THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As per the direction of Education Minister V Sivankutty, a detailed report on the snake bite incident involving a student at the aided Chenkal UP School was submitted to the director of public education, K Shanavas, by the deputy director of education on Saturday. The report will be forwarded to the minister after incorporating the directors recommendations. The ministers office has also informed that actions will be taken as per the findings of the report. The victim, Neha,

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state polices motto may be Mridhu Bhave Dhrida Kruthye, which means soft in temperament and firm in action, yet the force seems to getting used to forgetting the second part of the Sanskrit phrase when it comes to acting against SFI activists accused of serious crimes. Under fire for its languid response to the assault of a disabled student by SFI members of University College , city police have again come under the scanner for their failure to nab five activists who atta

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an effort to prevent pollution and dumping of waste into the Amayizhanchan Canal, the irrigation department and local self-government department (LSGD) are all set to implement an underground compact STP and dome-shaped fencing. LSGD Minister M B Rajesh told TNIE that a tender has been floated for setting up an underground compact STP to address the pollution caused by Rajaji Nagar, which is home to around 900 families. He said that Trivandrum Central Railway Station, Tham

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as the blame game between the state and centre over the post-landslide rehabilitation in Wayanad continues, a charity organisation is rekindling the hope for survivors. The Chalakudi-based Philokalia Foundation handed over new houses to 14 families and is building another 15 houses that would be handed over in January. The 'Rebuild Wayanad' project of the foundation is supported by donations from kind-hearted individuals, said Mario Joseph, who along with his wife Gigi M

The Fort police probing the brawl that erupted between gangster Om Prakash and the rival gang led by Airport Dany during a DJ party held in a city-based bar on December 14, have issued notices to two more persons to appear for questioning on Friday. The Fort police have already arrested 12 people so far, which include Om Prakash and his rival Dany. Danys father Sajan used to be Prakashs friend, but their relation turned sour later and the two became rivals. The police said the notices were issue

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Varkala MLA V Joy would continue as the district secretary of the CPM as the four-day Thiruvananthapuram district conference starts on Friday at Kovalam. Joy was elected the partys Thiruvananthapuram district secretary in January 2023 after Anavoor Nagappan was inducted into the state secretariat. Senior politburo member M A Baby will officially inaugurate the conference at Anathalavattom Nagar on Saturday. The state leadership is satisfied with the work of the district leade

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: This year, Locally Made returns with a Christmas Carnival to kick off the festive season. The 8th edition of the event promises to celebrate local talent and festival cheer. The three-day gala is set to light up the Salvation Army School Ground, Kowdiar, from December 20 to 22. Organised by a five-member team led by Amal Babu, the founder of the Instagram page WhatsAroundThiruvananthapuram, the carnival aims to create visibility and opportunities for small-scale businesses in

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Chirayinkeezhu police have arrested two persons and seized banned tobacco products worth Rs 4 crore from their possession at Koorakkada near Chirayinkeezhu. The raid was jointly conducted by Thiruvananthapuram DANSAF and the local police. The arrested have been identified as Shiju of Vanchiyoor and Shambhu Mohan of Chirayinkeezhu. The seized contraband was being stored for sale during Christmas-New Year festivals. According to the police, contraband was stored in 277 sack

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: His years International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) is celebrating Armenian cinema in its Country Focus section, giving audiences a chance to discover the rich stories of this small yet resilient northwestern Asian nation. Filmmakers Mikael Dovlatyan, Serge Avedikian, and producer Karina Simonyan shared their thoughts on the history, struggles, Indian connection, and future of Armenian cinema. Armenia has many important stories to share, remarked Avedikian. During the Sovi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Film critics are known to be opinionated, scalpel-witted, and even caustic. Yet, the likes of Quentin Tarantino, the acclaimed Hollywood director known for mixing cathartic, suave violence, profane dialogues, and show of pop culture in his landmark movies, took them seriously, at least in his younger days. He later transformed into a critic himself and even contemplated making a movie titled The Movie Critic , which now remains one of his famously unrealised projects. The rol

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a landmark ruling, the state information commission has held that self-financing educational institutions, that function with the approval of the government, come under the purview of the Right To Information (RTI) Act. State Information Commissioner M Sreekumar made the clarification while hearing an appeal filed by an RTI applicant who was denied a reply by a self-financing teachers training institute. The commission has issued directives to the secretaries of general ed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Human Rights Commission on Tuesday directed the corporation secretary and Akashvani director to take immediate steps to remove the waste dumped on the property of All India Radio near Beemapally Nursery School. Commission chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas also directed the compliance of the resolution passed by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA). The commission has issued a directive to form a committee comprising the corporation secretary, healt

