When Pandit Rajendra Gangani performs on stage the chakkar (spins), tukra (short step combinations) or chaal (stylised walk), the anklets on his feet make a tinkling sound that carries with it the centuries-old legacy of the Jaipur gharana (genre) of Kathak, a classical dance form known exclusively in northern India. Pandit Rajendras story is just as compelling. From a gifted child to a young man who suddenly found he had to be a man of not just a house but a legacy after the death of his father

KOTTAYAM: BJP leader P C George on Saturday requested the Kerala police for an extension until February 24 to appear before them for investigation in connection with a hate speech case . In a letter to the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Pala, George mentioned health issues and explained that he was not at home when police officers arrived at his residence with a notice directing him to appear before them in connection with a case related to a recent hate speech made during a television

KOCHI: It could be an end to the Maoist movement in Kerala as the Anti-Terrorist Squad has arrested the last remaining activist Santhosh from Tamil Nadu. A native of Coimbatore, he was taken into custody from a place near Hosur on Friday. According to ATS sources, Santhosh was involved in Maoist activities for the past several years. He was a close associate of Maoist leaders, CP Moideen, Soman and Manoj who were arrested by ATS from various locations last year. He remained that wanted person in

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health department is set to host meetups for cancer survivors as part of its ongoing campaign to encourage people to participate in cancer screening. The first event will be held in the Malabar region at the Gender Park in Kozhikode on February 22 at 4 pm. Cancer survivors from Malabar Cancer Centre, Kozhikode Medical College, and private cancer treatment centres will attend the event. Health Minister Veena George will be present, interacting with the survivors to spread

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) has directed the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India to provide promised benefit to a Jeevan Saral policyholder. The commission rejected LICs argument to pardon a bona fide error in leaving the column on maturity amount blank in the policy document. The order came on an appeal petition filed by the LIC against the Pathanamthitta District Consumer Redressal Commissions order to pay the promised amount with compensa

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: ASHA workers launched an indefinite strike from Friday, intensifying their protest for better wages and benefits. The strike was announced at the Maha Sangamam held on Thursday, where workers declared they would continue their strike until their demands are met. The protesting ASHA workers are seeking an increase in their monthly honorarium from the current Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000, along with retirement benefits and the clearance of pending payments. ASHA workers alleged that t

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Exposing the challenges to waste management in the state, a study of the Brahmapuram disaster and municipal solid waste management system has identified lack of reliable data concerning quantity, composition and characteristics of waste generated, collected, treated and disposed of as a major issue. Choking on Toxic Smoke recommends immediate action to create a comprehensive inventory of municipal solid waste for each local self-government institution and conduct comprehensiv

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With summer fast approaching and temperatures already soaring in February, the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services is bracing up to deal with a surge in fire incidents across the state. The department is on high alert, anticipating an increase in fire-related emergencies. The extreme heat and dry weather have already led to multiple fire incidents across the state this month. Last year the fire department responded to around 15,610 calls with the majority occurring during summer.

KOZHIKODE: With reports of drug abuse among school students making headlines, concerned parents are increasingly relying on multi-panel drug test kits to monitor their children. The easy availability and affordability of these at-home test kits have further contributed to their rising popularity. Experts said that in the recent months there has been a significant rise in the use of multi-panel drug test kits. Social influences, peer pressure and access to drugs among teenagers have made it tough

KANNUR: A village in Kannur is rallying to transform a long-cherished dream into reality a community playground for its residents. As part of this collective effort, residents of Thayampoyil in Mayyil panchayat are gathering funds by hosting a grand sneha sadya (feast). The initiative was launched last August by the Safdar Hashmi Library in Thayampoyil which aims to build a playground at an estimated cost of over Rs 60 lakh. The budget would cover the land acquisition, registration and construc

