KOCHI: Police investigating the suspected murder of a 55-year-old woman in Koonamthai have found that her ornaments were stolen. Some of the suspects, including people associated with the deceased in her real estate business, are being interrogated by the police. It was on Sunday night that Jayesy Abraham, a native of Chundikuzhi in Perumbavoor, was found dead in the bathroom of her rented apartment at Koonamthai. Koonamthai womans death: Autopsy reveals head injuries Police initially believed t

KOCHI: Office-bearers of the Online Taxi Drivers Union (OTDU), a state-level independent association representing drivers working with ride-hailing companies, have called on airport authorities in Kerala to allocate dedicated parking spaces for online taxis. All major airports across the country have established separate parking areas for online taxis, but this is not the case in Kerala. The online taxi service has become an integral part of the transportation landscape, and its usage is expecte

KOCHI: The lack of public transportation from major airports in the state during night is a perennial issue even as most of the key flights to and fro are either at early morning or late night. This often forces flyers to arrive much early at the airports or hire taxis, often spending a hefty sum. Those flying in at odd hours too struggle to avail affordable transport modes for last mile connectivity. All these would be a thing of the past soon, with the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (

KOCHI: Every Indian household, without an exception, would have at least that one cursed member whose medical reports have eternally transformed the hitherto taken-for- granted humble laddoos and exotic chocolate cakes into forbidden temptations. While the rest of the family go about their meals with wild abandon, this condemned representative of the clan has to make do with satisfying sweet cravings with recollections of tastes once familiar and attainable. Welcome to the world of diabetes the

KOCHI: Severe psychotic disorders affect less than 1 per cent of the population. Those with a predisposition for aggressive behaviour make up less than 5 per cent of this group. However, portrayals of violent psycho characters in films and web series often perpetuate the myth that individuals with mental disorders are inherently dangerous. Sensationalised reports of isolated incidents of violence further fuel stigma. Aggression in persons with mental disorders typically occurs when symptoms are

KOCHI: Frogs have survived on Earth for nearly 400 million years, outliving dinosaurs and withstanding five major mass extinctions. Their presence is a living link to ancient evolutionary history, their croaks a timeless rhythm in the natural symphony of life. Yet today, these ancient survivors are falling silent at an unprecedented rate. Two out of every five amphibians are threatened with extinction. Why are we losing frogs? asks Prof. S D Biju, aka Frogman of India, who recently presented an

KOCHI: US-based MNC, NOV has opened its Digital Technology Center (DTC) at Infopark Kochi. The 17,000-square-foot office at Lulu Cyber Tower 2 includes a Software Engineering Center, Corporate Digital Services, and a Customer Support Center. NOV with over 150 years of expertise in the global energy sector and a workforce of 34,000 worldwide, currently operates manufacturing facilities in Pune and Chennai, India. The newly launched Digital Technology Development Center in Kochi is NOV's first in

KOCHI: Though only 13, Anna Mary, who hails from Alappuzha, has already conquered Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The 5,895m tall mountain is the highest peak on the African continent and the tallest freestanding one in the world. Anna got to its summit (Stella Point, which is 5,756m high) and, believe it or not, performed Taekwondo kicks. Of course, not before soaking in the stunning sights all around. This was a dream journey for her, fuelled by her love for travel and adventure. It was just af

KOCHI: Climbing peaks is akin to a marathon up a rock wall with a bag of bricks on your back, battling freezing winds, dizzying heights, and pushing ones limits. Shaikh Hassan Khan, a state secretariat employee with a passion for adventure, loves doing that. His dream was to conquer the highest peaks on all seven continents. And, a few days ago, he became the first person from Kerala to achieve this feat. My love for the mountains began in 2015 when I was posted in Delhi for work. Thats when I s

KOCHI: In How Prime Ministers Decide, Neerja Chowdhury digs deep into her decades-long career as a political reporter to bring you a captivating glimpse into the inner workings of Indias highest political office. The work featuring the legacies of six pivotal leaders Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, V P Singh, Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh is part biography and part political analysis, and a compelling study of leadership. It was awarded the 2024 Ramnath Goenka Sahithya Sa

