Kerala Lottery: The first prize winner will receive Rs 80 lakh, while the second and third prizes are Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1 lakh, respectively.
Veteran Actor Meghanathan Dies at 60: A Look Back at His Career in Film and
Malayalam cinema lost a cherished talent as actor Meghanathan passed away on Thursday at the age of 60. The veteran actor, who had been undergoing treatment for a severe lung condition, died at a private hospital in Kozhikode. Meghanathan was the son of the legendary actor Balan K Nair and had been battling respiratory issues for a significant time. The funeral is set to take place on Thursday in Shoranur. Meghanathan's last film appearance was in 2022, marking the end of a career that began in the 1980s. He initially entered the Malayalam film industry with a minor role, quickly earning recognition for his acting skills and compelling performances. Following the news of his passing, many in the film fraternity expressed their sorrow and shared heartfelt condolences. About Meghanathan Meghanathan's career was not limited to the big screen; he also made a significant impact in television. Reports indicate that he passed away at 2 AM on Thursday. His journey in the film industry began as a studio assistant in the movie Astram, directed by PN Menon. His final film, Kooman, was released in 2022. Born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Meghanathan was the third child of renowned actor Balan K Nair and Sarada Nair. He leaves behind his wife, Susmitha, and daughter, Parvathi. Notable Film Contributions Throughout his career, Meghanathan was part of many well-known Malayalam films. Some of his notable works include Panchagni, Chamayam, Rajdhani, Bhumi Geetam, Scepter, Malappuram Haji Mahanaya Joji, Praikkara Papan, Udyanapalakan, Ee Puzha Kaandam, Ullasapungattu, Rashtram, Kudamatam, Vasanthi and Lakshmi, I, Vastavam, and Action Hero Biju. His health had been declining for the past two years due to his respiratory illness. Meghanathans TV Legacy In addition to his film achievements, Meghanathan had a noteworthy presence in the television industry. Over his 40-year career, he featured in several popular TV serials such as Sthreetvam, Meghasandesham, Kathayariyathe, Snehanjali, and Chitta. Kerala: Sabarimala Temple Opens for Annual Pilgrimage, Virtual Queue Fully Booked for 2-Weeks
Malayalam actor Meghanathan dies at 60 due to lung-related illness
A prominent figure in the Malayalam film industry, Meghanathan was born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, as the third child of the iconic actor Balan K. Nair and Sarada Nair
Reformed Naxals demand probe into Vikram Gowda's encounter
BENGALURU: Expressing doubts over the police encounter in which 46-year-old Vikam Gowda alias Vikram Gowdlu was killed at Hebri in Udupi on Monday night, naxalites turned social activists demanded a probe monitored by a retired judge to ascertain if the encounter was real or fake. Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, former naxalites Noor Sridhar and Sirimane Nagaraj demanded registering an FIR and a thorough probe in this matter, like in all other encounter cases. Refuting claims that Gowda was a big naxal leader, they stated that all cases registered against him were fake, which is common for all Naxalites. What was the reason to kill Vikram? Vikram or his team members never attacked the policemen or had killed anybody or even threatened anybody. What was the necessity or urgency of such killing? Who gave the license to kill somebody just because they were having guns? The police department has to answer all these questions. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should immediately order for a thorough probe monitored by a retired judge, they urged. Naxal leader Vikram Gowda's encounter planned through local informants Vikrams family had 14 guntas of land. They were given notice to vacate the land in the name of a national park. Vikram then actively participated in protests in the area from 1998 to 2004 as part of the Karnataka Vimochana Ranga. He and his family members were harassed by the forest and police departments. In 2003, Parvati and Hajima were killed near Hebri. After this the police made life hell for Vikram and friends. Vikram was dragged to the police station and tortured. No matter what happened, he was pulled to the station. In the name of inquiry, he was beaten and humiliated. Without finding a way to live a peaceful life, an innocent tribal youth Vikram became a Naxal. The government portrayed him as a big naxal leader by hoisting false cases and finally he was encountered, the reformed Naxals said. They blamed governments policies and harassment by authorities for tribals turning towards Naxalism. It is true that the government has called the naxals to return to the mainstream by surrendering arms. Heeding the call, many came to the mainstream between 2014 and 2018. Civil society embraced us who came first. But what about those who came after us? Adivasi young woman Kanyakumari is in the Bengaluru Central Prison for the last eight years. Her son spent his childhood between the four walls of the prison for six years and now he has come out. There are around 58 cases filed against her by the police. There are no signs that they will end. Another naxal, Padmanabha, has got bail, but for the past few years, his job has been to wander to the court, they added. Vikram Gowda was given chance to surrender: Siddaramaiah After Vikram Gowda, Naxal activity on its way out in Karnataka BENGALURU: A day after Naxal leader Vikram Gowda was shot dead in an encounter by the Anti-Naxal Force, CM Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said he was given a chance to surrender, but he did not. Home Minister G Parameshwara, too, said Gowda was on the wanted list. After some people raised questions over the encounter, the CM told reporters that Vikram Gowda was a wanted criminal. The Kerala government had announced a Rs 25-lakh reward and Karnataka Rs 5-lakh reward to those who helped police nab him, he added. Parameshwara said Vikram had weapons with him, and if police had not fired, he would have attacked them. Vikram was involved in more than 60 criminal cases, including murder. He had a machine-gun, he said. The minister explained that the ANF headquarters in Karkala is constantly monitoring Naxal activities. Last rites performed in Kudlu, sister, locals present UDUPI: The final rites of Vikram Gowda, were conducted at Kudlu of Nadpal village in Hebri on Wednesday. The body was handed over to the family members on Wednesday after the post-mortem at a private hospital in Manipal. The funeral rituals were performed by the deceased Naxals younger brother, Suresh, in the presence of his younger sister, Suguna, and local residents. Security arrangements were in place. However, there was slight panic after the ambulance carrying his body went to the extreme right of the road, since a cattle suddenly crossed the road. The SP clarified that no accident or injuries were reported. Suguna told reporters that though his brother Vikram Gowda had distanced himself from the family after he joined naxal movement, they wanted him to be cremated at their family owned land.
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Kerala expands Ernakulam Model to tackle antibiotic misuse
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Building on the success of the Ernakulam Model, which demonstrated that door-to-door campaigning reduces antibiotic misuse, the health department plans to expand the initiative statewide. While launching the campaign at Vattiyoorkavu UPHC in Thiruvananthapuram, Health Minister Veena George said that the departments intervention led to a 20-30% reduction in antibiotic use over the past year. Awareness is crucial for antibiotic literacy, the minister said, noting that health workers are visiting homes to educate the public. On Wednesday, she joined health workers in Vattiyoorkavu to promote the cause. In Ernakulam, more than 2,250 ASHA workers conducted door-to-door campaigns, reaching 2 lakh homes, including rural, urban, tribal, and migrant areas. Each worker visits 50 homes monthly with support from medical officers, Middle-Level Service Providers, and other coordinators. Awareness efforts also targeted local representatives and guest workers in their native languages. The campaign is part of a broader strategy to reduce antibiotic misuse, including issuing antibiotics in blue-coloured envelopes for identification and ensuring they are only dispensed with a doctors prescription. The minister also announced plans for all hospitals to become antibiotic smart, in line with the World Health Organisations warning that antimicrobial resistance could lead to one crore deaths globally by 2050 if antibiotics are misused.
Kerala extends austerity steps for 4th year in a row
100 years on, Napier Museum relives British Empire Exhibition in Thiruvananthapuram
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Organised to herald an imperial revival, the British Empire Exhibition, which ran over two six-month-long seasons in 1924 and 1925, was designed to showcase produce and manufactured goods, arts and crafts as well as historical artefacts from the jewels of the empire. Century-old textile items from the event, which was held at Wembley Park in London, went on display from Tuesday at the Napier Museum in Thiruvananthapuram. Organised by the British government, the British Empire Exhibition was inaugurated by King George V. Documents about the exhibition, currently with Napier Museum, reveal that the event attracted over 25 million visitors. P S Manjula Devi, director the Department of museums and zoos, said textile items, including intricate French lace work, from the event are on display at the Napier Museum. We understood that there are many art aficionados who are keen to see century-old works in gold embroidery and lace. The lace work looks as good as new even after 100 years, said Manjula. The British Exhibition also featured Travancore lace, which has its origins in south Kerala. It was started as a cottage industry among Christian fisherwomen in south Travancore. Manjula added that the Travancore lace gained a wide reputation and won awards at various exhibitions in Europe. The Wembley Exhibition Medal will be among the exhibits at Napier Museum. Struck to commemorate the British Empire Exhibition, one side features King George V, with the reverse bearing an iconic image of the roaring Wembley Lion, with the towers of Wembley in the background and the words British Wembley Exhibition 1924 engraved below.
Thiruvananthapuram: Place names in SoIs maps get a Bhasha Institute reality check
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Have you been to Vilinam, Chirayinkal, Malayinkal, or Kattakkal in the capital district? These are among the more than 3,000 place names in Thiruvananthapuram documented erroneously as part of the Survey of Indias toponymy mandate. These entries are now being corrected, thanks to the efforts of the Kerala Bhasha Institute, which has been tasked with proofreading and rectifying errors in SoIs mapping of Thiruvananthapuram and other districts. Most names required corrections, historian Vellanad Ramachandran said. Many places were wrongly spelt, while old British versions were retained for some. Vizhinjam was listed as Vilinam, Chirayinkeezhu as Chirayinkal, Malayinkeezhu as Malayinkal, and Kattakada as Kattakkal, according to Ramachandran, who has been assigned by the Bhasha Institute to cross-verify names recorded in English. As many as six taluks in the district Thiruvananthapuram, Nedumangad, Chirayinkeezhu, Kattakada, Neyyattinkara and Varkala were documented. Inaccuracies in mapping arose, as survey officials, most of whom were from outside the state, documented the places using British-era names or by misspelling them. While Malayinkal, Chirayinkal and Kattakkal were British-era names Nedumanangad, Vellaarada and Vilinam were spelling errors due to limited knowledge of the region, he said. The Bhasha Institute took on the job of correcting names after being approached by central government authorities through the state government. Its a project managed by the Survey of India. We were entrusted with proofreading. Given our workload with other programmes, we delegated the work to Ramachandran who is an expert in Nedumangads history, said M Sathyan, director, Bhasha Institute. Ramachandran pointed out that Malabar-based staff members of the institute too struggled to identify and verify locations in Thiruvananthapuram. Place names carry immense historical and cultural significance. Malayalam is a language that has evolved over the years. Identifying the names of places in Thiruvananthapuram requires proficiency in Tamil, given the regions shared history. Not everybody is proficient in it, added Ramachandran. According to another official at the Bhasha Institute, the corrections are being guided by directives issued through circulars to ensure accuracy. As the survey progresses, other districts will be covered, with Thiruvananthapuram being the only one completed so far. SoIs toponymy mandate is essential for drawing administrative boundaries and vertical data collection. In this process, officials collect field names, initially recorded as audio files. When these names are documented, there can be discrepancies due to officials coming from different regions of the country and the inherent challenges in recognising various accents and dialects, a SoI official said. According to an official with the Bhasha Institute, proofreading of five more districts Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Kasargod will be carried out in the next phase.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It was a quiet day at Delhis airport in March 1995, the kind where every sound a crying toddler, the silence of a bored official, the tap of the rain seems amplified. Amid the chaos, the narrator of The Scent of Fallen Stars finds himself caught in the peculiar energy of the city, an India both bewildering and intoxicating. This unsettling start to the journey foreshadows the complex web of identity and secrets that Aishwarya Jha, debut novelist and winner of this years Ramnath Goenka Sahithya Samman (Best Debut Fiction) by The New Indian Express Group, so skillfully weaves in her first novel. Writing has always been my greatest dream, she says, recalling childhood visits to bookstores, inhaling the intoxicating scent of paper and wood. But much like her characters, the path wasnt straightforward. After countless rejections from literary magazines, she persisted, honing her craft through plays and short stories. Writing plays taught me to craft dialogue and get to the heart of a scene quickly. You only have ten minutes in a one-act play, so every word has to count. It taught me to edit ruthlessly if it doesnt serve the story, it goes, she says. The Scent of Fallen Stars , which explores the turbulent intersection of personal histories and Indias evolving landscape, quickly earned a place among the most celebrated debut works of the year. Its layered narrative delves into the lives of two characters, Aria and Will, whose personal histories - much like India itself - are marked by contradictions, hidden truths, and a constant search for belonging. Like the characters in her novel, this debutants journey has been about discovering her place in a world that constantly shifts, whether through the lens of a city like Delhi or the unpredictable nature of the writing world itself. Initially, my book wasnt aligned with market trends. I heard, Youre a great writer, but we dont know how to position this. But when my editor saw it, he just got it, she says. The Scent of Fallen Stars ultimately found its place not only in literary circles but also in readers hearts. Aishwarya admits that she didnt expect the kind of recognition shes now receiving. To get this award for something Ive poured my heart into is incredible, she says, reflecting on the validation of years of perseverance. Writing, after all, can be an isolating pursuit. You send your words into the world, hoping theyll resonate, and when they do, it feels like everything youve worked for has come together. She didnt expect this award either. Every writer hopes for some success, but an award like this? I hadnt even dreamed of it. When I found out, it took a while to sink in, she says. Exploring relations In The Scent of Fallen Stars , Aishwarya captures the beauty of understated yet profound human connections through simple, everyday moments reflecting how life much like writing often unfolds through small but meaningful exchanges. One such moment occurs when Will nervously asks Leela for help with Hindi lessons. His awkward request is the beginning of a deeper bond between them. These small interactions, full of hesitation and warmth, reflect the complexity of relationships and the journey of self-discovery that runs through the novel. Set in Delhi of the 90s a city she has always loved and at times, been frustrated by adds a layer of charm. Those sections of the story are filled with simpler moments, perhaps because of the time period, Aishwarya explains. I wanted to bring that era alive because I have so much nostalgia for it. Life felt less hurried, and connections were forged through shared spaces and quieter gestures. Talking about her love-hate relationship with the city, Aishwarya says, After living abroad, I realised how much the city meant to me. Its challenging, congested, and impossible at times, but theres something uniquely beautiful about it. My novel is an ode to Delhi, seen through the eyes of two characters who discover the city for the first time. Its this blend of personal and professional that makes Aishwaryas achievement so poignant. She offers heartfelt advice for aspiring writers: There are lots of pieces of advice that float around, and they all have merit. Whether its to write something every day or take your work around. You have to have a writers mindset. An artists vision of the world is different from a normal persons vision. Even with writing, whether youre writing fiction or non-fiction, youre telling the truth, and everything you should look at is through the lens of a writer. Anything that strikes you, write it down and look at it from a writers eye. Looking ahead, Aishwarya shares that her next book will be very different. This one was about the beauty of relationships, but my second novel explores the complexities of family relationships, she says, hinting at a new direction in her writing.
