Kerala Court Stays Proceedings Against Baba Ramdev In 'Misleading' Ads Case

The Kerala High Court on Thursday stayed all proceedings in a lower court against Yoga guru Baba Ramdev, his associate Acharya Balakrishna and their company Divya Pharmacy in a misleading advertisement case.

This Kerala NGO is on a mission to promote sustainable housing

Urvi Foundation was born out of a passion for environmental restoration and community engagement. At its core lies the vision of architect Hasan Naseef, whose thesis project became the key factor behind this Thiruvananthapuram-based NGOs mission. During my studies, I worked on a thesis that examined the urgent need for change in Keralas construction industry, says Hasan. The research revealed that if we continue on the current path, we will face many climate challenges. My thesis emphasised the importance of adopting a sustainable village concept to address these issues. Inspired by his findings and the visible impacts of climate change in Kerala, such as recurring floods and increasing heat, Urvi Foundation set out to reimagine how construction practices could become more environment-friendly. Besides Hasan, the team has three other directors: interior designer Faisal Abdul Azeez, engineer Mohammed Yasir K M, and social worker Hanna Fathima. Their combined efforts focus on promoting responsible, sustainable, and green architectural practices. Every project undertaken by the foundation, they say, is a step toward finding sustainable solutions for the construction field, with a strong focus on community involvement and ecological balance. Recently, a major milestone for Urvi Foundation came when their Stone Free Movement project, aimed at reducing quarrying and promoting alternative construction practices, gained international recognition. The project was selected as one of the 12 finalists for the Earthna Prize by the Qatar Foundation, chosen from 410 projects across 104 countries. Hasan points out that quarrying has become almost indispensable in the construction industry. Theres no point in merely protesting we need to look for alternative solutions. The project advocates using locally available materials, he says. The context of Urvis projects is based on the fact that Kerala has three distinct zones hilly areas, wetlands, and coastal areas. Traditionally, each of these zones had its own unique construction methods. However, this approach has changed over time, with many adopting a uniform construction style. Sustainable construction should be carried out by utilising local materials and incorporating traditional technologies. This is the only way to preserve our current environment and climate. says Hasan. To ensure that traditional knowledge is passed down to the next generation, the foundation takes a two-pronged approach. First, they create awareness through training, seminars, workshops, and green events at engineering, architecture, and art colleges. The transformation needs to happen among the new generation because they are the ones who will take it forward, adds Hasan. Second, they conduct research programmes throughout Kerala and develop prototypes that demonstrate practical applications. One of their innovative projects is Amphibious Housing, designed for low-lying areas like Kuttanad. These houses can float during floods, offering a sustainable and resilient solution. Another project is Post-Flood Rapid Housing, where the houses are constructed within just 14 days, using reclaimed materials from flood-damaged structures. Urvi Foundation also established an institute aimed at creating a hub for alternative education and environmental research. It serves as a finishing school to guide new-generation professionals in developing careers aligned with Keralas land typology and climate. The institutes focus is on sustainable materials like earth, lime, bamboo, and scrap, promoting innovations that integrate vernacular architecture with modern needs.

Sagar Surya: 'Joju chettan came like an angel when I was totally lost'

