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Kohli and Rohit in focus as Indian crickets creme de la creme take guard for the Hazare Trophy
The former skippers will turn up for Delhi and Mumbai respectively from the opening round itself; defending champion Karnataka finds itself in the group of death (Group A) alongside SMAT winner Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala and fellow five-time winner Tamil Nadu
Over 3.22 lakh names removed from districts draft electoral roll after SIR
Kerala HC disposes of 1.09 lakh cases in 2025
Gold price touches 1 lakh per sovereign, buyers feel the pinch
With the wedding season in full swing, families planning weddings are left in the lurch as gold jewellery remains an essential prerequisite for most Kerala brides
App that helps travellers locate nearby toilets launched in Kerala
TheTake a Breakproject launched through local bodies to address shortage of public toilets, particularly for womentravellers
Hate Against Minorities Behind Kerala Lynching
A group of people, some with criminal antecedents, formed a kangaroo court and put him on trial, asking if he was a Bangladeshi.
40-year-old man sentenced to 83 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually abusing 11-year-old girl
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: 2.54 crore voters have been included in Kerala's draft electoral roll published on Tuesday following the recently concluded Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The electoral roll finalised on October 27 featured 2.78 crore voters; 24.08 lakh voters have been excluded from the draft list following the SIR. The excluded persons mainly include those categorised as Absent, Shifted or Dead (ASD). According to Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Rathan U Kelkar, those excluded from the draft roll can enroll their names afresh till the last day of filing of nominations by candidates for the 2026 Assembly election. Those who have been left out of the draft voters' list can enroll their names onlline using Form-6 (Form 6 A in the case of overseas elector). The delcaration to be given with the application will be similar to the SIR enumeration form, the official said. As per the draft voters' list published on Tuesday, there are 1.23 crore male voters, 1.30 crore female voters and 280 electors in the third gender. The electoral roll before carrying out SIR had 1.34 crore male voters, 1.44 crore female voters and 381 persons in the third gender category. The official added that booth-wise list of people in the ASD category has been handed over to representative of political parties at the district level and also at the assembly segment level. The list is also available online on the CEO's website. Notices will be served on voters in the draft list who could not be correctly mapped with details available in the 2002 SIR list. According to Kelkar, the number of such unmapped voters comes up to 19.32 lakh. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will deliver the notices to such voters at their doorstep, Kelkar said. The official added that the hearing on notices will be held till February 14. Meanwhile, voters can also file claims and objections over the draft voters' list till January 22. If the voter is not satisfied with the decision of the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), an appeal can be filed with the District Collector within 15 days. If the complaint is still unresolved, the appeal can be filed with the Chief Electoral Officer within 30 days.
Film chamber to stop distributing movies in theatres under KSFDC from January
The apex body of film organisations in the Malayalam film industry had earlier deferred its strike, announced from June 1, 2025, following an assurance from Minister for Culture Saji Cherian that the government would consider its demands
Low temperature and frost lead to loss for tea sector in Munnar
A large quantity of tea leaves have wilted owing to the frost. Once it melts, tender leaf buds dry up under the sun. Plucking then cannot be resumed for another three months, leading to substantial loss
Nitin Nabin calls Rahul Gandhi a part-time politician
After Bihar, the BJP will win West Bengal and Kerala as well, the newly elected party president said, adding that the BJP is a party in which any worker who works with honesty and determination could reach the top
Congress picks V.K. Minimol, Shiny Mathew for split mayoral term in Kochi Corpn.
Nearly 95 lakh voters removed from draft rolls after SIR in three states, UT
Nearly 95 lakh voters have been removed from the draft electoral rolls published on Tuesday after the contentious Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala and Andaman and Nicobar. In Madhya Pradesh , names of 42.74 lakh electors (7%) out of the total 5.74 crore were removed from the draft rolls. In Kerala, the names of 24.08 lakh of the over 2.78 crore electors were removed from the draft rolls. In Chhattisgarh, out of 2.12 crore electors, names of as many as 27.34 lakh were removed. In case of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, out of 3.10 lakh electors, 64,000 electors did not figure in the draft rolls. Madhya Pradesh Out of the 42,74,160 names that were removed from the electoral rolls, 19.19 lakh were men, while 23.64 lakh were women. The total number of voters who filled up the SIR enumeration forms stands at over 5.31 crore. As many as 8,65, 832 voters remained unmapped, as the details of their parents or grandparents were not found in the 2003 voter roll. These voters will be given a week's time to appear personally with any of the 13 documents mentioned by the Election Commission and get their names added in the final list, which will be published on February 21, 2026. According to the state's Chief Electoral Officer S K Jha, out of the excluded voters, 31.51 lakh were absent (shifted out of the state or were absent during the enumeration exercise), 8.46 lakh were deceased, and 2.77 lakh were duplicate (whose name was found to be existing in multiple constituencies). Large number of deletions were recorded at Indore, Jabalpur and Bhopal. Indore topped the list with the highest number of absent and unmapped voters, while it was second in the list of shifted, deceased and duplicate voters. Indore houses nine assembly segments, all of which were won by the ruling BJP in the 2023 state elections. The highest number of dead voters was recorded at Jabalpur while Bhopal topped the list of shifted voters. Burhanpur housed maximum number of duplicate voters in the state. The newly created Pandhurna, Alirajpur, Umaria and Sidhi recorded lesser number of deletions. To handle grievances and speed up corrections, 725 additional Electoral Registration Officers have been appointed. Kerala Of the deleted names , 6,49,885 pertain to deceased persons, 6,45,548 voters were found to be untraceable, and 8,16,221 voters were identified as having permanently shifted from their registered addresses. In addition, 1,36,029 duplicate voters and 1,60,830 voters falling under other categories were identified. Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar, addressing a press conference, said the draft list has been published on the Election Commission's website and copies have also been handed over to political parties. Kelkar said that as part of the SIR, a voter mapping exercise was also carried out till December 18. We were able to complete 93 per cent of the voter mapping by December 18. Most of the unmapped cases were reported from urban and semi-urban areas such as Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam and Ernakulam, he said. He said that the mapping exercise is still continuing. After the mapping process is completed, electoral registration officers (EROs) will decide on hearings for non-mapped voters. Notices will be issued to voters to be heard. The hearings will be decentralised so as not to cause inconvenience to the public, he said. He said the notices would contain detailed instructions, including the reasons for the hearing and the documents to be produced, and would be served through booth-level officers. Responding to queries on the high number of untraceable voters, Kelkar said booth-level officers had visited the addresses three times to serve enumeration forms but were unable to locate the voters. We made all efforts to trace the voters as directed by the Election Commission, he said. Kelkar said those whose names are not included in the draft list will have to submit fresh applications for inclusion in the electoral roll. According to the EC, the draft electoral rolls can be accessed through the poll body's website or the Booth Level Officers. Claims and objections can be filed until January 22, and any eligible voter whose name has been removed can apply for inclusion using Form 6. The second phase of the SIR will run from January 22 to February 14, after which the final electoral roll for the states and UT will be published on February 21. (With inputs from PTI) Uttarakhand SIR: 90,000 voters must choose to retain service status or remain on local list
Fire breaks out at commercial complex in Kumarapuram
Nearly 95 lakh electors do not find name in draft rolls of three states, one UT
A significant number of voters in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, and Andaman and Nicobar are missing from draft electoral rolls. Over 94 lakh electors across these regions did not find their names. Those affected can still apply for inclusion. Final rolls will be published next year. Elector registration officers will make the final decisions.
