kochi / The New Indian Express
THRISSUR: Not just humans, even Olive Ridley turtles used to love the Chavakkad beach in Thrissur. The amphibians would reach the shore every year like clockwork and lay eggs here. However, there has been a marked drop in the turtle footfall at the beach this time. Conservationists term it an after-effect of the soaring temperature. James N J of Green Habitat, an NGO focused on the turtles conservation, said normally, around 500 Olive Ridley turtles arrive at the three beaches in Chavakkad Puth
KOCHI: The police investigation into the abduction of three migrant workers from the Aluva railway station premises has hit a dead end. Though the abducted persons reached their native place in Assam, no police complaint has been lodged by them. In the absence of a formal complaint, the police are finding it difficult to take the probe forward. Presently, the police are conducting a probe based on the statement of an autorickshaw driver who witnessed the abduction incident. It was around 7am on
KOCHI: Doctors at Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical College in Kolenchery has successfully performed a Bentall surgery on a 64-year-old woman who was suffering from a tear in the part of aorta where it exits the heart. The surgery, aimed at saving the life of the woman, was executed with exceptional precision and expertise. Known for its intricate nature, the Bentall procedure involves the complete replacement of the damaged proximal aorta and aortic valve. The surgeons reimplanted the co
KOCHI: The defence in the Vellamunda Maoist case , involving suspected senior CPI (Maoist) leader Roopesh, has approached the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Kochi to take action against a policeman, who is also the complainant, for misleading the court. The case, for which trial has been completed, has been posted by the NIA court for judgment on April 1. The case pertains to a break-in by a group of Maoists, who barged into the house of senior civil police officer A B Pramod, of V
KOCHI: Ten youths, who have been implicated in various criminal cases, were arrested by the Kochi city police for allegedly possessing MDMA. Among those arrested were Sarath M S, 25, of Kunnamkulam, Mahesh T V, 22, of Palakkad, Mohammed Ajmal, 23, of Ponnani, Jithin M M, 21, of Thrissur, Mubasheer, 23, from Ponnani, Mohammed Shafeeq, 23, from Ponnani, Sabir A V, 25, from Ponnani, Akash N V, 20, from Eddappal, Shyam Sudheer, 23, from Vattakulam, Malappuram, and Navaneeth V K, 24, from Ponnani. Th
KOCHI: The excise enforcement squad on Wednesday arrested two members of a drug racket known as the Mad Max group in Kochi. According to excise officers, Zakariah, 32, of Bombrana, Kasaragod, and Amal Varghese, 26, of Mundiyerumma, Udumbanchola, Idukki, were involved in multiple criminal cases. After their recent release from jail, they moved to Kochi, where they along with their friends started a social-media group called Mad Max. They targeted school and college students. They took orders thro
KOCHI: Artisans from across the country are congregating in Kochi for the Indian Cotton and Silk Utsav. The exhibition-cum-sale, which began at Rotary Clubs Bala Bhavan near Panampilly Nagar on March 26, brings together rural artisans featuring vast collections of cotton and silk handlooms, handicrafts, tie and dye fabrics and sarees. Ghagra cholis from Rajasthan, Seikan carvings from Lucknow, and Kalamkari, cotton, mul mul and chanderi fabrics are some of the products on display. The fabled Dha
KOCHI: The year was 1958. The stage was at Vigyan Bhavan in Delhi and in attendance were stalwarts of the Indian classical dance scene such as Rukmini Devi Arundale, Balasaraswati, Birju Maharaj, etc. A group of men clad in white and carrying a distinct drum entered the performing area and presented a dance that flowed like an enchanting prayer. The performers were celibate monks from a unique community in Assam that is centred around devotion and Ekasarana Dharma, a Vaishnavite sect founded by
KOCHI: Pointy strokes mark the walls of Durbar Hall Art Gallery in Kochi, where Abus World, an exhibition to mark the centenary of revered cartoonist and journalist Abu Abraham is currently underway. Over 300 original artworks of his are on display here from cartoons and caricatures to sketches. Each is a window, a glimpse into the past, of a young and independent India, its earliest political landscape. Abus mastery is laid bare in every line. Each frame is a sharp satirical lens that captures
BENGALURU: Mahatma Gandhi was not given the Bharat Ratna because it was set up in 1954 and could not be awarded posthumously (Gandhi was assassinated in 1948). The rules have changed since. In response to a petition filed to give Gandhi the countrys highest civilian award, the Supreme Court said that as the Father of the Nation, he is held in such high esteem that he is beyond formal recognition. TheBharat Ratnais conferred in recognition ofexceptional service/performance of the highest order, w
