ED Kochi unit officer named first accused in bribery case; Chartered Accountant arrested

KOCHI: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has named an Assistant Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Kochi Unit, as the first accused in a high-profile bribery case involving the extortion of money from a businessman in exchange for halting an ED investigation. On Saturday, the VACB's Kochi unit arrested Renjith Warrier, a Kochi-based chartered accountant, following the earlier arrest of two other accused. Warrier was taken into custody from his residence on Variyam Road in Kochi. According to officials, Warrier provided information about the businessman to Wilson, who later posed as a mediator for ED officials and demanded money. The investigation was launched after a Kottarakara-based businessman, engaged in the export of cashew to African countries, filed a complaint. He had been interrogated by ED Assistant Director Shekar Kumar last year over alleged irregularities in foreign fund transfers. The ED suspected inflated turnover figures and questioned whether some transactions were unrelated to cashew exports. During the interrogation at the EDs Kochi office, Shekar Kumar-now named as the first accused-allegedly threatened to arrest the businessman and his other family members. According to the FIR, the second accused, Wilson, a resident of Thammanam, contacted the businessman soon after the interrogation and demanded Rs two crore to end the ED probe. In an effort to convince the complainant, Wilson also forwarded a copy of the EDs summons. Recently, Wilson contacted the complainant again, this time demanding Rs 2 lakh allegedly meant for Shekar Kumar. The businessman then approached VACB, prompting a preliminary inquiry. After verifying the allegations, the agency laid a trap and arrested Wilson on Thursday while accepting the bribe. The third accused, Mukesh Jain alias Murali, Rajasthan native residing in Kochi-was arrested the following day. He had allegedly instructed the businessman to deposit Rs 50,000 into a bank account in Thane, Maharashtra. VACB has found that Mukesh was involved in hawala transactions. All three accused were produced before the Muvattupuzha Vigilance Court and remanded to judicial custody. VACB officials said they would soon seek custody of the accused for further questioning. VACB Ernakulam SP S Sasidharan confirmed that the investigation is in its early stages. The ED officer was arraigned based on the complainants statement. Further questioning of the arrested individuals will guide the next steps. There are several angles still to be covered before interrogating the ED officer. He will be summoned based on the evidence that emerges, he said. Officials are also probing whether the accused extorted money from others under ED investigation in Kerala. The complainant told VACB that Wilson had claimed involvement in mediating other high-profile cases, including the 2020 Thiruvananthapuram gold smuggling case. Meanwhile, the ED has initiated an internal inquiry into the allegations. Officials said appropriate disciplinary action would be considered based on the outcome of that probe. The ED and VACB have been at loggerheads over major investigations, including the Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank scam and the Thiruvananthapuram gold smuggling case.

CPM leader Pradeep Kumar appointed as new private secretary to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ending all speculations, senior CPM leader A Pradeep Kumar has been appointed as the new Private Secretary to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Former Kozhikode north MLA, Pradeep is currently a CPM state committee member. The position fell vacant, after incumbent KK Ragesh was elected as CPM Kannur district secretary on April 15. There were major speculations on who would replace Ragesh. By the end of April, the chief minister had directed his special private secretary, A Rajasekharan Nair totemporarily perform the duties of the private secretary. Speaking to the media on Saturday, A Pradeep Kumar said he would discharge the responsibility entrusted by the party to the best of his ability. Pradeep said the chief minister had already informed him of the decision and that he would take charge on May 21. It is an important responsibility, and I believe I shall be able to perform efficiently. The people have already decided to give a third term for the Left government, he added.

Shashi Tharoor's Painful Post After Meeting Families Of Accident Victims

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor met the families of four men who were killed in a road accident in Thiruvananthapuram last week.

Land disputes must be settled by civil courts: Panel

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Revenue officials have no authority to make final decisions in land ownership disputes, such matters should be decided by civil courts, said Alexander Thomas, chairperson of the Human Rights Commission (HRC). But, Revenue Department which accepts land tax, has the authority to determine whether a land is government-owned land or not, the order noted. Justice Alexander Thomas observed that accepting land tax is merely a mechanism for generating government revenue and does not establish ownership rights over land. There are several higher court rulings that support this position. The commission acted on a petition submitted by V Jayakumar, a resident of Vamanapuram. He had complained that since 2023, land tax was not being accepted for a 3 3/4 cent plot in his name. Though HRC issued an order for the acceptance of tax under the Kerala Land Tax Act, the Revenue Department did not comply. The Commission then summoned the Nedumangad Tahsildar for a direct hearing. The Tahsildar argued that the land in question included poramboke land and accepting tax would validate the claim over such government land.

Game for a heady trek this Sunday?

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The heights of peaks are heady and exhilarating, which is why the fascination with them nullifies the difficulty in reaching them. Varayadumotta in Thiruvananthapuram, part of the Western Ghats, is no different. The 360-degree view of the world below, from a peak at around 1,000m, is indeed one to behold, say those who have completed the trek. For that view, one has to traverse the arduous terrain, navigating the undulating pathways strewn with stones and wild growth. Game for it? Then, join a team of trekkers led by the Academy for Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (AMAS) heading for the heights this Sunday. Varayadumotta is said to be one of the most exciting and toughest treks in south India. It gets tougher during the rainy season as the pathways turn slippery, remarks Ajayakumar G, a tech consultant and avid traveller. He remembers a trip he made with friends some years ago when it rained. I guess there were more leeches than stones. It will be a bloody scene if you arent properly attired in boots that reach up to your knees, he chuckles. Ajayakumar, who plans to go again once the monsoon sets in, says Varayadumotta is a heady place. The top view sends one to a meditative trance state. Maybe thats why people want to do and redo it, he says. The uniqueness of this hill lies in its craggy and rugged climb, with elevations that vary as one ascends. Tenacity defines the trek. Tommy John, director of AMAS, says the centre has organised five treks so far to Varayadumotta. There is a major rise in demand. Trekking is in vogue, he says. The next one, on Sunday, will be led by well-trained volunteers and forest guides. We will start by 7am from Ponmudi and finish by evening. Registrations are open. Doctors, techies, and teams of students and professionals are among those who have registered, says Tommy. For details on the May 18 trek, contact 94461 01056

Mistaken identity: Seven held for abducting youth in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thampanoor police have arrested seven persons, out of ten, who assaulted a 27-year-old man in a case of mistaken identity. The group mistook the youth for someone involved in their friends suicide, the police said. The incident happened at the Santhi Kavadam crematorium on Wednesday. The victim, Praveen, had gone to the crematorium around 1.30pm to attend the funeral of Vishnu, 32, a Poojappura resident who had died by suicide days earlier, reportedly over a failed romantic relationship. However, Vishnus friends allegedly mistook Praveen for the man they believed was romantically involved with the woman Vishnu had been in love with. What followed was a brutal public attack. A group of ten began beating Praveen using metal rods and flower pots. Praveen was knocked unconscious during the assault. The attackers then dragged him into an autorickshaw, threatened him with a knife, and continued assaulting him inside the vehicle. His wristwatch and Rs 3,200 were also stolen. Thampanoor police later found that Praveen had no involvement in the romantic relationship that allegedly led to Vishnus death. He was a friend who had simply come to offer condolences. Following Praveens complaint, and based on CCTV footage from the crematorium, the police arrested Adithya Vijayan, 23, Ashwin Vijay, 20, Vishnu, 32, and Mujeesh Khan, 23, on Thursday night. On Friday, they took Nishad N S, 25, Anu M,29, and Muhammed Khaif, 23, into custody. All face charges including attempted murder, robbery, and unlawful assembly. Efforts are on to nab the remaining suspects, the police said.

Resentment grows within Congress in Kerala over leadership reorganisation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The resonance in the state Congress after the reorganisation has now turned into a growing resentment against the party high command. Though the national and state leaderships claimed that the new appointments were made after due consideration, a section of leaders allege that the high command failed to address the sentiments of ordinary leaders and workers. A majority of senior leaders also share these sentiments. The high command had given KPCC president and two working president posts to three MLAs, while one working president and UDF convenor posts went to two MPs. There are thousands of ordinary leaders who have been working tirelessly for the party for years, a veteran Congress leader told TNIE . Rahul Gandhi has declared a one-man one-post policy. However, some top leaders in the state Congress and high command gifted these prime posts to MLAs and MPs, though they have additional charges to carry out as peoples representatives. If this is going to be followed, what will be the future of ordinary leaders and workers in Congress? he asked. Questions are being asked how organisational works will be carried out by these MLAs and MPs in addition to their daily work as legislators. The allegations are now pointing towards AICC general secretary in charge of organisation, K C Venugopal, and AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala, Deepa Dasmunsi. The reorganisation was untimely, said a political affairs committee member. A majority of senior leaders, including former KPCC presidents, had told Rahul Gandhi that they were not in favour of the reorganisation, he said. There are sentiments among the leaders that the reorganisation was imposed upon the state party for allegedly preparing a safe passage to certain leaders to enter into state politics. It is alleged that the narrative that a Christian representation must be addressed was aimed at eliminating some senior leaders from the race for the CM post if the UDF wins the 2026 assembly election. Poll strategist Sunil Kanugolu had surveyed in the state to assess the popularity of the leaders and whom to be considered to lead the party, a former top bureaucrat said on condition of anonymity. I was also approached to name a set of leaders who could deliver results. However, the way the reorganisation was carried out surprised me, he said. It is alleged that even after the Catholic Church denied that it had canvassed for a Christian representation, certain senior leaders put pressure on Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. This narration helped eliminate the chances of senior leaders Ramesh Chennithala, K Muraleedharan and Shashi Tharoor. Deepa Dasmunsis report was allegedly used to bring in Christian leaders to the top, he added.

Congress plans major revamp in Kerala; PAC to be spared

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as the state Congress is going for a major organisational revamp, there wont be any reorganisation of its political affairs committee (PAC). Now the ball is in the state Congress court as the central leadership has asked it to select new KPCC office-bearers and reorganise the district Congress committees. Congress state president Sunny Joseph, UDF convener Adoor Prakash, working presidents A P Anil Kumar, P C Vishnunadh, Shafi Parambil, CWC member Ramesh Chennithala and leader of Opposition V D Satheesan held meetings with the AICC leadership in this regard. The state leadership has been asked to prepare the draft list of new KPCC office-bearers and DCC presidents who are to be relieved from the post. Meanwhile, there is a consensus among senior leaders that there is no need to reorganise the PAC now. The PAC was formed recently, Sunny Joseph told TNIE. Hence, there is no question about its reorganisation, he said. However, the real test for the new KPCC leadership would be selecting new office-bearers and DCC presidents. All senior leaders and groups affiliated to them are closely watching the moves of the new state president. After K Sudhakaran assumed charge as KPCC president last time, there were allegations from some sections within the party that the appointments of office-bearers were carried out unilaterally by him and the leader of opposition. Sunny is rather a low-profile leader compared to Sudhakaran, a KPCC executive member told TNIE. He is closely connected only to leaders in Kannur. Hence he will have to find his own men and install them in crucial posts. However, it is also to be seen how he will withstand the pressure tactics of the Satheesan-Venugopal group, he added.

Ente Bhoomi promises to make land transactions swift & error-free

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For long, bureaucratic bottlenecks and compliance-related hassles have been dragging procedures related to land deals in Kerala. This is set to change, if a state government initiative is any indication. Billed as a one-stop solution for land transactions the governments Ente Bhoomi integrated land management system is expected to ensure speedy disposal of files and accuracy of documents. The success of its trial run at Ujar Ulvar, a village in Kasaragod, has prompted the government to include at least one village from each district in the Ente Bhoomi single-window portal, within a month. Details of only digitally surveyed villages 300 as of now are available in the portal. The rest of the villages are being covered under the statewide digital survey in phases. At present, land transactions at Ujar Ulvar are now performed through the Ente Bhoomi portal. The process starts with the buyer or seller applying for thandaper certificate and survey sketch of the proposed land via the portal. These are uploaded to the portal by the village office and survey office, respectively. The land owner then fills in the template of the transaction deed available on the portal. The land details appear automatically and the seller can list any specific conditions regarding the transaction. It is then submitted to the registration department online. Land tax payment also possible via Ente Bhoomi After completing the transaction process, the registration department will push the document to the village office for mutation and the survey department for subsequent changes in the Land Parcel Map (LPM). Land tax payment is also possible through the portal. Ente Bhoomi helps the government with real-time updation of the LPM in its possession. Sale or other types of transfer of land are reflected in the LPM automatically. Ente Bhoomi is Keralas flagship digital land governance platform that brings all land-related services, including survey maps, transactions, mutations, tax payments, location sketches and encumbrance certificates, under a single, unified interface, said Sambasiva Rao, director, survey & land records department. It redefines last-mile service delivery by bridging the digital divide and ensuring transparency, efficiency and accessibility for every citizen. By integrating multiple departments into a seamless digital workflow, Ente Bhoomi stands as a national model for inclusive and technology-driven land administration, he said. DIgital push Ente Bhoomi, or the Integrated Land Information Management System, is a comprehensive digital land information system. Only a few countries have comprehensive digital land record systems, according to the survey department. The portal offers services like land transfer, template for land registration, pre-mutation sketch, encumbrance certificate, land tax payment, fair value information, auto mutation, location sketch and re-categorisation of land. Kerala leads the country Several states and union territories have consulted Kerala for emulating the Ente Bhoomi initiative. Kerala has agreed to offer software support to Assam besides guidance. Recently, a team from Puducherry visited Kerala, while an online session was conducted for Rajasthan.

Community-driven disaster management plans to aid two vulnerable tribal hamlets in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Setting a benchmark for the nation, the state has successfully piloted community-owned disaster management plans in two of the most vulnerable, remotely located tribal hamlets nestled within the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has successfully piloted the project that aims to enhance safety and build disaster-resilient tribal communities at the highly vulnerable and remote Swamiyaralakudy in Idukki district and Kurumbanmoozhi in Pathanamthitta district. As per the study conducted for drawing up the disaster management plan, it was found that both settlements are prone to frequent landslides, heavy rainfall, flash floods and wildlife attacks and are constantly under threat of seasonal isolation during disasters. Limited road connectivity, and fragile housing are the other major challenges faced by these hamlets. The disaster management plans have been drawn up integrating the traditional knowledge of the indigenous populations with geospatial science. KSDMA member Joy Elamon told TNIE that Kerala is the first state in the country to come up with community-driven disaster management plans for tribal settlements. There are around 6,000 tribal hamlets in the state. According to the 2011 Census, there are around 4,84,839 Scheduled Tribe members in Kerala comprising over 30 groups, including the particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs). This will be rolled out in all 6,000 tribal hamlets in the state this year. We are planning to rope in academic institutions specialising in social work, geology and disaster management courses, said Joy Elamon. He said that the project is part of the state governments policy that nobody should be left out during a disaster. Advanced geospatial tools were used to create detailed multi-hazard zone maps, resource inventories, evacuation route maps and to analyse critical infrastructure. Despite these vulnerabilities, the tribal communities in these regions possess deep traditional ecological wisdom and long-practised adaptive responses to extreme events, said Anagha E, rural development specialist, KSDMA. As part of the plan, KSDMA is planning to constitute Hamlet Resource Groups (HRGs) for the execution of disaster management plans. We have analysed the hazards and this document will help local self-government institutions while drawing up projects using Plan funds. They can also claim money from State Disaster Mitigation Funds, said Midhila Mallika, state project officer, KSDMA. She said that district-level meetings will be held at the collectorate level in every district to prepare the disaster management plans for tribal hamlets. There are stakeholders including the forest department and tribal department. The initiative will be rolled out in a participatory manner, said Midhila.

IMD forecasts heavy rainfall across Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall across the state in the coming days. As per the prediction, the state will receive heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated places from Monday to Wednesday. Heavy rainfall is expected in isolated places in Kerala in the coming days. An orange alert has been issued for several districts in the state for Monday and Tuesday and yellow alert has been issued for many districts till May 20. Orange alert Heavy (7-11cm in 24 hours ) to very heavy (12-20cm in 24 hours ) Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod (May 19) Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod (May 20) Yellow alert (7-11cm in 24 hours) Pathanamthitta and Idukki (May 17) Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod (May 18). Ernakulam , Idukki, Thrissur and Palakkad (May 19). Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram (May 20).

Postpartum haemorrhage top maternal death factor in Kerala

KOLLAM: Despite Keralas achievements in healthcare, postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) remains the leading direct cause of maternal deaths in the state, according to the Confidential Review of Maternal Deaths conducted by the Kerala Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Though PPH, or excessive bleeding after childbirth, continues to be the chief concern, experts warn that hypertensive pregnancy disorders and sepsis are also emerging as significant contributors of maternal deaths. Of the 609 maternal deaths recorded between 2020 and 2024, 70 were attributed to obstetric haemorrhage, including five cases where women died en route to hospital care. From 2021 to 2024 alone, among 522 recorded maternal deaths, 38 were caused by hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia--making it the second leading cause of maternal mortality after haemorrhage. The review further flagged that 22 of those 38 hypertensive cases progressed to eclampsia, a severe condition involving seizures in pregnant women with high blood pressure. Additionally, 13 cases were associated with HELLP syndrome, a life-threatening complication considered a variant of hypertensive pregnancy disorder. Maternal sepsis defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction resulting from infection during pregnancy was cited in 16 of the 522 deaths. PPH is still the most common cause of maternal deaths. However, hypertensive pregnancy disorders and sepsis have become dangerous emerging trends. We are seeing increased incidence of high blood pressure among young women, which was rare in the past. This could be due to unhealthy lifestyles, poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress, said Dr Leema R, senior gynaecologist at Women and Children Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. Dr Leema stressed the need for robust diagnostic protocols and rapid interventions. Prompt and effective management of high blood pressure is crucial to avoid complications like cerebral haemorrhage, the most common cause of death in preeclampsia patients, she said. On sepsis, she added, It can result from postpartum infections, so maintaining hygiene throughout pregnancy is critical. We are also seeing more cases where standard antibiotics are ineffective due to growing resistance. This area needs further research. Dr Unnikrishnan, a senior gynaecological surgeon based in Kollam, said proper management of labour is key to reducing maternal mortality. PPH can often be prevented with active management during delivery. But this requires skilled staff and infrastructure, he said. He said while local representatives demand labour facilities in taluk hospital and primary health centres, this is not always feasible. Unfortunately, most taluk hospitals lack the necessary infrastructure and trained staff. Strengthening these facilities should be a priority, he noted.

