Kerala State Awards 2025: From Mammootty to Shamla Hamza, here's all the winners!
The Kerala State Film Awards 2025 brought together Malayalam cinemas finest, honouring talent, creativity, and powerful storytelling. The event, also known as State Film Awards 2025, was filled with anticipation and excitement as industry icons gathered in Thrissur.
Early local body push by Congress to regain lost ground in elections
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a strategic move ahead of the crucial assembly election, the state Congress has done the unthinkable - announcing a 47-member candidate list for the Thiruvananthapuram corporation while finalising the names for the remaining five corporations and other local bodies. Both the CPM and BJP are yet to release their candidates list, making Congress the first to make a decisive start in the local body election preparation. In a surprise decision, the party has fielded former MLA and KPCC general secretary K S Sabarinathan, as the mayor candidate in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation. The leadership has projected this as a model to be followed in other corporations. In Kochi corporation, KPCC general secretary Deepti Mary Varghese will contest, while in Thrissur corporation KPCC secretary John Daniel is on the list. These decisions are the outcome of the brainstorming session held in Wayanad under the banner Mission-2025, a KPCC office-bearer said. For the first time, the party has entrusted six seniors with the charge of corporations - Opposition leader V D Satheesan (Ernakulam) three former KPCC presidents - Ramesh Chennithala (Kozhikode), K Muraleedharan (Thiruvananthapuram), K Sudhakaran (Kannur), working president P C Vishnunath (Kollam) and AICC secretary Roji M John (Thrissur). The 2020 local body election results were disastrous for the party as we lost five corporations except Kannur. In Ernakulam and Thrissur, we lost power because of rebels. Having lost two consecutive assembly elections, this local body election is a do or die battle for Congress, said a senior leader. According to party sources, the current blueprint was proposed by AICC general secretary K C Venugopal during the Mission 2025 session in Wayanad. Venugopal reportedly advised the state leadership to field former MLAs and senior leaders in the local body elections. Apart from Sabarinathans name, he also suggested that former minister V S Sivakumar contest in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, said a leader who attended the meeting. The party has given top priority to strengthening its base in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, where it currently has only eight councillors. If we fail to perform well here, it will have a direct impact in the southern districts in the assembly election, said a senior office-bearer. To prevent the emergence of rebel candidates, the leadership has directed the district Congress presidents and KPCC leaders not to propose any names other than those recommended by ward committees.
National awards did not deserve Mammookka, says Prakash Raj
THRISSUR: The national awards didnt deserve Mammootty and no one could compete with his portrayal of Koduman Potti in the film Bramayugam, chairman of the state film awards jury Prakash Raj said on Monday. Justifying the jurys selection of Mammootty, whom he referred to as Mammookka, as best actor at a time when many young actors are also vying for the honour, Prakash Raj told reporters that being a senior actor cannot be a disqualification for the award In fact, there is a lot that young actors can learn from senior actors, including Mammootty, he said. To a question on whether politics played a role in denying Mammootty the national award, the noted actor responded that it was clear for all to see. It became certain when some random files and piles received the recognition. While extending the invite to chair the jury, according to Prakash Raj, the state government promised not to interfere in the decision making. He said that though Malayalam movies are well appreciated across the country, only 10% of films that were submitted for the awards met the necessary standard. This should change -- there is a huge expectation from Malayalam films. He added that crafting a movie like Manjummel Boys from a true story was no simple task and the team did well. To a question on Vedan being selected best lyricist, he said that Vedan stood out with his song and his selection was a break with tradition. Prakash Raj urged the state government to appoint a committee to scrutinise films to receive public funding. It is taxpayer money and funds should be sanctioned to films that meet a certain quality. It is definitely a great gesture to empower people to do films, he added.
Desi breeds no longer the preferred choice of Kerala Polices K9 squad
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Here is something to chew on. Desi dog breeds, loved by police and paramilitary forces across the country due to their climate resilience and impressive capabilities, are not or at least, no longer the favourites of the Kerala Police. Surprisingly, the Kerala Police were the pioneers when it came to drafting indigenous canine breeds to the K9 squad and training them as sniffers. In 2019, much before other states had warmed up to the idea, Keralas K9 unit had drafted a Mudhol Hound, two Chippiparai and two Kanni dogs. In 2020, another batch of 12 Chippiparai and Kanni dogs were added. Many of them were trained to become efficient sniffers, breaking the conventional thinking that the desi breeds could only perform guard duties. However, the state polices interest in these breeds has since dwindled. Though Keralas K9 squad made multiple purchases after 2020, indigenous breeds were overlooked, as the officials favoured exotic dogs. This, even as several police units and paramilitary forces, including the Border Security Force, continue to draft native breeds into their dog squads. It is largely due to lack of interest among top cops, said a source with the Kerala Police. The decision to draft desi breeds was taken when Loknath Behera was the state police chief. Not only are these breeds sturdier and better at adapting than many other breeds, but purchasing them is also easy on the pocket. They are also easier to handle. Mudhol Hound is predominantly seen in Karnataka and Maharastra, while Chippiparai and Kanni hail from Tamil Nadu. Ramesh P, who had trained the dogs at the Kerala Police Academy in Thrissur, said desi dog breeds were equally good compared to exotic breeds and responded really well to training. What matters the most is the age of the pups. If we get pups that are two months old considered the ripe age for starting training the outcome will be good, he said. Ramesh said once desi pups were taught obedience, they fared better. The Kerala Police were the first to successfully experiment with having desi breeds as scent hounds, he said. The indigenous breeds, Ramesh said, were found to be sturdier, more disease-resistant and terrain-adaptive. They could withstand the tropical climate better than exotic breeds, work longer hours, and were even playful while searching for articles during training. Their maintenance and handling were also easy and they stayed calm even during disturbances, Ramesh said. A source in the K9 squad said desi breeds are also cheaper to purchase than exotic breeds. However, due to reluctance of top officials who did not want to think out of the box, exotic breeds were casually selected, he said. According to the source, the batch of desi dogs in the K9 unit is in the last phase of career as police dogs are expected to be in service for nine to 10 years at most. Kerala Polices K9 squad has 142 members. There are plans to augment the bench strength by drafting 38 new canines.
Rajan exhorts all to be part of the journey towards Nava Keralam
Minister inaugurates the Vision 2031 Cultural Seminar organised by the Department of Culture in Thrissur
BJP invites Thrissur Mayor M.K. Varghese to its fold
Mayor had said that he would not contest the upcoming elections or campaign for the Left Democratic Front. He also said he was open to working with those who shared his vision
Manjummel Boys and Bramayugam dominated the 55th Kerala State Film Awards 2025, celebrating stellar performances from Mammootty and Shamla Hamza. Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian announced the prestigious awards in Thrissur, where a jury led by Prakash Raj meticulously selected winners from 128 entries. This year's ceremony highlighted Malayalam cinema's vibrant talent and compelling narratives.
Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian will announce the awards for 2024 at a press conference in Thrissur at 3.30 p.m.
Water resources report calls for district-specific management planning
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rainfall in Kerala in 2024 showed marked differences across districts, with northern regions receiving heavy monsoon showers while several central and southern districts experienced deficits. The findings in the report Kerala Water Resources Assessment 2024, prepared by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), highlights that early southwest monsoon rainfall is decreasing in south-central districts while northern districts are seeing increasing rainfall in September. These spatial and seasonal variations underscore the need for district-specific planning for reservoirs, irrigation schedules, flood and landslide preparedness, and urban drainage systems to ensure climate-resilient water and agriculture management across the state. CWRDM executive director Manoj P Samuel told TNIE that the study was done by analysing district-wise monthly rainfall data from 1970 to 2024. Theres a shift in the pattern, and though Kerala is receiving rain, it isnt distributed evenly. These shifts in the rain pattern have direct implications for reservoir rule curves, irrigation advisories, flood and landslide risk management, and urban drainage planning, Manoj said. The state requires district-specific strategies, he pointed out. In 2024, Kasaragod and Kozhikode recorded over 3,800 mm of rainfall, with the southwest monsoon contributing up to 81% of the total, while Wayanad, Idukki and Ernakulam saw totals exceeding 3,500 mm. Central districts such as Kottayam and Thrissur received around 3,200-3,750 mm and southern districts including Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam recorded lower totals between 2,078 mm and 2,675 mm, reflecting a more balanced contribution from both monsoons. We have presented analyses for each district so that the stakeholder agencies can plan accordingly. For instance, districts with lower rainfall could face drought and action can be taken accordingly, Manoj said. He said CWRDM has done a grassroot-level study to identify water-stressed local bodies in the state. There are around 286 drought-affected wards in the state. For water, agri mgmt Spatial and seasonal variations underscore the need for district-specific planning to ensure climate-resilient water and agriculture management across the state
Thrissur completes preparations for SIR of voters list
The Election Commission has scheduled the form distribution and collection period from November 4 to December 4.
Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat launch likely on November 7; Railway Board announces timings
KOCHI: In happy news for hundreds of students, techies, and businesspersons based in Bengaluru, the new Vande Bharat Express train between Ernakulam Junction and KSR Bengaluru will begin services next week, with the official inauguration tentatively slated for November 7. According to the schedule announced by the Railway Board on October 31, train no 26651 Bengaluru-Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express will depart from KSR Bengaluru at 5.10am and reach Ernakulam Junction at 1.50pm. In the return direction, train no 26652 will leave Ernakulam Junction at 2.20pm to reach KSR Bengaluru at 11pm. The daily train, which will take eight-and-a-half hours to cover the distance, will have only two stops in Kerala -- Thrissur and Palakkad. The Vande Bharat from Bengaluru will arrive at Palakkad at 11.28am and Thrissur at 12.28pm. En route to Bengaluru, the train will reach Thrissur at 3.17pm and Palakkad at 4.35pm. The train will also stop at Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem and Jolarpettai in Tamil Nadu and at Krishnarajapuram in Karnataka. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is tentatively slated to inaugurate the four new Vande Bharat trains virtually, including the Bengaluru-Ernakulam train, on November 7. A special service for VIPs and dignitaries will be conducted from Ernakulam to Bengaluru on the day. The date of commencement of regular commercial operations will be announced later, a senior railway official said. This will be the third Vande Bharat Express operating through Kerala and the fourth to be operated by the Thiruvananthapuram division, the official added. The new Vande Bharat train will have an operating speed of 160km per hour, subject to track conditions. The fare will be lower than that of the Special Vande Bharat service briefly operated in the section last year. The Vande Bharat from Bengaluru will arrive at Palakkad at 11.28am and Thrissur at 12.28pm. Slight change in timing sought Earlier, the special Vande Bharat tri-weekly service on the route ran to almost full capacity, but the Railways discontinued the same reportedly due to the development work at Cantonment and KSR Bengaluru stations. Ernakulam-Bengaluru is a premium, high-demand route. In future, the journey time is set to be reduced further with the introduction of the automatic signalling system in the section. Plenty of technology professionals and students from Kerala are based in Bengaluru. And now, with most of the companies extending the work from home facility, their travelling needs have increased hugely, having to report at the office two or three days a week. At the same time, demands have risen to tweak the timing of the service to ensure metro connectivity. The train is scheduled to reach Bengaluru at 11pm, when the last metro would have left. Similarly, the passengers will find it difficult to reach the station so early (5.10am) to catch the train to Ernakulam. The Railways should consider these aspects too, said P Krishna Kumar of the Thrissur Railway Passengers Association.
Kerala Kalamandalam selects first vice-chancellor KG Paulose for Mukunda Raja award
KOCHI: Recognising his efforts in developing the institution into a deemed university, Kerala Kalamandalam has selected first vice-chancellor KG Paulose for the Mukunda Raja Smrithi Puraskaram. It was Mukunda Raja of Manakulam Kovilakam who helped Vallathol Narayana Menon to establish the Kalamandalam. While it was Vallathol who established Kalamandalam, Mukunda Raja was the architect of the institution. He carried the institution on his shoulders to tide over the financial crises. Though Kalamandalam was started at Kunnamkulam, it was shifted to a bungalow owned by Mukunda Raja at Mulakunnathukavu in Thrissur later. In 1938, the Kochi ruler allocated one hectare of land on the banks of river Nila. It is a great honour to receive an award in his name, said Paulose. A 12-member jury chaired by writer Manoj Kurur selected 25 artists for various fellowships, awards and endowments of the deemed university. Kalamandalam vice-chancellor B Ananthakrishnan and registrar P Rajesh Kumar announced the list of award winners in Kochi on Saturday. The awardees include M D Suresh Babu (MKK Nair Award for Lifetime Achievement), kathakali musician Kalamandalam V Subrahmanian (Kakkad Karanavappad Fellowship), thullal artist Kalamandalam Prabhakaran (Thakazhi Kunjukurup Fellowship) and kathakali artist Kalamandalam MPS Namboothiri (Pattikkamthodi Ravunnimenon Fellowship), idakka artist Tripunithura Krishnadas (ASN Nambeesan Award), among others. The award winners will be given cash prizes, plaques and citations. The award presentation ceremony will be announced later.
Thrissur Mayor M.K. Varghese declares he wont campaign for LDF in local polls
I will cooperate with the political party that matches my ideology, says Mayor Varghese
Bengaluru-Kochi Vande Bharat Express schedule announced
The Ministry of Railways has announced the schedule for the new Bengaluru-Kochi Vande Bharat Express, set to begin operations soon. This new service will connect KSR Bengaluru and Ernakulam Junction, becoming the third Vande Bharat route in Kerala. The train will make stops at Krishnarajapuram, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, and Thrissur.
Railway Board announces timing for Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express train
KASARAGOD: The Railway Board announced the timing for Kerala's third Vande Bharat Express train between Ernakulam and KSR Bengaluru. Railway commuters from the state hailed it as a Kerala Piravi day gift from Railways. According to a communication from the railway board on October 31, Train No. 26651 KSR Bengaluru - Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express will depart from KSR Bengaluru at 5.10 a.m. and arrive at Ernakulam at 1.50 p.m. Between destinations, the VB will arrive at Krishnarajapuram at 5.23 a.m.and depart at 5.25 a.m., arrive at Salem at 8.13 a.m. and depart at 8.15 a.m., arrive at Erode at 9 a.m. and depart at 9.05 a.m., arrive at Tiruppur at 9.45 a.m. and depart at 9.47 a.m., arrive Coimbatore at 10.33 a.m. and depart at 10.35 a.m., arrive at Palakkad at 11.28 a.m. and depart at 11.30 a.m., arrive at Thrissur at 11.28 a.m. and depart at 11.30 a.m. and reach Ernakulam at 1.50 p.m. In return direction, Train No. 22652 Ernakulam - KSR Bengaluru VB will leave Ernakulam at 2.20 p.m. and reach KSR Bengaluru at 11 p.m. Between destinations, the train will arrive at Thrissur at 3.17 p.m. and depart at 3.20 p.m., arrive at Palakkad at 4.35 p.m. and depart at 4.37 p.m., arrive at Coimbatore at 5.20 p.m. and depart at 5.23 p.m., arrive at Tiruppur at 6.03 p.m. and depart at 6.05 p.m., arrive at Erode at 6.45 p.m. and depart at 6.50 p.m., arrive at Salem at 7.18 p.m. and depart at 7.20 p.m., arrive at Krishnarajapuram at 10.23 p.m. and depart at 10.25 p.m. to reach KSR Bengaluru at 11 p.m. The train will be maintained at Bengaluru yard, the release said.
Over 10,000 families get land titles across the State
Revenue Minister K. Rajan inaugurates a State-level Pattaya Mela in Thrissur. A total of 1,349 pattayams distributed across Thrissur district and 225 handed over personally by the Minister at the Town Hall.