Delay in installing CCTV, GPS devices in school buses raises safety concerns in Kozhikode
Three spans of 30 m each approved for Kumarichantha underpass
Govt to go in appeal against acquittal of Dileep in actor rape case
Government has given its nod to file an appeal against the district court judgment before Kerala High Court when the court reopens after Christmas vacation
No more SIR extensions for Kerala, says EC
PODA piloted by Kerala Police focuses on corporate-led drug prevention
Survey reveals very high drug consumption among financially stable youth in the age group of 25-35 in Kerala
Samastha doesnt support theocratic State, but advocates freedom to live as per faith: Jifri Thangal
Reception accorded to Samastha Centenary Yatra in Chavakkad, Thrissur
RoV study at Mullaperiyar to assess structural integrity of dam
Close to two lakh entries under ASD list in Kozhikodes draft electoral roll
As many as 26,58,847 enumeration forms were distributed in the district as part of the SIR; a total of 1,86,179 voters were found to be dead, untraceable/absent, permanently shifted, or having duplicate names
Irinjalakuda to host Varnakkuda cultural festival from December 26
The maiden Innocent memorial award to be presented to actor Tovino Thomas; P. Jayachandran memorial award for singer Harishankar; writer Anand to receive peoples tribute
Avalkkoppam solidarity meet to be held in Kozhikode on January 2
SIR: 24.08 lakh voters out of the draft roll in the State
Heritage walk in Changanassery
Sabarimala gold theft: Bellary-based jeweller moves Kerala HC seeking bail
He is charged with misappropriating 474 gm of gold from the gold-plated copper coverings of the Dwarapalaka idols
Chairpersons post to be shared in Maradu municipality
Ajitha Nandakumar and Suneela Sibi will serve as chairperson in turns, each for two and a half years, while Congress councillors Jinson Peter and P.P. Santhosh will share the vice chairperson post for a specified period
Centre assures duty hike on titanium dioxide
Following a high-level meeting led by MPs N.K. Premachandran and K. Radhakrishnan with Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Piyush Goyal, the Centre agreed to consider reinstating anti-dumping duty along with increasing import duty
Karunakaran led Kerala with vision and political will: Therambil
15th death anniversary of former Chief Minister K. Karunakaran observed
In a blow to poultry farmers, bird flu detected in Kottayam, Alappuzha districts
The infection has been confirmed in one ward each of eight panchayats in Alappuzha and in four villages in Kottayam. In Alappuzha, 19,881 birds within the one-km radius of epicentres will be culled and around 5,000 birds in Kottayam. Culling will begin on December 26
Hung verdict delays finalisation of key posts in Eloor municipality
LDF, with 15 seats in the 32-member civic body, is expected to announce its chairperson and deputy chairperson picks on December 24; UDF, with 12 seats, is unlikely to field candidates; NDA, with five seats, is set to finalise its strategy the same day
Flower show to feature a range of over 35,000 pots of flowering plants
Draft electoral rolls published in Kottayam and Pathanamthitta
As many as 98, 344 and 1,61,262 voters have been dropped from the list in Pathanamthitta and Kottayam respectively
Thanka Anki sets off to Sabarimala
Nagesh Trophy: CAB Rajasthan, CAB Kerala Win In League Matches
National T20 Cricket Tournament: Rajasthan delivered a dominant all-round performance to register a convincing 10-wicket victory over Himachal in a league match of the 8th Edition of the Nagesh Trophy Mens National T20 Cricket Tournament for the Blind, held at the Railway Sports Ground, Hubli on Tuesday. After winning the toss, Rajasthan opted to field and produced a disciplined bowling effort to restrict Himachal to 164/8 in 20 overs. Vijay Kumar anchored the innings for Himachal with a brisk 104 runs, while BR Kaushal contributed 22 runs. Despite the resistance from Vijay Kumar, regular strikes by the Rajasthan bowlers prevented Himachal from building sustained momentum. Rajasthan skipper Lalit Meena (B1) led from the front with the ball, picking up two wickets, well supported by Murari Lal (B2). In reply, Rajasthan showcased complete batting dominance. Openers Nikhil Maharshi and Rohitash made light work of the chase, remaining unbeaten and guiding the team to victory in just 14.4 overs. Nikhil Maharshi scored a fluent 65 off 46 balls while Rohitash smashed an aggressive 86 off 47 balls. Their explosive partnership ensured a swift finish without the loss of a wicket. For his match-winning knock and impactful all-round contribution, Nikhil Maharshi (CAB Rajasthan) was deservedly adjudged the Player of the Match. Kerala secured an emphatic win Kerala continued the momentum with a commanding performance, registering a comprehensive nine-wicket win over Maharashtra in another league match of the tournament. After winning the toss, Maharashtra opted to bat but were kept under tight control by a disciplined Kerala bowling attack. Maharashtra were bowled out for 109 in 16 overs, with Anil Belsare (B3) top-scoring with 31 runs, while Swapnil Dilip Wagh contributed 28 runs off 22 balls. Keralas bowlers shared the spoils effectively, led by Sayanth K.B. (B1) and Jayakrishnan, who claimed two wickets each, supported well by Sachin (B2) and Snehith (B2). After winning the toss, Maharashtra opted to bat but were kept under tight control by a disciplined Kerala bowling attack. Maharashtra were bowled out for 109 in 16 overs, with Anil Belsare (B3) top-scoring with 31 runs, while Swapnil Dilip Wagh contributed 28 runs off 22 balls. Also Read: Live Cricket Score For his impactful all-round performance, Sayanth K.B. (B1) was adjudged the Player of the Match. Article Source: IANS
Shops shut amid tension over coastal highway survey in Thalassery
MVD bid to rein in rash driving by delivery boys of e-commerce platforms
Notices issued to delivery representatives of Blinkit, Swiggy, Zepto, Bigbasket etc., following rise in traffic violations by delivery boys of these firms
V-C selection process at Calicut varsity set to pick up pace
Breach of privacy: actors sister petitions police
Walayar mob lynching case: SIT detains two more persons for questioning
Youth entrepreneurship summit begins in Kasaragod
We are also covering: BJP Alleges Police Action Against Kolkata Protests Over Bangladesh Lynching and other top stories.
Workshop held on Uyare gender campaign
A Must-Visit Cultural Experience This Season!
If there is one cultural destination in South India that deserves a place on every traveller’s calendar this season, it is the 13th Sargaalaya International Arts & Crafts Festival (SIACF). From December 23, 2025, to January 11, 2026, Sargaalaya Kerala Arts & Crafts Village transforms into a living, breathing celebration of art, heritage, flavour, and community—an experience that is as inspiring as it is unforgettable. 13th Sargaalaya International Arts & Crafts Festival (SIACF) begins from December 23, 2025, to January 11, 2026 Recognised as South India’s premier crafts festival, SIACF 2025 is expected to welcome o ver two lakh visitors, making it not just an exhibition, but a cultural phenomenon. Organised by Sargaalaya Kerala Arts & Crafts Village and managed by the legendary Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS Ltd.) , the festival continues to set benchmarks in responsible tourism and cultural excellence. Where the World’s Crafts Come Together What makes SIACF truly extraordinary is its global soul rooted in Indian tradition. The 2025 edition brings together nearly 200 master artisans from 18+ Indian states, alongside celebrated craft practitioners from Belarus, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Russia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Taiwan. Walking through SIACF feels like travelling across continents—each stall revealing a story, a heritage, and a human touch that no machine can replicate. For anyone who values authenticity, craftsmanship, and cultural depth, this is an experience that simply cannot be missed. An Immersive Festival, Not Just an Exhibition SIACF 2025 is thoughtfully curated to offer far more than shopping. Visitors are invited to explore beautifully designed Handloom and Craft Theme Arenas, with special emphasis on Geographical Indication (GI)–tagged products, making it a rare opportunity to witness India’s protected craft legacies under one roof. With over 100 exhibition and trade stalls, including works by National and State Award–winning artisans, the festival offers an unparalleled chance to engage directly with creators and take home pieces of living heritage. Adding depth to the experience are the Tourism Expo and Tourism Talk Shows, where ideas, innovation, and the future of creative tourism come together—making SIACF equally compelling for professionals, students, and cultural thinkers. Fashion, Flowers, Food & Festivity From elegance on the ramp to colour in full bloom, SIACF 2025 celebrates lifestyle in its most artistic form. Handloom Fashion Shows and Children’s Fashion Shows bring textiles to life, while the Flower Show adds a visual spectacle that delights all ages. No visit to SIACF is complete without indulging in the much-loved Kerala Food Festival—a culinary journey through authentic local delicacies, enriched with regional flavours from states like Rajasthan. Daily live cultural performances by renowned artists ensure that every evening at Sargaalaya feels festive, soulful, and memorable. For those who enjoy leisure amidst nature, pedal and motor boating along the serene Moorad River offers a refreshing pause—making the festival a perfect blend of culture, relaxation, and adventure. A Festival That Makes a Difference Beyond its beauty and scale, SIACF stands out for its purpose. As a flagship rural tourism initiative, the festival plays a crucial role in empowering artisans, sustaining endangered crafts, and contributing meaningfully to the local economy. This vision is strengthened by the support of the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, NABARD, the Ministry of Textiles (through the Development Commissioners of Handicrafts and Handlooms), and the Indian Institute of Handloom Technology, Kannur—ensuring that every visit directly supports livelihoods and cultural continuity. The Perfect Family & Travel Recommendation Whether you are a culture enthusiast, a conscious shopper, a family looking for a meaningful holiday outing, or a traveller seeking authentic Kerala experiences, SIACF 2025 is an unmissable recommendation. It is rare to find a destination that seamlessly brings together craft, cuisine, learning, entertainment, and nature—yet Sargaalaya does so effortlessly. “Sargaalaya is not just a craft village; it is a celebration of human creativity and shared heritage,” says Team Sargaalaya . “Every visit helps preserve living traditions while empowering rural communities through responsible tourism.” About Sargaalaya Kerala Arts & Crafts Village Set across 20 acres in Iringal, Kozhikode, Sargaalaya Kerala Arts & Crafts Village is a flagship initiative of the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, established in 2011. Developed on a Responsible Tourism model, it provides a permanent creative home for over 100 master artisans and features 27+ eco-friendly cottages, live craft demonstrations, and cultural spaces. Recipient of the National Tourism Award for Best Rural Tourism Project, Sargaalaya is widely regarded as one of Kerala’s most enriching cultural destinations. Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village: Towards a Global Cultural and Experiential Destination Sargaalaya Kerala Arts and Crafts Village at Iringal, near Vatakara in Kozhikode district, is envisioned to be developed as a globally benchmarked cultural, experiential, and interpretative destination for Malabar. The proposed development reimagines Sargaalaya not merely as a craft village, but as an integrated cultural institution that interprets regional heritage, nurtures creativity, produces knowledge, and anchors a wider tourism ecosystem across North Kerala. The focus is on creating a living cultural landscape where heritage, contemporary practice, tourism, and community livelihoods intersect. The development places strong emphasis on immersive visitor engagement through interactive craft zones, daily demonstrations, curated workshops, and guided interpretation. Craft spaces will be reconfigured to allow larger visitor participation, supported by a central craft emporium and dedicated workshops that enable skill development, innovation, residencies, and fair market access for artisans. These interventions ensure that crafts remain dynamic, living practices rather than static displays. At the heart of the project is the Cultural Experience and Interpretation Centre, conceived as the primary narrative anchor for Malabar. Through curated exhibitions, multimedia installations, immersive digital environments, and interactive archives, the centre will present Malabar’s maritime history, social reform movements, resistance traditions, ecological knowledge, and cultural pluralism, offering visitors a coherent entry point into the region’s layered cultural landscapes. A series of thematic developments will structure the expanded Sargaalaya ecosystem. The Literature City will position Malabar as a living literary landscape through writers’ retreats, multilingual libraries, translation and publishing labs, literary residencies, and immersive experiences linking literature with place, memory, and social history. The Kalari Village, rooted in the martial traditions of Kadathanad, will integrate training, performance, research, wellness, and interpretation through traditional arenas, therapy centres, and an interactive martial arts museum. The project places strong emphasis on the documentation and preservation of performing arts, supported by digital archives, performance-capture studios, and immersive experience centres for art forms such as Theyyam, Kathakali, Kalaripayattu, and Mappila songs. A Living Heritage Programme will support artists through apprenticeships, fellowships, residencies, and contemporary collaborations, ensuring continuity alongside creative evolution. Sargaalaya is envisioned as a year-round cultural destination with robust performance infrastructure, including open-air amphitheatres, indoor auditoriums, flexible venues, and artist residency facilities. Regular performances, curated weekend programmes, and four large-scale annual cultural productions will ensure sustained activation. A flagship attraction, Malabar Symphony, is proposed as a large-scale light-and-sound hybrid immersive storytelling experience narrating Malabar’s maritime history, resistance movements, ecological consciousness, and cultural evolution. Conceived as a thirty-five-minute production staged twice daily, Malabar Symphony is proposed to be developed in collaboration with leading national and international artists, with concept and direction by Revathy, screenplay and narrative by Shankar Ramakrishnan, music composition by A.R. Rahman, sound design by Resul Pookkutty, technical direction by Alphons, theatre direction by Royston Abel, animation and visual effects by Aravind, and voice performances by distinguished artists including Mammootty, Manju Warrier, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Anoop Menon, Sayonara Philip, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. A dedicated Children’s Cultural and Experiential Zone will offer play-based learning rooted in Malabar’s cultural narratives and ecological contexts, integrating creative activity spaces, nature-linked exploration, and water-based learning experiences. Complementing this are structured workshops and creative learning programmes across crafts, music, theatre, movement, painting, and visual arts, catering to students, artists, tourists, and cultural professionals. The development adopts a hub-and-spoke tourism model, positioning Sargaalaya as the central orientation and interpretation hub for integrated cultural, riverine, coastal, literary, martial, and culinary circuits across Malabar. River-based journeys and water experiences will function as experiential corridors, foregrounding ecology, heritage, and local livelihoods. The ecosystem further includes curated food tourism and culinary experiences, including festivals and a floating restaurant rooted in Malabar cuisine; a handloom, design, and retail zone supporting innovation and contemporary applications of traditional textiles; a vibrant flea market strengthening the informal cultural economy; and facilities for social, cultural, and community events, conferences, exhibitions, destination weddings, and themed cultural ceremonies. To enable deeper immersion, the project proposes on-site accommodation and stay facilities designed in harmony with the landscape and local architectural traditions, supporting multi-day cultural tourism, artist residencies, research stays, and family travel. Through this integrated approach, the upcoming phase of Sargaalaya positions culture as core infrastructure for development, envisioning a globally relevant model for experiential, responsible, and knowledge-driven cultural tourism that interprets Malabar for contemporary and international audiences. www.sargaalaya.in Sargaalaya – Kerala Arts & Crafts Village Iringal About ULCCS Ltd. Founded in 1925 by social reformer Vagbhatananda Guru, the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society Ltd. (ULCCS) is among India’s most respected worker cooperatives. With 18,000+ employees, 7,500+ completed projects, and global recognition—including a World No. 2 ranking in the Industry & Utilities sector by the World Cooperative Monitor for 3 years—ULCCS stands as a UN-recognised model for ethical, inclusive, and quality-driven development. If you are looking for one unforgettable cultural recommendation this season, SIACF 2025 at Sargaalaya is it.
These youngsters are turning their lives around
State Nirbhaya Cells Thejomaya After Care Home is helping adolescents gain vocational training in baking, stitching, and beauty care for a period of one year
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ouided Bouchamaoui visits Nadakkavu school
KOZHIKODE:Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ouided Bouchamaoui visited the Government Vocational Higher Secondary School for Girls, Nadakkavu, on December 18as a distinguished guest of the Faizal and Shabana Foundation. The visit marked a significant and inspiring moment for the school community, students, and faculty alike, said a press release from the Foundation. During her visit, she held cordial interactions with the principal and headmaster of the institution, gaining insights into the schools academic environment, student initiatives, and institutional vision. She later engaged in an interactive session with the teaching faculty under the guidance of Dr Abdunassar, where discussions focused on innovative educational practices, student empowerment, and the role of schools in nurturing socially responsible citizens. Bouchamaoui appreciated the commitment of the teachers in creating an inclusive and enabling learning atmosphere. She expressed admiration for the projects holistic approach in strengthening confidence, leadership, and social awareness among students through education and creative engagement, the release added. Initiated by former MLA A Pradeep Kumar in 2008, the Promoting Regional Schools to International Standards through Multiple Interventions (PRISM) project was developed to elevate the quality of education in Government schools across Kerala and revive their lost glory and align them with international benchmarks through a range of meticulously planned interventions. The project encompasses a nuanced approach formulated to comprehensively address prevailing gaps and challenges faced by government schools. Formally initiated in 2007 and officially registered in 2012, Faizal & Shabana Foundation began as a charitable initiative of KEF Holdings by the entrepreneurial couple Faizal E.Kottikollon and Shabana Faizal and has evolved into a dynamic force for sustainable development. The Foundation works closely with other stakeholders in government, business and community to promote initiatives that help vulnerable sections of society.
SIR Draft Rolls Out: 42 Lakh Names Removed In MP, 27 Lakh In Chhattisgarh, And 22 Lakh In Kerala
The publication of the draft rolls comes days after the Election Commission released similar figures for West Bengal and Tamil Nadu
Ten-day SARAS exhibition in Coimbatore showcases women self-help groups products
The exhibition features 172 stalls, including 10 from States such as Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Bihar, Puducherry, and Kerala
ORKAS anniversary celebrations to be held on December 28
Indian Navy's stitched sailing vessel to undertake maiden overseas voyage to Oman on December 29
NEW DELHI: INSV Kaundinya, the Indian Navy's pioneering stitched sailing vessel that revives India's ancient shipbuilding and seafaring traditions, will undertake her maiden overseas voyage on 29 Dec 2025. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday said, The vessel will be flagged off from Porbandar, Gujarat, for Muscat, Oman, symbolically retracing the historic maritime routes that connected India with the wider Indian Ocean world for millennia. Inspired by depictions of ancient Indian ships and constructed entirely using traditional stitched-plank techniques, INSV Kaundinya represents a rare convergence of history, craftsmanship and modern naval expertise. INSV Kaundinya is a stitched sail ship, based on a 5th-century ship depicted in the paintings of Ajanta Caves. The project was initiated through a tripartite agreement signed in Jul 2023 between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations, with funding from the Ministry of Culture. Following the keel laying in September 2023, the vessel's construction was undertaken using a traditional method of stitching by a team of skilled artisans from Kerala, led by master shipwright Babu Sankaran. Over several months, the team painstakingly stitched wooden planks on the ship's hull using coir rope, coconut fibre and natural resin. The ship was launched in Feb 2025 at Goa. Unlike contemporary vessels, her wooden planks are stitched together using coconut coir rope and sealed with natural resins, reflecting a shipbuilding tradition once prevalent along India's coasts and across the Indian Ocean. This technology, MoD added, enabled Indian mariners to undertake long-distance voyages to West Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia long before the advent of modern navigation and metallurgy. The project was undertaken through a tripartite MoU between the Ministry of Culture, the Indian Navy and Hodi Innovations as part of India's efforts to rediscover and revive indigenous knowledge systems. As the MoD earlier said, the boat has been Built by traditional artisans under the guidance of master shipwright Babu Sankaran and supported by extensive research, design and testing by the Indian Navy and academic institutions, the vessel is fully seaworthy and capable of oceanic navigation. Named after the legendary mariner Kaundinya, who is believed to have sailed from India to Southeast Asia in ancient times, the ship embodies India's historic role as a maritime nation.
