoring agency that has experience and credibility in the education sector can apply to setting up private university. While ensuring adequate land prescribed by regulatory bodies, the agency should deposit Rs 25 crore as corpus fund in the state treasury. In case the private university intends to function as a multi-campus varsity, at least 10 acre land should be ensured. The private universities will be bound to comply with the directions of regulatory agencies regarding appointment of vice-chancellors and other top functionaries as well as faculty members. Notably, the private university will have to earmark 40% seats in each course to permanent residents of Kerala. The existing rules on reservation in the state will also apply to these institutions. The scholarship and fee waiver provided to students from SC/ST will also be applicable. Private universities to have all rights enjoyed by state varsities The private universities will have all powers and rights enjoyed by state universities. While such institutions will not receive any financial assistance from the government, the faculty are free to approach governments research agencies for support. The secretary of the higher education department and another secretary nominated by the state government will be members of the governing councils of private universities. The draft bill also lays down that one nominee of the state government will be part of the private varsitys executive council and three nominees of the government will be included in the varsitys academic council. A grievance redressal mechanism will be set up to protect the democratic rights of teachers and non-teaching staff. The private universities should ensure that rights of employees, including Provident Fund, are protected.

Kerala crime branch SIT to take over half-price scam probe

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A special investigation team (SIT) of the Kerala Polices crime branch wing will take over the probe into the multi-crore half-price scam that has witnessed hundreds of people from across the state raising complaints. Crime branch SP M J Sojan, who has probed several sensitive cases such as the deaths of Walayar girls, will lead the investigation. The probe will be monitored by Crime Branch ADGP H Venkatesh. The SIT comprises 81 members drawn from the central units, economic offence wing and the cyber division. Sojan will directly probe the cases registered in Ernakulam and Idukki districts. The state police chiefs order issued on Monday in that regard said the Crime branch was tasked with the responsibility due to the sensational nature of the scam. The police have so far registered 34 criminal cases in connection with the scam in Kottayam, Alappuzha, Idukki, Ernakulam Rural and Kannur City police limits. These cases -- 11 each in Ernakulam and Idukki, eight in Alappuzha, three in Kottayam, and one in Kannur -- will be taken over by the crime branch sleuths. All future complaints lodged with the local police regarding the scam will be handed over to the new team. Retired judge Ramachandran Nair booked in half-price scam; denies allegations The scam, allegedly spearheaded by Thodupuzha resident Anandhu Krishnan, was carried out by promising scooters and home appliances at half their market price under corporate social responsibility funds. The police estimate that the fraud could run into several hundreds of crores. Meanwhile, Sri Sathya Sai Gramam Global Trust chairman K N Anandakumar, who has been arraigned as an accused in a case registered in Kannur, has filed an anticipatory bail application in the additional sessions and district court here. Anandhu had reportedly told the police that Anandakumar had played a big role in the scam. The bail plea will be considered on Thursday. Anandakumar had earlier claimed innocence and maintained that he was not involved in the scam. Legal sources said Anandakumar claimed in his bail plea that he did not receive any ill-gotten money. However, the police maintained that Anandakumars involvement was crucial in the case as it was his presence that prompted several people to invest money.

Kerala govt has spent 12,159 crore on Vizhinjam port, says Minister V N Vasavan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has so far spent I2,159 crore on the Vizhinjam port project, Ports Minister V N Vasavan informed the assembly on Monday. He said while the Centre had declined to provide its share of the Viability Gap Fund (VGF), but the state government was in the process of providing its share of the fund by arranging loans from NABARD. Replying to MLAs questions, Vasavan said 163 ships have so far docked in Vizhinjam port, which has handled 3 lakh TEUs of cargo until now. The first phase of the project is completed and final three phases will be finished by 2028. The commissioning of the port will take place soon, Vasavan said, adding that 10 lakh containers have been handled at the port. By 2028, this will increase to 30 lakh, he said. The minister also said the Centre had accepted the DPR prepared by the Konkan Railway Corporation for rail connectivity to the port.

More ragging complaints against Kochi school, says Minister Sivankutty

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following the demise of Class 9 student Mihir Ahammed, who ended his own life allegedly due to ragging by fellow students of Global Public School (GPS) in Kochi, many parents have come forward with similar complaints against the school, General Education Minister V Sivankutty said on Monday. Briefing reporters on the ongoing probe by the director of general education (DGE) into the incident, Sivankutty said one of the parents complained that his child was driven to the verge of suicide due to ragging in the school. The parent sought a transfer certificate and shifted the child to another school after GPS authorities allegedly ignored the complaint, he said. Sivankutty said the DGE heard the parents of Mihir, and the teachers and management representatives of GPS and GEMS Modern Academy, where he studied earlier. At the hearing, the school authorities denied allegations of ragging raised by Mihirs mother. Sivankutty said Mihirs class teacher informed the DGE that the boy had a cordial relation with his classmates and excelled in studies. He used to attend classes regularly and submit assignments on time. Besides, there were no complaints regarding his conduct in the school, the DGE was informed. Mihirs mother had alleged that the day before he took his life, Mihir was subjected to severe ragging by a few students in the school and inside the school bus. The minister said the inquiry report was being readied and further action will be taken soon.

Kerala rejects railways proposal to modify SIlverLine DPR

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state has rejected Indian Railways demand to modify the SilverLine DPR to accommodate other trains like Vande Bharat. Responding to the railways proposal, the K-Rail Corporation made it clear that the project proposed by the state government is for a dedicated exclusive rail corridor meant for frequent and faster transportation of people within the state. The SilverLine DPR should be allowed as a stand-alone exclusive speed corridor for inter-city movements. Contrary to the railways suggestion, the line should also be standard gauge, the state government said. It, however, pointed out that if the railways have any concerns over sharing of railway land, the DPR can be slightly modified to avoid such land. Similarly, if there are any technical or environmental hurdles in the DPR, that too can be addressed. It is not just two additional rail lines to supplement current rail lines. The current modifications proposed by Southern Railway, if included, will take away key elements like dedicated exclusive corridor and speed. It will be against the fundamental purpose for which the SilverLine was proposed in the first place, K-Rail managing director V Ajith Kumar pointed out in his letter to the chief administrative office of the Southern Railway. The K-Rail Corporation pointed out that SilverLine has been proposed, in line with the Railway Boards policy for speed above 160kmph, which mandates an exclusive corridor. Various high-speed and semi-high speed projects are under construction on standard gauge, it added. The railways had proposed modifying the DPR to make the SilverLine broad gauge, so as to be integrated with the existing rail network. Railways also wanted the SilverLine track to be made suitable for mixed traffic conditions, so that all trains including Vande Bharat, express, passenger and goods trains too can operate via the same. Meanwhile, in a major support to the state governments efforts towards establishing a dedicated rail line, Metroman E Sreedharan came forward with a proposal. In a letter to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, with a copy to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sreedharan pointed out that the Railway Boards suggestion f will not help Kerala. Having mixed traffic on a high-speed rail route is extremely dangerous. Further the purpose of having a speed potential of 160 kmph will not be served, he pointed out in his letter.

'Apologies not enough': Kerala court condemns protests in public spaces

KOCHI: A division court of Kerala High Court comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S told senior political leaders appearing before the court on Monday, that apologies would not be enough and they should file further affidavits before the court in three weeks. The court was considering a petition over conducting protests and meetings at public places affecting the movement of vehicles and people in the state. On Monday, political leaders Binoy Viswam, Pannian Ravindran, Jayachandran Kallingal, all CPI; M Vijaykumar, V K Prasanth MLA, V Joy MLA, all CPM; and Congress Mohammed Shiyas, TJ Vinod, MLA, and Dominic Presentation appeared at the court. The High Court had exempted CPM state secretary M V Govindathan from appearing before the court due to the ongoing party district convention at Thrissur. He has been requested to appear in court on Wednesday. On behalf of the police, IG Sparjan Kumar, Inspector Girilal D, Inspector Prajeesh Sasi, DIG Putta Vimaladitya, Inspector Anish Joy and SP Kiran Narayanan appeared at the court. State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb and Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan did not turn up. The court asked political leaders to file an affidavit in three weeks' time. The police persons who already filed an affidavit tendering apology were asked to file additional affidavits. The court had summoned police officers and political leaders in a contempt of court petition filed by N Prakash, a native of Maradu, in Kochi. The petitioner brought to the court's notice regarding violation of its orders on protests and meetings organised at public places including on roads and footpaths. The court discussed political meetings held at various places in Thiruvananthapuram including Vanchiyoor, Balaramapuram, outside the Secretariat, and Marine Drive in Kochi. Regarding events at Vanchiyoor and Marine Drive, the court observed these roads and adjacent footpaths are used by people travelling to government hospitals. Regarding the meeting held at Balaramapuram, the court observed that the event was organised on the road. Also as part of events, carpets are laid at the road and footpaths. The court observed that roads and footpaths are not for organising protests and meetings. Similarly, a large number of visually impaired people use footpaths. The court pointed out that in the wake of increasing motor accidents, such events on footpaths are forcing people to walk on the roads. According to the court, the situation is such that any organisation having political support can put up temporary structures on roads and footpaths without any fear. The court observed that people can conduct protests but it should not affect the movement of people. The court dispensed the appearance of political leaders and police persons for the time being. The petition will be considered three weeks later. Ernakulam DCC President Mohammad Shiyas coming out from the court said that he respects the direction of the court and protests will be organised ensuring the public is not affected. We have no common places in Kerala to organise protest events. The government should take the initiative to make some arrangements after speaking with political parties. We will make sure that people are not affected by protests and political events, he said.

CSR fund scam case: Probe handed over to state crime branch

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The probe on the mammoth fake corporate social responsibility (CSR) fund scam, has been handed over to the state crime branch. The local police have so far registered 34 criminal cases in connection with the scam in Kottayam, Alappuzha, Idukki, Ernakulam rural and Kannur city police limits. ADGP H Venkatesh has been directed by the state police chief to register cases in the Crime Branch police station and depute a team of officers to conduct further probe. The order entrusting the probe to the crime branch was issued by the state police chief on Monday. The order said the crime branch was tasked with the responsibility due to the sensational nature of the scam and for effective investigation. The scam was conducted by promising scooters and home appliances at half their price under CSR funds. The police estimate that the fraud committed by Anandhu Krishnan, a 26-year-old Thodupuzha resident who was arrested for promising scooters and home appliances at half their price under CSR funds, could surpass Rs 1,000 crore. The local police have received an avalanche of complaints from the victims.

Opposition walks out of Assembly over toll on KIIFB-funded roads

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Opposition staged a walkout from the Assembly on Monday to protest the proposed move to impose tolls on roads built using funds from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) and the tardy pace of the various infrastructure projects being implemented by the agency. Demanding a discussion on the matter through an adjournment motion, Congress' Roji M John remarked that after LDFs' ambitious projects such as K-Rail and K-Fon, it's now time for K-Toll, thanks to KIIFB. To date, KIIFB has completed projects worth only Rs 18,000 crore. This after the government gave the agency Rs 20,000 crore from the state exchequer. What alternative economic model is this?, the MLA from Angamaly asked. Replying to the notice for adjournment motion, Finance Minister KN Balagopal countered the opposition's allegations over the move to impose toll on KIIFB-funded roads. There is no need to raise concern among people by referring to toll, the Minister said. However, he pointed out that agencies like the National Highway Authority of India impose tolls on roads built by them. Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan alleged that the government was trying to impose triple tax on the common man. The government have already collected a share from motor vehicle tax and also imposed fuel cess. Now, if you impose a toll, then there will be triple taxation, Satheesan said. Satheesan criticised the government for slashing up to 50% of its plan funds for the sake of repaying KIIFB's loans. He warned that the state will fall into a debt trap if the government does not apply its mind seriously on the matter.

International conference on artificial intelligence in healthcare concludes in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The three-day international conference exploring the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare concluded on Sunday. The Emerging Technologies for Intelligent Systems (ETIS 2025) conference, held at Mar Baselios Engineering College under the auspices of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU), featured discussions on the impact of AI in healthcare. Speaking at the event, IISc Bengaluru senior professor K Gopakumar emphasised that quality research benefits not only students and the academic community but also contributes to societal development and sustainability. He noted that challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of funding, and faculty shortages can hinder effective research. Kattakada MLA I B Satheesh inaugurated the closing ceremony, which was presided over by Vice-Chancellor K Sivaprasad. Satheesh, highlighted the importance of such conferences in critically examining the advantages and challenges of emerging technologies, especially in crucial sectors like healthcare and education. In his address, Dr Sivaprasad stressed that AI should be leveraged to enhance the quality of life and must be developed and implemented efficiently.

Differently-abled performers expose superstitions at science conference in Thiruvanthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A group of differently-abled students from the Different Art Centre exposed the secrets behind the so-called divine miracles at the All India Science Conference organised by the Breakthrough Science Society at Tagore Theatre on Sunday. The performers demonstrated and debunked several tricks disguised as miracles, including setting coconut husk on fire with bare hands, sleeping on a bed of nails, and turning coloured solutions colourless. They explained the scientific principles behind these illusions. The team included Amal B, Sabari Krishna, Alan S, Saya Mariam Thomas, Aparna Suresh, Ardra Anil, Abhijith P S, Ashwin Dev, Parvathi L S, Muhammad Asheeb, Jyothilal J S, Roopakrishnan, Jefin P James, Aparna P L, Abhiraj S, Manikandan, Muhammad Asif and Libin B L.

Divisional Railway Hospital in Pettah becomes first railway hospital to receive NABH certification

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Divisional Railway Hospital in Pettah has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first railway hospital to receive the entry-level NABH certification. Established in 1979, the hospital serves 65,000 employees, pensioners, and their families, while also providing services to the general public under the Union governments health schemes. The hospital offers a wide range of specialist services, including general surgery, general medicine, orthopedics, ophthalmology, ENT, obstetrics & gynaecology, pediatrics, and dental care. Additionally, visiting consultants provide services in cardiology, neurology, urology, gastroenterology, psychiatry, dermatology, pulmonology, and radiology. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic facilities, including an advanced lab, ultrasound, echocardiogram, and doppler scans. The Divisional Railway Hospital in Pettah is the only one among the 68 divisional hospitals to achieve this prestigious certification. As part of the accreditation process, the hospital has undergone significant improvements in its infrastructure, bringing it in line with corporate sector standards. All major surgeries, including super-specialty procedures, and medical consultations are being performed here. The goal is to provide comprehensive healthcare in all fields of medicine, said. He also highlighted that the hospital provides services at Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates. The certification is valid for two years, with periodic monitoring during this period. Dr Man Singh, director general of Railway Health Services at the Railway Board, officially presented the NABH certificate at the Divisional Railway Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram recently.

