Urvi Foundation was born out of a passion for environmental restoration and community engagement. At its core lies the vision of architect Hasan Naseef, whose thesis project became the key factor behind this Thiruvananthapuram-based NGOs mission. During my studies, I worked on a thesis that examined the urgent need for change in Keralas construction industry, says Hasan. The research revealed that if we continue on the current path, we will face many climate challenges. My thesis emphasised the

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health department has received national recognition for conducting the maximum number of molecular tests as part of the tuberculosis control project. A total of 82% of 87,330 people got tested for TB during the 100-day programme of the Tuberculosis Control Project held from December 7, 2024 to March 7, 2025 with modern molecular tests such as CBNAAT and TrueNAAT. As many as 5,588 tuberculosis patients were identified and provided with follow-up treatment. The state has re

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The trial has concluded for the 2022 Peroorkada murder case, in which Vineetha, an employee at a nursery, was murdered. The court will announce its verdict on April 10. The prosecution relied entirely on scientific and circumstantial evidence, as there were no direct eyewitnesses in the case. Of the 118 listed witnesses, 96 were examined. The prosecution submitted CCTV footage stored in 12 pen drives and seven DVDs, along with 222 documents, to establish the movements of the

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ambitious LED streetlight project implemented by the city corporation has come under severe criticism due to alleged lack of timely maintenance and replacement of faulty LED lights. The civic body has roped in three private agencies for implementing the LED streetlight project in the state capital. However, the agencies are struggling to promptly replace faulty lights, leaving the capital in darkness and raising safety concerns among residents, pedestrians and motorists.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The investigation into the BSNL Engineers Cooperative Society scam has concluded, recommending the recovery of Rs 362 crore from 19 governing body members and one employee. Conducted by the cooperative department, the inquiry identified liabilities stemming from three governing bodies operating since 2007. The misappropriated total comprises Rs 257.34 crore in principal and Rs 104.67 crore in interest, calculated at an 18% rate up to December 31, 2024. The largest recoveries

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a bid to ensure safer workplace in the Malayalam film industry, the women and child development department will be rolling out a specialised training programme to enforce the provisions of the POSH Act. Health and Women and Child Development Minister Veena George will inaugurate the state-level launch of the initiative at KTDC Mascot Hotel in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan will preside over. Prominent figures from the Malayalam film in

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a crackdown on drug use in student hostels, an excise team seized 20 g of cannabis during a raid at the Government College Hostel for Men near LMS Church, Palayam, on Tuesday. The contraband was found in room number 455, which, according to hostel residents, was occupied by Pandiyaraj, a native of Chokkanad Estate in Munnar. However, students informed officials that Pandiyaraj had vacated the room early Monday morning. The excise department has since intensified search for

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: KSRTC has started disbursing salaries in full on the first of the month, starting April 1, fulfilling the promise made by the Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar. On Tuesday, a sum of Rs 80 crore was distributed as salaries to employees. This is the first time since December 2020 that KSRTC employees are receiving salaries in full on the first of the month. April is also the eighth consecutive month that KSRTC employees are receiving their salaries in a single instalment. The

The scene at Vaikom Mahadeva temple on March 31 was euphoric almost like a rock band in action with fans singing along. However, the music wasnt headbanging stuff but a fluid melody, soul-stirring, with emphatic troughs and crests, and above all, a sense of blissful peace. It was the Nandagovindam team who are on a spiritual music journey across Kerala in action, staging a selection of songs drawn partly from the traditional sampradaya bhajan culture and partly from lilting tunes adapted from

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The commissioning of a modern abattoir in Thiruvananthapuram, a long-held dream of the city corporation, continues to face indefinite delays because of financial hurdles. The Rs 9.58-crore slaughterhouse project at Kunnukuzhy has remained in the finishing stages for the past several years as the corporation keeps delaying the release of funds for the purpose. The Kerala State Pollution Control Board had sealed the slaughterhouse almost 13 years ago citing pollution issues. Si