KOCHI: There is a stillness to his works, but they still brim with life. When artist Dhanesh Mamba decided to transfer the vibrant traces of Istanbul as seen through the eyes and lenses of legendary Turkish photojournalist Ara Gler, to canvas, his task was to convert the richness in each image through the flowing hues of watercolours. The Durbar Hall gallery, for a short time, was reminiscent of Istanbul, its history, cobbled walkways and the people that make the city. In the quiet depth of mono

KOCHI: On the third Wednesday of November every year, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) organises World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Day in association with COPD patient groups and healthcare professionals. The day is observed to spread awareness about lung diseases, their prevention, and the importance of early diagnosis and management to avoid medical complications and fatalities. This years theme Know Your Lung Function underscores the

KOCHI: One of the most interesting stories about autograph collecting is from 1932 when the Waterman Pen Company launched a major campaign to collect autographs in their special albums. More than 150,000 boys and girls under 16 participated. Waterman exhibited the winning albums and the top 30 entries at the 1933 Chicago World Fair and then returned them to the collectors. There were 333 prizes, comprising 133 cash prizes (including a grand prize of $1000), 100 Waterman Fountain Pens and 100 Wat

KOCHI: Panicked by the recent theft attempts by members of the notorious Kuruva gang at Chendamangalam and North Paravoor, residents have started night patrolling in the areas in coordination with the police. One such group, at Karimpadam ward in Chendamangalam, comprises youngsters trained in martial arts like kalari and karate. On October 13, two half-naked persons wearing masks had tried to break into 10 houses in Chendamangalam and North Paravoor. Though they did not succeed, the entire inci

KOCHI: The coracle fishers temporarily residing below the Kundannoor flyover have been asked to leave in the wake of the recent arrest of two Kuruva gang members from there. The health wing of Maradu municipality initiated action to evacuate the fishers, including those hailing from outside the state, and shift them to a rehabilitation centre of the local body, at 4pm. However, the authorities gave the group two more days after they told them that they would vacate the place by themselves. We ha

KOCHI: Industries Minister P Rajeeve flagged off an electric cart designed and manufactured by the state-run Kerala Automobiles Limited (KAL) at a function held at Changampuzha Park on Tuesday. The cart attached with a garbage box and tipping mechanism will be used as a model vehicle by the corporation to transport biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. The cart will be modified as per the requirements of the field staff appointed for waste collection. KAL authorities said the cart can carry

KOCHI: With an autopsy report revealing multiple head injuries, the police suspect that the 55-year-old woman who was found dead at an apartment in Koonamthai near Kalamassery was murdered. The deceased Jayesy Abraham, belonging to Chundikuzhi in Perumbavoor was staying alone at a rented apartment in Koonamthai and was found dead in the bathroom on Sunday night. The incident came to light after Jayesys daughter, who is in Canada, failed to get her on the line despite several attempts. She then

KOCHI: A 33-year-old postwoman, a familiar face in and around the Cochin University campus and South Kalamassery, has become the latest victim of a road accident in Kochi. Vidya K Nambeesan, who was working with the Cochin University Post Office, died when a tanker rear-ended the motorcycle on which she and her husband were travelling, at Athani on the National Highway stretch on Tuesday morning. In the impact, the duo fell to the ground and the lorry ran over Vidya. Her husband, Vinay R Nambees

KOCHI: A proposal to introduce online facility for processing the applications for tourism enterprises is under active consideration of the government, Industries Minister P Rajeev said on Tuesday. Rajeeve said the facility will be launched soon, enabling ventures to link even with the existing portals for approval by panchayats. The ministers announcement came at the sectoral meeting of tourism and hospitality sector convened by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) as a b

KOCHI: An IndiGo flight from Bengaluru to Male made an emergency landing at the Kochi airport on Tuesday afternoon due to a technical issue, but all the 140 persons on board were safe. The pilot of 'flight 6E 1127' requested an emergency landing permission around 2 pm citing the technical glitch and was soon diverted to Kochi. A full emergency was declared at the airport at 2.05 pm, and the A321 aircraft landed safely at 2.21 pm. The emergency was promptly withdrawn at 14:28 hours following the