Kerala deploys 20,000 robotic kits in schools to boost tech education

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a move to familiarise students in the state with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT), the general education department has deployed an additional 20,000 robotic kits in government and aided high schools. With the latest deployment, carried out through Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE), the total number of kits has touched 29,000. Students can build prototypes of devices such as traffic signals, street lights, electronic voting machines and walking sticks by utilising these kits. The programming aspects promote logical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills among children. General Education Minister V Sivankutty will formally announce the induction of the robotic kits at the Little KITEs state camp to commence on February 8. The event will include an exhibition of student-created robotic projects. MLA Kadakampally Surendran, principal secretary (general education) Rani George, KITE CEO K Anvar Sadath, and ICFOSS Director T T Sunil will also be present. Following the distribution of 9,000 kits in 2022, KITE has added 20,000 more kits this year with CSR support. While Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. provided 8,475 kits, Cochin Shipyard Ltd. contributed 4,615, and QBurst Technologies and Canara Bank donated 1,000 kits each. The open-hardware kits include Arduino Uno R3, LEDs, mini servo motors, LDRs, light and IR sensor modules, breadboards, buzzer modules, push-button switches, and resistors. Costing under `1,000 per kit, they allow schools to easily obtain replacement parts. Little KITEs, the countrys largest student ICT network, engages 1.8 lakh students annually and played a key role in the initiative. Within the programme, 66,737 Class 9 students participated in school-level camps, 15,668 in sub-district camps, and 1,253 in district-level camps. The camp will feature sessions with experts such as Prahlad Vadakkepat, Sunil Prabhakar, and Madhu K S. Students will visit facilities specialising in drone technology, assistive technology, 3D printing, media production, and animation.

UGC draft regulations on VC selection fail to resolve Kerala's search committee deadlock

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A new set of draft regulations brought out by the University Grants Commission (UGC), including for the appointment of Vice-Chancellors, does not resolve the deadlock existing in the state over constitution of search committees to choose a person to V-C post, academics have pointed out. The 2018 UGC regulations only insisted that one member of the search cum-selection committee to choose a Vice Chancellor shall be nominated by the UGC chairman. Notably, the 2025 draft has clearly laid down how the panel should be constituted, giving a clear upper-hand for the Chancellor (Governor). The new regulations state that the nominee of the Chancellor shall be the chairperson of the search cum-selection committee. Two other members in the panel are: a nominee of the UGC chairman and a nominee of the apex body of the university such as syndicate or senate. However, in Kerala, as many as 12 universities are functioning without a permanent Vice Chancellor as the search committee could not be constituted to select a person to the post. Apparently due to political reasons, Left-affiliated syndicates and senates of universities had refused to send their nominees to the search panel after former Governor Arif Mohammed Khan took the lead to constitute them in his capacity as Chancellor. While the draft regulations lay down the constitution of the search committee, it does not mention the course of action in case universities refuse to send their nominees as is seen in most of the varsities in the state, pointed out Dr R Jayaprakash, former executive council member of the Kerala State Higher Education Council. The academic has pointed out the anomaly to the UGC as the apex body had sought suggestions from various stakeholders on the draft regulations till February 5. TNIE had pointed out the deadlock in the constitution of search committees to Governor Rajendra Arlekar during the Express Dialogues interview with him recently. It is the responsibility of the university senate or syndicate to send a representative to the search committee, Arlekar said. The Governor also added that he has sought a report from the vice-chancellors on the matter in a bid to resolve the impasse. In the wake of universities indefinitely prolonging the nomination of representatives to the search committee, Arlekars predecessor Khan had constituted the panel without the senate/syndicate nominees in six universities. In retaliation, the government went ahead and constituted the search panel without the Chancellors nominee. However, the moves from both sides were caught in legal tangles and could not be implemented. According to former Chief Justice of India and former Kerala Governor P Sathasivam, the new UGC regulations have underscored the integral role of the Chancellor, UGC and universities in the Vice Chancellor selection process. There should be consensus among the three stakeholders in the matter as the ultimate aim is the welfare of the academic community. They have to sit together and follow the regulations, Sathasivam said. Non-academicians as V-Cs A proposal in the latest draft regulations to make non-academics eligible for the V-C post has drawn widespread criticism. As per the draft, such non-academicians must have served at least 10 years at a senior level in industry, public administration, public policy and/or public sector undertakings, with a proven track record of significant academic or scholarly contributions. Appointing experts, businessmen and professionals from industry, public sector and public administration as Vice Chancellors is certainly a bad idea. A University is not a company, neither is it a government department. Only efficient academics and scientists are good to be Vice Chancellors as they have a better sense of an academic institution, its concept, purpose, vision, and utility, opined Dr G Gopakumar, former Vice Chancellor of Central University of Kerala. Vice chancellor selection changes 2018 UGC regulations Selection through proper identification by a panel of 3-5 persons by a search-cum-selection committee One member of the search cum-selection committee shall be nominated by the UGC chairman 2025 UGC draft regulations Chancellor shall constitute the search-cum-selection committee comprising: Nominee of the Chancellor, who shall be the chairperson of the search committee Nominee of UGC chairperson Nominee of the apex body of the university such as syndicate/ senate Person with 10 years experience at a senior level in industry, public administration, public policy and/ or public sector undertakings, with a proven track record of significant academic or scholarly contributions, shall be eligible to be appointed as vice chancellor

Vellarada murder case: Accused's mother reveals son was into black magic

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vellarada murder case wherein a 28-year-old man killed his father has taken a fresh turn after the mother of the accused revealed that her son was hooked to black magic. Sushma, mother of Prejin Jose and wife of the deceased Jose, said she fears for her life if he is released from prison. According to Sushma, Prejin started exhibiting behavioural changes after he enrolled in a short-duration film course in Ernakulam. Prejin, who used to regularly attend church lost interest in that and began listening to haunting music like Ohm chants that carried some sort of vibrations, Sushma said. She further said that Prejin used to sing in the choir and was good at initiating conversations, all of which changed after he joined the course. He used to play the music after locking himself in his room on the first floor. He never allowed us there and threw tantrums if we tried to sneak in, she said. Prejin killed his father in a macabre manner on Wednesday night and one of the weapons, a knife, he had used to commit the crime was already kept prepared, said Sushma. Prejins life took a turn for the worse when he could not get the MBBS certificate from his university in Wuhan, China. He joined medicine in 2014 and though he completed the course, he was denied the course certificate as the agency in Kochi that got him admission did not transfer the final year fee to the university. Prejin was frustrated over this and later joined the film course. However, Sushma said, her son used to manhandle her and Jose and that they had been living like hostages since his return from China. Prejin was taken to a psychiatrist thrice on his insistence, but they sent him back saying he had no mental issues, she said. Meanwhile, the Vellarada police said they are unaware of the black magic angle as Sushma did not mention anything regarding the same in her statement. Had she told us any of these things, we couldve brought out the truth. Despite our continuous prodding, she did not reveal anything. If she had informed us about the black magic, we couldve grilled Prejin about the matter while he was in our custody, said an officer. According to the officer, a material resembling a scabbard made of coir was found in Prejins room during inspection. Though it appeared strange, we did not connect it with black magic as nobody else in the family mentioned such a thing to us, said the officer. The officer said Prejins room was in a state of disarray and two Bibles were recovered from there. Verses were written in those Bibles. We could not find anything else that evoked suspicion, the officer added. The police, however, felt the murder was not committed in the heat of the moment and there was evidence suggesting that Prejin was prepared. Sushma: Took Prejin to psychiatrist thrice Sushma said, her son used to manhandle her and Jose and that they had been living like hostages since his return from China. Prejin was taken to a psychiatrist thrice on his insistence, but they sent him back saying he had no mental issues, she said.

M V Govindan defends his AI remarks; accuses media of spreading half-truths

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a moment of levity, M V Govindan said he only started to laugh after being elected CPM state secretary. Laughing is a good thing. As a psychological approach, I have decided to only respond to positive things. The media is always striving to create negative feelings, he said. Clarifying his dialectical materialistic approach to artificial intelligence (AI), he accused the media of propagating half-cooked truths about his remarks. What I said the other day is very simple. Everyone should listen carefully, Govindan said, rebuking a TV reporter who was conversing with a fellow journalist. At the height of capitalism, the rich become richer and the poor poorer. The rich gain through private ownership of the means of production. Labourers wages stagnate. Capitalism will employ AI as part of its monopolistic tendencies. This will help in the accumulation of surplus value and increase unemployment. This will result in social transformation, to quote Karl Marx. This may lead from democracy to socialism to a peoples democratic revolution, he said. Govindan said the AI chatbot developed by Chinese firm DeepSeek is not part of monopoly capitalism as it is free for download. He said the party state conference and congress will decide on the issue of age-limit exemption for any leader.

Half-price scam: Accused hints at involvement of high-profile individuals, politicians

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The half-price scam has taken a new turn with key accused, Anandhu Krishnan, revealing the involvement of high-profile individuals and political figures. Despite the police maintaining silence on the matter, Anandhu, who is the mastermind behind the scam, on Sunday hinted at the involvement of prominent persons. Talking to reporters while being taken for evidence collection, Anandhu said, I transferred money to Anandakumar (executive director of the Sri Sathya Sai Orphanage Trust). The formation of the NGO Confederation was under his directive, and he appointed our consulting agency. Besides him, I also gave money to members of various political parties. However, he refrained from revealing names, concluding his reply with a wry smile. He clarified that Kochi-based Society for Integrated Growth of the Nation, chaired by BJP leader A N Radhakrishnan, was merely an implementing agency, which had no links to the NGO Confederation. Meanwhile, the evidence collection began on Sunday at the project office of the NGO Confederation in Ponnurunni. Police then escorted Anandhu to villas he had rented in Vyttila for his staff. He was then taken to the headquarters of his firm, Social Bee Ventures, at Girinagar, followed by his apartment at Ashoka Flats and another office in Kalamassery.

Kerala's AI budget allocation criticised as insufficient amid growing competition from neighbouring states

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Though CPM state secretary M V Govindan has been articulate about artificial intelligence (AI), it seems that the Left government has not given much importance to the new technology. As per the budget announcements made by the finance minister, the state has allocated a total of Rs 517.64 crore to strengthen the IT sector focusing on AI. A Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) will be set up in Thiruvananthapuram to elevate the state as a major player in AI. A national- level hackathon will be organised to encourage the development of Agentic AI system and Rs 1 crore is set aside for this, the budget stated. However, according to technocrats this is not enough at a time when neighbouring states have taken concrete steps to invite investments and startups to their respective territories. Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka are miles ahead of Kerala and several states are developing AI policies. According to IT experts, the state has to first formulate an AI policy focusing on promoting artificial intelligence parks, and startups. Telangana government has declared an AI city project on a 200-acre campus after constituting an AI advisory council. It also envisages state of the art data centres and computing facilities. The Karnataka government had formed an AI administration unit. With its existing IT talent pool, Karnataka had integrated AI into government-level operations. The Karnataka cabinet had also approved an initiative to set up a Centre of Excellence in AI. Whereas the Tamil Nadu government has taken steps to develop the state into an AI hub in the next five years. It has also established an AI Mission and started research. Compared to these states and considering future chances, Kerala has not given much importance to AI in the budget, executive committee member of GTech, the Association of IT Companies and Business Process Management in the state, Ranjith Balan told TNIE. We have not formed an AI policy till now. We have also set aside just Rs 1 crore to organise a hackathon to encourage the development of Agnetic AI system. And another `10 crore has been set aside for a GPU cluster. This is too insufficient. This happens when other states have already started AI hubs to encourage startups, he said. IT professionals working in AI pointed out that considering the fact that China could develop DeepSeek, a free AI-powered chatbot on a low budget, the states inactiveness would affect the prospects of future IT developments. According to Ranjith Balan, who is also president of the Professional Congress, the budget has allocated only Rs 21 crore each to Technopark and Infopark. There are about 300 companies in these parks that are on the waiting list for additional space. Each company needs 150 seats each. The government could easily build an additional building in these two parks. Otherwise, the companies would be compelled to switch over to other states, Ranjith said.

Brahmasthanam festival ends with message on humility, compassion

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The two-day Brahmasthanam temple festival at Kaimanam here concluded on Friday with Mata Amritanandamayi delivering a message that underscored the values of humility, selflessness, and compassion. The festival, marked by spiritual fervour and communal harmony, drew thousands of devotees eager to receive Ammas blessings during her first visit to the city in years. This was the thirty-third anniversary of the temple consecration. In her satsang, Amritanandamayi reflected on the deeper meaning of life, urging individuals to transcend ego and foster love and humility. Life becomes fulfilled when we come into tune with the infinite. To achieve peace and happiness, we must reduce the weight of our ego and cultivate selflessness, she said. Comparing life not merely to journeys or dreams but to virtues like patience and tolerance, Amritanandamayi reminded the gathering that true fulfilment arises from within. When humility becomes our natural state, our lives flow like beautiful music, bringing bliss to ourselves and others, she added. Amritanandamayi also addressed the importance of compassion in modern society, stating, Love is the true wealth of life, and its absence is the greatest loss a person can experience. Compassion is not a luxury but a necessity for the survival of society. When the heart is filled with love, peace blossoms around us. She emphasised that while it is not always possible to help everyone in need, prioritising the needs of those around us can create a ripple effect of kindness, fostering greater harmony in the world. The festival featured special rituals, meditation sessions, bhajans, and Ammas darshan . A highlight of the event was the distribution of clothing to members of the Amrita SREE self-help groups in the district. As part of her South India tour, Amritanandamayi will next visit Nagercoil, where she is scheduled to lead a public programme at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham on February 11.