Online taxi drivers union demands separate parking at airports in Kerala
KOCHI: Office-bearers of the Online Taxi Drivers Union (OTDU), a state-level independent association representing drivers working with ride-hailing companies, have called on airport authorities in Kerala to allocate dedicated parking spaces for online taxis. All major airports across the country have established separate parking areas for online taxis, but this is not the case in Kerala. The online taxi service has become an integral part of the transportation landscape, and its usage is expected to grow in the coming years, said Adv T R S Kumar, chief patron of OTDU. Kumar added that despite submitting a formal request for dedicated parking spaces last year, no action has been taken. We strongly suspect that the authorities are favouring the traditional taxi mafia in the state, he said. The union also alleged that several conventional taxis operating at Kochi airport are using illegally obtained permits, but no action has been taken against them. We follow all rules and regulations, yet we are denied justice, Kumar said. Currently, nearly 10,000 drivers are employed in the online taxi sector across the state. Although the online taxi service has been operational in Kerala for about eight years, attacks on our members remain frequent, particularly in Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Munnar, Thrissur, and Kozhikode. The safety of online drivers has not yet been assured, said Jijo Zachariyas, general secretary of OTDU. Additionally, the government has drafted a bill to regulate online taxi companies, but it has not been presented to the legislature.
KSRTC to deploy sleeper buses from airports to ensure night connectivity
KOCHI: The lack of public transportation from major airports in the state during night is a perennial issue even as most of the key flights to and fro are either at early morning or late night. This often forces flyers to arrive much early at the airports or hire taxis, often spending a hefty sum. Those flying in at odd hours too struggle to avail affordable transport modes for last mile connectivity. All these would be a thing of the past soon, with the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) planning to deploy new AC Sleeper buses, initially at the Kochi airport before expanding to other airports. The highlight of the services will be that the buses wont have scheduled departure timings and will leave only after the flights arrive. Currently, there is no night connectivity to airports. The KSRTC will operate AC Sleeper buses having sufficient luggage space for the benefit of air passengers flying out or arriving in these night flights. There will be no specific departure timing for the buses and the same would be coordinated with flight timings. That means, if the flight arrives late, the buses will wait at the airport, Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar told TNIE. The corporation would soon place orders for 30 buses, with more luggage space, on the model of the recently-introduced premium superclass buses. Were waiting for the next government aid to place the orders for the buses. They will be deployed at the Kochi airport as soon as the buses start arriving. The services will be mainly to destinations in Malabar and those in central Kerala like Kottayam, Tiruvalla and Pathanamthitta, the minister pointed out. Earlier, a team of KSRTC officials led by the Ernakulam district transport officer held talks with the CIAL authorities on providing airport connectivity, after the corporation was forced to stop a majority of its low-floor AC buses operating to Nedumbassery airport post Covid. The corporation then planned to tie-up with the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd and operated electric feeder buses in the Aluva-Nedumbassery section. However, both sides couldnt reach a consensus over profit-sharing, ultimately leading to dropping of the project. Now, the KMRL has purchased 15 electric feeder buses and is set to deploy them in various routes. The feeder buses are undergoing registration and testing, and will be deployed for services soon. The buses will connect the airport (Aluva to airport), medical college (Kalamassery-Medical College), Infopark (Kakkanad Water Metro Terminal-Infopark) and other destinations which lack transportation facilities, said a KMRL spokesperson. Earlier during talks, the airport authorities agreed to allot a station master office at the airport for KSRTC, sources said. At a later stage, a facility will be introduced where the air passengers can also book KSRTC AC Sleeper buses along with booking the flights, a senior KSRTC official added.
KOCHI: Frogs have survived on Earth for nearly 400 million years, outliving dinosaurs and withstanding five major mass extinctions. Their presence is a living link to ancient evolutionary history, their croaks a timeless rhythm in the natural symphony of life. Yet today, these ancient survivors are falling silent at an unprecedented rate. Two out of every five amphibians are threatened with extinction. Why are we losing frogs? asks Prof. S D Biju, aka Frogman of India, who recently presented an engaging seminar on the subject at an event commemorating the Zoological Society of Keralas anniversary. The croak of frogs has long been a soundtrack to the quiet of the night. For those who listen closely, the absence of this nocturnal refrain is becoming all too apparent. Speaking to TNIE, Biju, a senior professor at Delhi University, stresses that with each missing croak, we lose a vital piece of the intricate web that supports our ecosystems, highlighting the urgent need to address the growing threats to amphibian life. The figures are alarming indeed. According to a study published in Nature, 41 per cent of amphibian species worldwide are now threatened with extinction, making them the most endangered group of land vertebrates. This comprehensive assessment, coordinated by the Amphibian Red List Authority, evaluated the extinction risk of over 8,000 species. India is home to 458 amphibian species, with 440 of these assessed for conservation status. Of these, 137 are categorised as threatened 14 critically endangered, 74 endangered, and 49 vulnerable. This, Biju explains, means 31 per cent of Indias amphibian species are at risk. Additionally, 31 species are classified as near-threatened, bringing the total proportion of species at risk of extinction to nearly 40 per cent. Raorchestes travancoricus Zooming in on Kerala One of the worlds most threatened frog categories is Micrixalidae, the Indian Dancing Frog family. Endemic to the Western Ghats, this family includes 24 species, 17 of which are found in Kerala. Nine are endemic to the state. Alarmingly, all nine species are threatened, with eight classified as endangered and one as vulnerable, Biju notes. If we enumerate the IUCN Red List species of Kerala, three species are critically endangered, 46 endangered, and 28 vulnerable, bringing the total number of threatened species to 77. That brings us to the question: why are we losing the worlds frogs now? According to the Second Global Amphibian Assessment (2023), climate change is the primary threat, affecting 39 per cent of species. This number is expected to rise as more data on species responses to climate change become available. Climate change is particularly concerning for amphibians because they are highly sensitive to changes in their environment, says Biju. Growth and breeding conditions of frogs are directly linked to weather patterns, and irregularities such as erratic rainfall can be devastating. Globally, he adds, the fungal disease chytridiomycosis has caused devastation in Africa, Australia, and South America. Fortunately, its impact in India has so far been limited. But that doesnt mean we can rule the threat out, says Biju. As of now, habitat destruction and degradation are the primary drivers of amphibian decline in India, caused largely by agriculture and cropland expansion for timber and large-scale cultivation of crops such as coffee, tea, and spices. Echoing concerns about climate change, Sandeep Das, a Science and Engineering Research Board postdoctoral fellow at the University of Calicut, highlights the example of the Indian Purple Frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis). Yellow-eyed reed frog These frogs, which are endemic to the Western Ghats, have a unique evolutionary history and were rediscovered in 2003 in Idukki district after being undetected for nearly 125 years, he says. Their breeding occurs only during the monsoon season, over a span of two to three weeks, in seasonal streams. However, irregular rainfall patterns such as delayed or excessive rain can kill their eggs and tadpoles. Over the past three years, there was a loss of about 70 per cent of Purple Frog eggs in breeding sites we monitor. The growing network of roads is another issue. Roadkill affects frogs as well, not just larger animals. These hapless little ones often go unnoticed. Big species might draw attention when accidents occur, but how often do we pause to consider the toll on frogs? asks Sandeep. The way forward According to Biju, current wildlife conservation efforts prioritise larger, more charismatic animals such as tigers and elephants, often at the expense of lesser-known species. I am not against the conservation of larger animals. It is certainly crucial, but our conservation priorities need to evolve. Our administration must diversify its focus and not channel all resources toward just a few species, he says. Conservation is not about focusing on a few species. Its about preserving life on Earth as a whole. If we are to survive, we must survive together. Every organism matters. A fundamental step in improving frog conservation efforts is thorough documentation of biodiversity, Biju adds. Its a fact that the Western Ghats still does not have a complete inventory of its animal and plant species, he notes. While amphibian conservation remains under-funded and under-prioritised, there has been some progress. In 2018, for instance, Delhi University launched a project named Lost Amphibians of India, and there have been discussions around creating a frog sanctuary. The project is still on, but there has been no significant action on the ground, says Biju, adding that enhanced public awareness can be a catalyst. In Kerala, he adds, many frog species remain undiscovered and unnamed. Further research is essential to understand their diversity and specific habitat needs. The Kerala forest department can play a key role here, he says. As a first step, areas rich in amphibian life, many of which lie outside protected zones but within reserve forests, must be safeguarded from disturbances. Why are frogs important Frogs play a crucial role as environmental indicators. Their permeable skin makes them highly sensitive to environmental changes. A decline in frog populations or changes in their breeding patterns signal shifts in their habitat, often affecting other species that share these environments, particularly wetlands and water bodies, explains Ashish Thomas, a Delhi University professor who did his doctorate on the Indian Purple Frog. In simple words, any change to the frog population will disrupt the food chain of that region. And this can have ripple effects that would eventually affect humans. Moreover, earlier, waterbodies were commonly found near cultivated fields, encouraging frog populations. Known as farmers friends, frogs serve as natural pest control. A single frog can consume hundreds of insects in a day. A healthy frog population can help reduce dependence on chemical pesticides, he adds. Additionally, the chemical secretions in frogs skin (bioactive peptides) have antiviral and antibacterial properties, Ashish notes. Reseachers have also shown that they are effective against cancer cells. The Kerala scene Critically endangered Cave Dancing Frog (Micrixalus spelunca) Frankys Narrow-mouthed Frog (Mysticellus franki) Marks Bush Frog (Raorchestes marki) Endangered Beautiful Dancing Frog (Micrixalus adonis) Malabar Night Frog (Nyctibatrachus major) Golden-back Frog Indosylvirana aurantiaca Bijus Tree Frog (Beddomixalus bijui) Jayarams Shrub Frog (Raorchestes jayarami) Resplendent Shrub Frog (Raorchestes resplendens) Travancore Shrub Frog (Raorchestes travancoricus) Vulnerable Galaxy frog (Melanobatrachus indicus) Indian Purple Frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis) Yellow-eyed reed frog (Raorchestes chalazodes)
Decline in Palakkad turnout; all three fronts brim with confidence
PALAKKAD: Palakkad recorded a nearly 5 percentage points decline in voter turnout in Wednesdays bypoll compared with the 2021 assembly election, despite the high-octane campaign and no-holds-barred efforts by the three major fronts to ensure that all their supporters votes are cast. Although the poll percentage fell to 70.51% from 75.37% in 2021, CPM, Congress and BJP expressed confidence of winning the seat. Polling that started on a brisk note in the morning, fell sharply by noon. Several booths in different parts of the constituency were noticeably empty. However, it picked up gradually, and peaked during the final hours of polling. Long queues were seen outside many booths even after 6pm, the scheduled close of polling. All those who were given token till 6pm were allowed to cast their votes. Out of 194,706 registered voters, 137,302 cast their votes in the by-election. Notably, all four transgender voters put in their ballot papers. The polling passed off peacefully, barring a few isolated incidents. CPM and BJP workers waylaid UDF candidate Rahul Mamkootathil at a booth in Vennakara accusing him of canvassing votes stading in a queue at the booth. As the situation started to deteriorate, police interfered and diffused tension. From the get go, the entire bypoll process was marked by suspense, accusations, counter-accusations and controversies. People of Palakkad with LDF, says Sarin Pulling a surprise, the CPM announced the candidature of P Sarin, a doctor-turned-civil servant who quit the profession to become a dedicated full-time Congress worker. Then on, the campaign took its own course, and none of the major fronts succeeded in their attempt to set the agenda for discussion ahead of the poll. Sarin said, The people of Palakkad are with the LDF. The voters are aware of the political situation and the challenges being faced by the state and the country, he said. Rahul said he was sure of a comfortable victory. Secularism is deeply rooted in the minds of the voters of Palakkad, and itll reflect in the results, the UDF candidate said. Brimming with confidence, BJP candidate C Krishnakumar said, Controversies are irrelevant, and we will win with a decisive, five-digit majority.