KOCHI: I played the latest edition of the Formula 1 series earlier this year. Its a game that, if nothing else, simulates very realistically the experience of driving the fastest cars on earth. So it feels rather odd for me to tell you that Sonic x Shadow Generations is the only game Ive played this year that forced me to confront the thrills and the dangers of speed. These two games are quite different from one another, although they both involve the idea of racing. F1 is about being incredibly

KOCHI: When you wake up in the morning, do you find yourself taking some time to orient yourself to the world around you? A good majority of us, even those with multiple alarms set up within minutes to ensure they dont fall back asleep, spend a few minutes more in bed before we start the day. Sometimes, it is about just wanting to crawl back into the relaxed sense of deep sleep, and at other times, we might be trying hard to hold on to the quickly dissipating mists of sweet dreams, or even scary

KOCHI: Every year, many countries celebrate November 19 as International Mens Day (IMD). Though not officially recognised by the United Nations, the day is of significance. The day trains a lens on many issues that men face, including parental alienation, abuse, homelessness, suicide and violence. But since men likely respond more energetically to positive engagements, IMD is a celebration of mens positive contribution to society rather than a dissection of their problems. In addition, it promot

KOCHI: High in the foothills of the Himalayas, surrounded by lush greenery and the cool embrace of winter mist, Ruskin Bond leads a quiet, unhurried life with his family. His is a simple existence, largely unchanged for decades, yet is rich with inspiration one that has fuelled a literary legacy spanning generations. With over 500 short stories, essays, poetry collections, novels, and writings for both children and adults, Bond remains a prolific storyteller even at 90. In recognition of his un

KOCHI: Every toilet can be best imagined as a sanctuary for a time-blind person perched on the porcelain throne, scrolling through their phone. Social media is rife with reels and posts poking fun at this universal human quirk: lingering in the loo long after the task is done.In a world that constantly demands performance and adherence to societal standards, toilets may well be the ultimate safe space, offering guilt-free solitude. For some, its a place to escape the real world, while for others

KOCHI: The Chengamanad police on Monday registered a case against a member of Parakkadavu panchayat for locking the panchayat president and standing committee members while they were holding a meeting at the panchayat hall. The case was registered based on a complaint filed by the panchayat assistant secretary against Sebastian Vazhakkala, who is an independent member representing Kodussery ward. The related incident took place on November 13, when the president chaired a meeting to review proje

KOCHI: Not just women, but men too face social, mental and legal issues, like being named in fake dowry harassment cases or mental health challenges. Championing their cause, at least four main gender equality forums have joined hands for the first time to celebrate the lives of men and boys; and to highlight the various challenges, ahead of International Mens Day falling on November 19. A bike rally was held from Thrissur to Kochi on Sunday as part of a series of events being held to celebrate

KOCHI: Pet lovers can now rejoice as the first pet to be imported via Kochi airport will fly in from Brussels, Belgium, on November 28, opening the doors for those who do not want to leave their pets behind while travelling back home or permanently relocating to Kerala. A senior citizen named Devika is taking along her pet dog, fulfilling a long-standing wish. She has continuously written to us, seeking a nod to import her pet dog. However, we didnt have the facility till recently. She will fina

KOCHI: Two youths were killed after the motorcycle they were travelling on crashed into the handrail of a bridge in Tripunithura, near here, early on Monday, police said. The accident occurred at the Mathur Bridge in Tripunithura at around 1.30 AM. The deceased have been identified as Nivedita (21) from Meppadi, Wayanad, and Subin (19) from Kollam, police said. Kochi City Police said that a case has been registered in connection with the incident. The bodies are kept in a hospital and will be ha

KOCHI: On edge after the news broke of notorious Kuruva thieves being at large in Alappuzha, various residents associations and pourasamithis (citizens groups) have urged the Kochi city police to revive surveillance groups, comprising locals and Janamaithri police officials, to patrol residential areas. The Janamaithri patrol team had been very effective. However, it lost its charm following the pandemic. With news of Kuruva thieves breaking into houses being reported in city limits, it is high