TN ignores Keralas protest, proceeds with Aliyar project
KOCHI: The Tamil Nadu government decision to implement a 2,400-MW pumped storage project at Aliyar dam ignoring Keralas concerns has lead to unease between the neighbours. While the two states are engaged in a perennial tussle over the Mullaperiyar dam, disputes over sharing of water from the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project (PAP) too have been simmering for decades. Though Kerala Additional Chief Secretary Biswanath Sinha wrote to TN Water Resources secretary J Jayakanthan on October 18 expressing concern over the proposal, the neighbour is seemingly in no mood to listen. On October 26, the Tamil Nadu Infrastructure Development Board (TNIDB) invited application from empanelled consultants for selection of transaction advisor to assist the project. The TN government plans to implement the project in public private partnership (PPP) mode at an estimated cost of Rs 11,721 crore. The Aliyar Pumped Storage Project, planned across the Aliyar river in the Bharathapuzha river basin, will utilise the hydraulic head available between the existing upper and lower Aliyar reservoirs to meet the peak demand for six hours daily. As per the PAP Agreement, TN has to release 7.25 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) water into Chittoor river through Mankadavu weir every year. Measures will be taken to protect rights of state, says Roshy Augustine In his letter, Sinha pointed out that the project may have adverse impact on the realisation of Keralas share from PAP. As the plan is to pump back the water to Upper Aliyar, it would negatively affect the downstream discharge to Manakadavu, he pointed out. There are reports that TN has prepared a pre-feasibility report and preparation of the tender bid document is under way. It is said that Adani Green Energy Limited has expressed interest in investing in the project. As per the PAP agreement, all construction, diversion and generation work in Aliyar river falls under the pact. However, the matter has not been discussed in the Joint Water Regulation Board meeting between the two states. Hence, the proposed construction of the pumped storage project without the concurrence of Kerala constitutes a clear violation of the provisions of the agreement. Tamil Nadus unilateral action to proceed with the project without obtaining Keralas consent is therefore a breach of agreement. I would like to request that all actions towards establishing the project be halted forthwith and the stipulations of the PAP agreement be strictly abided by, Sinha said in the letter. Responding to reports that TNIDB has invited proposals for selection of transaction advisor, Water Resources Minister Roshy Augustine said steps will be taken to protect the rights of the state. We are waiting for TNs response to the letter sent by water resources additional chief secretary. We can discuss future course of action after receiving the response, he told TNIE. Meanwhile, experts in interstate water disputes opine that Kerala should approach Central Electrical Authority, Central Water Commission and the Ministry of Environment and Forest if TN refuses to address the states concerns. Another option is to approach the Supreme Court. As per Section 3 of the Inter State River Water Dispute Act, if it appears to a state that a water dispute with another state has arisen or is likely to arise in the waters of an interstate river or river valley, we can raise the failure of the other state to implement the terms of any agreement relating to the use, distribution or control of such waters, and request the Centre to refer the dispute to a Tribunal for adjudication. Under PAP agreement, Kerala has claim over 21 TMC of water in three entitlements. Tamil Nadu has to release 7.25 TMC of water to Chittoor river from Manakadavu weir. At Sholayar in Thrissur, TN has to release 12.3 TMC from Upper Sholayar for power generation and irrigation. The Kerala Sholayar dam has to be filled to full reservoir level on September 1 and February 1. The third entitlement is in Idamalayar river. TN has to release 1.43 TMC of water from Upper Nirar weir between October 1 and January 31.
Vision 2031 cultural seminar in Thrissur on November 3
Discussions to focus on Keralas secular, humanist and cultural vision for the future
Portable ABC unit launched at Thiruvananthapuram's Nedumangad
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a bid to enhance stray dog management and control its population, the state has launched the first-ever portable ABC centre on Wednesday at Nedumangad municipality in Thiruvananthapuram. Inaugurating the unit, Animal Husbandry Minister J Chinchurani announced that seven more portable ABC units in Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kannur districts will be implemented this financial year. This is the first step towards finding a sustainable solution to the stray dog menace that has become a growing public concern. The government has earmarked Rs 12 crore in this years budget to expand the portable ABC model, which will help implement sterilisation and vaccination programmes efficiently, without any hindrances often faced by static centres, said Chinchurani. The Nedumangad municipality has provided the land, water, and electricity facilities for the unit which is equipped with an air-conditioned operation theatre. The unit will initially sterilise stray dogs in the municipality, with a team of two veterinary surgeons carrying out 7 to 10 sterilisation surgeries per day over the next 45 days. The government has fixed a rate of Rs 2,200 per animal. Municipality chairperson Sreeja C S said it was a matter of pride that Nedumangad became the first local body in the country to launch a portable ABC centre. This innovative model will make stray dog management more practical, humane, and efficient, she said. Sterilised dogs will be housed in 35 specially designed cages near the centre for four to five days after surgery, during which they will receive medical care, food, and anti-rabies vaccination before being released back to their original locations.
Five Kerala men held in Rs 4.5 crore highway robbery
KANCHEEPURAM: In a major breakthrough, Kancheepuram police have arrested five men from Kerala for their alleged role in the Rs 4.5-crore highway robbery that took place near Aathupudur in August. The gang had waylaid a car transporting cash from Bengaluru to Chennai and escaped with the money after abducting two drivers. Police identified the accused as Santhosh, Sujithlal, Jayan, Kurukan alias Murugan and Kunju Mohammad from Palakkad, Kollam, and Thrissur districts. Investigators said the group was part of a larger interstate network, with at least 13 others suspected to be involved. A special team has been sent to Kerala to trace the others. According to investigators, the crime was linked to a logistics company owned by Jatin (56) of Borivali, Mumbai, which has been transporting money and goods on commission since 2017. On August 20, the firm sent Rs 4.5 crore in an SUV from Bengaluru to Sowcarpet, through its drivers Piyush Kumar and Devendra Patel. As the vehicle approached Aathupudur, three cars intercepted it. The gang, armed with knives, allegedly abducted the drivers and sped away with the cash-laden car. Near Arcot in Ranipet, they shifted the money to another vehicle, abandoned the SUV and drivers, and fled. Jatin, upon information, rushed to Tamil Nadu and lodged a complaint with the Kancheepuram police. Following weeks of investigation under the supervision of SP Shanmugam, the Kerala-based gang was tracked down and arrested and remanded. Police said further investigation is under way to recover the stolen cash and identify the remaining suspects. Special team sent to Kerala to nab others involved Police identified the accused as Santhosh, Sujithlal, Jayan, Kurukan alias Murugan and Kunju Mohammad. Investigators said the group was part of a larger interstate network. A special team has been sent to Kerala to trace the others
Kerala set to roll out Time Bank for elderly care; pilot from today
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an effort to create a support network for senior citizens, the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC) is preparing to roll out the Time Bank initiative across the state. The project allows people to volunteer their time to assist the elderly and earn time credits that can later be redeemed when they need help themselves. The initiative offers a range of services, including driving, cooking, laundry, shopping, cleaning, medication reminders and companionship. The pilot will run from today in Elikulam panchayat, Kottayam, where around 7,000 persons have been identified for assistance. The digital platform for the project was developed by students of Wayanad Government Engineering College. Volunteers record their service hours through the website, and the saved time is credited to their account for future use. Based on the success of the pilot, K-DISC plans to collaborate with the social justice department to expand the project statewide. The panchayats will receive links to register elderly users and volunteers. Initially, the system will function through a website, and later it will be converted into a web application. Based on the feedback from users, we will make interface changes to make it more user-friendly. The panchayat has already identified the elderly population in need of support, said M P Gilesh, project guide and professor of computer science at Thrissur Government Engineering College. Senior citizens can register on the Time Bank website by entering their name, email ID, gender, phone number, address, and police verification details. Once verified by the admin, users can access their account and update their profile, including location and service preferences. The select services feature allows them to choose the type of help they need whether its cooking, driving, companionship, or medication reminders and schedule the time and date. The system then displays the nearest available volunteers, and once one is selected, a request is sent. The profile also includes an emergency call feature. With one click, the nearest palliative care centre is alerted, receiving the persons details and initiating a call for urgent assistance. Volunteers undergo a similar registration process, including mandatory police verification. After approval, they can specify the services they are willing to offer and update their location. The rate elder feature allows them to provide feedback on their interactions. Volunteers receive notifications of requests from elders and can accept or decline them. Once accepted, they must enter a start and end OTP which is sent to the elderly persons email. The system then records the time served, which volunteers can track through their dashboard. Each volunteer is also issued an ID card. Institutions can register on the platform as well. They can add volunteers, track active services, and monitor requests through the notifications tab. Administrators can view all registered elders and volunteers, along with completed and pending services. Deepa P Gopinath, a consultant with K-DISC, said Thalassery block, in Kannur, has also expressed interest in adopting the model, with local engineering colleges expected to help with implementation. Through this initiative, K-DISC aims to build a culture of compassion and interdependence where time, not money, becomes the currency of care. We want geriatric care to be treated as a serious academic and social responsibility. This initiative is an effort in that direction. Kerala has already seen how powerful voluntary work can be during natural calamities. Districts such as Kottayam, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta face serious challenges in geriatric care. After the local-body elections, around January or February, we plan to engage with the newly elected members to take this forward in a structured manner, said P V Unnikrishnan, member secretary, K-DISC. register and avail services Senior citizens can register on the website by entering their name, email ID, gender, phone number, address, and police verification details Once verified by the admin, users can access their account and update their profile, including location and service preferences The profile also includes an emergency call feature. With one click, the nearest palliative care centre is alerted
Cultural fete of Bhavans schools in Thrissur on November 1
Higher secondary students from 25 Bhavans schools across the State will compete in 23 on-stage and off-stage events across 15 venues. Around 450 students will participate.