Barring isolated incidents, polling peaceful in Palakkad
PALAKKAD: Despite minor technical glitches in electronic voting machines in some booths and altercations between voters standing in the queue, the voting process in Palakkad bypoll remained by and large peaceful. However, booth number 48 at Vennakkara Government High School, witnessed an altercation between the workers on three fronts. BJP and LDF workers clashed with UDF workers over allegations that UDF candidate Rahul Mamkoottathil entered the polling booth to solicit votes. They accused him of entering the booth with party workers and raising his handa gesture linked to the UDFs election symbol. Police intervened promptly and defused the tension. Denying allegations that he tried to canvass votes inside the booth, Rahul said: When LDF candidate visited the booth, there were no objections from anyone. But when I arrived, both BJP and LDF workers jointly opposed me. They claim that candidates arent allowed to even stand in the vicinity. He said both LDF and NDA workers are jittery as they are afraid of defeat. He also said it is easy to verify such allegations as the booths are under the surveillance of CCTV cameras. Responding to the issue, LDF candidate P Sarin said: It all stemmed from their fear. I also visited various booths with proper passes and only a single companion. But he (Rahul) arrived with a group, making it look like a scene from a Kannada film. Meanwhile, BJP Palakkad district president K M Haridas decided not to cast his vote as his name appeared in the voters list in another assembly constituency. Earlier, Palakkad MP V K Sreekandan and UDF workers had indicated that they would prevent Haridas from casting his vote, as it would amount to double voting. Additional police forces were deployed at the booth to manage the situation. Later Haridas said that he chose not to cast his vote to avoid potential clashes. The main objective is to ensure the victory of the NDA candidate. I decided to avoid any possibility of conflict, he said.
First in India: 24-hour online court opens in Kerala's Kollam district
KOLLAM: Indias first 24-hour online court has officially started operations in Kollam district, aimed at reducing the backlog of cases and expediting legal solutions. Judicial First Class Magistrate Surya Sukumaran, who is in charge of the court, presided over the inaugural sitting. The court operates on a hybrid mode, offering the option for in-person attendance if preferred. The court will primarily handle cases related to check dishonour under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. The cases can be filed at the court across the day. It will operate across three judicial first-class courts and the Chief Judicial Magistrates Court in Kollam. The court proactively provides litigants and lawyers with real-time case updates, offering flexibility to manage cases remotely at any time. A key feature of this 24x7 online court is its paperless process. All case filings must be submitted through online forms on the courts website, making it possible to file cases at any time, from anywhere in the world. The court eliminates the need for in-person appearances, with hearings, arguments, and trials all conducted online. Summonses for accused individuals will be digitally sent to their respective police stations. Accused persons and their sureties can also submit bail applications and documents online for approval. We can now file cases online anytime, anywhere. The court operates on a hybrid mode for those who wish to attend in person. This new system eliminates the need to wait for hearing dates or visit the court for filings, and applications, or respond to summons. The real-time calendaring system will provide greater visibility into hearings, and integration with institutions like banks, police, and post offices will enable seamless document sharing. Dashboards will offer users real-time updates on case status and actions taken, said Boris Paul, senior advocate in Kollam.
Bypolls see negative voting trend over past five years
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Contrary to the general perception that bypolls tend to increase political vigour among both the cadre and the voters, political Kerala has of late been witnessing a reverse trend. Over the past five years, bypolls in the state have been seeing a dip in voter turnout. On a day the Palakkad assembly constituency went to the polling booth, the state witnessed a lukewarm response from voters in yet another by-election. A general reluctance on the part of voters coupled with a slew of other factors, including predictability and a lack of significance in the overall political scenario, have played a key role in keeping voters away from bypolls. A scan through the by-elections in the state since 2019 shows that most of them have had a substantial decrease in polling percentage. In 2019, the state saw bypolls in six assembly constituencies. While the death of sitting MLAs necessitated elections in Pala and Manjeswar, bypolls were held in four other seats -- Ernakulam, Vattiyoorkkavu, Konni and Aroor -- after the sitting MLAs were elected to the Lok Sabha. Amid a general dip in voter turnout, the polling percentage in Vattiyoorkkavu came down to 62.66% from the 2016 figure of 70.29%. Similarly, in Ernakulam, the percentage dipped to 57.90% from 71.76%. During the past two bypolls held during the current LDF government -- in 2022 and 2023 -- the voting percentage witnessed a dip. The trend has continued in the three bypolls, including a Lok Sabha constituency, held this month. While there was a small decrease in Chelakkara and Palakkad, the Wayanad LS seat witnessed a substantial reduction in polling percentage. Voters are usually reluctant to cast their franchise during bypolls as these results do not determine the fate of a government. In constituencies like Wayanad, where the result is more or less predictable, voters tend to lose interest in the political contest, observed psephologist Sajad Ibrahim. Psychologically, people are not inclined to vote in by-elections, Sajad told TNIE. They know that their votes wont change anything. And there is only a short period left for the next election. The general character of voters in Kerala has also been changing through the years. They are now more educated but are not enthusiastic about casting their votes in the general election. This also reflects in the by-election. The ruling front suffered losses. However, this changes in the assembly election, he said. LDF candidate P Sarin and wife Dr Soumya after casting their votes at True Line Public School in Manappullikkavu
Kerala: Kadalundi government schools wall transcends geographical boundaries
KOCHI: A wall is not just brick and mortar. It represents a regions culture and the technology employed in its construction. In a matter of pride for residents, a wall of Government Fisheries LP School at Kadalundi will adorn Wall House, a dream project executed by Vikram Divecha, a visiting assistant professor in Arts and Art History at the New York University in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Though the school was established in 1921, the wall selected for the Wall House project is only 26 year old. The building was constructed using laterite stone in 1999, but the authorities decided to demolish it as it was declared unfit. Wall House is envisioned as an indoor centre encasing hundreds of walls and facade sections extracted from buildings slated for demolition across the globe. In this undertaking of an urgent archiving of the present, each wall is selected by local communities and researchers, a process of shifting of authorship that challenges the notion of traditional museology, Vikram told TNIE. At its core, these walls are about people. Once released from architecture, they hold the potential of being reborn as a social object. Each wall serves as a starting point for expansive sociocultural mappings of time and place. The wall fragments stand in as bearers of histories of tenants, infrastructure, materiality, aesthetics, and culture. A gift to the future, these community of walls will become ambassadors of an alternative and inclusive cultural history, he explained. Vikram said he always knew a wall from Kerala will hold special meaning for Malayalis in the UAE. It was fate that I was approached by the Faizal and Shabana Foundation about salvaging a wall from a school in Kerala. This exactly fits my approach as I want local communities to select the wall. The removal and transportation of the wall is funded by Jameel Arts Centre, he said. The wall of Kadalundi Government Fisheries LP School being ransported in an open container Transporting wall took 8 days by road, cost Rs 1.4L Headmistress P Reena said it was a matter of pride for the school that a wall of its demolished building will be displayed at the Wall House in Abu Dhabi. We were approached by the foundation seeking permission to preserve the wall, when we decided to demolish the building. The wall features a picture representing Kerala culture, Reena said. Ceekay Global Trading Co in Kozhikode, owned by Kerala Exporters Forum secretary Munshid Ali, is transporting the wall. The biggest challenge was taking the wall from Kadalundi to the Kochi port, said Munshid. Though the distance from Kozhikode to Kochi is only 200 km, it took eight days for the trailer truck carrying the wall to reach Kochi. The 18-wheel low floor vehicle brought from Telangana had to take the Kozhikode-Palakkad route to avoid disruption of traffic. We decided to move the trailer only during night, but it was a Herculean task to remove the low-hanging power cables, he said. The normal fare to transport a container from Kozhikode to Kochi is `30,000, but Munshid had to pay `1.4 lakh due to the risks involved in transportation. The wall was loaded onto an open container brought from Mumbai by Sree Trans Logistics on Wednesday. Cargo vessel SSL Kaveri will set sail from Kochi port to Jebel Ali Port in UAE with the wall on Thursday.