Flavour feud! Kerala grower invites mango lovers to settle virtual taste debate

KOZHIKODE: A passionate farmer from Kozhikode finds himself in the middle of an unexpected storm over the taste of a mango grown in his backyard. The fruit of one of Poyiil Abdurahmans mango trees has become the subject of a statewide debate, thanks to a viral video posted by a popular vlogger. An expatriate, Abdurahman started gaining attention on social media after news of him having grafted more than 80 varieties of mango onto a single tree came to light. The controversy began when a vlogger visited Abdurahmans home to taste a mango that he proudly claimed was one of the best in the region. While Abdurahman described the fruit as purely sweet with a honey-like finish, the vlogger argued it had a distinct sour-sweet complexity that lingers on the tongue. The disagreement, captured on camera, quickly went viral. The mango in question is the Nam Dok Mai, a variety from Thailand. According to Abdurahman, it is similar to the Imam Pasand or Himam Pasand and he always gives the mango a 10 on 10 for taste. The conflicting opinions sparked a flood of comments, memes, and friendly debates online. Mango enthusiasts and others started giving conflicting thoughts regarding the taste of the mango. What started as a simple fruit tasting has now grown into a full-blown flavour feud with mango lovers taking sides. Refusing to put to rest the virtual debate, Abdurahman has now taken it forward. He has extended a public invitation to mango aficionados to visit his home and judge the mango themselves. I dont want this mangos reputation to be decided by two people alone, said Abdurahman with a smile. Let the people of Kerala taste it and tell me what they think: Is it sweet, sour, or both? The event, dubbed the mango verdict gathering, is scheduled to take place on Saturday at Abdurahmans residence in Karuthaparamba, Kozhikode. Enthusiasts from as far as Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Kannur have already expressed interest to be part of the event. Abdurahman has also invited researchers from the agricultural sector, non-smokers and non-alcohol users who, according to him, will be able to better judge the fruit.He plans to harvest a few dozen mangoes from the tree and serve freshly sliced samples to all the guests. A feedback chart will be placed near the tasting table, where visitors can cast their final verdict.

Journalists manhandled in Thiruvananthapuram

Tharoor named to all-party delegation to expose Pak terror a day after Congress'Lakshman rekha caution: Report

A day after responding to his partys Lakshman Rekha caution, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has reportedly been named as part of an all-party delegation set to travel to multiple countries next week to highlight Pakistan-sponsored terrorism on the global stage. The move comes as the NDA government launches a major diplomatic campaign against terrorism in the wake of Operation Sindoor. As part of the initiative, multi-party delegations comprising MPs from both the ruling alliance and key Opposition parties will travel to five to six countries, including the US, UK, and several Islamic nations. These delegations will meet heads of state and senior officials to explain Indias rationale behind the operation and build global consensus against cross-border terrorism. The delegations, divided into regional blocs as earmarked by the government, will travel for 10 days starting around May 2223. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will brief the MPs ahead of their departure and share detailed itineraries. Among the parties participating are the BJP, Congress, TMC, DMK, NCP (SP), JDU, BJD, CPI(M), and others. Former Union minister Anurag Thakur and BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi are among the ruling party members in the delegations. PTI has reported that Congress leaders Shashi Tharoor, Manish Tewari, Salman Khurshid, and Amar Singh have been named as part of the delegations, and said that the party has confirmed its participation in the initiative. India to send multi-party delegations abroad to rally global support against terrorism The Congress on Friday had confirmed its participation in the initiative, adding that party president Mallikarjun Kharge will take the final call on which MPs will represent the party in the delegations. PTI has also reported that Congress leader Salman Khurshid will lead a delegation to South Korea, Japan, and Singapore, while Manish Tewari is being considered to head a team to Europe or the Middle East. Shashi Tharoors delegation may also travel to a bloc of countries in West Asia or Africa. The wider initiative reportedly includes MPs from across the political spectrumSudip Bandyopadhyay (TMC), K Kanimozhi (DMK), Sasmit Patra (BJD), Sanjay Jha (JDU), Priyanka Chaturvedi (Shiv Sena UBT), Supriya Sule (NCP SP), John Brittas (CPI-M), Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM), and Vikramjit Sawhney (AAP). Congress to be part of multi-party delegation against terrorism, Kharge to nominate MPs This report comes immediately after the Congress leadership distanced itself from Tharoors comments on India-Pakistan conflict in media interviews, different voices emerged from party leaders on the issue. While the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is learnt to have warned Tharoor of crossing party lines, the Congress MP on Thursday clarified that his comments were made in a personal capacity and did not reflect the partys official position on the issue. However, Tharoors strong defence of the Modi governments actions have not gone down well with many leaders, who felt that Modis foreign policy has left India friendless and a laughing stock. Congress leader Praveen Chakravarty said that Modi governments foreign policy was an utter failure and it is the duty of every Indian leader to point this out in the larger national interest. Regardless of what MPs from Thiruvananthapuram ,Thiruchirapalli or Thane may say in English, Tamil or Marathi, the facts are indisputable. US President Trump has said India and Pakistan are equal, Kashmir is an international issue, US forced India to agree to cease fire, among other things, said Chakravarty. Congress a divided house over Trump ceasefire mediation AICC leader Jairam Ramesh told reporters on Wednesday that Tharoors views do not reflect the official position of the party. That is his opinion. When Tharoor speaks, it is his view and not the stand of the party, he said. Responding to the partys stand, Tharoor said that his opinions were individual and not reflective of the Congress partys stand I made it very clear that I am expressing my personal views. It was really a contribution to the national discourse, at a time when it was very important for us to rally around the flag, especially internationally. There was a relative lack of our point of view being heard, particularly in the US, Europe, and the Middle East, he said. Tharoor asserted that he spoke as an Indian and a proud citizen. I spoke as an Indian. I never pretended to speak for anyone else. I am not a spokesperson for the party. I am not the government spokesperson. Whatever I have said, you may agree or disagree, blame it on me individually, and thats fine, said Tharoor. The Congress MP also dismissed reports that senior leaders of the CWC were of the view that Tharoor has crossed Lakshman Rekha with his comments on Operation Sindoor and Trumps mediation. (With inputs from PTI, ENS)

Will do everything for the 10.5 lakh fisherfolk in Kerala: Minister Cherian

Will do everything for the 10.5 lakh fisherfolk in Kerala: Minister Cherian Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian claimed on Friday that the fortune of the fishermen community has changed since the Vijayan government came to power in 2016, and assured that he will do everything for the fisherfolk. In a chat with IANS, Cherian [] The post Will do everything for the 10.5 lakh fisherfolk in Kerala: Minister Cherian appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

K Sudhakaran's remark over his removal from KPCC president post leaves leaders, supporters in a tight spot

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The remarks of former KPCC president K Sudhakaran have put his close followers and leaders in a tight spot. Sudhakarans criticism against his removal from the post of Congress chief by the national leadership has not been taken in a positive way by the high command. Followingly, AICC has also instructed the senior leaders in the State not to reply or respond to the open statements made by Sudhakaran. Both AICC and state Congress leadership have decided to completely ignore the former KPCC president. The statement of Sudhakaran is a breach of party discipline, a senior Congress leader told TNIE. Both Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge had conveyed to him personally about the need for a revamp and a new leadership ahead of local body and assembly elections. As a member of CWC, he is bound to ensure partydiscipline, he said. There is criticism and disappointment in the Sudhakaran camp too, against his open revolt for a second consecutive time. Sudhakaran is the only leader who was given an honourable exit from the KPCC president post by the high command after a long time, a leader close to him said. Former presidents Thennala Balakrishnapilla, PP Thankachan, VM Sudheeran, Mullapally Ramachandran and MM Hassan left without any honour. K Muralidharan and Ramesh Chennithala were two exceptions. K Sudhakaran has also been elevated to the working committee by the high command, he said. As the AICC has given a free hand to the new team led by KPCC president Sunny Joseph in reorganisation, the leaders close to Sudhakaran are in high hopes to be accommodated in the newly formed committees at various levels. They also express that by openly revolting against the high command and making remarks against senior leaders, Sudhakaran has lost the bargaining capacity and edge over hisopponents. The lack of support from his supporters is also viewed as a sign of waning grip of former Kannur strongman on his ground. Meanwhile, the VD Satheeshan and KC Venugopal camp is likely to be benefited from Sudhakarangroup's loss of power.

Charred body of a woman found in Thiruvananthapuram; police detain partner

The woman is suspected to have died around 10.30 p.m. Residents in the area reported hearing a womans screams for help around the same time

Charred body of 50-year-old woman found in Thiruvananthapuram, police probe relationship angle

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Charred body of a 50-year-old woman was found in Kaimanam here on Thursday night. The deceased has been identified as Sheeja, a native of Karumam. Her family has alleged foul play in her death. According to the local residents, upon hearing a woman screaming, they had immediately alerted the police. On searching the area, they had found the body in an unoccupied plot located in the densely populated Kuttikkattu Lane area. By the time the police arrived, Sheeja had already succumbed to severe burn injuries. According to police, Sheeja had been living with a friend named Saji, who stays near the spot where her body was found. Her family members said Sheeja and Saji had a close but troubled relationship, which they had opposed for a long time. Though the two had separated for a while, the family believes they have recently started talking again. Police suspect that Sheeja may have visited Sajis house on Thursday night. While they have not ruled out the possibility that Sheeja may have taken her own life, her family is asking for a detailed investigation into Sajis involvement in the incident.

Trivandrum Airport ends ties with China's 'DragonPass' providing airport lounge access service

The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV), managed by Adani Group has terminated its partnership with Chinese company 'DragonPass,' a platform providing airport lounge access services.

Class 4 Kerala Paadavali features art works exclusively by girl students, women

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When revised textbooks reach state syllabus schools in the upcoming academic year, the Malayalam textbook Kerala Paadavali for Class 4 is sure to stand out. All the illustrations in the book have been drawn exclusively by girl students and women. The State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT), which oversees the curriculum revision, came up with the novel idea as a women empowerment initiative. General Education Minister V Sivankutty welcomed it as a new chapter in the history of the states textbook design sector, which is considered male-dominated. The 10-member team of illustrators included two students Ananya S Subhash and Biyaanka Jenson along with teachers and professional artists. While Biyaanka, a differently abled student, was chosen from an SCERT camp to prepare textbook illustrations last November, Ananya had been a participant in the camp in its previous editions. What makes the textbook unique is the careful selection of illustrations that are aimed at stimulating the imagination of children in the 9-10 age group. The all-female team was encouraged to experiment with various styles and colours supplementing the corresponding matter in the text. SCERT initially had plans to entrust illustrations for the Class 4 and 6 Malayalam textbooks exclusively to girl students and women. However, the plan was restricted to Class 4 as lower primary textbooks need more illustrations compared to other classes. In 2023, students of the Government Model Residential School, Wadakkanchery, Thrissur had painted on stones and turned them into works of art. The stones they painted were featured on the cover of the revised Art Education Activity book of Class 5 last year.

Thiruvananthapuram airport clocks nearly 50 lakh passengers, 10 per cent growth in a year

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The International Airport in Thiruvananthapuram recorded a strong performance in the 2024-25 financial year, registering a 10% growth in passenger traffic. A total of 48,90,452 passengers used the airport during the year, including 25.9 lakh domestic and 22.9 lakh international travellers. This marks a significant increase from the 44,11,235 passengers handled in the previous fiscal year. The airport set a new record for its highest single-day passenger and aircraft traffic on December 22, 2024, when it served 16,578 passengers and managed 101 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs). This surpassed the earlier record of 15,193 passengers and 95 ATMs on January 29, 2024, underlining the airports growing capacity to manage peak demand efficiently. Currently, the airport handles an average of 14,614 passengers and 86 ATMs per day, including charter services. The airport now connects to over nine domestic and 14 international destinations, with increased flight frequencies aligned to rising demand and improved infrastructure. During the fiscal, aircraft movements rose to 33,316-up from 31,342 in FY 2023-24. Managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd., Trivandrum airport continues to evolve into a major aviation hub in the region. The airport has not only seen impressive growth in traffic but also made notable advancements in infrastructure and technology. Among the key upgrades were the addition of more check-in counters and E-Gates at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, streamlining passenger movement and reducing wait times.

Congress a divided house over Trump ceasefire mediation

NEW DELHI: A day after Congress leadership distanced itself from senior leader Shashi Tharoors comments on India-Pakistan conflict in media interviews, different voices emerged from party leaders on the issue. While the Congress Working Committee (CWC) is learnt to have warned Tharoor of crossing party lines, the Congress MP on Thursday clarified that his comments were made in a personal capacity and did not reflect the partys official position on the issue. However, Tharoors strong defense of the Modi governments actions have not gone down well with many leaders, who felt that Modis foreign policy has left India friendless and a laughing stock. Congress leader Praveen Chakravarty said that Modi governments foreign policy was an utter failure and it is the duty of every Indian leader to point this out in the larger national interest. Regardless of what MPs from Thiruvananthapuram ,Thiruchirapalli or Thane may say in English, Tamil or Marathi, the facts are indisputable. US President Trump has said India and Pakistan are equal, Kashmir is an international issue, US forced India to agree to cease fire, among other things, said Chakravarty. AICC leader Jairam Ramesh told reporters on Wednesday that Tharoors views do not reflect the official position of the party. That is his opinion. When Tharoor speaks, it is his view and not the stand of the party, he said. Trump once again claims he 'helped settle' India-Pak tensions; repeats US used trade as leverage Responding to the partys stand, Tharoor said that his opinions were individual and not reflective of the Congress partys stand I made it very clear that I am expressing my personal views. It was really a contribution to the national discourse, at a time when it was very important for us to rally around the flag, especially internationally. There was a relative lack of our point of view being heard, particularly in the US, Europe, and the Middle East, he said. Tharoor asserted that he spoke as an Indian and a proud citizen. I spoke as an Indian. I never pretended to speak for anyone else. I am not a spokesperson for the party. I am not the government spokesperson. Whatever I have said, you may agree or disagree, blame it on me individually, and thats fine, said Tharoor. Congress Jai Hind rally over PMs silence on Trump claim of halting conflict The Congress MP also dismissed reports that senior leaders of the CWC were of the view that Tharoor has crossed Lakshman Rekha with his comments on Operation Sindoor and Trumps mediation. Spoke as an Indian and proud citizen: Tharoor Shashi Tharoor said that his opinions were individual and not reflective of the Congress partys stand. Tharoor asserted that he spoke as an Indian and a proud citizen. I am not a spokesperson for the party. I am not the government spokesperson. Whatever I have said, you may agree or disagree, blame it on me individually, and thats fine, said the Congress MP.

Crackdown pays off, home birth cases drop in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state governments efforts to curb the risky practice of home births -- following the death of a woman in Malappuram during childbirth in early April -- have begun to show results. In April, the number of home births statewide dropped to 26 from the March figure of 46. Notably, Malappuram -- which has long recorded the highest number of home deliveries in Kerala -- led the improvement, bringing down home births from 23 to just six during the period. Kollam reported a complete halt in home births, from four in the previous month. Despite the drastic reduction, Malappuram still recorded the highest number of home births in the state in April, followed by Thiruvananthapuram with four cases. However, seeing Malappurams numbers fall to single digits is a significant achievement.The governments action after the death (of the woman from Malappuram), along with consistent follow-up, helped in bringing the desired impact among the public, Malappuram District Medical Officer (DMO) Renuka R told TNIE . Local self-government bodies also played a key role in the campaign, organising street plays in areas known for encouraging home births. The World Health Day (April 7) celebrations in the state also focused on the theme. While Indias maternal mortality rate stands at 97 per 1 lakh live births, Kerala has reduced it to just 19. Between April last year and February this year, the state recorded 2,94,058 births, of which 382 occurred at home. In 2024 alone, the department linked 17 stillbirths and 12 neonatal deaths to home births. Malappuram, in particular, has been at the centre of the crisis, recording 1,244 home births out of a total of 2,931 deliveries between 2019 and September 2024. The turning point came with the death of Asma, 35, who bled to death during a home birth on April 5. Health Minister Veena George termed such incidents as intentional murder and directed district medical officers to pursue culpable homicide charges in such cases. Subsequently, Asmas husband, Sirajuddin, was arrested. Even before the tragedy, Dr K Pratibha, a medical officer at the Thanur Family Health Centre (FHC) in Malappuram, had been advocating against home births. Frustrated by repeated cases, she took up the issue through official channels and approached the High Court, seeking strict government action and clear guidelines to prevent such practices. The government must protect the lives of both mother and child. Even the unborn child has rights that must be safeguarded. Strong action from the authorities will deter families from taking such risks, she said. The health departments recent progress comes at a critical time, as the High Court has sought a report based on Dr Pratibhas supplementary petition filed in May.

Kerala launches real-time weather app for early warnings

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sudden weather changes are hardly ever good. One moment, its sunny outside, and the next it looks like it will rain, heavily. Thankfully, there is a solution an advanced weather app that offers real-time insights on such changes. The new mobile app, to be launched by the Institute for Climate Change Studies (ICCS) under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) this year, can issue early warnings for extreme rainfall and related events, including landslides, thereby allowing, among other things, improved disaster preparedness. The Kerala Startup Mission is developing an app that will offer location-specific forecasts based on cumulative rainfall, one of the main triggers for rain-related disasters like landslides and floods. Accurate regional prediction of extreme rainfall events has long been a challenge due to uncertainties in weather model predictions. The new app aims to overcome this by integrating ground-based rainfall observations and satellite data to provide timely and localised alerts. Before the massive Wayanad landslides last year, the region experienced several days of extreme rainfall. Its the cumulative effect that triggers such disasters. Our app will use 15 days of rainfall data from local observatories to send out early warnings based on cumulative rainfall in a given area. This will greatly enhance public preparedness, said ICCS director K Rajendran. While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) provides 24-hour rainfall updates and short-term forecasts at present, the new app will go further by offering real-time insights on cumulative rainfall. The new app will also feature the nowcasting technique developed by ICCS scientists in collaboration with IITs in Madras and Palakkad as well as Purdue University. Published in PLOS Climate, an open-access journal for multidisciplinary climate research, the method analyses early microphysical cloud signatures like the cloud droplet size and temperature to predict extreme rainfall events up to six hours in advance with 93% accuracy. Unlike conventional forecasts, our approach can nowcast extreme rainfall with over 93% accuracy and a lead time of at least six hours. This will help save lives, especially in regions like the Western Ghats, said K P Sudheer, KSCSTE executive vice-president and principal secretary, science and technology. He said ICCS is planning to sign a memorandum of understanding with IMD for data sharing. Kerala is expected to receive heavy monsoon rainfall between June and September. Though the plan was to release the app before the seasons onset, delays in development pushed the deadline. KSUM has sought 70 days to complete the apps development; we are aiming for launch before September. We are also planning to make this app a platform that integrates all available rain data managed by various departments and even private agencies, Rajendran said. As per the IMD data, between 2001 and 2018, Kerala recorded 222 heavy rainfall events, including 32 extreme ones where daily rainfall crossed 204.4mm.