KOCHI: Are stacks of books growing to gigantic heights at your home? Are your personal libraries portals of chaos where books go missing? Fear not, TNIE has found a solution. Our inquisitions on the digital front have revealed that there is a handy tool that bibliophiles can employ to get their bookshelves in order, and by extension, their lives. Handy Library, available on the Google Play Store, helps you manage any book collection. Whether youre a passionate reader with an extensive home libra
KOCHI: The past few years have seen a sharp decline in the number of students applying for humanities courses in high school. Last year, nearly 30 batches in the state lacked an adequate number of students, a trend more noticeable in the southern districts. In view of this, several batches were outright removed from the upcoming academic year in the region, a move which invariably also means that several teachers are likely to lose their jobs. This is particularly worrying, says Sakkeer Sainudhe
KOCHI: Khalil Gibrans popular prose and poetry fable, The Prophet , has a spiritual and philosophical quality to it. Transforming such a text, which also deals with the mystery of life, into a theatrical experience is no easy task. TNIE dissects the play and its underpinning messages that are as relevant today as when it was made When artistic director Joy P P approached playwright Satheesh Nammu to see it made, the latter was hesitant to take on the project. As per my reading of the book, it is
KOCHI: Ponnarival Ambiliyil and Balikudeerangale to Chakkara Panthalil and Pambukalkku Malamundu and many more songs from the past still remain on the lips of every Malayali. These tunes from the 1950s to the 1980s, hold a special place in the hearts of many, evoking cherished memories of a bygone era, the golden age of theatre. Though these songs became popular through movies, they were originally penned for dramas. And their influence extended beyond the idea of mere entertainment and went on
KOCHI: Amid controversies over the implementation of the Uniform Holy Mass, St Marys Cathedral Basilica in the city was opened on Tuesday after 486 days. The move comes after the First Additional Munsif Court directed the vicar to open the church. Permission has been granted to celebrate all sacraments and sacramentals in the church, except the Holy Mass. As per the court order, the petitioners and church authorities can approach the station house officer of the Central Police Station if anyone
KOCHI: The Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered a watch showroom in Kochi to immediately remove the illegal condition, Goods once sold will not be taken back or exchanged from their cash memos, invoices, and bills, as it constitutes an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act. The commission issued the order based on a complaint lodged by Sanjukumar T S, of Muppathadom. The commission comprising its president D B Binu, members Sreevidhia T N and V
KOCHI: Police on Tuesday registered a case after an unidentified person created a fake WhatsApp account impersonating a special government pleader, Advocate Generals office, and sent messages to the personal secretary of Kerala Forest Minister and former additional law secretary on Monday. The case was registered by Ernakulam Central Police following a complaint lodged by C E Unnikrishnan, special government pleader, Advocate Generals office. According to police, the accused person used the phot
KOCHI: Before the clamour for womens involvement in parliamentary politics and the introduction of seat reservations, a woman wielded authority in the Fort Cochin Municipality through democratic elections, notably in the 1930s. Lizabeth Gertrude Barnard may not immediately ring a bell in the present-day Fort Cochin, but mention Chairman Missy, and some memories may stir. Some recall hearing about the house where she resided. Delve deeper, and you realise that she might have been the first democr
KOCHI: When the South Korean film 'Parasite' bagged the award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 77th Golden Globes, its maker Bong Joon-ho proclaimed, Once you overcome the one-inch barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films. This is as true for filmmakers as it is for viewers. Indeed, an ardent embracing of subtitling work has seen Malayalam movies transcend its cultural borders and gain acceptance in regions far and wide. One notable example is 2019s hit Kum
KOCHI: Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, which is the nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain. The damage is usually the result of increased pressure within the eye, which can be caused by a build-up of fluid that flows through the eye. It can cause irreversible vision loss and blindness if left untreated. In India, the burden of glaucoma is 11.9 million, and the prevalence of blindness is 8.9 million. Glaucoma contributes to 12.8 p