67th Kerala School Sports Meet: Hosts TPuram crowned champions as sun sets on eight thrilling days
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Eight thrilling days of action came to a close with hosts Thiruvananthapuram being crowned champions of the 67th Kerala School Sports Meet on Tuesday. The meet saw record-breaking performances, tight competitions across categories and emotional highs that carried the spirit of sportsmanship. A total of 17 new records in athletics and 17 in aquatics made this edition the one with the most record-breaking events. Spread across 12 venues, the event hosted nearly 9,000 competitions in close to 40 events. The meet went ahead as scheduled despite rain delays and venue changes, with some events like tug of war shifting thrice before finding ground. Hosts Thiruvananthapuram led from the first day, kept its dominance till the end and won the race for the Golden Cup. The meet also introduced new events, including kalaripayattu, yoga and fencing, with good participation witnessed from across the state. For the second time, inclusive events were held, but special educators pointed out that many venues still lacked ramps and basic facilities for the participants. Two new events, Cricket and Bocce were introduced for children with disabilities. Another highlight was the participation of female students from Gulf countries. The 15th district earned one silver medal and three points overall. The opening day saw in the pool as four new records were set. Aquatic events were the first to complete crowning the capital district. Thiruvananthapuram also won the games section. Track and field events were no less thrilling. Malappuram secured the athletics lead. J Nivedkrishna of Palakkad and Adithya Aji of Malappuram finished as the fastest runners in senior 100m categories. Deva Priya Shaibu of Idukki broke a 1987 record in sub-junior girls 100m by clocking 12.69 seconds. Athul T M of Alappuzha smashed a 1988 record in junior boys 100m, finishing in 10.81 seconds. One of the most emotional moments came from Kozhikodes Devananda V Biju of St Joseph HSS, who won the junior girls 200m while recovering from appendicitis. She broke the eight-year-old record with a timing of 24.96 seconds. General Education Minister V Sivankutty announced that a new house would be built for her family. The government will facilitate building of new houses for 50 participants, he said. More records fell in hurdles and discus throw events. A grand victory procession was held in the city to welcome the Chief Ministers Cup, a 117.5-sovereign gold trophy for the overall champs, for the first time in the events history. Despite a few age-related controversies, where questions were raised about a participants eligibility in certain categories and a probe is on, the meet stood out for the promise of a brighter sporting future. Roll of honour Overall Champions: TPuram (1,825 points) 1st runner-up: Thrissur (892 points) 2nd runner-up: Kannur (859 points) Best school (Athletics) 1. Ideal EHSS, Kadakassery (Malappuram): 78 points 2. VMHS, Vadavannur (Palakkad): 58 points 3. Navamukunda HSS, Thirunavaya (Malappuram): 57 points Best sports school (Athletics) 1. GV Raja Sports School, TPuram: 57 points 2. CSH Wayanad & SAI Kollam: 8 points 3. MA College Sports Hostel, Keerampara & SAI Thalassery: 5 points Toppers Athletics: Malappuram (247 points) Games: TPuram (1,107 points) Aquatics: TPuram (649 points)
CM opens countrys first designer zoo and Asias second largest at Puthur
Built on 338 acres, the world-class Thrissur Zoological park redefines the idea of a zoo from cages to coexistence. Designed by Australian architect Jon Coe, the park boasts nine zones that showcase diverse ecosystems.
TPuram set to retain golden glory @ School Olympics
As the golden cup of the ongoing Kerala State School Sports Meet was taken on a grand procession through the capital city, there were not many who doubted where the trophy would finally come to rest. After all, the host district Thiruvananthapuram had displayed such a stellar performance from the very first day of the meet, especially in aquatics and game events. Now, with less than one-tenth of the events to be complete, they were head and shoulders above the rest in the overall points table. The golden waters The waters of Dr BR Ambedkar International Aquatic Complex, Pirappancode, were indeed a gold mine for the host district. It earned a total of 649 points a staggering lead of 500 points to the first runner-up Thrissur (149) to emerge as the winners of the aquatics championship. Of the total 103 competitions held, Thiruvananthapuram struck gold in 73. Notably, 10 of the 16 new meet records set belonged to teenagers from the district. The performances of Aajushi Avantikaa S A of MVHSS Thundathil and Sreehari B of GVHSS Pirappancode were especially remarkable. Together they set six records between them and amassed 30 points in the sub-junior girls and senior boys categorically, respectively. The other notable performers were: Ebba Adila S and Vrinda R S (three gold medals each in junior girls category); Mongam Yagna Sai (three gold medals in junior boys), Vidhya Lekshmi R and Dhakshina Bijo P (three gold medals each in senior girls), and Kausthubnath J (three gold medals in senior boys). Of the top 10 performing schools in aquatics, eight were from the capital, including the top scoring MVHSS Thundathil. Save for sub-junior boys category, the city also topped in all others at the sports meet. Game on! While aquatics ensured a safe margin for the capital, it is the performances in game events which contributed significantly towards the increase of said margin. The players gained over 110 gold medals, ensuring that Thiruvananthapuram has a clear lead in four of the six categories (except sub-junior and senior girls). The host district won gold in hockey, tennis, badminton and kho-kho in both the boys and girls categories. Medals were also earned in boxing, judo, taekwondo and fencing. The performance of St Josephs HSS in gymnastics was notable, especially that of its two talents: Harigovind G R and Minhaj S Saj. Between them, they won five gold and one silver medal in the events sub-junior and senior boys categories, respectively. Domination With 37 gold, 13 silver and 20 bronze medals, GV Raja Sports School (240 points) was the standout performer at the meet. Overall 1. TPuram 1,810 points (202 gold, 145 silver, 170 bronze) 2. Thrissur 870 points (90 gold, 54 silver, 107 bronze) 3. Kannur 843 points (81 gold, 76 silver, 85 bronze) Games (*ongoing) 1. TPuram - 1,107 points 2. Kannur - 798 points 3. Thrissur - 694 points Athletics* 1. Malappuram - 187 points 2. Palakkad - 167 points 3. Kozhikode - 76 points 4. TPuram - 54 points 5. Ernakulam - 46 points Top schools of TPuram 1. GV Raja Sports School - 256 points 2. MVHSS Thundathil - 118 points 3. St Josephs HSS - 115 points 4. GVHSS Pirappancode - 72 points 5. SAI TPuram - 60 points
Old Facebook post on Kochi Metro link to Thrissur resurfaces as Suresh Gopi denies earlier claim
Wells refill as the groundwater level rises by 1.6m in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The groundwater level in Kerala has risen by an average of 1.6m this year, according to a preliminary assessment made by the state groundwater department last month. The finding is based on monthly data collected from 819 observation wells across the state, including 446 open wells and 373 borewells, over the past 10 days. Officials attributed the increase to consistent rainfall and groundwater recharge initiatives implemented by the state government since 2020. The government has initiated several efforts to ensure groundwater recharge through various initiatives. This, along with good rainfall, has contributed to the rise, a senior official with the groundwater department told TNIE. The Annual Extractable Groundwater Quantity (AEGQ) has also shown steady improvement from 5 billion cubic metres in 2023 to 5.13 billion cubic metres in 2024. Officials expect the figure to continue increasing this year as well considering the rain and the indications in the preliminary report. Preliminary data indicate that groundwater levels have risen across most districts, with Kasaragod recording the highest average rise of 3m, followed by Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode, where levels increased by 2m each. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kottayam, Malappuram, Palakkad, and Thrissur reported an average rise of around 1 metre. However, the department noted that a few regions have reported a slight drop in groundwater levels. A noticeable decline was observed in open wells in Kazhakoottam (Thiruvananthapuram), Tirurangadi (Malappuram), and Kanhangad (Kasaragod), while borewells in Kollam corporation (Kollam), Konni and Ranni (Pathanamthitta), Areekode (Malappuram), and Parakkadavu (Ernakulam) also showed lower levels. Though the exact extent of decline is not available, sources said the drop is estimated to be between 0.5 and 1m. The expert team of the groundwater department is carrying out a detailed assessment in these areas to identify the reasons behind the variation. There can be multiple reasons for the drop over-extraction by industries, lack of conservation efforts, or population growth in certain regions. The preliminary findings help us identify areas that require more attention. The detailed report, expected by the end of this year, will recommend measures for sustainable management of groundwater resources, a senior scientist said. Officials stressed that the conservation and recharge efforts must continue to sustain the positive trend. Deeper relief Average rise: 1.6 metres in groundwater level across the state Highest increase: Kasaragod (3 m), followed by Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode (2 m each). Areas with decline: Slight drop (0.5-1m) in parts of Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, and Kasaragod districts. Next step: Detailed study under way; final report expected by the end of the year to guide groundwater management policies (Data source: 819 observation wells -- 446 open wells and 373 borewells -- under groundwater department, Kerala)
Heavy rains lash Kerala; fishermen dies in Alappuzha, IMD issues orange alert for northern districts
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds lashed several districts across Kerala on Monday, causing waterlogging in low-lying areas, officials said. In Alappuzha district, a fisherman died after his boat capsized near the Arthunkal coast following strong winds. Police identified the deceased as Paul Devasia, a native of Arthunkal. He had gone out fishing early in the morning, and though other fishermen rescued him from the water, he later died, police said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Kozhikode, Kasaragod, and Kannur districts, indicating the possibility of rainfall between 115.6 mm and 204 mm within 24 hours. A yellow alert has also been issued for Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, and Alappuzha districts, where rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm is likely. The IMD further warned of strong winds across all districts in the state. Officials said heavy rain was reported in the northern districts since early morning, leading to waterlogging in parts of Kozhikode city, where water entered several shops near the KSRTC bus station. Intense rainfall was also reported in the high-range regions of Malappuram and Kannur, while strong winds battered coastal areas. Rain intensified in the central Kerala districts, including Ernakulam and Alappuzha, during the morning hours, authorities added. Fishermen have been cautioned against venturing into the sea owing to rough weather conditions.