Kerala Sleuths in City To Track Two Killers Absconding Since Two Decades

According to the team, led by M. Kunnipparampan, DYSP Malappuram crime branch, the two were co-workers of the victim Leela, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, whom they strangled in 2004 in Kerala.

Keralas LDF government sets stage for innovation-driven future despite fiscal challenges

Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal presented the ninth consecutive budget of the LDF government in Kerala, marking the last full budget of the current administration. The budget reflects the states resilience in overcoming economic and political challenges while setting the foundation for a future driven by knowledge, investment, and innovation. Over the past nine years, the government has navigated internal and external crises, including demonetisation, the hasty implementation of GST, multiple natural disasters, the Nipah virus outbreak, and the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges tested Keralas economic stability, yet the governments handling of them contributed to the LDFs re-election in 2021. Internationally, the decline of globalisation, increasing trade wars, and economic slowdowns have created further instability. While developed nations have managed to maintain marginal GDP growth, the overall global economic scenario remains unpredictable. Keralas fiscal crisis stems from its unique development strategy, which prioritised human capital production over tradable goods. This approach, while benefiting the nation through remittances and skilled migration, has left the state with a rising revenue deficit and dependence on borrowing. Despite Keralas contributions to national development, its share in the divisible tax pool has dropped significantlyfrom 3.8 per cent during the 10th Finance Commission (1995-2000) to 1.9 per cent under the 15th Finance Commission (2021-2026). This decline has exacerbated Keralas fiscal stress, worsened further by the growing vertical fiscal imbalance post-GST implementation. Nevertheless, Kerala has seen a notable increase in its tax revenue. The states tax revenue as a share of total revenue receipts stands at 61.22 per cent, compared to the national average of 50 per cent. Similarly, Keralas own revenue share has reached 74.5 per cent, significantly higher than the national average of 58.4 per cent for 2024-25 (BE). Despite fiscal constraints, the budget size has steadily expandedfrom Rs 66,992 crore during the previous UDF government (2011-2016) to Rs 1,15,435 crore in the first LDF term. Over the past four years, this has further risen to Rs 1,66,075 crore, reaching Rs 1,98,582 crore in the latest budget. Kerala is now poised for a transformative leap forward, anchored in a new development model based on knowledge, investment, and compassion-driven development. One of the key responses to conservative fiscal policies was the establishment of the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) to enhance capital expenditure. The governments commitment to social welfare has also led to a 2.5-fold increase in social security pensions, now set at Rs 1,600 per month. This vision extends to fostering an innovation-driven economy through initiatives led by the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC). The creation of Space Park, Science Park, Fab Lab, an Innovation Centre for Graphene, Digital University, and Blockchain Academy highlights Keralas push towards becoming a hub for Industry 4.0 technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and robotics. Additionally, the budget builds on previous investments in infrastructure, with a strong focus on the Vizhinjam Port and projects such as the gas pipeline, National Highway, Hill Highway, Coastal Highway, and North-South Waterways. These developments aim to establish Kerala as a major innovation and logistics hub. However, concerns remain regarding revenue mobilisation. User fees could have been introduced in the areas of education and health, an expert noted. Kerala, with a higher life expectancy, has the lowest pension age in the country. Raising it to 60 could ease fiscal pressure. There are also calls for improving land tax collection, with comparisons drawn to West Bengal, which generates over four times Keralas revenue despite having only 2.3 times the land area. Additionally, a shift in approach towards the public sector is needed, though political resistance remains a challenge. While Keralas budget signals a forward-looking approach, the road ahead will require bold reforms and sustained public support to realise its vision of an innovation-led economy. (The writer is the director of Gulati Institute of Finance and Taxation, Thiruvananthapuram..)

CSIR-NIIST to deploy biomedical waste treatment technology at AIIMS

NEW DELHI, Feb 9: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is all set to get an automated biomedical waste conversion rig that can disinfect pathogenic biomedical waste such as blood, urine, sputum and laboratory disposables, without the use of costly and energy-intensive incinerators. Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh will formally commission the waste conversion rig, Srjanam, developed by CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, on Monday. The prototype equipment, with a daily capacity of [] The post CSIR-NIIST to deploy biomedical waste treatment technology at AIIMS appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Two-day Brahmasthanam festival begins in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thousands of devotees gathered to receive blessings from Mata Amritanandamayi as the two-day-long Brahmasthanam festival began at Kaimanam on Saturday. Addressing the devotees during a satsang, she spoke about the power of love and compassion in creating a peaceful world. When our hearts are filled with love, flowers of peace bloom around us, and the brief span of life between birth and death becomes meaningful through good deeds, she said. Mata Amritanandamayi also spoke about the importance of fostering a deep love for nature, describing it as a medicine without side effects and encouraging individuals to integrate this loving approach into their daily lives. The event began at 11 am. When Mata Amritanandamayi arrived at a specially prepared venue, she was welcomed by guests. The day started with meditation sessions, devotional singing and darshan. During the ceremony, clothing and financial assistance were also distributed to Amritashree members. Mata Amritanandamayis visit to the state capital after many years attracted many devotees. To accommodate the large gathering the ashram arranged various facilities and free food for the attendees. On the second day of the festival, there will be sessions on meditation, satsang, bhajans, and darshan.

Kerala launches initiative with goal to eliminate snakebite deaths in five years

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The budget proposal to achieve zero mortality from snakebites in five years, would be the final phase of an ambitious move the state began in recent years. The state aims to set up an anti-venom production facility so as to bring down snakebite deaths to zero. On Friday, the finance minister announced that Snake Envenomation Zero Mortality Kerala will be implemented in the state. Going by the forest department figures, the state had witnessed 1,149 deaths due to snake bites since 2011-12. Though the numbers kept on varying, theres substantial decline in the number of deaths of late. The forest department launched the project Snake Envenomation Zero Mortality Kerala along with Disaster Management Authority and a few other departments as majority of deaths due to man-animal conflict occur on account of snakebites. We have taken this initiative on a priority basis. The State Wildlife Board chaired by the chief minister issued his nod for the initiative to ensure zero snakebite mortality. We aim to bring down the deaths to half in the next two years, said Pramod Krishnan, chief wildlife warden, forest department. As part of the initiative, the department plans to create awareness among the people and at the same time ensure sufficient facilities at local PHCs. As per rough estimates, about 3000 people suffer snakebites in the state per year. Of which about 2,000 belong to those going for grass cutting and MGNREGS workers. There is a sharp decline since 2020, opined Sandeep Das, noted Herpetologist, who is also a master trainer and committee member of Sarpa. After the Sarpa initiative was launched, snake rescue guidelines were implemented in a meticulous manner so as to ensure the safety of both human beings and snakes. Compared to other states, deaths are relatively low in the state since we strictly adhere to the protocol. After Kerala started working towards this goal, many states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Orissa have taken it as a model. Still we need more awareness so as to ensure that the victims dont delay seeking proper medical treatment so that the right anti-venom can be administered, he said. Currently, the state has anti-venom for the big four snakes - Russels viper, common krait, Indian cobra and Indian saw-scaled viper. The anti-venom used in the state is being brought from other states. Scientists say if anti-venom can be produced from snakes from the same region, it will be more virulent. The forest department catches around 15,000 snakes per year, If anti-venom can be produced here, it will be a major boost to the efforts towards zero snakebite mortality. Also, it can be a profitable industrial establishment, pointed out an official.

Decision on metro alignment in Thiruvananthapuram soon

A decision on final alignment will be made based on the passenger volume expected in various alignments, along with its feasibility

S. Balaram urges scientists to embrace ethical responsibility in transformative era of science

Future of science must involve both innovative research and responsible application, says the biochemist while giving the inaugural speech of the All India Science Conference organised by the Breakthrough Science Society in Thiruvananthapuram

Kerala aims to source 50 per cent energy from renewables by 2030: Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is setting an ambitious target to source 50% of its electricity requirements from renewable energy by 2030, aiming to serve as a model for the nation, according to Minister for Electricity K Krishnankutty. Speaking at the inaugural address of the second International Energy Festival of Kerala, held at the Thycaud Police Grounds, the minister emphasised the states long-term vision to achieve 100% renewable energy-powered status by 2040 and net carbon neutrality by 2050. The state aims to enhance the use of renewable energy sources and achieve self-sufficiency in power generation. We are committed to energy security, sustainable development, and self-sufficiency, the minister said. He added that Keralas energy policies are designed to ensure the benefits of energy development reach marginalised communities, including those in remote tribal settlements. Organised by the Energy Management Centre under the Kerala Governments Energy Department, the festival showcases innovative energy efficiency models and focuses on this years theme, Towards a Carbon-Free Kerala. Currently, Kerala generates only 30% of its electricity domestically, with most imported power coming from fossil fuel sources. However, the state has made significant progress under the current government, increasing its electricity production capacity by 1,359.55 MW, including 148.55 MW from hydroelectric projects and the rest from solar initiatives. By 2027, the state aims to add 3,000 MW through solar and wind energy projects and 1,500 MW from hydroelectric projects. The minister distributed the State Energy Conservation Awards and launched the award booklet during the event. Presiding over the event, Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department K R Jyothilal lauded the initiatives. Energy Management Centre Director R Harikumar, State Chief Electrical Inspector G Vinod and Energy Management Centre Registrar Subhash Babu BV, were present. The festival includes technical sessions, panel discussions, training programmes, the Kerala Students Energy Congress, and public exhibitions. Long-term vision States long-term vision to achieve 100% renewable energy-powered status by 2040 and net carbon neutrality by 2050 Energy policies designed to ensure the benefits of energy development reach marginalised communities, including those in remote tribal settlements

Thiruvananthapuram metro project to take off this year, planning committee to be formed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Giving fresh hopes to the state capitals aspirations in urban mobility, Finance Minister K N Balagopal announced on Friday that the long-awaited metro rail project will take off this year. While presenting the state budget for 2025-26, the finance minister also announced the formation of a metropolitan planning committee for Thiruvananthapuram. The indecision over the alignment proposed by the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL), and whether the network should be underground or elevated, are among the reasons why the Thiruvananthapuram metro project has been stuck. According to a source, the matter is under review with the finance department. Constructing an underground metro rail network will be more expensive compared to an elevated system. The finance department has to take a final call on this as it impacts the project cost, the source said. Meanwhile, Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industries (TCCI) president S N Reghuchandran Nair said there is no clarity on the metro project this year either. For the past several years, the government has been repeating that the state capital will get a metro rail system. The public is still in the dark about what kind of metro is being planned, its alignment. Also, the government has failed to show the progress of the projects announced in the previous budget, Reghuchandran said. Another major project announced in the budget is the feasibility study for a ropeway at the Ponmudi hill station. The budget has set aside Rs 50 lakh for conducting feasibility study for introducing a ropeway at Ponmudi. The metropolitan planning committee is one of the other highlights in the budget. As per studies, in 2001, approximately 25.96 % of Keralas population resided in urban areas. In 2011, it increased to 47.72 %. It is expected that over 70 % of Keralas population will reside in urban areas by 2031. The metropolitan committee will formulate schemes to identify the issues faced by urban areas and plan development accordingly.

Kerala LoP Satheesan slams Kerala budget as farewell budget, says LDF pushing state into crisis

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan has flayed the budget presented by Finance Minister K N Balagopal, terming it a repetition of hollow promises without considering the states fiscal situation. Finding fault with the reduction in allocation for several projects, Satheesan said the finance minister has presented the LDF governments farewell budget as the cut in allocation will make the government dysfunctional. The government will become fully dysfunctional as the allocation is insufficient to even cover the outstanding liabilities of various departments. The LDF government is pushing the state to a dark abyss, Satheesan said. The Leader of Opposition also criticised the 50% hike in land tax, adding that the trimming of plan funds and the land tax hike were anti-constitutional. He said projects worth Rs 15,000 crore have been trimmed in financial year 2024-25. The funds were assigned after the assembly passed the demands for grant and the appropriation bill, which was ratified by the governor, he said. Reducing that fund via an executive order is a violation of Articles 204 and 205 of the Constitution, he said. Satheesan also mocked the finance minister, saying the Plan B that the latter often mentioned was in fact about cutting plan funds. The LDF rule has pushed the state back by 20 years, he said. Opposition flays government over economic review THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan criticised the government for not tabling the Economic Review in the assembly a day before the budget. Just before Finance Minister K N Balagopal rose to present the budget, Satheesan raised a point of order and said such a precedent was being followed in legislatures and the Parliament. Balagopal said it was on the basis of the Business Advisory Committees decision that budget was presented on the first day of the reconvening of the current session, leaving little scope for it to be tabled a day earlier.

Kerala budget projects stability but lacks major new initiatives

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As opposed to belligerent posturing against the BJP-led Union government and the Opposition UDF last time, K N Balagopal opted to go forth on a positive note this time around. Stepping into the arduous task of keeping Keralas fiscal stock afloat ahead of back-to-back elections, it was the pragmatic politician rather than the finance minister that ruled the day. In a marked departure from the last nine LDF budgets, Balagopal chose to paint an all is well scenario. In the penultimate budget of the second Pinarayi cabinet, he boldly declared that trying times are on the way out. Stating that Keralas fiscal position has improved, he exuded confidence that the economy is poised for a take-off. In an election year, Balagopal doesnt have much of a choice, pointed out political analyst J Prabhash. Even when he says the fiscal scenario is stable, the fine print shows its not. The actual allocations, even for crucial sectors, are very less. He has chosen to stay content with whatever little was available. He cannot be blamed. In the given scenario, this is all he can do, he observed. Having said that, Balagopal is well aware of the fiscal constraints, but has chosen a seemingly clever approach. Though it has all the trappings of a populist budget, he stopped short of going the whole way. While service pension arrears and pay revision arrears were cleared, rise in welfare pension, though widely anticipated, didnt figure in budget. He could easily be saving the best for the last; the reason why the UDF termed it a farewell budget. Despite the claim of stability, the buget lacks novelty only a few new initiaives have been announced. Though Balagopal spoke about Wayanad at length, there is no new allocation for landslide victims. Allocation to establishments like Supplyco barely covers the payment due from government. Also, the declaration to replace the contributory pension scheme with an assured pension scheme was in the last budget too. The speech did have its usual dose of Centre-bashing. In a strongly-worded critique, the CPM leader blamed the Union government citing its neglect as the sole reason for Keralas fiscal constraints. The decline in the states share of taxes out of total taxes collected by the Centre had begun around a quarter of a century ago. More than three pages were dedicated to such criticism. However compared to the past, it was toned down, and contained scattered glimpses of a conciliatory and optimistic leitmotif. True to the Communist spirit, Balagopal made it a point to touch upon the international scenario too. Pointing fingers at the newly-elected US president, he dutifully criticised autocracy and dictatorship, stressing on a rising atmosphere of fear, hatred and war mongering across the globe. Kerala should be well prepared to face such challenges. Its time to join hands to strengthen the democratic-secular values and progressive perspectives, he added.

