Net-zero carbon footprint goal: Thiruvananthapuram Corporation formulates NZCRB action plan report

NZCRB plan outlines 20 actions to be followed from design and construction of buildings, to operation and eventual demolition

Amit Shah to inaugurate BJP State office, address ward-level leaders meet in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday

Watch: Meet the Footloosers: Thiruvananthapurams pioneering breakdancers

Scientists led by Keralite discovers frog with blue bones, green blood from Arunachal Pradesh

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A team of researchers led by Malayali scientist Dr SD Biju from Delhi University has discovered a frog having blue bones and green blood from Arunachal Pradesh. This is the first Indian frog to exhibit this unique biological trait where their blood is green and their bones are blue in colour. They exhibit this colour through their translucent skin. This peculiarity is known only in a handful of species in other parts of the world including Southeast Asia and far away regions in Madagascar and South America, said SD Biju. The findings have been published in the journal Zootaxa. This was previously reported in the neighbouring regions of China. This frog is included in the genus Gracixalus , a group of tree frogs, in the family Rhacophoridae . According to the researchers, this group of frogs was recently reported from India, until recently represented by a single species, Gracixalus patkaiensis (Pataki green tree frog). Gracixalus patkaiensis (Pataki green tree frog). Finding these tiny frogs in bamboo thickets, from where they make whistling calls, is not easy. Upon eventually locating one, we were amazed by the frogs completely translucent body and externally visible blue bones and green blood. I had not seen such a frog anywhere in India, in over three decades of my work on Indian amphibians, SD Biju said. Out of over 420 species of frogs home to India, Patkai green tree frog is the only one known to show this characteristic. The occurrence of turquoise bones and green blood is also globally rare. The study was undertaken as part of a work by one of the students of Biju, Tage Tagos PhD research on Amphibians of Arunachal Pradesh. Meanwhile, during the field surveys in Arunachal Pradesh, the team also discovered two new populations of another species, the Medog small tree frog. This is scientifically known as Gracixalus medogensis. This species was originally described from the Medog region in Tibet, China, in 1984 and knowledge about it remained limited.

Emergency row: Congress leader Muraleedharan urges Tharoor to choose his path if he feels suffocated in party

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leader K Muraleedharan on Friday launched a scathing attack to Shashi Tharoor, a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), over his recent actions that, he said, have placed the party in an uncomfortable position. The criticism comes a day after Tharoor penned an article in a Malayalam daily that questioned former Prime Minister Indira Gandhis imposition of the Emergency a move that has triggered backlash within the party ranks. Muraleedharan, addressing reporters, called on the Thiruvananthapuram MP to decide whether he wants to continue within the Congress or pursue an independent political path. There are two paths before him, Muraleedharan said. If he feels constrained in the present set-up, he should step down from the posts entrusted to him and move forward on a political path of his choice. Tharoors Emergency flak: State Congress leaders put ball in AICC court Tharoor currently holds dual roles as a sitting Member of Parliament and as chairman of a key Standing Committee appointed by the party. Muraleedharan said it was Tharoors responsibility to balance both his parliamentary and organisational duties and to raise differing views within the internal mechanisms of the party. If he expresses his dissent within the party framework, there is space for that, Muraleedharan said. But if he feels suffocated, he must make a decision rather than sending confusing signals that affect his own political identity. He further warned that any attempt to take a position outside the two stated options would be detrimental not just to the Congress but to Tharoor himself. As a fellow colleague, I urge him to choose one of the two paths available, he said. Responding to a question on Tharoor's frequent praise for leaders from other parties including Prime Minister Narendra Modi Muraleedharan said, He praises everyone except Congress leaders. Repeating BJP lines: Congress MPs swipe at Tharoor over Emergency column

Kerala Minister Abdurahiman's aide dies by suicide in locked quarters

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The office staff of Sports Minister V Abdurahiman was found dead by suicide in his quarters on Friday morning. Biju, office assistant to the minister, was found hanging in his residence in the NGO Quarters. A native of Wayanad, Biju was staying with his wife. His wife had gone to her parental home on Thursday. When he failed to report for duty on Friday morning, his colleagues tried to contact him on his mobile phone. As he did not respond to repeated calls, they went to his house and found it locked from the inside. The room was later opened, and Biju was found hanging. According to police, the deceased was allegedly dealing with personal and family issues. The Museum police have registered a case of unnatural death. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)

Cabinet approval for registration fee exemption for LIFE Mission land

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Cabinet meeting has decided to exempt stamp duty and registration fees for land pooled for the LIFE Mission free housing project of the government. This is applicable to land parcels received as donation, sale or any other mode. The beneficiary will have to submit a certificate from the district collector or a tahsildar assigned by him stating that the land is for house construction under the Mission. The exemption is for two years from the date of order. The meeting approved the tripartite agreement for the Wayanad Township project. Projects special officer S Suhas has been assigned with its implementation. A tribal taluk supply office will be established at Attappady. Rs 95,32,500 will be sanctioned from the Chief Ministers Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) to provide assistance to 473 people who lost their houses, either fully or partially, in natural disasters in Pathanamthitta since 2023. The meeting decided to implement the Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules 2024 in the state. Retired district judge E Baiju will be reappointed as Kerala Lok Ayukta Registrar for another two years. Retirement age in Kerala Feeds, the PSU under the Animal Husbandry Department, will be raised from 58 to 60 years. Rs 2.86 lakh will be sanctioned from the CMDRF to reimburse the treatment cost of literacy activist late K V Rabia. The government guarantee for the Kerala Social Security Pension Limited will be raised from Rs 6,000 crore to Rs 14,000 crore.

KSRTC partners with RGCB to set up lab facility

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSRTC has collaborated with the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) to set up a medical laboratory at Transport Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram. The lab will offer blood sample collection and provide test results for both KSRTC employees and the general public. A wide range of tests, including special ones, will be available at discounted rates in accordance with the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). Additionally, several health packages such as Executive Checkups, Health & Wellness Checkups, and Fitness Immunity Checkups are also offered under CGHS. KSRTC CMD Pramod Shankar stated that this lab is part of the ongoing efforts to enhance health protection and care for KSRTC employees. Recent initiatives include a health insurance scheme covering employees up to Rs 30 lakh, an online medical consultation service, emergency medical units at bus stations, and health awareness programmes conducted at the unit level. In celebration of the fourth anniversary of the LDF government, KSRTC launched a comprehensive insurance package for its employees, in partnership with SBI. The scheme, which benefits 22,095 permanent employees, offers coverage for accidents, with families of accident victims receiving Rs 1 crore in compensation. The scheme also covers post-accident treatment and the import of necessary medicines. Employees can further upgrade their insurance coverage by paying an additional premium, with coverage options ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.

1.2 kg of MDMA sourced from Oman seized at Kallambalam; four arrested in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Frequent but short trips to Oman. Luxurious lifestyle despite not having a regular source of income. Possession of several premium vehicles and a palatial 4000 sq ft house under-construction, whose source of money was unclear. And two previous drug cases. These anomalies made Thiruvananthapuram rural police interested in Shaiju aka Sanju, a 41-year-old man from Kallambalam. Their suspicion proved true on Wednesday night when the cops nabbed Shaiju and his three accomplices from Kallambalam when they were taking home 1.26 kg MDMA that he had brought from Muscat in an Air India flight. The police said the high-grade contraband could fetch close to Rs 80 lakh in the wholesale market. Shaiju had procured it from a contact in Oman with the help of his accomplice Nandu, 32, also of Kallambalam, who had travelled to that country. They sought the help of two men Unnikrishnan, 39, and Prameen, 35, both natives of Vadasserikonam to transport the contraband in a pick-up vehicle. All the four were arrested in a midnight swoop down jointly conducted by the district anti-narcotic force and Kallambalam police after they found the contraband concealed inside a container carrying dates. Thiruvananthapuram Rural SP Sudarsan K S said the opulent lifestyle of Shaiju and the frequent Oman trips evoked suspicion among cops. He said the Oman sojourn lasted for a few days and that was a dead giveaway. When arrested, Shaiju was accompanied by his wife and two children. Sudarsan said Shaiju apparently took his family with him in a bid to not evoke any suspicion and managed to give the sleuths at the airport a slip by concealing the drugs within the dates packet. Since the dates are dark in colour, the officers on duty couldve missed them, he said. According to another officer, Shaiju made four trips to Oman this year with the recent trip being made on July 3. By that time Nandu was already there. Nandu went on June 30 and the two decided to return together with Shaijus family on Wednesday. The police had information about their return, said the source. The police said they are examining whether Shaijus wife was involved in the case and further action will be taken if her role is identified. Drug trafficking has increased from gulf countries after gold smuggling lost its charm due to a slash in profit. In March this year, the Malappuram police had arrested a 27-year-old Malappuram native, who is said to be the ringleader of a racket that supplies MDMA from Oman to Kerala. The arrest was made in connection with seizure of 1.6 kg MDMA.

Tharoors Emergency flak: State Congress leaders put ball in AICC court

KOCHI/THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: On the back foot over MP Shashi Tharoors blistering article on the Emergency and the Nehru-Gandhi legacy, Congress leaders in Kerala have sought to distance themselves from the controversy, choosing instead to put the ball firmly in the court of the partys central leadership. In the sharply worded article, which appeared on some news websites, Tharoor termed the 21-month Emergency (197577) a dark period in Indias democratic history and accused former prime minister Indira Gandhi of authoritarian overreach. He went further, calling out her son Sanjay Gandhi for terrible atrocities such as forced sterilisation and the use of violence in rural areas. Tharoor wrote that the period severely tested the fundamental guarantees of equality, liberty, and fraternity and left a lasting scar on Indian politics. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan acknowledged that he had read the article and hinted at his disapproval. However, Satheesan made it clear that he would not publicly comment on the matter. He (Tharoor) is a Congress Working Committee member. So, its up to the central leadership to comment. I have my opinion about the article, and if I have any concerns, I will raise them directly with the high command, he said in Kochi. UDF convenor and senior leader Adoor Prakash echoed this line, calling on senior leaders to show restraint. He is a senior AICC Working Committee member. Its for the AICC to respond. Leaders must act within the partys framework and be mindful of their responsibilities, he said. Its for central leadership to comment, says Sunny Joseph Former MP K Muraleedharan offered a blunt but non-committal response: He should think about which party he belongs to. I am not interested in such controversies. Our focus remains on Kerala. When asked about the issue, state Congress president Sunny Joseph simply said: Its for the central leadership to comment, and declined to go further. This is not the first time that Tharoor is putting the Congress party in a spot of bother with his remarks that diverged from the party line. His praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his comments during an address to the Indian-American community in New York where he endorsed Indias military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack stirred controversy within the Congress. Though the Kerala unit is avoiding a direct clash, sources said Tharoors unfiltered commentary has unsettled the partys rank and file in the state, and it is now up to the AICC to decide whether to allow such public deviations or call him to account.

KEAM revised rank list out; state syllabus students lose top spots

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The revised rank list of KEAM engineering entrance exam, that was published late on Thursday after reverting to the old mark standardisation formula following a High Court directive, saw state syllabus students losing out top spots compared to the rank list brought out on July 1. While a state syllabus student was the engineering entrance topper in the previous rank list, his position slipped to No 7 in the new rank list. The top spot in the revised rank list went to a CBSE syllabus student who was ranked fifth in the previous rank list. CBSE students also bagged the top six ranks. However, the seventh and eighth spots were bagged by students from the state syllabus. While 43 state syllabus students figured in top 100 ranks in the July 1 rank list, the revised rank list saw their numbers dwindling to 21. On the other hand, the number of CBSE students among the top 100 ranks rose from 55 to 79. Among the top 5,000 spots in the new rank list, there were 1,796 state syllabus students. Notably, their number was 2,539 in the July 1 rank list. The number of CBSE students in this category rose from 2,220 in the previous ranklist to 2,960 in the revised one. Earlier in the day, a division bench of the High Court upheld a single judges order cancelling the KEAM 2025 results. The state government decided not to approach the Supreme Court against the High Court verdict on the grounds that the engineering admission process has to be completed by August 14, as stipulated by the All India Council For Technical Education. Going forward with litigation will affect students Higher Education Minister R Bindu said the government had adopted a new formula for mark standardisation and weightage owing to injustice towards state syllabus students in the earlier system. She said students could approach court if there were complaints over the new rank list. As per the clause in the prospectus, the government can make amendments to it. However, we accept the (High Court) verdict, Bindu told reporters. She said going forward with litigation in the issue would be detrimental to the interests of the students.We cannot continue with uncertainty as the AICTE has given the deadline of August 14 for completion of admission process. The government has always stood for protecting the interests of students, she added.The minister was noncommittal when asked whether the new mark standardisation formula would be used next year, saying it was too early to comment on it. Earlier, dismissing the state governments appeal, the division bench comprising Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S said: A reading of the report of the standardisation review committee, which was relied on by the Advocate General, would not support the decision now taken by the government for adopting an entirely different standardisation procedure.

Amit Shah to arrive in Kerala today

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will reach Kerala for a two-day visit on Friday. Shah, who is expected to land at the Thiruvananthapuram airport around 10pm by a special flight, will attend various events on Saturday. He will inaugurate the BJPs new state headquarters at Aristo Junction in the morning. Following this, he will address a massive gathering of booth-level party workers at Putharikandam ground. Senior BJP leaders said around 30,000 workers from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha districts are expected to attend the meeting. Around 12,000 of them will be from Thiruvananthapuram alone. Lunch arrangements have been made for all attendees, said a party functionary overseeing the preparations. After completing his engagements in the state capital, Shah will fly to Kannur. The minister, who is expected to reach the Kannur airport by 3pm, will visit the Thaliparamba Rajarajeswari Temple around 4 pm. Shah is likely to return to Delhi on Saturday night. In view of his visit, police have stepped up security across event venues and transit points in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, deploying additional personnel and intensifying surveillance. With local body and assembly elections around the corner, Shahs visit is expected to energise party workers and sharpen the BJPs electoral messaging in the state.

Kerala schools to grow wild edible plants under new biodiversity board scheme

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Native edible plants are making their way to schools through a new scheme proposed by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB). Titled Wild Edible Plant Gardens in Schools, the project will see selected schools developing a garden to study the indigenous plants and to incorporate edible wild plants into the school diet. Plants like spiny spinach, sissoo spinach, spadeleaf, taro, etc will be cultivated in schools. However, only traditional crops that are validated by the current knowledge system will be incorporated into the diet, whereas the rest will be used for research and awareness purposes. The main aim of this project is to conserve the agro-biodiversity of our state, said KSBB member secretary V Balakrishnan. Stating that the board is trying to work through the 4C principle- Conservation, Cultivation, Consumption and Commerce, he said that the scheme will also ensure nutritional security for children. Even though the business aspect is not aimed in the project, schools can conduct various activities like seed fests to promote knowledge on crop varieties. Recent studies have shown that over 100 varieties of leafy vegetables and 30 different tubers are commonly used by tribal communities. We are trying to incorporate their knowledge too, in our path of biodiversity conservation, he added. The board is also putting their efforts into conserving certain pulses and wild varieties of commonly used leafy vegetables, which can be seen in the Western Ghats. The development and maintenance of the garden will be through school biodiversity clubs established by the board, which will give financial assistance for the same. Representatives from the clubs will be given training from qualified resource persons to identify, collect and conserve these species. Each school will cultivate 2-3 plants, which were traditionally used and locally seen. The garden development procedure, which should be wrapped up by October 31, will be executed by following the guidelines provided by the board. The clubs in schools will also have the support of the Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) under the respective local self-government bodies.