A pause point to remember military martyrs

IndUsually, as dusk falls, this monument in Palayam remains invisible to people speeding home from work. But on Wednesday night, it was lit up with candlelight as military veterans gathered around the War Memorial to pay tributes to the lives lost during Operation Sindoor. We wanted to convey a strong message to the nation that the veterans can still fight for the country if the situation demands, says Indian Naval Veterans Society secretary Sunil Kumar S. Air Force and Army veterans also had joined in the show of solidarity at the stoic War Memorial, stationed in a location that was once the headquarters of the Nair Pattalam (battalion) of the Army of the erstwhile state of Travancore. The steely silence of the surroundings was shattered as the veterans spoke of their resolve. The War Memorial is one of the military-related monuments in Thiruvananthapuram that has drawn renewed attention since Operation Sindoor began. Previously, its location opposite the Fine Arts College was known more as a geographical landmark than as a monument honouring the soldiers from the region who participated in World War I. The story behind monuments such as these is forgotten over the years, says Diksha Kaladhar, a member of the nearby State Central Library, who was inspired to look up the history of the War Memorial following the launch of Operation Sindoor. The memorial bears the inscription marking the period during which the soldiers served in the Great War (as the First World War was known): 1914 to 1921. Though the war officially ended in 1918, the extended period accounts for the time taken by soldiers to return home. It was in 1914, when the war broke out, that the British colonial administration sought assistance from the princely states. Travancores Maharaja Sree Moolam Thirunal was the first to send troops. According to historians, Travancores support was offered in the hope of securing a more influential voice for India. Interestingly, men from Travancore were also sent to fight in the Crimean War (18531856) on behalf of the British, though this remains a lesser-known fact, with no memorials commemorating it. As the soldiers returned after WW I, a monument was erected at the army headquarters but it was later effaced for reasons that remain unclear. During the reign of Sri Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, C P Ramaswami Iyer, the diwan of Travancore from 1936 to 1947, reconstructed the memorial. The inscription on the monument reads: To the memory of the men of the Indian Army recruited from the State of Travancore who lost their lives in the service of the Empire during the Great War 1914 1921. In later years, due to lack of space, the Army cantonment was shifted to Pangode, where the main war monuments of Travancore are now housed. The War Memorial, however, remained where it was originally built. Until a few years ago, Army personnel would march up to the memorial to pay their respects on designated dates a practice that was eventually discontinued. The monument was later renovated, with restoration works, including the installation of a protective wall and lighting. Its upkeep is now overseen by the Kerala State Ex-Servicemens League and visiting officers. Now, following persistent demands, a post-Independence war memorial is being constructed at Akkulam, where the Southern Air Command is based. Work began last year. Despite some delays in funding, the second phase is expected to be completed within the December 7 deadline, says Paul A T, assistant director, Department of Sainik Welfare. Historian M G Sasibhooshan notes that such war memorials stand as symbols of sacrifice by defence personnel, and as reminders of the pain and loss war creates. However, veterans who gathered at the War Memorial on Wednesday believe that symbolism alone is not enough. We are remembered only during times of conflict, says Sunil Kumar, a former Navy petty officer. We have lived a disciplined life, putting our nation first before everything else. And this stays with us throughout, making our productivity high. We are ever-ready to serve the nation. Are we being utilised enough?

Speedy decisions need of the hour: Kerala Chief Minister

Pinarayi Vijayan addresses regional-level review meeting on the development projects in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts

Shashi Tharoor says he spoke in a personal capacity and as a foreign affairs expert on the India-Pakistan ceasefire

The Thiruvananthapuram MPs statement that India had agreed to a ceasefire at Pakistans instance arguably undermined Congresss demand for a public clarification about the chain of events that led to the ceasefire, particularly in light of U.S. President Donald Trumps claim about U.S. mediation between the two nuclear powers.

Augmented Mangaluru-Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express to have coaches with orange livery

The 16-car rake, to replace the present 8-car rake, arrives at Mangaluru Central on Thursday, a week in advance of the scheduled commencement date of the augmented service

How a college student racing club in Thiruvananthapuram is developing a hydrogen-fuelled all-terrain vehicle

The buggy designed by College of Engineering Trivandrums official BAJA racing team bagged the second rank at the SAE India HBaja 2025 earlier this year

Kerala forms high-level panel to address ASHA workers demands after 38-day delay

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has constituted a high-level committee to study the issues raised by ASHA workers, 38 days after Health Minister Veena George announced the intention to form such a panel. The five-member committee will be chaired by Haritha V Kumar, Director of the Women and Child Development Department. R Subhash, Additional Secretary of the Health Department, will serve as the convenor. In addition, two Additional Secretaries from the Finance and Labour Departments will be nominated to the committee as members. The fifth member is K M Veena, Head of Social Development at the National Health Mission. The committee has been given three months to study the issues and make recommendations after holding discussions with various trade unions of ASHA workers. ASHA workers, led by the Kerala ASHA Health Workers Association (KAHWA), have been staging protests since February, raising various demands. Their major demands include increasing the monthly honorarium to 21,000 and instituting a retirement benefit of 5 lakh.

When Tharoor Saab Speaks...: Congress Sends A Lakshman Rekha Message

Flowers from foes, fire from friends -- this sums up what Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is going through these days. While the Thiruvananthapuram MP has drawn cheers from his critics for articulating India's position amid its tensions with Pakistan

Adoor inaugurates workshop for children

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Stressing that it is very easy to make films these days, but making a good film is a difficult task, Adoor Gopalakrishnan said good cinema cultivates cultural values and that real cinema should reflect life and help people connect with it. He was speaking at the inauguration of a film appreciation workshop organised by the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy to nurture high-quality film appreciation habits among children. Adoor added that the camp aims to impart the knowledge that good filmmaking requires deep understanding. The event was held at Guru Gopinath Nadana Gramam in Vattiyoorkavu on Wednesday. Following the inauguration, Adoor interacted with the children. In the afternoon, actor and camp director Rajesh Sharma led an acting training session. Critic K B Venu conducted a class on An Introduction to Visual Language. Organised in collaboration with Guru Gopinath Nadana Gramam and the State Child Welfare Committee, the camp runs from May 14 to 17 with 50 children participating from Ernakulam to Thiruvananthapuram.

Congress eyes professional vote via AIPC outreach

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Leaving no stone unturned in the run-up to the decisive assembly election, the All India Professional Congress (AIPC), Kerala chapter, has decided to come up with an Office Wellness Bill. This is part of the strategy of AIPC and Congress to make inroads into an unfamiliar vote bank to win their confidence by addressing the issues facing the community of professionals. In an effort to cash in on the communitys sentiments over the death of Keralite Chartered Accountant Anna Sebastian, who succumbed to workplace stress in July 2024, the AIPC will launch a campaign. The four-phased programme has been charted by the AIPC to address stress faced by professionals at their workplace. Those working in IT, banking/financial, health, engineering, legal and academic sectors are included in the category. According to the assessment of AIPC, there are around 15- 20 lakh professionals in the state. There are around three lakh IT professionals and four lakh each work in health and banking sectors, state president of Professional Congress, Ranjith Balan, told TNIE. In 80 urban constituencies, the professionals have a decisive role. In several constituencies the winning margin between the Left and Congress is between 2,000 and 3,000 votes. The inclusive approach taken by the AIPC is likely to work in favour of the Congress. Our mission to address the challenges facing these communities is real, he said. The campaign is titled For Anna, For All in memory of Anna Sebastian. In the first phase, Speak Up, an extensive survey, was carried out by AIPC in the state among professionals and their parents in 14 districts by the district committees. These programmes were organised so that professionals could share their experiences and suggestions. Over 1,000 professionals participated. Of these, 42.1 per cent were females and 57.8 per cent males. In the second phase, public consultation programmes are being organised in districts in which policy experts will share their suggestions on formulating draft guidelines for an Office Wellness Bill that ensures a healthy workplace for all professionals in Kerala. In the fourth phase, the policy document will be submitted to the Congress national and state leaderships for introducing the legislation in Congress-ruled states, he said.

TPuram zoo plots return of giraffes, zebras after 11-year gap

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After more than a decade, giraffes and zebras may finally make their way to Kerala this year. And leading the charge is the Thiruvananthapuram zoo. Having completed a series of animal exchanges with zoos across the country, the Thiruvananthapuram zoo has now set its sights on these two crowdpullers. The last giraffe at the zoo passed away in 2012 and its lone zebra companion followed two years later in 2014. Since then, the enclosures have remained empty. Now, officials say they are actively exploring possibilities within the countrys zoo network, and if needed, will look to international collaborations. We are trying our best to source them from Indian zoos first. If that does not work out, we are also trying for international purchase, Thiruvananthapuram zoo superintendent Rajesh V told TNIE. If the animals are unavailable through regular surplus lists, the bloodline category will be explored, he said. That means looking for zoos that may be open to parting with a genetically important animal in exchange for one of ours that strengthens their breeding line. More complex, but often thats the only way to acquire rare species like giraffes and zebras, Rajesh said. In its latest exchange, last November, the zoo sent a pair each of gharials and porcupines, two pairs of rheas, a male hyena, and three pairs of sun conure to the Shivamogga zoo in Karnataka. In return, Thiruvananthapuram received a pair of marsh crocodiles, three female hyenas, a pair of jackals, and a pair of palm civets. That exchange has helped us balance population and genetic diversity, said Thiruvananthapuram zoo director Manjula Devi. Over the past three years, the zoo has been increasing its collaborations, with multiple successful swaps with Tirupati, Pune, Hyderabad, Mangaluru and Shivamogga. The animals exchanged include species like emu, king cobra, lion hybrid, gaur and hippopotamus. These exchanges are based on health, surplus, breeding requirements and exhibit planning. But this isnt just about animals moving in. It is about strategy, relationships, and a bit of luck, said former veterinarian Alexander Jacob. They are part of a tightly regulated national network overseen by the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), where zoos share periodic inventories listing their surplus animals and those they are hoping to acquire. Every procedure is backed by veterinary records, health clearances, compatibility assessments, and months of planning. Over the past five years, the Thiruvananthapuram zoo has been a major player in this network. We pored over these lists like puzzle pieces. If another zoo has extra langurs, and we have a healthy hippo pair they need, we make the match, Rajesh said. Transportation happens mostly at night or during cooler hours to minimise stress. All vehicles are fitted with ventilation systems and the animals are accompanied by caretakers trained to read signs of distress, the superintendent pointed out. This game of trade has brought in impressive results. While surplus hyenas and hippos have made their way to zoos in Pune, Tirupati, and now Shivamogga, the returns have included lion cubs, common langurs, peacocks, and a rich mix of small carnivores and reptiles. We always quarantine new arrivals, test for parasites, and monitor stress levels. To ease this transition, enclosures are tweaked for comfort, more shade, familiar smells, and minimal public exposure during the initial weeks. The keepers monitor everything from appetite to sleeping patterns and report anomalies immediately, said Alexander. Not all exchanges are cold trades Some animals arrive as gifts, offered during particularly warm collaborations. One such memory is bringing six anacondas from Sri Lanka. The government gifted it to us, Alexander added. Even after the paperwork and partnerships are in place, the zoo never compromises on health. Each incoming animal is screened by a vet team for physical and psychological well-being. Dietary changes are introduced gradually. Though exchanges can sometimes be a little painful for keepers, we ensure that the animal exchanged is in its best state, Rajesh said. As the zoo prepares to bring in giraffe and zebra, officials say their presence would bring great delight to visitors. Every animal has a journey. And every exchange we do is a story, Rajesh stressed.

Kerala police to get Army's horse power

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It seemed neigh impossible at one point. However, after two years of paperwork and overcoming challenges such as obtaining the Presidents approval, the Kerala Polices wait to get horses from the Indian Armys stable for its mounted police wing is about to end. Keralas lone mounted police wing deployed under the Thiruvananthapuram city police will receive three thoroughbred horses from the Armys Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) within two weeks. This is the first time the mounted police is getting horses directly from the Army. Each horse is priced between Rs 6 and Rs 8 lakh. What makes the thoroughbreds special is their sturdiness, speed, adaptability and agility. Considered a hot-blooded breed, the horses are bold and strong. And since their breeding and training were handled by the Army, they are miles apart from other species in terms of performance, said police sources. The police had initially sanctioned `54 lakh to purchase eight horses from the Army. However, high demand forced the Army to sanction the sale of only three, all aged between three and four years, the sources said. The current set of horses was trained at Remount Depot and Training School, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. They will be brought here via train, with trained men from the mounted police unit accompanying them. Sources said the horses will be brought to Thiruvananthapuram and given a few days to acclimatise, then trained for a few more days before being officially drafted. The Army horses are already well-trained. We just need to assess their behaviour after which they will be trained to adapt to our working style, a source said. The mounted horse unit is a colonial legacy and the horses are primarily used for night patrols, parades, and ceremonies. Next batch likely in 7-8 months The unit has Kathiawari and Marwari horse breeds apart from two thoroughbreds, which are exotic breeds, brought from private stables. Despite a sanctioned strength of 25, the unit has just 11 horses at present. The sanctioned strength of personnel is 41, but several posts have been lying vacant. Sources said they expect the next batch of thoroughbreds from the Army in the next seven to eight months. There is a huge demand for Army horses. Many states are awaiting their delivery. We hope to get five more horses within eight months. However, it all depends on the Army, a source said.

Forest department invites public ire for KSRTC bus seizure

KOCHI: The people are unhappy with the forest department. Its decision to impound a KSRTC luxury bus for 24 days for causing the death of a deer in Wayanad and the revision of guidelines for sanctioning compensation to dependents of wild animal attack victims have not gone down well with the public. On April 19, the forest department impounded a KSRTC Scania bus plying between Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru after it hit a deer at Muthanga in Wayanad. A case was registered under Section 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act and the bus was kept in custody for 24 days, leading to huge loss to the KSRTC. The bus was released on May 13 after the KSRTC executed a bond worth Rs 13 lakh before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Sultan Bathery. It (the April 19 incident) was an accident. The deer suddenly crossed the road (and got hit by the bus). However, the forest department registered a case for hunting, entirely ignoring the fact that it was an accident. If this is its approach towards a public sector firm you can imagine what will happen if the accused is a person, said Paul Mathews, a farmer in Sultan Bathery. A forest official said that the case was registered as per the law and that the department cannot bypass rules. Forest Minister A K Saseendran, too, said the department did not do anything to deliberately cause difficulty to the KSRTC. Revision of compensation norms sparks discontent When the officials contacted me, I told them to take action according to the law and avoid a situation where the driver loses his job as it was an accident, he said. Meanwhile, an order issued by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) revising the guidelines for the distribution of compensation to families of wild animal attack victims has sparked protests among farmers. The KSDMA order says the state government will provide a compensation of `10 lakh to the families, of which `4 lakh will be contributed by the KSDMA and `6 lakh by the forest department. However, the farmers claimed the order was an attempt to divert Centres funds. The office memorandum issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) says the Centre will provide a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for death or permanent incapacitation of humans in conflict with wildlife. The compensation granted by the state government is reimbursed by the MoEF&CC. The decision to split it and entrust the KSDMA to pay 40% of the sum is an attempt to divert the central fund, alleged Alex Ozhukayil, chairman of Kerala Independent Farmers Association. Forest officials said the ex gratia is provided by the Centre under centrally-sponsored schemes like Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats, Project Tiger and Project Elephant. The claim that Centre provides Rs 10 lakh as compensation for deaths in wild animal attacks is a misinterpretation. The Centre provides 60% of the fund for centrally-sponsored schemes, which include habitat management and other projects. We got only Rs 70 lakh last year from the Union government for paying compensation. In 2023-24 we distributed Rs 23 crore as compensation but the central allocation was just Rs 30 lakh, said a senior forest official.

Seed-ball rain to give afforestation a leg-up in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Imagine lakhs of seed balls being air-dropped from the sky, or thousands joining hands to sow crores of seeds across the length and breadth of Kerala. In a first, the forest department is set to launch a massive initiative across the state to restore Keralas natural ecosystem and mitigate human-wildlife conflict. To be christened Vithoot, the initiative is to be implemented with peoples participation. The department, which has been on the defensive over increasing incidents of wildlife conflicts and human deaths, also plans to win back the masses trust with the move. To be executed somewhat on the lines of a literary campaign, Vithoot has been visualised as a mass movement, where people from different walks of life including school and college students, would come together to identify, prepare and sow seeds. Once the monsoon season sets in, sowing would begin. Besides peoples participation, technology like drones and helicopters may be used when required. Its learnt the department has plans to join hands with agencies, including the Air Force, in future for the purpose. The identification and collection of seeds would begin soon. The plan is to distribute seeds from June to August. Site-specific seeds will be dropped to restore the ecosystem, with special focus on places hit by landslides and wildfire, besides abandoned plantations, open canopies, reservoir catchment areas, those under power lines and portions abandoned by tribals after farming. The department plans to bring together people to create a micro-climatic region, and extend their contributions to addressing human-wildlife conflict. It is expected to have multiple spin-off benefits towards tackling climate change, contributing to water security, while ensuring the health of forests and availability of food not just for animals, but also humans. Seeds of rare, endangered species to be included later Fruit-bearing trees, certain grass species, including bamboos, and seeds with potential for speedy growth, are to be accorded priority. Planned as a continued campaign over the years, the initiative would be implemented with mass support in addition to assistance from the Kerala Forest Research Institute. Since Kerala has a vivid and complex ecosystem, on-ground execution will have to cater for obvious ecological challenges. Only site-specific species would be sown in each region to avoid any adverse impact. Indigenous plants, shrubs and herbs would be sown, too. In the coming years, seeds of rare, endangered and endemic species would be incorporated. Site-specific, seed-ball broadcasting plans would be made for rejuvenation purposes. In the first phase, this would be only on forest land, but can be extended to paddy fields, agri lands and other green islets later. It would not be a mere afforestation project, and should not be viewed simply as a mechanical move to distribute seeds. Its a movement to restore our natural ecosystem by augmenting the stock of species, with a view to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, safeguard the ecological security of the state and address climate change. There are a number of spin-off benefits like increased availability of non-timber forest produce and wild fruits, said Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G Krishnan. What are seed balls? Globally proven method of greening and afforestation, seed balls are a combination of soil, green compost and seeds. The earthen cover ensures protection, longevity and better preservation of seeds, in addition to resisting climatic changes.