Palakkad couple on overlanding mission to plant one lakh trees in five years
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If one happens to spot a rugged 4x4 camper somewhere in the remote areas of the country, it must probably be Sangeeth, Kavya and their pet dog Drogo planting the seeds of tomorrows forests. When most people prioritise luxury and leisure, this couple from Palakkad has chosen to overland across India in their modified 4x4 SUV with a mission to plant one lakh trees in five years. Their journey Mission Mother Tree is a project towards sustainability, adventure and making a difference. It started as a simple plan leave a living memory in the form of trees across places they visit. It quickly became a full-scale drive. They left the security of their corporate jobs to pursue a life closer to nature. Sangeeth, who was previously a sales and marketing officer, and Kavya, a professional in dairy technology now pursuing research, packed up their lives, outfitted their vehicle and set off on a path that would take them to some of Indias most remote regions. Their goal is to explore responsibly and give back to the earth. Over the past two years, we have covered 45,000 kilometres across the country. Our travels arent just the thrill of overlanding but driven by a sense of purpose. We have successfully planted over 10,000 native saplings across the remote regions of India, with the help of a growing community of 4,000 volunteers who joined through social media and the acquaintances between travels, Sangeeth told TNIE. Their Instagram page lifeonroads_ is where they document their journey, and it has crossed over 2.4 lakh followers. To keep their journey sustainable and affordable, Sangeeth and Kavya transformed their Force Gurkha SUV into a camper, all for just Rs 20,000. All the work on the camper was completed by their IT friends group. The couple prepare their meals on the road, sharing their experiences with their companion, Drogo, who is as much a part of the adventure as they are. The couple relies on locally sourced seed balls, which they gather with the help of volunteers from the areas they visit. This ensures that the plants are suited to the local soil and climate, increasing the chances of survival. Their saplings span ten varieties of native trees, and they have achieved a 60% survival rate. For Kavya, the journey is about creating something lasting. One lakh trees may seem like a drop in the bucket against climate change, but were doing the best we can to build a community that values life on this planet, Kavya said. Not only do they plant these saplings but also keep track of their growth through an application, Tree Tag. Each sapling they plant is tagged and tracked using GPS coordinates via the app Tree Tag. Like a live report card, volunteers across the country too regularly update the couple on the progress of these plants. We note down the GPS coordinates of each tree we plant and track it through Tree Tag. It is a collective effort that wouldnt have been possible without the support of the people, Sangeeth said. In Kerala alone, they have planted around 300 saplings in Palakkad, 220 in Munnar, and 70 in Ernakulam. And each time they return to their home base, they plant a batch of seed balls nearby to keep a part of their mission close to home. They have travelled to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. They deviate to remote areas and camp there.Planning this mission often takes more time than the execution, Kavya said.
Ambition, focus: A navy mans tireless march to movie stardom
KOLLAM: Jayan is a Malayali movie icon who continues to live on in the hearts of millions, even 41 years after his untimely demise. Yet, few are aware of the legendary actors stint as a navyman a chapter of his life that remains largely unexplored. Speaking to TNIE, former chief petty officer G K Pillai, Jayans fellow seaman for nearly four years, offered a rare glimpse into this lesser-known side of the famed thespian. M Krishnan Nair or M K Nair to his naval colleagues, Jayan joined the Navy through the cadet entry scheme in the 1950s. According to Pillai, Jayan aspired to be a commissioned officer a dream he pursued relentlessly but was unable to fulfil. Jayan worked hard towards becoming a commissioned officer. However, the Navys rules at the time did not permit sailors in the engineering, electrical and electronics department to rise to the commissioned ranks. His attempts to switch to the executive branch, where such promotions were possible, proved unsuccessful. Yet, Jayan never lost hope and remained focused on building a successful life for himself. He was also a smart NCC cadet during his school days, Pillai recalls. Pillai remembers Jayan as a multifaceted individual with exceptional talents. He was a sharp shooter, a fitness enthusiast, and an accomplished athlete who won prizes in Navy competitions. Jayan also excelled as a forward in the Navigation and Direction Schools football team. The competition was fierce due to the Navys policy of directly recruiting engineering graduates as trainee officers in the engineering, electrical, and electronics branches. This disappointment eventually pushed him to pursue a career in cinema. While posted at INS Venduruthy in Kochi during the late 1960s, Jayan made several attempts to break into Malayalam cinema. Though initially unsuccessful, he persisted, recounts Pillai. Jayan reached out to Pillai for help. Pillai facilitated a meeting with legendary actor Thikkurissy Sukumaran Nair, who introduced Jayan to Malayalam cinema. I took him to Thikkurissys home at Jawahar Nagar, in Thiruvananthapuram, and introduced him. Thikkurissy promised to recommend Jayan to cinema producers. A few days later, he took Jayan to Merryland Studios and requested the late Subramaniam to offer him a role. Jayans persistence paid off, and he eventually achieved his dream of becoming an actor, Pillai reminisced. Jayan underwent two years of initial training at INS Circars, Visakhapatnam, followed by professional training at INS Valsura, Jamnagar, specialising in electrical and electronics equipment. He was trained in radio, radar, sonar, and wireless systems in the radio branch. Upon completing his EMR course, Jayan was posted at the Navigation and Direction Training School at INS Venduruthy. He later served on board INS Rana and INS Mysore. Before retiring as a master chief petty officer in 1972, he was stationed at the TAS School at INS Venduruthy.
44.7 per cent Muslim families have at least one member abroad
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: More people from Muslim households in Kerala opt to migrate abroad. Among migrant families those having at least one member abroad Muslims comprise the majority (44.7%) followed by Hindus (38.2%) and Christians (17%), says a new research on Keralas migration and standard of living. Among non-migrant families, Hindu households form the majority (63%) followed by Christian (21.2%) and Muslim (15.6%) households. Among Muslim households themselves, around 43% have at least one member in a foreign country. The study also showed that a substantial portion of Kerala households without migrants fall below the poverty line (BPL). Around 42.38% of non-migrant families are in the BPL category, much higher than the state average of 38%. The research, based on the Centre for Development Studies (CDS) 2018 migration study, was carried out by three researchers from the International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai - Afsal Kalangadan, Muhammad Thalil, and Reshmi Ramachandran Sukumari. Published in September, it revolves around the pivotal role played by international remittances in fostering upward income mobility among migrant households, leading to tangible transformations in their living standards. It shows marked disparities among households with and without migrants across different dimensions like poverty indicators, housing quality, asset ownership and consumer durables. Almost 95% of the households, irrespective of their migration status, possessed valid ration cards. Going by the findings, migrant households not only surpass non-migrant ones in land ownership but also allocate more resources to house construction, positioning a higher proportion of them above the poverty line. When it comes to the standard of living, 42.1% of migrant families have significantly high living standards, while 35.7% fall under the category of middle living standards. Among non-migrant families, it is 28.9% and 31.9% respectively. The low-category of living standards is significantly high among non-migrants (39.2%), compared to migrant families (22.2%). The study revealed that 16.3% migrant families reside in houses categorised as luxurious, while 38.7% live in very good houses. In non- migrant households, it is 10.4% and 27.8%, respectively. A higher proportion of non-migrants live in houses classified as poor (17.8%) and 5.2% of families live in low-cost traditional houses constructed with mud, bamboo or corrugated sheets. However, in migrant families, only 8.2 per cent live in houses classified as poor and 0.7 per cent live in low-cost traditional houses. As much as 4% of migrant families and 5% of non-migrant families live in rented houses. A substantial proportion (14.7%) of non-migrant families constructed houses that cost less than Rs 1 lakh and 30.3% spent between Rs 1-Rs 5 lakh on house construction. However, migrant families allocated a larger house construction budget exceeding Rs 5 lakh. When it comes to possessing land, 74.2% of migrants and 69.7% of non-migrants own properties. In the case of owning televisions, the difference between the two groups is 2.1%. About 59.3% of migrant families use LPG, compared to 54.9% among non-migrant families.
23-yr-old Dalit girl found dead for not supporting SP nominee
LUCKNOW/CHANDIGARH/DEHRADUN: A 23-year-old Dalit woman, who had been missing since Tuesday, was found dead on in UPs Karhal assembly seat that went to bypolls on Wednesday, with her family alleging that she was killed as she refused to vote for the Samajwadi Party. A voter turnout ranging from 50 to 70% was recorded in the bypolls to 15 assembly seats spread across UP, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Kerala amid stray incidents of violence and complaints of irregularities and misuse of government machinery. In Karhal of Mainpuri district, the victim womans father in an FIR alleged that his daughter was abducted by local SP leader Prashant Yadav and poisoned to death with the help of one Mohan Katheria. Mainpuri SP Vinod Kumar said, Both the accused, Mohan Katheria and Prashant Yadav, were arrested while further investigation into the incident was in progress. The incident triggered a slugfest between the BJP and the SP. Nine seats went to bypolls in UP. The Election Commissions update at 5 pm showed the voter turnout in Ghaziabad was 33.30%, Katehari (56.69%), Khair (46.43%), Kundarki (57.32%), Karhal (53.92%), Majhawan (50.41%), Meerapur (57.02%), Phulpur (43.43%) and Sisamau (49.03%). Acting on complaints by SP president Akhilesh Yadav against police officers checking voter and Aadhaar IDs, the EC ordered suspension of five police personnel violating its guidelines. UP Chief Election Officer Navdeep Rinwa said, Five police personnel on poll duty have been suspended taking note of complaints two each in Kanpur and Muzaffarnagar and one in Moradabad. An incident of stone pelting was reported in Kakroli village during voting in Meerapur seat. SSP Abhishek Singh said that the police promptly reached the spot and dispersed the crowd using mild force. In Uttarakhand, a voter turnout of 57.64% was recorded in Kedarnath assembly bypoll. In Punjab, a turnout of 63% was recorded in the bypolls to four assembly seats. The Gidderbaha seat recorded 81% polling, Dera Baba Nanak 63%, Barnala 54% and Chabbewal 53%. A clash took place between AAP and Congress supporters at Dera Pathana village in Dera Baba Nanak seat. Heavy police force was deputed at the site to diffuse the situation.
After four decades, horticulture course set to make KAU comeback
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After being kept away for four decades, horticulture is set to make a comeback in the states mainstream agriculture curricula with the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) deciding to re-induct it as a four-year BSc programme. Horticulture was last taught in KAU in 1979- 1983. The course was discontinued after an alleged ego clash between two departments. The university has decided to bring it back, thanks to the constant pressure of the alumni of the last horticulture degree batch. Though the KAU academic council passed a resolution to restart the degree course on March 24, it got delayed due to various reasons. Finally, the university has published the prospectus for the new course. The horticulture course has been moduled in a cost-sharing mode with a higher fee structure. We have relaunched the course as other states are starting new courses and colleges related to horticulture, KAU Vice-Chancellor B Ashok told TNIE. We have also started 25 new courses in the university. The Achutha Menon ministry started the first College of Horticulture in 1972. According to former students and teachers, a clash of ego between the departments of agriculture and horticulture culminated in the stoppage of courses in horticulture. While various state and central governments were initiating and strengthening measures for horticulture revolution, known as Golden Revolution, Kerala lagged, lamented a former academician. Though Kerala cultivates horticultural crops in 22 lakh hectares out of the 26 lakh hectares of agricultural area and produces more than 25 million tonnes of horticulture per year, the government never bothered to reintroduce horticulture degree courses in KAU and considered it secondary to agriculture. Contrary to the general perception that the state has a higher field crop area, paddy, 26 species of horticulture crops are being produced from six sectors. They are fruit crops (banana, mango, jackfruit, pineapple and papaya), plantation crops (coconut, rubber, areca nut, cashew, tea and coffee), spice crops (pepper, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg, clove and cinnamon), vegetables (cucurbits, brinjal, okra, chilli, amaranthus and cowpea), floriculture crops (orchids, anthuriums, heliconia), and many medicinal and aromatic plants. The state has a monopoly in the production of rubber (92%), pepper (81%), cardamom (74%), coconut (40%), coffee (22%), cashew (15%) and tea (8%). As the states horticulture sector lags due to a lack of focused interventions, a strategic effort is needed, former KAU registrar P B Pushpalatha said. When Kerala restricted horticulture as a wing under the Department of Agriculture and limited graduation-level agricultural education to BSc Agriculture, other states behind us set up separate departments of horticulture and colleges of horticulture.