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Universitys senate house campus here witnessed tense moments on Tuesday after SFI activists staged protests against Governor Arif Mohammed Khan who came to inaugurate a Sanskrit seminar in his capacity as the varsitys Chancellor. Khan was visiting the university after a gap of over two years amid ongoing tensions between him and the state government over vice-chancellor appointments. The Left-dominated Syndicate of the university had given a call to boycott the eve

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM Thiruvananthapuram district secretariat has called for the dissolution of the University College unit of the SFI. The party, in a meeting on Tuesday, expressed concerns that the actions of the unit contradict the values upheld by the CPM. In a letter to the SFI state committee, the district secretariat cited two recent incidents as reasons for their request. One incident involved the assault of a disabled student by a group allegedly linked to the SFI. The students fr

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Post sundown, the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) venues take on a different vibe. Indeed, Tagore Theatre at night has always held a subtle charm during IFFK. In earlier editions, the festival evenings were marked by loud gatherings, protests, and delegates shedding formality casually dressed, unwinding with swaying music. This year, however, the atmosphere is a tad different. A soothing calm envelops the venues, though they remain packed with the night crowd. D

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As Christmas is almost here, childrens world is filled with anticipation as they eagerly await their gifts. For them, this is a season of excitement, not just for what Santa might bring, but for the thrill of exchanging gifts with their Christmas friends at school. In between exams, children can often be found hunting for the perfect greeting card, spending ages deciding what to write inside to make it truly special. Its a tradition full of suspense, creativity, and joy some

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Thiruvananthapuram city police have enhanced surveillance on 790 people who have criminal antecedents and are prone to committing the offences again, within its limits. The police painstakingly collected the details of the offenders in a bid to pre-empt regrouping of criminal gangs, which can pose a threat to law and order situation. Highly placed sources said these men on their radar were being monitored on a day-to-day basis and because of that organised crimes have com

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For the first time, the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) has introduced live sign language interpretation for people with hearing impairment, ensuring a disability-friendly environment for all participants. The live sign language interpretation is being conducted during events at the Nishagandhi auditorium, where speeches and performances are being made accessible. This initiative marks a significant step in making the film festival a truly inclusive space, attrac

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala University's senate house campus here witnessed tense moments on Tuesday after SFI activists staged protests against Governor Arif Mohammed Khan who came to inaugurate a Sanskrit seminar in his capacity as the varsity's Chancellor. Shouting slogans, SFI activists reached the main gate of the university that was locked shortly after the Governor arrived. Police used water canon to diaperse the crowd. However, some SFI activists scaled the gate and reached the senate

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A walk through the historic lanes of world cinema. That is precisely what the exhibition Cinema Alchemy: A Digital Art Tribute has made possible on the sidelines of the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) in the state capital. The exhibition on the Tagore Theatre premises continued to draw large crowds on Sunday. Curated by renowned filmmaker and former Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Chairman T K Rajeev Kumar, the exhibition showcases 50 digital paintings by f

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as the young crop of directors have backed the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the making of movies, not all are on board with this shift. Twenty-year-old Cyril Abraham Dennis, whose feature debut Watusi Zombie! is scheduled for three screenings at IFFK, voiced his concern over the pace at which AI is taking over human creativity. The heated debate over the disruptive technologies took centre stage during the Day 3 Meet the Director session, on Sunday. Cyril wa

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The fourth day of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) on Monday will showcase 67 films across 14 theatres in various categories. Highlights include Akira Kurosawas Seven Samurai in the Restored Classics section, the Iranian film Me, Maryam, the Children and 26 Others in the International Competition category, and Lifetime Achievement Award winner Ann Huis works Boat People and The Postmodern Life of My Aunt. The World Cinema section will feature Abhijit Mazumdars

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state police have stepped up vigil in places in Kerala which will be thronged by visitors from the United States, Russia, Ukraine, Israel and Bangladesh during Christmas-New Year celebrations. The decision to beef up security in such spots was taken in the wake of the advisory issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs cautioning that geo-political issues involving these countries could have a bearing on the safety of tourists. Police sources said the central government had a

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Veteran actor Shabana Azmi revealed that Ankur holds a special place in her heart and remains her favourite film. Speaking at an interaction as part of the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), the veteran actor said said the films enduring appeal, both in India and abroad, even after 50 years, is its greatest recognition. The session marked her celebration of five decades in cinema. Reflecting on her role in Ankur, Shabana recalled how director Shyam Benegal tra

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Taking film lovers to a nostalgic past of yesteryear, the 29th IFFK will honour a number of veteran actresses of Malayalam cinema on Sunday. The special event named Marakkillorikkalum will honour veteran actresses of Malayalam silver screen from its early days until the 1980s. The ceremony will be held at Nishagandhi Auditorium at 4 pm. Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian will lead the felicitation. The actresses being honoured include K R Vijaya, T R Omana, Vidhubala, Bha