Supplyco Christmas-New Year fair gets under way in Kollam
Fair offers 20 kg of rice per person at 25 a kg. Special discount available for more than 280 products, with branded daily essentials sold at 5% to 50% discount
Living in the melody of Mohammed Rafi
Tirur native Saifullah Cholakkals love affair with the legendary singers voice began when he listened to Tumne Mujhe Dekha as a five-year-old. Over the years, he has collected nearly 5,000 songs sung by Rafi, spanning vinyl records, cassettes, CDs, and DVDs
Kerala SIR draft electoral roll: How to check your name in voter list
The draft electoral roll for Kerala after the Special Intensive Revision has been released
Fronts finalise president, vice-president nominees in most of Ernakulams coastal panchayats
Presidents and vice-presidents of grama panchayats will be elected on December 27
Kerala Doctors Perform Roadside Surgery to Save Accident Victim's Life
Using mobile phone flashlights for illumination, they carried out the life-saving procedure on the spot, with help from local residents and police who turned the road into an impromptu operating theatre
Husband, Mother Kill 2 Children, Then Die By Suicide Over Custody Battle
As the deadline to return his children to his estranged wife approached, a man and his mother allegedly killed the two children at their home in Kerala. According to the police, the mother and son subsequently died by suicide.
Mahesh Babu Learns Ancient Martial Art Kalaripayattu for SS Rajamoulis Varanasi
Kalaripayattu, an ancient Indian martial art originating in Kerala
Concern over xenophobia in Kerala: NGO
Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development says that at least one mob lynching has been reported in Kerala since 2023
Kerala has reported a fresh outbreak of avian influenza, with the highly contagious viral disease confirmed in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts, triggering emergency containment measures by multiple government depart
Kerala's KMAT 2026 registration is now open for MBA admissions. Aspiring students can apply online until January 15, 2026, for the exam scheduled on January 25. Eligibility includes a Bachelor's degree, with no upper age limit. The Computer Based Test features 180 questions across four sections, with qualifying marks varying by category.
Avian Flu Outbreak Confirmed in Parts of Kerala's Alappuzha, Kottayam Districts
Animal Husbandry Minister J Chinchu Rani said test results from a central laboratory have confirmed the outbreak in both districts
Quick thinking and medical expertise of Manoop B., Thomas Peter and Dideeya Thomas save the life of a critically injured accident victim as the trio performed a life-saving procedure on the road at night using razor blade and straws
Viral recap 2025: Boho chic to Bavu Swami
Sadakku sadakku The trend centres around Thakilu Pukilu, the popular song from the 2001 Malayalam film Ravanaprabhu, which re-released in October. Fans revelled in Suresh Peters high-energy beats and Mohanlals macho maximus presence. Videos from the theatre went viral. So much so that even a local politician became an overnight star after a video showed him grooving to the song. Riding this renewed interest, the web world was taken over by AI-generated Poochandi cat dance clips using the song as background audio. Poocha Sir Any year is the cat year. Any day is cat day. Thats how it is in catverse. Poocha Sir refers to a series of meme videos where clips of cats in funny situations are dubbed with humorous voice-overs, often using the CapCut Trickster voice effect. This often includes videos portrayed in a situational comedy or sarcasm setting. Topped with Malayalam voice-over. In addition, AI orange cat cartoons also went viral, with this furball going on a crime spree. It became so popular that Kerala Police cautioned against children accessing the videos. Parody punch Pottiye Kettiye emerged as one of Keralas most talked-about parody tracks of the year a sharp, satirical spin on a popular Ayyappa devotional song. The remix, which cheekily referenced the Sabarimala gold theft case, spread across reels and WhatsApp groups during the recent local body elections, quickly becoming a campaign-season earworm that many believe impacted the civic polls. Well, it looks like the song could reverberate beyond the season. Let the universeconspire Manifestation is the idea of attracting whatever one desires be it love, money, freedom, or peace using ones mind and positive affirmations. Gen Z and millennials alike have been actively putting out their positive intentions into the universe. Manifestation, considered a form of spiritualism, is a nudge to replace negative thoughts with positive ones, backed by the belief that energetic mindfulness influences the universe. Husky dance, anyone? Husky Dance is a viral Instagram trend triggered by Vaikom native D Arjun. It features a looping video of a Husky dog animated to dance to popular Indian film songs. Arjun discovered the clip from older TikTok-style animal videos and began posting one video a day on his page Husky Dance Daily. The trend exploded after a Husky danced to the Tamil song Ichu Ichu, crossing millions of views overnight. Celebrities joined in, meme pages picked it up, and the trend went global. Bavu Swami rocks Self-styled avadhoots Babu Swami and Naga Sairanthri are on air, courtesy a social media clip showing them at a talk show. In the video, Naga claims that she and Babu Swami danced together and had a great time at her kshethram (shrine). Her slurry dialogue with exaggerated expressions made the clip go viral. Now, there is a slew of Bhavu Sami reels and remix tracks, with even some celebrities joining the trend. Bohemian Bounce In 2025, boho chic made a noticeable return to mainstream fashion, driven by nostalgia and a renewed interest in individuality. Rooted in bohemian and hippie aesthetics, the style is defined by flowing silhouettes, layered accessories and earthy textures. Designers and influencers reworked the look with modern tailoring and contemporary pairings, reintroducing the look to a Gen Z audience. The revival also signalled changing lifestyle preferences towards comfort, self-expression and slower, more intentional fashion choices. Labubu mania The Labubu craze, a global collectable toy obsession, took over Indian social media. The big-eyed, impish creature from the POP MART universe became a symbol of cute chaos. Creators flaunted their Labubu collections, unboxing videos trended non-stop, and knock-offs flooded local markets. Fighter fandom A British navy F-35B fighter jet made an emergency landing at the TPuram airport on June 14, and remained grounded there for nearly three weeks. Memes on the jets long stay in Kerala spurred a flurry of memes. Trollers even made fake Aadhaar and PAN cards for it. Someone even posted the jet on OLX. Kerala Tourism also joined the trend with a post on the F-25 enjoying its stay. King Akshaye X Flipperachi Akshaye Khanna has taken the 2025 crown with his effortless swag as he grooved to Bahraini rapper Flipperachis Fa9la track in the film Dhurandhar. His entry scene from the film took social media by storm. Numerous shorts comparing his aura to his father Vinod Khannas vintage charm are also doing the rounds now. Many say the Akshaye-Flipperachi vibe lured them to the theatres. Whats up, Matcha? Originally a Japanese green tea, matcha is now widely seen in cafes, home routines, and reels. People share videos of making iced matcha, matcha lattes, or visiting matcha cafs, often linking it to wellness, calm mornings, and a slower lifestyle. More than just a drink, matcha has become a familiar aesthetic and mood on social media. Tralaleo Tralala... Italian Brainrot is a surreal meme trend that took over social media in 2025. It features absurd, AI generated characters with exaggerated Italian sounding names with a monotone and artificial male voiceover. Visuals of odd-looking characters such as Tralaleo Tralala, Bombardilo Crocodilo and Tung Tung Tung Sahur are paired with nonsensical storylines and looping audio, including phonk music. The humour lies in embracing the brain rot of it all, the internet slang for content so overstimulating and illogical that it feels mentally numbing. Ghibli all the way The Ghibli art trend saw social media flood with AI generated visuals inspired by the distinctive style of Studio Ghibli films. Users reimagined personal photographs, pets and everyday scenes into dreamlike illustrations reminiscent of Hayao Miyazakis animated worlds. The aesthetics nostalgic warmth made it especially popular on Instagram, with brands also adopting the style for visual storytelling. While widely embraced, the trend also reignited conversations around AI ethics, particularly the use of highly recognisable artistic styles. Aura farming Aura farming is a Gen Alpha internet trend centred on projecting nonchalant cool. The term gained traction in 2025 after a video of 11-year-old Indonesian boy named Rayyan dancing casually on the bow of a Pacu Jalur boat went viral. His quiet swagger created major buzz online, coming to represent the idea of personal aura. The trend was propelled by Melly Mikes track Young, Black & Rich that was used as BGM for the clip that spawned memes, reels and imitations.