Kerala rides on Ajsals strike to defeat Railways
Kerala edges past Railways with a 1-0 victory in Santosh Trophy qualifying tournament, while Pondicherry beats Lakshadweep
Kozhikode City sub-district leads in revenue district school arts festival
Writer Benyamin hails the artistic tradition of Kozhikode
Bypolls to 15 Assembly seats record 50-70% turnout
Lucknow: A voter turnout ranging from 50 to 70 per cent was recorded in the bypolls to 15 Assembly seats spread across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala and Uttarakhand on Wednesday amid stray incidents of violence and complaints of irregularities against police officials and misuse of government machinery. Polling was held in Katehari, Karhal, Meerapur, Ghaziabad, Majhawan, Sisamau, Khair, Phulpur and Kundarki seats in Uttar Pradesh, Gidderbaha, Dera Baba Nanak, Chabbewal (SC) and Barnala constituencies in Punjab, Palakkad in Kerala and Kedarnath seat in Uttarakhand. While the polling percentage in Kerala was 70.51, it was 63 in Punjab, 57.64 in Uttarakhand and 49.3 in Uttar Pradesh. The final figures are likely to change. Sporadic incidents were reported from Uttar Pradesh. In a post on X, Akhilesh Yadav said, All police officers who are checking voter cards and Aadhaar IDs should be immediately suspended on the basis of video evidence. Police have no right to check Aadhaar ID cards or identity cards. Acting on complaints by SP president Akhilesh Yadav, the Election Commission ordered suspension of five police personnel in Uttar Pradesh violating its guidelines on checking of voters and stopping them from casting votes. An incident of stone pelting was reported in Kakroli village during voting for the Meerapur Assembly bypoll following a confrontation between two groups. Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) candidate Mithlesh Pal claimed that she was informed about people from outside the constituency being called in for bogus voting. These people have been accommodated in Madrasas and schools, she alleged. Pal also claimed that bogus voting was being done by women in burqa. In Punjab, a minor clash took place between the AAP and Congress supporters at Dera Pathana village in the Dera Baba Nanak segment.
Bypolls to 15 assembly seats spread across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand were also conducted on Wednesday. The results for all the elections will be out on November 23
Kerala HC dismisses plea of school teacher booked under POCSO Act
Kerala: Polling concludes in Palakkad assembly by-poll
Voter turnout low compared to 2021 assembly polls
Veena launches campaign against unscientific use and abuse of antibiotics
Aviation sector jobs: free training for transgender persons
Chennithala slams govts cooperative sector policies
AG&P Pratham to open five more CNG stations in Thiruvananthapuram by December
Occupants of more reported Waqf holdings approach Kerala govt. for relief
Some occupants of reported Waqf holdings in Chavakkad, Wayanad, Kannur and Thaliparamba have petitioned government in the wake of the Munambam protest
Kudumbashree one-stop facility centres launched in select blocks
Project is being implemented in Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha to provide business development services to microenterprises
Complaints against delimitation process of local bodiesin Thrissur district
Instead of doing delimitation on the basis of population, the division is made according to the number of houses, says the Opposition Leader in Thrissur Corporation. He calls the move illegal
183 bird species documented in Thiruvananthapuram during WINGS survey
SCTIMST develops gelatin-modified bioink for 3D bioprinting of tissues
Main features of the Chitra-GelMA-UVS Bioink include rapid solubility, biocompatibility, UV protection, adjustable viscosity, printability at ambient temperatures, biodegradability, and enzyme digestibility
Railways have transported around 1.07 lakh pilgrims from other States, mainly Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, to Kerala during so far this season
Lionel Messi and Argentina to play in Kerala next year
The Kerala government announced on Wednesday that the Argentina national football team, led by legendary player Lionel Messi, will visit the state next year for an international friendly match, which Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hailed as a tribute to state people's passion for soccer.
A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and P.B. Varale enhanced the interim maintenance of 1.75 lakh per month to the estranged wife of a Kerala-based cardiologist
Idukki border areas witness unseasonal weather pattern
Light rain, fog, and extreme cold weather experienced in Kumily and Kanthallur. Experts say two cyclonic circulations in the Arabian Sea and the Comorin region led to rain and fog in most parts of the State on Wednesday. Tourism and farming benefit from the weather
Bike of youth held on drug trafficking charge forfeited in Kozhikode
It was the second such forfeiture under Section 68 F (seizure or freezing of illegally acquired property) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985 in Kozhikode city
Row over LDF advertisement continues on poll day
Maps prepared for ward delimitation could prove useful tools for government departments
Wards were mapped using QField app which was customised, re-coded and integrated with Google Maps by Information Kerala Mission. Government agencies can use them for taxation, resource mobilisation or mapping of resources
Kollam Corporation readies projects to promote Ashtamudi backwater tourism
A musical fountain on Link Road and a floating garden are on the anvil. Water sports, including jet skiing, will be introduced. An area of focus will be restoring native vegetation and degraded ecosystems
Mind your lungs if fever, cough trouble you quite often
Manakkam, Messi! Argentinian Football Legend to Play in Kerala next year
Argentina to play exhibition matches in Kerala
After 14 years, Lionel Messi and his team are finally making their way to India to participate in a friendly match.
Thief Walks Into Unlocked House In Kerala, Steals Book On Sachin Tendulkar Besides Cash
Police patrolling for thieves woke Gopalakrishnan at 2 am to turn on his lights. However, as soon as the police left, he fell asleep on a chair, leaving the door open
UDAN Scheme Marks Historic Growth in Indias Aviation Sector
The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme has revolutionized India's civil aviation sector, improving regional connectivity and making air travel accessible to millions across the country. On November 17, the domestic aviation sector marked a historic achievement, with 505,412 passengers flying on the same day for the first time, crossing the 5-lakh milestone in daily passenger numbers. This feat, with over 3,100 flights operating nationwide, highlights India's increasing role in the global aviation scene. The Ministry of Civil Aviation credited the UDAN scheme for this transformation, noting that it has successfully operationalized 609 routes, including helicopter services, connecting various states and union territories across India. The scheme has not only enhanced connectivity but also brought air travel closer to the common man, bridging the gap between aspirations and accessibility. Since its launch on October 21, 2016, the UDAN scheme has seen significant milestones, with the first UDAN flight taking off on April 27, 2017, connecting Shimla to Delhi. The latest UDAN 5.0 series (covering 5.0 to 5.4 phases) has introduced key improvements, such as removing distance caps, prioritizing operational airports, expanding helicopter and small aircraft services, and reactivating discontinued routes. These changes have ensured better air connectivity and affordability across India, especially for smaller cities and towns. The scheme has been a lifeline for regional carriers like Flybig, Star Air, IndiaOne Air, and Fly91, which have adopted sustainable business models, benefiting from the increased demand for regional air travel. The government's decision to extend the UDAN scheme for another 10 years is expected to further improve connectivity to underserved regions, fulfilling the aspirations of common citizens. As of October, 1.44 crore passengers have benefited from the scheme, with 609 routes and 86 airports now operational. Keralas New Seaplane Service to Boost Tourism: Launch Scheduled for November 11 SpiceJet Set to Launch Seaplane Services Across India to Boost Tourism and Connectivity SpiceJet Expands 8 New Flights from Jaipur as Part of Winter Schedule
Woman reported missing from Karunagappally in Kerala
KOLLAM: 20-year-old Aishwariya Anil, a resident of Alappad in Karunagappally, has been reported missing since last Monday. The Karunagappally police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter. The missing persons mother filed a complaint after Ashwariya failed to return home and did not respond to repeated calls on her mobile phone. According to police sources, as per CCTV footage of the locality, Ashwariya reportedly took a lift from a local woman on the day she was missing and was last seen heading to Karunagappally railway station. However, investigators have not been able to confirm her movements beyond the station. A review of CCTV footage from the station yielded no significant leads. The investigation is currently focused on her mobile phone and social media activity. We are also working to retrieve CCTV footage from trains that passed through the station. We are also trying to examine the CCTV footage of Kollam railway station. We expect progress soon, a police official said. Ashwariya was preparing for competitive exams online. According to her parents, she had few friends and spent most of her time in her bedroom.
SC Reopens Evidence-Tampering Case Against Kerala's Antony Raju in 'Underwear' Incident
The Supreme Court on Wednesday restored the alleged underwear evidence tampering case against former Kerala Minister Antony Raju.
Vamos Vamos Argentina
INTERVIEW|Kudankulam Plant expansion not an alternative to a new power plant in Kerala, says expert
INDORE: Nuclear scientist and Director of Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology Unmesh D Malshe said in an interview with TNIE, that the expansion of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant will not serve as an alternative to a potential new plant in Kerala. He also said that setting up a nuclear power plant could help address Kerala's power deficit and meet energy demands in neighbouring states. Excerpts from the interview: Recently, there have been discussions between NPCI and KSEB regarding the possibility of setting up a nuclear power plant in Kerala. Any update on this? The discussions are ongoing, but nothing has been sanctioned yet. Kerala is exploring the option, which is positive. I believe it's crucial to have as many locations as possible for nuclear plants across states, as this will contribute to the country's overall energy capacity. Currently, India's installed nuclear capacity is around 9 gigawatts, but we aim to reach 21 gigawatts by 2030, so expanding nuclear energy is definitely a priority. Reports suggest Athirapally and Cheemeni have been identified as potential sites. Can you comment on their feasibility? If these locations meet the safety criteria set by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), they could be viable. Site selection committees take into account factors like landslide risks and flooding. A site will only be cleared if it meets stringent guidelines, so there's a robust system in place to ensure safety. I can't comment on the specific sites, but I'm sure the committee has considered all the necessary aspects. There has also been discussion about expanding the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. Could this be a better alternative? Kudankulam already has plans for six units, each generating 1000 MW, so it's already playing a role in our nuclear capacity. While it's good to expand existing sites, there's no harm in developing more locations across the country. We need to significantly increase our nuclear capacity to meet future energy demands and to contribute to the goal of net-zero emissions. Kudankulam helps, but more plants are needed. What impact would a nuclear power plant in Kerala have on the state's power generation? A nuclear power plant in Kerala would meet the state's own energy needs and could potentially supply neighboring states like Tamil Nadu or Andhra Pradesh. Nuclear plants provide baseload power, which is essential for consistent energy supply to both households and industries. With a nuclear plant, Kerala would not only ensure self-sufficiency but also contribute to the regional power grid. What are the factors to consider when setting up a nuclear power plant in place like Kerala? The most important factor is access to a reliable water source. Nuclear plants use water for cooling, so proximity to a large water body is ideal. While it's possible to build in landlocked areas using cooling towers, being near water is more efficient. Safety and stability of the site are also crucial, and nuclear plants won't be built in areas prone to earthquakes or other natural disasters. With an increasing population, how will power demands evolve, and why is nuclear energy important? By 2070, India's population is expected to exceed 1.5 billion, and power demand will grow exponentially. Currently, our per capita electricity consumption is far lower than in developed nations. To support economic growth and improve the Human Development Index, we need to double our current capacity. Nuclear power plants, being efficient and capable of providing baseload power, are essential to meet these future demands. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are being heavily promoted. Why should Kerala still consider nuclear power? While renewable energy is important, it's intermittent. Solar and wind aren't always available, especially during peak demand at night. Nuclear energy provides a consistent baseload power, which is crucial for industries that require a constant energy supply. Over time, as we phase out coal to meet environmental goals, nuclear energy will play a central role in filling the gap. Waste disposal is a major concern for nuclear power. How is nuclear waste currently being managed, and is it a risk? There's a lot of misconception about nuclear waste. Yes, it's hazardous, but when managed properly, it's safe. We follow a closed fuel cycle, where spent fuel is reprocessed and reused, minimising waste. The small amount of waste that's generated is stored in a solid, glassified form in secure facilities. Unlike other countries that adopt an open fuel cycle and dump waste, India is developing long-term solutions, including advanced reactor technologies to reduce waste further. What about the impact of nuclear plants on local communities, particularly in terms of displacement? Land displacement is always a concern, but nuclear plants are designed with an exclusion zone for safety, which isn't much larger than that required for coal plants. In many cases, these projects bring economic benefits to local communities through employment and development opportunities. It's important to approach displacement with sensitivity and to ensure that those affected benefit from the project. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on marine life. How significant is this issue? While heat dissipation into nearby water bodies does occur, the impact is generally localized and doesn't extend far beyond the plant. The sea is a vast resource, and the heat released is minimal in comparison to the volume of water. Studies show that this has a limited effect on marine ecosystems, and regulatory bodies ensure that safety standards are met to minimize any potential harm
A Bench of Justices C.T. Ravikumar and Sanjay Karol holds that it cannot be said that Kerala High Court order allowing fresh proceedings against Antony Raju was bad in law. Apex court asks the trial court to conclude the proceedings within a year
SC restores criminal proceedings against ex-Kerala minister in 1990 evidence tampering case
NEW DELHI, Nov 20: The Supreme Court on Wednesday restored criminal proceedings in a trial court against former Kerala transport minister Antony Raju for alleged tampering of evidence in a drug seizure case reported in 1990. A bench of Justices CT Ravikumar and Sanjay Karol held that it cant be said that the high court order allowing fresh proceedings against Raju was bad in law. The top court asked the trial court to conclude the proceedings within a year. [] The post SC restores criminal proceedings against ex-Kerala minister in 1990 evidence tampering case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Artist Nikhil Chopra to curate Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) 2025
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Renowned artist Nikhil Chopra and his team HH Art Spaces will be the curators of the upcoming Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) 2025, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced here on Wednesday. The event will be from 12 December 2025 to 31 March 2026.The mega show will feature 60 artists and artistic practices from India and across the world. The curator was selected by a committee comprising internationally acclaimed artists. They were Shanay Jhaveri, Dayanita Singh, Rajeeb Samdani, Jitish Kallat and Bose Krishnamachari. 50-year-old Chopra is an artist whose work blends performance, drawings, paintings, photography, sculpture and installation. He critically explores the issues of identity, politics, history and the body. Chopra, whose work had featured in the second KMB, had won acclaim for its offbeat approach. We are thrilled to announce Nikhil Chopra and HH Art Spaces as the curators for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025. Their deep-rooted commitment to the arts, along with their visionary approach to curating, will undoubtedly shape a remarkable chapter for the Biennale, KMB president Bose Krishnamachari said.