Discontent in BJP over posting of district office-bearers in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the honeymoon period over, discontent is brewing in the state BJP against state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, over the appointment of district office-bearers and alleged lack of coordination with senior leaders. After assuming office, Rajeev has been travelling across BJPs 30 organisational districts organising Vikasitha Keralam conventions and has also announced new district office-bearers. The district presidents were appointed during the last leg of K Surendrans term as state president. Though there was open opposition against the appointment of some district presidents, including that of Palakkad, the social engineering strategy turned out in favour of the leadership. Surendran had appointed three district presidents from Christian community, nine from Ezhava and 13 from the Nair community. Four women and two leaders from Scheduled Caste were also appointed as district presidents. However, allegations have come up from several districts against these appointments of new district office-bearers. It is alleged that the new appointments were carried out without considering the opinion of district presidents. Several district presidents TNIE spoke to said that usually the new president and state leadership would consider the list submitted by the district presidents before taking a final decision. However, this time that process did not happen. A balance of power and mutual understanding between the district president and office-bearer are essential for the smooth functioning of the office. District committees being the backbone of the party, any appointment without taking the presidents into confidence will affect the chances of the party in the coming local body election, they said on condition of anonymity. There is also an allegation that a state secretary has been interfering in the appointments made by the state leadership. A state secretary who is accused of misconduct has been interfering in the selection of district secretaries, a senior leader told TNIE. His alleged proximity with the state president has been used in appointments. Now he is forming his own group in all districts, he said. However, BJP state media convener Sandeep on behalf of Rajeev told TNIE that the allegations are false. Rajeev Chandrasekhar has no role in the appointment of district office-bearers as that has been done by the existing state general secretaries. Rajeev has not intervened or overturned the list submitted by district presidents. The alleged leader is entrusted with organising the Vikasitha Keralam convention. He has another role. Rajeev has taken up the task of leading the state unit only because of the pressure from PM Modi, he said. New state office-bearers by next week The national leadership of the party is likely to announce new state office-bearers by next week. According to sources, the party is likely to accommodate young leaders Anoop Antony and Shone George as office-bearers with the aim to take the Christian outreach programme further. Former BJP Thiruvananthapuram district president V V Rajesh is also likely to be accommodated in the state leadership. There is also a possibility that the RSS might appoint a leader as the organisational general secretary to help Rajeeve.

Kerala Bar Council acts against lawyer for assaulting junior; arrest pending

KOCHI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a strong response to the brutal assault of a junior lawyer, the Bar Council of Kerala (BCK) has decided to initiate suo motu disciplinary proceedings against Advocate Beyline Das, who allegedly attacked 26-year-old junior advocate Shamily Justin inside his office at Vanchiyoor. In an extraordinary meeting held on Wednesday, the BCK also unanimously decided to restrain Beyline from practising in any court, tribunal, or legal authority until the conclusion of the proceedings. BCK chairman Advocate Ajith T S said that the decision was taken after reviewing an interim report submitted by a specially constituted sub-committee, along with reports from the Vanchiyoor Bar Association and the formal complaint lodged by the woman lawyer. The resolution will be officially communicated to the Registrar of the Kerala High Court and the district judiciary. Despite the serious nature of the assault, the police are yet to arrest Advocate Beyline Das. Sources indicate that he may file an anticipatory bail plea, which has reportedly slowed police action. The attack took place on Tuesday around 12.30 pm, shortly after Shamily returned from court. She claims that a minor disagreement regarding her continued employment led to Beyline slapping her multiple times, resulting in visible facial injuries. Shamily also alleged that this was not the first instance of violence -- she had been assaulted earlier during her pregnancy. She further stated that some Bar Association members tried to prevent the police from arresting Beyline from his office, a claim that has drawn sharp criticism. Law Minister P Rajeeve visited the injured lawyer and promised full government support. He confirmed that the state has urged the Bar Council to act against Beyline for professional misconduct and has asked police to investigate whether office-bearers obstructed his arrest. Members of the Womens Commission have also met with Shamily and recorded her statement.

Indian woman stabbed to death in Dubai, friend held

Dubai: A 26-year-old Indian woman was found stabbed to death in her shared apartment in Karama, Dubai. Her friend, also an Indian national, has been arrested in connection with the incident. The victim, identified as Anniemol Gilda from Bonakkad in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, was employed at a private financial firm and had been living in Dubai Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Thiruvananthapuram schools do well in CBSE exams

Kerala slumps to 12th slot in organ pledging in the country

Maharashtra has the highest number of registrations (51,538), followed by Rajasthan (43,602), and Karnataka (37,412). Of the 14 districts in Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram (1,408) has the highest number of people pledging their organs, and Ernakulam (641) and Kollam (593) are in the second and third slots, the NOTTO data show.

'Operation Sindoor' a bold signal of India's defence strength and self-reliance: Saraswat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: 'Operation Sindoor' has sent a clear message to the world that India shall never be underestimated and that the country is a leading force now, according to Dr V K Saraswat, former Director General of the DRDO. The military offensive, a retaliation on terror launch pads in Pakistan and PoK in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 persons dead, also highlights the self-reliance India has built in defence technology, the former chief of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) told PTI Videos. Saraswat, who played a key role in the development of India's missile and air defence systems, said that through 'Operation Sindoor', India has shown it is self-reliant and has the capacity and capability to counter any threat from any direction. The precision with which we were able to reach the targets in the enemy's territory shows the quality of our weapons. The greatest thing today is, other than the S400 that was taken from Russia, I think all the missiles LRSAM, MRSAM, Akash and all the drones, all the fighter aircraft, everything, are indigenously produced in the country-- designed, developed and manufactured, Saraswat said. The Akash, MRSAM (Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile), and LRSAM (Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile) are key components of India's multi-layered air defence system. The NITI Aayog member recalled how the restrictions imposed on India by the international community under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) turned out to be an opportunity for the country to develop indigenous technologies and components for its weapon systems. We have done the development of all our missile systems, whether they are air-defence systems, or strategic missiles, ballistic missile defence systems or long range ballistic missiles like Agni, Prithvi-- and all of them have been developed under, what is called the MTCRs. So every step, we had to face challenges of non-availability of support from the international community, Saraswat added. He said India was deprived of materials, components, and technologies that the country wanted to develop its missile systems. We were not part of the MTCR, so even our own very good friends were not giving us technology, he said. Saraswat recalled how DRDO, under the leadership of former President, the late Dr Abdul Kalam, turned this into an opportunity for indigenous technology development. Misri baiters baying for war must understand that peace is golden So under the leadership of Abdul Kalam at that point in time, we found that let us use this non availability of technology and control as an opportunity. And then we put all our resources together, we worked with our industries, we worked with our academic institutions, we worked with our national laboratories like CSIR labs and all other labs and as a national mission (and) we launched how to become self-reliant and beat these control regimes that were there, he recalled. The former DRDO chief said this helped India achieve more than 70-80 per cent indigenisation in the country's weapon systems today. We depend on outside (supply) even today, but not because we cannot do it here but because it is not cost-effective. There are certain things that are required in such small numbers, but the cost for setting up a facility for such a small number is very high, so we import, he said. India took this as a mission, always keeping in view the cost factor, self-reliance, capability, and capacity. So, overall, I must say India is flying high and the mission of Atma Nirbaratha (self-reliance) as far as defence, space, atomic energy, and other sectors are concerned is getting fulfilled, he added. He said that, in comparison to India's firepower, Pakistan stood no chance. You have seen that most of the weapons used by Pakistan in this particular short battle, I think, are of foreign origin and that only shows that their internal capability to build systems of this class and accuracy is limited. So I think they are nowhere compared to India, Saraswat said. Speaking about the future of warfare and its changing dynamics, Saraswat said that India's armoury is being enhanced with futuristic weapons such as hypersonic missiles and directed energy weapons. He said the change in warfare is aiding the growth of the technology. Once upon a time, we used to enter into the enemy's territory to fight a war but today we do not cross the line of control. Operation Sindoor: Cold light of reason through fog of diplomacy All our weapons are stand off weapons and we are reaching the targets inside the enemy's territory. So the complete complexion of warfare is changing, he said. India is going for hypersonic glide vehicles, hypersonic missiles, and directed energy weapons. A laser beam will be able to kill a drone in no time, and as you know, a laser beam travels at the speed of light. So you can see that in such a short time you can do the entire damage, so nobody has time to move, Saraswat said, adding that India's directed energy weapons are getting ready. Our maneuverable ballistic missile defence system, which under my guidance, was developed by DRDO, is ready for deployment now. So, I think we are abreast with modern technology but more can be done, the former DRDO chief said, adding that more will be done based on the situation's demand. What the region's first drone warfare taught us

C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram Associate Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline for 01 Posts

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 01 Associate posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply Offline through the official C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram website. The last date to submit the application form is 30-05-2025.

Missing teenagers from Fort Kochi found in Thiruvananthapuram

A team from Fort Kochi police has gone to Thiruvananthapuram to bring them back

Thiruvananthapuram schools shine in CBSE class 10, 12 exams; many students achieve top national scores

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Schools across the city delivered outstanding performances in the CBSE Class 10 and 12 board examination results announced on Tuesday, with many institutions recording cent per cent pass rates and several students achieving top national scores. Class 12 results At Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pattom, Devananda S secured 98.2% in the science stream, Akash V Eashwar scored 97.4% in commerce, and Gopika K S earned 98.6% in humanities. 284 out of 344 students secured distinction, with 58 earning first class, and two obtaining second class at St Thomas Central School, Mukkolakkal. Ajay K Sudhir scored 99.2% in the science stream, S Aathish Krishnan earned 98.4% in commerce, and Sana Muhammed topped with 99.4% in humanities. At Saraswathi Vidyalaya of Vattiyoorkavu, 203 out of 334 appeared for the exam secured distinction. Sooryanarayanan S emerged as topper securing 99.4% in the science stream, Pallavi Preetha Prakash emerged as topper in the Commerce Stream securing 98.8% and A N Navami, securing 94.4% emerged as topper in the humanities stream. Notably Aryan Kurup S (95.2%) emerged as the topper in Children with Special Needs (CWSN) category. At Arya Central School, out of 205 students, 24 achieved scores above 95%, and 71 students secured marks above 90%. Deepak A Nair topped the science stream with 99.2%, while Amritha S Nair scored 98.2% in the commerce stream. At Jyothis Central School, Kazhakuttom, 171 out of 196 students earned distinction, with 75 scoring above 90%. Devananda R L of the science stream scored 99.4% and secured third position nationally. Other top scorers included K M Devananda with 99.2% in science, Siya Shamnad with 99% in humanities, and Niranjana L V with 98.8% in commerce. The School of the Good Shepherd at Aakkulam saw 109 of 119 students achieve distinction, with Akshay Thekkumthara Alex scoring 97.8% in science, Diya Saji Varghese securing 98.6% in commerce, and Keerthana S Nair obtaining 98% in humanities. St Marys Central School in Poojappura saw 68 of its 71 Class 12 students score distinction, with G R Roshni earning 96.4% in science and Akshita J Nair scoring 95.4% in commerce. Amrita Vidyalaya in Pathanamthitta reported 100% distinction in the commerce stream and 96% in science. St Gregorios Central School, Karunagappally, reported that 71% of its students scored distinction, with the rest earning first class. Top results in Class 10 St Thomas Central School, Mukkolakkal, reported 225 distinctions, 33 first class, and five second classes out of 263 students, with Joel Thomas Ivin scoring an outstanding 99.4%. At Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pattom, Nivedya V of Shift 2 scored 98.4% and Prasobh P Nair of Shift 1 scored 97.6%. Jyothis Central School, Kazhakuttom had 150 out of 180 students achieving distinction and 59 scoring above 90%, with Lekshmi Krishna L scoring 99.2% and Sruthy S earning 98.8%. Jyothis Central School, Varkala, saw all 41 students pass, with 35 securing distinction and nine scoring above 90%. At the School of the Good Shepherd, Aakkulam, 157 of 192 students secured distinction, with Siddhi Kothari scoring 99.4% and Tejas S achieving 99%. St Marys Central School, Poojappura, recorded a 98.8% distinction rate in Class 10, with 107 out of 125 students earning top grades. St Gregorios Central School, Karunagappally, mirrored its Class 12 success with 70% of students scoring distinction and 30% securing first class.

Medical negligence: Family in Thiruvananthapuram accuses medical board of sabotage in report

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Alleging sabotage in the medical boards report on the botched surgery that left a 31-year-old woman critically ill, her family plans to approach the court if the health department fails to act on their concerns. They have demanded strict action against the hospital owner, who was operating the facility in Thiruvananthapuram without a valid licence. The District Medical Officer has since suspended the hospitals newly issued licence following the controversy. However, the medical board gave a report which the police termed ambiguous. We are disappointed with the medical board report. Since the beginning, we have been demanding action against the hospital owner who is also a doctor. The clinics were run without a licence. Despite prima facie evidence, the health department has not bothered to conduct an inquiry, said Padmajith, husband of the victim. He said that he would approach the court if the investigation was not in the proper direction. A 31-year-old woman from Sreevaraham lost four fingers and five toes as she had to undergo amputation following the complication after the fat removal surgery held at Cosmetic Hospital at Thampuranmukku in February. The family had registered a criminal case against the doctor at Thumba police station. However, the proceedings of the police in medical negligence cases have confused the family. Facing pressure over how the licence was granted, the DMO suspended the licence of the private clinic embroiled in the controversy. Meanwhile, consensus emerged in the ethics committee which was constituted to review the report of the medical board. One of the three members expressed dissatisfaction over how some of the crucial questions remained unanswered in the report. The licence of the institute and how the hospital dealt with the post-surgery complications were not clearly answered in the report. As the members differed on the medical board report, the police referred the case to an apex committee to decide on the allegations. The Director of Health Services has received a request from the police regarding the constitution of the apex committee to bring clarity to the issue. The woman continues to be in critical condition at a private hospital in the city. She is likely to be shifted to an isolation ward considering her condition.

Thiruvananthapuram Corporation to equip Haritha Karma Sena members with electric tricycle

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an effort to strengthen, improve efficiency and service delivery of Haritha Karma Sena members, the city corporation is gearing up to distribute 15 modern electric tricycles for waste management in the state capital. The project, being implemented in collaboration with Social Alpha, University of Toronto India Foundation, KDISC and KILA is expected to help Haritha Karma Sena members in managing waste. At present there are around 1,170 Haritha Karma Sena members engaged in door-to-door waste collection in 100 wards. Official sources say, they cover around 88 per cent of households in the state capital. The coverage has exponentially increased and there are a lot of gaps in infrastructure. Lack of pick-up vehicles to move waste is a major challenge faced by them. The electric tricycles are purchased with CSR funds, said an official of the health wing under the city corporation. Each electric tricycle costs around Rs 65,000. The vehicles will be distributed to 15 Haritha Karma Sena units and will be used for waste management in 15 corporation wards. The civic body is planning to procure 75 more pick-up vehicles for Haritha Karma Sena units this year, said the official. The selected beneficiaries are being trained by the Indus Cycling Embassy. SheCycling senior national project coordinator Seenath M A gave training for the Haritha Karma Sena members.

CBSE Class 10 results: Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada top in pass percentage

KOCHI: The Thiruvananthapuram region has got a tough contender for the first position in Vijayawada in terms of the highest pass percentage in the country when the 2025 Class 10 results were announced. The Thiruvananthapuram region shared the glory with the Vijayawada region for the highest pass percentage in the country, with a score of 99.79 per cent each. Bengaluru came third with 98,90 per cent. The overall pass percentage for Class X in the country this year was 93.66 per cent, an increase of 0.06 per cent from 2024s 93.60 per cent. A total of 23,71,939 students had appeared for the Class X examination in the country. The Thiruvananthapuram region comprises schools in Kerala and Lakshadweep. In the gender-wise pass percentage, girls trumped boys by 2.37 per cent. The pass percentage for girls was 95 per cent, an increase of 0.25 per cent from 2024s 94.75 per cent. As for boys, the pass percentage was 92.63 per cent, a decrease of 0.08 per cent. The transgender category saw an increase in the pass percentage from 91.30 per cent in 2024 to 95 per cent in 2025. In the case of institution-wise performance, the Navodaya Vidyalaya topped the pass percentage list with 99.49 per cent, and Kendriya Vidyalaya came second with 99.45 per cent. The number of students who scored above 95 per cent in the country was 45,516. The number of students who have been placed in compartments this year was 1,41,353. In the Thiruvananthapuram region, girls did better than the boys in the pass percentage by 0.10 per cent - 99.84 per cent against 99.74 per cent. Lakshadweep showcased a pass percentage of 90.69 per cent.