Kerala SIR draft voter list will be released by Kerala CEO today, Dec 23, 2025. Following the Special Intensive Revision 24.81 lakh voters have been flagged as ASD (Absent, Shifted, Dead), citizens must verify their status by Jan 22, 2026. This is a step-by-step guide to check your name in the draft roll and what you should do if your name is missing in the list.
Bird flu outbreak confirmed in Keralas Alappuzha and Kottayam districts
In blow to poultry farmers ahead of Christmas-New Year season, authorities confirm presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in one ward each of eight panchayats in Alappuzha and in four villages in Kottayam
Kerala govt to appeal against acquittal of actor Dileep in 2017 actress assault case soon
The Kerala government will soon file an appeal against the 2017 actress assault case verdict. The state plans to challenge both the acquittal of actor Dileep and the 20-year sentences awarded to six convicts. Special Public Prosecutor V. Aja Kumar stated the appeal will be filed after the Kerala High Court's Christmas vacation.
Railway users seek better station amenities as zonal panel meets after three years
CHENNAI: After a gap of nearly three years, the meeting of the Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee (ZRUCC) of Southern Railway was held in Chennai on Monday. The meeting was presided over by general manager RN Singh and attended by members from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. The previous, 128th ZRUCC meeting was held on October 14, 2022. During the meeting, Madurai MP Su Venkatesan urged the railways to reopen the medical assistance centre at Chennai Egmore, which was closed due to ongoing station redevelopment works. In response, the general manager directed officials to inspect the progress of the works and take steps to reopen the facility. Similarly, South Chennai MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian raised concerns over garbage accumulation at the Puzhuthivakkam MRTS station, which is yet to become operational. She also called for the early transfer of the MRTS to the Tamil Nadu government to improve services. Railway officials said the memorandum of understanding between the state government and the railways is in its final stage and is expected to be completed soon. Members from the six divisions of Southern Railway placed several demands, including the provision of lifts and escalators, additional train stoppages, and the extension of MEMU services. Responding to the demands, the railway officials said matters such as additional stoppages and train extensions fall under the jurisdiction of the railway board and would be forwarded accordingly. R Pandiyaraja, a former ZRUCC member, criticised the railways for not issuing advance notice for the meeting, which, he said, prevented members from collecting passenger demands. He also pointed out the railways had convened only one meeting for the 2024-26 term, scheduled to end in June next year. Medical aid centre Madurai MP Su Venkatesan urged the railways to reopen the medical assistance centre at Chennai Egmore, which was closed due to ongoing station redevelopment works. The GM directed officials to inspect the works and take steps to reopen the facility
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live: Sthree Sakthi SS-499 Winning Numbers For December 23, 2025
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 23-12-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Sthree Sakthi SS-499 for Tuesday, December 23. Check the full list of winning numbers from 3 pm.
35-year-old man gets seven years' rigorous imprisonment for assaulting minor
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A special fast-track court here has sentenced a man to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 65,000 for abducting two minor girls by impersonating a police officer and sexually assaulting one of them. The accused, Vishnu, 35, a native of Madathuvila near the Medical College, was found guilty by Special Fast Track Court Judge Anju Meera Birla. The court also directed that the fine amount be paid to the survivor and that the Legal Services Authority provide compensation to the child. According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on the night of November 5, 2022. Two 15-year-old girls, who had run away from a government home, reached the Medical College grounds to meet a friend. The accused approached them, claimed to be a police officer, and questioned their presence there. When the frightened girls tried to flee, he chased them on his scooter, intercepted them, and threatened them. He allegedly told the girls that he could help them avoid legal trouble for escaping from the home, provided they obeyed him. Out of fear, the minors accompanied him. The accused then took them to a nearby lodge, where he booked a room and sexually assaulted one of the girls. The following morning, the accused dropped the girls near the Medical College junction, saying he would settle the charges against them, and then absconded. Meanwhile, the home authorities had lodged a missing complaint with the Poojappura police. The girls were later found near the Museum by the police, and during questioning, the details of the sexual assault came to light.
Swadeshi Darshan 2.0 project at Varkala lands in fresh legal trouble
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The controversial Varkala Dakshin Kashi project, launched at the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, has landed in legal trouble, with environmental activists filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court seeking its intervention. The PIL highlights the archaeological and immense heritage value of the nearly 2,000-year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple and alleges that the project is causing damage to the temple. It further claims that public money is being wasted on a poorly planned project, executed without proper documentation or mandatory clearances from statutory authorities. Sanjeev S J, president of the Environment Protection and Research Council (EPRC), said the project is being carried out without any scientific planning and with no regard for the temples heritage and archaeological significance. The High Court has scheduled the hearing on January 5, he said. Earlier, the Varkala municipality had served two stop memos to the tourism department on September 25 and December 2, citing serious procedural lapses. These included the lack of approvals from the local body, the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA), the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Despite the stop memos, the tourism department allegedly continued construction activities, including cliff cutting. The district collector remains mum on the issue despite repeated complaints. A natural stream is also being destroyed as part of the project. The project has not received clearance from the municipality, Sanjeev alleged, demanding that the works be halted immediately. Following the tussle between the Varkala municipality and the tourism department over the implementation of the controversial Varkala Dakshin Kashi project, the municipality has asked the tourism authorities to submit all the documents required for getting the nod from the municipality. Municipality authorities said the tourism department is yet to submit the complete documents. The GSI has granted no objection certificate to the project. But the Tourism Department is yet to produce the documents on the ownership of the land where the project is coming up. Only after getting the documents will we be able to forward the application for the KCZMA clearance, said G Mithran, secretary, Varkala municipality.
Rooted in romanticism and shaped by journeys
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Artist Subin Abrahams paintings are rooted in memories, emotions and self-reflection. And his latest solo exhibition, Sole on the Soil, on display at Vyloppilly Samskrithi Bhavan, stands as a testament to that. The exhibition brings together paintings that represent the natural world and the essence of village life. Though Subin portrays the realities and hardships of rural life, they appear nostalgic and serene. Maybe he was trying to convey, the hardship behind the idyllic. A sense of quiet melancholy runs through most of his paintings, reflecting what the artist calls a personal take on the Indian village life. Subin says he is strongly moved by the ideals of romanticism and the Barbizon school of art, particularly by the works of Vincent van Gogh, Jean-Francois Millet and John Constable. For him, these paintings are not merely scenery but something that has to be paid off with a emotional connection. Drawing from both personal memory and artistic traditions, his works try to articulate a connection between rural life and nature, always away from the chaos of busy city life. Subin has returned to painting after a hiatus of around five years, following his previous exhibition in Kozhikode in 2018. During those days, he used to work as an art teacher in a school and took on freelance assignments that came his way. Quoting Henry David Thoreau he notes, I would often find myself sitting quietly, pondering this marvel called life. For him, painting is a personal activity, born out of his many travels across the country. It is from this wanderings that Sole on the soil was born. The title, he says, implies his way of realistically portraying nature. And it is a way to bring his thoughts and feelings to the light. Most of the paintings at the exhibition emerged from his observations during travels and everyday, mundane encounters he made in the villages. I am always a person who loves to visit different places and meet the people who live there. It is not just about enjoying the architectural and aesthetic beauty of a place, he says. His works bring back an element of the classical to the Renaissance, especially the pastoral paintings that were prominent in the 18th century. It is not just the West, Subin is equally fascinated by the 10th to 14th century Chinese paintings, where landscapes are spellbinding in their beauty. However, he adds, Indian art does not have landscape painting traditions compared to the West or China. Instead, nature often appears as a miniature element supporting the Mughal and Pahari paintings, he informs. Through his works, Subin is attempting to engage the audience with nature as a central emotional space. Apart from the village beauty, the last session of the exhibition also portrays a few rough sketches capturing the lives of fisherfolk in rural Thiruvananthapuram. They are from real-life observations. A product of visits to the coastal areas that left deep imprints on my mind. There is something common about the uncertainties faced by both the rural farmers and the fishermen, he says. That is why he wants to concentrate on the realities faced by the fisherfolk in Kerala in future. The exhibition concludes on December 24.