UK's F-35B Jet, Stranded At Thiruvananthapuram Airport, Likely To Fly Home Next Week: Report

The British F-35B fighter jet stranded at the Thiruvananthapuram airport is expected to be repaired and flown back to the UK by next week, a report has claimed.

High drama as Kerala University VC, Syndicate engage in power tussle

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The University of Kerala witnessed high drama as K S Anil Kumar, whose suspension as registrar was revoked by the Syndicate, attended office despite a notice against him carrying out official duties. Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal had directed university security personnel to prevent Anil Kumar from entering his office on the grounds that he is still under suspension. However, security personnel remained mute spectators as the official proceeded to his chamber. In a report to the VC, security staff said Anil Kumar ignored the directive when it was brought to his notice. The vice-chancellor does not have any right to issue orders barring the registrar from carrying out his official duties, left-backed Syndicate member J S Shijukhan said. Hitting back, the VC issued a directive revoking Anil Kumars access to e-files. However, the directive was not complied with and Anil Kumar was provided access to e-files following the Syndicates intervention. Even though Mini Dijo Kappen assumed the responsibility of registrar on Thursday on the VCs directions, she was not provided her file-transfer ID, which affected her discharge of official duties. Kunnummal later issued an instruction to joint registrars to route files of an emergency nature directly to him and to keep aside files that have been approved by Anil Kumar. Meanwhile, large protests were witnessed both within the university premises and outside as SFI, AISF, DYFI and AIYF activists took out separate marches. Although a few AISF workers entered the university premises after being stationed there from early morning, they did not barge into the main building. They were soon arrested and removed by police deployed on the premises.

1.2 Kg of MDMA Seized, Four Held for Smuggling via Thiruvananthapuram Airport

Kerala Police bust Muscat-based drug racket; prime accused under scanner for previous offences

MoS Raksha Khadse Conducts Review Of SAI Trivandrum; Inaugurates Medical Centre Extension

Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam: Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse conducted a review of the facilities at the Sports Authority of India, Regional Centre at LNCPE, Thiruvananthapuram, and also inaugurated the medical centre building here on Thursday. The MoS welcomed by Dr. G. Kishore, Principal, LNCPE & Regional Head, SAI Regional Centre as she came visiting the centre. Raksha Nikhil Khadse inaugurated the Medical Centre Building after a ceremonial reception and tribute to Rani Lakshmibai. The new facility adds to SAI LNCPEs capacity to deliver athlete-focused medical care and performance support. The formal event at the Assembly Hall began with a welcome address by Dr. Kishore and a presentation on the Medical Centre extension by C. Dhandapani, Director, SAI RC. Dr. Kishore also felicitated the Minister. In her address, MoS Khadse underscored the importance of medical infrastructure in supporting athlete health and performance. She stated that the new centre integrates medical services, recovery facilities, and sports science, providing comprehensive care under one roof. Ms Khadse described the Sports Authority of India (SAI) as a leading institution in sports development. She noted that this expansion enhances SAIs ability to deliver scientific and structured support to athletes. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Ravi N.S, Director, SAI LNCPE. A key part of the event was the felicitation of eminent Indian sports personalities: S. Gopinath IPS (Retd.) Former Indian volleyball international; Saji Thomas Arjuna Awardee & rowing coach, NCOE Alleppey and Omana Kumari Arjuna Awardee and former volleyball player. Outstanding performers from SAI NCOE were also honoured: Subha Venkatesan, Jisna Mathew, Kunja Ranjitha gold in 4x400m relay at the 26th Asian Athletics Championship 2025; Nithya Gandhe, Abinaya Rajarajan, Sneha S.S. silver in 4x100m relay; Rince Joseph, Manu T.S. silver in Mens 4x400m relay; Niraimathi J. Bronze in Cycling at the Asian Track Cycling Championship; volleyball and para-taekwondo athlete Luv Gocher Selected for international competitions. The Minister also led a plantation drive under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 initiative. As part of the campaign, 1000 saplings have been planted across SAI STCs under the LNCPE Regional Centre, promoting environmental sustainability. The visit included an inspection of key facilities including the 300-bed girls hostel, sports grounds, gym, and dining halls. The Minister observed demonstrations in Kalaripayattu, Taekwondo, Yoga, and Volleyball at the Multipurpose Hall, showcasing the range of disciplines supported at the centre. The Minister also led a plantation drive under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 initiative. As part of the campaign, 1000 saplings have been planted across SAI STCs under the LNCPE Regional Centre, promoting environmental sustainability. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score The visit concluded with a stop at the Trivandrum Golf Club, adding a cultural dimension to a day focused on infrastructure, training, and athlete development. This visit reinforces SAIs role in developing sporting talent across the southern region. Article Source: IANS

A British F35 fighter jet stranded in India may finally fly back home after inspiring memes

A British fighter jet is stuck at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The F-35B had a technical problem during a sortie. It landed safely on June 14. UK engineers are working to fix the plane. They expect it to fly back to the UK next week. The incident has sparked memes and jokes in India.

Repeating BJP lines: Congress MPs swipe at Tharoor over Emergency column

Congress MP Shashi Tharoors recent public remarks, including his critical reflections on the Emergency period and his views on Indias diplomatic strategy, have drawn pointed responses from within the party, signalling internal differences over both tone and substance. In his latest opinion pieces, one in Project Syndicate and another in Malayalam daily Deepika Tharoor described the 197577 Emergency as a dark period and cited unspeakable atrocities committed during that time. He referred directly to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her son Sanjay Gandhi, highlighting forced sterilisation drives, slum demolitions and suppression of fundamental rights as key failings of that era. Tharoor also argued that the Emergency should serve as a cautionary example for democracies today and warned against the centralisation of power and erosion of institutional checks. His interpretation has not gone uncontested. Congress leaders have privately expressed concern over what they view as a narrative that closely aligns with long-standing critiques by the BJP, which has frequently used the Emergency to target the Congress. While the party has not issued a formal rebuttal, Congress MP Manickam Tagore appeared to indirectly respond to Tharoor on X, writing: When a colleague starts repeating BJP lines word for word, you begin to wonder: is the Bird becoming a parrot? Mimicry is cute in birds, not in politics. Though the post did not name Tharoor, it came shortly after his Emergency article was published and was widely interpreted as a comment on the Thiruvananthapuram MPs stance. This exchange follows a similar social media episode last month, when Tharoor posted an image of a bird along with the caption: Don't ask permission to fly. The wings are yours. And the sky belongs to no one. The message was read as a response to growing internal criticism towards him. Tagore replied the next day with a metaphor warning of hawks, vultures and eagles targeting free birds. Party unease with Tharoor has been building over the past few weeks. His comments on the India-Pakistan conflict and his leadership of a delegation to present the governments position on Operation Sindoor were also seen as deviating from the partys established positions. These moves drew quiet but clear disapproval from party insiders, who have repeatedly stressed that Tharoors statements are made in his personal capacity and do not reflect the Congresss official stand. Congress leaders have so far stopped short of making direct public statements against Tharoor, but the repeated use of indirect jabs and distancing language has made the partys discomfort apparent. Tharoor, for his part, has maintained that his writings aim to foster historical introspection and defend democratic values. However, as his public messaging continues to differ from the party line on sensitive issues, the gap between his independent stance and the Congresss collective position has grown more visible..

Kerala government to give 10 lakhs to kin of Kottayam Medical College building collapse victim

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has announced a solatium of Rs 10 lakh to the family of Bindu Visruthan, who was killed due to the building collapse in Kottayam Medical College. The cabinet has decided to allot the amount from the Chief Ministers disaster relief fund. The cabinet has also instructed the Travancore Devaswom Board to provide a suitable job to the victims son, Navaneeth. The tragic death of the Vaikom native happened on July 3, when part of a 68-year old building in the Kottayam Medical College Hospital collapsed. Bindu and her husband Visrytan had come to the hospital for the surgery of their 20-year-old daughter. The incident sparked political outrage, with opposition parties demanding the resignation of Health Minister Veena George. Kottayam medical college collapse: Minister Vasavan visits Bindus family, hands over solatium Kottayam MCH building collapse: Family, hometown bid tearful farewell to Bindu

Tharoor recalls Sanjay Gandhis role in Emergency, urges vigilance to protect democracy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, Jul y 10: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has said that the Emergency should not be remembered merely as a dark chapter in Indias history, but that its lessons must be fully understood. In an article on the Emergency published in the Malayalam daily Deepika on Thursday, the Congress Working Committee member recalled the dark era of the Emergency declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi between 25 June 1975 and 21 March 1977, and said that efforts undertaken for [] The post Tharoor recalls Sanjay Gandhis role in Emergency, urges vigilance to protect democracy appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Shashi Tharoor triggers fresh storm in Congress with article on Indira Gandhi, Emergency

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has once again stirred controversy within the party by strongly criticising the Emergency period and directly targeting the Nehru-Gandhi family. In a recent article published in Malayalam daily Deepika that has gone viral, Tharoor described the Emergency as a dark period in Indias democratic history and called out the unspeakable atrocities committed during that time. Tharoor did not mince words as he blamed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for enforcing harsh measures and accused her son, Sanjay Gandhi, of committing terrible atrocities, including forced sterilisations and the use of violence in rural areas. During the 21-month Emergency between 1975 and 1977, Tharoor emphasised the suspension of fundamental rights, press restrictions, and extensive human rights violations. The piece is a blow to the Congress high leadership. Even after fifty years, that period remains indelibly etched in the memories of Indians, Tharoor wrote, adding that the time period severely tested the fundamental guarantees of equality, liberty, and fraternity. He also asserted that the open disregard for constitutional laws during the Emergency left a deep scar on Indian politics. Tharoor concluded his piece by urging the nation to not just remember the Emergency as a dark chapter but to learn lasting lessons from it. The article has sparked a fresh tug-of-war within the Congress, with political observers anticipating backlash against Tharoor from within the party. Changing Kerala: Lumbering jumbo to a lithe tiger

Death of Class 8 student: CBI report rules out suspicion of sexual assault

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CBI team that probed the suspicious death of a 13-year-old girl, who was found lying in the bathroom of her residence located in the police quarters here in March 2023, has filed a report before the Pocso Special Court ruling out the doubt that she couldve been raped. The CBI report also suggested that the Class 8 student might have died of natural causes. The girl was found lying in an unconscious state in the bathroom on March 30. She died on April 1 in a hospital while undergoing treatment. The Museum police had registered a case under sections of Pocso Act after the police forensic surgeon expressed doubts that she couldve been raped. The case was later handed over to the CBI by the High Court after the crime branch failed to make any headway in investigation. The CBI had earlier formed a medical board to examine the doubts expressed by the police surgeon. The board has assessed that the girl had suffered head injuries earlier and that could be the reason bleeding occurred from her private parts.

KITE launches First Bell 3.0 to support school learning with updated, interactive video classes

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Remember the tale of Mittu poocha and Thanku poocha that went viral on social media during the pandemic? The video which is one of the most viewed in the KITE VICTERS channel, gained widespread attention for the imaginative ways in which teachers took lessons for primary students helping the education sector survive the Covid crisis. Years later, those classes have levelled themselves up, with its third edition First Bell 3.0 launched on Wednesday. The sessions will no longer be alternatives for regular classes, but a support for students, KITE (Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education) officials said. The updated curriculum for Classes 1-10 will be used in these classes, while the videos for Classes 11 and 12 will remain unchanged. First Bell 3.0 should not be considered as an isolated element. Instead they should be seen as a part of the academic side of the learning management system, said KITE CEO K Anvar Sadath. The classroom sessions, First Bell classes and the learning rooms provided in the Samagra portal should be seen as three non-sequential elements for holistic education. But this doesnt mean that the classes deviate from the core academics part, into a tuition mode, giving tips and tricks, he said. Over 1,000 videos have already been produced for this academic year, said a senior official from KITE. The video production is currently under way at VICTERS studios in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode. For Classes 8-10, this years sessions will be more textbook-oriented than previous years, with emphasis on academic activities and content provided for extra reading, said the programme producer of high school content. Lessons for primary classes will not be a complete textbook adaptation but instead will contain more activities for interactive learning. Demonstrations of workbook craft projects and conversational classes for language subjects are in the pipeline, the primary sections programme producer said. The production team is also planning to do lessons through puppet shows and peer group learning, wherein students themselves will take classes for their pals.Video lectures for value education lessons, which were held in classrooms at the beginning of the academic year will also be included in the third edition. Experts from the respective industry will lead sessions on civic sense, excessive phone usage, personal hygiene, etc. Mattancherry excise inspector V Jayaraj, whose anti-drug Ottamthullal grabbed public attention, is also expected to take a session on this topic. Lessons for core subjects, including Science, Mathematics, Social Science and English will be telecast in the first phase. Other subjects with a lesser number of students, like Arabic, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu, will have their lessons aired after Onam.

Bharat bandh: Police lend helping hand to patients as strike cripples Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The capital city came to a near standstill due to a statewide strike called by trade unions, affecting bus services and forcing many shops, including restaurants, to shut down. Despite this, railway operations continued smoothly in the capital under strict police surveillance. While autorickshaws and some taxis operated around the railway stations, the absence of public buses left many commuters stranded. However, the city police emerged as a crucial support system for those travelling for medical purposes. Recognising the urgency of such travel, they arranged police vans from railway stations and bus stands to transport patients and their caretakers to hospitals like the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) and Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. Among those who benefited from this initiative was P K Radhakrishnan, a cancer survivor from Kochi. I was worried about reaching RCC from the railway station because of the strike. But we approached the police counter, and they immediately arranged a police van for us. They even offered a return trip. It was a big relief, he said. Gangadharan, a senior citizen under treatment at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, was also grateful. I was thinking of staying at the hospital overnight due to the strike. But then I came to know about the police transport. They dropped me at the railway station and even helped arrange an autorickshaw to take me home to Kovalam, he said. While the police earned praise for their efforts, many others were left inconvenienced due to the shutdown. Tourists, in particular, were caught off guard. With most restaurants and shops closed, they were left wandering the streets in search of food and basic services. S Dayalpal, who had travelled from Kanpur with his wife to visit the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, said he had no idea where to eat or find help. We dont know the roads here, and everything seems closed. Such a complete shutdown will surely affect Keralas image as a tourist destination, he said. Others, like city residents and office-goers, also faced hurdles. S Nagaraj, an employee at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, had come to the station to send off his father to Thoothukudi. I tried several taxis, but none were willing to take the trip. Eventually, I had to use my friends car, he said. Newcomers to the city also bore the brunt of the strike. Aravind Kumar, a student who had just arrived to join a language course, spent nearly two hours looking for a place to eat. I finally found a tea shop on Museum Road. I appreciate the police for maintaining order, but the government should ensure that food and transport are not completely cut off during such strikes, he said. While the police played a commendable role in assisting medical patients, the larger picture was one of disruption and frustration. For many, the day highlighted the urgent need for better planning during statewide shutdowns.