Cadell case: Premeditated murders, studied verdict

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a verdict that brings a closure to the trial in the Nanthancode mass murder that shook the state, the prosecution demanded for capital punishment. However the court awarded four life terms for the four murders. With another 12 years for different charges, he will have to serve a jail term of at least 30 years, pointed out the prosecution. The verdict is just. Although we expected a death sentence, we believe justice has been served. Cadell will have to stay behind bars for at least 30 years.The court took into account the severity of the crime, the planning involved, and the deliberate attempts to mislead police. This was not a crime of passion, public prosecutor Dileep Sathyan told TNIE. While many questioned how a man reportedly diagnosed with psychiatric disorders could be handed such a severe punishment or taken through all the trials, the law, as experts clarify, draws a firm line between mental illness and legal insanity. People often conflate mental illness with legal immunity. But the legal system is clear. Medical insanity is not the same as legal insanity. You can have a diagnosed condition and still be held accountable if you understand your actions, said psychiatrist G Mohan Roy. Legal insanity is very narrowly defined. At the time of the crime, the individual must be incapable of knowing the nature of the act or that it was wrong. In Cadells case, the court found clear evidence of planning, manipulation, and concealment at the time of the crime. G Mohan Roy, psychiatrist These are not signs of someone detached from reality. He also admitted to the fact that he tried to mislead the police with the astral projection narrative, added the psychiatrist. According to police, Cadell planned the murder, sourced weapon, watched videos to commit the crime, doused the house in fuel, which are all shown by a self-aware criminal. Just because someone has shown signs of mental illness doesnt mean theyre incapable of knowing right from wrong. From the start, Cadell showed full awareness. He pleaded innocence in court but showed no remorse. The attempt to use age as a mitigating factor was frankly absurd. We expected the death penalty that is how horrific the crime was, said K E Baiju, the then-investigating officer, now Kozhikode Rural SP. The psychiatrist added that before any trial can begin, courts must determine whether an accused is fit to stand trial. This means they understand the charges, can follow proceedings, and communicate with their lawyer. All of which Cadell could do. When mental illness meets the law Medical insanity refers to any diagnosed mental health condition. It could be schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, or any other clinical psychiatric issue. But a medical diagnosis alone does not make someone legally unaccountable for their actions. Legal insanity, on the other hand is specific. It applies only when, at the time of committing the crime, the individual is incapable of understanding what they are doing, or that what they are doing is wrong or illegal. The focus is on the mental state during the act of crime and after it, not just the existence of a mental health history, says G Mohan Roy, psychiatrist. Cadell Jeanson Raja gets life imprisonment, Rs 15 lakh fine for Nanthancode mass murder

Congress high command gives free hand for KPCC rejig

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress high command has given a free hand to the new KPCC leadership led by Sunny Joseph to select its own team ahead of the two decisive elections in the state. The AICC has also asked the state leadership to prepare a draft list of KPCC office-bearers and new executive members and submit it to the high command. The AICC reportedly told the leaders that they would approve the list, sources close to the high command told TNIE. A meeting was held on Tuesday attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Opposition leader in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretaries K C Venugopal, Deepa Dasmunsi, KPCC president Sunny Joseph, UDF convener Adoor Prakash, working presidents A P Anil Kumar, P C Vishnunadh and Shafi Parambil. CWC members Ramesh Chennithala, Kodikunnil Suresh, Shashi Tharoor, leader of opposition V D Satheesan and M M Hassan also attended the meeting. Rahul Gandhi and Kharge asked the new KPCC leadership to work united. They also guaranteed the new state leadership all its support. Rahul reportedly told the leaders that a conducive situation exists in Kerala in favour of the UDF. A new team consisting of youngsters and experienced leaders has been appointed. If the party performs well, the UDF will definitely come to power, he said. Both Kharge and Rahul said that the next assembly election is very decisive for the Congress in Kerala and the UDF must win it. For that, unity within the leadership is essential. There are strong anti-incumbency sentiments against the LDF government. Hence, the leadership must stand united in front of the people, they said. Satheesan told AICC leaders that the state Congress has already completed the preparatory work related to the local body election. Simultaneously work is going on for the assembly election. The party has successfully conducted social engineering and will work in favour of the UDF. There is a strong sentiment against the LDF government in view of the allegations and cases involving the CMs daughter, he said. Noticeably K Sudhakaran was absent in the meetings. Meanwhile, Kodikunnil Suresh told the AICC leadership that there should be adequate consultation at the leadership level in the state unit before taking decisions. Shashi Tharoor said that if good work is carried out, the Congress could perform well in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

Kochi-based reviewers video to be featured in Booker Prize event

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Never in his wildest dreams did Shon Joy imagine that a book review he posted on his social media handle would catch the attention of the Booker Prize Foundation. His video review of Anne Serres A Leopard-Skin Hat one of six books shortlisted for this years International Booker Prize has garnered attention for its clarity and insight. And whats more, his video will be used as part of the official content for the upcoming Booker event. When I posted the review on Instagram, I never expected such a response from the official handle of The Booker Prizes, Shon told TNIE.I tagged them because I was reviewing a book shortlisted by them. This is a huge achievement for me and I was more than happy to give my consent to use my video for their official content for the upcoming event. He said the Booker Prize authorities have promised to credit his account. I too am eagerly waiting for the winner. An engineering graduate by qualification, Shon decided to pursue his passion for reading and writing, becoming a professional copywriter and author. Belonging to Thrissur, he currently resides in Kochi and is an active participant in literary discussions, reading clubs, and is a prolific book reviewer across digital platforms. A major turning point was his interaction with iconic Malayalam writer M Mukundan. I got the unique opportunity to interact and spend a day with him at Mayyazhi as part of an event organised by DC Books to celebrate 50 years of Mayyazhi Puzhayude Theerangalil. He inspired me to read more international books and discussed the books shortlisted for this years International Booker Prize. I decided to read and review all six shortlisted books. A Leopard-Skin Hat was the first book I posted, which got the response from them, Shon said.

Man-wildlife conflict: Kerala government revises norms, kin of victims to get Rs 10L

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has revised the guidelines for giving compensation to kin of human-wildlife conflicts from the State Disaster Response Fund and the own fund of the forest department. This follows the governments declaration of man- animal conflicts as state specific disaster. As per the new guidelines, the kin of people dying in wild animal attacks, including outside forest area, will receive a total of Rs 10 lakh as compensation Rs 4 lakh from the SDRF and Rs 6 lakh from the forest department. This will be applicable in case of people dying while engaged in relief activities for the victims of man-animal conflicts and those engaged in preparations to prevent attack. The kin of those dying from the attack of bees or snakebite, including those outside forest area, will get Rs 4 lakh from the SDRF. This will be applicable to people dying while engaged in providing relief to the victims of man-animal conflicts and while engaged in prevention activities. For people who have a 40-60% disability or loss of one hand, leg or eye, a total of Rs 2 lakh will be provided as compensation. Of this, Rs 74,000 will be given from the SDRF and Rs 1.26 lakh from the forest departments fund. This will be given to attacks both inside the forest and outside. Also, the kin of people dying while engaged in relief work for victims of man-animal conflicts and while engaged in prevention activities will be eligible for the compensation. In case of over 60% disability, loss of one hand, leg or eye, Rs 2.50 lakh compensation will be given from the SDRF. In the case of people who suffer serious injuries wherein they spend over one week in hospital, the Rs 16,000 compensation will be given from SDRF. People who get assistance under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, except scheduled tribes, will not be eligible for this assistance. Rs 5,400 will be provided to people who require hospitalisation of less than one week. Again, people who get assistance under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, except scheduled tribes, will not be eligible for this assistance. Rs 2,500 assistance will be given from the SDRF to families whose houses come under attack fully or partially. COMPENSATION Compensation for deaths inside and outside forest Rs 10 lakh for death due to wild animal attack Rs 4 lakh for death due to bee attack or snakebite Rs 2 lakh: 40-60% disability

Thiruvananthapuram district schools shine in CBSE exams

Female junior lawyer beaten by her senior in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A junior lawyer was brutally attacked by a senior lawyer, under whom she was practicing, here on Tuesday following which the latter was placed under suspension by the Bar Association. Shyamily Justin was attacked by Beylin Das in the afternoon in his office near Vanchiyoor court. According to Shyamily, Beylin on Thursday told her not to come to the office. Next day, he asked her to rejoin. Shyamily was attacked when she asked Beylin the reason for terminating her service. As per the complainant, Beylin was enraged when Shyamily asked the question. He went into a frenzy, attacking her with a mop stick. There have been allegations that Beylin used to lash out at his juniors for silly reason. The injured was taken to the General Hospital by her relatives. Meanwhile, the Bar Association has suspended the lawyer and said it will provide all required assistance to the victim.

Vijayawada ends Thiruvananthapurams 11-year reign at the top in CBSE Class XII results

KOCHI: The CBSE Class XII results for 2025 brought a notable change in the region-wise pass percentage rankings, with the Vijayawada region ending the Thiruvananthapuram regions uninterrupted eleven-year streak at the helm. With a stellar 99.60% pass percentage, Vijayawada edged out Thiruvananthapuram, which stood strong at a commendable second place with 99.32%. Since its formation in 2014, the Thiruvananthapuram region had consistently recorded the highest pass percentage in the country, peaking at 99.91% in 2024. Despite being dethroned, the region continues to shine with one of the highest success rates nationwide, well above the national average of 88.39% -- an improvement of 0.41% from last year. The CBSE has divided the country into 17 regions with 26,675 schools affiliated to it. The Chennai region secured the third position with a pass percentage of 97.39%. Among the institutions, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas led the way with 99.29%, followed closely by Kendriya Vidyalayas at 99.05%. Girls outperformed boys nationally, registering a pass percentage of 91.64% compared to 85.70% among boysa 5.94% gap. Notably, transgender students recorded a 100% pass rate. In the Thiruvananthapuram region, this trend held true as well. Of the 21,030 girls who appeared, 20,938 passed, while 19,999 out of 20,188 boys cleared the exam. Lakshadweep, under the Thiruvananthapuram region, achieved a perfect 100% pass rate. Internationally, CBSE-affiliated schools reported a 95.01% pass rate among 21,782 students. Meanwhile, 24,867 students nationwide scored above 95%, and 1,11,544 crossed the 90% threshold. However, 1,29,095 students were placed in the compartment category. Students seeking to improve their results will get an opportunity to appear for the supplementary examination in July 2025, which will follow the same syllabus as the main exam.

Cadell Jeanson Raja gets life imprisonment, Rs 15 lakh fine for Nanthancode mass murder

Thiruvananthapuram: The Sixth Additional Sessions Court on Tuesday sentenced Cadell Jeanson Raja to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 15 lakh for the brutal 2017 Nanthancode mass murder , which claimed the lives of four of his family members. Judge K Vishnu pronounced the quantum of punishment after hearing the final arguments earlier in the day. The court directed that the fine amount be given to Jose Sundaram, the prime witness in the case and the brother of Jean Padma, one of the victims. Jose, who is currently wheelchair-bound, will receive compensation from the fine imposed under various charges. Cadell was convicted under four counts of Section 302 (murder), with each count carrying a life sentence and a fine of Rs 3 lakh-totalling Rs 12 lakh. He also received seven years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 2 lakh under Section 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance), and five years with a fine of Rs 1 lakh under Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence). During sentencing, the prosecution demanded capital punishment, arguing that the crime fell under the rarest of the rare category. However, the defence pleaded for leniency, citing Cadells age and psychological state. The court had termed the crime grave, serious, and numbing to the conscience. It observed that the accused, who planned and executed the murders of his parents, sister and relative, does not deserve leniency of a well-functioning legal system. Astral lies, brutal truths: Nanthancode mass murderer's journey over the years Cadell, the sole accused, was found guilty on Monday. During the sentencing phase, the court heard detailed arguments from both the prosecution and the defence. The prosecution asserted that Cadell had no mental illness at the time of the murders and that the acts were cold-blooded and premeditated. The judgment comes after an eight-year-long trial that saw multiple delays, including psychiatric evaluations and the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially deemed unfit to stand trial due to a diagnosis of schizophrenia in 2017, Cadell underwent treatment before being declared mentally competent to face trial. The murders occurred on April 5, 2017. According to the prosecution, Cadell lured his mother, Jean Padma, upstairs under the pretext of showing her a video game he had created. He then struck her from behind with an axe. Later that evening, he murdered his father, Raja Thankam and sister Caroline in a similar manner. The following day, he killed a visiting relative, Lalitha. The bodies were kept in a bedroom and partially burned over two nights. On April 9, the charred remains of his parents and sister were discovered, completely burnt. Lalithas body had been hacked and only partially burned. The fire, which spread during Cadells second attempt to destroy evidence, led to the discovery of the crime. Police investigations revealed that Cadell had nursed a deep grudge against his father and family. He fled to Chennai after the incident and was arrested on his return to Kerala. His online search history showed that he had studied mass murders and purchased the murder weapon,a sharp axe,online. A handwritten journal found from his room detailed his inner turmoil, frustrations, and violent fantasies, which police believe served as a blueprint for the killings. Over 41 witnesses, including forensic experts, neighbours, investigating officers, and acquaintances, testified during the trial. A former classmate from Australia described Cadell as socially withdrawn and obsessed with gadgets and video games. Cadell was charged with murder, destruction of evidence, and causing injury with deadly weapons. The verdict, twice postponed earlier.

CBSE Class 10 results: Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada top with 99.79% pass rate

Thiruvananthapuram region, comprising Kerala and Lakshadweep, registers pass percentage of 99.79, marginally up from 99.75 last year

CBSE Class 12 results: Thiruvananthapuram region slips to second position

The region, comprising Kerala and Lakshadweep, registers a pass percentage of 99.32, 0.28 percentage points less than the leader Vijayawada

Congress national general secretary K C Venugopal raises questions on Simla accord

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress national general secretary K C Venugopal has demanded that the Union government must explain whether the norms of Simla accord were violated with the intervention of the United States as an interlocutor in the Indo-Pak conflict following the Pahalgam terror strike. He was speaking at a function in Thiruvananthapuram organised by the state Congress on Monday. The country is going through a difficult situation. The country is now remembering the former prime minister Indira Gandhi who had refused to succumb to the pressure put by the United States during Indo-Pak war of 1971. The US had then stated that it would send its Navys Seventh fleet to thwart Indias strategic moves. She also refused to listen to the advice of a country which is about 4,000 miles away from India on the war with Pakistan. Congress stands with the armed forces in Operation Sindoor and we salute the military for its exemplary work, he said. Venugopal, however, said there are questions which have to be answered now. The country wanted to know whether the Simla agreement was violated related to the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan. Whether the US intervene in the issue , he said.

MG varsitys self-financing institutions come under RTI Act, rules info panel

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Information Commission has ruled that self-financing educational institutions under the Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) will come under the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. It includes institutions directly run by the university as well as those affiliated with the university. The Centre for Professional and Advanced Studies (CPAS) which coordinates the functioning of these institutions will also come under the Acts purview, said an order issued by Information Commission A Abdul Hakkim. The order came on appeal over the denial of information by the Nursing Education Institute at Chuttippara in Pathanamthitta. The complainant was T Sajeev, father of Ammu Sajeev, who died at the institutes hostel on November 15, 2024. The institutions management denied information regarding the death. The institute had claimed that the RTI Act was not applicable for self-financing institutions. The commission observed that the institutes action was illegal. The commission had earlier directed the institute to provide the requested information free of cost before February 19. The latest order came based on the fathers second complaint. The commission asked the director of the nursing institute at Chuttippara to provide the requested info free of cost before May 17. The receipt should be submitted to the commission by May 20. The commission stated that an institution established as per the directions in the Constitution or under a law will come under the ambit of RTI.

Althara-Thycaud stretch to get dedicated cycling track

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Althara-Thycaud stretch, a straight road favoured by cyclists in the capital city, will soon get its own dedicated cycling track the first such in Thiruvananthapuram. Finishing touches are underway and the track would be ready by the end of the month, authorities informed TNIE. Prakash P Gopinath, a former railway engineer who now promotes cycling in the city, said that a dedicated track has always been a dream. There are so many cycling enthusiasts in the city. A dedicated track would certainly help promote cycling. The Althara-Thycaud stretch is very ideal for cycling, Prakash said. Though cyclists have welcomed the move, some have pointed out that it would have been more prudent to see the track incorporated into the pedestrian pathway. This way, the railing that demarcates the road and the pathway could have shielded the riders from vehicular movement. Prakash concurred. Its not safe for children as the track is running along the vehicular movement. If the track was within the pedestrian pathway, it would have been much safer, he added. Currently, the cycling track sits on the edge of the road. Prakash suggested that placing bollards or barricades could enhance safety of the cyclists. This will also help curb parking on the cycle track, which otherwise is going to be a huge challenge. An outright ban on parking on this stretch would create a lot of issues for local traders, Vazhuthacaud ward councillor Rakhi Ravikumar pointed. If we curb parking on this stretch, then we will have to find alternate locations as there are many commercial establishments here. Tagore Theatre premises and water authority office compound are possible options, Rakhi added. However, an official of the Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd said that this decision to turn a section of the road into a dedicated cycling track was a strategy to eliminate parking on this stretch part of a smart road.When the track is ready, people will be discouraged to park here. This way, we will maintain the width of the two lane road. Incorporating the track on the pedestrian pathway would not have achieved this result, the official added.

UAE-bound vessel MV Sirrah resumes voyage following emergency repairs

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A UAE-bound cargo vessel stranded off the coast of Vizhinjam managed to set sail just hours before the Coast Guards deadline on Monday. The bulk carrier MV Sirrah, registered under the flag of St. Kitts & Nevis, departed for Khorfakkan Port in the UAE at 2.30 am on Monday. Its departure was made possible after a critical 900-kg engine compressor was sourced from Mumbai and delivered with the support of Waterline Shipping & Logistics Pvt. Ltd., a Thiruvananthapuram-based shipping agency, in coordination with the Kerala Maritime Board. The vessel, which had originally set off from Chennai, encountered technical issues and was forced to anchor about seven nautical miles from Vizhinjam port. The ships owners acted swiftly to procure the required spare parts, but due to the prevailing war-like situation, the transport vehicle carrying the equipment was delayed at multiple checkpoints for security inspections, said Manoj Nair, managing director and CEO of Waterline Shipping & Logistics Pvt. Ltd. Once cleared by Customs, the spare parts were ferried to the vessel using Dhwani, a tug operated by the Kerala Maritime Board. Earlier, the Indian Coast Guard had inspected the vessel and found no suspicious items or hazardous cargo on board. They instructed the captain to move the ship within two days in light of Operation Sindoor. The ships Master also confirmed that no Pakistani nationals were among the 26-member crew, which included 13 Indians. Captain Anwar Gammal, Master of MV Sirrah, expressed his gratitude to Waterline Shipping & Logistics for their prompt and professional assistance. In a formal letter, he commended the teams efforts, noting that the support provided great reassurance to the crew and left a lasting impression. Waterline began its operations by assisting the berthing of Zhen Hua 15, the first vessel to call at Vizhinjam port in October 2023. Since then, the Thiruvananthapuram-based firm has grown into a key logistics player, handling major vessel calls and offering competitive services staffed by personnel trained from the local fishing community. In addition to port logistics, Waterline is also active in ship chandling, supplying provisions and offering medical aid to vessel crews.

