NEW DELHI: Attorney General (AG) R Venkataramani on Friday informed the Supreme Court that it would be best that only the family members of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya , who is on death row in Yemen, are involved in discussions with the victim's kin to seek pardon. Family is the only, I think, entity which should be concerned with that. Were not talking about any outsider to get involved in it. Even with the best of intentions, Venkataramani told the top court's two-judge bench, headed by Justice

NEW DELHI: The top law officer of the Centre, Attorney General (AG) R Venkataramani, on Friday informed the Supreme Court that it would be best that only the family members of Nimisha Priya , should be involved in the discussions with the victim's family to seek pardon. The family of Nimisha Priya only should talk with the victims and an intervention by any other organisation would unlikely be fruitful, the AG, Venkataramani told the top court's two-judge bench, headed by Justice Vikram Nath and

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Department of General Education will take strong action in the incident where Midhun, a Class 8 student of Thevalakkara Boys High School in Kollam, allegedly died after being electrocuted on campus, said Minister V Sivankutty. The decision comes after the department received a detailed report from the Director of General Education. The minister announced a series of steps to ensure accountability and prevent similar tragedies in the future. The school headmistress will be

KOTTAYAM: As the state is heading for crucial elections later this year and early next year, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha called on the party leaders and members to emulate the legacy of former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in addressing the needs of the people. He was speaking after inaugurating a public meeting held as part of the second death anniversary of Chandy in Puthuppally in Kottayam district of Kerala on Friday. Rahul, who expressed his aspiration to cultivate

PALAKKAD: In a major step towards tackling water scarcity in Palakkads eastern belt, the first phase of the Moolathara Right Bank Canal extension project, touted as Keralas largest community-based micro-irrigation initiative, is nearing completion. Designed to serve drought-prone areas in Chittur, particularly the Eruthenpathy panchayat, the 6.43-km canal stretches from Korayar to Varattayar with a width of 10 metres. The project aims to supply drinking and irrigation water to some of the most r

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM has so far built 1,947 houses for homeless families since 2019, CPM state secretary M V Govindan has said. The houses were built following the declaration that former party state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan made at the 2019 Thrissur state conference. So far, the party has constructed 87 houses in Kasaragod, 132 in Palakkad, 165 in Thrissur, 184 in Ernakulam, 48 in Idukki, 157 in Kottayam, 52 in Pathanamthitta, 127 in Alappuzha, 82 in Kollam, and 120 in Thiruvanant

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: All government departments in Kerala now have Internal Committees (IC) in place under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act, said Haritha V Kumar, Director, Department of Women and Child Development. She was speaking after inaugurating a two-day international workshop titled Strengthening institutional mechanisms to combat Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) began in the capital on Thursday. Organised by the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) with support f

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a significant move, the cabinet on Thursday approved the complete waiver of interest and penalties amounting to Rs436.49 crore on KSRTCs outstanding short-term and long-term loans from the Kerala Transport Development Finance Corporation (KTDFC). This comes as a major relief to the cash-strapped state-run transport corporation. Taking into account the ongoing monsoon and related challenges, the cabinet also sanctioned Rs 43.65 crore for coastal erosion prevention works in

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over the conservation of the historic Kanakakunnu Palace and its heritage grounds, the archaeology department has reported that extensive unscientific renovation using modern materials has eroded the palaces historical and archaeological authenticity. A detailed inspection report by the department painted a grim picture of the palaces current condition. Once a stately residence built during the reign of Sree Moolam Thir

KOTTAYAM: Amid Congress efforts to re-establish its clout in Central Travancore, the second death anniversary observance of its iconic leader Oommen Chandy will be held on Friday. Making it an opportunity to mobilise its cadre ahead of crucial elections, the party has made elaborate arrangements in Puthuppally, with Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi set to inaugurate a public meet. Rahuls visit is anticipated to energise the partys rank and file ahead of local body elections this ye