Kerala University VC bars suspended registrar from entering varsity

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The tussle between the Vice Chancellor and the Syndicate in Kerala University over the suspension of Registrar K S Anil Kumar further intensified on Wednesday. Hours before handing back charge to Dr Mohanan Kunnummal, Vice Chancellor Ciza Thomas issued a notice barring Anil Kumar, whose suspension was revoked by the Syndicate, from entering the varsity headquarters. In the notice, the VC said the July 6 Syndicate meetings decision to revoke Anils suspension was invalid and the official continues to be on suspension. The VC observed that Anil was handling registrar duties illegally and warned that if it continues, disciplinary action would be taken against him as per university rules. After the notice was issued, Anil submitted an application for leave for a few days on health grounds to Vice Chancellor Kunnummal, who re-assumed charge on Wednesday. The official also recommended that controller of examinations or joint registrar at Kariavattom campus be given charge of registrar in his absence. The VC turned down the application stating that there was no relevance in a suspended official seeking leave. There are also indications that the VC would take further disciplinary action on Anil for not abiding by the order to give registrar charge to Mini Dijo Kappen. Meanwhile, the VC has also submitted a complaint to the State Police Chief to take action against SFI workers who went on a rampage in the university headquarters on Tuesday and caused widespread destruction to university property. Anil Kumar was suspended by Vice Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal on July 2 for ordering the cancellation of an event, organised by a private organisation in the varsity on June 25, that was attended by Governor Rajendra Arlekar. The registrar had intervened after the controversial image of Bharat Mata carrying a saffron flag was displayed on the dais, at the varsity Senate Hall.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala alleges Rs 240 crore irregularities in ANERT solar pump tender

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala on Wednesday demanded a comprehensive probe into alleged irregularities in the Rs 240-crore tender for the installation of solar pumps under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme. Chennithala released a set of documents that point to serious violations in the tendering process managed by the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT). He alleged that the tender was illegally issued by the ANERT CEO, who is only authorised to sanction tenders up to Rs 5 crore.Chennithala questioned how a Rs 240-crore tender was floated without written approval from the government. He claimed that the entire tender process was flawed and pointed out that a company named Kondass Automation was allowed to make corrections after the tender was submitted, an act he said was highly irregular. How can changes be allowed after the tender is opened? he asked. According to Chennithala, most of the contracts were awarded at more than double the benchmark rate fixed by the central government for solar pump installations. There is a difference of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh per unit in contracts for systems ranging from two kW to 10 kW. This inflated the total project cost by around Rs 100 crore, he said, adding that the project is being funded by a Rs 175-crore loan from NABARD. He also raised concerns about the grading system used to select companies for implementation. Power Minister K Krishnankutty has directed the power department additional chief secretary to conduct a probe into the allegations.

Kerala Governor orders probe into allegations of Digital University fund misuse

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of complaints over alleged misuse of funds in the Digital University Kerala (DUK), Governor Rajendra Arlekar has directed the police to inquire into the charges and also asked the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General to conduct a thorough audit of the varsity funds. The governors action came in the wake of a report by DUK Vice-Chancellor Ciza Thomas that flagged major irregularities in varsity fund utilisation and demanded a thorough independent audit. The irregularities included a lack of proper accounts to the tune of Rs 3.94 crore for a Rs 98.45-crore graphene research project, implemented through DUK with funds from the Union and state governments. Though a private firm was the initial implementing partner for the graphene aurora project, it was incorporated only after the official order sanctioning the project was issued. Later, DUK was directly chosen for the role after the Union government detected certain irregularities. The VC, in her report, said Rs 3.94 crore from the Centre was routed to the private firm by the university in 2024-25. When DUK demanded utilisation certificates, the firm produced bills relating to food, travel and accommodation expenses of its officials, leading to suspicion of fund misuse. The report to the governor also pointed out that projects sanctioned in the name of the university were being taken over by faculty members through companies floated by them. Notably, the universitys resources were being used to carry out the work related to such projects. The VC has also highlighted that a building leased out by DUK and renovated at a cost of Rs 2.9 crore was being used to lodge employees of private firms that claimed association with the university. The payment of rent and maintenance of the facility was being carried out using varsity funds. Ciza pointed out that neither statutory audit nor an audit by an external agency has been conducted in DUK. The huge public funds involved and the number of questionable projects being undertaken warrant an independent and comprehensive audit into the university funds, the vice-chancellor recommended in her report.

KEAM: Last-minute change of norms costs Kerala government dear

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The High Court verdict quashing the KEAM engineering entrance rank list has come as a major setback to the state government that carried out an eleventh hour attempt to rectify the disadvantage faced by state syllabus students due to the standardisation of marks of various Plus Two boards. Though stung by the adverse verdict, the government indicated that it will appeal against it before a division bench. The cabinet will take an appropriate decision on the course of action in the wake of the verdict. The government does not have any vested interest other than ensuring justice to all students, Higher Education Minister R Bindu said. Notably, it was not the changes in mark standardisation and weightage norms but the timing of effecting such changes that cost the government dear. Even amid anxiety among students and parents for the past many months that the norms would be changed, the cabinet waited till June 30 to ratify it. This was after all the candidates had submitted the marks of their qualifying exam to be considered with the entrance scores in a 50:50 ratio. The cabinet not issuing a formal press note that is customary after taking such a crucial decision was mysterious. Amid the confusion, the government hurriedly announced the results on July 1, just an hour after the changes in prospectus were uploaded online, said the parent of one of the students who moved the High Court, preferring anonymity. According to sources, the swift move on the part of the government was to avoid litigation over the changed norms that could further delay the results. It is pertinent to note that the court has not gone into the merits of the new formula adopted for mark standardisation and weightage, pointed out a senior official with the office of the Commissioner for Entrance Exams (CEE). However, the CEE offices contention that prospectus clauses are subject to change was also dealt a blow when the court stated that the government is denuded of such an option once the exam is conducted. Rules of the game cannot be changed midway, once the game has begun, the court underscored. The Council for CBSE Schools, Kerala (CSSK), welcomed the verdict. The government should accept the essence of the High Court judgement and correct the discriminatory stance adopted towards students of non-state boards, CSSK secretary general Indira Rajan said.

Bharat Bandh: Most shops closed, roads deserted; general strike disrupts normal life in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Daily life came to a standstill in the state on Wednesday as the 24-hour general strike, jointly called by several Opposition trade unions, left most business establishments closed and roads deserted. Key government offices reported poor employee attendance. Despite the police increasing security at the Secretariat, staff attendance dropped to 14%, with just 600 employees reporting for duty, against the total strength of 4,200. KSEB offices registered a meagre 15% attendance. This was also the case in other government offices, including the Public Service Commission. Nearly 15 teachers who reported for work at Kulathummal GHSS in Kattakada were allegedly sent back by protesters. A teacher of Attingal government VHSS complained that he was manhandled by agitators. Protesters placed nearly 10 teachers of Aruvikkara GHSS under lock and key in the school on Wednesday afternoon. The staffers were released after school hours. Around six teachers at Aruvikkara Government LPS were also locked up, only to be freed later by police. The unavailability of private buses and dearth of KSRTC services left passengers in the lurch. Railway passengers arriving at Thiruvananthapuram railway station were left stranded, unable to proceed to their destinations. However, police arranged vehicles for patients of RCC and Medical College. KSRTC staffers were detained by protesters at Nedumangad, Kattakada and Peroorkada. In Neyyattinkara, private vehicles were stopped. Passengers of KSRTC buses were forced to exit the bus. KSRTC services were hindered in other parts of the state. In Karunagappally, tensions arose when KSRTC workers and strike supporters exchanged tough words. The godown of daily wage labourers also expressed their concerns due to the strike. Taxis were stopped from conducting service at Kasaragod. Minor casualties, including those of media persons, were reported in different districts. However, no arrests were reported. Labour Minister V Sivankutty took part in the strike by walking to the CPM district committee office. It is not the number of states where the strike was complete, but the nature of the workers demands that matters, the minister said in Thiruvananthapuram. On the transport ministers remark that KSRTC workers will not take part in the strike, he said, That was Ganesh Kumars opinion, but LDF has a positive take on this strike. He added that the strike was declared six months ago, with it being postponed once. So it cannot be termed that protesters created hurdles for passengers. A family from Malappuram, carrying an infant, waiting outside the Kozhikode Passport Office after it was forcibly closed by protesters

Kerala ranks fourth in NITI Aayogs health index

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Keralas public healthcare system has often been a hot topic in development debates across the country and even abroad, and for good reason. However, despite topping in five of the 11 indicators, the state has now been ranked fourth in the NITI Aayogs good health and wellbeing index. Reason: Unscientific thinking against immunisation and institutional deliveries gaining ground in the state, as well as inclusion of three new parameters. Gujarat now holds the top spot in the ranking. NITI Aayogs SDG India Index computes goal-wise scores on 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) for states and union territories (UTs), besides a composite index. One of them, SDG 3 on good health and wellbeing, assesses the performance in the health sector. Kerala topped SDG 3 in the first two index reports, but could not find a place even in the top 3 in later editions. However, the state has been retaining the top slot in the composite index cumulative score of all goals since the first edition. When Kerala topped the SDG 3 chart in 2018 (the first edition) and 2019-20, it scored 92 and 82 points, respectively, well above the national average. In 2020-21 (third edition), three new indicators were included suicide rate, accident death rate and out-of-pocket expenditure and the state plummeted to 12th position with a score of 72 points, below the national average of 74. Gujarat stood first with a score of 86. In the fourth and latest edition (2023-24), Kerala improved its score to 80 surpassing the national average of 77. However, it had to settle for fourth place in the country. Gujarat retained the top slot with a score of 90. It was followed by Maharashtra and Uttarakhand (84) and Himachal Pradesh (83). Karnataka shared the fourth spot with Kerala. Vaccination percentage falls to 85.40 in 2023-24 States that finished last were Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh (both 56 points). Among UTs, Delhi came first with a score of 93, followed by Chandigarh, 89. SDG 3 is calculated on the basis of 11 indicators. While Kerala retained the top position in five categories maternal mortality ratio, under-5 mortality rate, HIV incidence, life expectancy and health worker density it registered a significant dip in the immunisation of children aged 9-11 months and institutional deliveries. Vaccination percentage came down from 92 in 2020-21 to 85.40 in 2023-24. Also, the percentage of institutional deliveries dropped from 99.90 to 99.85. In addition, the state fared badly in the new categories. In the 2023-24 edition, Keralas suicide rate was 28.50 per lakh population, up from 24.30 in 2020-21. It was much higher than the national average of 12.4 and the prescribed target of 3.5. Though the road accident death rate declined from 12.42 to 12.10 per lakh population in the latest edition, it remained higher than the national average of 12.4, and the targeted 5.81. Monthly per capita out-of-pocket medical expenditure is 17%, the highest in the country. Developed societies have comparatively higher suicide rates and the state needs to improve its counselling and treatment facilities, said Dr N M Arun, a public health expert. The positive side is that the younger generation has played a role in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health compared to older ones. Facilities in the government sector should be improved. Many hospitals lack a properly designed cabin where a patient can open up to a psychiatrist, he said. According to Arun, misinformation through social media is one of the reasons for the dip in vaccination and institutional deliveries. Not just religious factors, misinformation through social media too is a reason for the inclination towards anti-vaccine arguments and home delivery, he said.

Strike hits normal life in Thiruvananthapuram

Shops, markets, business establishments, and educational institutions remain close in district

Malayalam film Moonwalk has put the spotlight back on Footloosers, Thiruvananthapurams pioneering breakdance academy

As Moonwalk celebrates the breakdance community, Santosh Kumar a.k.a Babu Footloosers and brother Sajeesh Kumar talk about their rise to stardom and how they adapted to changing times

Shashi Tharoor Shares Survey In Which He Tops Kerala Chief Minister Poll

Amid an uneasy equation with the Congress high command, senior leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor appears to have received a significant boost from a pre-poll survey conducted by Mumbai-based VoteVibe.

Thiruvananthapuram brews up its first coffee rave

No alcohol, just beats, brews, and a buzzing dance floor

Employees arrested in hotel owners murder in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Two hotel employees have been arrested in connection with the murder of a hotel owner in the city. The arrests were made on Tuesday night from Adimalathura. Police identified the accused as David, a native of Vizhinjam and Suresh, a Nepal native. Both were employed at the Kerala Cafe hotel near Cotton Hill School. According to police, the accused attacked officers during the arrest, injuring four. The duo had been absconding since the incident. The body of Justin Raj, the hotel owner, was found on Tuesday evening in the premises of a house at Edappazhinji, where the hotel staff stayed. His body was found wrapped in a sheet. Preliminary findings suggest death by strangulation. Police said Justin had gone to the house earlier in the day, looking for the two staff members who had not reported to work. When he did not return, other employees checked the house and found his body. The vehicle he used was also missing. During questioning, the accused reportedly confessed to the crime and said that they acted out of resentment after being dismissed from their jobs. Justin Raj was known to personally open the hotel each morning at 5 am. He was the son-in-law of former MLA and CPM leader M Sathyanesan. The investigation is ongoing.

Nationwide strike leaves Kerala in stalemate as transport, trade takes hit

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Normal life across Kerala came to a standstill on Wednesday as a 24-hour general strike shut most shops and left roads deserted. The unavailability of private buses and KSRTC services left travellers in a struggle. The rail passengers who got off at Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station stood stranded without any way to proceed to their destinations. However, the police have arranged vehicle facilities for patients to the RCC and Medical College. The police have increased security in the Secretariat to ensure the safety of officers. In Neyyattinkara, private vehicles were stopped. Passengers of KSRTC buses were forced to exit the bus. KSRTC services were halted in Malappuram and Thiruvananthapuram. In Karunagappally, tensions arose when KSRTC workers and strike supporters exchanged tough words. Daily wage labourers also expressed their concerns due to the strike. Taxis were stopped from conducting service at Kasargode. However, no arrests or casualties have been reported. The nationwide strike had been jointly organised by ten central opposition trade unions against the anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-national pro-corporate policies of the central government. AITUC, CITU, and INTUC are some of the prominent trade unions taking part in the strike. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha have also extended its support for the strike.