Students stranded in J&K sent to Kerala amid Indo-Pak tensions

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid tension triggered by the Indo-Pak standoff, the Youth Congress helped the students from Kerala who were stranded in Jammu & Kashmir to return to the state. The workers, led by Youth Congress national president Uday Bhanu Chib, on Monday helped the students return to Kerala by trains from New Delhi. According to a press release issued by the organisation, students from Sher-e Kashmir Agricultural University had contacted them and expressed their desire to go back home. However, due to the absence of public transport these students were stranded in J&K. The Youth Congress team brought them to Delhi by arranging a special bus for them.

Keralite Ganga to be face of TNs war on waste

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ganga Dileep C, a 38-year-old architect and urban designer from Kerala, is on a mission to revolutionise solid waste management in Tamil Nadu. She has been appointed as the first CEO of Clean Tamil Nadu Company Ltd which was formed under Thooimai Mission for sustainable waste management in Tamil Nadu. The mission was formed under the vision of Deputy Chief Minister Udayanidhi Stalin. Ganga Dileep, who has spearheaded many innovative initiatives including the successful Toilet Tales, (an initiative that maps public toilets in Thiruvananthapuram) in Pune and other parts of Kerala got this opportunity to work in Chennai from 2022. Since then, a team led by Ganga has been working on various verticals of four slum rehabilitation projects in Chennai. I have worked in the constituency of Udayanidhi Stalin and we recovered a canal and helped rehabilitate the slum dwellers. The Clean Tamil Nadu Company will work as a strategic and administrative backbone, providing leadership, policy direction, framing and approving guidelines along with inter-departmental coordination. This is a special and challenging opportunity for me, said Ganga. Born and brought up in Thiruvananthapuram, Ganga is the founder of Green Army under Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation - a voluntary-based initiative that promotes green protocol. The main challenge will be to bring together all the stakeholders, especially the informal sector in sanitation and waste management in Tamil Nadu. There are over 12,000 local self-government institutions in the state and unlike Kerala, the urban-rural divide is evident here. Urban areas like Chennai are densely populated, and compared with other metro cities and rural areas, have better waste management practices, she said. I began my career in Kerala and the experience I gained from here is the foundation. Both the states are different and here the main difference I noticed is that Kerala is more into planning and here they focus on implementation. Both planning and implementation are important for any initiative to succeed, she added.

Astral lies, brutal truths: Nanthancode mass murderer's journey over the years

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Eight years after the state witnessed one of its most chilling mass murders, the drama behind the whole episode is gradually unravelling. Finding the sole accused, Cadell Jeansen Raja guilty, the Additional Sessions Court Thiruvananthapuram termed the crime grave, serious, and numbing to the conscience. It observed that the accused, who planned and executed the murders of his parents, sister and relative, does not deserve leniency of a well-functioning legal system. Charged with murder, arson and destruction of evidence, Cadell had tried everything to blur the line between calculated cruelty and supposed delusion. From claiming to be an astral traveller to adopting erratic behaviour in prison, he spun a narrative to confuse, delay and evade. But bit by bit, the mask fell off. His arrest at Thampanoor railway station on April 10, 2017, came just a day after police found the charred remains of his family. Why have you brought me here? he asked officers with unsettling calm. No signs of distress. No signs of remorse. During his initial seven-day police custody, Cadell remained composed, answering questions normally and showing no symptoms of mental instability. A senior police officer recalled testing his cognitive state by casually asking him to name three flowers. Lily...Lily...Lily. Thats what he said. I was surprised. He comes from a neighbourhood full of local flowers, said the officer. It was only later that his behaviour changed. He assaulted a fellow inmate in jail and was sent for psychiatric evaluation. Even then, the court heard, his odd conduct appeared more calculated than clinical. Initially, Cadell claimed that the murders were part of his experiment in astral projection, where he believed he could detach from his physical body and transcend the boundaries of the living world. But no evidence supported this claim. Dr Mohan Roy, the psychiatrist who examined Cadell soon after the arrest, said the nature of the crime didnt suggest psychosis. Cadell himself would later admit that the astral projection story was fabricated to mislead police. In private conversations with the psychiatrist, Cadell spoke about his hatred toward his father, whom he described as an alcoholic and emotionally abusive. He resented his sister, he was irritated by his aunt, and had little to no emotional connection with his mother. Within the family, communication had broken down so severely that even questions like Have you eaten? were exchanged through text messages. Well planned murders Public prosecutor Dileep Sathyan told media that the case hinged on circumstantial evidence. Cadells own confession to the psychiatrist sealed the case. This was not the act of a man in a trance or gripped by hallucinations. It was methodical murders carried out in hatred.

Nanthancode mass murder: Cadell guilty of murdering his family

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A court in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday found Cadell Jeansen Raja guilty in the 2017 Nanthancode family massacre one of the most chilling murder cases in the states recent history. With the Sixth Additional Sessions Court set to pronounce the sentence on Tuesday, the case is drawing to a legal closure after eight years of investigation, psychiatric evaluations, and court proceedings. The case involves the murder of four family members, including his parents. Cadell was found guilty of multiple charges, including murder, destruction of evidence, wrongful confinement, use of weapons, use of petrol, and arson. The motive, as established by prosecution, was a deep-seated grudge against his parents. Medical experts testified that he did not suffer from any mental health disorders. In April 2017, the bodies of Cadells mother Jean Padma, 58, father Raja Thangam, 60, sister Caroline, 26, and his visually-challenged aunt Lalitha, 70, were found in their house in Nanthancode. Probe revealed that the murders happened over two days, April 5 and 6. Three of the bodies were found burnt, while one was found in a mutilated and decomposed state. He trained himself using dummy figures After the crime, Cadell fled to Chennai. He had suffered burns, which police said occurred while trying to destroy evidence by setting the bodies on fire. Cadell, whom the police described as a loner with a troubled academic past and alleged mental health issues, was arrested a few days later from the Thampanoor railway station. Police found that Cadell had disconnected CCTV cameras in the house and isolated each victim before attacking them. According to forensic reports, the killings were methodical: each victim had suffered multiple injuries. Lalitha had 22 wounds, Caroline 12, Jean Padma 9 and Raja 7 head injuries. The investigation revealed that Cadell trained himself using dummy figures and sourced the weapons online. He is said to have been inspired by violent video games and had even selected an axe similar to those used in such games, the police stated. The initial statements by Cadell baffled police. He claimed he had committed the murders as part of an experiment in astral projection, a pseudoscientific belief in out-of-body experiences. However, this theory quickly gave way to more grounded motives. Police said Cadell harboured deep resentment towards his father, blaming him for neglect and psychological trauma. His mental condition became a critical part of the trial. Medical evaluations in 2017 found him unfit to stand trial, diagnosing him with schizophrenia. He was sent to a psychiatric facility for treatment. But the prosecution maintained that the murders were premeditated and deliberate, pointing to the detailed planning and execution. After several follow-ups, the court deemed him fit to stand trial. In the initial days of his remand at the Poojappura Central Jail, Cadells unusual conduct baffled prison staff. He appeared cheerful and claimed to be in regular communication with his deceased parents. He also told officials that he had trained for over a decade in astral projection, and could speak with spirits. Police also recovered a chilling handwritten journal from Cadells room, in which he had reportedly sketched out his frustrations. Police believe this formed the blueprint of his crime. The trial was delayed multiple times due to need for continued psychiatric evaluations and Covid pandemic. However, it resumed in full swing in 2023 and final arguments were heard earlier this year. 41 witnesses testified Over the course of the trail proceedings, more than 41 witnesses testified. These included forensic experts, investigating officers, neighbours, and friends who spoke of Cadells isolation, erratic behaviour, and academic failures.

Thiruvananthapuram mans startup emerges as a credible eye in sky amid Operation Sindoor

KOCHI: As Operation Sindoor unfolded with strategic precision across Indias western front, a lesser-known yet critical player emerged from the digital shadows. Kawa Space, an Indian spacetech startup founded by Thiruvananthapuram native Kris Nair, emerged as one of the most credible sources of satellite-based intelligence during the campaign. While misinformation spread rapidly on social media, many turned to maps and images released by Kawa Space and its enigmatic founder. Their X (formerly Twitter) handles consistently shared high-resolution satellite imagery showing the extent of damage inflicted on Pakistani targets. Crucially, these images have not only added credibility to Indias claims but also served as visual proof of the impact of its operations. The images, shared with credible defence-related websites including Alpha Defence an independent firm known for its high-quality commentary on defence, aerospace and geopolitics have become an essential tool in decoding the progress of Operation Sindoor. On Sunday evening, Nair hinted at a significant development: The next image analysis report is one hell of a banger. The following day, he posted a cryptic line: O Black Mountains, what are you hiding in your shadowed heart? accompanied by a wide-angle satellite image believed to show the Kirana Hills, a remote and rocky region in Pakistans Punjab province long rumoured to house nuclear infrastructure. While it remains unclear whether the location was targeted, the post sparked intense speculation and drew attention to the growing role of Indias private space sector. Founded in March 2019, Kawa Space was envisioned as a critical application and infrastructure layer for the global space industry. Originally built to serve the broader geospatial tech ecosystem, it has now repositioned itself as a global intelligence and defence space company. We dont do civilian industry stuff anymore, Nair stated bluntly a clear signal of the companys pivot towards high-stakes, security-focused operations. Startups evidence-backed assessments gained trust Our mission is to harness the power of satellites orbiting our planet and help people reap their benefits to improve life on earth, he says. Yet, beneath the commercial ambition lies a intense nationalistic drive. Among our team are those who have worked on every front of sovereignty and national security, Kawa Space says on its website. Theyve flown jet fighters deep into enemy territory, commanded warships, and fought wars youve heard of and the ones you havent. In the face of rampant misinformation, Kawa Spaces methodical, evidence-backed assessments have gained the trust of defence watchers, journalists, and policy insiders alike. In war, truth is often the first casualty. But as Operation Sindoor reshapes regional dynamics, a small satellite startup is making sure the truth or at least a clearer picture of it can still be seen, from up above.

Sunny Joseph takes charge as Congress state president in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Vowing to end the reign of the Pinarayi Vijayan government and bring back the UDF to power in the 2026 assembly election, Sunny Joseph took charge as the 38th state president of the Congress in Kerala. At a function organised at the Indira Bhavan on Monday in the presence of senior leaders and workers, he also assured the party workers that the new team under him would win the local body election and would function with unity, taking into consideration all the sections. Incidentally, Sunny Joseph is the first leader from the high ranges of the state to become the KPCC president. Apart from Sunny, Adoor Prakash also took charge as UDF convenor while A P Anil Kumar, P C Vishnunath and Shafi Parambil assumed office as working presidents of the Congress. Following the footsteps of outgoing president K Sudhakaran, who was the face of anti -CPM sentiment, Sunny who also hails from Kannur criticised the CPM for its violent political activities. The misgovernance of the Pinarayi government must end, he said. In Kannur, the CPM is still following the path of political violence against Congress. However, the party that once claimed that they would form the third front, now remains only in Kerala, he said. Inaugurating the function, AICC general secretary in charge of the organisation, K C Venugopal has said that the new president could make any change in the state organisation in consultation with the AICC leadership. The AICC will hold discussion with the new team on Tuesday. They have the responsibility to bring back the Congress to power in the 2026 assembly election. The Congress has always worked as a team and the party has won elections as a team. If there is no organisation, we all will be a big zero. M M Hassan was removed from the post of UDF convenor only because the AICC decided to present a new team, he said. The AICC general secretary in charge of Kerala, Deepa Dasmunsi, said that it is the collective responsibility of the party leaders to fight the LDF government and communal forces. The Leader of Opposition, V D Satheesan, assured the leaders that with the new team the UDF will come back to power with more than hundred seats like in 2001. The outgoing KPCC president K Sudhakaran said that during his time as party president, the party achieved a lot of gains and did not suffer any losses. Even in the Chelakkara byelection, although the party lost the contest, it managed to reduce the winning margin of the CPM. I was with the workers for the last four years. There were times when my enemies tried to put me behind bars. However, I had never made any compromises with certain people who boast of having a 56-inch chest and iratta chanku (a strongman). I will continue to work in the coming days also and will be with the workers, he added. CWC members Ramesh Chennithala and Kodikkunnil Suresh, former KPCC presidents K Muralidharan, M M Hassan and working presidents Anil Kumar, Vishnunath, Shafi Parambil also spoke on the occasion. First KPCC president from the high ranges: Antony TPuram: For the first time in the history of the Congress, the son of a farmer from the high ranges has become the president of the KPCC, said veteran Congress leader A K Antony. He was speaking to the media after the KPCC president Sunny Joseph, UDF convener Adoor Prakash and the three working presidents visited the leader at his residence on Monday. He also said that he has full confidence in the new team led by Sunny Joseph. If the team takes into confidence all sections of society, the Congress-led UDF will register a victory bigger than what it managed in the 2001 Assembly election.

50 years of Kerala-Russia bonding

Some years ago, a chapter in a school textbook was about young Ivana who strayed from home into a nearby village. When asked who her mother was, she said her mother is the most beautiful woman in the world. A search began, but the one who came calling for the kid was far from her description. Beauty thus is deeply linked to love, the story conveyed. The story and many like it came to readers in Kerala from what was once the Soviet Union, transporting them to idyllic Russian settings. They were loved, in a pure reflection of the fascination the average, book-lover Malayali had for that country. This could be a reason why the Russian House, originally set up as Gorky Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram 50 years ago, found a spot in the hearts of Malayalis. It became a landmark, where thinkers and writers congregated. Through it, Russia struck deep chords in the minds of Malayalis, its friendship warmed hearts, and its space voyages made the likes of Valentina Tereshkova and Yuri Gagarin household names. Ambika B was one such who did her post graduation in Russian in 1973, inspired by her love for Russia. I was very fascinated. I got to know of Russia through the several books published by the Mir Publications. It was heavily subsidised too then. Kerala looked up then to Russia as the home of an ideology it revered, the 75-year-old says. Years passed, and in the 1990s, Soviet Union disintegrated and Russia emerged. Gorky Bhavan, named after Maxim Gorky, was shut down. It opened later after 10 years, as the Russian Cultural Centre. Popularly called the Russian House, it offered activities that facilitated an exchange of culture and talents. The statue of Yuri Gagarin at Russian House Sports training in gymnastics and chess, in which Russians have legendary expertise, are held regularly. For chess, the Alekhine club, named after the all-time great Alexander Aleksansrovich Alekhine, operates on the centres premises. Right now, a summer camp is on. Also, we facilitate Russian classes for those interested, and are now trying to coach the bay watchers so that they could help Russian tourists, says Ratheesh C Nair, once a member of the Gorky Bhavan and now the honorary consul and director of the Russian House. The compound also houses the honorary consulate, the first to be opened in Kerala. We intend to help travellers and Russian people who live in India (including the consultants at the Koodankulam nuclear power plant), he says. Celebrating history landmarks is also a focus for the Russian House. We recently organised the 80th anniversary of Russias victory over Germany during World War II. It was aptly named Pobeda, which in Russian means victory. It was a reminder of the role Russia played in world history bringing fascism to its knees. We organised exhibitions, seminars, a war film festival, a motorcycle rally... he says. Keralas interest in Russia has seen a marked change, says Ratheesh. The culture and its exchanges are more cherished now. There is also an inclination to explore the educational prospects that Russia offers, Ratheesh says. Though we do inform about the educational prospects, the Russian House do not aid any commercial activity associated with the process and have even warned against unscrupulous middlemen. There are several government scholarships available which the students can avail themselves of, Ratheesh says. Thus, yesterdays Gorky Bhavan and todays Russian House, at the quaint turning by the Bakery Junction, is the citys sought-after space even in its changed avtar. A bust of legendary Yuri Gagarin welcomes people at the entrance, in a stellar reminder of Russias grip on space research. Anniversaries linked to him bring many visitors, space enthusiasts especially, as space was another common ground where India met with Russia. Russias expertise lies in gymnastics and chess, and sessions connected to these are hot favourites. But there is also another sporting form from Russia that is gaining popularity in Kerala Sambo, a form of wrestling. We thus try to bring Russias originals and strong points here, says Ratheesh, adding the centre now plans to set up a library. Russian House in the capital city is thus a fascinating reminder that the country and its culture has a home in a Keralites heart.

Cong seeks Centres clarification on 3rd-party mediation in Kashmir Issue

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, May 12: The Congress on Monday urged the Centre to clarify whether it is open to third-party mediation on the Kashmir issue, warning that such as stance could potentially violate the Simla Agreement. The grand old party pointed to US President Donald Trumps daily statements, claiming that he was intervening in the matter, and [] The post Cong seeks Centres clarification on 3rd-party mediation in Kashmir Issue appeared first on Northlines .

Bomb threats spark tension at Kerala court

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A fresh bomb threat was reported on Monday at the Vanchiyoor Court in Thiruvananthapuram, triggering immediate security measures. The threat, received via email, warned of an explosion by 2 pm, prompting swift action by the police and bomb squads. Inspections are currently underway at the court premises. Authorities had hoped that the series of hoax threats that had plagued the state over the past three weeks had finally subsided, but the latest alert on Monday has once again raised security concerns. Despite initial assessments suggesting that the threat is likely a hoax, security forces are not taking any chances. Joint operations involving CISF teams, bomb disposal squads, and local police are being carried out to ensure safety. This year, Thiruvananthapuram and other parts of the capital have seen a rise in hoax bomb threats, targeting several major locations, including the central railway station, airport, collectorate, district court, luxury hotels, and the secretariat. The majority of these threats have come in the form of email alerts claiming that bombs have been planted. While all previous alerts have turned out to be false, they have forced authorities to conduct extensive inspections, stretching the resources of the police and emergency services. Thiruvananthapuram cyber crime police have reported nine cases of fake bomb threats over the past two months, with investigators facing difficulties in tracing the perpetrators due to the use of anonymous email services like @outlook.com and @hotline.com. Shanihan A R, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime), stated, Such cases cannot be ignored. We are addressing this issue with utmost seriousness. A special investigation team has been established to track the source of the emails, with technical support being sought from Microsoft. Law and Order Deputy Commissioner of Police T Farish noted that while there are clear similarities in the content of the messages, no common lead has been identified so far. The investigation is complex due to the nature of cyber channels. However, we are committed to identifying the culprits and will take strict action, the DCP said.