Kozhikode: Beypore set to host international water fest from December 26
KOZHIKODE: Beypore is preparing for three days of colour, competition and coastal celebration as the fifth edition of the Beypore International Water Festival will begin on December 26. The festival is spread across six locations in and around the historic port town in Kozhikode. One of the key highlights this year will be the international kite festival, which is expected to see participation from flyers representing five countries. The countdown to the festival will begin on December 25 with a cycle rally from Kozhikode city to Beypore. The closing day on December 28 will feature a marathon run from Chaliyam to Beypore. In the days leading up to the main event, a series of sports competitions have been scheduled with beach football tournament on Tuesday and beach volleyball on Wednesday. The football tournament will be inaugurated by MLA Linto Joseph at Beypore Beach at 5.30 pm. Eight teams each in the mens and womens categories will compete, with prize money of `12,000 for the winners and `8,000 for the runners-up. The festival will feature activities including kayaking, sailing, dragon boat races, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing, flyboarding, dinghy races and traditional country boat competitions.
Kudumbashree launches gender campaign Uyare
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major move aimed at promoting women workforce and gender equality across the state, the Kudumbashree Mission is all set to roll out a comprehensive state-wide gender campaign, Uyare from January 1, 2026. The campaign aims to raise womens participation in the labour force from the current 20 per cent to 50 per cent, while simultaneously working towards the creation of safe and inclusive workplaces. As part of the first phase, campaign-related information and awareness programmes will be taken to more than three lakh neighbourhood groups, reaching nearly 48 lakh Kudumbashree family members across the state. Training will be imparted through five structured modules over a period of five weeks. The second phase of the campaign will focus on expanding the gender equality message beyond Kudumbashree networks and reach every individual in the state. To facilitate this, training programmes will be conducted at the state, district and local CDS and ADS levels, along with capacity-building sessions for over three lakh Gender Point Persons at the neighbourhood group level. Besides Uyare, Kudumbashree is also implementing the Nayi Chetana national gender campaign under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). The campaign is centred on the theme Against Gender Discrimination and Gender-Based Violence.
BJPs vote share shrank to 14.6 per cent in Kerala local body polls
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dousing the BJPs high hopes of expanding its base in the state , the partys vote share declined in the just concluded local body polls to 14.76%, according to data released by the State Election Commission on Monday. The saffron party-led NDA had secured 19.26% of total votes polled in the 2024 Lok Sabha election, while the fronts vote share hovered around 15% this time. The Congress emerged on top with 29.17% of the votes, while CPM finished second with 27.16%. However, despite leading the field, the Congress-led UDF registered a 6.35% decline in its vote share to 38.81%, compared to the 2024 general election. The LDF, meanwhile, failed to make significant inroads into opposition strongholds, managing only a marginal 0.11% increase in vote share at 33.45%. Independents, including those fielded by the three major front especially the LDF, and smaller parties together secured 13.03% of the votes. In the run-up to the civic polls, BJP stalwart and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had set an ambitious target of securing 25% vote share. However, except for wresting the prestigious Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, the party failed to throw up more surprises. The BJP fared comparatively better in southern districts. The party recorded its highest vote share in Thiruvananthapuram district at 23.08%. In Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha it garnered around 19% votes. Among northern districts, the BJP came closest to this tally in Thrissur (19.65%) and Kasaragod (18.88%). In Palakkad, the party secured 17.05% of the total votes polled. Malappuram (5.91%) and Idukki (7.76%) were the only two districts where the party secured less than 10% votes. Among the UDF constituents, the IUML finished second, claiming 9.77% of the total votes polled. The vote shares of other Opposition front allies were Kerala Congress (1.33%), RSP (0.48%), Kerala Congress (Jacob) (0.16%) and CMP (CP John faction) (0.21%). The second best performer in the LDF was the CPI, which garnered 5.58% of the votes. The share of other constituents in the LDF were: Kerala Congress (M) (1.62%), RJD (0.72%), JD(S) (0.39%), two factions of the NCP (0.38%), INL (0.20%), Kerala Congress (B) (0.11%) and Congress (S) (0.07%). In the NDA camp, the performance of allies, except for the BDJS, was negligible. The Thushar Vellapally-led party garnered 0.26% votes.
In a first, Ernakulam district-level hospital performs heart transplant; Nepal woman gets new life
KOCHI/TPURAM : In a landmark moment for Indias public healthcare, the Ernakulam General Hospital (GH), performed a heart transplant on a Nepalese woman on Monday, marking the first time a district-level government hospital in the country has undertaken such complex procedures. Durga Kaami, a 22-year-old woman from Nepal, received the heart of Shibu, 46, a Kollam resident who was declared brain dead on December 21 following a road accident. After his family comprising mother Shakunthala and siblings Shiji S and Saleev S consented to organ donation, the heart was airlifted from Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College (GMC) and brought to Ernakulam by noon. The surgery was led by the GHs cardiothoracic surgeon Dr George Vallooran. Durga, who suffered from a rare genetic heart condition since childhood, was under the care of cardiologist Dr Paul Thomas at the hospital. The procedure was completed by evening, and Durga was shifted to the ICU. The development has set a new benchmark for district hospitals across the country, highlighting Keralas advances in organ transplantation and equitable healthcare access, officials said. Shibu gifts life to six people; 22nd cadaver donation coordinated by K-SOTTO this year This is a proud moment not just for the hospital, but for the entire public health system, said a source with the hospital. Though Durgas family had registered with the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (K-SOTTO) eight months ago, she was initially excluded from the priority list for organ allocation as she is not an Indian citizen.Her family moved the Kerala High Court. Based on the courts order in November, Durga was included in the list, said Dr Shahirshah, superintendent of Ernakulam GH. Having lost her mother and sister to the same condition, Durga had been staying at an orphanage with her brother. Owing to the high medical expenses in Nepal, the siblings came to Kerala for her treatment with the support of a Keralite who runs the orphanage. Meanwhile, Shibu was also instrumental in giving a lease of life to six others. One of his kidneys was transplanted at Thiruvananthapuram GMC and the other at Kollam Travancore Medical College. His liver was donated to Thiruvananthapuram KIMS Hospital, while two corneas were given to patients at the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology. In addition, Shibus skin was handed over to the Skin Bank at Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College. Shibu, who worked at a hotel in Kazhakkoottam, suffered serious injuries in an accident on December 14 at Mookattukunnu in Kollam. On December 21, doctors at Thiruvananthapuram GMC confirmed brain death. Health Minister Veena George expressed gratitude to Shibus family for their decision to donate organs despite their grief and conveyed her condolences. Incidentally, this was also the 22nd cadaver donation coordinated by K-SOTTO this year, the highest in nine years.
Kerala: Thanka Anki procession to commence from Aranmula today
SABARIMALA: The four-day procession carrying the Thanka Anki, the golden attire to be adorned on the idol of Lord Ayyappa during the Mandala Pooja ceremony on December 27, will be taken out from Aranmula Lord Parthasarathy temple at 6 am on Tuesday. Thanka Anki, the 24-carat golden attire weighing 456 sovereigns, donated by the former head of Travancore royal family Chithira Thirunal Marthanda Varma, will be taken in specially-decorated vehicle after performing special pooja at Lord Parthasarathy temple. Traditional receptions will be accorded to the Anki procession at temples on the entire route. After night halts at Omallur Sree Rakthakandaswami temple on the first day, at Konni Muringamangalam Lord Mahadeva temple on second day and Ranni-Perunadu Kakkadukoickal Sree Dharma Sastha temple on the concluding day of the journey, the procession will reach Lord Ayyappa temple at 6pm on December 26. The Anki procession will be given a reception by devaswom authorities and deeparadhana will be performed at the sreekovil after adorning the Anki at 6.30pm. The auspicious ceremony as part of Mandala Pooja will be performed by Thantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru after adorning the Anki at 12.30pm on December 27. The temple will be closed in the evening after athazha pooja and harivarasanam at 10 m, marking the conclusion of the 41-day-long first phase of the annual pilgrimage season.
Forensic examination clears actor Shine Tom Chacko of drug use charges
KOCHI: The forensic report in the narcotics case against actor Shine Tom Chacko, that came out on Sunday, has revealed that the forensic examination failed to establish the actors drug consumption. Following the report, the police are likely to drop further proceedings in the case registered at the Ernakulam Town North police station. The case related to the summoning, interrogation, subsequent arrest and bail of the actor, following allegations that Shine and a friend had consumed narcotics in a hotel room near the Town Hall Metro Station on April 17, 2025. The incident sparked controversy after Shine was seen fleeing the hotel room during a DANSAF inspection upon noticing police personnel. We were waiting for the forensic science laboratory report of the actor and co-suspect Ahmed Murshad, 25, to confirm drug consumption before proceeding further with the case, said police. Adding further, K A Abdul Salam, narcotic ACP with Kochi city, said the actor was never arrested in the case and that they were awaiting the FSL report. The actor was booked under bailable sections and only an investigation was initiated. No coercive action was taken, nor was he arrested. As per law, the investigating officer has the authority to issue a notice and summon a person, and that is exactly what was done in this case, said Salam.