Kerala budget focuses on urbanisation, municipal bonds, metro rail expansion

KOCHI: The Budget 2025-26 has brought to the fore a very big reality - that Kerala is getting urbanised. Hence, better planning and improvement of urban infrastructure have become the need of the hour. Big plans have been devised in the budget to cater to the development of big cities like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. As per the budget, a detailed proposal would be formulated to aid the urban local governments and their consortia to raise an amount of Rs 1,000 crore through floating Municipal Bonds, Green Bonds and Pooled Municipal Bonds. These funds so mobilised can be used to implement projects like IT parks, Commercial Centres, Roads, Waste Management and Water Supply Schemes. In a big step towards improving the facilities in the big cities, Metropolitan Planning Committees will be formed in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. Schemes will be formulated in line with the recommendations of the Urban Commission which was formed to identify the unique issues faced by urban areas. As part of improving travel facilities in big cities, it has been decided to introduce metro rail systems in due course of time. The allocation of funds for the development of infrastructure at Technopark (Rs 21 crore) at Thiruvananthapuram, Infopark (Rs 21.60 crore) at Kochi and Rs 11.50 for Cyber Park at Kozhikode will play a big role in urbanisation.

Kerala allocates Rs 517.64 crore to strengthen IT sector

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has allocated a total of Rs 517.64 crore in the state budget to strengthen the IT sector focusing on AI, emerging technologies and digital infrastructure. Thiruvananthapuram will be developed as an automotive technology hub. A Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) cluster will be set up in the capital to make the state a major player in AI, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC). The government has allocated Rs 10 crore for this project. A national-level hackathon will be organised to encourage the development of Agentic AI systems, which integrate AI into various industries. The budget sets aside Rs 1 crore for this, with Rs 20 lakh each allocated to the top five selected AI projects. The budget recognises the potential of fintech, with Rs 10 crore allocated for fintech development in collaboration with financial institutions like KSFE and KFC. A total of Rs 5 crore has been earmarked for GCC parks, along with Rs 2 crore for hosting an International GCC Conclave. The Digital University has signed an MoU with Oxford University for academic collaboration, with Rs 2 crore allocated for PhD scholarships through Oxfords GEMS funding mechanism. The proposals in the budget to develop Global Capability Centres and promote fintech enterprises will open up new opportunities. It aligns well with the states transition into a knowledge-based economy, said KSUM CEO Anoop Ambika.

Kerala budget unveils care scheme for bedridden patients, Rs 1,160 crore for LIFE Mission

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state budget has announced a comprehensive scheme to take care of the medical and social needs of all bedridden patients registered with the government-affiliated digital grid. This will be achieved by converging the relevant schemes of health and family welfare, social justice and local self-government institutions at the local level. Facilities like permanent caregivers, diet service, food supply and AI-based surveillance will be provided by charging nominal fees in addition to the free services provided. Healthy ageing project will be implemented for the ageing populace who are not bedridden. An additional assistance of Rs 50 crore has been earmarked for the same. The budget has also proposed the completion of the construction of one lakh houses and 19 housing complexes through LIFE Mission in 2025-26 and an amount of Rs 1,160 crore has been earmarked for LIFE Mission for the financial year. A total of Rs 700 crore has been earmarked for the Karunya Arogya Suraksha Padhathi. Meanwhile, contrary to expectation, there has been no hike in social security pension for senior citizens. However, the finance minister said that the remaining three installments of arrears will be disbursed this year.

Kerala budget increases education outlay to Rs 2,391 crore; announces CM Researchers Scholarship

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Education sector has received a major allocation in the state budget with the total outlay pegged at Rs 2,391.13 crore, denoting an increase of Rs 111.84 crore from the previous budget. A major portion of the funds for school education has been earmarked for ongoing major schemes such as mid-day meal and free uniform. While Rs 84.28 crore has been earmarked for the basic infrastructure development of government schools, an additional Rs 60 crore has been set apart for the construction of new blocks/rooms with modern facilities, including smart classrooms, infrastructure development of educational offices, woman-friendly wash rooms and toilets in schools. The budget has earmarked Rs 10 crore for creating a barrier-free atmosphere for students with disabilities in schools through special learning aids/equipment. While institutions that are engaged in taking care of intellectually disabled children will be allocated Rs 62 crore, a new scheme implemented through SCERT for improving the efficiency of school teachers has received an assistance of Rs 5 crore in the budget. Higher education In the higher education sector, the budget has announced a new scheme CM Researchers Scholarship with an allocation of Rs 20 crore for providing Rs 10,000 as monthly fellowship to regular/full time PhD scholars who are not receiving any other fellowships. As the first phase towards establishing seven centres of excellence in universities, engineering colleges and higher education council, the budget has earmarked Rs 25 crore. Universities of Kerala, Calicut, Kannur Sanskrit, MG University and NUALS have been allocated funds for various activities. Malayalam University and Sreenarayana Guru Open University have received budgetary support for infrastructure development.

Kerala budget announces Rs 600 crore for pension arrears; 5% wage hike for daily wagers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The budget has given government employees something to cheer about. The last instalment of the service pension revision arrears, amounting to Rs 600 crore, will be disbursed in February. Two instalments of pay revision arrears will be sanctioned this financial year itself. It will be merged with the Provident Fund. The lock-in period of two instalments of dearness allowance arrears of employees has been waived off during the current financial year. The house building advance scheme of state government employees will be revamped. A 2% interest subsidy will be given for loans taken from banks/financial institutions. An amount of Rs 50 crore is provided for this scheme. The wages of daily wage and contract employees will be hiked by 5%. One instalment of DA/dearness relief will be allowed to government employees/pensioners. The enhanced rate of DA/DR will be given in April. Budget said actions for implementing the Assured Pension Scheme will be taken after evaluating the Centres Unified Pension Scheme and similar pension schemes in other states. The budget said Rs 1,668 crore has been sanctioned till date in 8.79 lakh claims in MEDISEP scheme. The government will take a call on continuation of the scheme in consultation with the insurance firm and employees representatives. Boost for daily wagers Last instalment of service pension revision arrears amounting to D600 cr to be disbursed this month 2 instalments of pay revision arrears to be sanctioned this fiscal Lock-in period of 2 instalments of DA arrears of staff waived off during the current financial year 2% interest subsidy to be given for loans taken from banks/financial institutions Pay of daily wage and contract employees to be hiked by 5%

Kerala budget allocates Rs 385 crore for tourism; K-Homes plan sparks industry concerns

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Setting the stage for development, the budget has allocated Rs 385.02 crore for the tourism sector. K-Homes, a new product that aims to use the empty and unoccupied homes across the state for tourism accommodation, remains one of the key announcements in the budget. The government has allocated Rs 33.60 crore more to the tourism sector compared to previous years, yet the industry is apprehensive that a large share of projects remain incomplete owing to a 50% cut in plan funds. The K-Home initiative has received mixed response from the industry. The plan is to pilot the project within a 10-km radius of tourism destinations, including Fort Kochi, Kumarakom, Kovalam and Munnar. However, allocating Rs 5 crore for marketing and piloting the project has irked homestay operators in the state. Kerala Homestay and Tourism Society (HATS) director M P Sivaduttan told TNIE that allocating funds for such an initiative is upsetting as the government hasnt till date allotted a penny for struggling homestays. Even the Union government has acknowledged homestays and has announced Mudra loans. Homestays being a successful product of Kerala Tourism, we expected the government to give some kind of assistance through Kerala Bank. Allotting funds for developing vacant homes owned by NRIs is totally unnecessary, he said. According to tourism department, the allocation is satisfactory and set a base for raising private investment for the sector. The budget has decided to formulate schemes with the aid of Kerala Financial Corporation to provide loans up to Rs 50 crore to construct hotels. Boosting tourism sector J26.6 crore for promoting cultural fetes J20 crore for developing amenities at pilgrim tourism centres J13 crore for the renovation of luxury premium resorts under KTDC J5 crore for new Biological Park in Kozhikode J1 crore for eco tourism project at Sasthamkotta, Kollam J3 crore for Vanayatra project to promote trekking among tourists J5 crore for creating a model tourism destination aligning with design policy J5 crore for Kerala House in Hyderabad J1 crore for setting up nightlife in major cities J50 lakh for feasibility study to develop a rope way at Ponmudi

Central Archives: once a military barrack, now treasure trove of Kerala history

The Central Archives, standing solemnly in Kottakkakam within the historic East Fort of Thiruvananthapuram, is more than just a repository of documents it is a living chronicle of Keralas past. The building, constructed in the style of an ancient Roman courtyard house, has a rich and layered history. The fort is believed to have housed the Nair brigades, and the Fort Hospital was established to treat the Nair sepoys stationed there. This suggests it once served as their barracks, says historian M G Sasibhooshan. The brigade eventually succumbed to the British policy of the subsidiary alliance, leading to its disbandment, with the final blow coming during the tenure of Velu Thampi Dalawa. With the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple and palaces like Kuthiramalika and Krishnavilasom requiring protection, the permanent deployment of a small army within the fort (Kottakkakom) was a strategic necessity. For a brief period in history, the fort also functioned as a prison, adds thehistorian. In 1887, it was repurposed as the Central Vernacular Records Office before being transformed into the Central Archives in 1962. The Archives house records from the princely state of Travancore, including census records, education codes, and documents from various departments such as education, revenue, and judiciary, dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Among its most prized possessions is a collection of over a crore palm-leaf manuscripts, meticulously preserved using traditional methods. These manuscripts, inscribed in scripts like Grantha, Malayanma, Vattezhuthu, and Kolezhuthu, provide invaluable insights into Keralas administrative, socio-cultural, and economic history. It has 700-year-old palm leaf collections with about 80 lakh to 1 crore leaflets which throw light into the history of Kerala, says Uma Maheswari, history enthusiast and the curator of the worlds first Palm-leaf Manuscript Museum that functions out of the facility now. Famous personalities like Ulloor S Parameswara Iyer, Sooranad Kunjan Pillai, and actor Sathyan worked at this place, Uma adds. A significant part of the collection includes the Mathilakam Rekhakal, historical documents once housed in the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple. These records detail royal decrees, temple administration, and pre-settlement land revenue systems, offering crucial historical context. The foresight of the Travancore rulers in maintaining such meticulous records has allowed historians to reconstruct an authentic narrative of Keralas past. Digitalisation of these records is ongoing. A part of it got digitised in 2017 in collaboration with C-DIT, more will be done in the upcoming years. Writing of the same script varies from person to person which makes it difficult to comprehend the script, says Parvathy S, director of the archives. It is on the ground floor of the Central Archives that the Palm-Leaf Manuscripts Museum function, featuring eight thematic galleries: History of Writing, Land and People, Administration, War and Peace, Education and Health, Economy, Art and Culture, and Mathilakom Records. The exhibits include ancient documents on land ownership, tax records, appointment orders of officials, laws, military records, and treaties. Visitors can explore Keralas historical development through display boards, feature videos, QR-code systems, and interactive installations. The museums War and Peace section is particularly notable, containing palm-leaf records that recount historical incidents such as assassination attempts on Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, battles, and revolts. The Education and Health gallery highlights the contributions of Travancore rulers and missionaries in shaping Keralas education system. Meanwhile, the Economy section showcases manuscripts related to land measurement, taxation, and trade policies. Looking ahead, the Kerala government has planned an International Archives and Heritage Centre in Kariavattom to further enhance preservation efforts and expand archival research. The construction is ongoing on the Kariavattom campus. If timely provided the fund, the construction will be completed in less than two years, says Parvathy.

Kochi gets little for road development vis-a-vis other cities

A total of 5,207.43 crore allocated for development of 48 roads in Kannur, Kozhikode, Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram through KIIFB funding

Divisional Railway Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram becomes Indias first to receive entry-level NABH certification

UDF flays Kerala budget, terms it as repetition of hollow promises

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition Leader V D Satheesan flayed the budget presented by Finance Minister K N Balagopal terming it as a repetition of hollow promises without considering the fiscal situation of the state. Satheesan found fault with downsizing of allocation for several projects and said the Finance Minister presented the farewell budget of the LDF government as the cut in allocation would make the government dysfunctional. The government will become fully dysfunctional as the allocation is not enough to even cover the outstanding liabilities of various departments. The LDF government is pushing the state to the abyss of a catastrophe, Satheesan said. Satheesan also criticised the hike in land tax by 50 per cent and added that trimming of plan fund and the land tax hike were anti-constitutional. He said projects worth Rs 15000 crore has been trimmed in 2024-25 financial year. The funds were assigned after the assembly passed the demands for grant and the appropriation bill, which was ratified by thr governor. Reducing that fund via an executive order is a violation of articles 204 and 205 of the Constitution, he said. Satheesan also mocked the Finance Minister saying that the 'Plan B' that he often mentioned was in fact about cutting the plan funds. Satheesan further pointed out that the allocations have been trimmed for minority scholarships and projects for the SC/ST communities, which reveal that their welfare was not a priority for the government. The expenditure from the Life project was just 24 percent from the allocated Rs 500 crore, he said.