Congress seeks Centre's clarification on third-party mediation in Kashmir issue

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress on Monday urged the Centre to clarify whether it is open to third-party mediation on the Kashmir issue, warning that such as stance could potentially violate the Simla Agreement. The grand old party pointed to US President Donald Trump's daily statements, claiming that he was intervening in the matter, and said a clarification from the union government on the matter was inevitable. While addressing a party programme here, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said the party wants to know whether there has been a shift in the country's foreign policy, and therefore the matter has to be taken up in the Parliament at the earliest. Questions are now being raised if the Simla Agreement has been violated. Was the Simla Agreement, which rejects any third-party involvement in the Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan, violated? Trump has been making statements daily, claiming that he has intervened in the matter. We need the government's clarification, Venugopal said. The Congress party has asked the Prime Minister of India to urgently convene Parliament to discuss these issues. This is not to blame anyone or put them on trial. 'Educate Trump': Congress leader hits out at US President's Kashmir mediation remark The Congress party also called for a special session of Parliament to evaluate the situation in detail, to identify any mistakes that were made, and to ensure that they are not repeated in the future. We must get answers to these questions in order to rectify lapses and mistakes, and to continue our fight against Pakistan without fail, he added. His comments came after India and Pakistan on Saturday agreed to halt military actions on land, air and sea after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes. There were violations of the agreement as Pakistan resorted to cross-border firing within hours of its announcement. According to Venugopal, the country is going through a very serious situation, and the Congress, the INDIA alliance, and the entire opposition firmly stand behind the union government and the Indian Army in their strong fight against terrorism. The leader also mentioned that in recent days, both the country and the world have recalled former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who had firmly opposed third-party intervention in the Kashmir issue. India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to cease all military actions, following the most severe confrontation between the two countries in decades. The escalation was triggered by a terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which left 26 dead.

Congress Seeks Centres Clarification On Third-Party Mediation In Kashmir Issue

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, May 12: The Congress on Monday urged the Centre to clarify whether it is open to third-party mediation on the Kashmir issue, warning that such as stance could potentially violate the Simla Agreement. The grand old party pointed to US President Donald Trumps daily statements, claiming that he was intervening in the matter, and said a clarification from the union government on the matter was inevitable. While addressing a party programme here, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal said [] The post Congress Seeks Centres Clarification On Third-Party Mediation In Kashmir Issue appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Incoming KPCC president Sunny Joseph visits tomb of Oommen Chandy

KOTTAYAM: The day before officially taking charge, KPCC president-elect Sunny Joseph, along with working presidents A P Anilkumar, P C Vishnunadh and Shafi Parambil paid a visit to the tomb of former chief minister and Congress stalwart Oommen Chandy at St George Orthodox Church in Puthuppally on Sunday. Speaking to reporters after the visit, Sunny said he came to seek the blessings of Oommen Chandy before assuming office. We are committed to working together to lead the Congress in Kerala with unity. During our visit to memorials of former stalwarts, we drew inspiration to achieve this goal. The memories of Oommen Chandy will continue to motivate and empower us, he said. Sunny also met Oommen Chandys wife Mariyamma Oommen and son Chandy Oommen MLA during the visit. MLA Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, former MLA K C Joseph, former Kottayam DCC president Tommy Kallani, leaders Philson Mathews, Joshy Philip, Sudha Kurien and others were also present. Prior to their visit to Puthuppally, Sunny and his team paid their respects at K Karunakarans memorial in Thrissur. They proceeded to Kollam to visit the memorial of former chief minister R Sankar. Sunny Joseph to assume office on May 12 THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sunny Joseph MLA will assume charge as the new KPCC president on Monday at 9.30am. Adoor Prakash MP will take over as the UDF convenor, while P C Vishnunath MLA, A P Anilkumar MLA and Shafi Parambil MP will be sworn in as KPCC working presidents. They will attend a meeting with the party high command in Delhi and hold discussions with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday.

Kerala government sharpens Nipah detection readiness

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Early alerts and sensitisation efforts, in place from February, have helped the health department prepare for potential Nipah outbreaks during the high-risk period from April to September. This was indicated in an advisory released after a top-level meeting convened by Health Minister Veena George to review preparedness against various communicable diseases. This timely alert played a crucial role in identifying recent Nipah cases that initially presented as dengue. The state remains on high alert during the Nipah transmission season, which aligns with the mating period of fruit bats (Pteropus medius), believed to be the natural reservoirs of the virus. The state has historically recorded Nipah cases between May and September, with the first occurring in May 2018. A 42-year-old woman from Valanchery in Malappuram tested positive for Nipah earlier this month. In both this case and previous ones, transmission is believed to have started by mid-April, with symptoms appearing towards the end of the month. Similarly, cases were recorded in July and September last year. We began issuing alerts early to ensure both the public and healthcare workers are prepared and aware, said Dr T S Anish, professor and nodal officer at the Kerala One Health Centre for Nipah Research and Resilience, Kozhikode Government Medical College. The Centre launched awareness campaigns in March across five districts identified as hotspots: Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, Wayanad, and Ernakulam. According to Dr Anish, the early advisories have encouraged the public to adopt safer practices--avoiding contact with bats, washing hands thoroughly after handling animals, and refraining from eating partially consumed fruits. This year, the patient was admitted with fever and initially tested positive for dengue. When her condition didnt improve, we tested for Nipah. Such cross-detection happens in busy hospital settings where dengue, chicken pox, and West Nile fever are also being reported, he explained. Dr Anish noted that while bats carrying the virus are present in other parts of the country, Nipah is more likely to be detected in Kerala due to heightened surveillance and awareness. Complete eradication of the virus from the environment may not be possible, but we can work to minimise its transmission, he added. Though fruit bats of a particular species are confirmed carriers, the exact mechanisms that lead to human infection and localised outbreaks remain poorly understood.

Transfer of vigilance director at crucial juncture raises eyebrows

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government on May 9 transferred or reassigned duties of several IPS officers. Among them was Yogesh Gupta, the director of the vigilance and anti-corruption bureau (VACB), who was shifted to the fire and rescue services department. Guptas transfer came when the bureau was in the middle of something. It had recommended dismissal of a forest official caught taking bribery. Not just that. Sources said the bureau wanted FIRs registered against former Kannur district panchayat president P P Divya for allegedly helping a benami firm get government contracts. The VACB had even sought government nod to probe the corruption plaguing a few public sector companies and alerted authorities about financial discrepancies in government departments, including mining and geology. In the middle of these developments, which could have given the state government a few headaches, the VACB head was transferred, sources in the VACB told TNIE. The sources said since his posting as their director, Gupta had personally trained officers SP and above on how to handle financial crimes, including those in cooperative banks. During his nine-month tenure, Gupta led two prolonged training sessions and around eight brief sessions for the officers, mostly on how to map money trail, scrutinising balance sheets, evidence collection and other aspects. He was very particular that every allegation we made was backed with evidence. He put the experience he gained while working in the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI to good use and imparted the knowledge to officers, said a source. Gupta, a trained and certified chartered and cost and management accountant , had headed the CBI team that probed sensational cases including the Harshad Mehta security fraud and Ketan Parekh stock market scam. VACB sources said Guptas efforts yielded results as sleuths managed to detect irregularities in more than three government enterprises. Under him, the VACB transformed from a unit carrying out trap operations and occasional special drives to a more robust wing that began learning how to handle financial crimes. Given the sort of complaints increasingly coming up in the cooperative sector, the work he did was meaningful, said a source. Currently, he is among the officers in the governments list of probables for the next state police chief. Gupta is the third senior-most officer after Nitin Agrawal and Ravada Chandrasekhar in the list and could be included in the UPSCs shortlist given his track record and seniority. However, it remains to be seen whether the recent developments would have a bearing on his chances for the top post as the state government has the final say in picking its candidate from the three-member shortlist returned by the UPSC.

Search ends, missing gold rod found from Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After more than 24 hours of intense search, a gold rod that was reported missing from the strongroom of Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple was found on the temples premises on Sunday. Thiruvananthapuram DCP Nakul Rajendra Deshmukh said the rod, weighing approximately 13 sovereigns, was found covered in soil near the temples northern entrance. The rod, he said, was found in an area located between the temples strongroom and the site on the premises where renovation work is under way. The cadmium-mixed gold rod is used to affix gold plates, particularly during the replacement of old gold plating on the first door of the sanctum sanctorum (sreekovil). As per the officials, it was last seen around 4.30 pm on Wednesday when it was moved to the strongroom from the renovation site. It was reported missing on Saturday morning when the strongroom was opened for inspection. Following an alert from the temple authorities, the Fort police launched an intensive search of the premises using metal detectors. The rod was located around 5 pm on Sunday. The police suspect the rod may have gone missing during transfer from the renovation site to the strongroom. CCTV footage shows it being carried for storage, but no visuals confirm it going missing from the cloth bag in which it was placed. The transfer process is managed by a team comprising temple staff and police personnel. Day tracker May 7, Wednesday Renovation work begins on first door of sreekovil at Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple Gold items, including the 13.5-sovereign, cadmium-mixed rod, are brought out from the strongroom for affixing new gold plates After use, the remaining gold is weighed and returned to the strongroom under joint supervision of the temple staff May 8 and 9 Work is paused due to a break in the renovation schedule May 10, Saturday Renovation work resumes During routine morning gold count, the gold rod is found missing The temple authorities inform Fort police, a case is registered Police begin probe, question staff and workers Search begins in and around the temple premises May 11, Sunday Search operations continue Around 5 pm, the missing gold rod is found buried in soil near the northern entrance of the temple, close to the renovation site; Thiruvananthapuram DCP Nakul Rajendra Deshmukh announces the recovery

36 per cent of highways in Kerala unsafe for motorists

KOCHI: More than one-third of the highways in the state are prone to accidents, reveals a latest study report prepared by the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC). According to the Road Safety Action Plan for Kerala State (2025-2030), more than 2,200 km of road corridors -- national highways (NH) and state highways -- in the state are found to be crash vulnerable. The study has been done to facilitate the government to form a comprehensive Road Safety Action Plan which aims to cut the accident fatalities in the state by half by 2030. While a whopping 60% (1,089.4 km out of the total 1,811.52 km) of the NH is accident-prone, 26% of the state highways (1,144 km out of the total 4,342 km) falls under the category. Combined, 36% (2,233km out of 6,153 km) of the highways are crash vulnerable, shows the report. The Average Annual Traffic Crashes (AATC) for all major categories of roads in Kerala was found to be higher for NH with 5.15 crashes/km, followed by state highways (2.23 crashes/km). Other roads reported a low crash rate of around 0.10 crashes/km, the report states. As per the report, a major portion of the vulnerable stretches is in Thrissur (289.9 km) while Ernakulam is second with 265.7 km, followed by Kozhikode (224.3 km), Malappuram (219.7 km), Alappuzha (192.4 km), Kottayam (183.1 km), Thiruvananthapuram (174) km), Palakkad (168.2 km), Kollam (143.1 km), Kannur (137.8 km), Pathanamthitta (83.8 km), Kasaragod (55.3 km), Idukki (49.8 km) and Wayanad (47.7 km). Out of the states total road network of 2.05 lakh km, NATPAC identified a total of 323 vulnerable road stretches. Of these, 149 stretches are on the NH and 174 on the state highways. Meanwhile, NATPAC has identified a total of 4,592 black spots across the state, with Ernakulam having the highest number of such stretches (703), followed by Thiruvananthapuram (694) and Thrissur (548). A total of 374 priority black spots have been identified, where immediate rectification action is required. They are further classified into Priority I (250 locations) and Priority II (124 locations). While 227 priority black spots were identified on NH, 84 were identified on State Highways and 63 on other roads, says the report. In the wake of the persistent increase in road accidents over the past decade, the state is now preparing a comprehensive Road Safety Action Plan to address the challenges and achieve safe mobility. The main objective of the Road Safety Action Plan for Kerala is to enhance safety on roads in line with the Integrated System Approach, thereby reducing road crash-related fatalities and injuries to at least 50% in the state by 2030, the report says. Kerala, which recorded 9.5% of the total road accidents across the country, is third among states. With 13.9% of the total accidents, Tamil Nadu tops the chart, followed by Madhya Pradesh (11.8 %). Despite its relatively small geographical size, Kerala faces significant road safety issues, with a high incidence of crashes resulting in fatalities and injuries. As per the figures made available by the State Crime Records Bureau, the number of accidents on the state roads increased from 36,000 in 2014 to 48,141 in 2023 and 48,919 in 2024.

Kerala: Missing gold recovered from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple grounds

Thiruvananthapuram: The gold, which had gone missing from the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, has been found, police said Sunday. The gold, in the form of a 20 cm-long rod, was discovered on a pathway near the strongroom where it had been kept inside the temple. It was recovered during an inspection by the []

Kerala: Four killed as car collides with pickup van in Vadakara

Kerala: Four killed as car collides with pickup van in Vadakara Thiruvananthapuram: In a tragic road accident in Keralas Kozhikode district, four people lost their lives after the car they were travelling in collided head-on with a pickup van near Vadakara. The accident occurred on Sunday evening. Another person who sustained serious [] The post Kerala: Four killed as car collides with pickup van in Vadakara appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

K Vasukis memoir School of Life released

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: K Vasuki, secretary of the labour department, released her latest book School of Life, a personal and philosophical exploration of the challenges and realisations that have shaped her life and career. The book was released by handing over a copy to retired SBI manager Thomas Bharat Govind and Aneesh V, representing the task force volunteers who contributed significantly to relief efforts during the 2018 Kerala floods, when Vasuki was serving as the district collector. The event was held at Kesari Hall. In School of Life, Vasuki draws from over four decades of personal and professional experiences, taking readers on an introspective journey. The book reflects on universal questions such as the purpose of life, the pursuit of happiness and the pressures of modern consumerist living. It urges a shift towards holistic health, well-being, and sustainable living. Speaking at the launch, Vasuki shared how her journey from a young girl with dreams to a civil servant, mother, and yoga practitioner has led her to question the current trajectory of human life. This book is my first step toward inspiring transformative action and finding fellow travellers for this journey, she added. The event was attended by KUWJ district president Shiller Stephen, secretary Anupama G Nair, former secretary Suresh Vellimangalam and Vasukis husband and IAS officer S Karthikeyan.

Installation at Kanakakunnu Palace sparks outrage among nature lovers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Green activists in the state capital on Saturday organised a peaceful protest walk demanding the protection of the heritage grounds of Kanakakunnu Palace. As many as 20 nature lovers took part in the walk held at Kanakakunnu Palace on Saturday morning. The massive installation of a container-laden ship replica at the Kanakakunnu Palace premises in Vizhinjam has sparked outrage among environmentalists. Earlier, green activists had moved the High Court against implementing nightlife at Kanakakunnu Palace premises causing damage to the heritage grounds of the palace and the HC had issued a stay order halting the nightlife project. The existing High Court order restricts any kind of construction activities, hard landscaping, excavation, tree removal and demolition of structures within the compound and inside the historically significant palace. Kanakakunnu is an INTACH certified heritage property and nothing of this sort can be done inside it without the permission of the Arts and Heritage Commission. They have put up this huge installation close to the tree which I planted in 2022. Back to back events, and installations are causing damage to the trees and plants inside the premises, said Asha Gopinathan, a green activist who took up the matter with the tourism department. In response to the complaint, tourism director Shika Surendran said that the installation is connected with the inauguration of the Vizhinjam International Seaport project. She pointed out that the installations are temporary and are scheduled for removal immediately. She also made it clear that the installation was erected responsibly without causing any damage to the flora and fauna.

Chalai market redevelopment project eyes revival under Centres new scheme

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The long-awaited redevelopment project for Chalai market may soon receive a boost, as the state government seeks financial assistance through the Union governments newly launched Urban Challenge Scheme. Official sources indicate that authorities are aiming to secure one-third of the projects estimated cost of around Rs 200 crore from this Central scheme, which was recently announced in the Union Budget. Initiated by Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL), the redevelopment aims to revitalise the centuries-old market. The project is planned in four phases, with Phase I, focused on upgrading the roads, nearing completion. However, due to a lack of funds, SCTL had to pause the subsequent phases. We have been actively seeking funding sources, and the Centre has responded positively to our proposal. Discussions are in the final stages, and we are hopeful of securing the necessary funds. One notable feature of the project will be the installation of umbrella covers along the main street of the market, said an official. SCTL officials said that the Chalai redevelopment project was adopted in 2022 as a contingency plan. That year, we were struggling to move forward because several major projects, including the Palayam market and Rajaji Nagar redevelopment, were stalled. The Centre mandated that we initiate alternative projects or risk returning the sanctioned funds. As a result, we chose to focus on Chalai. Once progress resumed on the other projects, however, we faced funding challenges for Chalai and started seeking alternative financial resources, an SCTL official said. In Phase I, SCTL has already upgraded most of the road network within Chalai market, with only the main arterial road left to be worked on. Officials said that construction on this critical stretch will begin soon. So far, approximately Rs 15 crore has been spent on roadworks, with the total cost for this component expected to reach Rs 30 crore. Another key feature of the project is a proposed multi-level car parking facility on corporation-owned land on the market premises.