Video of Jyoti Malhotra with Kerala BJP leaders surface on social media amid espionage controversy

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state BJP leadership found itself on the back foot on Tuesday after a video surfaced on social media in which Jyoti Malhotra, the social media influencer who was arrested for espionage, was seen travelling with former Union minister V Muralidharan in the inaugural journey of Vande Bharat train. In the video Jyoti was seen interviewing Muralidharan. The video surfaced at a time when the BJP has accused the state government and Tourism Minister Mohamed Riyas of inviting Jyoti to the state for tourism promotion. However, the latest revelation has put the BJP on the defensive. In a statement, Muralidharan said that the government is dragging his name in the controversy to escape from its responsibility. While travelling on Vande Bharat many individuals had sought my response. Jyoti was one such individual. I hadnt invited her, he said.

Thiruvananthapuram corporation move to establish waste plants faces setback

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The move of the city corporation to establish waste treatment plants to ride over the mounting organic waste crisis ahead of the local body elections in the state capital has faced major setbacks owing to local protests and political interventions. Protests have broken out in Thonnakkal and Kudappanakunnu, two sites identified by the corporation to set up solid waste management facilities, including a Black Soldier Fly composting unit and a Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant two key projects aimed at solving the waste crisis in the capital city. With just a few months remaining for the local body elections, the state government has set strict targets for resolving the waste crisis in the capital. LSG Minister M B Rajesh personally intervened to fast-track action over persistent complaints about the inefficiencies in the citys organic waste management system. However, the proposed projects have hit a roadblock due to strong opposition from the local residents. Mangalapuram grama panchayat is gearing up to pass a resolution against the setting up of a CBG plant on 15 acres of land owned by the English Clay Company at Thonnakkal. Mangalapuram ward member Ajayaraj B C said that people have been bearing the brunt of severe pollution caused by the English Clay Company. The LSG minister had convened a meeting last week and we expressed strong protest against the setting up of the plant here. The other day, the Congress and the BJP also staged protests against the move. The people are against this, said Ajayaraj. He said the corporation should find land in their jurisdiction to treat the waste generated in the city. The move of the civic body to set up the Black Soldier Fly composting unit on the corporation-owned land at Kudappanakunnu also hit a roadblock with local politicians and residents expressing stiff protest. Subsequently, Vattiyoorkavu MLA V K Prasanth intervened. Kudappanakunnu ward councillor Jayachandran Nair S said the plan has been dropped following protest. The MLA intervened and there was a public meeting to pacify the protestors, he said. The plan was to set up the plant on 50 cents of land owned by the civic body there. Its just a composting unit just like aerobic bins. However, the people are against this. We are under tremendous pressure to implement the project immediately and all these protests are politically motivated, said an official of the health wing under the city corporation. As per estimates, the capital generates around 423 tonnes of waste per day. Out of which, around 296 tonnes is biodegradable and 127 tonnes is non-biodegradable waste. At present the civic body is depending on pig farms to handle food waste generated in the city.

General strike to hit normal life in Kerala today

TPURAM/KOCHI: Normal life in the state is likely to be disrupted on Wednesday following the general strike called by central trade unions to oppose the anti-worker, anti-farmer, anti-national and pro-corporate policies of the Union government. Schools and majority of shops and establishments would remain closed and most of the private and KSRTC buses as well as autorickshaws and cabs would stay off the road due to the strike. While metro rail service in Kochi, and trains, including MEMU will function, essential services including hospitals, milk distribution and newspaper services are excluded from the one-day strike. The ride-hailing services such as Uber, Ola, Rapido and Kerala Savari are expected to function, but union leaders said many drivers will not operate services to express solidarity with the strike. Water metro and boats operated by KWTD is expected to function, said officials. The transactions at the public sector banks will remain affected. However, most private sector banks will function as normal as their employees are not part of any trade unions. Though colleges have not declared a holiday, officials said the functioning will be disrupted partially or fully due to the strike. In the state, Left trade unions along with some others have joined the strike. However, though the Congress trade union INTUC is part of the strike, pro-Congress government employees and secretariat employees organisations have decided not to be its part. The striking employees and workers will organise protests in front of Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram and in front of Union government offices in other districts. The 24-hour strike will last till Wednesday midnight.

Kerala expands boat race season to boost backwater tourism

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major push to promote Keralas famed backwaters and attract more international tourists, the number of traditional boat race events in the state is set to more than double this year. For the first time, 14 events will be held as part of the annual boat race season. As part of the expansion plan, for the first time, the state tourism department is set to bring in a private event management company to professionally brand and market the Champions Boat League (CBL), which was launched four years ago. The initiative is part of a broader plan of the tourism department to brand and market Keralas famed snake boat races at the national and international levels as a major tourist attraction. According to official sources, there is a huge cost involved in the conduct of the event and each event requires around Rs 1.5 crore including the prize money. Last years league featured nine teams competing across six venues with a total prize pool of Rs 3.2 crore. We aim to transform our iconic backwater boat races into a global tourism product. Last year we organised six boat race events as part of CBL. The expanded calendar is expected to boost monsoon tourism. The event management company will be tasked with securing sponsorships, managing telecast rights, designing promotional material and coordinating with multiple government agencies, said a senior official of the tourism department. The plan is to mobilise funds through sponsors. The government will facilitate the event, the official added. This year the Nehru Trophy Boat Race will be held on August 30 and the department has sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the event. As per the current plan, the CBL will be held at Dharmadam, Beypore, Kochi Marine Drive, Kottappuram, Piravom, Thazhathangadi, Pulinkunnu, Kainakari, Karuvatta, Pandanad- Chengannur, Kayamkulam, Kallada, and the Presidents Trophy in Kollam. According to official sources, one more location in Kasaragod will also be included later. However, the race boat owners are unhappy with the way the CBL is being planned this year as the tourism department is yet to announce the dates for the event. The date of the Nehru Trophy has already been announced and CBL should be organised as a continuation of this event. Otherwise it will be difficult for the clubs to take part. The government is yet to announce the date and we are apprehensive. Also at least a year of planning is required for the conduct of the event on a large scale. Even if they rope in a private event management company, they dont have enough time to plan this, said Joseph T Lukose, president of Kerala Race Boat Owners Association. The government should take steps to make this a national event and pitch boat races as a high-value tourism product that can attract scores of foreign tourists to our state, he added.

No catch, no savings: Vizhinjam fishers struggle through what was once their busiest season

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Anyone visiting Vizhinjam during the trawling ban season would once see bustling activity fish vendors calling out prices, baskets brimming with fresh catch, and buyers crowding the harbour. But this year, the scene is starkly different. Many stalls lie empty, and vendors sit idle, waiting for fish that never came. The 52-day trawling ban, which began on June 9, has typically been a crucial period for fishers in Vizhinjam to earn more, save money, and clear debts, as their coastal waters lie outside the ban zone. But this year, that seasonal advantage has vanished. Most fisher families in the region say their fortunes have plummeted since May, with poor catches forcing them into deeper debt. Many boat owners, having no other livelihood, took fuel and materials on credit and ventured into the sea hoping for better returnsbut the sea has continued to disappoint. Four workers and I went to sea on Saturday. If we had gotten a good catch, I couldve cleared my debts, said Ousep, a fisherman with three decades of experience. But we caught only small fish that sold for just Rs 1,000. I had spent Rs 8,700 on the trip. After paying the workers Rs 200 each, I was left with Rs 200. Im now hiding from moneylenders. I dont even have money to buy essentials for my family. Who do we turn to with this plight? While a few boats were lucky to get a better haul that fetched higher prices, fish vendors say even those cases offer little relief. It was mostly small fish, and to earn anything, we need to sell at Rs 300 per kg, said Marystella, a seafood vendor who sells fish in the city. But customers are not willing to pay that much. Some would highlight the cargo ship accident to lower the prices. In the end, we are forced to sell at Rs 100 or Rs 150 per kg. We are barely breaking even. On Sunday, the local church held the annual blessing of the sea, a ritual many fishermen hold on to for hope. Following the ceremony, some ventured out again on Tuesday, praying for a turnaround. The ban runs until July 31, but we havent had a proper catch since May, said Markose, a boat owner. The sea that once supported us seems to have turned its back. Were holding on to the hope that things will change after the blessing. Even migrant fishermen from Tamil Nadu, who typically arrive in Vizhinjam during the trawling ban, have been forced to return empty-handed. We came from Thoothukudi and spent more than the locals, only to suffer a Rs 15,000 loss, said Selvamani, a visiting fisherman. I have been coming here for 15 years, but I have never seen such a poor season. Maybe it is the result of climate change or shipping accidents. Whatever it is, it has pushed us into deep misery. With weeks still left in the ban period, fishers across Vizhinjam are clinging to hope, faithand the mercy of the sea.

Kerala University administration battle continues amid SFI protests against governor

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The administrative tussle in Kerala University continued on Tuesday with Vice-Chancellor Ciza Thomas directing joint registrars to route files directly to her, bypassing registrar K S Anil Kumar whose suspension was revoked by the syndicate.The day also saw SFI workers going on a rampage in the varsity headquarters amid criticism that the police remained mute spectators in the face of the protests.The VCs directive to the joint registrars was to send out a message that she has not accepted Anils reinstatement following a syndicate meeting that she termed as invalid. Meanwhile, Mini Dijo Kappen, the universitys director of planning, who was given charge of registrar by the VC could not assume charge as the administrative wing did not bring out the office order to this effect. According to a source, the VC returned a file relating to the eligibility certificate for a student that was forwarded to her by Anil. She approved the file after giving directives to the joint registrars to route it directly to her. The VC has reportedly taken a stance not to approve any files that are sent to her by Anil who enjoys the firm backing of the syndicate. All eyes now on Kerala governor Arlekars next move Meanwhile, the varsity turned into a conflict zone as SFI workers, who were protesting against Governor Rajendra Arlekars alleged attempts to saffronise the higher education sector, tried to lay siege to the VCs chamber. The protesters breach ed the skeletal police deployment on the campus, forcefully opened the main door and entered the building. There was limited resistance from the police that enabled them to come close to the VCs chamber. Almost an hour later, more police personnel came and removed the protesters from the building. Amid the din, CPM state secretary M V Govindan came to the university, expressing solidarity with the protesters.SFI state president M Sivaprasad said the organisation will intensify protest from Thursday.

All eyes now on Kerala governor Arlekars next move

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the vice-chancellor and syndicate in Kerala University refusing to budge from their respective stances in the registrar suspension issue, all eyes are now on the course of action Governor Rajendra Arlekar would adopt on the matter by exercising his powers as Chancellor. Vice-Chancellor Ciza Thomas had submitted a detailed report before the governor stating that the syndicate meeting that reinstated the registrar was invalid. She has also reportedly informed the governor that the continuance of K S Anil Kumar in the registrars post was illegal. The High Court had observed that since the syndicate has decided to reinstate the registrar, the correctness of that decision must be determined by the appropriate authority, meaning the chancellor. In this case, Arlekar is expected to exercise his powers under Section 7(3) of the Kerala University Act, said a source. This provision in the Act empowers the chancellor to annul any proceeding of any of the authorities of the university which is not in conformity with this Act, the Statutes, the Ordinances, the Regulations, the rules or the bye-laws. However, before taking any such action in the registrars case, the chancellor will have to hear the version of the syndicate which is the appointing authority of the official, said a senior government counsel, preferring anonymity. Meanwhile, the revocation of Anil Kumars suspension by the syndicate has left legal experts divided. While one section feels the vice-chancellor should have reported the registrars suspension before the syndicate when it met on Sunday, another section says it was not required as the single point agenda of the meeting was to discuss the statement of facts to be submitted to the High Court. This issue is set to play out as a prolonged legal battle as any action taken by the chancellor against the registrar will be legally challenged by both the syndicate and the official himself, said a source. Meanwhile, the administrative crisis in the varsity is expected to prevail as long as the power struggle between camps loyal to the governor and the government continues.

'Had No Role': Vijayan Govt On Jyoti Malhotra's Visit To PromoteKeralaTourism

According to the RTI, Malhotra's visit included multiple destinations such as Kochi, Kannur, Kozhikode, Alappuzha, Munnar, and Thiruvananthapuram

RJD leader Charupara Ravi passes away at 77

THIRUVANATHAPURAM: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) state vice-president Charupara Ravi passed away at 77. The socialist leader died at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. An active political leader from the age of 18, he had been closely working with Janata Dal organisations. He has also taken part in various protests in the plantation sector, including those organised by HMS labourers demanding minimum wages. Deeply influenced by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Rammanohar Lohia and Jayaprakash Narayan, Ravi was a strong critic of the emergency, and was jailed for over four months during this period. The leader served as the Rubber Board vice chairman in 1990, KSRTC director board member in 1996, and devaswom board member in 1999. He was also a member of the development committees of Medical College and Ayurveda College. He has also worked as the managing editor of the magazine 'Socialist Pathrika'.

Shashi Tharoor and Banshi Saboo win 21st P. Kesavadev Awards

THIRUVANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress Leader Shashi Tharoor and diabetologist Dr Banshi Saboo won the 21st P. Kesavadev awards, presented annually by the P Kesavadev Trust. The fourth-time parliamentarian from Thiruvananthapuram, Shashi Tharoor, won the literary award by the trust for his writings, which explore themes such as Indian nationalism and political analysis. An international figure and global health leader, Dr Banshi Saboo was selected for the P Kesavadev DiabScreen award for his efforts in diabetes control awareness on the worldwide front. Even though Shashi Tharoor's writings are mainly Literature is the same, irrespective of the language, said the literature award committee chairman, George Onakkoor. The award committee evaluated that this honour is the epitome of Tharoors balanced life between literature and service. A medical expert leading various international programmes, Dr Banshi is currently the Southeast Asia chairman of the International Diabetes Federation, a global council member of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes, etc. The trust is honoured to present this year's awards to internationally acclaimed figures, said the managing trustee Jyothidev Kesavadev. The awards were announced in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. The honour, comprising Rs 50,000 and a statuette designed by artist BD Dethan, will be presented at Hotel Hilton Garden Inn here on July 27.

Landowners to launch indefinite hunger strike in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The land owners who handed over their property to facilitate the long-pending Outer Ring Road (ORR) project are on a warpath and are gearing up to launch an indefinite hunger strike in front of the office of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) at Enchakkal. On Monday, the representatives of the action council formed by the land owners met the regional officer, NHAI, to discuss the delay in the disbursal of compensation for the land acquired for the Outer Ring Road. Around 314 hectares of land spread across 24 villages are being acquired to facilitate the project. 3D notifications for 11 villages have been issued already and the notifications for the rest of the villages are yet to come out. It has been three years and the government should return our title deeds or immediately give us the compensation. Both the state and the centre have been lying and cheating us for many years now and we have decided to launch an indefinite hunger strike from August 1, said Chandramohan Nair, convenor of the action council.