Vizhinjam Port gets major boost in Kerala budget

Thiruvananthapuram: The soon-to-be-commissioned Adani Vizhinjam Port took centre stage in the final full budget of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government, presented by State Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal Friday in the Kerala Legislative Assembly. The cover page of Balagopals fifth successive budget features an image of a cargo-laden ship arriving at the port, underlining the state []

Kerala Budget 2025-26: Focus on Infrastructure and Growth Amid Financial Struggles

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala's Finance Minister, K.N Balagopal, is presenting the state's 2025-26 budget, which is his fifth and final full budget under the second Pinarayi Vijayan government. The government is facing financial difficulties and has limited options to raise more funds due to the GST system. The state will have to rethink some decisions, like introducing a road fee for KIIFB-funded roads. Some past tax hikes might be reduced because land sales have slowed down, but government service fees could still increase. The government is also expected to blame the central government for the financial strain. In this budget, the government has announced money for various important areas like public services, education, and health. The major highlights include: Rs.107 crore for BS6 buses to improve public transport. Rs.5 crore for the GCDA, which will fund a She Hostel. Rs.30 crore for Sreenarayana Open University. Rs.150.81 crore for NORKA Roots, helping expatriates. Rs.402 crore for the school noon meals program. Rs.100 crore for power generation projects in Kerala. Rs.15 crore for expanding WiFi hotspots. Rs.8.96 crore for the Champions Boat League. Rs.30 crore for the Vidya Vahini Project to boost digital learning. Rs.21 crore to set up stroke units in district hospitals. Rs.15 crore for the National Nutrition Mission. Rs.210 crore for infrastructure projects under the Nava Kerala Sadass initiative. Rs.100 crore for the Aswasakiranam social security scheme, doubling last year's funds, though only 20% was used last year. Rs.5 crore for CDS financial aid. Rs.500 crore for new projects under Nava Kerala. Rs.5 crore for modernization of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau. Rs.104 crore for Home Department improvements. Rs.20 crore for jail modernization. Rs.23.9 crore for GST department projects. Rs.18 crore for better judicial infrastructure. Rs.300 crore raised to Rs.600 crore for Kerala Financial Corporation (KFC), with plans to increase it to Rs.800 crore. Rs.2 crore for napkin vending machines in schools. Rs.1,000 crore for the Rebuild Kerala initiative. Rs.56.56 crore for a food safety project. Rs.15 crore for renovating Supplyco outlets. Kerala Budget2025-26 goes on LIVE....More Updates to come....

Factional feud: Pro-Congress Kerala NGO Association splits into two

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The factional feud in the Congress has found its ripples in its service association too, as the pro-Congress Kerala NGO Association split into two on Thursday. The state council meet held in the presence of KPCC general secretary M Liju, witnessed tension, after open clashes erupted between the two factions. While the faction led by Jaffar Khan elected him the state president, the other faction led by Chavara Jayakumar announced that Jaffar Khan and ex-vice president G S Umashankar were expelled from the organisation. While the Chavara Jayakumar faction enjoys the support of KPCC president K Sudhakaran, there are indications that the other faction has the blessings of Opposition Leader V D Satheesan camp. The state council meeting held at the Muslim Association hall witnessed tense scenes due to major differences between the two factions led by association president Chavara Jayakumar and general secretary A M Jaffar Khan. With Chavara Jayakumar staying away from the meeting, the other faction elected Jaffar Khan as the new president and Uma Shankar as new general secretary. Following this, the official faction led by Jayakumar took control of the organisation state committee office. The rebel faction felt that Congress leader M Liju failed to bring in a consensus. Meanwhile the official faction announced action against the rebel leaders. Speaking to TNIE, Chavara Jayakumar said Uma Shankar and Jaffar Khan have been expelled from the organisation. The president has been elected, as per the bylaw. The association offices and other establishments come under the president. During the council meeting, the rebel leaders tried to create a ruckus and manhandle the leaders including KPCC office-bearers. We have decided to expel Jaffar Khan and Uma Shankar. Action will be taken against district leaders supporting them, said Chavara Jayakumar. Jaffar Khan, however, said, The council members have elected the new president and other office-bearers. All the district units support the new council. The association does not need party support. The party need not issue its nod for association matters, he said.

This V-day, stitch a partnership?

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: This Valentines Day, why not celebrate love with a creative twist? At the Embroidery Date event, couples can join hands to create something meaningful together an embroidered keepsake to cherish forever. You and your partner stitch each others first initials into a hoop, crafting a unique piece of art that symbolises your bond. Its a heartfelt way to commemorate your togetherness and create a memory youll both treasure. The event will take place at Caf Sarwaa (or a customizable location), from February 7-13, with flexible time slots to accommodate your schedule. Each session lasts two hours, providing ample time to unwind, chat, and stitch your personalized creations. No prior experience is needed all materials are provided, so its perfect for beginners or seasoned crafters alike. Guiding you through the process will be Betty Abraham (@bettymabraham), an expert in embroidery, who will ensure that each couple learns the craft step by step. This is a chance to explore creativity together while making a meaningful keepsake of your love. Registration is open now, so grab your partner and sign up for this special, hands-on Valentines experience. For more information, contact @bettyabraham on Instagram.

Support pours in as Thycauds little farmers lose their harvest to theft

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The theft of vegetables from the school garden at Thycaud Government Model HSS LP School on Monday left its young gardeners disheartened. But their disappointment soon turned into hope as support poured in. After Anagha, a Class II student, wrote a letter to Minister for General Education V Sivankutty about the incident, he responded through Facebook, promising that the authorities would look into the matter and prevent such thefts in the future. He also mentioned the possibility of installing CCTV cameras. Also, Baselios Marthoma Mathews III Catholicos, the head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, stepped in to offer support. His representatives from the Palayam church transferred Rs 50,000 to the schools staff secretary on Wednesday. He had called us after seeing the news and offered to help. On receiving the money, we messaged him, and he said that he will visit the school and the children once he comes to Thiruvananthapuram, said Sunitha G S, staff secretary. For the little hands at the school, their garden is a place of joy, teamwork and the thrill of watching tiny saplings turn into something edible. After months of careful tending, watering, and waiting, their cauliflowers were finally ready to be harvested for their midday meal. But just when they were about to reap the fruits of their labour, an unexpected theft happened and left them disappointed. The first thing we do when we come here is to check on the plants we have cultivated. And we were surprised to see the cauliflowers missing when we came on Monday. The previous week too, five cauliflowers were missing. We didnt think of it as a big problem, but then again, they were stolen, sighed Swetha, a Class II student and an active member of the Thycaud Government Model HSS LP school garden. The young gardeners like Swetha, Aadya, Anagha, Sameera, Sivanandana, and Akshay were disheartened as they had poured their time and energy into it. The whole school looks really lush with trees and plants. It is an initiative driven by students, supported by teachers, PTA members, and other staff members. It is a must to have one curry in our lunch from our garden. Even today, our achinga payar (yard long beans) were used in sambar, said Sivanandana, a class III student. We think somebody who knows our school very well has stolen them. That is the only way they could have spotted our healthy cauliflowers, giggled Aadya, trying to make light of the situation. After the second theft, the students informed their teachers, who found that brinjals were also missing. At first, we didnt take it as a big deal. But when it happened again, we had to complain. It is not about the cauliflowers, it is the effort of our children. The excitement of having something they had grown themselves was a feeling no supermarket vegetable could replace, said Sunitha G S, the schools staff secretary. The school had recently been a venue for the state Kalolsavam, hosting visitors from all 14 districts. Interestingly, nothing else was stolen from the premises except for the vegetables. Some students even had excitedly planned their Monday meal, saying, Well have cauliflower curry to side it with biryani. But when they arrived in the morning, the cauliflowers were missing, said Laya S, a Malayalam teacher. Despite the setback, the students are planning to grow more. If anything, the missing vegetables have only sown the seeds of greater enthusiasm in these little farmers.

Second phase of Aardram Health Lifestyle Disease Screening covers one crore individuals

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The second phase of the Aardram Health Lifestyle Disease Screening has reached a milestone by covering over one crore individuals. The screening revealed that 44.85% (4,500,077) of those screened were at risk of lifestyle diseases. Health data was recorded for 13,39,455 (13.35%) individuals with only hypertension, 8,85,051 (8.82%) with only diabetes, and 6,01,958 (6%) with both conditions. Additionally, 2,03,506 people (2.03%) were identified as having cancer and referred for further examination, including 39,889 for suspected oral cancer, 1,25,985 for breast cancer, and 45,436 for cervical cancer. As many as 2,42,736 individuals were referred for TB tests and 3,87,229 for respiratory examinations. ASHA workers collected information of 97,769 bedridden patients, 1,61,494 people requiring assistance, and 33,25,020 elderly individuals, of which 2,21,230 were found to have health issues. Referrals were also made for leprosy screening (2,50,288 people), vision screening (30,69,087 people), and hearing screening (4,18,385 people). Mental health screenings were referred for 1,29,753 individuals. While the initial phase of the scheme focused on hypertension, diabetes, cancer, TB, and respiratory diseases, the second phase has expanded its focus to include leprosy, mental health, vision problems, hearing issues, and elderly health. As part of the fight against lifestyle diseases, the state health department has screened more than one crore people in the second phase of the Aardram Health Lifestyle Disease Screening, said Health Minister Veena George. The minister highlighted that those identified at risk during screening are undergoing expert examination, with treatment ensured. The second phase is being implemented after the screening of more than 1.54 crore people above the age of 30 in the first phase. Approximately 9 lakh people were found to be at risk of cancer in the first phase of screening and more than 2 lakh in the second phase of screening. Of the people identified in this way, only 1.5 lakh individuals in the first phase and 40,000 in the second phase agreed to undergo further testing.

Youth kills father over freedom dispute in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A 28-year-old youth, who had dropped MBBS studies midway, fatally hacked his father near Vellarada on Wednesday night. The son harboured animosity towards his father that the latter was keeping him under tight leash and not letting him live a free life. Prejin Jose murdered his father Jose using a machette, which was used in kitchen, by 9.30 pm. Prejin did not complete his MBBS studies as he had to return from China when Covid-19 broke out. Thereafter, he did not bother resuming his medical course and also did not try for any other job. Jose, the Vellarada police said, had a tiff with his son on this matter on several occasions. However, Wednesdays fatal attack came out of the blue as there was no spat between the two, the police added. During questioning Prejin said that he attacked his father for not letting him live a free life. We are now busy completing the other procedures and are not in a position to identify what had provoked Prejin to carry out the macabre killing, said a police officer. Jose has two children- a son and a daughter. His daughter has been married and is living with her husband. Sources said Jose, who runs a hardware business, had imposed a regimented life on his son. This was the main reason for the tension between them. The police said Joses wife Sushma fell unconscious after seeing the murder and she is under treatment. Weve to take her detailed statement to get more information regarding the murder. We need to have more insight into the personal equation between the father and the son, the police officer added. The police are yet to verify whether the accused had any history of drug abuse and mental illness. He seems to be not in a sound mental state now. He has confessed to the murder. But only after he gets into a normal state can we retrieve more information from him regarding the crime, the officer added.

Pozhiyoor man brought back from Russian army found dead in lodge

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A 23-year-old Pozhiyoor native, who was brought back from Russia in March 2024 after being trafficked to the Ukraine war front by a fake job racket, was found dead in a lodge at Neyyattinkara on Thursday. The deceased has been identified as David Muthappan. His family had reported him missing since Wednesday evening, the police said. David reached Neyyattinkara on Wednesday evening for receiving the money from the agent, who had facilitated his Russian sojourn. The youth was offered a job of a security officer in a super market in Russia and was charged Rs three lakh by the agent. Sources said since his return, David was in a depressed state. After being contacted repeatedly, the agent had agreed to pay back the amount he took from David. However, despite waiting at the pre-determined spot, the agent did not turn up. Initial suspicion is that David could have ended his life after the agent failed to pay him back. David was sent to Russia by an agent after promising him a highly-paid job of a security officer in a super market. He along with two other relatives later found out that they were cheated by the agent and were in fact drafted to serve Russian army in its fight against Ukraine. David was sent to the war front after taking a month-long training in assault weapons. However, he sustained severe injuries in the front and had to be hospitalised. From the hospital he escaped with the help of a Russian soldier and took refuge in a a church. As David could not manage things any more, he contacted his family and informed them of his ordeal. Acting on the concerns raised by his family members, the central government got in touch with the Russian government and facilitated his return. The travel documents of David were taken by his recruiters in Moscow, but the Indian Embassy there made arrangements and transported him to Delhi. The CBI had earlier raided the offices of a few recruiting firms, who were allegedly involved in human trafficking to Russia, and named three Keralites, who were working as recruitment agents, as accused.