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The medical team at KIMSHEALTH has successfully treated a one-and-a-half-year-old girl with a rare and life-threatening condition affecting her brain. Diagnosed with brainstem cavernoma, a rare congenital defect where a cluster of blood vessels in the brain becomes inactive, thus leading to bleeding, the child was brought to the hospital in a comatose state. This condition occurs in only 2.1 out of every 1,000 children. The child underwent transnasal endoscopic brainstem cave

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Concerned about the lack of public engagement with the organ donation pledge campaign, the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplantation Organization (K-SOTTO) is now targeting celebrities and influencers to raise awareness about cadaver organ donation. And the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala has provided the ideal platform for the initiative. K-SOTTO has set up a stall at Tagore Theatre to promote the cause and encourage both celebrities and the general public to

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The house in Mullachal, Palode, looked desolate and grey-toned as the inhabitants await justice for their beloved Induja, a newly wed woman who was found hanging in the first-floor bedroom of her husbands house in Elavattom on December 6. Unsettling truths have replaced the usual calm, leaving the air heavy with tension. To her family and neighbours, Induja was more than just a smart and ambitious girl. She was their support and hope. The investigation into the unnatural deat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Friday dawned with a fresh vigour for the cinephiles as the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) kicked off. Tagore Theatre, the main venue, was the nodal point of all activity. The other 14 venues where the screenings and allied events would be held also were packed with visitors. A quick round of the main venue gave a glimpse of what the next week would look like. There were flocks of delegates from across the state, country and beyond. Activities were brisk as

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Gouthami M G and Amiya Jemeemah Hisham, two friends with a love for art, turned a simple dream into reality by setting up a cozy art studio and gallery in the middle of the city. What started as a casual thought - imagining a space where they could sit and create art - quickly became a warm, inviting haven within just three months of its inception. Gouthami, a 27-year-old exhibition designer, and Amiya, a 30-year-old architect with a background in film studies, met while coll

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As part of the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) a special tribute will be paid to three legendary writers who shaped Malayalam cinema, marking their centenary year. The festival will honour the works of Thoppil Bhasi, P Bhaskaran, and Parappurath, whose contributions continue to influence generations of filmmakers and audiences. As part of the homage, Mooladhanam (1969), scripted by Thoppil Bhasi and directed by P Bhaskaran, will be screened on December 14 at

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The emergency medicine department of the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram has been selected as one of the five centres of excellence in the country by a NITI Aayog-ICMR study. The tag would help the college earn a Rs 2 crore grant every year. This marks the first time a medical college from Kerala has achieved this distinction. Earlier, the central government had designated the SAT Hospital of the medical college as a Centre of Excellence for Rare Diseases. Th

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 29th International Film Festival of Kerala will kickstart with an exciting lineup of films on Friday. On the first day, the festival will screen 10 films including six in the World Cinema category, two under Female Gaze, one in the Latin American package and a film directed by Ann Hui, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The opening movie of the 29th IFFK will be I Am Still Here by acclaimed filmmaker Walter Salles, which will be screened after the inaugural ceremon

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After years of protests by fisherfolk and a spate of accidents and fatalities, the long-awaited Muthalapozhi harbour upgradation project is set to begin in January 2025. The Rs 177-crore project, approved by the Centre under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, aims to address the persistent dangers at the harbour mouth, which has become a deathtrap for fishermen. The hazardous harbour mouth at Muthalapozhi has claimed over 70 lives in recent years. An official with the

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Nithyavasantham, an exhibition cum sale aimed at empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health challenges, will be held at the Womens Club in the capital city from December 13 to 15. The initiative, spearheaded by Namitha Sumithran, seeks to highlight the talents of neurodiverse individuals while promoting their financial independence and social inclusion. Namitha herself is a neurodivergent individual. The event will feature an array of handmade cre

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as big brother CPM is drawing flak for holding a party programme recently by blocking an arterial road in Vanchiyoor, a service organisation affiliated to the CPI, the second-largest ally in the LDF, has invited criticism after its members conducted a protest in front of the Secretariat by occupying the road. The CPI-affiliated Joint Council erected a stage in front of the Secretariat in connection with its 36-hour protest, which kicked off on Tuesday, demanding pension

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has expressed concern over the rising trend of risk taking to generate social media content. Referring to the recent death of a youngster in a road accident in Kozhikode while shooting promotional videos, the panel said individuals are blatantly violating safety rules to film content to gain popularity on social media. SHRC acting chairperson, K Baijunath, based on a complaint filed by V Devadas, also directed the state police chief to

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While many dismiss it as pseudoscience, there are some who see the enigmatic allure of astrology and use it as a tool to understand human behaviour. Dr Rahul Lakshman and Dr Lakshmi Rahul belong firmly to the latter. For the past three decades, the duo has merged ancient astrological wisdom with modern medical science to pioneer the field of criminal astrology. Astrology isnt just about predictions, says Dr Rahul. Its a map to navigate the complexities of life, personality, a