ALAPPUZHA: A Kayamkulam native posted as security officer has been missing since July 7 after Houthi rebels attacked and sunk the cargo ship he was on in the Red Sea. Anilkumar Raveendran, 52, of Pathiyoor is among the 12 crew members of Liberia-flagged M V Eternity C who are missing since the attack. One other Keralite crew member, Augustine from Parassala in Thiruvananthapuram, was rescued along with six others by the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR). Anilkumar, a retired Indian Army offi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For the first time ever, eight urban local bodies from Kerala have been named among top 100 cleanest Indian cities in the Swachh Survekshan Survey 2024. Kochi, Mattannur, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Alappuzha, Guruvayur, Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam have secured spots in the top 100 list. Kochi secured the 50th rank, making it the lone Kerala local body to find a place in the top 50 cleanest cities. Local Self-Government Minister M B Rajesh termed the milestone a historic leap forw

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : The governments decision to euthanise stray dogs has drawn backlash from animal welfare groups, which are now gearing up to challenge the move in the Kerala High Court. Animal rights organisations have approached the Animal Welfare Board of India against the decision, which they alleged would lead to the escalation of violence against canines, which are already at the receiving end of increased brutality in the state. According to People for Animals (PFA), nearly 30 cases of

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The finance department has asked public sector enterprises (PSEs) under the state government to finalise their accounts in a time-bound manner. A circular by Additional Chief Secretary (Finance) K R Jyothilal warned of withholding future grants to organisations failing to do so. It directed secretaries of administrative departments to ensure the direction is followed by the PSEs under their control. The circular cited the CAGs observations in the State Finances Audit Report 2

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Thiruvananthapuram woman who sued an online seller for delivering her the wrong items was awarded Rs 5,000 compensation by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC). In her complaint, the woman said she made the purchase while on bed rest after a fall. On September 2, 2024, she placed the order on the e-commerce platform Shopify for a pack of three 5XL front button buckle sleep bras. The payment, Rs 799, was made through cash-on-delivery mode. The delivere

KOLLAM: Ente ponnumone! Maniyammas cries echoed through the halls of her house in Sasthamcotta, for she could not bear the loss of her dear grandchild. It was she who looked after him after his mother recently left for Kuwait for a job. All that I know is that I lost my son, said Midhuns father Manu, before a near breakdown. He had promised his son that they would buy new footwear that evening, but his teenage son never entered the home alive. Midhuns younger brother, Sujin, didnt know how to re

KOLLAM: The tragic death of a 13-year-old student at Thevalakkara Boys High School in Kollam has triggered widespread public anger and political backlash against the state education department and the government. The incident has led to protests by various student and political outfits, including the SFI, ABVP, and KSU. Meanwhile Congress has demanding accountability and immediate safety audits in schools. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan sharply criticised the government, questioning the lack

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Massive protostars in our galaxy, that would later evolve to have mass of over 8-10 times that of the Sun, have remained an enigma for astrophysicists for decades. For the first time in the world, a team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Space Science & Technology (IIST), Thiruvananthapuram, in association with international scientists, have detected and measured magnetism near an infant massive star. The finding opens an exciting window into the understanding of how

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: From a point of no return, there seems to be a gradual thaw in relations between the Congress leadership and working committee member Shashi Tharoor. In an inclusive approach, state Congress president Sunny Joseph personally invited the Thiruvananthapuram MP to an event being organised by the state Congress in connection with the second death anniversary of former chief minister Oommen Chandy. The event to be held in Kottayam on Friday will be inaugurated by Rahul Gandhi. How

Billy Nair and Paul Joseph. They may sound like ordinary Malayali names, but their tales are extraordinary. These two South African nationals with Kerala links had fought against Apartheid alongside Nelson Mandela. A recent book has shed light on their roots in Kundalassery and Vazhakulam two villages far away from each other. Billy, son of Krishnan Nair from Kundalassery in Palakkad, and Paul, son of Annamma from Vazhakulam in Idukki, were two Malayalis among the 21 Indian anti-Apartheid activ