UDF in spot after LoP's remark on 2011 poll victory

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: V D Satheesan has been left with his foot in his mouth after the Leader of Opposition credited CPMs kindness for the UDF forming the government in 2011. The observation was made at a press conference at the Cantonment House on Thursday while answering media queries on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans remarks on the ongoing battle between Satheesan and senior leader Ramesh Chennithala over the right to lead the UDF in the next assembly election. Satheesan told reporters that in 2011 UDF came to power only because then CPM state secretary Pinarayi decided that LDF should not prevail, though there was every chance of V S Achuthanandan leading the government. Fight between Chandy Oommen and V D Satheesan intensifies He said that though in 2006 Pinarayi tried to block VS from contesting the election, the latter contested with the approval of the politburo and became CM. In a closely contested assembly election, the LDF lost power and the chance of continuing in power. While the UDF came to power with 72 seats, the LDF finished with 68 seats. Though there was an internal perception that if the CPM had worked sincerely, the loss of LDF candidates in some seats could have been avoided, the CPM and UDF leaderships dismissed such hypothesis. The observation has landed Satheesan in political soup. Chennithala, who is also a Congress Working Committee (CWC) member, brushed aside the claim. We won only because of the good performance of the UDF, Chennithala said. We could have won more seats in the 2011 assembly election. We were let down by leaders in some seats, which denied us the expected margin, he said. Chennithala was then the KPCC president, before he joined the Oommen Chandy government in 2014. Many Congress leaders, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed their displeasure at Satheesans statement. Congress MLA Chandy Oommen said that Satheesan alone can explain the statement. Congress has no chief minister candidate, says V D Satheesan

Budget: Stakeholders call for strategic overhaul to woo tourists to Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As yet another budget approaches, the tourism industry in the state is calling for a strategic overhaul to attract both domestic and international tourists. Industry experts and stakeholders are emphasising the need for enhanced basic infrastructure at destinations with significant tourist footfall and are urging for more interactions with representatives in the sector to devise more comprehensive marketing strategies. Many feel that the state is losing its competitive edge owing to poor infrastructure, waste management and hygiene issues. Many popular destinations such as Fort Kochi, Kovalam and Varkala are wearing a sorry look owing to neglect and lack of investment for much-needed upgradation. Kerala budget to have higher plan outlay Despite launching several innovative initiatives such as adventure tourism, caravan tourism and heli tourism, many feel that these products offer very little in terms of growth for the industry. Many adventure tourism products, including floating and glass bridges, that were launched with huge fanfare, are struggling to gain traction, leaving stakeholders concerned. Former deputy director of the tourism department Prasanth Vasudev feels that its high time Kerala Tourism offers value addition to its marketing strategy and sets up a dedicated research and development wing for effective policy making. The government should start thinking of measures beyond its current marketing strategy. The department needs a wing for research and development for identification and development of more products. New products such as caravan and heli tourism can have a very little impact as only a negligible number of tourists will avail them, Prasanth, who is also a tourism consultant, said. He said wellness tourism could be a new product that has immense potential for the state. A new policy should be drawn up to boost inbound and domestic tourism in the state. The present strategy is not adequate, Prasanth added. The industry is also demanding more allocation for aggressive global marketing. E M Najeeb, president of the Confederation of Kerala Tourism Industry, said the Union government has reduced substantially the allocation for marketing, leaving the industry struggling. The Centre has shut down India Tourism offices in other countries and this has also adversely impacted arrivals to India and Kerala, he said. We need more friendly policies like those existing in other tourism-friendly countries. Visa-on-arrival should be made free of cost. Our marketing strategies are falling short because of the lack of funds. We have already spoken to the finance minister to allocate more funds for marketing in this years budget. Improving road connectivity to destinations, waste management and aggressive infrastructure development and marketing would hold the key, said Najeeb. He said India is unable to compete with other countries in terms of marketing because of lack of funds. Lack of interactions and trend analysis based on tourist arrival data are being projected as a reason for poor strategies. Anish Kumar P K, executive committee member of the Association of Tourism Trade Organisations India, said there was a dip in domestic tourist arrivals during the peak season in September and October. We are lagging behind in marketing campaigns and trend analysis should be done based on foreign tourist arrivals. This is how it used to be, said Anish. He said that upgrading destinations recording significant footfall should be the priority of the government. Tourism Secretary K Biju said the department is expecting budget allocation for infrastructure development at destinations including Fort Kochi and Varkala. Last year, we were unable to execute infrastructure development projects at Varkala, Fort Kochi and Kovalam because of a 50% cut in the plan fund. This year, we are prioritising these projects, said Biju. He said the department is planning more marketing strategies to tap the Southeast Asian markets, including countries like Japan. Language shouldnt be a barrier and hence we are planning to give language training for tourist guides in the state, said Biju. In response to the demand from industry stakeholders for more interactions, he said more meetings will be held with industry representatives for feedback. demand for more marketing avenues Representatives in the sector point out need to devise more comprehensive marketing strategies. Ask for increased allocation for aggressive global marketing Demand policies like visa-on-arrival existing in tourism-friendly countries

More powers for states will not weaken centre: TN Dy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin

CHENNAI: Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Thursday said the demand for more powers to the states is not aimed at weakening the union government. On the contrary, stronger states will create a stronger union government, while weaker states will only lead to a weaker nation, he added. Udhayanidhi said this while addressing a conclave organised by the Mathrubhumi group in Thiruvananthapuram, on the erosion of rights of the states. Udhayanidhi said whenever there is talk about states rights, there is always a voice claiming that it goes against the nations interest. Who gave you the sole authority to decide what is best for the nations development? Do not paint a false picture portraying us as disruptors, while positioning yourselves as the sole protectors of the nation, he added. Charging that the centre is trying to encroach upon the powers of the states, Udhayanidhi said step-motherly treatment is being meted out to non-BJP ruled states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the union budget. He also criticised the centre for taking several measures which went against the interests of the country. He also alleged that over the decades, the union government has taken excessive power, undermining the federal structure.

Fight between Chandy Oommen and V D Satheesan intensifies

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The rift between Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan and Puthuppally MLA Chandy Oommen continues unabated, creating friction in the already factionalised Congress politics. This was evident during a party function held in Kottayam district on Tuesday. During the reception accorded to High Range protest journey led by Satheesan, Chandy Oommen was allegedly denied a chance to address the workers. The reception was held at Mundakkayam. According to Congress leaders, around 300 workers from the district were present. When the rally reached the place, after the presidential address by Congress leader Joy Abraham and inauguration by senior leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, jatha captain Satheesan spoke. Meanwhile, KPCC general secretary P A Salim asked Chandy Oommen whether he wanted to address the rally. Salim also informed Chandy that the other two MLAs present there Mons Joseph and Mani C Kappan had decided not to address the rally. Following this, Chandy Oommen said he was not addressing the rally. And, UDF district chairman Philson Mathews announced that Chandy has decided not to speak and informed the leaders of his decision. However, later on, both Mani and Mons were invited to address the rally and both of them spoke. The incident raised huge resentment among local leaders and workers as they felt Chandy was allegedly denied a chance to speak. Though TNIE repeatedly tried to contact Salim, he didnt respond to calls or text messages. Meanwhile, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan told TNIE that he heard Philsons announcement that Chandy decided not to address the rally. Chandy Oommen had recently accused the leadership of denying him any role during the campaigning for the bypolls held in Palakkad and Chelakkara. Chandys absence when Rahul Mamkootathil visited Oommen Chandys tomb during the Palakkad bypoll had also courted controversy. Chandy had expressed his reservation about the way the incident was presented before the media by a section of leaders. The leaders close to Chandy alleged that though a date was fixed earlier it was deliberately changed by some leaders. It was also alleged that after Oommen Chandys demise decisions are being taken by a section close to Satheesan, without holding consultations within the party.

Congress has no chief minister candidate, says V D Satheesan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Hours after a public discussion started over prospects of senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala becoming the future CM candidate of the UDF, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan has come out with an open statement that in Congress there are no CM candidates. Satheesan was responding to reporters queries on Thursday. It was on Wednesday at a reception meeting organised to honour industrialist Ravi Pillai that the person who addressed the gathering greeted Ramesh Chennithala and hailed him as the future chief minister. He further went on to ask whether V D Satheesan was present at the venue, and quickly added that he did not want to speak politics. The remarks were made in the presence of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Later addressing the gathering, Pinarayi Vijayan remarked that the statement would create major issues in the Congress. Taking a dig at the Congress, he jokingly told the person who delivered the welcome address that such a deceit should not have been committed. Chennithala, who was also present at the function, was seen enjoying all the developments. In Congress there is a method for selecting the chief minister, Satheesan said. The CM should not interfere in Congress internal politics. In Congress there are no CM candidates including me. This is a national party. We will decide the CM when the time arrives. It will be decided by the national leadership and the elected MLAs. Before that there is no CM candidate, he said.

'Glimmers' of hope in the times of triggers

Nasty honking in traffic, the scent of perfume, a jarring musical note, an unpleasant film scene, or even an offhand comment sometimes, the smallest things can stir something deep within us. A fleeting moment can awaken memories of past wounds, the fear of being misjudged, or the weight of an unresolved experience. Or just plain anger and disgust. In the midst of everyday chaos, its common to hear about people getting triggered. Triggers bring with them an uneasy sensation that runs from the heart to the head, to ones nervous system. This can manifest as cold feet, an increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and emotions such as anger, fear, anxiety, and stress. Experiencing triggers, or even just mentioning the word, has become quite common these days. Enquiries about triggers are a daily occurrence, says Gadha Puthenpurakkal, a consultant psychologist at Wellness Whisperer. Most of the trigger cases often arise in relationships, especially when you share a home. Peoples reactions to triggers can vary. Some suppress them, while others react outwardly. However, these reactions are not necessarily directed at the person causing the trigger. Instead, Gadha notes, they are a response to the discomfort we feel in our bodies. The sensation often reminds us of past insults or similar remarks. What we need to do is address the triggers, explore why they bother us so much, and understand how to respond constructively, she says. Dr Arun B Nair, professor of psychiatry at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, says triggers are often linked to past experiences. A person with a strong negative schema a belief system that can cause people to focus on negative aspects of life that person could end up perceiving more triggers. This is probably due to negative experiences in their childhoods, he says. When they get triggered, they connect it with a past negative experience, this activates the sympathetic nervous system which leads to fright, flight, or fight response, setting off symptoms like rapid heartbeat, preparing for danger. Dr Arun explains why trigger has become a commonplace term these days. We are in a phase of social disconnection. People are increasingly withdrawing from real-life interactions and immersing themselves in the virtual world, he says. In the past, face-to-face interactions exposed us to unpleasant situations, but through experiential learning, we came to understand that such moments and emotions were temporary. Now, as we withdraw into digital crannies, we are more likely to get more exposed to negative or traumatic content, and the feelings often go unresolved. Enter glimmer Living in a constant state of hyper-vigilance and feeling overwhelmed, the ideas of living in the moment or seizing the day can seem out of reach for many. While trying to make sense of lifes challenges, its easy to overlook the small, everyday moments. In a world full of triggers, wellness gurus are now advocating the importance of finding ones glimmers the micro moments that bring one joy. On social media, people are posting those glimmers that people generally fail to absorb. Like the soft glow of sun rays on water, a fresh bloom, warmth of a cup of coffee, two people having a delightful conversation, an act of kindness, a dog playing in the grass, a toddler blowing bubbles. The term glimmer was used in this context first by Deb Dana, a clinical social worker based in Australia. In her 2018 book, The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy, she defined glimmers as moments that help regulate the body, cueing the nervous system to feel safe or calm. We are wired to respond more intensely to negative experiences than equally intense positive ones, she writes. We have to actively look for, take notice of, and keep track of these moments, or micro-moments, of safety and connection that are our glimmers. Otherwise, they can easily pass by us. Experts say that tiny moments of joy can help build the capacity to manage unprocessed traumas and challenges in a different way. A glimmer is essentially the opposite of a trigger, says a Mayo Clinic article. A glimmer sparks a sense of joy or safety. Identifying these moments can help regulate our nervous systems which can often be trapped in a heightened state due to overstimulation. Finding your glimmer Glimmers are subjective. And, ones glimmer can be anothers trigger. It is up to individuals to determine what brings them a sense of awe or joy. When a person experiences glimmer, it is not a situation where one feels overjoyed, its more like a sense of well-being, Dr Arun explains. When we experience glimmer, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, helping the body relax and calm down. He notes that a similar experience is also associated with practices such as gratitude visit. Most therapies encourage journalling the small things in life one is grateful for, he adds. For some, glimmers might be a place they love it could be a museum, the beach, or a cozy cafe. It could also be a feeling or sensory experience like the sound of birds chirping, a thoughtful gesture from someone, soothing music, or a soft smile. You know you have found your glimmer when it makes you pause, giving you a sense of connectedness, says life coach Dhanya Rajagopal. To identify your glimmer, try journalling the things that genuinely make you happy, make you feel at ease. Glimmers dont have to be constant, she adds. They can change depending on what one is going through. For some, it might be window shopping, for others, it might be simply feeling productive at work, Dhanya explains. The key is to make finding glimmers a habit. This will give one a feeling of prioritising self and doing things to make oneself happy. By making it a regular practice, one would get triggered less over time. Evoking the sense of joy For those who struggle to identify their glimmers, Dr Arun suggests evoking feelings by reconnecting with memories. For example, close your eyes and revisit your childhood, he says. For many, it was a carefree, untroubled time. Those were days of pure joy, often forgotten as we grow older. Imagine losing all of it in an instant if the thought makes you sad, then those childhood memories and things associated with that might be your glimmer. Toxic positivity? When glimmers are all about the shift in mindset to recognise the bright side, some confuse the concept with toxic positivity, which is an escape from reality, without addressing the underlying issue. Glimmers, however, are just a sweet break from ones uncomfortable emotions. A little joy and relaxation can reduce ones emotional distress. This can help one think logically, says Gadha. An act becomes self sabotage, when it gives short term relief and long-term dissatisfaction. But glimmers are subtle moments, not self-destructive behaviour. As long as you are not trying to escape from reality, glimmers are good. The key is to acknowledge your triggers before moving toward these moments of joy its this balance that makes it a positive practice.

International energy festival to begin in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday

Three-day event, which will feature technical sessions, panel discussions, and competitions, has Decarbonising Kerala as theme

Of a rich cultural legacy and a people deeply tied to their roots

Nirmala Lakshman, Chairperson of The Hindu Group, elaborates on the rich history, cultural legacy, and values of the Tamil community in a session on her latest book The Tamils - A Portrait of a Community at the MBIFL in Thiruvananthapuram

NHM Thiruvananthapuram Medical Officer, Physiotherapist & Other Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online

National Health Mission (NHM) Thiruvananthapuram has recruits 6 Medical Officer, Physiotherapist & Other Posts. Candidates With MBBS, BPT, BASLP, M.Sc Can Apply Online from 29-01-2025 to 10-02-2025.