Minorities panel seeks completion of SAT Hospitals Mother-Child Block by December 2025

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: State Minorities Commission chairman advocate A A Rasheed has directed authorities to expedite and complete the remaining work of the Mother and Child Block at the Sree Avittam Thirunal Hospital (SAT) in Thiruvananthapuram by December 2025. The directive came during a special sitting held at the Commission headquarters on Monday, following a newspaper report highlighting that the building, inaugurated years ago, is still not fully operational. A report submitted to the Commission by the Health Department Secretary, District Collector, Director of Medical Education, Principal of the Medical College, and SAT Hospital Superintendent revealed that while the construction of two floors was completed and handed over to the hospital in 2017, only the ground floor, housing the gynaecology outpatient section, is currently in use. Authorities informed the Commission that KIIFB has approved funds to the tune of Rs 11.23 crore for the remaining works, including a ramp, fire staircase, site development etc. The tender process has already been initiated. The SAT Hospital Superintendent stated that the pending works are expected to commence within two weeks and would be completed in eight months.

Thiruvananthapuram museum to offer Indias first digital guide for visitors

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ever been to a museum to see a different view of life, but came back disappointed because you couldnt quench your curiosity? You saw the skeleton of a huge animal on display, but you received no information of how it is important to your land or ecosystem. No worries about that if you are heading to the Natural History Museum in Thiruvananthapuram as you will be provided a multilingual digital tour guide on a tablet phone. The countrys first audio-visual digital guide for a museum, which was inaugurated by Museum Minister Kadannapalli Ramachandran last Wednesday, is expected to be open to the public in a few months. As part of the digital tour, you will be given a tablet phone and a pair of headphones. An app will be installed in the tab, containing videos with voiceovers regarding each section and element of the museum. The voiceover is available in four different languages -- English, Malayalam, Hindi and Tamil which will be beneficial for the visitors not only from other states but also foreign tourists, said museum superintendent Vijayalekshmi P V. Most of the wildlife related videos installed in the tab were shot exclusively for the project. We have only used a minimal amount of stock footage, she said. The digital tour begins with a detailed explanation of a 2-crore-year-old fossil wood. As you step into the world of bones and skeletons, you will be viewing the skeletons in person and its original species on screen. After that, you can proceed to the birds gallery to see the stuffed birds from various landscapes, while the 1-5 minute-long videos will tell you more about their history and relevance. Never miss a sight as you take the stairs to the first floor -- for your guide will be explaining about the extinct animals carved on those walls, with the help of AI-generated visuals and animations. The range of extinct animals varies from the fear-invoking T-Rex, mammoths and big cats, to the fondly remembered Dodo. Mammals gallery, fishes and so on follow. What couldve otherwise been a boring passive tour for non-biology students, has now become a site for wows, thanks to the digital guide. Blessy, a former student of Sacred Hearts College Thevara, was pleasantly surprised at how a random visit with her friends turned into a highly informative digital museum tour. If not for the videos, we would have just passed by the exhibits, skimming through the name boards. Now we know so much more, she said. Pranav D Ramesh, a class 5 student from Idukki, was lost in the world of molluscs which the digital guide took him to. His eyes grew in wonder when he saw the fossilated shapes of colourful sea creatures in the video. Currently, due to a lack of number of devices, the facility will be made available only for children, under special request. Proceedings have been initiated to avail of more devices, which will take the file movement delay of a few months. Once the facility is ready, make sure to experience the digital tour guide, the first-of-its-kind in the state.

Fresh-Up Homes to come up at remote tourist getaways in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is set to take a major stride in women-friendly tourism with the launch of Fresh-Up Homes an initiative aimed at providing clean and safe rest facilities for female travellers at rural and remote destinations. The initiative aims to address critical infrastructure gaps especially the lack of adequate sanitation facilities in emerging tourist destinations along with women empowerment by offering financial support to 100 women-led Fresh-Up Homes across the state. The project is being implemented by the Kerala Responsible Tourism Mission Society (KRTM), and Rs 25 lakh has been allocated for it. Each Fresh-Up Home will feature essential amenities including a toilet, bathroom, clean water, ventilation, lighting and a sanitary pad incinerator creating a safe and hygienic pit stop for women on the move. An senior official with the tourism department said women entrepreneurs registered with the KRTM will receive a financial grant of Rs 25,000 per unit. The subsidy will be disbursed in two instalments Rs 12,000 upfront and Rs 13,000 after the completion of the facility. Fresh-Up Homes can be set up on private land owned by the entrepreneur or attached to existing homes, making it a flexible and low-investment business model, the official said. Govt aims to promote inclusive devpt This initiative is part of the states broader vision to become a model state for women-friendly and sustainable tourism. It not only addresses a basic infrastructure need but also empowers women to become active participants in the tourism economy, the official said. The plan is to give priority to existing homestays, farm stays, agri-tourism units and ethnic cuisine experience units that meet the classification norms laid out by the tourism department. Selected units will undergo a verification process to ensure they comply with required standards. By linking Fresh-Up Homes with local tourism packages, the government aims to promote inclusive development and encourage more women to travel confidently to less commercialised locations without fear of safety. This is a model initiative to prove how community-based infrastructure can elevate both the tourist experience and womens participation in the industry, the official said.

Keralas khadi hues find a new generation of admirers

KOZHIKODE: Over the past few days, the Congress party in Kerala has found itself divided over the idea of wearing khadi shirts and dhotis as daily attire. Responding to the debate, Khadi Board Chairman and Industries Minister P Rajeeve took to Facebook declaring, Khadi is no longer old-fashioned -- its now available in a variety of colours and designs. True to his words, the Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board has in recent years transformed its image, introducing a wide range of colourful and contemporary garments. The traditionally heavy fabric has been reimagined into lighter, more comfortable versions, while the board has ventured into designer wear to appeal to modern, style-conscious consumers. To further popularise the fabric, the Khadi Board has been organising fashion shows under the brand name Fashionova at Thiruvananthapuram, collaborating with the Institute of Fashion Technology Kerala (IFTK) to showcase its evolving designs. These efforts have helped reposition khadi from a symbol of political identity to a fabric embraced by the fashion industry. Weve broken away from the old perception of khadi being worn only by elderly people and politicians, Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board Vice-chairman P Jayarajan told the TNIE . Weve launched new collections that now rival other popular fashion brands. Collaborating with fashion institutes and colleges across Kerala, weve created modern, stylish outfits that appeal to a younger audience. And this Onam season, he said, the board will be launching Pookkalam collections which includes mens kurtas with Chinese collars and womens short and long blouses. The board has also hired designers from IFTK for each of its showrooms in the state. These designers assist customers in identifying their style preferences and even help design custom-made outfits. IFTK has also been designing western wear, womens wear, and childrens collections for us, Jayarajan said. Kerala-made khadi is also finding acceptance in international markets. We currently operate 10 showrooms in Kerala, each with its own designers. Additionally, customers can shop through the Khadi Kerala mobile application, where we offer a 30% discount on online purchases, said K A Ratheesh, the secretary of the board. Addressing concerns about the durability of khadi products, he explained, There have been complaints about khadi being difficult to maintain, but thats because not all khadi is the same. The yarns we use range from 100 to 400 grade, all entirely handwoven. Naturally, our higher-grade products offer superior quality, unlike cheaper alternatives that wear out after a few washes. Currently, the board manages 232 spinning centres and 154 weaving units directly under its control, employing around 12,000 artisans. Kerala khadi products are exported to markets in Italy, the UAE, and the United States. Last year, we recorded a turnover of Rs 60 crore. This year, our target is to cross Rs 100 crore, Ratheesh said.

Kerala University plunges into administrative crisis as two officials hold Registrar post

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ongoing tussle in Kerala University between the vice-chancellor and the Syndicate landed the varsity in an unprecedented administrative crisis on Monday. It also created a peculiar situation that saw two officials one owing allegiance to the Governors camp and the other to the state government occupying the post of Registrar. A day after the controversial Syndicate meeting revoked the suspension of Registrar K S Anil Kumar, the official reached the university on Monday, leading to the unfolding of dramatic events. Vice-Chancellor Ciza Thomas suspended joint registrar P Harikumar, who was holding the charge of Registrar. Harikumar had endorsed Sundays Syndicate meeting even after the vice-chancellor declared it as dissolved. The disciplinary action came as the official refused to submit the minutes of Sundays meeting to Ciza and went on leave. The vice-chancellor also gave the charge of Registrar to Mini Kappen, who is presently director of the universitys planning and development wing. Ciza made the swift move to send out a message that the Syndicates revocation of Anil Kumars suspension was invalid. The vice-chancellor has given a detailed report to Governor Rajendra Arlekar who is the universitys Chancellor, stating that the Syndicates revocation of suspension was invalid. The Raj Bhavan had sought details on Sundays special Syndicate meeting and the grounds on which Anil Kumar rejoined duty, said a source. Meanwhile, pro-Left Syndicate members said the present crisis in the university was a result of the vice-chancellor being remote controlled by certain quarters. Syndicate member G Muraleedharan said the VC became aware that the Registrars suspension was a result of misuse of power after suffering a setback from the High Court. Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan said the Governor and the state government were wrecking the states higher education sector. He urged them not to turn the university into a venue for political drama. History will not forgive you if you play with the future of students, Satheesan warned.

Parivar outfits dominate higher education sector as Congress becomes spectator

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the tussle between the governor and the LDF government intensifies, BJP-RSS has emerged as the main player in the Opposition, leaving Congress in a spectators role. The issues that began after the appointment of Arif Mohammed Khan as governor in 2019 continue even after Rajendra Arlekar took charge at Raj Bhavan. The simmering issues have taken a toll on higher education sector. Though members of ABVP had been elected to university senates before, this is the first time academicians close to Sangh Parivar are getting visibility and say in the higher education sector. Now, barring KUFOS, Malayalam University and MG University, 10 universities have no permanent VCs. In KUHS, a former VC has been reappointed. Incidentally, the Calicut university VC in-charge Dr P Raveendran was a pro-Congress academician. However, after his appointment by the former governor, he became close to the Raj Bhavan, Congress sources said. Cusat VC in-charge Dr M Junaid Bushir, also a pro-Congress academician, was appointed by Khan. He is also reportedly close to Raj Bhavan now, than the Congress party. The big booster came in when Arif Khan nominated 17 candidates to the Kerala University senate. Most of them belong to BJP-ABVP. Though two ABVP nominees lost out in the ensuing legal battle, the other two BJP nominees got elected to KU Syndicate, while the Congress had to be satisfied with one. In Calicut University also, leaders belonging to BJP-RSS were nominated to the senate. The Sangh Parivar got an advantage after the legal tussle over the appointment of VCs reached the Supreme Court, and the governor was allowed to make temporary appointments in universities. Now, many of the VCs in-charge work in tandem with the Raj Bhavan, KAU Syndicate member Shiju Khan told TNIE. RSS is concentrating on Kerala University because it is a symbol of the states achievements in higher education. BJP-RSS members were never elected to the syndicate before. However, they achieved it with the help of Raj Bhavan. This is how they intrude into spaces that were once out of reach to them, he said. Meanwhile, the Save University Campaign Committee led by Congressman R S Sasi Kumar against the CPMs alleged misrule in varsities, also helped Raj Bhavan tighten its grip on universities. It was the allegations raised by the campaign committee leaders Sasi Kumar and Shajar Khan which prompted the then governor to interfere in matters concerning universities. However, Shajar Khan, who is also a leader of SUCI, has distanced himself from the Save University Campaign Committee. Now, officially I am not associating with the committee as I have realised that it was the BJP which is reaping the benefits of the issues that we raised politically, Shajar Khan told TNIE. This does not mean that the allegations were baseless. The latest controversy involving the programme on Kerala University campus which led to the suspension of the registrar shows RSS real intention, he added. In Congress, there is criticism about the way the party and its student organisation KSU are handling the issue by merely issuing statements and conducting nominal protests. What we lack is ideological clarity, a KPCC leader told TNIE. We were carried away by Sangh Parivar tactics. On many occasions, we turned to the then governor as a saviour. But, the public saw him as a crusader and we lost out, he said.

Superstition, child abuse flagged at district-level adalat in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Womens Commission Chairperson Adv P Sathidevi on Monday expressed concern over the growing exploitation of educated individuals by fake medical institutions operating under the guise of superstition. She was addressing the media after the first day of the Thiruvananthapuram district-level adalat conducted by the commission at Thycaud PWD Rest House. People are falling prey to unscientific treatments even for serious illnesses that have established medical solutions. This blind faith is being exploited and poses a serious danger to public health, Sathidevi said. The chairperson also highlighted the increasing number of complaints related to the mental health of children being affected by extramarital affairs of their parents. Abuse of the elderly was another major concern raised during the adalat. The commission received multiple complaints from elderly mothers alleging that their children were taking over their property and pension money, and then neglecting them. On the first day of the adalat, a total of 150 complaints were considered. Of these, 15 were resolved, seven were directed for further inquiry, and three cases were referred for counselling.

'Repairs are underway': F-35B grounded in Thiruvananthapuram moved to hangar; UK thanks India for support

A Royal Navy F-35B fighter, grounded in Thiruvananthapuram since June 14 due to an emergency landing, has been moved to a maintenance hangar for repairs. The UK Ministry of Defence expressed gratitude to Indian authorities for their support. British engineers arrived via RAF aircraft with specialized equipment to fix the aircraft, which experienced issues during refuelling.

Repair work begins on Britain`s F-35B fighter jet at Thiruvananthapuram airport

A team of engineers from the United Kingdom (UK), travelling aboard a Royal Air Force (RAF) Airbus A400M Atlas, has arrived in India to carry out the necessary repairs. The fifth-generation stealth jet has remained grounded at the airport since June 14

CPI(M) launches 30-mins digital protest to support Palestine

Thiruvananthapuram: In a show of solidarity with the people of Palestine, the CPI(M) has called for a week-long Digital Protest against Israels actions in Gaza. CPI(M) General Secretary M.A. Baby urged the public to participate by switching off their mobile phones and computers daily from 9 pm to 9:30 pm for one week, starting tonight. 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 .