Its a bird, its a plane, its Superman! This iconic line has once again become commonplace with the release of James Gunns Superman last week. Especially among us folks who grew up in the 90s. The many who invariably, at some point, tied towels or blankets around our necks to mimic a cape and soar in our homes, classrooms, and playgrounds. The film had, no doubt, banked on this sentimentality of ours to find success, and we see that. But its not only nostalgia, is it? Its also this idea that the

KOCHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a notice to the Ernakulam Press Club, seeking details of financial transactions related to a 'family meet' held in 2020, which was allegedly sponsored by Monson Mavunkal. In the notice dated July 11, the agency has asked the press club to provide information on the source of funding for the event, along with its bank account numbers. The notice is part of the ED's ongoing investigation against Monson and others under the Prevention of Money Laun

KOLLAM: A class 8 student from Thevalakkara, Kollam was electrocuted on Thursday morning. The victim Midhun (13), reportedly came in contact with an electric line at Thevalakkara Boys High School. The boy was trying take his footwear from the top of a cycle shed while playing with his friends, near to which an electric line was reportedly lying low. Minister of Electricity, K Krishnankutty has instructed the Kollam electrical circle chief engineer and chief electrical inspector to file a detaile

KOTTAYAM: A case has been registered against Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly and director Abrid Shine following a complaint of financial fraud by a native of Thalayolaparambu, police said on Thursday. The FIR, filed on Wednesday night, invokes IPC Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) based on a complaint by P S Shamnas, co-producer of the 2022 film Mahaveeryar . Shamnas alleged that after Mahaveeryar failed commercially, Pauly promised to pay him Rs 95 lakh and offered him a pa

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has issued notice and protected the petitioner-accused under multiple sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, while highlighting the need for consideration of the entire case on merits. A two-judge bench of the top court, led by Justice Manoj Misra and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan passed the order. Arguing before the bench, counsel for the petitioner, Advocates Tarini K. Nayak and C. Arvind, claimed that the case was a product of a long-stand

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The city corporation office on Wednesday witnessed multiple protests by the BJP over the alleged irregularities and corruption in the recruitment of sanitation workers. The situation turned tense when the party dharna in front of the mayors office turned violent. Mayor Arya Rajendran released a statement accusing BJP councillors of attempting to disrupt a crucial meeting to review preparations for Karkidaka vavu bali. Deputy mayor P K Raju, who demanded that the review meetin

TPURAM/KOLLAM: The body of Vipanchika Maniyan, who was found dead along with her 18-month-old daughter Vaibhavi at their apartment in Sharjah, will be brought to Kerala for funeral. The last rites of Vaibhavi, however, will be held in Sharjah, sources said. The Indian Consulate officials held a discussion with Vipanchikas husband Nidheesh Mohan and Vipanchikas mother Shailaja on Wednesday following which the decision was taken. In the meeting, Nidheesh stuck to his stand that the last rites of h

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Having collapsed at his workplace, a 47-year-old man who had no prior history of heart disease survived a life-threatening cardiac condition following a rare medical intervention. The incident happened recently in Thiruvananthapuram, with his colleagues rushing him to a hospital nearby. He was then referred to the KIMSHEALTH for further evaluation and treatment, where he was diagnosed with ventricular tachycardia (VT)a type of arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm that can ca

KOCHI: Air India Express has launched a limited-period Flash Sale across its domestic and international network. On domestic routes, logged-in users can book Xpress Lite starting from Rs 1,299 (with zero check-in baggage) for logged-in members and Xpress Value fares from Rs 1,499. Travellers can book their flights on these attractive fares through the airlines website, airindiaexpress.com, and mobile app. For international routes, the flash sale fares start from Rs 4,340 for Xpress Lite, Rs 4,91

KOCHI: Shouldnt a student who has passed BTech in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, having a valid GATE score, get admission to MTech in Computer Science and Engineering (Data Science and Artificial Intelligence)? However, according to the rules of Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat), this is not the case. The person is eligible only for MTech in IT! Speaking to TNIE , a candidate, who had a harrowing time seeking admission to MTech in DS and AI, says, I graduated with e