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The annual Painguni festival at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram will be celebrated from April 2 to 11 with special rituals and cultural programmes. The festival will begin on April 2 with the flag hoisting between 8.45 am and 9.30 am, followed by the Mannuneerukoral ritual at 10.15 am and the Mulapooja at 6.45 pm. The Valiya Kanikka ritual will take place on April 9, while the Pallivetta ceremony is scheduled for April 10. The festival will conclude with the

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) awarded Rs 4 lakh compensation and litigation costs to a man who sustained 45 pc burn injuries in an LPG cylinder leak. The commission found fault with two insurance companies which did not provide relief to the victim. The Kollam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission had earlier directed Indane and its agency in Kottarakkara to pay Rs 4 lakh compensation to the injured. The SCDRC order came on an appeal petit

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan inaugurated the global campaign against drug abuse, organised by the World Malayali Federation, in Vienna. The WMF plans to run the campaign across 166 countries and Kerala. Enforcement doesnt mean rise in the increasing number of cases. Instead the source of drugs should be eliminated. The government machinery should break the supply chain of drugs and narcotic substances, pointed out Satheesan. Unlike in the past, now non-residents are wor

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A coastal cyclothon organised by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will reach the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) at Thumba on Monday. Around 75 cyclists, who began their journey from Lakhpat Fort in Gujarat, are expected to arrive at the venue before noon. They have already covered nearly 3,700 kilometres along the Western coast, passing through coastal states including Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka. Following the event in the capital, they will head to Kany

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: AICC general secretary K C Venugopal has asked the state government to increase the honorarium of ASHA workers. Since it is the responsibility of the state government to implement the programme, it has the responsibility to increase the honorarium, he said. Venugopal was speaking to the media on Saturday. He questioned the state governments stance that it is the Central governments responsibility to increase the incentive first. Other states have increased the honorarium. If

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An academic study by a team of students revealed presence of several rare and endangered species, including endemic fish varieties and aquatic plants, crucial for maintaining Vellayani Lakes ecological balance. The students from Marian College of Arts and Science conducted the comprehensive biodiversity study at Vellayani Lake- one of the largest freshwater lakes in the state. The research led by the students aims to shed light on the rich flora and fauna in Vellayani lake -

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After two days of discussion, the LDF ruling front at the council has passed the final budget for 2025-26 fiscal in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. Deputy Mayor P K Raju unveiled a budget with an outlay of Rs 1,928.34 crore on Tuesday. The civic body has an estimated Rs 257.64 crore surplus and a total revenue of Rs 2,185.99 crore with major thrust to welfare schemes, sustainable development, waste management, empowerment of women, children and the elderly. The council sessions

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The redevelopment of the century-old Palayam Connemara Market one of the key projects taken up by the Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) continues to drag on with the City Corporation and the authorities failing to reach a consensus with the traders. With the SCTL all set to wind up its operation on March 31 (Monday), in a desperate attempt to launch the project the civic body has served final eviction notices to the traders operating from the market. However, the tra

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Workers at the Sunny Match Factory at Vlathankara in Neyyattinkara number just a handful. But they represent countless stories of a time when the entire region had several such units where the little packets of ignition were packaged for the markets. Jerry David, foreman of the company, has over 40 years of experience in the sector. I have seen many factories that once thrived in Thiruvananthapuram close down. I joined Sunny a decade ago; this is probably the last one standin

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A police officer sustained injuries after he was stabbed by a habitual offender near Poojappura on Thursday night. Poojappura station Law and Order Sub-inspector Sudheesh S L was stabbed by a Thirumala native, Sreejith Unni.The SI sustained injuries on his arm while trying to block Sreejith, who was aiming to stab him in his mid-section using a knife. The police sources said the incident occurred by 9.30 pm near Kallaramadom temple. The police came to the place after receivin