US-based NOV opens its first Digital Technology Centre in the country in Kochi
KOCHI: US-based MNC, NOV has opened its Digital Technology Center (DTC) at Infopark Kochi. The 17,000-square-foot office at Lulu Cyber Tower 2 includes a Software Engineering Center, Corporate Digital Services, and a Customer Support Center. NOV with over 150 years of expertise in the global energy sector and a workforce of 34,000 worldwide, currently operates manufacturing facilities in Pune and Chennai, India. The newly launched Digital Technology Development Center in Kochi is NOV's first in the country. Currently, employing 70 professionals, NOV aims to double its workforce in Kochi by the first quarter of next year. Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeeve, who inaugurated the facility onMonday, pointed out that Kerala is ranked first among industry-friendly states, citing the state's industrial policy, which prioritizes environment, people and industry. He also emphasized that Kochi has become a preferred IT destination globally, driven by its world-class infrastructure, superior connectivity, and availability of highly skilled technical talent. NOV aims to strengthen its global growth by building a strong foundation of skilled professionals. Excellence in service, innovation, and global expansion are the core values of NOV, which are also reflected in the companys workplace culture, said Staale Jordan, VP of Product IT, NOV. He added that the investment-friendly environment at Infopark and the support from the state government have been instrumental in helping NOV expand its operations in India.
Thiruvananthapuram Mundela Cooperative Society president found dead
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: M Mohankumar (62) aka Mundela Mohanan, president of the Mundela Rajiv Gandhi residence welfare cooperative society, was found dead on Wednesday. He was found hanging behind one of his resorts at Thekkupara in Amburi,nearKattakada. Vellarada police have initiated an investigation. Preliminary investigation suggests that it is a case of suicide. There had been ongoing protests for a long time against the cooperative society, managed by Congress, for failing to return money to investors. An investigation by the Cooperative Society Registrar revealed a misappropriation of Rs 34 crore, leading to the dissolution of the governing body. Following the cases, Mohanan had been in hiding. He was also a local Congress leader. Last month, investors staged a protest at the cooperative society, alleging delays in the repayment of funds. Police had asked the cooperative society to make repayments starting November 5. The cooperative society, founded in 2004, had been under the management of a Congress-led governing body. Following the inquest procedures, his body was sent for post-mortem. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
Kerala High Court directs Kerala govt to allow a nurse the chance to contest claim against her
The Kerala High Court has directed the State Government to give a nurse the opportunity to contest recovery of compensation. The bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice S. Manu said this while disposing of a petition by staff nurse Rakhi V V. The petition challenged the Kerala State Human Rights Commissions order directing [] The post Kerala High Court directs Kerala govt to allow a nurse the chance to contest claim against her appeared first on India Legal .
Stone-Pelting In UP, Clashes In Punjab During Bypolls To 15 Assembly Seats
Polling is underway for the by-elections in 15 Assembly seats across Uttar Pradesh (9), Punjab (4), Kerala (1), and Uttarakhand (1).
Bypolls: Voting picks up amid stone pelting in UP
An average voter turnout of 20 per cent was recorded in the first four hours of voting in the bypolls to 15 assembly seats spread across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala and Uttarakhand on Wednesday amid an incident of stone pelting in a village in UP's Meerapur and allegations of police personnel deterring voters from casting their ballot.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a setback to Antony Raju, former Minister and MLA of Kerala's ruling LDF, the Supreme Court on Wednesday reinstated criminal proceedings against him in a decades-old evidence tampering case. Raju, who was a junior lawyer at the time, is accused of tampering with material evidence in a drug seizure case from 1990. He has been directed to appear before the trial court on 20 December. The Kerala High Court had earlier quashed the criminal case but allowed fresh proceedings to be initiated. The Supreme Court, however, noted that the High Court erred in holding that the proceedings against Raju were barred. The High Court was not in error in ordering that an investigation be initiated against him, observed the apex court. The Supreme Court restored the order of the Chief Judicial Magistrate that took cognisance of the chargesheet against Raju. Taking into account the fact that the alleged offence dates back more than two decades, the Court directed that the trial be concluded within one year. The case originates from a 1990 drug seizure involving an Australian national who was found in possession of drugs hidden in the pocket of his underwear. At the time, Raju was working as a junior lawyer for the defence counsel. The underwear, a key piece of evidence, was seized and later returned to the accused following a court order permitting the release of his personal belongings. The sessions court subsequently convicted the Australian under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. However, on appeal, the Kerala High Court acquitted him because the underwear did not fit him, casting doubt on the integrity of the evidence. The High Court, while acquitting the accused, directed a Vigilance probe into potential evidence tampering. Following this inquiry, an FIR was registered in 1994, naming Raju and a court staff member as accused. A final report was filed the same year. Despite this, the trial faced significant delays and remained unresolved for decades. In 2022, Raju approached the High Court after media reports highlighted the case's prolonged pendency. The Supreme Court's ruling now reopens the criminal proceedings, bringing renewed focus to a case that has spanned over 30 years.
Argentina football team, including Messi, set to visit Kerala for exhibition matches
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Football fans in Kerala are set for an unforgettable experience as the Argentina national football team, featuring the legendary Lionel Messi, will visit the state next year. Sports Minister V Abdurahiman confirmed the exciting development during a press briefing on Wednesday, announcing that the team will participate in an international exhibition match organised by the state government. The event, titled Olopo Magic, is being spearheaded by the All Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association (AKGSMA) with financial backing from local merchants. The Olopo app, launched during the Grand Kerala Consumer Festival, is the primary facilitator for the event. Fans can secure entry passes through reward points earned via purchases at retail outlets partnered with the app. According to the minister, two matches are planned as part of the event, with Kochi being considered as the primary venue. The opponent team is yet to be announced. A high-level delegation led by Minister Abdurahiman recently travelled to Spain to hold discussions with the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Describing the meetings in Madrid as highly productive, Abdurahiman stated, We had excellent discussions on hosting an exhibition match in the state. As a follow-up, an AFA delegation will visit the state within two months. The discussions also included the possibility of establishing football academies in Kerala to improve sports infrastructure. Key representatives, including KVVES state president Raju Apsara, AKGSMA state president Justin Palathra, and state sports council president Sharaf Ali, were present at the press conference. This landmark event is expected to bring global attention to Keralas footballing fervour and further solidify its reputation as a hub for the sport in India.
Kerala may increase retirement age of govt staff to 57
Kerala is the only state where government employees retire at the age of 56. reports Asian Lite News The Kerala government is mulling to increase the retirement age of government...
Vivanta Chennai, IT Expressway Celebrates God's own Cuisine with a Culinary Journey through Kerala APN News
Lionel Messi Set To Play International Match In Kerala Next Year
Kerala sports minister V Abdurahiman has announced Argentina will play an international match in the state next year.
Bypoll voting Live updates: Voting underway in 15 seats across Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab
Brisk polling in Palakkad; 10% voter turnout in Uttar Pradesh at 9 a.m.
Argentina football team, featuring Lionel Messi, to play in Kerala next year
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Sports Minister V Abdurahiman on Wednesday revealed that the Argentina football team, including legendary player Lionel Messi, will visit the state next year for an international match. Addressing a press conference here, the minister stated that the match would be conducted under the complete supervision of the state government. All the financial assistance Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Lionel Messi and Argentina football team to play in Kerala next year
The Argentina national football team, including Lionel Messi, will visit Kerala next year for an international match, following an agreement between the Kerala government and the Argentine Football Association. The state is also in talks to establish football academies, which could boost sports infrastructure and create job opportunities. The visit is expected to excite the regions large football fanbase, especially in the northern districts.
On Palakkad bypoll day, Sandeep Varier visits Samastha chief amidst political turbulence in Kerala
Former BJP spokesperson Sandeep Varier, who joined Congress a few days ago triggering heated political debates, met Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama president Syed Jifri Muthukoya Thangal at his house in Malappuram
Bypolls under way in 15 seats across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand: Key points
Voting is underway in 15 assembly constituencies across four Indian states: Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand. These bypolls, while significant, won't alter the legislative assemblies' composition. The outcomes hold particular interest as they present the first electoral test for both the INDIA bloc and the NDA since the Lok Sabha elections. Results are anticipated on November 23.
This lottery is part of the Kerala State Lotteries, which offers tickets in 12 different series that may vary weekly. Each week, approximately 1.08 crore tickets are available for purchase, with the top prize amounting to a remarkable Rs 1 crore.
Polling Begins In Kerala's Palakkad Constituency
Palakkad holds significant importance for the Congress-led UDF, not only for retaining the seat but also as rival LDF's Sarin, was digital media convener of the KPCC.
Kerala Lottery Result Guessing Numbers: Check the Live Updates and FULL LIST of winning numbers for Fifty Fifty FF-118 lucky draw for Wednesday, November 20 here from 3 pm.