Kerala local body poll results: Congress, CPM consolidate position in strongholds
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress, that secured the highest vote share of 29.17% in the recently concluded local body election put up its best performance in its traditional strongholds such as Idukki, Ernakulam and Pathanamthitta, going by the district-wise data released by the State Election Commission on Monday. The party clocked its highest vote share of 38.60% in Idukki followed by 37.34% in Ernakulam and 37.06% in Pathanamthitta. Malappuram, which is the bastion of its ally Muslim League saw the party registering a vote share of 16.81%. Kasaragod was the only other district where the Congress vote share fell below 20%. UDFs second biggest constituent the Indian Union Muslim League performed well in its stronghold Malappuram where it bagged 35.11% of votes. Its second best performance was in Kasaragod where it polled 17.93% of votes. The party also clocked a vote share of above 15% in Kozhikode. For the CPM, its bastion Kannur gave the party its highest vote share of 38.82%. The only other district where the party garnered above 30% votes was Palakkad (33.93%), closely followed by Thiruvananthapuram (29.40%) and Alappuzha (29.26%). Kerala local body polls: UDF makes history, sweeps panchayats, corporations; NDA secures Thiruvananthapuram The partys lowest vote share of 17.66% was registered in Kottayam. CPI, the second biggest constituent in the LDF, saw its vote share crossing the two digit mark in Kollam where it garnered 13.68% of the total votes polled. The party also performed well in Idukki where it registered a vote share of 9.09%. Two factions of the Kerala Congress the Kerala Congress (M) in the LDF camp and Kerala Congress in the UDF camp secured overall vote shares of 1.62% and 1.33% respectively in the civic polls. The Jose K Mani-led Kerala Congress (M) with 11.92% vote share in Kottayam bettered its rival the PJ Joseph-led Kerala Congress which had to settle at 9%. However, in Idukki, Kerala Congress with 8.21% vote share fared better than the KC(M) at 6.22%.
Poll rout: M V Govindan draws flak at CPM district committee meeting
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM state secretary M V Govindan is facing the internal heat for the first time, as criticism builds up over his leadership and decision making in view of the partys poor performance in the recent local body elections. On Monday, the Thiruvananthapuram district committee held to review the local body election results criticised Govindan and the state leadership for failing to address critical issues. Govindan had directly overseen the election preparations for the corporation and other local bodies in the capital. Some leaders argued that had the former state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan been alive, the party would not have suffered such a downfall. While most acknowledged that the state government had performed well, they attributed the partys losses to its perceived protection of former TDB president A Padmakumar in the Sabarimala gold panel theft case. The party secretarys decision not to initiate disciplinary action against Padmakumar did not go well with the public. By contrast, Congress set an example by expelling Rahul Mamkootathil in the sexual assault case, several leaders noted. Other leaders criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans decision to travel with SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan in his car during the inaugural programme of Ayyappa Sangamam.
Kerala police to join hands with private firms to test staffers for drugs
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid the crackdown on supply chains that push drugs into the state, the state police have charted out a fresh initiative to tackle the rise in demand for contraband among youths. The Prevention of Drug Abuse (PODA) project will be implemented in coordination with private enterprises, where new hires will be made to sign an undertaking that they will not indulge in drug abuse. The explicit consent will also be obtained to facilitate random drug testing at the workplace. Those found positive will be removed from the rolls. South zone IG S Syamsundar, who is monitoring the implementation of the project in the zone, said the project is part of the departments effort to intervene on the demand side of drug abuse. We have been taking solid action against drug supply through Operation D-Hunt. Since youths are particularly vulnerable to drug abuse, we have decided to join hands with business organisations and start a special drive in about 20 institutions in the initial phase, he said.
Kudumbashree makes big impact in local body elections, bags 7,210 seats
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kudumbashree workers delivered an impressive performance in the recently concluded local body elections, with 7,210 candidates emerging victorious across the state. The results highlight the growing political presence of the states flagship womens empowerment mission at the grassroots level. According to official figures, 17,082 Kudumbashree members contested the elections to grama, block and district panchayats, municipalities, and corporations. The winners were spread across all districts, reflecting widespread public support for candidates with a background in community development and local governance. Among the districts, Kozhikode recorded the most number of wins by Kudumbashree workers, with 709, followed by Malappuram (697), Thrissur (652), Palakkad (648) and Alappuzha (643). Members emerging victorious shows how closely they worked at the local level. The entry of Kudumbashree workers into elected local bodies will strengthen decentralised governance. They will place emphasis on inclusive development, social welfare and gender-sensitive initiatives, an official with the Kudumbashree Mission said.
At 102, Parukkuttys pilgrimage mirrors her on-screen life
SABARIMALA: Age has done little to wane Parukkuttys faith. At 102, she climbed the sacred 18 steps at Sabarimala and offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa shrine, completing her third pilgrimage to the hill temple, an inspiring journey that reads like a film script. This is the third consecutive year Parukkutty has reached the Sabarimala. She first visited the shrine in 2023 at the age of 100, when she undertook the pilgrimage as a first-time Malikappuram devotee. She returned last year and once again this season, driven purely by devotion and unwavering belief. Carried in a dolly up to the foot of the 18 holy steps, she climbed the steps with the assistance of police personnel, reaching the sanctum safely. I was able to have darshan without any difficulty. The support of the police and other officials made it possible, she said, expressing gratitude for the arrangements. A native of Kolleri near Meenangadi in Wayanad district, journey of Parukkutty known as Parukkutty muthassi began almost by chance. When her grandchildren and relatives were preparing for the pilgrimage in 2023, her grandson Gireesh Kumar casually asked if she would like to come along. That simple question marked the beginning of a remarkable spiritual journey. This year, she travelled to Sabarimala with a 12-member group comprising her grandchildren and relatives. The pilgrimage began on December 19, after performing the necessary rituals at the Kolleri temple. Life Imitates art Adding a cinematic touch to her story, Parukkutty muthassi has also acted in a film. She appeared in Rudrante Neerattu, directed by Viswa Tejas from Ettumanoor. In a rare case of life mirroring art, she plays her own role in the movie a 100-year-old woman undertaking the Sabarimala pilgrimage. The film, which addresses social issues including alcoholism and drug abuse, is slated for release next March. At 102, Parukkutty muthassis journey to Sabarimala stands as a moving testament to faith that transcends age, and a reminder that devotion, when rooted in belief, knows no limits.
Devotion helps Danish chart hearty comeback
KOZHIKODE: Life has come full circle for singer Mohammed Danish Malappuram, who after getting caught in the crossfire of controversy is now steadily reclaiming his space in Keralas devotional music landscape. A sound engineer and native of Padinjattumuri, Malappuram, Danish shot to fame and notoriety with the viral parody song Pottiye Kettiye Swarnam Chembayi Mattiye, inspired by the popular Swamiye Ayyappa chant. Written by Nadapuram-based expat G P Kunhabdulla Chalappuram, the take-off emerged as a powerful, cost-free campaign tool on social media. But the attention it drew was far from harmless. The song sparked intense public debate, accusations of hurting religious sentiments, and even a legal case. For Danish, the backlash was swift and deeply personal. Professional opportunities dried up, criticism mounted, and the singer found himself questioning his future in music. That phase tested me in every possible way, Danish recalls. There were days when I wondered whether music would still have a place in my life. Yet, time and faith appear to have rewritten his story. Today, Danish is back in the spotlight for reasons he never imagined during his darkest days. He is now busy lending his voice to Ayyappa devotional songs, with his first such recording dedicated to Sree Muthukurussikkavu Ayyappa temple. The temple committee has announced that the song will be played every morning as part of its daily rituals. Ironically, the very genre that once placed Danish at the centre of controversy has now become his bridge to renewal. His voice is now in demand for both traditional and contemporary Ayyappa bhajans, and other Hindu devotional songs, with many recognising a new emotional depth in his singing. This feels like a blessing, Danish says. To sing Ayyappa songs after everything that has happened feels like healing. Music has a way of correcting paths. Devotion is universal, he says. Whether its an Ayyappa song or any other religious hymn, the emotion is the same: Surrender, faith and hope. Fellow artists say Danishs journey mirrors a fragile reality in the age of viral fame and instant backlash. He has matured as a singer and as a person, says a composer who recently collaborated with him. Theres sincerity to his voice now that connects deeply with devotional music.