KOCHI: In the mornings, amid the verdant fields and lush waters of Changaram, Pallithodu in Alappuzha near the Kochi- Alappuzha border, one can easily find a gathering of migratory birds in the summer months. Alappuzhas wetlands continue to be a haven for various migratory bird species, attracting them year after year. This picturesque locale draws numerous visitors, including foreigners, who are eager to witness the spectacle of large flocks, including painted storks, brown-headed gulls, and sp
KOCHI: Kumbalangi, Kammattipaadam, Angamaly... these quaint yet serene locations in Kochi have enjoyed an uptick in popularity following the release of movies carrying than name Kumbalangi Nights, Kammattipaadam, Angamaly Diaries. Now, another location has been added to this list: Manjummel, a charming village a stones throw away from Kochi. Once relegated as an industrial corner of the city, Manjummel, which falls under Eloor panchayat limits, has been catapulted into the limelight following t
KOCHI: An Uttarakhand man who had absconded after hacking a woman in broad daylight at Azad Road in Kochi was nabbed from Goa on Sunday night after a 15-month-long pursuit. Farooq Ali, 25, belonging to the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, was brought to Kochi on Monday by the Ernakulam North Police and his arrest recorded. It was on December 3 in 2022 that Farooq attacked Sandhya Mangar, 27, belonging to Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, in West Bengal who was staying at a rented accommodation in
KOCHI: Five new assistive technology (AT) products developed by the National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH) for the differently-abled population in Kerala will be launched soon. The products are currently in the trial stage. Transfer devices for paralysis patients, ergonomic chairs for the paediatric population, accessible plugs for the visually impaired, vibrating alerts for hearing impaired, and adaptive mouse are the products that will be launched by the National Centre for Assistive
KOCHI: An elderly woman was found dead at her residence in Kallad, near Kothamangalam, on Monday. Saramma, 71, wife of late Elias, was found lying unconscious with a severe head injury in the bedroom, an officer with Kothamangalam police said. A gold ornament she was wearing is missing. We found turmeric powder sprinkled around the house, the officer said. Sarammas son is on the governing board of a private educational institution in Chellad and her daughter-in-law is a teacher at the same insti
KOCHI: Shared-auto services along the citys metro corridors could soon become a reality. Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL), which has been cleared to introduce shared mobility as part of its feeder service, is preparing to conduct a study to gauge demand and traffic patterns. While shared-auto services may be unfamiliar to most Keralites, the concept has proven to be both cost-effective and convenient in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur. In 2022, the state regional transport authority (RTA) gav
KOCHI: Ashwin and Athul both say they became aware of the fraud that they had become part of only when Ernakulam Rural police arrested them in connection with a case in which a 62-year-old Aluva native lost Rs 1.15 crore to online scamsters. As it turned out, portions of loot were channelled through a bank account that 25-year-old Ashwin had purportedly sold for Rs 15,000. The story was no different for Athul. In fact, police traced transactions worth Rs 10 crore to Ashwins account that he claim
KOCHI: A Kannur resident who arrived in Kochi for treatment met with a tragic end on Sunday morning when an overspeeding lorry allegedly hit him during a routine walk near the Nettoor bridge on NH66 in Kochi. Abdul Sathar, 55, belonging to Azhikode, was receiving treatment at a super specialty hospital in Nettoor for kidney-related ailments and was residing at a rented accommodation nearby along with his son, Ibrahim. According to the police, the fatal accident occurred when a lorry transporting
KOCHI: The city police busted a gambling racket and arrested seven people with Rs 2 lakh around noon on Saturday. The Kalamassery police arrested Salam, 54, of HMT Colony in Kalamassery, Lathif, 55, of Kakkanad, Vinod, 45, of Kangarappady North, Shaji, 44, of North Paravoor, Rafeeq, 42, of Alappuzha, Harris, 39, of Thevakkal and Suneer, 47, of Palluruthi after they were found allegedly playing cards and betting money in the kitchen hall of Khadar Hotel near Apollo Junction in Kalamassery. A sum
KOCHI: Security has been a major issue at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) which has an open campus with even a major thoroughfare running through it. Lapses in security were also brought forth in the aftermath of the stampede at the amphitheatre last November. Cusat has now initiated steps to outsource security services to increase the presence of security personnel on the campus. Having earmarked Rs 2.18 crore for the purpose, the university has floated a tender. Accordi