KOCHI: Police are probing whether the deaths of Central GST additional commissioner Maneesh Vijay, his mother and his sister in Kochi are in any way connected to the 2006 Jharkhand PSC (JPSC) exam scam. The postmortems are scheduled for Saturday. It was on Thursday evening that Maneesh, from Ranchi, his sister Shalini Vijay and mother Shakunthala Agarwal were found dead at their central excise and customs independent quarters near the TV Centre at Echamuku, Thrikkakara. An Indian Revenue Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala registered a 13.76% rise in foreign tourist arrivals in 2024 compared to the year before. However, the footfall remained significantly below pre-pandemic numbers, sparking calls for aggressive marketing strategies and tapping newer markets. Data from the tourism department showed around 7.38 lakh foreign tourists visited Kerala in 2024, which is significantly lower from 11.89 lakh in 2019. On the flip side, domestic tourist arrivals saw a slight spike of 1.72% in 2024

KOTTAYAM: CPM Kottayam district secretary A V Russel passed away on Friday. He was 63. He breathed his last around 2pm at Apollo Hospital in Chennai. Russel had been under treatment for cancer for a while. His mortal remains will be brought to the CPM district committee office in Kottayam at noon on Saturday for two hours for public viewing. Following this, the body will be taken to the party area committee office in Changanassery and then to his home at Thengana. The funeral will be held at his

KOCHI: Tirades, accusations and counter-statements were all forgotten on Friday when the opposition leader in the assembly and ministers of the ruling front came together to project the investment potential of the state. Even as the Union government stressed on offering its wholehearted support to the state in achieving its goal of becoming an investment hub, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan pointed out that the Opposition is starting a new culture. He said that regardless of political differe

KOCHI: Kaynes Technology India Pvt Ltd, an integrated electronics system design and manufacturing company, has expressed interest in investing Rs 500 crore in Kerala to set up a manufacturing centre in or around Thiruvananthapuram for electro-mechanical assemblies and electronics manufacturing services in the aerospace, outer space and defence, robotics and AI, medical electronics and telecom electronics sectors. It also plans to set up a campus in central Kerala that will focus on fabrication o

KOCHI: After yet another tough duel dotted with several heartstopping moments, Kerala have scripted history by making their way to the final of the Ranji Trophy national cricket championship for the first time ever. Sachin Baby and his spirited team are flying to Nagpur for the summit clash of the marquee tournament against former champions Vidarbha, slated to begin on February 26. The 2018 semifinal loss against the same opponents at Wayanad is now a thing of the past. For the captain, the drea

KASARGOD: This is a moment the residents of Thalangara in Kasaragod district have been dreaming of: their beloved son Mohammed Azharuddeen playing a stellar role in helping Kerala reach the Ranji Trophy final for the first time. At the massive Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad against Gujarat, the 30-year-old Azharuddeens unbeaten century proved the backbone of Keralas healthy total that eventually saw the team gain a first innings lead in the semifinal. On Friday, Azhars family and friends wer

KOCHI: Keralas renewed push to transform itself into a major investment destination got off to a promising start with the Union and state governments joining hands to underline the states achievements and development plans on the opening day of Invest Kerala Global Summit (IKGS) 2025 on Friday. The changes we have brought about now are not incremental but substantial. Kerala is taking a big step towards the goal of achieving the status of an investment hub. The state government believes it has a

Kerala is witnessing an unusual rise in temperatures in February, with the India Meteorological Department predicting two to three degrees above normal temperatures across the state. The soaring heat, even before the official onset of summer, has disrupted daily life, prompting the state government to issue a high alert. In response, working hours have been restructured, and the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has advised residents to avoid direct sun exposure between 11am and 3pm. Au

Renu Abraham finds just as much joy in creating sweet treats as she does in savouring them. Whether inspired by a dish she had at a restaurant or one she stumbles upon online, the mompreneur experiments with the recipe in her kitchen. Some succeed, while others become opportunities to perfect the craft. It was during one such trial that Renu, who hails from Thevara, cracked the code of the salty caramel ice cream recipe. Its been just a month since she has been delighting the tastebuds of Kochii