KOCHI: Climbing peaks is akin to a marathon up a rock wall with a bag of bricks on your back, battling freezing winds, dizzying heights, and pushing ones limits. Shaikh Hassan Khan, a state secretariat employee with a passion for adventure, loves doing that. His dream was to conquer the highest peaks on all seven continents. And, a few days ago, he became the first person from Kerala to achieve this feat. My love for the mountains began in 2015 when I was posted in Delhi for work. Thats when I started sneaking off for trips to the hills whenever I could, says Shaikh. On one such journey, I ended up at the Himalayan Institute of Mountaineering in Darjeeling. I felt a spark, and alongside my civil service training, I took a 28-day basic mountaineering course at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering. By the end of the course, I was completely hooked. Not long after, I climbed Mount Satopanth, a 7,000-metre peak, and that was just the beginning of my journey. The Thiruvananthapuram native scaled his first summit, Mount Kilimanjaro (19,341ft) in Tanzania, in February 2021. At 3pm on November 10 this year, by waving the Tricolour atop Mt Kosciuszko, the highest peak in Australia, Shaikh completed the Seven Summits challenge. I cant put into words how jubilant I felt as I stood atop Mt Kosciuszko with the Indian flag, wearing the mundu in the cold just to add a bit of Kerala vibe, Shaikh smiles. His earlier conquests include Mt Vinson in Antarctica, Mt Everest in Asia, Mt Denali in North America, Mt Elbrus in Europe, and Mt Aconcagua in South America. Shaikh also holds a world record for unfolding the largest Tricolour atop Mt Everest, a feat that he achieved on the 75th anniversary of Indias Independence. I carried a 30x20ft flag. It was heavy, but its symbolism outweighed its physical weight, he says. On his return from the Everest Eco Expedition, Shaikh carried back more than just memories; he lugged down over 100kg of junk. About challenges of mountaineering, Shaikh concedes that there have been moments of doubt when giving up seemed tempting, but his passion pummelled through those blocks. Solitude can be daunting, but its also a space for self-reflection, he adds. I use solitude to connect with my inner self. During expeditions, I also rely on mindfulness techniques, journaling, and reminding myself of the people who believe in me. What about physical fuel? I take calorie-dense foods like nuts, energy bars, and dried fruits for quick energy boosts, he says. I consume complex carbohydrates like oats and rice for sustained energy, and ensure adequate protein intake through dehydrated meal packs. I also carry electrolyte tablets to replenish myself. Most importantly, we need to listen to our bodies and eat regularly, even when our appetite is low. Reflecting on his three-year Seven Summit journey, Shaikh recalls the most memorable moments that deepened his appreciation for nature and reaffirmed his commitment to environmental conservation. Climbing Mt Vinson in Antarctica, the sheer purity of the place humbled m making me realise how small we are compared with nature, he says. And when I stood on the rim of Mt Kilimanjaro at sunrise, watching the golden light spread across the savannah, I felt like the world had paused. It was a powerful reminder of why I climb to experience natures raw beauty. For Shaikh, conquering the Seven Summits is just the beginning. At 37, he now aims to become the first person in the world to scale the highest peak in every country over the next five years. However, securing sponsorships for a less popular sport like mountaineering remains a challenge. I often find myself knocking on 100 doors to get one to open, he says. For my Everest expedition, I had to take loans and faced a lot of struggles. But for my trips to Antarctica, Russia, and Kangchenjunga, Al Muqtadir jewellery stepped in as sponsor. My alma mater, Musaliar College of Engineering, supported my American expedition. I didnt have any sponsor for the Australian one, but my friends raised the funds to make it happen. Shaikh rues that the governments efforts to promote sports in Kerala are minimal. I dont expect much, he says. My goal is to inspire others through my Seven Summits journey and attract sponsors for my next challenge covering 195 countries. I remain hopeful that someone will see the value in my effort and offer support. Going beyond the thrill factor, Shaikh says he has been raising awareness about climate change and world peace. I have seen the effects of climate change up close, he says, suddenly turning grim. The ice on the peaks is melting, and theres more rainfall in North America than ever. Everywhere I go, I try to spread the message about whats happening to our planet and share it through my social media. Shaikh is also planning a project focused on cleaning the beaches in Kerala, believing that to inspire others to take action, one must lead by example. He asserts that every human has infinite potential within. Standing atop the peaks, I realised that the summit is not just a physical goal but a metaphor for life itself. The unexpected revelation was the power of resilience within me an ability to push beyond limits, he says. The journey taught me that every small step matters, and that great achievements often require one to go through solitude, discomfort, and uncertainty.
Industries minister flags off Kerala Automobiles Limiteds battery-powered garbage collection cart
KOCHI: Industries Minister P Rajeeve flagged off an electric cart designed and manufactured by the state-run Kerala Automobiles Limited (KAL) at a function held at Changampuzha Park on Tuesday. The cart attached with a garbage box and tipping mechanism will be used as a model vehicle by the corporation to transport biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. The cart will be modified as per the requirements of the field staff appointed for waste collection. KAL authorities said the cart can carry up to 310kg and since it is battery-powered, there is lower expense and lesser air pollution. KAL MD V S Rajeev told TNIE that they are expecting a considerable order from the Kochi corporation soon. We will take first-hand feedback from corporation workers and redo the vehicle design accordingly. The price of one cart is `2.7 lakh. We will soon approach other local self-government bodies to roll out more carts, he said. Mayor M Anilkumar presided over the inaugural ceremony. Standing committee chairman T K Ashraf received the key. Principal secretary, industries, A P M Muhammed Haneesh and others spoke. Meanwhile, Rajeev said the KAL dream project of manufacturing battery-powered two-wheelers will be reality soon. KAL will soon roll out the e-scooters partnering with Lodz Mark Industries Public Ltd, a Mumbai-based automobile manufacturing company. The authorities of the company will meet the finance minister next week. KAL has kept aside a 10,000 sq ft area for the project already, the MD said.
Over 20 hotels fined for unhygienic condition in Dindigul
DINDIGUL: Food safety officials fined over 20 hotels and eateries in the past one month due to unhygienic conditions in Dindigul district. A fine of Rs 60,000 was levied on the food business operators. Speaking to TNIE, FSSAI Designated Officer Dr T Kalaivani said, We received over 20 complaints online about unsafe and unhygienic food from customers from various parts of the district. We directly inspected these facilities, and based on unhygienic conditions, fines ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 were levied, and a total of Rs 60,000 was collected by the officials. We have decided to hold meetings with hoteliers and eateries for unhygienic conditions and severe warnings have been issued. Besides, a fine of Rs 3,000 was levied on a private resort in Kodaikanal, after students from Kerala suffered from food poisoning last week. Two days ago, a customer complained about a dead cockroach found in an idli powder packet, we inspected the manufacturer facility and collected samples. However, no dead insect was found in any of them, the officer said.
Online licence for tourism enterprises soon: P Rajeev
KOCHI: A proposal to introduce online facility for processing the applications for tourism enterprises is under active consideration of the government, Industries Minister P Rajeev said on Tuesday. Rajeeve said the facility will be launched soon, enabling ventures to link even with the existing portals for approval by panchayats. The ministers announcement came at the sectoral meeting of tourism and hospitality sector convened by the Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) as a build-up to the Invest Kerala Global Summit, to be held in Kochi on February 21 and 22. Inaugurating the meeting, Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas pitched for a single-window system for issuing different permits for tourism enterprises. Authorities have initiated intensive efforts to start innovative initiatives in the field of travel and hospitality, Riyas revealed. He highlighted the need for a single-window system to sanction various permits for tourism enterprises, like the case with other industries. At present, there is a liaison system at the tourism department. It should be stabilised and brought under a single-window system, he told the delegates. Riyas said the department has come up with an investment desk that is engaged in the evaluation of its further activities. Linking it with the industrys single-window system will be of great benefit, he added. The minister also said unified system to start an incubator for start-ups in the tourism sector will be ready soon. Rajeeve, while noting that tourism held the highest investment potential among all sectors in Kerala, said the travel and hospitality industry had the capacity to generate maximum employment with minimum investment. Calling upon entrepreneurs to develop novel ideas and products in the tourism sector, he assured all support from the government on this front.
Delimitation: Coastal folk to have fewer representation in Thiruvananthapuram corporation
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The draft notification for ward delimitation released on Monday triggered a controversy after it was found that the coastal population in Thiruvananthapuram will have lesser representation in the city corporation. Three coastal wards, Shankhumukham, Beemapally East and Mulloor, disappear after delimitation, while six new wards are created in Kazhakoottam constituency. The wards have been merged with existing ones. Irked by the development, which they allege is a deliberate move to favour the ruling Left Front in the corporation, opposition UDF and the BJP are set to move court. The opposition parties allege widespread manipulation in the process and term it unscientific. As per the draft, the number of coastal wards in the corporation comes down from 17 to 14, which, according to the UDF, will significantly reduce coastal representation in the council. UDF parliamentary party leader P Padmakumar alleged the delimitation will affect coastal areas, considered Congress strongholds. He said the exercise aimed at eliminating Congress representation in the council. Its a hidden deal between the LDF and BJP. They have been playing dirty politics. The boundaries have been fixed in BJPs favour. We will raise our grievances before the state delimitation commission and the district collector. If the matter is not addressed, we will move court. We will also be collecting and consolidating grievances from the public, Padmakumar said. IUML state secretary and UDF district general convener Beemapally Rasheed alleged the number of wards are being increased as per the whims and fancies of the ruling front and the BJP, by cutting down coastal wards. It is a political move. We cant accept this draft delimitation process, he said. The BJP too raised similar allegations against the ruling front. We dont trust the process. It was highly influenced by the ruling front. Many wards with strong BJP presence were cut down and added to others. We have decided to take the matter to court after raising our grievances with the election commission, said senior BJP councillor P Ashok Kumar. Former state election commissioner K Sasidharan Nair said the delimitation process might get influenced by parties at the helm of local bodies as it is done by officials under the respective local body. However, approaching the court will not help, he said. Usually, issues arise during reconstitution. The ward delimitation is done by local bodies under the supervision of the election commission. Only after the drafts submission does the panel comes into the picture. It will treat all grievances fairly, irrespective of political affiliations, he said. The total number of wards in the corporation has been raised to 101. The State Election Commission will accept complaints and grievances until December 3. Delimitation changes Nine new wards Kizhakkumbhagom, Chenkottukonam, Karyavattom, Kariyam, Alathura, Kuzhivila, Ramapuram, Gowreesapattom and Karumam Wards removed Mulloor, Perunthanni, Shankhumukham, PTP Nagar, Kuriyathi, Beemapally East, Manikyavilakam and Sreevaraham
Ensure forensic laboratories give narcotic test reports on time: HC
MADURAI: Noting the delay in getting chemical analysis report from a forensic laboratory in a narcotics case , the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently directed the additional chief secretary of home department and the director of forensic science laboratory in Chennai to ensure that the state or regional forensic science laboratories in Tamil Nadu submit the chemical analysis report within the time frame laid down under Rule 14 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Seizure, Storage, Sampling and Disposal) Rules, 2022. Justice N Anand Venkatesh gave the direction while granting bail to one J Mani, who was arrested for allegedly selling 100g magic mushroom in August 2024. During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel alleged that the police have not even ascertained whether the substance seized was magic mushroom. In response to that, the additional public prosecutor contended that the seized goods were already produced before the lower court and have been forwarded to the laboratory for chemical analysis and a report is awaited. Hearing this, the judge noted that as per Rule 14, the chemical laboratory should submit a report to the jurisdictional magistrate within 15 days from the date of receipt of the sample. Referring to an order passed by the Kerala High Court in an identical case, the judge considered Mani's case as a test case, and issued similar directions. He further added that whenever there is such a delay, the person accused can request the lower court to direct the laboratory to expedite the process.
Malayali researchers find bug in speech recognition AI Indic script evaluation
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major breakthrough in the area of multilingual automatic speech recognition (ASR) -- which help transcribe speech in more than one language -- three researchers from the state have detected a flaw in the evaluation suite of the AI model used by different multinational companies in transcribing texts from Indic scripts. Usually, AI companies claim that these models are precise as they are automated. However, research carried out by a team led by Elizabeth Sherly, head of Virtual Resource Centre for Language Computing (VRCLC) at the Digital University Kerala, alongside computational linguist Kavya Manohar and research scientist Leena G Pillai, has found that AI systems had trouble evaluating Indian languages including Malayalam, Hindi and Tamil accurately. In Google translator, we can find errors when Malayalam language, which has many vowel signs, is used, Elizabeth told TNIE. When we tested it, we found that these ASR models didnt recognise the vowel signs correctly. AI systems usually avoid the coma and the full stop at the processing stage. However, we found that accuracy level is very low in the evaluation stage too, with the failure to recognise vowel signs. When we corrected the error, the system responded positively, she said. The error in accuracy was found in the ASR models designed to transcribe speech into text by Open AIs Whisper, Metas MMS, Seamless, and Assembly AIs Conformer. All companies claim that their ASR models based on AI are accurate, said Kavya. However, there are instances in which these models fail to recognise the Indic languages. We first tested Open AIs accuracy checking process by formulating a standard speech and an expected text of it in Malayalam. However, it was found that their accuracy checking process fails to account for vowel signs. The researchers had carried out the same test in other ASR models in Tamil and Hindi and found the vowel signs missing. However, the English and Finnish language models did not have the issue. According to Kavya, there is a reason behind it. When the evaluation programme was written for the English language, the companies avoided the coma and other signs. Hence, in English, when a speech is transcribed into text, only those signs are avoided. However, in the case of Indic languages, it avoided the vowel signs. So, during the evaluation of transcribing the word Digital University in Malayalam, it would be processed as DAJATTAL YANAVAZHASATTA, thereby losing its readability. This will lead to errors which will go undetected. However, the companies claim the systems to be accurate. This issue was detected in Thai language too, she said. The new discovery has caught the interest of international researchers as well. The team presented a research paper What is lost in Normalisation? Exploring Pitfalls in Multilingual ASR Model Evaluation at the prestigious international conference EMNLP (Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing) 2024 in Florida in the US, virtually. The Association of Computational Linguistics (ACL) also awarded the team with a grant to support their presentation.