Kerala School Sports Meet: Thiruvananthapuram closes in on Golden Cup
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With just two days left before curtains fall on the 67th Kerala State School Sports Meet, host Thiruvananthapuram is moving closer to the overall championship, cruising past 1,500 points, far ahead of its rivals. The district retains its lead with 175 gold, 126 silver and 147 bronze medals, taking its point tally to 1,557. Thrissur is in second place with 740 points, winning 79 gold, 42 silver and 84 bronze medals. Palakkad, owing to a strong performance in athletics, is third with 669 points, having bagged 53 gold, 70 silver and 76 bronze medals. Stellar performances in both games and aquatics were crucial in Thiruvananthapurams rise. The district secured the championship trophy in aquatics, which concluded on Saturday, with 73 gold, 63 silver and 46 bronze, totalling 649 points. In games, Thiruvananthapuram continues to shine, leading with 95 gold, 58 silver and 98 bronze medals, accumulating 855 points. In athletics, Palakkad remains dominant. It has secured 20 gold, 13 silver and eight bronze medals for a total of 162 points. Malappuram follows with 149 points, while Kozhikode stands third with 75. For the first time in the history of the meet, kalaripayattu was featured, with events held at the Central Stadium on Sunday. A meet record was also set in athletics by Sreehari Karikkan of GV Raja Sports School in junior boys hurdles.
Thrissur Zoological Park: Close encounters of the wild kind
THRISSUR: Its a jungle out there, and you are invited! Fancy watching a tiger strut its stuff or a giraffe stroll around your neck of the woods? If thats something up your alley, look no further than the Thrissur Zoological Park Wildlife Conservation & Research Centre. The Puthur facility, which is slated for soft opening on Tuesday by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, promises to be an ideal destination for nature and animal lovers -- and all those in search of a wild time. Designed by Jon Coe, the zoological park will be Indias first designer zoo spread over 336 acres in a forest-like atmosphere. The landscape-immersive approach of the legendary Australian zoo designer promises to be more liberating for animals and a not-to be-missed experience for visitors. And, the animals seem to be cosying up to their new surroundings. Hemu, one of the tigers, cant stop surveying his territory -- with its spacious enclosure and multiple hideouts. Though Peechi and Ramavarmapuram were also considered for the park, the lot fell on Puthur owing to its thriving bamboo cover and surrounding hills, which are an extension of the Western Ghats. Jon visited Puthur in 2012. He was very happy with the location and said it would be appropriate in providing a natural habitat for the animals. His design incorporates the hills and valleys and makes use of the terrain to the benefit of the animals, says M Peethambaran, secretary of the Friends of Zoo, an environmental group. When deer died in large numbers at the old zoo in Thrissur, it was Friends of Zoo that played a major role in exerting pressure on successive governments to set up the park in Puthur. Woolly necked stork at Puthur Zoo In keeping with the the landscape, Jon designed the space with utmost care. Instead of cages, he introduced trenches and transparent glass to separate enclosures from the paths of visitors. The park has 23 enclosures and will host 70 species of animals including those endemic to the Western Ghats, such as the Nilgiri tahr, and several from aborad, including the giraffe and the common eland. All the animals from Thrissur Zoo are being shifted to Puthur. As the number of deer at the zoological park will be limited to 70, the remaining ones from the old zoo will be shifted to the deer safari park being developed here, said Revenue Minister K Rajan. He added that KSRTCs CNG buses would be used to move visitors within the facility. A 7km-long walkway runs the entire stretch of the zoo, and features steep climbs. It will take visitors at least a full day to take in the park and what it has to offer -- with the local flora and fauna and photo-friendly spots promising to elevate the experience. Key attractions Silent Valley Zone, landscaped to recreate the sights & sounds of the Silent Valley rain forest African Zululand Zone, which will feature giraffe & zebra, among other animals Great Aviary Zone will showcase a wide variety of birds, including water birds, macaws, and migratory birds Asiatic lion and Bengal tiger will also be on display The green anaconda promises to be a major draw at the Reptile Zone Petting Zoo will host pet animals and create awareness about compassion towards other living beings Hologram Zoo will employ virtual reality (VR) to provide in-depth information about wild animals & their habitats Hemu, the tiger on a day out at Puthur Zoo Puthur on the path of progress With the opening of the park, Puthur, a remote village on the lap of the Western Ghats, will be transformed, with local residents preparing to welcome visitors from around the globe. From new hotels to other recreational centres, Puthur has already started to attract investments. The land value in the region has already risen manifold with the zoo expected to attract 12,000 to 20,000 visitors every day. KIIFB funding made the project a reality Though initial steps to bring the zoological park to Puthur were taken by govts under V S Achuthanandan & Oommen Chandy, the meagre amounts allocated in state budgets were never enough to realise the project. In 2016, the LDF government cleared the way for Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) to fund the zoo. The central public works dept was entrusted with construction. Of the J371 crore spent on the project, J331 crore was provided by KIIFB, with the remaining J40 crore sourced from plan funds. An additional J17 crore has been sanctioned for infra devpt within the park. Restricted access till Jan 1 The park will be open to the public on Jan 1, 2026. Till then, entry will be restricted to school & college students, research scholars, and NGOs involved in environmental conservation activities, with prior permission Jon the man Considered a revolutionary in the field of zoo-exhibit design, Jon Coe has carried out around 160 planning and design projects for over 82 zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, theme parks & national parks in 13 countries. With over six decades of experience, the Australian counts the immersive display of orangutans and Sumatran tigers at Adelaide Zoo, Ocean Park in Hong Kong, Frankfurt Zoo, and Bali Safari and Marine Park among his major achievements. In 2009, Jon was invited to prepare the master plan for the Puthur zoological park. He visited the village in 2012. His design for the facility incorporates a landscape-immersive approach. Indian Gaur shifted from old zoo to Puthur Inception & conception 1885: Zoo opened in Thrissur at Viyyur, and named Viyyur Park 1913-14: Zoo is shifted to Chembukkavu, in the heart of the city 1985-86: Deer die in large numbers in zoo. Incident leads to calls for modernisation with improved space 1994: Thrissur zoo is denied approval to exhibit animals, as per World Zoo Conservation Strategy and Central Zoo Authority norms 1995: Efforts to shift Thrissur zoo to a more spacious location begin 1996: State government declares location identified in Puthur as wildlife sanctuary 1998: J5 lakh sanctioned in budget to set up a park in Puthur 2009: Jon Coe invited to prepare master plan 2010: Then CM V S Achuthanandan inaugurates construction of compound wall and project launch 2012: Jon visits Puthur on state governments special invitation 2013: Then CM Oommen Chandy lays foundation stone for construction 2016: Then finance minister announces KIIFB funding for zoological park in the budget speech 2021: Then Forest Minister K Raju marks completion of phase 1 construction work 2023: First animal exhibit, tigress Vaiga arrives at the zoo Oct 2: Peacocks from old Thrissur zoo moved in Oct 28, 2025: Zoological park to be inaugurated Jan 1, 2026: Facility to be opened to the general public
Thiruvananthapuram makes a big splash at State School Sports Meet.
Thiruvananthapuram garnered 649 points to finish way ahead of Thrissur (149 ponts) and Ernakulam (133) in the points table.