How about a picnic to Koorumala this weekend? For those wondering where this place is, it is a hillock about 10km from Piravom. Koorumala is a hidden gem. Not many Kochi residents are aware of this stunning location, just about an hours drive from Kochi. The spot which has recently blipped on the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) radar offers a break from the urban heat, dust and din, and is home to an excellent view point, from where parts of Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Kottayam can be s

She kneaded the dough of cruel words, balled it into twelve, smoothened each with a stroke of ghee, and spanked hard on the one she named Judas So begins Chapati by Nithya Mariam John in her latest book, Kitchen Poems . Its not just about the beloved, humble chapati. Its about the woman, the silent faces around the white-laced dining table, the poker faces of the full moon bread, the purple bruises under her blouse. One cant be blamed if misled by the unassuming title, which, at first look, evok

Walking through the narrow lane off Powerhouse road, a tantalising aroma leads us to a humble eatery with a unique white tiled wall and an arabesque design. We can hear the sound of pooris getting fried in the hot oil. The precincts have been a welcoming home to many who relished the delicacy and is known as the Saurashtra Gujarathi Hotel, quite famously in the city and ironically so for its lacklustre ambience. The restaurant in the heart of the city is unique; it opens at 3.30pm in the afterno

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday rejected the anticipatory bail plea filed by BJP leader P C George in connection with a hate speech he made during a television debate recently , saying that it will give a wrong message to the society. While participating in a TV channel discussion on January 5 this year, George said: All Muslims in India are terroristsand communalists. Not a single non-terrorist Muslim lives in India. Muslims are looters who plunder the countrys wealth. Lakhs of Hindus an

KOCHI: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday announced 31 upcoming road projects with a total length of 896 kilometres, costing Rs 50,000 crore. The Union Minister was addressing the inaugural event of the Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025 at the Lulu International Convention Centre virtually on Friday. Expressing the Union government's complete support to the state in garnering investments, Gadkari said, The one major factor that plays a very vital role in attrac

KOCHI: An Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into money laundering by Chinese loan apps has revealed that two individuals from Kerala arranged 479 mule bank accounts, facilitating transactions worth Rs 718 crore until 2023. A significant portion of these funds was transferred to China via cryptocurrency. The arrested individuals, Sayid Muhammed M M, 36, from Ayancheri, Kozhikode, and Varghese T G, 35, from Fort Kochi, Ernakulam, were produced before the ED Special Court in Kochi on Frida

KALPETTA: The family court in Kalpetta received a bomb threat via email on Thursday, leading to immediate evacuation and a thorough search by law enforcement agencies. Upon receiving the threat around 12.30 pm, the court staff informed the presiding judge, who then alerted the police. A bomb squad and a dog squad conducted extensive search at the courthouse and its surroundings. No suspicious items or explosives were found in the search. The threat message was written in a mix of English and Tam

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In increase in the cost of treatment and medication has left kidney patients in the state facing a severe crisis. The unavailability of essential medications at Karunya Pharmacies force them to pay up to Rs 20,000 a month to obtain the medicines from private outlets at inflated prices. The shortage is especially critical for peritoneal dialysis patients, including children, whose access to vital dialysis fluids is dependent on government supply. The patients complained that t

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government-sponsored national convention on UGC draft regulations, 2025, attended by ministers of three other non-BJP ruled southern states, has passed a 15-point resolution mainly demanding the withdrawal of the regulations that diminishes the role of the states and goes against the federal spirit of the Constitution. Inaugurating the convention, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the regulations can only be viewed as part of an effort to undermine democratic va

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Thousands of ASHA workers from across the state gathered in front of the Secretariat on Thursday for Maha Sangamam. The workers are demanding an increase in their monthly honorarium from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000, along with retirement benefits and the clearance of pending payments. Protesters expressed anger at the governments decision to hike the salaries of PSC members and grant travel allowances to Delhis special representative K V Thomas while ignoring their long-pending dem