Rare octopus rediscovered after 50 years, off Kerala coast
KOLLAM: Arare deep-sea octopus species, believed to have vanished from scientific records for nearly five decades, has been rediscovered off the Kerala coast. The octopus, Opisthoteuthis philipii, landed accidentally at Sakthikulangara harbour in Kollam during deep-sea trawling operations. It was first spotted in the waters off Alappuzha in 1976. The original reference specimen described nearly 50 years ago was lost, and in the absence of genetic data, the species disappeared from scientific records. The latest rediscovery was established through a combination of detailed morphological examination and DNA sequencing, leading to the first molecular identification of the species in the world. Commonly known as a flapjack octopus due to its flattened appearance, Opisthoteuthis philipii inhabits deep waters and is rarely documented. Due to storage and logistical constraints, only one specimen from the latest catch could be preserved for scientific analysis. Although the species is currently listed as data deficient on the IUCN Red List, the study suggests that its rarity is due to the result of inadequate deep-sea sampling. Researchers said the finding filled a significant gap in biodiversity data from deep waters off the Kerala coast. Octopuses such as Opisthoteuthis philipii are rarely recorded because of their fragile, gelatinous bodies, which are often damaged during deep-sea trawling, said Sarlin Pathissery, head of the zoology department at Fatima Mata National College, Kollam, who led the study. Fishermen at Sakthikulangara told us similar octopuses are occasionally caught as bycatch but are discarded due to low market value and limited storage space. This is why such species remained undocumented for decades. Researchers warn that the rediscovery comes at a critical time, when deep-sea fishing has intensified in the Arabian Sea and policy decisions related to offshore resources and the blue economy are being made without comprehensive biodiversity data. Economic ambitions linked to the ocean must not outpace scientific understanding. Our policy decisions on deep-sea fishing and the ocean economy are being taken without sufficient knowledge of what lives in these waters. Systematic deep-sea biodiversity surveys and better documentation of bycatch are urgently needed, said Sarlin. The researchers acknowledged the assistance of seafood trader Jackson Kannitta in specimen collection and the taxonomic guidance provided by Tristan Joseph Verhoeff of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. The research team comprised Sancia Morris of the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology, Germany; Sandie Morris, a UG student of chemical engineering at the Government Engineering College, Thrissur; and Savio Morris, a UG student of chemical engineering at Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering, Kollam.
In a little-known Ernakulam shrine rests relic of the real-life Santa
KOCHI: As the Yuletide spirit fills the air, posters, cutouts and dolls of Santa Claus crop up everywhere, heralding the season of love and sharing. However, not many may know that Santa, the most popular symbol of Christmas, is inspired from and modelled after St Nicholas, a fourth-century bishop from Myra in ancient Turkey known for his generosity and secret gift-giving. Some may find it hard to believe that the real-life Santa has a Kerala connection. For more than a century, Pampakuda, a sleepy village located 35 km away from Ernakulam, has been home to a relic of St Nicholas. Barring residents, not many are aware the modest wayside shrine at Pampakuda in front of St Johns Ephesus Orthodox Church is home to six priceless relics, one of which is a fragment of the remains of St Nicholas. The other sacred relics, all kept in metal reliquaries inside a wooden case at the shrine, are stone fragments from the Milk Grotto Chapel in Bethlehem where the Blessed Virgin is believed to have breastfed the Child Jesus, a glossopetrae (a fossil) fragment related to St Paul the Apostle, and relics of St Kuriakose, a fourth-century child martyr, St George, a third-century martyr, and St Shmuel, the founder of Qartmin Monastery in Turkey. It was another saint who brought the remains to this village in the 1890s, said Fr Johns Abraham Konat, the vicar of St Johns Church and principal secretary to Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, the head of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. St Geevarghese Mar Gregorios aka Parumala Thirumeni brought the relics to Pampakuda after visiting the Holy Land in 1895, he said. The reliquary containing the relic | Express Hardly anyone knows about the relics outside the hamlet He wished to gift them to his tutor, Konat Geevarghese Malpan, said Fr Konat. Upon knowing his beloved guru had passed away while he was overseas, Saint Gregorios gifted the relics to Fr Konat Mathen, who was the Malpan (teacher) then. My grandfather, Konat Mathen Malpan, was instrumental in enshrining the relics near the wayside cross. said Fr Konat whose family had several illustrious Syriac scholars. Fr Konat explained that the relics were gifted to St Gregorios by the Metropolitan of Jerusalem when he visited the historic Church of St Mark. Though St Nicholas, who is known as Mor Zokhe in Syriac Orthodox tradition, remains pretty much obscure among Malankara Orthodox believers, the Church liturgically commemorates him on December 6. The shrine is frequented by believers, including non-Christians, who seek the intercession of St Nicholas and the other saints. However, outside the hamlet, hardly anyone knows about the relics, he said. Today, the bulk of the relics of St Nicholas rests in Bari in Italy, though fragments of his bones are kept in churches across Europe. During Reformation, devotion to St Nicholas waned in Protestant countries except in the Netherlands, where his legends lingered. When Dutch colonists migrated to the American colonies in the 17th century, they took with them stories of Sinterklaas, a Dutch variant of St Nicholas, and thus arose the figure of Santa Claus.
Due to severe cold, fog, and poor air quality, many schools across India are adjusting schedules on December 23, 2025. Delhi NCR, UP and Bihar face online or hybrid classes, while Punjab and Haryana have adjusted timings. Kerala and southern states continue regular operations.
As December settles in, Bengaluru slips into a familiar festive rhythm where long lunches, leisurely dinners and indulgent desserts take centre stage. From intimate, chef-driven menus to generous, family-style feasts and artisanal bakery offerings, the citys restaurants and cafes are stepping in to take the stress out of home cooking and replace it with warmth, flavour, and celebration. At the heart of the city, ParTTwo brings a contemporary and energetic spin to the festive table. Known for its Thai-leaning Asian tapas, cocktails, and immersive dining format, the restaurant has introduced a limited-edition Christmas menu alongside a Winter Tea offering, both available through December. Helmed by chefs Karan Upmanyu and Shaun Kenworthy, the Winter Tea menus marry European holiday comfort with their playful small plates philosophy. Dishes such as whipped feta with truffle honey, confit duck croquettes and Christmas chicken a la brasa are complemented by festive cocktails, including mulled wine, eggnog and a British boulevardier. Chef Upmanyu explains that the guiding inspiration was the idea of blending European holiday warmth with our playful Asian leaning culinary identity, with the aim of keeping flavours familiar yet exciting. The Winter Tea menu, served in the late afternoon, offers a cosy interlude with savoury bites, delicate sweets and warming teas. For those seeking nostalgia and deeply personal cooking, Klaa Kitchens December celebrations are rooted in emotion and memory. The restaurant is offering a dinner exclusive Christmas menu, built around what Chef Partner Rhea Aaron describes as food that reflects the way we cook in the Aaron household. Anchored in Goan heritage and family traditions, the menu balances refinement with comfort. Highlights include a delicate crab dumpling soup with chorizo chilli oil, a confit cafreal chicken leg with white bean fricassee and richer plates such as beef filet mignon and grandma Christines pork chops. Desserts like a boozy chocolate trifle complete the experience. According to Aaron, the intention is for guests to feel Christmas not only when they arrive, but to carry those flavours and memories with them long after the meal ends. A more expansive, family-friendly celebration awaits at Coracles Christmas feast at the BIC Cafe. Titled A Coracle Christmas, the lunch spread is designed as a generous gathering that mirrors the warmth of home kitchens across Kerala and coastal India. Founder-chef Tresa Francis describes the menu as a representation of the Christmas menu in my home, staying true to Coracles philosophy of cooking food from homes. The feast features an extensive spread ranging from netholi fry and prawn pepper fry to pork roast, duck mappas, beef stroganoff and comforting stews. The all-inclusive lunch invites families and friends to linger over familiar flavours, with thoughtful pricing for children, making it one of the citys most inclusive festive tables. SAPA Bakerys festive collection brings European Christmas classics to the city through meticulous sourdough craftsmanship. Founded in Mysore by Dina Weber, their holiday offerings are anchored by their much-loved German stollen, a fruit-rich bread that matures beautifully over time. This years collection also includes a classic vanilla panettone and Elisen lebkuchen-style gingerbread cookies. Rooted in heritage and storytelling, their festive bakes offer a quieter yet deeply meaningful way to celebrate Christmas, whether shared at breakfast tables or gifted to loved ones. Their Christmas collection is available exclusively via pre-orders on the Airmenus Christmas page, with doorstep delivery included.