School Sports Meet: Records pour in on Day 4
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Marking the end of the fourth day, a total of 25 new records were set in a single day in the State School Sports Meet. Thiruvananthapuram has established a strong lead from the beginning. The host district tops the charts with 165 gold, 122 silver, and 138 bronze medals, amassing 1,472 points. Thrissur trails in second place with 694 points, having secured 76 gold, 38 silver, and 78 bronze medals. Palakkad stands third with 615 points, including 47 gold, 66 silver, and 73 bronze medals, while Kannur follows with 603 points. In aquatics, the competitions concluded with Thiruvananthapuram claiming the crown with 649 points. Thrissur managed 149 points to take second place, while Ernakulam earned 133 and Palakkad 49. In athletics, Palakkad continues its strong run with 16 gold, 11 silver, and six bronze medals, totalling 134 points so far. Malappuram follows with 112 points, Kozhikode with 73, and Kannur with 29. Out of 402 completed game events, Thiruvananthapuram has collected 799 points. Kannur holds the second position with 572 points, and Thrissur ranks third with 530.
Sprinters have a field day at 67th state school sports meet in T'Puram
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It was a day marked by multiple titles on the track and in the pool, and heartwarming moments at the 67th State School Sports Meet. On another physically draining day, Devananda V Biju rode the emotional roller-coaster, adding the junior girls 200m title to her victory in the blue-riband 100m a couple of days back despite suffering from appendicitis. On Saturday, she hit the tape in a meet record of 24.96s, obliterating the old mark of 25.13s set eight years ago. General Education Minister V Sivankutty added further excitement, announcing a new house for Devananda, after he heard her talking to reporters about her family not having a residence of their own. The fact that Devananda decided to take part in the meet despite suffering from appendicitis is an example of her dedication, the minister said. Adithya Aji of Navamukunda HSS won her third gold on the track, winning the senior girls 200m sprint. She had earlier picked up the 100m and 100m hurdles titles. J Nivedkrishna of GHSS Chittur also maintained his golden streak, breaking a 14-year-old record in the senior boys 200m with a time of 21.67s. He had been adjudged fastest boy of the meet after his 100m win. Athul T M of GDVHSS Charamangalam also added the 200m (21.97s) to his 100m win. In the process, he bettered the eight-year-old meet record of 21.87s Thiruvananthapuram continued to dominate the points table. The district won 73 gold to emerge champions in aquatics, amassing a total of 649 points. The team was followed by Thrissur (149) and Ernakulam (133). It was another record-breaking spree in the pool. After bagging gold in 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke in the sub junior girls category, Aajushi Avantikaa S A of MVHSS Thundathil, Thiruvananthapuram, went on to secure her third medal and record, winning the 100m free in 1:07.49. Double victory Education Minister V Sivankutty has announced a new house for athlete Devananda, after he heard her talking to reporters about her family not having a residence of their own.The fact that Devananda decided to take part in the meet despite suffering from appendicitis is an example of her dedication, he said.
Major robbery on ThrissurPalakkad National Highway; bus owner robbed of 75 lakh
Gang arrived in a car and escaped with the cash; police suspect insider involvement
Isolated heavy showers to continue in Kerala; yellow alert for six districts on October 26
Yellow alert for Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Thrissur
Rains Batter Kerala, Trigger Mudslides and Dam Alerts
Heavy downpour continues across Palakkad, Idukki, and Thrissur; authorities open dam shutters as water levels reach danger marks
Rains continue in Kerala, causing mudslides, rise in water levels of dams
Kerala is experiencing heavy rainfall. This has caused dam water levels to rise in Palakkad, Idukki, and Thrissur districts. Authorities have opened dam shutters. Tamil Nadu will release surplus water from Periyar Dam. This will increase the water discharge significantly. Minor mudslides have also occurred in Thiruvananthapuram.
School Sports Meet Day 3: Records fall, champions rise
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Capping the third day of the State School Sports Meet with record-breaking performances, Thiruvananthapuram continued its lead with 1,272 points, far ahead of Thrissur with 588 and Kannur with 506. The capital district bagged 145 gold, 104 silver and 124 bronze medals across various events. Palakkad maintained its edge in athletics, leading the category with 80 points after 31 events. Two new meet records were created in athletics. In senior boys 110m hurdles, Malappurams C K Fazalul Haque from Thirunavaya Navamukunda HSS clocked 13.78 seconds, erasing last years record of 13.97 seconds set by Thrissurs Vijayakrishna. In junior girls discus throw, Kasaragods Sona Mohan from Cheruvathur Kuttamath GHSS hurled 38.64 metres, surpassing the previous record of 37.73 metres set seven years ago by Thrissurs Athulya. The race walk event saw Palakkads long-standing dominance come to an end. In junior boys 5km race walk, Ernakulams Aloysius Boban from Karimpara St Stephens HSS won gold, while Malappurams Anwin Ashok and Idukkis Lal Krishnan secured the next spots. Malappuram also swept the top two positions in the junior girls 3km event through Niranjana P and Shikha K. In aquatic events, Thiruvananthapuram leads with 544 points, winning 61 gold, 51 silver and 37 bronze medals. Ernakulam, a distant second, managed 119 points while Thrissur followed with 114. Among schools, Thundathil M V HSS topped the best-performing list. As 82% of the aquatic competitions concluded, Thiruvananthapuram has secured the first place. Records poured in at the pool on Friday. With the days results, the total number of new records at the meet rose to thirteen.
CM to inaugurate Thrissur Zoological Park on Oct. 28
Thrissur declared free from extreme poverty
A total of 5,013 families in Thrissur district have now been officially declared free from extreme poverty
State governments stand on PM SHRI scheme a disgrace, says AISF
AISF stages protest in Thrissur against the State signing the PM SHRI agreement
Celebrating the theme Diversity and Resistance, the week-long festival will showcase over 52 films
Rain fails to dampen spirit on Day 2 of Kerala School Sports Meet in city
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite intermittent rain, the second day of the State School Sports Meet went ahead largely as planned. Minister for General Education and Labour V Sivankutty, speaking at a press meet held at the Central Stadium said that even under adverse conditions, officials managed to conduct and complete the scheduled events on time. As the second day of the week-long event concluded, Thiruvananthapuram topped the overall points table with 967 points, followed by Thrissur with 449 and Kannur with 426. Out of a total of 96 athletic events, 10 have been completed, while 56 of the 103 aquatic events and 324 of the 535 games have concluded. Thiruvananthapuram bagged 109 gold, 81 silver,109 bronze in total; followed by Thrissur with 48 gold, 25 silver and 57 bronze. Kannur is in the third position with 39 gold, 49 silver and 56 bronze. Palakkad leads in athletics with 38 points while Thiruvananthapuram dominated both aquatics and games with 336 and 626 points, respectively. Thiruvananthapuram claimed 38 gold, 33 silver, and 26 bronze medals in aquatic events. Ernakulam followed with 90 points, winning 7 gold, 11 silver, and 4 bronze, while Thrissur stood third with 72 points securing 7 gold, 6 silver, and 12 bronze. A highlight of the day was record-breaking performances in athletics and aquatics. New records in sub junior girls and junior boys were set in athletics. In aquatics, Pirappancode VHSS student Sreehari set a double record. Competing in the senior boys category, he set new records in both the 200-metre Individual Medley (IM) and freestyle events. Sreehari clocked 2:12.55 in the IM and 1:56.78 in freestyle. Meanwhile, participation in shooting events saw a rise this year. 261 students registered and 251 competed across three disciplines; up from around 200 when the event was held in Kochi last year. Officials attribute the growth to improved training opportunities and increasing interest among students, as more schools and academies now offer dedicated coaching. The Vattiyoorkavu range, hosting the event this year, has also upgraded its facilities, expanding from 16 lanes last year to 31,including 15 open-sight manual and 16 electronic lanes. Despite the showers, the enthusiasm of young athletes and the smooth coordination by officials ensured that the meet stayed on course.