KOZHIKODE: Who decides the freedom of a 55-year-old widow to travel? This question has ignited intense debate on social media, with discussions centring on Nefeesumma, a resident of Nadapuram, whose December trip to Manali with her daughter became the subject of criticism. The controversy began after Ibrahim Saqafi Puzhakkattiri, a scholar from the Samastha AP faction and the editor of Sunni Voice, condemned Nefeesummas viral video showing her joyfully playing in the snow. In a speech a few days

KOCHI: Kerala is taking a big step towards achieving its goals as part of the Industry 4.0 revolution. The two-day Invest Kerala Global Summit (IKGS 2025), which will begin on Friday at the Lulu International Convention Centre in Kochi, aims to showcase Keralas strategic advantages as a sustainable destination for a wide range of enterprises that define Industry 4.0. The summit, which will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the presence of Union and state ministers, foreign del

KOZHIKODE: In a curious political development, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra is spearheading the partys expansion plans in Kerala. She has reportedly scheduled a series of private meetings in Kozhikode and Malappuram, with the aim of strengthening TMCs presence in the state, on February 22 and 23. The move signals TMCs intent to establish a stronghold in Keralas political landscape. Mahuas two-day visit includes crucial discussions with prominent Christian and Muslim leaders. Among th

MALAPPURAM: The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second-largest ally in the UDF, will raise concerns over disunity within the Congress at the UDF meeting scheduled for next Thursday. Party sources indicated that the IUML leadership is deeply dissatisfied with the factionalism in the Congress. The IUML fears that these internal conflicts could negatively impact the UDFs prospects in the upcoming local body and assembly polls. The party plans to escalate the issue to the High Command if stat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Falling in line with the governors informal directive, vice-chancellors (VCs) of state universities stayed away from the national convention on UGC draft regulations-2025 organised by the state government on Thursday. Barring Sushama L of Malayalam University, all other VCs gave the event a miss. Governor Rajendra Arlekar had reportedly advised them not to attend an event seen as a political message against the draft regulations of the UGC. Sushama reportedly has allegiance t

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sending a positive message to prospective investors who will attend the two-day Invest Kerala Global Summit that begins in Kochi on Friday, the state government on Thursday announced major reforms to boost the states ease of doing business initiative. The measures include doing away with the need for obtaining panchayat licence for a section of industrial ventures. Local Self-Government (LSG) Minister M B Rajesh told reporters that the reforms aim to modernise existing rules

Just as you need protection from the scorching summer heat, so does your car. All major car manufacturers issue advisories on summer car care. Here, weve compiled the best tips to keep your vehicle cool and in top condition. Summer accelerates ageing: High temperatures speed up the ageing of various vehicle components. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight further accelerates deterioration, affecting both cars and two-wheelers. Polish for protection: Waxing and polishing, often considered a luxu

Muhammed Adhil M K is currently mapping the routes between London and Scotland, to choose the best one while preparing for his upcoming ride on his dream bike the Argon 18 Krypton GF. This isnt just another one of those fantasies about travelling the world on a bicycle. The 23-year-old from Aluva is preparing for the great challenge the London-Edinburgh-London (LEL) randonne bicycle event where he has to cover 1,530km in 128 hours. For any cycling enthusiast, this event is one of the longest

At a time when the state government is mulling over introducing user fee on KIIFB-funded projects, heres a different story a quirky one of toll evasion and a multi-crore business. The narrow road from Kumbalam Junction along the NH Bypass has been experiencing heavy traffic during peak hours as vehicles coming from Alappuzha side take a detour to evade the nearby toll booth. Many of those who evade the toll booth are daily commuters. To avoid the user fee, they take a turn from the junction and