Gujarat man caught filming inside Thiruvananthapuram Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple - Mathrubhumi English

Gujarat man caught filming inside Thiruvananthapuram Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple Mathrubhumi English

Land acquisition cost doubles, fund crunch hits ORR project amid delays

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The long-pending Outer Ring Road (ORR) project in Thiruvananthapuram connecting Vizhinjam to Navaikulam via Thekkada is facing major financial and administrative impasse as the cost of land acquisition has doubled from Rs 1,800 crore to Rs 3,800 crore. According to official sources, this estimate is valid till August and if the government fails to initiate the procedures to disburse the funds to the land owners by then, the cost will further escalate. As per the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act, beneficiaries are entitled to 12 per cent annual interest on delayed payments, calculated from the date of land possession to the date of actual compensation. Initially, the estimate for land acquisition stood at around Rs 1,800 crore with the state and Centre chipping in 50 per cent, each. The project, which requires 314 hectares of land across 24 villages, has been stuck for over three years with the land owners clamouring for compensation. The recent estimates show that the cost of land acquisition has escalated more than 100 per cent, severely impacting the project. According to official sources, the land acquisition procedures took off around three years ago and the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has given the revised estimates for the land acquisition as per the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act recently. The estimates will continue to multiply if the project doesnt take off immediately, said an official source. Last month, after the meeting with the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, PWD Minister P A Mohammad Riyas had announced that the Centre would give the final approval for the ORR project by July end. An official of the district administration said that after the meeting a team from the Centre came down to assess the situation. After that we didnt get any follow-up updates. Both the state and the Centre will have to allocate more funds for the land acquisition as the interest rates keep adding on to the present estimates, said the official. Around 314 hectares of land spread across 24 villages are being acquired to facilitate the project. 3D notifications for 11 villages have been issued already and the notifications for the rest of the villages are yet to come out. The action council formed by the land owners are planning to meet the NHAI authorities on Monday. Both the state and Centre have been telling blatant lies and cheating us for the past three years. We have decided to launch a hunger strike in front of the NHAI office and the decision will be taken after the meeting on Monday. We dont know why they acquired the land before getting the project approval. Even today, the project is pending with the Centre. Around 6,000 land owners are suffering because of this impasse, said Chandramohan Nair, convenor of the action council. Chance of further escalation The cost of land acquisition has doubled from H1,800 crore to H3,800 crore. Official sources said this estimate is valid till August and if the government fails to initiate the procedures to disburse the funds to the land owners by then, the cost will further escalate

Applications invited for MTech programmes

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ER & DCI Institute of Technology, the academic wing of C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram, has invited applications for its postgraduate engineering programmes for the academic year 2025. The institute offers two industry-oriented MTech programmes -- Cyber Forensics & Information Security and VLSI & Embedded Systems. Meritorious students from both streams will have the opportunity to undertake their academic projects as live projects at C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram or in collaboration with industry partners. The officials added that students who successfully complete the programme may be placed in leading tech companies or as project engineers at C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram - the premier R&D organisation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. The institute has facilitated placements in companies such as UST, Tata Elxsi, Quest Global, Saint Gobain, and C-DAC, said officials. For details, visit erdciit.ac.in or contact 8547897106, 0471-2723333 (Ext: 3250, 3318). Last date to apply for the course is July 10.

Sewage overflow near coaching centre sparks outrage among residents

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A persistent sewage overflow near the Lakshya Coaching Centre on SS Kovil Road one of the citys busiest stretches is causing severe hardship to residents, students and pedestrians. For several days, dirty water has been gushing through a narrow bylane beside the centre, flooding the road and spreading a foul smell. Local residents said that walking through the stretch has become nearly impossible without covering their noses. The stench has made the entire stretch unpleasant, and many fear the situation could soon lead to a spike in infections and waterborne diseases.We are worried about our children falling sick. This is not just an inconvenience anymore, it is a health hazard, said Renuka Kumari, a local resident. The overflowing sewage has also disrupted traffic, especially during peak hours, as vehicles and pedestrians attempt to navigate the dirty, slippery road. The issue has impacted several students who have to pass through the area to reach other coaching centres in the vicinity. Despite repeated complaints to the authorities, no action has been taken so far. Residents have now formally submitted a petition and have urged immediate intervention and a long-term solution to the drainage problem. Although officials were contacted, no response was received.

Withdraw KSERC proposal, says Chennithala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, through an open letter, to withdraw the renewable energy regulations proposed by the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC), warning that the move would adversely impact thousands of rooftop solar power producers. In the letter sent on Sunday, Chennithala said the Renewable Energy and Related Matters Regulations, 2025 released by the KSERC in May and headed by T K Jose places undue emphasis on energy storage systems and introduces complex billing methods that would burden solar power producers. He alleged that the move appear to benefit battery manufacturers rather than promote clean energy adoption.

Kerala University Syndicate 'reinstates' registrar, VC says move invalid

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: High drama unfolded at the special meeting of the Kerala University (KU) Syndicate on Sunday with the Left-dominated varsity body revoking the suspension of Registrar K S Anil Kumar even as Ciza Thomas, who holds charge of vice-chancellor (VC), termed the decision invalid. Amid uncertainty over the validity of the revocation of his suspension, the registrar reached the university on Sunday evening and re-assumed charge. According to sources, Anil Kumars swift move, on the direction of the Syndicate, indicated that he would withdraw the case challenging his suspension in the High Court on Monday. The single-point agenda of the Syndicate meeting chaired by the VC was to finalise the statement of facts on the Registrars suspension, which is to be submitted before the High Court on Monday in the case filed by Anil Kumar. During the meeting, pro-Left Syndicate members insisted that the registrars suspension be discussed. The VC turned down the demand, citing that the matter was not in the agenda. This led to heated arguments between both sides. According to the VC, the meeting could not even discuss the item on the agenda owing to protests by a section of Syndicate members. Amid the protests, the VC called off the meeting and walked out. The Syndicate members, however, continued with the deliberations even after the VC dispersed the meeting. Speaking to the media, Ciza said the claim of the pro-Left Syndicate members that the registrars suspension has been annulled had no validity as it was taken after the meeting was called off. Any proceedings carried out after the chair dispersed the meeting does not have any validity, Ciza said. She said the documents related to the statements of facts about the registrars suspension were distributed to Syndicate members but they chose not to discuss it. Emerging after the meeting, Syndicate finance committee convener G Muraleedharan said the varsity body has decided to withdraw the registrars suspension. Also, a three-member committee has been constituted to probe the entire incidents leading to the officials suspension, Muraleedharan said. Ciza Thomas Kerala varsity syndicates decision legally valid: Minister Ciza said she will appoint a senior counsel to represent her in the HC when the registrar suspension case comes up for hearing on Monday. The university standing counsel will submit the views of the Syndicate in the case. Meanwhile, Higher Education Minister R Bindu said the Syndicate was empowered as per university rules to revoke the registrars suspension. After the VC walked out, the Syndicate members chose a chairperson from among themselves and revoked the registrars suspension, which is legally valid, she told reporters. In Sundays Syndicate meeting, pro-right wing members said a discussion should be held on Left-backed member R Rajeshs Facebook post harshly criticising judges hearing the registrar suspension case in the HC. However, the demand was turned down as it was out of the agenda. Earlier, Senate member Manju V K had taken up Rajeshs FB post with the HC registrar general. Anil Kumar was suspended by VC-in charge Dr Mohanan Kunnummal on July 2 for ordering the cancellation of an event organised by a private organisation in the varsity on June 25 that was attended by Governor Rajendra Arlekar. The Registrar had intervened after the controversial image of Bharat Mata carrying a saffron flag was displayed on the dais at the varsity Senate Hall.

Mid-day meals: Feeling the bite of fund crunch, Kerala government to turn to LSGs

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dearth of government funds is proving to be major hurdle in the implementation of the new mid-day meal menu in schools. At a meeting convened by General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Saturday, various teachers associations raised the issue, impelling the department to suggest talks with local self-governments (LSGs) for additional resources. Currently, local self-governments are involved in providing breakfast in certain schools. We are looking to open discussions about their participation in the lunch programme as well, the ministers office said. A final decision will be taken only after two months, following discussions with representatives of various LSGs and the LSG minister. The mid-day meal scheme is backed by the Centre and state governments at a 60:40 ratio. The general education minister will also hold a meeting with the finance minister to identify ways to provide additional funding for the scheme. Moreover, letters have been sent to various political parties seeking their support at the local level, Sivankuttys office said. Only a handful of schools with lower student strength face this issue, Kerala School Teachers Association (KSTA) general secretary T K A Shafi told TNIE. Only timely changes have been introduced to the menu, that too with multiple options, Shafi said. Our suggestion is to divert the plan funds of local bodies to meet additional expenses, Kerala Pradesh School Teachers Association (KPSTA) general secretary Vattappara Anilkumar said. The association has asked the government to provide additional financial support till this is achieved. We want children to have the best food, but the amount currently provided is insufficient to serve food based on the new menu, said Kerala State Teachers Union (KSTU) treasurer Sidhiq Parakkod. The current menu is said to have been prepared by an expert committee to provide a balanced and nutritional diet. But there have been no discussions with school authorities, he said. We served lunch for students last month, too, without adequate funds, he added. Representatives of over 42 teachers associations participated in the meeting held in Thiruvananthapuram. The new lunch menu, including vegetable fried rice, lemon rice and vegetable biryani, was well-received on social media. However, a circular to the effect has not been issued, said Sidhiq. Possible avenues General edu min to hold meeting with finance min to identify ways for addl funding Letters sent to various political parties seeking their support at the local level The scheme is backed by the Centre and state govts at a 60:40 ratio

RTI reveals Hisar vlogger held for spying visited Kerala on government invite; sparks row

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Haryana-based vlogger Jyoti Malhotra , who was recently arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan, had visited Kerala on the invitation of the state government as part of its efforts to promote tourism, it has emerged. The revelation, which came in the form of an RTI reply, has triggered controversy with criticism being raised from various corners against the government decision. Jyoti was arrested on May 16, a few days after 'Operation Sindoor'. According to the RTI document, Jyoti was among 41 social media influencers enlisted by the tourism department from January 1, 2024, to May 21, 2025, to promote state tourism. She visited Kannur, Kozhikode, Kochi, Alappuzha and Munnar, with the state government bearing her expenses and paying a remuneration. Reacting to the development, Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas said the vloggers were brought to boost Keralas tourism prospects. We had good intentions. Everyone knows that. Do you think the state government invited her for spying and provided all assistance? the minister asked. Riyas said the promotion work of the tourism department is being conducted in the same manner as in the past and the controversy did not frighten him. People know the truth and they are with us, he said. Meanwhile, Youth League state secretary P K Firoz said the minister was shirking his responsibility of giving an explanation on how the fiasco happened. The news report of Jyoti being invited by the government is shocking. The minister has the responsibility to answer the questions. Instead, he is giving rude replies and saying people are with them. He should have answered whether the background of the vlogger was scrutinised beforehand. But he is giving arrogant responses and acting as a super chief minister, Firoz said. Stating that he had raised this matter a month ago, BJP leader K Surendran posted on X: Now, RTI documents prove every word I said. Why did Kerala Tourism, controlled by CMs son-in-law, sponsor a Pak-linked spys trip? He said the security of the state was not the family business of CM.

LSGD regularises HLL Life Cares office buildings in Thiruvananthapuram

The violations earlier reported included lack of sufficient car parking or two wheeler parking space, insufficient space behind the building and issues related to reuse and recycling of water.

UK fighter jet moved from Kerala airport after 1 month

After remaining stranded in Thiruvananthapuram for about a month following a technical issue, a British Royal Navy fighter jet was on Sunday moved to a designated facility for British engineers to assess it, airport sources said.

Thiruvananthapuram city Corporation launches project to provide menstrual cups to students

The reusable menstrual cups are considered to be a healthy, sustainable and affordable alternative to sanitary napkins, which also leads to generation of waste.

UK Engineers Arrive to Repair F-35B in Kerala

A team of around 25 technical experts from the British Royal Air Force arrived aboard an A400M Atlas military transport aircraft to inspect the F-35B fighter jet reports Asian Lite News UK authorites have accepted the offer of space in a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the British Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet stranded in Thiruvananthapuram and are in discussions to finalise arrangements with relevant authorities, a British High Commission Spokesperson said on Sunday The statement further said that following the standard procedure, the aircraft will be moved after the arrival of UK engineers. A UK engineering team

24 Experts Arrive In Kerala To Repair Stranded British F-35B Fighter Jet

A Royal Air Force Airbus A400M Atlas aircraft landed in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday with a team of 24 people from the United Kingdom to inspect the British F-35B fighter jet that remained grounded for three weeks.

Stranded British F-35 jet moved from Kerala airport after weeks

Stranded British F-35 fighter jet has been moved from Thiruvananthapuram airport after 22 days.

Kerala University in turmoil as Syndicate members clash over registrar's suspension

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: High drama was witnessed at a special meeting of the Kerala University Syndicate on Sunday after pro-Left members claimed that they had annulled the suspension of Registrar KS Anil Kumar, while Ciza Thomas, who is presently holding charge of Vice Chancellor, said the decision was invalid. The single point agenda of the Syndicate meeting, chaired by the Vice Chancellor on Sunday, was to finalise the statement of facts on the Registrar's suspension. The statement of facts is to be submitted by the varsity's standing counsel before the High Court on Monday in a case filed by the Registrar challenging his suspension. During the meeting, the pro-Left Syndicate members insisted that the Registrar's suspension should be discussed. The Vice Chancellor turned down this demand, citing that the matter was off the agenda of the meeting. This led to heated arguments from both sides. According to the Vice Chancellor, the meeting could not even discuss the item on the agenda owing to protests by a section of Syndicate members. Amid the protests, the Vice Chancellor called off the meeting and walked out. Speaking to the media, Ciza Thomas said the claim of the pro-Left Syndicate members, that the Registrar's suspension has been annulled, had no validity as it was taken after the meeting was called off.. The Syndicate members had also tasked a three-member subcommittee to inquire into the incidents that led to the Registrar's suspension after Ciza walked out of the meeting. The Vice Chancellor said she will appoint a senior counsel to represent her in the High Court in the Registrar suspension case when it comes up for hearing on Monday. The university's standing counsel will submit the views of the Syndicate in the case. Registrar K S Anil Kumar was suspended by Vice Chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummal on July 2 for ordering the cancellation of an event, organised by a private organisation in the varsity on June 25, that was attended by Governor Rajendra Arlekar. The Registrar had intervened after the controversial image of Bharat Mata carrying a saffron flag was displayed on the dais at the varsity Senate Hall.

UK Tech Team in Thiruvananthapuram to Repair F-35 Fighter Jet

The aircraft is expected to be moved as part of the repair protocol, and procedures are being coordinated with Indian authorities

British specialists arrive on A400M to inspect Royal Navys stranded F-35B fighter jet at Thiruvananthapuram airport

A British Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet, facing adverse weather and fuel shortage, made an emergency landing in India and has been grounded due to hydraulic failure. Repair attempts failed, leading to a dismantling operation for its return to the UK via a C-17 Globemaster. The incident has raised logistical and security concerns, alongside public interest.

F-35 stranded in Kerala: UK technicians arrive to repair stranded fighter jet; grounded since June 14

A UK Royal Air Force Airbus A400M arrived in Kerala carrying aviation engineers to repair a stranded British F-35B Lightning fighter jet. The jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport due to an engineering issue. The repair work will be carried out at the airport's MRO facility with support from Indian authorities and the Indian Air Force.