Local anti-venom plan to shore up Keralas defences
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state is preparing to set up a venom collection unit at the Puthur Zoological Park Wildlife Conservation & Research Centre in Thrissur to develop region-specific anti-venom as it looks to shore up defences against snakes specific to Kerala. The forest department plans to make treatment for snakebites more effective by using venom extracted from rescued snakes across the state. The venom will be sent to serum production units outside Kerala to create anti-venom that can better counter the toxins of local species, which has been a long-standing gap in the states healthcare system. Assistant Conservator of Forests Mohammed Anvar said India produces a polyvalent anti-venom that works against four major species, the Russells Viper, Common krait, Indian cobra and Indian saw-scaled viper. These are responsible for most snakebite deaths nationally. However, Keralas biodiversity brings its own challenge: species like the hump-nosed viper, common in the Western Ghats, have no effective anti-venom available. Bites from these vipers are frequent and can cause serious complications, Anvar said. The officials note that heavy rain and flooding often drive snakes into homes and farmlands. Kerala recorded 31 snake-bite deaths in 2024-25, the lowest in 13 years. However, the department is making efforts to bring this down to zero. Also, in 2024, as many as 16,801 snakes were rescued from inhabited regions and released back into the wild. The rescued snakes venom can be collected at the centre for producing anti-venom. Locally collected venom can make anti-venom more potent and specific to regional species, Anvar said. Going by data, snake rescues were highest in the monsoon and pre-monsoon months between August and December. Snake activity and mating behaviour peak during this time where more bites are also recorded. In 2024, October recorded 1,956 rescues, the highest monthly figure, followed by December (1,755) and September (1,749). The proposal, currently in discussion stage, suggests the venom collected from the snakes captured by the forest department will be sent to serum institutes in exchange for anti-venom. Initial discussions have already been held with the industries department and Kerala Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd (KDPL), Alappuzha, to explore production options. The talks, attended by Forest Minister A K Saseendran and Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G Krishnan, are expected to be followed by further consultations with the health and education departments. While the earlier plan to set up a full-fledged anti-venom production facility within the state was shelved due to high investment and uncertain returns, the new step focusing on venom collection and collaboration with external serum institutes could finally bring the state closer to producing its own, more effective anti-venom, said Anvar.
Defending champions Thiruvananthapuram leads on day 1 of school sports meet
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Leading the points table with 668 points, defending champions Thiruvananthapuram sets the pace as the 67th State School Sports Meet got underway across 12 venues in the capital. The first day of the Olympics-model event saw young athletes giving energetic performances in athletics, aquatics, and games. Kannur follows with 388 points, while Kozhikode stands third with 324. With a smooth start to the week-long event, the stage is set for 513 competitions, including 20 inclusive events. Though occasional rains disrupted some events, competitions resumed with the help of efficient on-ground coordination. Thiruvananthapuram bagged 78 gold, 57 silver, 79 bronze on the first day while Kannur got 38 gold, 45 silver and 46 bronze medals. At third position, Kozhikode secured 30 gold, 38 silver and 45 bronze medals. Just one point away from Kozhikode is Thrissur, with with 34 gold, 18 silver and 42 bronze medals, with Ernakulam, Palakkad, Malappuram following behind. Specially-abled athletes put up confident performances across categories as inclusive events, held at five stadiums, concluded on Wednesday. The first day of the sports meet saw a new state record in swimming as Ajith Yadav from Sports Authority of India (SAI), Thrissur, completed the 50m butterfly sub-junior event in 27.99 seconds, breaking the previous record of 30 seconds held by Nikhil A R of SAI, Thiruvananthapuram. P J Johan Julian of Kalamassery Rajagiri HS broke the previous record as well, by completing the event in 28.89 seconds. Addressing the media in the evening, General Education Minister V Sivankutty said that this years edition places special emphasis on digital coordination, green protocol, and athlete welfare. A mobile app developed with IT department support helped complete the athlete verification and data updates.
Kerala's high ranges battered by rain; red alert issued in five districts
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Heavy rains, triggered by the northeast monsoon, continued to batter the high ranges of Kerala on Tuesday, flooding low-lying areas across the state. Most districts experienced overcast skies and intermittent rainfall throughout the day. The high ranges of Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur, Kozhikode, and the hill district of Idukki received widespread downpours. The Indian Meteorological Department issued an 'orange alert', forecasting hefty rainfall in Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram. Authorities declared a holiday for educational institutions in Idukki, Palakkad, and Malappuram on Wednesday, ahead of a 'red alert' predicting extremely heavy rainfall in these districts. The holiday applies to madrassas, anganwadis, and tuition centres in Malappuram. In Palakkad, residential schools, colleges, and Navodaya institutions are exempted, officials said. In view of the 'red alert', all water-based recreational activities in Idukki, including boating, kayaking, and rafting, as well as tourism initiatives in disaster-prone areas, have been suspended. Trekking and other adventure activities in hilly regions prone to landslides or mudslides must also remain suspended until the alert is lifted, authorities added. District collector Dinesan Cheruvat further banned all quarrying and soil excavation activities, except those related to disaster management operations, a statement said. A 'red alert' indicates heavy to extremely heavy rain of over 20 cm in 24 hours, while an 'orange alert' means very heavy rain of 11 cm to 20 cm.
11 districts in Kerala brace for intense rains on October 21
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad
From Kashmir to Thrissur: James hits home run with his saffron experiment
THRISSUR: As a spice, saffron often termed the red gold has always been highly coveted in the country and abroad. Of all the popular varieties, Kashmir saffron is considered the best in the world, given its deep-red colour, high crocin content, and aroma. But over the years, production has been hampered by several factors, including climate change, land conversion, pest and disease outbreaks, and market challenges. Coming to grips with this scenario in the global market, a Gulf returnee based in Puthur, Thrissur, ventured into saffron cultivation using aeroponics a soilless cultivation method whereby plants are grown with their roots exposed to air and receive nutrients and water through fogging or misting technology. James Kappan worked in the defence department in Saudi Arabia for 20 years before returning to his homeland full of hope and dreams. He initially tried his hands at the export business. It was during a trade fair that I came to know about the demand for saffron in the country. I studied the product and market, attended training programmes and collected saffron seeds aka corms from Kashmir. We planted them on September 6 and they have already started flowering, James said, adding that he intends to expand the farming. Even though India is the second largest producer of saffron in the world, the output is not sufficient to meet even half its consumption needs. Only 10% of saffron that is in demand is grown in India. The rest is imported from Iran, the largest producer. A saffron plant It is used as a spice in food and also in cosmetic products. A scientist with the National Chemical Laboratory in Pune has been guiding us in this experimental farming. Our first batch appears to be a success and soon more saffron bulbs will be ready for harvest, James said. He added that indoor cultivation reduced the risks. From construction of a room to installation of the right lighting facilities, racks, trays, the initial investment was relatively high. The right exposure to UV rays and controlled temperatures are key to a good harvest, said James. From the harvested flower, the stigma which is the actual spice is dried and packed. A kilogram of saffron costs Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000. It takes about 1 lakh bulbs to extract 1kg of the spice. Considering the demand across the country, quality saffron will always have a market here. This propels me to expand farming, James said, adding that once cultivation stabilises, he will actively market his product under the name Kashmiri kesar.
KSRTC to launch airline-model business class ride; hostess to serve food
KOCHI: A bus ride that rivals air travel. The KSRTC is set to launch an airline model business class bus service promising unprecedented luxury and speed to commuters. The premium offering, which will even have a hostess on board, is set to roll out upon the completion of the NH 66 widening work. Custom-designed coaches and on-board amenities, mirroring the comfort of a business class flight, will make the service a reality. A hostess will be deployed and light food will be served to passengers. The KSRTC is acquiring two 25-seater luxury buses featuring air suspension for a super-smooth ride. The tendering process will begin soon. The speciality will be the luxury seating. Were in talks with companies in Vietnam and China to import specially designed, electronically operated reclining seats. The seats are intended to offer maximum comfort, much like those found in an airlines business cabin. Each seat will have a smart TV and headphones. Passengers can connect their Android devices to play their own content or enjoy KSRTC-provided selections like songs and comedy film scenes, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar told TNIE . Another key feature is the airline-style food service. A hostess will be deployed, and a small pantry with a microwave will ensure hot food is served to passengers who pre-order meals with their tickets or purchase them on board. This system is designed to minimize fares by offering the food as an optional purchase, he said. The service is projected to cover the Thiruvananthapuram-Ernakulam sector in a remarkable four hours, or even just three-and-a-half hours, and is planned to be launched upon completion of the NH widening activities in the section, taking full advantage of the improved NH infrastructure. The buses will operate as non-stop express services, avoiding entry into bus stations to save time. The only planned stops will be at a chosen hotel or restroom for the primary needs of the commuters, the minister said. Move aims to encourage shift from pvrivate cars to public transport If the bus isnt fully booked, it will make stops at less-crowded, convenient points like the bypasses in Kollam or Alappuzha for passengers with reservations, Ganesh Kumar said. The service will give a direct competition to premium trains like the Janshatabdi Express. The bus will depart from Thiruvananthapuram at 6 am to reach Ernakulam by 10 am. Simultaneous service will run from Ernakulam to Thiruvananthapuram. Service will be extended to Thrissur once work in the Thrissur section is complete, and the traffic congestion issue resolved. The evening service from Thrissur will start at 3.30 pm, reaching Ernakulam at 5.30 pm, and Thiruvananthapuram at 9.30 pm. By blending the speed and comfort of air travel with the accessibility of road transport, KSRTC is positioning itself to be a formidable competitor in the inter-city travel market. The services directly target high-end commuters like doctors, lawyers and government officials, aiming to encourage a shift from private cars to public transport, said minister. Whats on offer The premium service promises unprecedented luxury and swift travel Each seat to have a smart TV and headphones The buses will operate as non-stop express services, avoiding entry into bus stations to save time The service will be first launched in the TPuram- Ernakulam sector, upon the completion of the NH 66 widening work
Hours-long traffic snarl-up brings Amballur in Thrissur to a grinding halt
Congestion on the national highway, which began in the afternoon, persisted well into the evening, leaving hundreds of motorists frustrated and exhausted
BBA student in Bengaluru ends life allegedly due to harassment by her senior
Based on the complaint filed by Abdul Nazeer, a civil contractor at Virajpet in Kodagu district, the Bagaluru police have registered a case of abetment to suicide against the accused, identified as Refaas, a native of Thrissur, Kerala., for further investigation.
Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple Has A New Chief Priest
Prasad E D from Thrissur has been selected on Saturday as the new 'melsanthi' (chief priest) of the famed Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple.
Sabarimala Temple gets new 'melsanthi'
Prasad E D from Thrissur has been appointed as the new chief priest of the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple ahead of the annual pilgrimage season. Manu Namboothiri M G will serve as the melsanthi for the Malikappuram shrine. The selections were made through a traditional draw conducted by children from the Pandalam royal family.
Petitioners disappointed at HC decision to lift toll collection ban at Paliyekkara
Petitioners plan to explore scope of moving Supreme Court and say suspension period had been a lesson for both the National Highways Authority of India and the contractor. The order came even as the Thrissur-Angamaly stretch of the NH continues to witness heavy congestion
Ouseppachan, Fakruddin Ali share stage with BJP leader B. Gopalakrishnan at Thrissur rally
Film composer praises national unity; BJP leader invites them to join party and contest Assembly polls
Water bottle row: Kerala High Court sets aside KSRTC drivers transfer
The transfer (from Kottayam to Thrissur) can only be treated as a colourable exercise of power, a Bench of Justice N. Nagaresh said and allowed a petition filed by Jaimon Joseph
Kerala is set to witness a new approach in zoo management. Ending the traditional practice of confining animals in enclosures, Thrissur Zoological Park, which will be opened soon, will offer animals a dignified and near-natural life. Mini Muringatheri visits the park to get a view of the facilities there
CBI probe essential on Sabarimala gold theft, says Kodikunnil Suresh
Congress leader lashes out at CPI(M) and LDF government during Vishwasa Samrakshana Yatra in Thrissur district
Exit of southwest monsoon, onset of northeast monsoon likely to be on October 16
Orange alert issued for Idukki and Kottayam on Thursday; yellow alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Malappuram
Exit of southwest monsoon, onset of northeast monsoon likely to be on October 16
Orange alert issued for Idukki and Kottayam on Thursday; yellow alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Malappuram
Thrissur Revenue District School Sports Meet from October 16 to 18
Over 3,600 young athletes to compete in 98 events at Kunnamkulam
KPCCs Faith Protection March to tour Thrissur district on October 15
Congress Leader Anil Akkara Seeks ED Action Against Kerala CMs Son
The Life Mission scam involves the construction of apartments in Wadakkancherry, Thrissur, funded by the UAE Red Crescent for families affected by the 2018 Kerala floods
Cops identify 24 suspected abusers from visuals during training
Police personnel identified the perpetrators of child sexual abuse during the victim identification task force training conducted at the Kerala Police Academy in Thrissur between September 29 and October 9
Thrissur will get KSRTC double-decker bus: Minister K. Rajan
Open-top electric double-decker bus expected to boost tourism
The new Vande Bharat Express between Bengaluru and Ernakulam, launching in mid-November 2025, will drastically improve travel time and comfort. With stops at key cities like Coimbatore, Thrissur, and Salem, it aims to boost connectivity and economic activity in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
True care emerges only from a heart that feels anothers pain: Sara Joseph
At World Hospice and Palliative Care Day observance in Thrissur, author Sara Joseph calls for greater empathy and collective reflection on dignified end-of-life care
Efforts under way to bridge skill gap between education and employment: Minister R. Bindu
Minister inaugurates Skill Pooram at Government Engineering College, Thrissur
Former Plus Two teacher held in Thrissur with 70 g of MDMA
Ragil, who lost his job after a previous drug arrest, was caught again while on his way to court for trial
State to launch mega campus placement mission
Vijnana Keralam Skill Pooram to be held on October 11 at Thrissur Govt. Engineering College
BJP lays siege to Thrissur Corporation office over neglect of Central projects
Party accuses Mayor and Corporation of blocking Suresh Gopis development funds for political reasons
ATM theft attempt foiled by alarm at Punjab National Bank in Thrissur
Kerala Man Hacks Father With Machete, Locks Himself In House For Hours
A family dispute over land papers spiralled into violence and high drama at Kerala's Thrissur on Saturday, when a man hacked his father with a machete and later threatened suicide by barricading himself inside a house for hours.
Thrissur comes alive with Vidyarambham ritual as children step into the world of letters
The ceremony, blending spirituality with cultural heritage, was celebrated at temples and institutions across the district
Kerala Police launches training to tackle rising child sexual abuse material cases
Victim identification taskforce programme at Kerala Police Academy in Thrissur equips officers with advanced skills and emotional support to strengthen child safety efforts
Union Minister Suresh Gopi sparks row with remark that those elected by corpses are cheating Kerala
Participating in a neighbourhood town hall meeting in Thrissur, Suresh Gopi says cadavers dead for 25 years have voted in elections in Kerala
Vision 2031 for a developed and progressive Kerala
Thrissur to host first Vision 2031 seminar on social justice on October 3
State school arts festival in Thrissur will be a grand success, says Sivankutty
Over 14,000 students from across the State will compete in 249 events across 26 venues from January 7 to January 11
8 kg ganja seized in Thrissur, two Odisha natives arrested
Kinaloor best location for AIIMS, says M.K. Raghavan
MP says Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has promised to consider Keralas demand in the next phase of PMSSY. A recent statement by Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi that AIIMS should be set up in Thrissur or Alappuzha had drawn criticism
Thrissur govt. MCH makes fertility care affordable for common man
Modern IVF clinic opens at hospital offering low-cost treatment
Kerala first State to launch Ksheerasree portal: Minister
Thrissur District Dairy Meet highlights new initiatives for farmers
Thrissurs Meet Your Collector reaches 50th episode
Interactive platform connects students and other citizens with governance. On September 27, the 50th edition will be held at Muniyattukunnu Hill Station in Varandarappilly
African Swine Fever confirmed in Thrissur, control measures stepped up
Rapid Response Team deployed; Minister J. Chinchurani hands over 8 lakh relief to pig farmer affected by a similar outbreak earlier
LDF fears wrangling in BJP over AIIMS location can imperil Keralas aspirations
Union Minister Suresh Gopi sparks off controversy over the location by suggesting either Alappuzha or Thrissur. He purportedly states that he cared less if AIIMS goes to Tamil Nadu, if not for the two districts. CPI(M) says the dispute in BJP over the location is the latest manifestation of the irreconcilable one-upmanship struggles plaguing that party in Kerala
Kerala rains: IMD sounds orange alert for four districts
Orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki districts, while Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad are on yellow alert on Friday
Thrissur leads the way in sustainable waste management
Kerala State Pollution Control Board awards first place to Corporation General Hospitals 360 KLD STP
Puthur Zoological Park all set to unveil a new world of wonder
CM to inaugurate Keralas largest zoological park on October 28; designed by Australian zoo expert John Coe, the project brings a global-class wildlife experience to Thrissur
Customs Suspects 150200 Smuggled Vehicles in Kerala
Customs Commissioner T Tiju told that 36 vehicles were seized during the Operation Numkhor (a Bhutanese word for vehicle), carried out at various places including Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Thrissur, Kuttippuram, Kozhikode and Malappuram.
Rain to gain strength in Kerala by middle of this week
Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur put on yellow alert with rain likely during the next 24 hours