KOCHI : Kerala is witnessing a worrying spike in cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The latest figures show a prominent prevalence, with the numbers steadily on the increase. From April 2022 to March 2023, the volume of cases was 19,323, a marked increase from 15,296 in the previous year. This fiscal, till February, the number of cases reported is 13,840. This figure is expected to cross numbers from the last fiscal once we collate the final data in April, says an official of the K
KOCHI: The food safety department in Ernakulam has fined a hotel in Kalamassery for functioning in unhygienic conditions. The officials also collected food samples for testing following complaints that the outlet served stale food to customers. The officials on Saturday inspected and issued a fine recommendation notice to Zain Hotel at Pathadipalam following complaints by customers. The complaint was raised after a live worm was found in the food they ordered. Following the complaint, we inspect
KOCHI: An elderly woman who fell off a moving private bus at Panampilly Nagar succumbed to injuries at a hospital on Friday evening. The deceased has been identified as Bhagyavathi, 79, of Maradu, who met with the accident while alighting at Panampilly Nagar bus stop on Thursday morning. Ernakulam South Police have registered a case against the driver of the bus under IPC Section 304A for causing death by negligence. According to the police, the victim was travelling to her relatives house and w
KOCHI: The State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) will hand over its report on the blasts during a Jehovahs Witnesses prayer meeting on October 29, 2023, that left eight dead and several injured to the police soon. The team probing the incident will file the chargesheet in the next couple of weeks, after getting the report. The police had sent samples of the explosives collected from the convention centre in Kalamassery - where the meeting was convened - and those recovered from the house of D
KOCHI: Investigating an immoral trafficking case involving a gangster, the police have submitted before a court that criminal gangs are running brothels in Kochi. The Ernakulam North police made the submission when an anticipatory bail petition filed by gangster Bhai Nazeer, 48, of Vattekunnam, was considered by the Ernakulam District Principal Sessions Court recently. The court denied him anticipatory bail after the police objected strongly. Nazeer had approached the court after he was accused
KOCHI: The Ernakulam Womens Association (EWA) has been working for the welfare of women for over a century now. From its early days as a recreational den to its evolution into a social instrument with teeth, the association has come a long way. History tells us the associations genesis was during a closed-door meeting held by four learned men at the Ernakulam Public Library on March 23, 1918. They were T K Krishna Menon of the Thottakkat family; Justice Pallathil Narayana Menon; Justice T S Nara
KOCHI: One cannot ignore the burst of euphoria which strawberries offer with their perfect balance of sweet and sour notes. The seductive colour of romance adds a twist to the scarce aroma of nuttiness and complements the scrumptious fruit. Interestingly, its achenes the tiny, sometimes yellowish or brownish specks are considered the real fruits, which are rich in fibre. Each of these achene is a fruit, inside of which is a seed. That means a single, medium-sized strawberry would have close to
KOCHI: Following soaring temperatures, Ernakulam has been witnessing a surge in diarrhoea and hepatitis A case numbers in recent months. According to the health department, 2,940 and 1,834 diarrheal cases were reported in the district in February and March. Among hepatitis A patients, three confirmed cases, 41 suspected cases and one death were reported in February, while 10 confirmed cases and 48 suspected cases were reported in March. Most of the cases were reported in Malayattoor, Mattancherr
KOCHI: A 65-year-old man killed his 31-year-old daughter-in-law before ending his own life at his house at Kochangadi near Chendamangalam, North Paravoor, on Thursday. Following a family dispute, Sebastian killed Shanu by slitting her throat. Shanus husband Sinoj Sebastian, who is a contract employee with FACT at Eloor, was not present at the house when the incident occurred. The incident took place between 10.30 am and 10.45 am when a fight broke out between Shanu and Sebastian. The neighbours
KOCHI: Given the pressing concern over the disposal of sanitary napkins, Kochi Corporation will explore the possibility of setting up incinerators linked to various establishments. It submitted the proposal to the High Court during a suo motu case related to the blaze at the dumping yard in Brahmapuram. The civic body was asked to examine the possibility of installing incinerators on the premises of the HC. The corporation has been asked to provide information by April 9. The corporation was als