KOCHI: Is Kerala falling victim to overtourism? Has the surge in tourism activities aggravated natural disasters, particularly in eco-sensitive areas in the state? If Fodors travel guide is anything to go by, it would seem so. Fodors Travel, a California-based online tourism information provider, has come out with a No List 2025 which mentions 15 destinations from across the world, including Kerala, where tourism is placing unsustainable pressures on the land and the local communities. As per Fo

KOCHI: The floating bridge at Kuzhuppilly Beach will reopen towards the end of this month, bringing a new wave of activity to the popular destination. The bridge, which initially opened in October 2023, was closed in May 2024 after the Southwest monsoon made landfall caused by rough seas. The bridge is part of a tourism department initiative to install floating bridges across eight coastal districts. The floating bridge was closed in late May due to the monsoons impact, as the rough seas made it

KOCHI: The Sugatha Prakrithi All-Kerala Nature Painting Competition was held at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Kochi, as part of the 90th birth anniversary celebrations of the renowned poet and environmental activist Sugathakumari. The competition saw students grouped into five categories. Children from LKG to Class 4 were given the theme Nature, students in Classes 5 to 7 were tasked with painting scenes near a waterfall, while Classes 8 to 10 focused on depicting An Evening by the Seaside.

KOCHI: Commuters and private bus operators have had a harrowing time for over a year after the main carriageway of the Vyttila Mobility Hub degenerated into a mesh of craters and cracks. The bus operators, while questioning the rationale behind the collection of user fees, even threatened to boycott the integrated multi-modal transportation terminal, citing that the uneven carriageway has resulted in increased maintenance cost of buses. Now there is light at the end of the tunnel. The work to re

KOCHI: The police have formed a special team to investigate multiple burglary attempts allegedly linked to the notorious Kuruva gang in the Chendamangalam and North Paravoor areas. Two cases have been registered in connection with the incidents, one at the Vadakkekara police station and the other at North Paravoor police station. Ernakulam Rural police chief Vaibhav Saxena visited the areas where the suspected theft attempts occurred. He confirmed that a special team, led by Munnambam DySP, has

KOCHI: Police launched a massive search operation after a person suspected to be a member of the notorious Kuruva thieves gang which carried out multiple thefts in Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts escaped from the custody of cops in Kochi on Saturday evening. However, after a four-hours-long search operation, police managed to nab the Tamil Nadu resident Santhosh Shelvan from a marshy place in the Kundanoor area. According to sources, a police team from Alappuzha tracked Santhosh and other gang

KOCHI: Even as the global economy is still recovering at a slow pace, the Indian growth story presents a picture of stability and strength, despite the recent surge in retail inflation, RBI governor Shaktikanta Das said here on Saturday. Inflation has gone up in the last two months, but on the whole, its expected to moderate in the coming months. However, the Indian economy is very stable, thanks to factors like the external sector. Our current account deficit last year was 1.1 per cent as again

KOCHI: After hitting various areas in Alappuzha, the two thieves suspected to be members of the notorious Kuruva gang, allegedly made burglary attempts at Chendamangalam in Ernakulam on Wednesday night. The Vadakkekara police have launched a probe though no thefts were reported in the area where the two persons were spotted. Munambam DySP Jayakrishnan S said some Chendamangalam residents heard noises outside their homes on Wednesday night. When they turned on the lights outside their homes, they

KOCHI: There seems to be a new crop of robbers out and about in Ernakulam. And its not just money and ornaments that they are targeting, but also cash crops. Multiple incidents of large-scale theft of rubber and nutmeg have been reported in various parts of the district in the last one month. Goods worth over Rs 4.5 lakh have gone missing from Malayattoor, Kothamangalam and Pattimattom areas during this time. On the morning of November 3, Paul Mathew, who procures rubber sheets from farmers, not

KOCHI: The wintery air around bears the hint of an inebriating, sensuous scent. It can be trance-inducing, often more passionate than placid. Sweet and heady, the fragrance can be traced to the blooms of ezhilam pala (Alstonia scholaris). The pale, petite flowers tinge the serene year-end breeze with a cloying aroma that evokes a sense of the fantastic. Known for its shimmery white dazzle at night, the pala has left an uncanny and mysterious impression on the Malayali mind. With tales of yakshis