Kerala battles new Nipah virus cases; 425 under watch

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Health Minister Veena George has confirmed that 425 individuals have been placed on the Nipah virus contact list across the state. The highest number of contacts, 228, is in Malappuram district, followed by 110 in Palakkad and 87 in Kozhikode. Among those on the contact list, one person has tested negative for the 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 .

Driver trapped for two hours as KSRTC buses collide near Neyyar Dam, 15 injured

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : A KSRTC fast passenger bus and an ordinary service bus allegedly collided near Neyyar Dam on Sunday morning, leaving around 15 passengers injured. The accident occurred around 8 a.m. on a narrow stretch near the dam. The fast passenger bus was heading to Neyyar Dam from Kattakada, while the ordinary service bus was travelling to Thiruvananthapuram from Amboori. Though several passengers were injured in the crash, none of the injuries are believed to be serious. One of the more serious cases involved the driver of the ordinary bus, who got his leg trapped between metal rods inside the vehicle. After nearly two hours of rescue efforts, he was safely pulled out. Fire force teams from Neyyar Dam, Kattakada, Chenkalchoola, and a special list crew carried out the rescue operations. All the injured passengers were shifted to nearby hospitals and to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. There are no casualties.

RTI lapses: Kerala info panel says departments liable to compensate applicants

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a significant ruling to strengthen the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the State Information Commission has clarified that government departments will be held accountable for compensating applicants who suffer due to lapses or negligence by officials in handling RTI requests. Issuing the order, State Information Commissioner Dr. A Abdul Hakkim emphasised that if an officer fails in discharging duties under the RTI Act, the responsibility for compensation lies with the department concerned, not merely the individual officer. The order provides long-awaited clarity on the accountability framework under the Act. Citing Section 2(h) of the RTI Act, the Commission stated that the head of any public office is deemed a public authority and is empowered to appoint Public Information Officers (PIOs) and First Appellate Authorities. However, the Commission acknowledged that such office heads may not always possess the authority to take disciplinary action, such as issuing suspensions or transfers. These powers typically rest with the administrative department. As such, the Commission ruled that when an officers negligence or failure causes hardship to an RTI applicant, it is the departmental headquarters that must compensate the applicant in accordance with Section 19(8)(b) of the Act and the Commissions directive. The order also warned that in cases where an officer deliberately obstructs access to information, the Commission may recommend disciplinary action under Section 20(2), and the department is obligated to act upon such recommendations as per existing service rules. Further, the Commission retains the authority to impose fines under Section 20(1) of the RTI Act Rs 250 per day of delay, capped at Rs 25,000. This penalty must be borne personally by the erring officer and deposited with the government.

First Skin Bank to be launched in Thiruvananthapuram MCH

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: At a time when questions are being raised against the efficiency of the health sector, the states first skin bank is all set to open its door of relief for numerous burn victims. The skin bank is being set up in Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College. The bank will be inaugurated on July 15 coinciding with the World Plastic Surgery Day. The centre has also secured the approval of the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K- SOTTO) for receiving skin through organ donation. The facility has been constructed at a cost of Rs 6.75 crore. Skin Banks are facilities which collect skin through donors for replacing the burnt skin of victims. In cases where a burn victim could not use his or her skin, the skins stored in the Skin Banks can be used. This helps reduce the pain and chances of infection. The skins are kept at a specific temperature. Works are in progress to start another Skin Bank in Kottayam Government Medical College, Health Minister Veena George said in a statement. She also said that to ensure efficient treatment to burn victims, burn centres were set up in Alappuzha, Kollam, Kannur Medical Colleges. Plastic surgery units were also started in these medical colleges. Burns ICU were also set up in medical colleges.

Kerala chief ministers, their overseas medical voyages a historical route map

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans journey to the United States for medical treatment has once again brought into focus a long-standing practice among top political leaders seeking advanced healthcare abroad. While the move sparked political criticism over the state of Keralas public healthcare system, it also aligns with a historical pattern of chief ministers, cutting across party lines, turning to foreign countries for treatment. Rare exceptions included CPMs E K Nayanar and CPIs P K Vasudevan Nair, who are perhaps among the few state CMs who never travelled abroad for medical treatment. The practice dates back to the pre-1990 era when left leaders, particularly from the CPI and CPM, preferred the erstwhile Soviet Union for higher medical care. Two of Keralas most iconic communist chief ministers E M S Namboodiripad and C Achutha Menon travelled to the USSR for treatment during their time in office. Back then, the country was seen as a trusted destination, both ideologically and diplomatically, especially by left leaders. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s brought a shift in preferences. The US emerged as the new destination of choice, not only due to its advanced medical infrastructure but also because of the presence of a large number of Keralite doctors in its hospitals. Among the first to make this transition was Congress leader and former Chief Minister K Karunakaran. After surviving a car accident in the 1990s, Karunakaran was flown to the US for specialised treatment. In 2000, CPM veteran V S Achuthanandan, who later became the CM in 2006, found himself at the centre of a political storm when he flew to London for medical care. His trip became a key talking point during the UDFs campaign for the 2001 assembly election. The Congress-led UDF trod a similar path. Former Chief Minister A K Antony travelled abroad for medical purposes after stepping down as Union defence minister. His successor, Oommen Chandy, too, underwent surgery in Davos, Switzerland, after slipping on snow during a visit to the World Economic Forum (WEF). Chandy sought further treatment in the US and Germany, though not during his tenure as chief minister. While each of these trips was taken under different circumstances, the recurring pattern highlights how foreign treatment has often been the go-to option for the states top leadership in times of medical crisis regardless of political affiliation. Pinarayi Vijayans follow-up treatment overseas adds another chapter in the long and evolving history of medical voyages undertaken by the states political elite. P K Vasudevan Nairs daughter, Sarada Mohan, dismissed the controversy surrounding the CMs trip as unwarranted. My father never went abroad for medical treatment, but that doesnt mean other chief ministers shouldnt. In my case, I prefer government hospitals for my healthcare needs, but that doesnt give me the right to insist others do the same. These are personal choices, and each individual should be free to decide whats best for their health. Late CPI leader N E Balarams daughter Geetha Nazeer also rejected the allegations. Mayo Clinic is not available in Kerala, Gujarat, or any other Indian state. So whats wrong if Pinarayi Vijayan goes to the US for specialised treatment? If this is seen as controversial, then why is it acceptable for many people to choose private hospitals over government ones, even when public facilities provide quality care? This entire issue is being blown out of proportion and seems to be driven by political motives.

425 on Nipah contact list in three districts in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of the Nipah resurgence, the health department has strengthened surveillance in the state. A total of 425 people are on the contact list of persons confirmed with Nipah virus in the state. On Saturday, Health Minister Veena George convened a high-level meeting to take stock of the situation. Meanwhile, the condition of the 39-year-old Nipah patient from Palakkad continues to be critical. Currently, there are 228 contact cases in Malappuram, 110 in Palakkad and 87 in Kozhikode districts. The minister has instructed increased surveillance of fever cases in the affected areas. In Malappuram, 12 persons with Nipah symptoms are under treatment, with five admitted to ICU. One person from the contact list in the district tested negative. Of the total people in the contact list, 61 from Palakkad and all 87 from Kozhikode are health workers. Meanwhile, two children from Kizhakkumpuram in Palakkad have been admitted to the Manjeri Government Medical College Hospital with symptoms similar to those of Nipah infection. Both children are currently in stable condition and under close medical observation. According to officials, the route maps of the patients from Malappuram and Palakkad have been released. Also, measures have been implemented to identify the source of the outbreak.

Stir over Kottayam MCH tragedy continues; government offers support to victims kin

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Protests demanding the resignation of Health Minister Veena George continued across the state on Saturday, following the death of a woman in the recent building collapse at Kottayam Medical College Hospital. Various opposition organisations held state-wide demonstrations and intensified their call for accountability. In the capital, Youth Congress activists marched to the ministers official residence. Police used water cannons 16 times against protestors who tried to breach the barricades. Two vehicles equipped with water cannons were used. Some protestors were arrested and removed from the spot by the police. Other groups, including KSU and Yuva Morcha, also also took out protest marches. However, the CPM state secretariat had earlier rejected the demand for Veena Georges resignation. Opposition groups have resolved to continue their agitation until the minister steps down. Meanwhile, the DYFI, extended its support to the minister, stating they would block all efforts to target or corner her over the incident. Amid the political storm, the government has stepped forward to support the family of the deceased. Higher Education Minister R Bindu announced that the National Service Scheme (NSS), under her department, will renovate the familys house. The announcement came after the minister personally spoke to Bindus husband and her mother over the phone. The government has taken responsibility for the medical treatment of Bindus daughter Navami and the continuation of the education of her son Navaneeth.

Express Dialogues| 'Governement media should inform citizens, not glorify leaders': K Kunhikrishnan