KOCHI: The Muvattupuzha Additional District and Sessions Court on Thursday awarded twin life imprisonment to an Assam native for murdering his wife and three-month-old son at Vengola near Perumbavoor in May 2015. Abdul Hakeem, 44, was living with his family in Vengola and working as a labourer when he carried out the murders. The deceased, Mehmudha, was Hakeems third wife. He killed her and their child for marrying another woman. Hakeem, who absconded after the incident, was arrested by the poli
KOCHI: Climate change-induced phenomena such as rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns have affected ground water levels in Kochi and across the state, leading to its scarcity in many places. To address the challenges and secure the future, S Gopakumar, architect and founder of Better Kochi Response Group (BKRG), pushed for adapting to sustainable water management practices and mandatory adoption of water conservation methods in the city. Flats, apartments, and households must a
KOCHI: Summer holidays are upon us. While this means time away from the usual hum-drum of poring over textbooks, for many, it is also an opportunity to scale up their skills or develop new ones, be it in arts, sports or science. To cater to this growing demand, a slew of summer camps have mushroomed across the city. Here, TNIE presents an overview of such classes across a spectrum of fields. In the mix is also a clutch of niche classes which we believe will pique your interest. From brain gym to
KOCHI: There are sensational cases with which the police, despite cracking the entire plot, cannot proceed further as victims refuse to proceed with the case. In one such recent incident, the police even managed to nab the person who stole 560 grams of gold while working as the manager of a financial firm but were forced to close the case as the company decided not to proceed with the investigation. On February 15, 28-year-old Rajesh reached the Muvattupuzha police station complaining that his b
KOCHI: Cloves are one of the spices that are grown extensively in India. Its a spice obtained from the dried unopened flower bud of the evergreen, medium-sized clove tree. When comes to cultivation, cloves require a high ambient atmospheric temperature between 25 to 35 degree Celsius along with ample sunlight, good rainfall and high humidity. Scientifically known as Syzygium aromaticum, cloves are one of the most important spices when it comes to Indian cuisines, as it has a deep flavour profile
KOCHI: With just over a month remaining for the Lok Sabha elections in Kerala, key figures from mainstream parties are set to converge on Ernakulam district to steer the political discourse in new directions. With the UDF and LDF fronts having announced their candidates well in advance of the official poll declaration, many candidates have completed first-round campaigning. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is scheduled to campaign for Ernakulam LDF candidate K J Shine on April 3, with public meet
KOCHI: When children spend time on their mobile phones or laptops, the normal assumption that parents have is that they are either playing games or watching videos. However, there are times when this assumption is proved wrong for the good. Take the case of Aarav Sajju. The class I student of South Vazhakulam Government LP School, in Ernakulam district, was castigated by his mother for extensive use of the mobile phone, only for his family to find that the six-year-old had been using his time s
KOCHI: A Mulavukkad native surrendered before the police after he stabbed his estranged wife at Edappally on Wednesday. The incident took place at AKG road when Neenu, 27, was on her way to work around 9am. Neenu and her husband Ashil, 30, were living separately for the last one year. Ashil intercepted Neenu, following which the duo engaged in a verbal altercation. An enraged Ashil took out a knife and stabbed Neenu on her neck. The eyewitnesses rushed her to the hospital in Kalamassery. Later,
KOCHI: Kochi police are all set to equip the motorcycle-borne City Warriors squad with more electric motorcycles. Recently, the state government approved a request submitted by the force to procure eight new e-motorcycles for the squad, which is tasked with the safety of women in the city. City police had, on a pilot basis, introduced two e-motorcycles for its patrolling units last year. Following a positive response, the force decided to procure more such vehicles. Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSM
KOCHI: In a freak accident, a 54-year-old woman was killed after the sliding iron gate of her house in Eloor, near Kochi, fell on her when she was closing it on Wednesday morning. The victim, identified as Jose Mary, wife of Benny from Eloor, was fatally injured when the sliding iron gate of her residence fell on her as she attempted to close it. The accident happened shortly after her husband departed for work in the morning. Witnesses in the neighborhood said that as she was closing the gate,