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Enrolments in Atal Pension Yojana (APY), the old age income security programme launched by the Union government, is low in Kerala. The total enrolments in the state is 13.57 lakh while most of the southern states are far ahead of Kerala. According to the State Level Bankers Committee, until December 2023, banks in Kerala achieved only 29% of their target for APY enrolments while the national average was 63%. The APY is a flagship social security initiative of the Union govern

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Period drama I Am Still Here will mark the start of the 29th International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) at the Nishagandhi auditorium on Friday. Directed by Brazilian filmmaker Walter Salles, the Portuguese-language film explores the struggles of a mother searching for her missing husband during Brazils military dictatorship in 1971. The film has garnered critical acclaim, winning the Best Screenplay award at the Venice Film Festival, besides earning nominations for the Gol

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Mangalapuram police have arrested a 34-year-old man hailing from Keezhthonnakkal for rape-murder of a 69-year-old differently abled woman at Koithoorkonam near Pothencode on Tuesday morning. Thoufeek, who was involved in various criminal offences including rape of a minor girl, was arrested while he was planning to abscond. The victim, who had speaking difficulties and was living alone, was found dead in a plot owned by her brother close to her house. The woman had gone o

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala has questioned the chief ministers reluctance to convene a review meeting to discuss the Smart City Kochi project. It has been 13 years since an international company promised 90,000 jobs. Not a single review meeting has been held till now. Now the government is saying that the company is withdrawing from the project and it has decided to give compensation. This is against common sense, Chennithala said. He accused the chie

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Fort Police have registered a case in the incident in which a teacher of Oxford School at Kallattumukku allegedly injured the private parts of a four-year-old LKG student. The school principal said the teacher has been suspended pending investigation. The childs family alleged that the teacher assaulted the girl after scolding her for going to the restroom during lunch break on Monday afternoon. The child disclosed the incident to her grandmother when she was asked to tak

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police probing the death of Induja, who was found hanging at her husbands house in Palode on December 6, have found that the couples common friend Ajas suspected her of speaking to another man over phone, which led to a confrontation. The police said Abhijith, the womans husband, and Ajas had been Indujas classmates. The police said Ajas suspected Induja of speaking to another man over phone and reportedly seized her phone during a visit to Abhijiths house last Wednesday.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police probing the death of a newly wed woman in Palode arrested her husband Abhijith, alias Nandu, over suspicions of domestic violence on Sunday. Ajas T A, a friend of the couple, was also held. The woman, Induja, was found hanging at Abhijiths house on Friday. They had been in a relationship for two years and got married three months ago against her familys wishes. The Palode police, which launched a probe after the womans family alleged foul play in her death, have co

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Defunct traffic signals, poorly maintained pathways, unchecked street vending and inadequate road safety measures are putting the lives of pedestrians and commuters at risk in the state capital. Despite repeated tragedies, East Fort infamous for pedestrian fatalities continues to be in a precarious condition. On Friday, a 52-year-old man lost his life after getting caught between two moving buses at East Fort. Three people have lost their lives at East Fort alone this year.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: To mark its 150th anniversary, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is organising the National Meteorological Olympiad (Met Olympiad) to foster interest in weather and climate sciences among students. The competition is open to students of Classes 8, 9, and 11, with both state and national-level rounds. The event will be held in two stages: an online state-level test followed by a contest and workshop for the state winners in New Delhi. The Olympiad consists of a one-hou

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Chirayinkeezhu police on Sunday arrested three people, including a minor boy, for possession of MDMA. Around 127g of the contraband they had bought from Bengaluru to sell her was seized. Agaras, 28, of Sarkara near Chirayinkeezhu, and Raees, 18, of Mudapuram were arrested along with the minor, based on the information provided by Thiruvananthapuram Rural District Anti Narcotic Special Action Force (DANSAF). Police sources said Agaras had been peddling drugs for the past s

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The District Planning Committee has decided to expand its project Vanitha Junction. The project is aimed at making public spaces more inclusive and accessible for women, particularly at night. Initially implemented in Kattakkada, the project will be launched in more panchayats and municipalities in the district, with recent events held at Kallikkad, Nedumangad, Pothencode, Karode, Nagaroor and Pallickal. Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan inaugurated Vanitha Junction at Kat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major development in the case of the newly-wed woman found hanging at her husbands house in Palode here, police have taken the husband's friend into custody on Sunday. Induja was found hanging at her husband Abhijith's house on Friday. In a statement given to police, Abhijith alleged that his friend Ajas had assaulted his wife three days before her death. Ajas has denied the allegation. During questioning, police found out about Ajas' involvement. A search of his mobile