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: How would it feel if those who left their mark on history and faded into the past suddenly came back to life? The generation now knows these people who shaped life and history of the region only through photographs and paintings. Them appearing as real seemed improbable, atleast till now. But with AI, a technology that turns the unimaginable into reality, and a touch of creativity, even this has been made possible. Yuhab Ismail from Thiruvananthapuram has proven just that. Hi

April and May are months that are hot, humid, yet so charmingly awaited. The days of these months were once as sweet as misty mornings, even when the sun would blaze to its fullest, threatening to wear everyone down, except perhaps the busy bees children on vacation for whom sun or rain, April and May meant nothing but outdoors and tonnes of fun. The mango trees would be laden, and what else spells bliss except to land a few of those raw gems with a well-aimed stone strike? Is there anything el

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister for Local Self-governments M B Rajesh on Wednesday said that the local self-government institutions (LSGIs) that have met the criteria set by the LSGD will be declared garbage-free LSGIs on the occasion of the international day of zero-waste on March 30 (Sunday). So far, around 8,337 wards have been declared zero garbage wards and a total of 126 gram panchayats and 13 municipalities have already been officially declared waste-free so far, said M B Rajesh at a press c

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major boost to the fisherfolk in the capital district, the state cabinet has approved the construction of a new fishing harbour near the Vizhinjam International Port, at a cost of Rs 271 crore. The new harbour will be developed along the Vizhinjam International Port project, and a breakwater will be constructed to enhance the stability of the entrance to the existing fishing harbour. The project, based on the final design submitted by the Central Water and Power Research

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a significant conservation effort, as many as 108 Olive Ridley Turtle hatchlings made their way back to the sea on the Valiyaveli beach in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. The hatchlings emerged from the nest made by fishermen and conservationists at Valiyaveli overnight on Wednesday after 46 days of waiting. Fishermen and conservationists took extensive measures to ensure the safety of the eggs during the incubation period. On Wednesday morning, the hatchlings were releas

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Giving a major thrust to welfare schemes, sustainable development, waste management, empowerment of women, children and the elderly, the city corporation budget was presented for the fiscal year with an outlay of Rs 1,928.34 crore on Tuesday. The civic body has an estimated Rs 257.64 crore surplus and a total revenue of Rs 2,185.99 crore. The budget, presented by Deputy Mayor and finance standing committee chairman P K Raju, has allocated Rs 305 crore for infrastructure proje

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With intelligence reports warning of potential clashes among students, the state police have devised a comprehensive action plan to ensure strict surveillance in schools after the SSLC and higher secondary exams. All 20 police districts have been directed to enhance security during the final exam days. Station house officers (SHOs) have been instructed to monitor known hotspots, review past incidents on school campuses and curb activities such as drug use and reckless vehicle

Bhanusimha was just 16 when he began exploring human emotions through the grand backdrop of divine interplay a theme that has long inspired and continues to inspire soulful poetry. Fresh in his mind was Gita Govindam, the celebrated work of Jayadeva, which deeply influenced his artistic sensibilities. His fascination with Maithili (a Hindi dialect) further fuelled his urge to write. Not in his native Bengali, but in Brajbauli, another variant. These poems were later published in 1884, introduci

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The LDF ruling front at the city corporation will present its final budget before the elections on Tuesday. According to sources, the front is likely to announce major initiatives, focusing on sustainability, development and reducing the carbon footprint to transform the capital into a green city. In 2024-24, the ruling front came up with a Rs 150.19-crore surplus budget, giving major thrust to infrastructure development, elderly welfare, women empowerment, waste management a

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:In a suspected case of suicide, an Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer was found deadon the Chakka railway trackon Monday. The deceased has been identified as Megha (24), an officer in the immigration wing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. Pettah police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. Megha had left work after completing her shift on Monday morning. The cause of death remains unclear. Megha is a native of Pathanamthitta. Police arrived at the sce

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A startup delegation of the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) hogged the limelight at the 32nd Convergence India Expo, the countrys largest technology and infrastructure event, in New Delhi, by winning a major honour, besides lapping up investment opportunities. A contingent of 24 startups took part in the three-day (March 19 to 21) expo at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, where they held around 30 meetings with investors and 100 potential business discussions. They also showcase