KOCHI: As part of enhancing preparedness against potential bomb threats, the Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has initiated measures to strengthen its specialised bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS) by procuring an advanced equipment that can contain blasts. Were purchasing one more threat containment vessel (TCV), capable of containing a blast of minimum 8 kg of high explosives (TNT) or an equivalent quantity of explosives, for deployment at the domestic terminal. The complete syste

KOCHI: For those seeking a holiday where adventure meets opulence, Anthem of the Seas by Royal Caribbean Cruises is a destination in itself. This stunning ship, a floating resort on the high seas, offers an array of experiences crafted for every traveller, from families and couples to first-time cruisers. With panoramic glass observation capsules, a skydiving simulator, robotic bartenders, and diverse dining options, Anthem of the Seas, which recently stopped over at Kochi en route to Thailand,

KOCHI: Samantha Leroy is, put simply, a guardian of silent cinema preservation. She has been serving as the head of programming at the Fondation Jrme Seydoux Path in Paris since 2020, curating year-round lineups of silent films. Her journey began with cinema studies and projection work, before launching into archival film research and programming at the Cinmatheque franaise. Samantha is dedicated to preserving cinematic legacy and history, playing an important role in initiatives like coordinat

KOCHI: A symbol of sensuality and joie de vivre, this description suits no drink other than wine. Whether mass-produced or a rare vintage, wine is loved and celebrated worldwide, irrespective of occasion. Landed that big promotion? Pour a glass of wine to toast the moment. Had a long day? Then swirl and sip some. Catching up with an old friend or enjoying a date night? A glass of wine can set the perfect tone. And if you run out of conversation, you can always talk about wine, because every bott

KOCHI: The 15th General Body meeting of the Catholic Council of India (CCI) will be hosted by the Pala Diocese, marking a significant occasion as the diocese celebrates its Platinum Jubilee year. This event follows the recent hosting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India conference. The three-day meeting will begin on Friday evening and conclude by Sunday noon. Founded in 1993 by the CBCI, the Catholic Council of India serves as the national pastoral council and includes bishops, priests,

KOCHI: It was not all water under the bridge! Angamaly municipality was in for a rude shock when the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) dropped a humongous bill for Rs 3.68 crore, which included outstanding dues. And when the authority pointed its finger at public taps, the municipality initiated a cost-cutting measure, doing away with all public taps in its jurisdiction. Municipality chairperson Mathew Thomas and the councillors, however, decided to compensate beneficiaries by providing them free wat

KOCHI: Ayyappa devotees flying into Kochi airport can make spot bookings this time around at the special Sabarimala Pilgrim Facilitation Centre, which was inaugurated by Industries Minister P Rajeeve on Thursday. The TDB president has agreed to start the spot booking system at the Kochi airport following our discussions with him. The same will be extended to the pilgrims soon, said airport director Manu G. The Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) first opened the Edathavalam, the only dedicat

KOCHI: Celebrating the boundless potential of our youngest minds the future leaders, thinkers, and changemakers of tomorrow is what Childrens Day is all about. As a psychologist/behavioural therapist, I think its critical to foster healthy minds in children from a young age, not just for their current well-being but also for their success in the future. Early childhood plays a vital role in brain development. The emotional and psychological patterns formed during this period can influence how

KOCHI: Science recognises that sand can store memories, while life sees it as creative enough for things to thrive upon. These qualities draw artists like Pallichal Rajamohanan to choose sand as a canvas, shaping ideas that spring from their imagination. Rajamohanan, a senior clerk at the Karumkulam grama panchayat in Thiruvananthapuram, dives into this unique medium, creating captivating sand portraits that have won him several accolades, including the Bharatan Smaraka Award. To bring life to s

KOCHI: The Kerala Forest Department (Ernakulam division) is organising a wildlife photography exhibition titled Thrasam - Symphony of the Wild from November 13 to 17. The exhibition, currently on at the Durbar Hall Art Gallery, features works of four wildlife photographers Dr Aravind K, Dijeesh Valiyattil, Sunil C G and Satheesan K V. The exhibition, which aims to promote conservation and preservation of wildlife, was inaugurated by Ernakulam MLA T J Vinod on Wednesday. Keralas chief wildlife wa