Cancer in youngsters is more dangerous

Kerala has the highest number of cancer patients in the country. Why so? Our lifestyle is the main villain. Twenty-five years ago, it was malnutrition that was the topic of discussion. But now it is obesity. Obesity can result in cancer. Nearly 85% of diabetes cases are due to obesity. Only 10% of cancer cases are linked to heredity. The rest could be due to lifestyle, food habits, environmental pollution, etc. What type of cancers are predominant in Kerala? Breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer are most common in the state. Colorectal cancer is more prevalent in south India, going by surgeries we perform. Fortunately, colorectal cancers are now detected early due to awareness and availability of diagnostic modalities. But, there are people who mistake it for piles and rely on over-the-counter medicines. Is intestinal cancer closely linked to our food habits? Yes, very much. Rising incidence of intestinal cancer is directly related to modern food habits: Consuming preserved, tinned, grilled, smoked, and highly salted foods regularly causes changes in the intestinal lining, increasing cancer risk. North Kerala has higher incidence of stomach cancer, whereas the south sees more colon cancer. This is largely due to regional variations in food culture. So, what we eat is a major factor in cancer prevalence? Food habits play a significant role, but they are not the only factors. Cancer results from genetic mutations. There are three types of critical genes: tumour-suppressor genes, tumorigenic genes and DNA-repair genes. If the repair genes are damaged, the risk of cancer increases. A healthy balance among these genes offers immunity. However, mutations often occur due to environmental influences and diet. Its not just what we eat, but also how we consume that matters. Theres a popular perception that the popular parotta (flatbread) is a villain. Is this true? Unfortunately, yes. Parotta is made with refined flour or maida, which contains high levels of alloxan a compound linked to cancer. Studies show that frequent consumption of such food can increase cancer risk. You have been a cancer surgeon for a long time. At what stage do doctors decide that surgery is the solution? The decision to proceed with surgery depends on both the stage of the cancer and the organ affected. Cancers affecting the large intestine often start as polyps, which can vary in severity from mild to moderate to severe dysplasia (precancerous changes). In the early stages, we can often remove it endoscopically. However, if the cancer has spread deeper, surgery becomes the preferred treatment. For rectal cancer, radiation is typically the first line of treatment. For colon cancer, surgery is the mainstay for treatment and often necessary for achieving the best outcomes. What are the red flags that patients should watch out for? The red flags for each organ differ. For esophagus, a common sign is difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), which may start with solid foods and eventually progress to liquids, including even saliva. In the case of liver, symptoms include back pain, vomiting, or black stools. When it comes to liver cancers, symptoms can include jaundice, weight loss, or darkened face. Gallbladder cancer is relatively rare in Kerala but more common in regions in north India especially in the Gangetic region. Pancreatic cancer is closely linked to smoking and alcohol consumption. In case of intestinal cancer, it may manifest as vomiting of blood, back pain or pain during contractions of the intestine. It may even manifest as anaemia. If the symptoms persist, one should see a doctor. What could be the reason for higher incidence of pancreatic cancer in the Gangetic region? Studies point to the consumption of polluted water. Ive observed that cancers whether pancreatic, stomach, or colorectal appear to be more prevalent in coastal regions. There is lack of studies aimed at identifying the causes of cancer in these areas. Similar is the long-term impact of rare earths. Even though the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC, in Thiruvananthapuram) was set up nearly 44 years ago, it has conducted fewer than 800 studies. Rare earths raise important safety concerns. We have not conducted any substantial studies to examine the long-term health impact of these materials. Are all types of cancer predominantly found in coastal areas? Yes, most types. And its increasing, maybe due to the presence of rare earths. RCC has conducted preliminary studies, which disproved the theory, but there has been no comprehensive study as yet. Experts recommend routine screening after a certain age... I strongly support it. In countries where cancer is a national health priority, screening is mandatory. However, in India, with a population of around 140 crore, its currently not feasible. Nevertheless, we recommend that every individual undergo at least one colonoscopy after the age of 40. If there are risk factors or other issues, this should be done annually. People often blame cooking ingredients or methods. What are your thoughts on the farm-to-plate concept? While the concept sounds ideal, there are some concerns. Bakery items are rich in harmful carbohydrates. Even herbal items like green tea may contain toxic elements, if consumed excessively or from non-standard sources. Shifting to organic foods may not always be a solution, unless backed by proper community-level studies and standards. How do we define good food habits? In general, we consume far too many carbohydrates and too little quality protein. The protein sources we rely on are often not ideal. Fibre-rich foods need to be promoted. In Asia, the pattern of obesity is unique. Reducing carbohydrate intake is crucial to managing obesity. We also tend to overeat rice because its soft and easy to consume in large quantities. People often switch to chapati, but both have similar carbohydrate levels. The key is moderation. Does chapati pose the same risk as rice? Risk is the same, but we do not consume wheat in the same quantity as rice. Hence diabetes can be controlled to an extent. What about millets? Millets are good, compared to rice. But there are concerns over ragi consumption because it is said to cause kidney stone Even carrots can cause kidney stone, if eaten daily. Moderate consumption of anything is the key. You spoke about good and bad protein... Proteins can be derived from both plants and meat. Most plant proteins, including the ones derived from peanuts, badam, cashew, etc, are good. Excessive consumption of red meat is toxic. Chicken not injected with steroids is fine, but beef can cause problems. Red meat is more carcinogenic. So, is vegetarianism a better lifestyle? Vegetarianism is a good lifestyle, but vegetarians are not insulated from cancer. Non-vegetarians also need not contract cancer. What about cancer in children? This is not hereditary alone. There are environmental factors, too. Most common cancers among children are leukaemia, blastoma, nephroblastoma, etc. Some people consume carrot juice or green juices after their morning walk Many think anything herbal is good. Allopathy involves both research and trials, including testing on animals. Does this happen in ayurveda? Some say keezhanelli has certain components and can be consumed. But keezhanelli has some other components, too. Same is the case with athachakka. Many, including celebrities, have died after consuming it to treat cancer. But, ayurveda and other alternative systems have a rich tradition Research is still needed to study toxicity or side effects. Even alternative medicine practitioners study anatomy, using allopathy books Have you come across patients who have come off worse from using ayurveda medicines? Several. There was a person who developed liver disease due to the frequent consumption of arishtam. At times, it could be kashayam. There was a recent liver cirrhosis case with a similar link. Recently veteran actor Paresh Rawal spoke about urine as a remedy... No such studies have been carried out about the use of urine as a remedy. Some recent studies found certain elements in the stool that aid in curing cirrhosis. There is stool therapy as well. What about magic drugs available in the market? Allopathy does not recognise anything without research. How effective is homoeopathy? Dont push me into a controversy (laughs). When we lose hope, we pray to god, though his existence is yet to be proved. Same is the case with homoeopathy. The concept of homoeopathy is against allopathic science. The latter does not prescribe administering micro-elements of a medicine to cure an ailment. Many times, patients are kept in the dark about their own illness Mostly, out of compulsion. Sometimes bystanders request this. If we open up to the patient, the bystander may turn against us. Communication with the patient is essential. It is wrong and unethical, if I perform a permanent colostomy without informing the patient. Convincing bystanders is often difficult. How important is a patients willpower in overcoming disease? There is no scientific method to quantify willpower, but patients who demonstrate strong willpower often show better outcomes. It is often said that chemotherapy causes more harm than the cancer itself... Chemotherapy targets the tumour, but also affects other parts. When administered systemically, it impacts not just the cancer but also healthy cells hair follicles, organs, skin, etc. Radiation therapy targets a specific area, whereas chemotherapy treatment can affect the entire body. However, in some cases, we can deliver chemotherapy directly to a tumour, like in the liver, but not all cancers are suitable for this. Chemotherapy affects all cells, and how the body tolerates it depends on the cells recovery capacity. If the goal is to kill cancer, and chemotherapy offers a chance to do so, it should be pursued. If it doesnt offer that possibility, it shouldnt be administered. Is there a blood test that can detect cancer? Yes, we use tumour markers. AFP for liver cancer, CEA for colorectal cancer, CA125 for ovarian cancer and CA99 for pancreatic and periampullary cancers. What cancers have the poorest prognosis? Stomach and pancreatic cancers are particularly aggressive. Colorectal cancer is more manageable. Stomach cancer often spreads through lymph nodes. These nodes must be removed during surgery, but its difficult to identify and extract them without damaging nearby organs. In keyhole surgeries, this becomes even more complex. Earlier, cancer was linked to certain death. Now, we see many survivors. Also, some survive and then suffer a relapse Generally, we classify cancers based on site and nature. Lymphomas can occur anywhere. There are about five-six types. Some respond extremely well to chemotherapy and even disappear entirely. These are what we call meltable cancers. But each cancer is different. Some can be cured, but still recur. Outcomes depend on the type and location of the cancer. What are the basic signs and symptoms of cancer? Blood cancer does not manifest itself outwardly as a tumour. On the other hand, gastrointestinal stromal tumours appear as bulky lumps. Colorectal cancer may not appear in a larger area. It appears as grapefruit-shaped tumours and then thickens as a tissue. Same is the case with intestinal cancer, but it can be bulky due to ample space inside the intestine. Liver cancer usually appears inside the organ without increasing its size. What does it mean when one says that the cancer has spread? Growth in the immediate area is called locally advanced tumour. But when it spreads to an organ nearby it is called a stage-four disease. Locally advanced cancer is treatable to some extent, either through radiation or removal. The spread happens through the blood. Whats the link between cancer and age? Usually, cancers in advanced age are not aggressive. If a 20-year-old gets breast cancer, she may not survive for long. Similar is the case with stomach cancer, increasingly seen among young people now. Earlier, cancer was seen more in people over 60 or 70, but now those in their 40s and 30s get it. Such cancers are aggressive. It may be due to mutations. In old age, it may be due to changes in lifestyle and the food. Cancer is more dangerous in young people. Can treatment ensure increased life expectancy? Can quality of life be maintained as long as one lives? That depends on age. An old person may think: Ill just live with it. But a person in their 30s and 40s will think differently. They may want to somehow live, maybe because they have more responsibilities. We always give importance to quality of life. A 77-year-old man with cancer in his food pipe told us not to do anything except place a stent in his throat for food to go through. He said he wanted to eat and die well. But another guy who asked me how long he had was just 45. Is it true that women are more likely to develop cancer? Yes. That is because they have a few more organs than men such as uterus, ovary... but we cannot segregate on the basis of gender. Gastrointestinal cancers occur more in males. This may be due to food habits and greater exposure to toxic environments. What are the surgical options for weight loss? The aim should be to reduce weight without surgery. The World Health Organization (WHO) clearly mandates who can have surgery and who cannot. For Asians, who have more of truncal obesity, a BMI between 19 and 25 is ideal. WHO prescribes surgery for anyone who has a BMI of 32.5 and above, along with two co-morbidities. There are different types of surgeries: Restrictive, bypass and metabolic. Can sudden weight loss due to surgery have a long-term impact? Theres a possibility of stones forming in the gallbladder and increased bile density. Bypass surgery will definitely require long-term treatment. What are the food items that one must totally avoid? Theres nothing wrong in eating meat. Just that it should be eaten the right way. Over-salted or smoked, and those with high preservative content should be avoided. Its ideal to avoid maida as much as possible. Occasional use is fine. What about alcohol? Many medics suggest adding a statutory warning to alcohol bottles... Alcohol has a direct effect on a couple of organs: Liver cirrhosis and pancreas recurrent pancreatitis and inflammations that can lead to cancer. Theres controversy over the use of monosodium glutamate (MSG). Some say its bad while others say the Chinese have been using it traditionally for long... Theres no doubt that MSG is not good for health. To what extent, can be known only through studies. Also, we dont have access to the health system in China and hence we dont know whether its harming them. Theres a tendency to portray rice as a villain. But our forefathers used to have rice three times a day... People used to work hard then. Lack of physical activity is a major issue. There ought to be changes in our eating habits. Instead of opting for practices such as skipping meals after becoming obese, its better to avoid obesity in the very first place. Nowadays many promote practices like a two-meal and one-meal-a-day systems, intermittent fasting... Many advise skipping breakfast... I believe our breakfast is good. Many of our dishes have more protein. Long intervals between meals can lead to acidity. Skipping breakfast is not a good trend. TNIE team: Cithara Paul, Anil S, Unnikrishnan S, Aparna Nair, Vincent Pulickal (photos) Pranav V P (video)

Balochistan conflict resurfaces as South Indian links draw fresh attention

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid the Indo - Pak conflict and escalating tensions along the border, Islamabad finds itself grappling on another front, with its perennial Balochistan headache. The Balochistan Liberation Army, an internal uprising in the southwest, remains a worry for Pakistan, often putting military pressure on its western defence. In such a backdrop, what if Balochistan carries a slice of south India, within it? The current tension along the border has brought to focus the South Indian links with Balochistan, split across Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. Despite being one of the largest Pak provinces, this region remains relatively underdeveloped and least populated. Brahui, a Dravidian language written in a Perso-Arabic script, is reportedly being spoken by close to 2 mn people in this Pakistani province. That Brahui shares similarities with Dravidian languages and points to historical ties between the two regions. There are many theories about this unusual historical link between two regions, situated about 2000 km apart. However, its well established that the two regions share some undeniable bonds through linguistic and historical links, in addition to possible migration and settlement. Going by reports, there are records indicating that Hindu rulers from South India, like the Sewa dynasty, ruled some parts of Balochistan, until the seventh century. Dravidian linguist Ravishankar S Nair pointed out that there are two theories frequently being discussed. Going by the first, South Indians are people who have migrated from this region, while another says Baloch people are those who migrated from South India. The first one has more credibility, as per studies, he said, adding that the time period could be about 2000 years ago. Though we call Brahui a Dravidian language, there are very few Dravidian elements now. It has links with the reflexion of certain words like - Kanuka in Malayalam. The rest have an influx of Pashto and Balochi. The words and grammatical structure have hence undergone a lot of change, he said. In the case of basic words - like those referring to body parts - there are some similarities, though much less now. The Baloch region is known to have had a scattered society, well before the British colonisation. By the 18th century, the tribes of the region came together to form an army of its own, which couldnt stand the test of time. In 1884, though Balochistan became part of British India, its internal conflicts remained unresolved. During the freedom struggle, many Baloch leaders wanted the region to remain independent, but lack of coordination among local chieftains led to the province being part of Pakistan. The province witnessed major agitations during the 1950s. The Balochistan of today came to existence only by 1970. Determined to thwart the creation of another Bangladesh, the Pak Army reined in the internal tussles with an iron hand. Post Afghan war, coupled with in-migration of different communities, the situation deteriorated. The formation of the Balochistan Liberation Army and the Balochistan Liberation Front over the past two decades has made the province a debilitating thorn in Pakistans side.

A happy birthday for young Vamika amid rising uncertainties in Jammu

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Though it is innocent children who always bear the calamities of any war, the tension between the two neighbouring nations- India and Pakistan- did not spoil little Vamika Vinayaks birthday celebration. Vamika, a three-year-old girl was happily living with her father Akhil Vinayak and mother Vijayasree in Jammu till May 8 in Digiana in Jammu. Akhil is a traffic control officer in the Air Force in Jammu. Both Vijayasree and Vamika had joined with him six months ago. As the quarters were not allocated, we were living in Digiana, Vijayasree told TNIE . On May 8 we heard the sound of shelling from the Pakistan side in the night. There was a total blackout from 8.30 to 11.30 pm. But as the shelling continued after a brief period, electricity was shut down, she said. As the situation became unpredictable, the authorities instructed all the families to return to safe places. So Vijayasree and Vamika reached the Kerala House in New Delhi. The state government had arranged all facilities for the families, tourists and students who were stranded in parts of Jammu and Kashmir and other northern states to reach a safe zone before returning to their homes. However, Vamika was sad to leave her father in Jammu. The family had earlier decided to celebrate Vamikas third birthday at their house in Jammu on Saturday. However, fate intervened, transforming little Vamikas birthday into a memorable event. The family of another Air Force officer and a student, who were returning from Jammu with Vijayasree, came to know about the event, and made a surprise celebration for the child. In the morning, when Akhil called Vamika to wish birthday she was in sorrow as she missed her father on the occasion. However, the fellow travellers- the family and the student- ordered a birthday cake online and made Vamikas day joyful. Vijayasree, a resident of Vaikom in Kottayam, would return to her husbands family at Koottuvela in Cherthala on Saturday by train. My family and Akhils family are very anxious about the safety of ours and Akhil. They call many times to inquire whether everything is ok, she added.

Stop overconsuming content on India-Pakistan conflict to avoid anxiety: Experts

KOCHI: With the conflict between India and Pakistan threatening to escalate, there is a lot of information and misinformation circulating in the media and on social media. However, health experts warn that round-the-clock consumption of news and visuals of the hostilities can have a negative impact on the mental health of people, particularly children and the elderly, causing anxiety and insomnia. They are calling on the public to refrain from overindulging and spreading related content to prevent conflict anxiety. Just like Covid-19, precautions should be taken to deal with a war-like situation. Consumption of misinformation and content related to the conflict can lead to anxiety. It may even affect the ability of people to act and implement precautions, said Dr C J John, a Kochi-based psychiatrist. The misinformation can create a deeper impact, especially in children and the senior population, who are more vulnerable. Children are not aware of the realities on the ground. So they may panic, thinking that it would consume them all. The elderly are not used to the information-overload. Thus, they may take the information seriously, which will end up affecting their mental health, said Dr Arun B Nair, associate professor of psychiatry at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital. Family members should constantly reassure children, the elderly, and those who are susceptible to anxiety disorders. We need to support them. They should not be watching news and visuals constantly. We need to cut down on misinformation. Listening to daily briefings or advisories issued by the government can help understand developments. It helps in adhering to instructions, he said. With the exchange of hostilities occurring mostly after sundown, watching news and visuals late at night can affect sleep, leading to stress and anxiety issues. Some may experience panic attacks, sudden and intense restlessness, breathlessness, sweating, and a feeling of losing their mind. It may persist for 10-15 minutes and occur repeatedly. This can result in insomnia, Dr Arun said. He added that youngsters and people who actively engage on social media should refrain from spreading misinformation. Though the conflict is a new experience for youngsters, they are aware of what is happening with Israel, Gaza and Ukraine. So, there is some desensitisation happening. Do not spread messages harming the state and affecting communal harmony, he emphasised.

Malayali family flees Jammu amid Pakistan shelling, hopes for peaceful return

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For an average Malayali sitting in his house, over 3,000 km away from the scene of conflict, Pakistans heavy shelling in Jammu and other areas may be a visual effect to be watched on TV screens. But ask Jini, a Malayali housewife who had been living in Jammu for one-and-a-half years. She has seen the ferocity of life-threatening attacks from across the border towards innocent human beings. Jini was living with Simon, a flight engineer at the Air Force station quarters in Jammu till Friday, five-year-old daughter Jewel, and Simons mother Jenova. The Pakistan military started heavy shelling on Thursday night from across the border, Jini told TNIE over the phone from New Delhi. From around 7.30 pm on Thursday we could see heavy gunfire over our quarters. It was repeated twice in intervals of 10 minutes. It lasted for around two hours. And we were all panicked. Hence, we decided to return to Kerala till normalcy returns to the valley, she said. Their daughter Jewel is studying in kindergarten. There was a complete blackout in Jammu region because of Pakistan shelling, she added. Jini, her daughter and mother-in-law, along with other family members, boarded a train to New Delhi and reached Kerala House where the state government had opened a control room to help stranded families, students and tourists. The family will board a train to Alappuzha, their native place, on Monday night hoping that everlasting peace will prevail in the valley and Jammu.