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dansari Anasuya, the Telangana minister for panchayat raj and rural development, rural water supply, and women and child welfare, was in Thiruvananthapuram to attend the Dalit Progress Conclave. In an interaction with TNIE, she discusses the struggles of marginalised groups and the need for policy changes. The three-time MLA from Mulugu, fondly called Seethakka, also shares her vision for a more inclusive and empowered future. Excerpts How do you see caste discrimination evol

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister Veena George will inaugurate the programmes related to the World Tuberculosis Day and mark the conclusion of the 100-day action plan for TB prevention at Vailoppilli Samskruthi Bhavan Hall in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. V K Prashanth MLA will preside over the event. The programme, scheduled for 12 pm, is jointly organised by the Health Department, National Health Mission, State TB Cell, and District TB Centre. The theme for the World Tuberculosis Day this ye

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Yet another summer is here and Kazhakoottam the rapidly developing IT city continues to grapple with a severe water crisis. According to the Kerala Water Authority (KWA), there is a 10 MLD gap in the demand and supply and presently they are ensuring water supply by controlling the valves. Several wards in the Kazhakootam constituency, including Edavacode, Sreekaryam, Chellamangalam, Powdikonam, Chempazhanthy, Njandoorkonam, Mannanthala, Attipra, Kulathoor, Kazhakootam and K

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Joint Trade Union has started Save NTC, a day-and-night agitation in front of the Vijayamohini Mills at Thirumala, in connection with the fifth anniversary of its closure. The agitation has been launched raising various demands which include reopening the mill, clearing pending pay arrears, ensuring ESI and PF coverage, providing working capital to mills under the National Textile Corporation and urgent intervention by the Union ministry of textiles to address employees d

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A five-month-old baby, that was under the care of Kerala State Council for Child Welfare (KSCCW), died at SAT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday morning. On experiencing respiratory issues, the baby was rushed to the hospital for medical care but couldnt be saved. KSCCW general secretary G L Arun Gopi said that the baby had been sick and underwent treatment for the two weeks at SAT Hospital. He had got discharged only a week ago and was kept under special care at the

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Renowned Kathaprasangam artist and theatre activist Ayilam Unnikrishnan, 73, passed away on Saturday at 3 pm while undergoing treatment for pneumonia at the Thiruvananthapuram Super Specialty Hospital. The mortal remains will be kept for the public to pay homage at Bharat Bhavan on Tuesday from 10 am, followed by a viewing at his house, Nisha Nivas in Pangappara, from 11.30 am to 3 pm. The funeral will be held at 3.30 pm at Shanthitheeram, Kazhakooottam. Unnikrishnan, who was

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There has been an increase in death by suicide on railway tracks in the state over the last few years. In Thiruvananthapuram division, which extends 1,031 km, there were 22 deaths reported in 2022. This increased to 26 in 2023, and by the end of November 2024, it had reached 30, according to information obtained through an RTI application. The most recent incidents involved the deaths of a woman and her two daughters in Ettumanoor and a couple in Alappuzha. The Railway Protec

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The popular Candlelight Concerts are set to host their next event in the city, presenting a special musical evening dedicated to Malayalam movie soundtracks. The event will take place at Hilton Garden Inn Trivandrum, offering a unique experience where live performances unfold entirely under candlelight. The event, titled Candlelight: Best of Malayalam Movie Soundtracks, will be held on March 22 at 7pm. The evening will feature performances by Wind Stories, with Varun Kumar S

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Residents of Palode are growing increasingly anxious as the shooters enlisted by the Vithura panchayat to tackle the escalating wild boar menace have locked horns with forest authorities, disrupting operations. The standoff stems from the forest departments warning that the shooters could face charges under the Wildlife Protection Act if they continue hunting wild boars. In protest, the shooters have refused to respond to emergency calls, leaving villagers and local officials