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Wednesday quashed the transport commissioners circular that introduced new regulations and modifications to driving tests, including prohibiting the use of automatic vehicles and EVs. Justice N Nagaresh issued the order on the petitions filed by All Kerala Motor Driving School Instructors and Workers Association, Thiruvananthapuram, and others challenging the modifications suggested by the circular issued on February 21, 2024. The court held the circular and amend

KOZHIKODE: The halwa industry in Kozhikode is under a severe crisis following an unprecedented surge in coconut oil prices. The scarcity and rising cost of coconut oil -- a key ingredient in halwa preparation -- have led to a steep hike in the popular sweets price, forcing producers to scale down production and sales. At Halwa Street in Big Bazar, home to around 100 halwa-making units, production has come down significantly in recent weeks. We used to make 35 kg each of 10 varieties of halwa dai

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Over a century-and-a-half-old data from an observatory in Kerala may hold the key to the world to understand and predict deadly solar storms. Magnetic records from the 19th century found at the Trivandrum Observatory, now functioning as Astronomical Observatory under the University of Kerala, have added fresh insight into one of Earths most powerful solar storms - the 1859 Carrington Event. The data revealed that a significant geomagnetic disturbance had hit the Earth just da

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has decided to carry out euthanasia strictly in accordance with rules, and start mobile animal birth control (ABC) units as public concern mounts over rising stray dog menace and recent rabies-related deaths in the state. Local Self-Government Minister M B Rajesh on Wednesday also warned of strict action against those disrupting operations of ABC centres. He said the government will invoke the euthanasia provision under the Prevention of Cruelty to Anima

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Forest and health departments are all set to join hands in developing snake antivenom within the state, Forest Minister A K Saseendran said on Wednesday. With the intensity of snake venom varying from place to place, indigenously developed antivenoms could serve the need more effectively than those currently purchased from other states. He also added that the state aims to have zero snake bite deaths by 2030, highlighting the states reduced share in the total snake bite death

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Medical Council (KSMC) has intensified its crackdown on doctors using unrecognised qualifications to inflate their credentials. Having recently imposed a fine on a doctor in Payyannur, KSMC has now levied a Rs 1 lakh fine on Dr Collin Alphonse, a private practitioner in Thiruvananthapuram since 2019. Dr Alphonse, who obtained his MBBS in 2000, was penalised for misrepresenting his specialty qualification and had his name suspended from the State Medical Regis

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan on Wednesday described former chief minister Oommen Chandy as a true leader of the masses, known for his exceptional patience and empathy towards people. He was speaking at the release of a political biography on Chandy, authored by his close aide and former press secretary P T Chacko. The first copy of the book was handed over to noted artist Soorya Krishnamoorthy. Recollecting Chandys leadership style, Satheesan said, He was always surroun

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Seeking to pre-empt a swift legal move by the Raj Bhavan in the Supreme Court, the state government has submitted two panels of names before Governor (Chancellor) Rajendra Arlekar for interim Vice Chancellor selection in Digital University Kerala (DUK) and APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU), as directed by the High Court. According to sources, the list of interim V-C probables in Digital University are: Prof M K Jayaraj, former vice-chancellor of Calicut Universit

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has awarded a three-day simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 on P K Suresh Kumar, Alangad, Ernakulam, for publishing Facebook posts that scandalised High Court judges. Though the condemnor requested to suspend the executions of the sentence, the court declined it and directed the Registrar General to make out a warrant to ensure detention of the accused. The division bench said that the accused has made serious and scurrilous allegations against the jud

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A section of private bus operators has called off their planned strike set for July 22, following discussions with Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar on Wednesday. While the Kerala Bus Operators Forum agreed to withdraw its strike, other bus associations have decided to proceed with their agitation plan. The minister indicated that he supports a modest increase in student concession fares, acknowledging the bus operators demands. However, he emphasised that a final decision