He is the pioneer of TV journalism in Kerala. As the first director of the Thiruvananthapuram Doordarshan Kendra, K Kunhikrishnan was instrumental in ushering in a culture of visual media into the state in 1985. An accomplished journalist and writer, his experience of varied interactions with stalwart leaders, persons of eminence and changing governments, alongside landmark socio-politico-cultural instances in the countrys history make an interesting anecdotal affair. Recently, the state government bestowed on him the Lifetime Achievement Award for TV journalism. TNIE caught up with the veteran for a nostalgic, freewheeling chat. Excerpts Having had a long innings, you are credited with being instrumental in bringing TV journalism to Kerala. Could you share the story? Its been 40 years since Doordarshan set up a station in Kerala. I was working in Chennai when the then deputy director general asked me to proceed to Thiruvananthapuram. I was told there was a lot of pressure from Mr Karunakaran (the then Chief Minister K Karunakaran) to start a station here. On October 31, 1984, I landed here. As soon as I reached the under-construction station, the engineers told me that I had two lightning calls from Delhi. When I called back, I was told that Madam Prime Minister had been shot dead, but I was not to mention it officially. I was told to do the work from here, including collating condolence messages. Indira Gandhi was the first tele-visionary in India. It was when she was I&B minister that a broad development plan was made and it was under that plan that the Thiruvananthapuram TV station was to come up. Kudapanakunnu was a totally remote area; there were no proper roads, not many vehicles plied there. T here were just seven producers, a few cameramen, staff transferred from various places, and a few engineers. Of the 150 required to start a station, we had only 30-40. Except for a few cameramen and engineers, everyone was new, with some of them having not even seen a TV. How were the initial preparations? I told Mr Karunakaran that it would take at least six months. He told me the entire government was at my disposal and asked me to speed it up. He wanted it to be a gift to Kerala by the Union government on New Years Day. I was willing to take the risk. I had to organise a lot, meet several Kerala ministers for infrastructure. The engineers worked in a ramshackle studio. We got an OB van from Jalandhar and four low-band, picture producing cameras. The key lay in attracting talent... television faces... announcers, news-readers, comperes, etc, with almost all of them garnering popularity with the viewers. Have heard that E K Nayanar cried inconsolably in the DD studio while saying the condolence message after Indira Gandhis assassination Oh, yes. Many leaders were called to render condolence messages. The first to be called was Nayanar. He was the Leader of Opposition then. I knew him from my Madras days. While recording his condolence message, Nayanar began to cry inconsolably. We were all stunned, but we kept recording it. Later, he told us about his last meeting with her where he was angry and spoke agitatedly. When he was about to leave, she stopped him and said: Mr Nayanar, please stay on for a minute. I have come to know that you have some health issues, and are under medication. Is there any way I can be of any use to you? Nayanar was stunned because it was for the very first time that a political leader had asked about his health. When he began crying, there were about 10 people in the studio. All were moved That was one of the most touching moments of my television career in Kerala. Other challenges? Television is known by its onscreen faces. Telegenic faces with broadcast-worthy voices, correct pronunciation, poise, effective delivery styles, etc had to be selected. I initially received around 4,500 applications, but not even 400 came close to fitting the bill. The inauguration was telecast live from Tagore theatre. We needed a microwave link from Tagore to the TV tower. That came from Madras. Equipment came from Mumbai. Everyone was willing to help. The challenges were something we cannot even imagine. With the advent of mobiles, all of us stay connected now. Back then, there was nothing of the sort. Your experience of working with television faces of those days We didnt have a news editor at first. Delhi told me not to start news telecasts before the news editor and assistant news editors were posted. I asked: If theres no news telecast in Kerala, then whats the point in having television? News culture is ingrained in Malayalis. Back then, we needed teleprinters because PTI and UNI were our only news sources. Delhi used a pool copy of AIR, which had so many bulletins. Here, there was no such facility. I was against it because for people who had migrated from radio, TV was picture on sound. TV is a combination of theatre, film, and radio. Teleprinters were installed on January 1, 1985, DDs inauguration day. The first announcer was Susheela Devi who began transmission with a Malayalam announcement. The first person to read the news was Kannan. We had good presenters. Did they know how to go about it? It was unlike radio news... The bulletin was at 7.30 pm. They were supposed to come and start rehearsing at 3.30 pm. Any earth-shaking event at the last minute too got added. It would be given to the floor manager, even as the news was being read. There were some complaints that their reading style was akin to cows drinking water, raising their heads occasionally to look around (laughs). Another complaint was that they were not as well-dressed as the television stars of Delhi (smiles). How was the reading done? They used to look at the text and then at the camera lens, to give viewers the feel of facing them. Thats why we insisted they come at 3.30 pm and practise for the 7.30 pm bulletin. Some did it extremely well. There was Santosh, an earth scientist. Kannan also did very well. Hemalatha was another, and Maya. Then there was Rajeshwari Mohan from AIR, and later Krishnakumar and Alakananda. What was the initial feedback like? Karunakaran, if in station, would call to convey his opinion. Probably the best monitor we had was the chief minister (smiles). He would express his views about the news. He was not concerned with the visuals, but with the content. A couple of years after we started, my wife who was a stringer with a womens magazine did a cover story with television stars. Certain remarks made by the stars irked the engineers and led to a protest. I was however able to sort it out. How was the public response after the launch? Except for Kerala Kaumudi, the vernacular newspapers were against us. They thought the onset of television would affect newspapers. Nowadays, what appears in newspapers are views, not news. Initially, there was a lot of criticism. I ensured the staff had full freedom to function. Once a minister in the Karunakaran government told me that a discussion had come up in the cabinet that there were a lot of communists in Doordarshan (laughs). Was there any cause for such a discussion? No. I was monitoring every frame. Such complaints came up because they felt most of the guests being invited for discussions were Marxists or right-wing communists. They felt Congress was not getting enough representation. But I believe we were quite balanced. Was it a local relay? Yes. Back then, it was available only within an 80km radius of Thiruvananthapuram How was news selected? Mostly national and international news. PTI and UNI were the sources. Visual stories were based on events in and around Thiruvananthapuram. There was a major complaint about a lack of coverage in other parts of the state. Later on, we somehow managed to get a stringer from Ernakulam. Then came another stringer, Pothujanam Mohan, who covered the Perumon tragedy. There were technical and financial challenges. It was a long journey. You brought many politicians before the camera, many of them hardly camera-savvy There was one education minister who couldnt even pronounce the Malayalam word for education (vidyabhyasam) properly. I dont think the situation has changed much now (smiles). Also, they dont look at the camera while speaking. But all of them want to be shown on television. Ministers used to check with me about camera availability and reschedule their programmes accordingly (chuckles). When you were handling Thiruvananthapuram, there was a lot of creative work going on. People like Shyamaprasad, Baiju Chandran were part of the team Baiju Chandran was a producer. Shyam was a production assistant. It so happened that there were seven production assistants. Independent charge of programmes were assigned to people like Shyamaprasad and two others. Shyam had initiative and produced good telefilms. Thats how he started. How did regional stations like the one you led come up? Was it driven by local demand? Mostly because of political pressure. The Government of India had a plan to establish TV centres in every state capital. Initially, there were only eight in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and a few more like Srinagar and Lucknow. This changed post-1982, after the Asian Games (in Delhi) which introduced colour telecast and prompted a national network. How were things during the ISRO espionage case? By that time, I had gone to Delhi. In 1989, I was shunted out as I had some problems with the then I&B Union minister of state. He used to keep breathing down my neck. I was posted in Delhi when the general elections were held that year. The election coverage was done under my charge. The coverage garnered praise from media across the world. It was at that time that people like Prannoy Roy and Vinod Dubey came onto the scene. After your shift to Delhi, Keralas media landscape underwent changes. As an industry pioneer, how did you view that? I maintained a keen interest in Kerala media. It was under my initiative that Kerala got its first 8-camera OB van in Thiruvananthapuram through N J Nair, the chief engineer. The construction of an additional floor in the current Doordarshan building had my strong backing. Later, Doordarshan became part of the satellite network, first via half-way satellites and then via the INSAT-series. Kerala managed to get one transponder for Malayalam in 1999. By the time 24-hour transmission set in, I was in charge of marketing and stuff in Delhi. My contributions were substantial and I have been an integral part of the growth story of Indian television. Your thoughts on the changes when private players arrived in the 90s... In 1993, Asianet was launched. Then came Surya TV. Both were primarily entertainment channels. Asianet did have some news content. One of the reasons for that is Sasikumar, who started the channel on behalf of his uncle. Asianet, Surya, and Zee TV were the three channels that were launched at the time, leading to competition. Later, with the onset of cable TV, Doordarshan faced competition, and revenue dropped as cable TV distributors preferred availability round the clock. Private channels had an eight-hour cycle. All had to shift to 24-hour programmes. Content quality deteriorated considerably. And there was no corresponding increase in staff. The situation has only worsened in todays Doordarshan. Working conditions are pathetic now. How do you recall the days of the Emergency? I joined after that period. I have heard that during the first Janata Dal ministry, when L K Advani was the I&B minister, Doordarshan was taken to task, saying it was we who projected Indira Gandhi. The Films Division had made thousands of films on the 20-point programme promoting Indira Gandhi propaganda. As soon as I joined, one of the tasks was to screen all such films so as to remove all the shots of Indira Gandhi and throw them into the bin. It so happened that in one of the shots Indira Gandhi was shown. Soon, Advani visited Madras Doordarshan and spent around 2-3 hours with us. Unfortunately, that preview was done by a programme executive. He got transferred in a weeks time to some godforsaken place. You once had an issue with MGR... Yes... (smiles). MGR had announced a television boycott. The South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce organised a golden jubilee function, which was beautifully covered by Doordarshan. The then President Sanjeev Reddy was given a kuthuvilakku by Jayalalithaa, MGRs heroine at the time and also the AIADMK propaganda secretary. It was brought to MGRs notice that she was not shown in the TV programme. When our television crew went to cover a government function, he told his people to boycott television. Our camera team was beaten up by the Tamil Nadu police. There were rumours that water supply and electricity to the TV station would be cut. I was quite upset. How was it solved? One of my friends arranged a meeting with MGR. When I met him, he said Doordarshan was full of DMK activists who had edited out Ammus (Jayalalithaa) shots. We spoke for around 45 minutes. He asked me to resolve the matter and invited me to have breakfast with him. Later, he told the information minister that the issue with Doordarshan had been resolved and directed him to provide me with all assistance. He even gave me both his and Veerappans direct numbers. Later, we announced a repeat telecast on a Sunday morning, with the Jayalalithaa shot added to it. After that, MGR was very nice to me. I travelled with him a couple of times in a helicopter. He was a wonderful human. Whenever we interacted personally, he spoke to me in Malayalam. Even while whispering in my ears, he spoke in Malayalam (chuckles). In Doordarshan, there was a code of conduct for journalism and news reading. But does the current generation of broadcast journalists follow such codes? Many anchors n ow use kadha prasangam style. Malayalam is spoken in a crude manner. They speak like an express train. Broadcast journalists are so biased. They try and instigate reporters to report in a vested manner. Media trials are the worst. They decide who is the culprit without getting the facts right. Further compounding the issue, Kerala has the highest number of social media practitioners. News has become totally opinionated, polarised towards either left or right. There is no middle path. Earlier, news was truth presented objectively. Now, news is interpretation. Perspectives should be reserved for analysis. In any channel, there is a set of five people who come and speak on any subject under the sun. The anchor is all powerful and seems to be a know-it-all. Isnt this what the audience wants? There was a time in the Malayalam film industry, in the 80s, when semi-pornography was quite common. We thought these were box-office hits and people wanted them. In reality, you are feeding them stuff the same way opium is fed. And they get addicted. TV serials do the same. There is no element of reality involved. Why did public broadcasting in India lose its edge? We were once in the same league as BBC There are structural and systemic reasons. BBC functions under a BBC Charter approved by Parliament. But beyond that, the Parliament has no say in its day-to-day affairs. BBC enjoys editorial and financial autonomy. Funding is not a budgetary allocation. Cess on every television set sold in the UK directly funds the BBC. But Prasar Bharati is entirely dependent on budgetary allocations. That makes a big difference. Do you feel Doordarshan is increasingly becoming a propaganda organ? Is this a recent phenomenon or has it been happening for long? It has worsened in recent years. After the Emergency, there were serious debates on how government-owned media should function. The consensus was that it must not promote individuals or political personalities. But today, that principle is being violated routinely even in Kerala. Criticise the government or even its policies on social media, and youre in trouble. Ideally, what should the concept of government media be? Government media should not be party media. Its duty is to serve democracy. Its about informing citizens, not glorifying leaders. Theres a perception that Doordarshan news is bland and mechanical... DD has failed to evolve editorially. Whether during my time or now, the media should grow alongside technology. When satellite broadcasting emerged, I moved away from terrestrial transmission to stay relevant. But that kind of strategic thinking isnt happening today. What should be done to revive Doordarshan as a strong public broadcaster? It needs massive investment in finance, talent, training, and distribution. Look at Al Jazeera. When it was launched from Doha, it started with an investment of $700 million. Today, its globally visible. We need similar ambitions. Even parliamentary committees have raised concerns. The Standing Committee on Information Technology noted a growing number of vacancies. Out of a sanctioned 30,000 posts, over 15,000 lie vacant. Most of the centres are headed by engineers, not content professionals. Earlier, the station head was the director, someone who had editorial command. Now, the head of programme is a low-ranking officer. Despite technological advancement, why doesnt Doordarshans programming reflect corresponding quality? Quality all over is deplorable. News channels are no longer news channels, but views channels. A single source will not give you all the news. Truth is split into various ways and channels. Most people are biased. There is heavy polarisation in television, especially in Kerala. Whats the way forward for public broadcasting in India? It must be sanitised, freed from political interference, funded adequately, managed professionally... We need broadcasters who understand television, not just administration. Without these, Prasar Bharati will not be relevant. TNIE team: Cithara Paul, Anil S, Aparna Nair, Aswin Asok Kumar Vincent Pulickal (photos) Pranav V P (video)

25-Member UK Team To Assess Grounded F-35 Jet In Kerala Tomorrow

The fighter jet is currently parked at a bay in Thiruvananthapuram Airport and is being guarded by a six-member team from the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales.

Skin bank at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, to be inaugurated on July 15

The inauguration of the facility has been scheduled for July 15 to coincide with the World Plastic Surgery Day observance

Sanju Samson goes for Rs 26.8 lakh in KCL auction, becomes leagues most expensive player

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala batter and Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson became the highest-priced player in the history of the Kerala Cricket League (KCL) after Kochi Blue Tigers snapped him up for a record Rs 26.8 lakh at the season 2 auction held on Saturday in Thiruvananthapuram. Samsons price tag shattered the previous KCL record Rs 7.4 lakh for M S Akhil, set by Trivandrum Royals. Sanju Samson, who did not feature in the leagues inaugural edition last year, was listed in the 39-player Category A pool for this years auction. For Samson, the league offers a chance to get back into rhythm following an injury-hit IPL 2025 season where he played just nine matches. The right-handed batter scored 285 runs at a strike rate of 140.39, managing only one fifty as Rajasthan Royals ended their campaign at ninth place in the ten-team standings. The KCL auction this year saw a total of 170 players registered across three categories. 15 players were retained by their respective franchises ahead of the auction, leaving 155 players to go under the hammer. Category A featured top-tier players with First Class, List A, or IPL experience and carried a base price of Rs 3 lakh. Category B included Under-19 and Under-23 players with a starting price of Rs 1 lakh, while Category C comprised district, zonal, and KCA-level cricketers with a base price of Rs 75,000. Each franchise had a total purse of Rs 50 lakh to build a team of 16 to 20 players.

Thrissur to be venue of Kerala School Arts Fete; Thiruvananthapuram to host Sports Meet

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thrissur will host the Kerala School Arts Festival 2025-26 while Thiruvananthapuram will be the venue of the Kerala School Sports Meet. This was decided at a meeting chaired by General Education Minister V Sivankutty here on Saturday which was attended by representatives of various teachers' unions. In the previous academic year, Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam were the venues of the arts and sports fetes respectively. The meeting also decided that Palakkad will host the State School Science Fair this year. While the special school arts festival will be held in Malappuram, Wayanad will host the arts fete for Teachers Training Institutes (TTI) and Pre-Primary Teachers Training Institutes (PPTTI). The meeting also decided to hold the Disha Higher Studies Expo & International Career Conclave in Kottayam. The distribution of state teaches award and school performance awards will be held in Thiruvananthapuram. The dates of all these events will be announced later, the Minister's office informed. The meeting also approved the revised academic calendar for 2025-26 to be followed in schools.

Opposition making concerted effort to malign Kerala government: CPM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM state secretariat which met on Friday alleged that the UDF is making concerted efforts to malign the LDF government and its ministers just months ahead of the assembly election. In the secretariat, the leadership concluded that the UDF's strategy was hatched by its political strategist Sunil Kanogolu. According to the leaders, there are two areas the UDF aimed at -- General Education, Higher Education and the Health sectors -- as these are the indicators which marked the states achievements compared to other states. The state intelligence has also submitted a report to the Home department that the opposition is to target these two sectors in view of the coming elections, a CPM leader told TNIE . Given the militant stand taken by the opposition against the Health Minister, the party has decided to defend Veena George at any cost. The party has also asked the leaders to present before the public the comparison between the achievements obtained at the time of the last UDF government and the Pinarayi Vijayan government 2. Speaking to the reporters, CPM state secretary MV Govindan dismissed the opposition's demand for the resignation of the health minister. It is not going to happen, he said. The opposition leaders allegation that the rescue work was halted was not true. The minister said to the media that she was being informed about the incident. The opposition is using a tragedy for their political gain. While the last UDF government had spent Rs 603 crore for the health sector, the present LDF government in the last four years have spent Rs 1424.46 crore, he said. Minister V N Vasavan in another press conference has also alleged that though in 2013 at the time of the last UDF government the public works department had submitted a report about the danger the building posed, it was not considered. It is the 2016 LDF government which decided to build a new building. Without holding the inauguration, we have decided to shift the patients from the old block to the newly finished hospital building. The demand for the minister's resignation is political. This is to defame the Kottayam medical college, he said.

Dear F-35B, Kerala will miss you da!

It seems this guest surely knew that, in this part of the globe, visitors are seen as Gods in disguise. And in Gods Own Country, life is splendid especially for tourists. The guest? An F-35B. The $109-million jet had made an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram international airport on June 14, after taking off for a training sortie from the British carrier HMS Prince of Wales in the Arabian Sea. Efforts to fix the technical snag have so far been futile. Now, a high-level technical team from the UK is set to land in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday to chalk out an exit plan for the fifth-gen stealth fighter made by the USAs Lockheed Martin. A meme doing rounds on the fighter aircraft getting an Aadhar card. A meme linking the F-35B to a recent political controversy. Reports say that if the team fails to revive the aircraft, it might well be dismantled and parcelled to Britain on a military cargo plane. Now, over the past two weeks, this unexpected guest has emerged as a meme star of India. Perhaps, this is the first time a military machine has become such a social media darling. The latest meme circulating across the nation has even issued the jet an Aadhaar card under the name F35 B Nair. Another popular meme features Bollywood veteran Johnny Lever trying to jump-start the aircraft. Kerala netizens too have embraced the lethal war machine as one among its own. One series shows a humanised jet in naadan settings sipping toddy, munching on banana chips, finding peace at a humble, roadside chayakkada, surrounded by bright-eyed, mundu-clad locals. In another, its seen celebrating Onam. Another political issue featuring in one of the memes on the fighter aircraft. But alongside the satire, the aircraft has been cleverly co-opted for a quick marketing boost. Kerala Tourism released a cheeky social media post in which the fighter jet declares its love for the state so much so, it refuses to leave. Milma, meanwhile, showed a British pilot chilling by the aircraft, sipping on the brands Jooy milkshake. Beyond the border, a Manchester-based eatery named Kerala Curry House joined in with its own appeal: asking the plane to come back home since the flavours it enjoys in Kerala are available in the UK too. There are socio-political jibes as well. In one meme, union workers stare at the stranded aircraft on the tarmac, with the caption suggesting that it will be allowed to take off only after nokkukooli (gawking charge) is paid. The setting fit perfectly with a yesteryear blockbuster 'Vellanakalude Naadu', and the social media was quick to lap it up in memes. Theres even a dig at the Waqf board, parodying its claims over properties by suggesting the aircraft now falls under its domain. Snippets from the iconic 1980s Malayalam film 'Vellanakalude Naadu' have also been superimposed onto the jet. In one edit, Shobhanas character demands the vehicle be removed immediately or face a fine, while Mohanlals character fumbles. Yes, of course, there is one showing Kuthiravattom Pappu asking for that cheriya (small) spanner. Amid all the jokes, the hapless aircraft stands stoic, waiting for emancipation. Time for some touching goodbye, miss you memes now. Here's us wishing you blue skies and tailwinds!