Government plans new law to facilitate safe overseas migration amid US deportations

NEW DELHI: The government is seriously considering enacting a new legislation to establish an enabling framework that will promote safe, orderly and regular migration for overseas employment. The proposal to frame a new law comes at a time when the US has deported 104 illegal Indian immigrants. The proposed legislation on Emigration (Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024) seeks to replace the Emigration Act of 1983 with a view to facilitate the circular mobility of people intending to emigrate for overseas employment. This has emerged from a report by the Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, which was presented in Parliament on Monday. Countries are 'obligated' to take back illegal immigrants: Jaishankar speaks on deportations by US in Rajya Sabha The panel also said it desires establishment of PoE (Protector of Emigrants) offices in states where such offices do not exist currently and additional PoE offices in migration hotspots, including states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, etc, should be expedited to ensure better outreach and support for emigrants. The Committee said the emigration process in India is governed by the Emigration Act of 1983, administered by the Ministry of External Affairs through the Protector General of Emigrants (PGE). Keeping in view the contemporary global migration dynamics and the needs of Indian citizens, the Committee has over the years underscored the pressing need for a comprehensive legislative overhaul to replace the outdated provisions of the Emigration Act 1983, the report says. After much delay, the Ministry is seriously considering enacting a new law tentatively titled 'Overseas Mobility (Facilitation and Welfare) Bill, 2024,' it said. The Ministry has told the Committee that the proposed draft is under consultation with line Ministries and will, thereafter, be put up for public consultations, it said. The Committee has said it desires that it should be consulted on the salient features of the Bill and the enactment of a revised act reflecting changed global migration realities should be done in a time bound manner i.e.not later than one year. Legs and hands tied: Deportees recount 40-hour flight back from the US under harsh conditions An update about the progress made in this regard may be submitted to the Committee within three months, it added. The report further said that after the internal consultations draft will be put up for public consultation for 15/30 days thereafter it will be followed up by Inter Ministerial Consultations along with the Draft Cabinet Note on revised draft. The Ministry has also informed that the Protector General of Emigrants (PGE) oversees the functioning of all Protector of Emigrants (PoE) offices across India. As of now there are 14 offices of the Protector of Emigrants (POEs) located at Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram, Jaipur, Raebareli, Patna, Bengaluru, Guwahati and Ranchi. In order to expand the outreach of the PoEs, the Ministry has established additional PoE offices in Patna, Bengaluru and Guwahati, which are fully functional, it said. Additional offices are being planned in Tripura, Bhubaneswar and Ahmedabad, the report said. Underlining the need to spread awareness about safe migration, the Committee has recommend that the Ministry should collaborate with local civil society groups, media outlets in the most affected regions to ensure that emigrants are fully informed about their rights, processes involved and the risks of illegal migration. In addition, the Committee has urged that all citizens departing India should be given basic information at the immigration counters. A US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal immigrants from various states landed in Amritsar in Punjab on Wednesday, the first such batch of Indians deported by the Trump government as part of a crackdown against illegal immigrants. Why did PM Modi let this happen: Priyanka Gandhi questions Centre on deportation of Indians from US

Tension at Kerala University after SFI intensifies stir against VC Dr Mohanan Kunnummal

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tension prevailed at the Kerala Universitys Senate House campus at Palayam here on Wednesday afternoon after police arrested SFI workers who were staging a blockade of the main gate. The SFI workers are on a protest against Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummals refusal to issue a notification constituting the university union. The vice-chancellor had earlier ordered removal of the protest pandal put up in the varsity headquarters but the protests continued. On Tuesday, the vice-chancellor had issued a show-cause notice to the Registrar for not removing the protest pandal. Intensifying their protest on Wednesday, SFI workers erected a banner at the university entrance likening the vice-chancellor to RSS supremo Mohan Bhagwat. Police arrived at the Senate House campus on the directions of university authorities, leading to a tense situation. SFI workers engaged in a scuffle with the police and also lay in front of the police vehicle carrying their leaders. A few SFI workers also climbed atop the police vehicle in protest. However, police managed to open the gate and take away the protesters. SFI protest against Kerala University VC: Governor Rajendra Arlekar seeks report

Textbook on diabetes management released

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday released a textbook on diabetes management, published by US-based Springer, a renowned medical publisher. Titled Management of Diabetic Complications: A Team-Based Approach, the book is designed as a comprehensive guide for doctors worldwide, focusing on early identification and effective management of diabetes-related complications. With over 110 million people currently living with diabetes in India, the burden of diabetic complications is growing at an alarming rate. Most individuals develop one or more complications, including kidney disease, cardiovascular conditions, neuropathy, and retinopathy, within 10 to 20 years of diagnosis. Though these complications are largely preventable, the current scenario demands proactive and multidisciplinary intervention. The book addresses these critical concerns by offering evidence-based insights into prevention and management strategies. It emphasises the importance of early detection, integrated care, and the role of the latest medical technologies in improving patient outcomes. Tailored for healthcare professionals, the book aligns with modern medical guidelines and highlights the importance of a team-based approach in tackling the complex challenges of diabetes care. Noted nephrologist Dr Georgi Abraham is the chief editor of the book, with research diabetologist Dr Jothydev Kesavadev as one of the editors alongside Dr Priyanka Govindan, Dr Nanditha Arun, and Dr Suneeta Teckchandani.

Posh Act awareness class @ Technopark

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even after 12 years since the enactment of the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace (Posh) Act, awareness about the law remains limited among women employees in many establishments, P Satheedevi, chairperson of the Kerala Womens Commission, has said. Speaking at the inauguration of an awareness programme on the POSH Act at Technopark, she called for establishing a monitoring system in all institutions to ensure the safety of women employees. Women face various forms of exploitation, discrimination and harassment. At home and in the workplace, and even while commuting, it is crucial for women to be aware of their rights under this law. Every office must set up a monitoring system to address the concerns of female employees, she said. The Commission also announced plans to conduct awareness sessions in other IT parks and shopping malls. MLA Kadakampally Surendran, Technopark CEOSanjeev Nair and more dignitaries attended.

Costly cancer treatment deters many from seeking early diagnosis in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state, known for its strong health-seeking culture, is facing a paradox. Despite high public awareness and a proactive approach to health, soaring cancer treatment costs are deterring many from seeking early diagnosis and care. This is evident in the low turnout for cancer screenings: out of the 11 lakh people referred for screening since 2022, fewer than 2 lakh (16%) followed through. The Aardram Arogyam campaign survey attributed the low turnout to factors such as fear, ignorance, and financial worries about cancer. A recent report by the Economic and Statistics Department shows nearly 20% of patients across all conditions resort to borrowing money or selling property to fund their treatment. Also, more people in urban areas borrow and sell physical assets to meet treatment expenses than those in rural areas. The report, titled Report on Household Social Consumption: Health is based on the 75th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS) Socio-Economic Survey from July 2017 to June 2018. It says for cancer patients, the financial burden is heavier with average treatment costs in government hospitals being Rs 18,000, the highest expense for any treatment, and Rs 41,000 in private hospitals. 50% cancer patients struggle financially: Health experts Health experts estimate that 50% of cancer patients struggle with financial difficulties. Despite a relatively high government spending 5.2% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) on healthcare, Kerala records the countrys highest out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE), averaging Rs 7,889 per person annually. People suffering from chronic illnesses generally spend more on health, but the financial impact of cancer treatment has particularly worried experts. Financial toxicity is associated with any chronic disease where the OOPE is over 60%. It is higher in cancer due to the expensive treatment, especially at the acute stage, said Dr Jeemon Panniyammakal, additional professor at the Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies in Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences. To meet the expenditure, families are forced to sell assets or borrow money at high interest rates. Some patients with dependents ignore the risks considering the financial impact on the family, he said. One-third of households with individuals suffering from cancer are estimated to spend more than half of their per-capita annual household expenditure on hospitalisations due to the disease, according to a study by Kochi-based oncologist Dr Aju Mathew. Health experts found that people often seek treatment late after trying alternative medicines without any scientific backing, worsening the disease outcome as well as their financial condition. The state reports around 65,000 new cancer cases annually, affecting both men and women, according to the health department.

Kerala government staff work fewer hours a week than most counterparts: Study

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid debates over the 70-hour workweek propounded by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and 90-hour workweek proposed by L&T CEO S N Subrahmanyan, a study by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) has found that government and local self-government employees in Keralas urban areas work 6 hours a day, or 36 hours per week, on an average. They rank 34 in terms of work time in the list that features employees from urban areas of all 28 states and eight union territories in India. Employees in Daman and Diu topped the chart with the most working hours -- an average of 8 hours and 48 minutes per day -- in the urban category, while Dadra and Nagar Haveli stood first in the rural category with an average work time of 9 hours and 49 minutes a day. The government and LSG employees in urban areas of other southern states reported more working time than in Kerala, with Telangana leading with 8 hours and 14 minutes. This was followed by Tamil Nadu (7 hours and 27 minutes), Andhra Pradesh (7 hours and 17 minutes) and Karnataka (7 hours and 7 minutes). The national average in this category was 7 hours and 4 minutes. The working paper Time Spent on Employment-Related Activities in India: A Note was prepared by EAC-PM member Dr Shamika Ravi in the backdrop of some corporate leaders call for increasing working hours. The reports findings were based on Time Use Survey Data (2019) conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Government staff in rural Kerala, who work for an average of 5 hours and 59 minutes per day, were ranked 20th in the country. The national average was 6 hours and 5 minutes. Study report attempts to legitimise false narrative: Ravi Raman Lakshadweep (7 hours and 11 minutes), Tamil Nadu (6 hours and 23 minutes), and Telangana (6 hours and 4 minutes) reported higher working time than rural Kerala. Puducherry, too, shared 20th rank. In Kerala, employees of public and private limited companies reported more working time than government staff. Their average working time per day was 6 hours and 46 minutes in urban areas and 7 hours and 4 minutes in rural areas. The national average was 8 hours and 7 hours and 16 minutes respectively. Kerala State Planning Board member K Ravi Raman said the study report attempts to legitimise the false narrative already generated by corporate leaders. This is how a false narrative is jointly promoted by the BJP and corporate capitalists -- all at the expense of workers, farmers, and government employees, he said. The state-making idea is different for Kerala from other states. In Kerala, what is taking place is right-making state-making and not state-making/corporate-making. Here, importance is not for increasing corporate profit but to maintain a high level of state earnings. In the Public Affairs Index-2020 released by the Public Affairs Centre, Kerala was ranked as the best-governed state. So, the real question is not how long an employee works but how much the citizens are accessible to essential services, he said. Developed countries are moving towards shorter working weeks, reinforcing the idea that overworking is counterproductive, he said. Indias labour productivity remains far below global standards. The focus should shift from increasing working hours to improving wages and and investing in skill development, he said. PROPORTION OF PEOPLE WORKING OVER 70 HOURS The daily average time spent by a Keralite engaged in any paid economic activity (across all sectors and regions) was 6 hours and 56 minutes as against the national average of 7 hours and 2 minutes. The state was ranked 16th in the country, according to the study. Among 18 major states, Kerala ranked fifth in the proportion of people working more than 70 hours per week, at 6.16%. Toppers in this category were Gujarat (7.21%) and Punjab (7.09%). The time spent on economic activities has a positive impact on the Net State Domestic Product (NSDP), according to the report. A 1% increase in working time will result in a 1.7% increase in NSDP.

Kerala budget to have higher plan outlay

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The plan outlay in the state budget for financial year 2025-26 is set to be 7 to 10% higher than the current fiscal as the government has decided not to compromise on developmental projects despite financial stress, according to sources. The aggregate plan outlay for the current fiscal is Rs 38,886.91 crore. Of this, the state plan outlay is Rs 21,838 crore, Union governments share of centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) Rs 8,516.91 crore and the plan outlay for local self-government institutions (LSGIs) Rs 8,532 crore. The shortage of funds has however affected the actual expenditure from the current fiscals outlay. So far, expenditure from the aggregate plan outlay has achieved only 43.53% of the target. The progress of the state plan outlay is 42.73%, central share of CSS 43.67% and the LSGI plan outlay 45.44%. As per the current estimate, the aggregate plan progress by March-end will be lower than the 75.2% achieved in 2023-24. Speculation is rife that the budget will have popular announcements in the wake of the forthcoming local body elections. Also expected is budgetary support to projects linked to the Vizhinjam port. Priority will be for the proposed economic triangle linking Vizhinjam, Kollam and Punalur, and the rail link to the port. The rehabilitation of the landslide victims in Meppady, Wayanad, is likely to get a mention in the new budget. Financial support to Vizhinjam port and Wayanad rehabilitation were among the major demands in the wish list the state submitted to the Centre ahead of the Union budget. The state had sought Rs 5,000 crore for Vizhinjam port along with a request to avoid the repayment clause for the Rs 817.80 crore viability gap funding, while Rs 2,000 crore was requested for Wayanad rehabilitation. But none of these demands were considered by the Centre. The Centres rejection of another request, that of a special economic package worth Rs 24,000, has forced the government to explore more avenues for revenue generation. The package was sought to compensate for the revenue losses due to the changed policies of the Centre. The state budget is expected to announce a revision of some service charges under the non-tax revenue head. All eyes on Wayanad Speculation is rife that the budget will have popular announcements in the wake of the forthcoming LSG polls Budgetary support expected for projects linked to the Vizhinjam port. Priority will also be given for the proposed economic triangle linking Vizhinjam, Kollam and Punalur, and the rail link to the port The rehabilitation of the landslide victims in Meppady, Wayanad, is likely to get a mention in the new budget

UDF prepares ground for LSG poll with High Range protection rally

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The UDFs nine -day High Range protection rally which began from Irikkur in Kannur on January 25 and concluded at Amboori in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, has put the opposition one foot ahead of the ruling LDF and BJP. Covering the High Range villages of 12 districts, the protest rally against the alleged failure of the Left government is expected to boost the moral power of the UDF ahead of the local body election. The UDF took up the issue of wild animal attack, and raised the demand for the intervention of the Union government in the buffer zone issue to save the agricultural sector. Barring Kasaragod and Alappuzha districts, UDF leaders travelled extensively in select villages of High Ranges visiting houses of victims who were killed in wild animal attacks, and addressing public meetings. The journey was a huge political success, UDF secretary C P John told TNIE. It also put the KC(M) which claims to be pro-farmer in a tight spot, he said. The UDF also projected Kerala Congress (J) as the real representative of High Range farmers. The leaders calculate that the success of the journey would reflect in the coming LSG elections. Meanwhile, for V D Satheesan the journey came as a transformation from the label he wore for years- Haritha MLA- to the crusader of High Range residents, necessitated by the hard political realities he is facing and ambitions he nurtures as the leader of opposition. It was in 2012- 13 during the tenure of the last UDF government led by Oommen Chandy that a section of UDF MLAs including V D Satheesan and T N Prathapan formed a pressure group, Haritha MLAs, within the front.Their open stand on forest land issues gave frequent headaches to the UDF. When the UDF government, opposition LDF, the Church and High Range farmers groups unitedly opposed the Madhav Gadgil Committee Report, the Haritha MLAs openly supported the panels recommendations. However, Satheesan does not see his change in stance a contradiction to his earlier stand on ecological issues. There is a distinctive difference between encroachers and farmers, Satheesan told TNIE. Even now, I am against any kind of destruction of forest. However, the government has failed to protect farmers lives and property from wild animals. There is an overpopulation of tigers and shortage of prey in Wayanad. To control the overpopulation of wild boar, culling should be introduced. If there is an excess tiger population, it should be translocated, he said. Church cautious Meanwhile, the Church leadership and farmers organisation Kerala Independent Farmers Association (KIFA) have taken a cautious approach towards the UDFs move. When the UDF was in power, it did not take any steps to resolve the man- wild animal conflicts and agricultural loss due to wild animal attacks, Bishop of Thamarassery diocese of Syro Malabar Church Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil said. Some of them even took a stand against the people of High Ranges and termed them encroachers. They supported the Madhav Gadgil Committees recommendations. The UDF now has to prove that they are committed to farmers issues, he told TNIE.