PATHANAMTHITTA / KOCHI: A case has been registered against the driver of the Sabarimala tractor that ADGP M R Ajith Kumar allegedly rode, in violation of Kerala High Court orders that restrict the use of tractors in the area around the hill shrine to transporting goods. Meanwhile, terming the officers tractor ride as very unfortunate the HC on Wednesday questioned the rationale behind registering a case against just the driver. It sought to know why no action was taken against the officer who vi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala will formulate a comprehensive film policy by the end of this year, Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian said while unveiling the logo of the Kerala Policy Conclave in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. He added that the draft policy, prepared by a committee led by filmmaker Shaji N Karun in 2023, will be presented at the conclave for discussion and feedback. The two-day conclave, scheduled for August 2 and 3 at Sankaranarayanan Thampi Hall here, will be attended b

PALAKKAD: Following the confirmation of Nipah virus cases in Kerala, the authorities have ramped up health surveillance at all Kerala-Tamil Nadu border entry points. Acting swiftly on the directive of Coimbatore District Collector Pawan Kumar G Giriappanavar, the Tamil Nadu health department has enforced round-the-clock health screenings, including partial closure of the National Highway for inbound vehicles from Kerala. All vehicles entering Tamil Nadu from Kerala are being thoroughly screened

PALAKKAD: The Nipah virus threat in the district has escalated significantly with the confirmation of two primary cases - a development that health officials describe as very rare and a cause for concern. One of the infected individuals, a 39-year-old woman from Kizhakkumpuram in Thachanattukara, remains under critical care at Kozhikode Medical College since July 4, while another patient, a 58-year-old man from Changaleeri in Kumaramputhur already succumbed to the virus on Saturday night. Author

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Former minister and state president of the Congress party, C V Padmarajan, 93, died on Wednesday. The end came while being treated for age-related ailments at a private hospital in Kollam. A three-time minister, Padmarajan was part of the ministries led by K Karunakaran and A K Antony. Major portfolios he handled included Finance, Power and Fisheries. For a brief period, he also served as in-charge CM, when Karunakaran went abroad for medical treatment. Padmarajan was born to

The Malayalam month of Karkkidakam begins today. Historically, it was referred to as a panja masam (lean period), a season of gloom cast by torrential rains, agrarian distress, and widespread diseases. Some turned to spirituality for solace and soul cleansing during this month. It also evolved as a period for ayurvedic treatments and practices to cleanse the body and prevent ailments. Over time, Karkkidakam became an annual maintenance season. A time for rejuvenation from having medicinal gruel

As a young boy, Yoha Gibin often found himself on the sidelines, watching his mother, Tima K T, sprint across handball courts in Ernakulam. A former player who studied at St Teresas College, Tima invariably carried the spirit of the sport into her home. But it didnt catch on with young Yoha right away. I didnt really care for the game then, he admits to TNIE. This was in part due to his lack of knowledge about handball and how to play it. Indeed, back then, handball was something his mother play

The execution of Indian nurse in Yemen, scheduled for Wednesday (July 16, 2025), has been put off following the intervention of influential Sunni Muslim cleric Kanthapuram A P Aboobacker Musliyar . Though this has come as a huge relief for the family of the nurse back home in Kerala, a brother of her former business partner and victim in Yemen, Talal Abdo Mahdi, has made it clear the family's demand for the strict application of Gods Law in Qisas. This has come as a setback for Nimisha Priya, he

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) on Tuesday directed public works department and police officials to take urgent measures to ensure smooth movement of pedestrians and vehicles on the Sasthamangalam Sri Ramakrishna Mission Hospital Road. The directive followed a complaint filed by Ravindranath, secretary of the Sasthamangalam Residents Welfare Association, highlighting the difficulties faced by residents due to unauthorised stalls and illegal parking along the

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After dragging its feet on a Central Information Commission directive, the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) has finally decided to furnish information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act about the decisions taken during its governing body and institute body meetings since July 2020. It was in December 2023 that the SCTIMST first turned down an RTI query seeking a copy of the minutes of its governing body (GB) meetings number 107