Kerala cybersecurity student foils fraud bid against father, lodges police complaint
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A cybersecurity student outsmarted a group of scammers who attempted to scam his father by posing as officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Tuesday. The scammers had contacted the father of Ashwaghosh Saindhav, 21, the student, claiming that a SIM card issued in his name was being used for cybercrimes. Claiming urgency, they instructed Ashwaghosh to appear at the Mumbai Cyber Cell office within two hours for recording his statement. When he told them he could not travel to Mumbai, the scammers suggested a video call. During the call, people dressed in police uniforms appeared on screen and displayed fake ID cards. They also demanded that Ashwaghosh put his phone on silent and be alone in a room while communicating with them. However, Ashwaghosh, who sensed the fraud early on, turned the tables on them, engaging with them for around 1.5 hours and cleverly mocking their claims with witty replies that left them embarrassed. He also recorded the video call for evidence. Realising they were being outsmarted, the scammers abandoned their attempt and disconnected the call. He later lodged a complaint with the Thiruvananthapuram Cyber Cell and handed the recording as evidence. Police have initiated an investigation. Meanwhile, the Kerala Police shared the footage on their official social media handles and urged people to remain cautious of cyber frauds.
Odisha Police trace lodge murder accused in prison of Kerala
BERHAMPUR: Nearly a year after the decomposed body of a 35-year-old woman was found in a lodge in Ganjams Baidyanathpur, Berhampur police has solved the murder mystery by tracing the accused in a jail of Kerala. Berhampur SP Sarvana Vivek M said the murder accused, Sameedmon AS (42), was lodged in a Kerala jail in connection with an NDPS case. A team of Baidyanathpur police brought Sameedmon on a two-day remand to Odisha on Monday. On Tuesday, the accused was taken to the lodge where he recreated the scene of the murder in presence of police. Sameedmon, a resident of Kerala, also revealed the chilling details of his crime. The SP said the body of Kamanapalli Krishna Veni of Visakhapatnam was found in the lodge in a decomposed state on November 25, 2023. On being questioned, the lodge manager said Veni accompanied by a man had booked the room two days back. When the man went missing without paying the rent, the lodge staff reached the room and found the woman lying dead on the bed. Subsequently, police sent the body for autopsy and registered a murder case basing on the circumstantial evidence. During investigation, police identified the man as Sameedmon but could not trace him. Last week, the cops came to know that the accused was lodged in a Kerala jail after being arrested in a NDPS case around four months back. A team of Baidyanathpur police then went to Kerala and brought Sameedmon to Odisha. The SP said Veni and the accused were divorced but living together. During mid-2023, the womans 19-year-old son from her first marriage was arrested by Visakhapatnam police in an NDPS case. Believing that her son was arrested because of Sameedmon, who was also involved in illegal drug trade, Veni used to fight with the accused regularly. Fearing that Veni might tell police about his involvement in drug trade, Sameedmon hatched a plan to eliminate her. The accused brought the woman to Berhampur on some pretext and killed her in the lodge. After committing the crime, he returned to Kerala and became involved in ganja trade till he was nabbed by police around four months back.
Economic growth project gets KIIFB nod
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) has given sanction for the economic triangle linking Vizhinjam, Kollam and Punalur. The initiative is aimed at creating an industrial corridor that would stimulate the states economic growth, said Finance Minister KN Balagopal. The board has made an initial allocation of Rs 1,000 crore for the project. The first phase would begin soon and negotiated purchase would be adopted for land pooling. The minister was briefing the press after the 51st board meeting of the KIIFB chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The triangle, anchored by the Vizhinjam Port spans Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram, covering an area of Rs 1456 sq km. The corridor will align with the ports operations, facilitating efficient logistics across the region. This is a significant step towards the transition of the state into a port-based economy, Balagopal said. The growth triangle envisions a seamless integration of transport and logistics hubs with industrial zones. It is structured around the concept of nodes, sub-nodes and corridors. According to Balagopal the project will establish an industrial ecosystem that can compete on the global stage by leveraging both natural and infrastructural advantages.
UDF driven by political interests on Munambam: Waqf protection panel
KOZHIKODE: Akhila Kerala Waqf Samrakshana Samithi has alleged that UDF leaders including Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal, P K Kunhalikutty and V D Satheesan have political interests in intervening in the controversial issue of the land at Munambam. Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, samithi general secretary Abdul Khader Karanthur said the UDF leaders are eyeing the elections to the local bodies and the assembly. Kunhalikutty convened a meeting of Muslim organisations in Kozhikode and said he would talk on their behalf in the issue. After that no organisation is coming forward to air their views or showing courage to say that the land is a waqf property, he said. Asked about Thangals meeting with the Bishops on the issue, he said it is a one- upmanship to score a point before the governments intervention. It is a legal issue pending before the High Court. What can the IUML do in a legal issue? It is up to the government to solve the problem, the samithi leaders said. They added that the government is moving on the right track, considering the legal ramifications. To a question on Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen state president T P Abdulla Koya Madanis contention that the land is not a waqf property, Abdul Khader said he should not have made such a comment as a Muslim scholar. Asked about Opposition Leader V D Satheesans remark that the land is not a waqf property, he said Satheesan is not a mufti to pass a judgment on the issue. The samithi squarely blamed the Farook College management for the present crisis. They should not have sold the waqf property. Now they are playing hide and seek game and are not coming forward with any explanation. Kunhalikutty is helping them in the game, he said. The samithi demanded a judicial probe into the whole episode of the land controversy in Munambam. A BJP worker attempting to smash the glass of the water cannon-laid truck of the police which was used against the party workers during the protest in front of the Secretariat on Tuesday. Meanwhile, it has come to the notice that the IUML had taken a totally different stand on the issue of the land at Munambam two years ago. The party staged a protest in Kozhikode in November 2022 when the government allowed the people in Munambam to pay tax for their property. The IUML alleged that the government decision would help the encroachers who had grabbed the land given to Farook College. IUML state vice-president and Kerala State Waqf Board member M C Mayin Haji had inaugurated the protest meeting in front of the Waqf Board office in Kozhikode. Waqf Board member P V Sainudeen, IUML district president Ummer Pandikasala, general secretary M A Razak and other party leaders had attended the meeting, which demanded stopping the encroachment on the waqf land. When contacted, IUML state general secretary P M A Salam said the party had not organised any such protest in Kozhikode. Why should we stage a protest in Kozhikode, he asked. Salam said that the government should solve the issue instead of drawing political mileage from communal polarisation. League leaders meeting bishops wont address waqf issue, says Muraleedharan TPuram: In a clear indication that the BJP intends to keep the Waqf issue alive, senior party leader V Muraleedharan said the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leaders calling on the bishops would not put an end to the matter. Addressing the BJPs protest march to the Secretariat on Tuesday, the former Union minister said that the IUMLs attempts to mislead the Church leadership will not yield results. The Waqf issue is akin to the Damocles sword hanging over the common man in the country. By comparing the Waqf amendment with minority rights, the CPM and the Congress are in fact cheating the people, he opined.
Thiruvambady Devaswoms actions during Pooram suspicious, CDB in Kerala HC
KOCHI: The Cochin Devaswom Board (CDB) has told the Kerala High Court that certain actions of the Thiruvambady Devaswom during the Thrissur pooram had given rise to suspicions that they were aimed at aiding certain political parties to influence the Lok Sabha elections. Giving credence to the CPIs claim of a concerted effort to disrupt the pooram, the CDB, in a report submitted to the HC, said a series of incidents that occurred during a one-year period ahead of the prestigious event supported the allegation of a conspiracy to undermine the festival. The Thiruvambady Devaswoms dubious actions included disrupting the pooram by involving in discussions individuals who had no connection to it or the festival. The involvement of BJP leaders B Gopalakrishnan and district president K K Anishkumar and RSS leader from Kannur Valsan Thillankeri has further strengthened these suspicions, the report said. Adding to the controversy, Suresh Gopi, who was then BJPs candidate from Thrissur, openly intervened in the issue. Despite it being a no-traffic zone, he broke the law by using a Seva Bharathi ambulance, allegedly to provoke anger that could force a stop to the festival midway, which could further his electoral interests. He also spread false information through channels and social media, claiming that the pooram was in disarray, the report said. It also stated that Gopi had spread the news that issues had been settled following his intervention. Public accusations and counter-allegations aired on channels and in newspapers by office-bearers have brought disgrace to the public discourse. These incidents confirm suspicions about the Thrissur Pooram conspiracy, stated the report. According to the CDB report, one glaring example of the conspiracy is the delay of the fireworks display, which was scheduled for 3 am but was postponed until 7.15 am. Pooram: Call to set up high-powered committee This delay should be viewed as an unethical pressure tactic by the Thiruvambady Devaswom, it said. A list of 160 individualscomprising 85 workers and 65 committee memberswas submitted by Paramekkavu Devaswom seeking permission to stand on the highly regulated pooram ground during the fireworks. However, the ThiruvambadyDevaswom initially refused to provide a similar list, the report said. Eventually, they agreed to participate in the fireworks display only on the condition that all individuals they nominated be allowed on the ground. For the first time in the history of Thrissur Pooram, which is attended by lakhs of people, the festival was arbitrarily reduced to a mere formality due to the obstinacy of one of its partner temples. This led to an unprecedented delay in the most popular fireworks display, disappointing thousands of spectators who had gathered to witness the pooram, said the report. The report also stated that there would be a chance for conflicts and pressure tactics during the Thrissur pooram in the coming years. A high-powered committee should be formed under the aegis of the CDB in coordination with district administration and Thrissur corporation to ensure proper conduct of the pooram rituals in future, said the report which was filed in response to a batch of petitions filed on the Pooram disruption.
Pilot project on government school timings change from Wednesday
VIJAYAWADA: The State governments latest education reform to extend school hours sparked a heated debate among stakeholders. While parents have largely welcomed the move, teachers warn it could increase the burden on students, especially those in rural and tribal areas. Starting Wednesday, a 10-day pilot project will be launched in one high school or high school plus per mandal across the State. The project, ending on November 30, aims to gather feedback from stakeholders before deciding on permanent implementation. Under the proposed schedule, school timings will be extended by an hour, shifting from 9 am4 pm to 9 am5 pm. The assembly period will increase by 10 minutes, each of the eight periods will be extended by five minutes, and two short breaks will be lengthened by five minutes each. The adjustment, designed to provide more time for syllabus coverage, keeps the current workload intact. Commissioner of School Education V Vijay Rama Raju told TNIE that the reform addresses parents concerns about student safety and aligns with private school schedules. If the feedback is positive, the new timings will be implemented. If not, the current timings will continue, he assured. Parents, like M Sundara Venkatesam from Vijayawada, said, The extended hours not only enhance academic engagement but also provide a safe space for children until working parents return home, he said. However, teachers have voiced strong opposition, emphasising the potential stress on students mental and physical well-being. They argue that longer hours could rob children of personal time and opportunities for community interaction. Comparisons with neighbouring States such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka, where school hours range between five and six hours, add fuel to the debate. Teachers also point to logistical challenges in tribal regions, where limited transportation facilities could make the extended hours impractical. State President of the Municipal Teachers Federation, S Ramakrishna, highlighted that AP already has some of the longest school hours in the country. He urged a balanced approach that prioritises co-curricular activities and mental health over longer classroom hours. The outcome will play a critical role in shaping the future of the States education system.