Kerala means business. That will be the states message at the two-day Invest Kerala Global Summit, which begins in Kochi on Friday. While the Left government may be under pressure to show concrete outcomes at the end of the investor meet on Saturday, the real difference the event aims to bring about is a change in the outside worlds perception of Keralas business environment. Basically, the Invest Kerala Global Summit is a strategic campaign to communicate that ours is an investor-friendly place

KOCHI: Kerala High Court has suggested that the State and Central governments consider enacting appropriate legislation or amending existing laws to mandate the preservation of the foetus in Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) cases involving minor victims where offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act are established. Until such legislation is in place, to protect the interests of minor victims and to prevent the accused from evading trial due to the absence

KOCHI: A Payyoli, Kozhikode, resident missed his flight to Kuala Lumpur last evening from Kochi airport and was detained by the police following an irritated response by the passenger to security officials. When told his cabin luggage was heavy, he responded on the spur of the moment that his bag contained a omb. The incident happened late on Wednesday evening when Rishad, 35, reached Kochi airport in Nedumbassery to board a Batik Air flight at around 10 pm to travel to Kuala Lumpur. The flight

When someone is indulging in excessive consumption of alcohol or is abusing an addictive substance, those close to that person frantically think of deaddiction. In most instances, they are too late, as the person would have already marched towards the severe complications of addiction. Withdrawal symptoms become matters of concern. The individual may have already started chasing the substance or alcohol at the expense of all other activities. Relationships with the potential to save may have bee

When 82-year-old Pappachan, a former assistant general manager of BSNL, died in a road accident near Asramam Ground in Kollam in May 2024, it was initially considered as another hit-and-run case. Things, however, turned murky soon. Pappachans two children, who were settled abroad, noticed some unusual transactions from their fathers account. Meanwhile, the Kollam East police, which probed the case, found that the man who drove the car that mowed down the octogenarian was a history-sheeter. Inspe

THRISSUR: The moment Jerin met District Collector Arjun Pandian, he shook hands and introduced himself with an enthusiastic smile. An inmate of Pope Paul Mercy Home, he was at the collectorate on Wednesday morning along with other special children from the institution to attend the programme 'Meet Your Collector'. All 20 of them were excited to meet the district collector. Hosting students from schools or inviting groups of people for short interactions, listening to their stories and spending s

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The National Women Journalists conclave called for the government to resolve cyber attack complaints quickly. The panel discussion on Women in Social Media noted that women who raise their voices face backlash on social media that is far more intense than the resistance they encounter from their families or the society. The two-day conclave, organised by the Information and Public Relations Department, concluded on Wednesday. The conclave was a platform for discussions on con

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti V Somanna inspected the facilities and development work at Thiruvananthapuram Central and South railway stations as part of his visit to the state capital on Tuesday. Reviewing the work at the Central station, he told the officials to complete the redevelopment work within two years and advised that time overruns should be avoided and modern methods used for speedier construction. He inspected the Vande Bharat Express at the

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Inaugurating the delegates meet of the SFI State Conference at the Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged student members to remain steadfast in upholding the organisations long-standing principles. While encouraging them to continue its positive work, he also cautioned them against exaggerating minor issues, and stressing the importance of staying on course. Continue the good work. Lets avoid mistakes. Stand firm and fight a

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ambitious plan of Kerala Tourism to launch caravan tourism at Ponmudi Hill Station has been dropped with the Tourism Department failing to find suitable land for setting up the park. The tourism department announced its plan to open caravan parks under PPP (Public Private Partnership) mode in three prime destinations -- Bolgatty, Bekal and Ponmudi -- to promote caravan tourism in the state. The plan was to develop the park with private investment at revenue land in Ponmud

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The LDF will hold detailed discussions before finalising toll on KIIFB roads. The LDF meet on Wednesday didnt go into detailed discussions, as the project details are yet to be finalised. The CPI, which is not very keen on the decision, has expressed certain reservations in this regard. The concerns will be addressed during detailed discussions. The LDF convener pointed out that to realise the capital spent for KIIFB, toll or user fee will have to be imposed in the future. No