Pig farms relocating to Thiruvananthapuram as Tamil Nadu intensifies surveillance

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Intensified border checking by Tamil Nadu coupled with interventions by the Tamil Nadu High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) have left the local bodies in Kerala grappling with waste management. On the other hand, the strict actions have led to pig farmers across the border shifting their units to Kerala. According to pig farmers and private service providers, Tamil Nadu has seized around 30 vehicles laden with waste during cross-border checking from Kerala in the past two months. Several pig farms run by Keralites in the bordering areas in Tamil Nadu have landed in trouble due to shortage of pig feed following restrictions on transportation of food waste from Kerala. Arjun K R, who has farms in both Tamil Nadu and Kerala, said that the farmers who invested in pig farms in Tamil Nadu have landed in deep trouble. Many farms are winding up operations because of the ongoing issues and many are planning to move their base to Kerala as its becoming impossible to operate from Tamil Nadu, said Arjun. The recent directive from the Tamil Nadu High Court to auction the waste-transporting vehicles seized by TN authorities too has come as a heavy blow to the farmers and service providers. I have approached the TN High Court seeking a solution to the issue of pig feed. Ive also pointed out that one of my vehicles has been seized. The pig farmers incur heavy loss because of violations committed by one agency, said Arjun. Meanwhile, the Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation received 11 new applications from pig farms to start units here. When we started roping in pig farms, around 60 percent of pigs were in Tamil Nadu and now the trend is changing and we have received around 11 new applications. The processing is ongoing, said an official of the corporation. Once the civic body clears the application, around 1,600 new pigs will be added to the existing count. The service providers collect an average of 50 tonnes of food waste from various bulk waste generators, including hotels, every day as pig feeds. Owing to restrictions on cross border movement of vehicles, the service providers are depending on small pig farmers in the district. The government has revised the legal provisions and included pig farms in the green category so that more farms can get legal status, the official added. Each adult pig consumes around 8 to 10 kg of food every day. The veterinary surgeon under the civic body is visiting the farms and taking stock of the farms to find out the actual requirement.

Kerala capital soaks in the spirit of scientific inquiry

The cultural and art heritage of Thiruvananthapuram is well-known among Malayalis. Though not to that extent, the capital city is a crucible of scientific study thanks to its geographical uniqueness. This identity of the city remains less conspicuous until recently. However, the capital is home to several research institutions of national (and even international repute) where cutting-edge technology and research are being handled. Except as a home to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, people did not know the city hosts several institutions that focus on scientific research, such as the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, the National Institute of Speech and Hearing and more. People even now view Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology as a hospital rather than a medical research one, says Dr Adarsh N, assistant professor at Government College, Attingal. He is also the vice-president of Breakthrough Science Societys (BSS) Thiruvananthapuram chapter. However, post-Covid, things have changed. The organisations that kept themselves cocooned to their own niche work are now opening their doors and connecting with the masses. Prime among them are Union government institutions marking their calendars with outreach events. Other than our normal outreach plans to school students, we organise occasions such as National Science Day and Space Week, says Dr Vinayak Kamble, assistant professor at IISER. The institute recently launched a public talk series along with the Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS) where they explained the working of X-rays to a group of students, stakeholders from the medical industry, as well as the public at Priyadarshini Planetarium. A sky-watch session at Attingal bus stand We are planning several more lectures where scientific topics are explained to the masses in an interesting and common language, says Vinayak. He recalls the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas in November when two government high school students from Vithura attended a lecture series. The students were also treated to star gazing along with interactions with ISRO professionals. These moves are commendable, but far more interesting is the healthy competition emerging in the city between science groups that are organising communication programmes targeting city dwellers. The Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad, BSS, and the Kerala Science Academy, as well as, several smaller groups are emerging nowadays and are using social media to reach out to more in a faster way, says Achuthsankar S Nair, a former professor at the University of Kerala. He now helms a group called Sastravedi, which organises programmes to lucidify science and create interest among school students. School students find science and maths difficult because they are not taught properly, says Vijaya P, a biology teacher, on a break from teaching. Teachers should also be given lab-based training so they would be able to demonstrate what they are teaching and interact with students in an open environment, she says. Many of the science groups and institutions, hence, claim they have a communication structure which includes training for teachers. We also have plans to publish books on science written by students. This will generate an interest in them to seek out more and to know more, says Achuthsankar. Sastravedi also has plans to use social media where youngsters will be encouraged to speak. The government initiatives towards scientific knowledge dissemination have also helped. Imagine something as huge as the Global Science Festival Kerala organised with eminent personalities coming to address students and the public. And the facilities such as the Kanakakunnu and Nishagandhi have given a new dimension to science exhibitions with a huge impact, says Adarsh. The Breakthrough Science Societys mega event All India Science Congress on February 8,9, and 10, and the Energy Management Centres International Energy Festival of Kerala (IEFK) are expected to be crowd-pullers, with a mix of seminars in the schedule along with expos and science demos being showcased by research institutions in the city. The IEFKs expo, being planned as part of the ventures second edition on February 7,8, and 9, will have energy-efficient tips conveyed to the public through gadgets and procedures. It will also have energy-efficient cooking tips and recipes. As part of popularising the science conference, the BSS went to the public with roadside and even beach-side sky-watching sessions. The conference, to be attended by nearly 1,000 delegates from across the country, will have a mega star-gazing session. However, science communities existed for a long time along with public curiosity, says Vaisakhan Thampi, professor at MG College, Thiruvananthapuram. His posts on science-based topics on social media have made him a familiar face for the public. Such communities flourished after the pandemic when people came to understand the positive sides of social media, and its proper use. After the lockdowns eased, naturally everything translated to offline as well. So, with the use of social media to popularise events, science programmes that are being held in the city have now become known to all, adds Vaisakhan, who is also part of Aastro, which organises regular skywatching sessions. Rockets assembled by students @ Conscientia, IISTs annual science fest Many would say, such initiatives are concentrated more in the capital than elsewhere because of its proximity to research institutions. However, it could also be because of Thruvananthapurams rich interest in science which was evident right from 1837 when the first observatory was set up here.A paper on Astronomical Contributions of Trivandrum Observatory published in the Open Access Journal of Astronomy claims there are records of two comets and their trajectories observed in 1843, 1844 and then 1941. When the facility went through an overhaul in 2017 and 2023, it trackedcomet C/2023(ZTF) and recently, comet C/2023A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS). Not only this, there were many other efforts to popularise science and learning, especially by people like Diwan Madhav Rao, who is said to have brought an engine and explained its functioning to the public, says Achuthsankar. But there was a period of lull in science communication. Many city people werent even aware that the place was home to the only institution specifically dedicated to space science and technology in Kerala, probably in Asia. It is the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, set up in 2007. This changed during Covid. Institutions such as ISRO had already begun popularising their space programmes by then. IIST had a specific mandate to organise sessions in schools on space science. However, research institutions such as CSIR-NIIST were still confined to their niche space. After the pandemic, their One Week One Lab programme took off, inviting common people to witness their research activities. Now most such institutions have days where they open doors to enthusiasts who want to know about their work. The government colleges in the city are also trying to follow suit, explains Adarsh. With these programmes getting into the full-steam mode, scientific interest and acumen will surely see the skies, experts feel.

Kerala writer who 'lives' in a library

R K R Nair is a familiar figure at the University Library in Thiruvananthapuram. Known for spending endless hours in the reference hall, he is often the subject of jokes: If someone gives him a blanket and pillow, he will sleep here. Unfazed by the attention, the octogenarian immerses himself in reading and writing every day. A bachelor, Nair leads a minimalist life in a nearby lodge, so that he doesnt waste time commuting to the library. In his twilight years, the library and his books remain his enduring companions. Nair doesnt even use a mobile phone, as he prefers to be cut off from worldly distractions. For him, reading is not just a pastime, but an escape a way to transcend the confines of the material world. Author of about a dozen books, Nairs literary inclination created a kind of detachment from people. Books, unlike people, are reliable and give true solace to the pangs of an aching soul, he smiles. In his younger days, Nair worked as an electrical engineer in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Indias metro cities. Poetry and music have been his companions in his journey. I have always been a poet at heart. I find solace in the poems of Keats or in the songs sung by Mohammed Rafi. If music be the food of solitude, play on, he says, playing on the famous line from Shakespeares Twelfth Night. During his professional journeys, Nairs love for mythology and spirituality steadily grew. He attributes this to the influence of his grandmother, who introduced him to Indian mythology at a young age. Her narrations of Krishna and Rama shaped my imagination and planted the seeds of curiosity that have grown into my passion for mythology, he recalls. After retiring, Nair served for two years as the executive engineer at Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple. There, he explored themes of love, service, and human connection ideas that would feature prominently in his books. Guruvayur was a window into the mystical world of devotion and ancient traditions, he says. Another major influence in Nairs life was Krishnavatara by K M Munshi. He calls it his souls guide. This masterpiece shaped my understanding of Krishna not just as a divine figure but as a strategist, philosopher, and deeply humane personality, he says. Krishnavatara, Nair adds, helped him craft one of his initial books, Dwaparam. In it, he reimagines Krishna not as God but as a master tactician.Nairs writing blends his insights into human relationships with mythical archetypes and contemporary dilemmas. One of his works, Orbits, tells the story of a celebrity named Adithya who leaves behind his stardom to help a poor village. The novel explores themes of love, service, and technology-driven progress through characters like Gabriel, who invents a solar-powered device to electrify the village; Seema, whose telepathic love leads to spiritual transcendence; and Dr Nancy, who sacrifices her career to care for her blind soulmate. The novel is deeply personal for Nair, carrying traces of a lost love that, he admits, shadows much of his writing. Another work, Call of the Blue River, is inspired by his decadelong life on the Andamans. The book features an array of poignant stories, including a forest ranger risking his life for a colleague, a criminologist caught in a moral dilemma, and a lawyer who accepts goodwill over money as payment. Each story reflects selflessness and ethical complexity,. His most recent work, The Sun of Dwarka, published last year, delves into the Mahabharata to explore the character of Krishna in new ways. He focuses on the silences and pauses in the epic, depicting Krishna as someone who maintained deeply personal bonds with Radha, his soulmate, and Draupadi, a sister-like figure. Themes of telepathy, timeless connection, and human vulnerability dominate the book, offering a fresh take on the epic. As we part, Nair, thumbing through the pages of a book, appears content with his unconventional life. And the library remains his sanctuary a space where he reads, writes, and reflects without interruption. Bonds, to me, are bondages, he says. Books and thoughts are all I need. I live in words. Thats the only place I belong to.

Kerala: Elderly Couple killed as ambulance collides with pickup truck in Kottarakkara

KOLLAM: An elderly couple died in a road accident at Kottarakkara, Kollam, when the ambulance they were travelling in collided with a pickup truck. The deceased have been identified as Thampi, 65, and his wife, Shyamala, 60, residents of Ezhamkulam, Adoor. Thampi, who was undergoing treatment for a heart condition, was being taken to a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram after suffering a haemorrhage when the accident occurred past midnight on MC Road near Sadanandapuram, Kottarakkara. Seven others were injured in the crash and have been hospitalized. The ambulance, carrying five people, including the driver, was en route from Adoor to Thiruvananthapuram, while the pickup truck had four occupantsthe driver and labourers transporting cargo. With the help of local residents, injured persons were taken to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College and Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital for treatment. Thampis body has been kept at Kottarakkara Taluk Hospital, while Shyamalas remains are at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. Meanwhile, Kottarakara police have registered the case and begun the investigation into the incident.

Balaramapuram toddler murder case: Uncle to be quizzed in presence of psychologist

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Neyyattinkara First Class Judicial Magistrate Court on Tuesday granted police the custody of Harikumar, the accused in the Balaramapuram toddler murder case , for further questioning. Harikumar is accused of murdering his two-year-old niece, Devendu, by throwing her into a well. The court has ordered a mental health evaluation to determine if Harikumar has any underlying mental illness. He was taken to a medical college hospital for examination on Tuesday and will be interrogated in the presence of a psychologist. He is expected to remain in custody until Friday. Harikumar has denied the charges, insisting that he did not kill the child. However, K Sudarshan, the investigating officer, said that Harikumars statements have been inconsistent. The officer said that Harikumar had previously confessed to the crime but frequently retracts his claims. He fluctuates in his statements. The accused has claimed he is on medication for a mental illness, and he will be questioned with an expert present, the officer added. According to the remand report, Harikumar harboured intense resentment toward his sister Sreethu, feeling that the childs presence diminished the affection he received and was disturbed by her crying. The report further indicates that his sisters disapproval of his extramarital affair added to his hostility. Meanwhile, astrologer Shankhumukham Devidasan has denied any involvement in the murder of the child. Devidasan said that though he agreed to appear for questioning, he was forcibly taken by police. The police have portrayed me as a fraudster in the media. Some individuals are targeting astrology itself. This media campaign amounts to character assassination, and if the defamation continues, I will take action against those journalists, Devidasan said. Mom of murdered toddler arrested for financial fraud in Thiruvananthapuram