For Sagar Surya, acting was never the dream it was something that unfolded, piece by piece. From the long-running sitcom Thatteem Mutteem , in which audiences first took notice of him, to films that tested his limits, his journey has been a mix of chance and quiet persistence. Though his first film role was in Upacharapoorvam Gunda Jayan (2022), the Prithviraj Sukumaran-starrer Kuruthi (2021) which premiered on OTT ended up reaching audiences first. Though the latter was widely discussed, it was Joju Georges directorial debut Pani that gave Sagar the big break. The film truly demanded everything he had, as the remorseless antagonist that left a mark on both the audience and him. Despite the sudden rise to fame, Sagar remains down to earth. Whenever time allows, he still helps his father run the Thrissur-based familys small stationery shop a place that keeps him grounded amid the unpredictability of the industry. But theres a void that no success can fill, he says. His mother, the one person he longed to make proud, never got to see him on the big screen. In this freewheeling chat, Sagar talks about his early struggles, creative process, the challenges of stepping into darker roles, working alongside his rolemodels Prithviraj and Joju George, how Pani changed the course of his career and more. Excerpts: Could you recall the beginning of your journey as an actor? Back in school, I was not the most active or outgoing person. I worked really hard, thinking it would pay off with good marks, but I was still a below-average student. I wasnt into big plays or stage performances either. I did a few plays in school, but it wasnt something I was passionate about. After finishing my PG, I was pretty lost and depressed because I didnt get a good job, even after six years of hard work and ended up feeling really low. To clear my head, I joined a three-day acting workshop and, surprisingly, I felt like I could do something with it after the instructor told me that I had talent. That pushed me to sign up for a two-month acting camp, and from there, I started doing short films. At that time, my family wasnt well-off. After everything I had studied, my father still gave me money to learn acting. If my father had insisted that I get a job back then, I wouldnt be sitting here today. He supported me. At one point, I even got a visa to Australia and was planning to go. Thats when the Thatteem Mutteem casting call happened. I gave it a shot, got selected, and that became my first real acting experience my first proper acting kalari. How would you sum up the experience with Thatteem Mutteem ? It was a huge platform for me. I got to perform alongside legendary actors like KPAC Lalitha, Manju Pillai, Jayakumar Parameshwaran Pillai, and Naseer Sankranthy. Working on a sitcom was way tougher than doing a film. Theres no fixed script, one just delivers dialogues on the spot. Skilled actors can pull it off effortlessly, but for me, it was really challenging. I got scolded a lot during the shoot. I took way too much time with my scenes. Despite that, the team supported me a lot. In fact, there was pressure on the director to drop me from the show, yet he backed me. Luckily, one episode really clicked, and my character found its space. The set was like a home. I learned a lot, especially improvisation, which isnt always possible in cinema. That freedom helped me grow as an actor. My first film opportunity ( Upacharapoorvam Gunda Jayan ) came from there. Looking back now, its crazy to think they were, at one point, planning to replace me, and today, my old episodes are being re-released. It makes me elated. Did you ever feel back then like you wouldnt be able to make it? Oh, absolutely. I have heard it a lot, even back in college. I had 35 backlogs in my third year. Teachers even suggested I drop out. But I kept pushing through. Eventually, I cleared all my papers. When people say I cant do something, it just makes me want to prove them wrong. Thats how it was in acting, too. Did you have to go through an audition for your first film, Kuruthi ? Technically, Kuruthi was my first released film, but the first one I acted in was Upacharapoorvam Gunda Jayan , directed by Arun Vaiga and produced by Dulquer Salmaan. But just when the shooting was almost done, the pandemic hit, and the film got stuck in a pending stage. During that time, Prithvirajs manager recommended me for Kuruthi . I auditioned for it, and Raju chettan (Prithviraj Sukumaran) selected me. How was the experience of Kuruthi , working with the likes of Prithviraj, Murali Gopy and Mamukkoya? When Kuruthi happened, I felt like I had made it. Being part of Prithviraj Productions, sharing the screen with such great actors like Raju chettan, Roshan Mathew, Srinda, Murali Gopy and Mamukkoya it was surreal. I had good screen space, too. Raju chettan was involved in everything, and he knew exactly what he wanted from every scene. He didnt waste a single moment. Its that kind of dedication and passion that makes these people such big stars. I learned a lot from just observing each of them. Mamukkoya sir had this amazing energy, even at his age. He would sit outside and share old stories, crack jokes, and talk about cinema. What impressed me the most was how sharp he still was at reading scripts and delivering dialogues in one go. It was inspiring. How were the interactions on the set? Did Prithviraj give you any tips? Yes, definitely. Raju chettan is very professional and gives clear instructions on how to deliver dialogues and get into character. He provides the right kind of input on where to start and how to finish a scene. His guidance gave me a lot of clarity. We mostly had professional discussions on set. When I worked with Raju chettan, I realised that only by being completely focused on our work at an extraordinary level can we truly make a difference. I had the same feeling when I worked with Joju chettan as well. So, Ive taken that lesson to heart. I believe that its only by working like this that we can move forward in life. How did you and Junaiz get selected for Pani ? After Kuruthi , I didnt get many good film offers. Even though I performed under a big banner, opportunities were limited. I had to take up smaller roles and reality shows to look after my family and to survive. I knew that participating in a reality show like that could affect my film career, but I still went ahead. I usually avoid conflicts. I am the kind who would not retaliate even if someone hits me for no reason; rather, I would try to pacify that person. But in reality shows, one has to be tough and speak up. It was a risk, but I took it. It was a blessing in disguise as Joju chettan was a fan of the show. When he saw our activities on the show, he liked us. Our chemistry in the show is what caught his attention. When I lost the show, I thought I had lost everything in life, and that there was no going back. My life came to a standstill. But at that moment, I received a call from Joju chettan after I got eliminated. He appeared like an angel in my life, saying he wanted to meet me. I met him, and he briefed me about the story. I was ready to take up any offer, give my best, and move forward. Although I had acted in some films before Pani , Joju chettan saw me as a fresh face, a newcomer. A lot of people knew you as the fun, lighthearted guy from Thatteem Mutteem . How was the transition into negative-shaded roles in films? I have done over 500 episodes of Thatteem Mutteem , and it was all about humour. So, I was used to that vibe. But when it came to Pani , it wasnt just a typical negative role. Its a fluctuating character, and the audience ended up liking the villainous aspects. I have portrayed a variety of shades across different films, so I didnt feel pressured to break any particular image. Usually, in some films, there can be flaws; sometimes, the director might have limitations in conveying what they want. But with Pani , the entire team was brilliant. The cameraman, music, script, direction, art everything was on point. Joju chettan had such clarity about how to present the film. Plus, we had a three-month acting camp before the shoot. After class every day, Joju chettan would take us around Thrissur, make us sit at the [Swaraj] Round and make us practice the dialogues repeatedly. We dont usually get that kind of time and space in every film. But with the amount of pre-production and preparation we had, it became something great. Joju chettan put in so much effort, and that made a difference. Most of the time, one gets a script and the shoot begins in 10 days without really learning it. But this film had a lot of groundwork, which helped us get into character. Was there a lot of pressure working with Joju? Yes, there was a lot of pressure, but Joju chettan had taken on more than the rest of us. He was directing a film for the first time, so naturally, he had a lot to handle. It was a film shot over 170 days with a relatively huge budget. As actors, we were often in situations where the pressure was overwhelming, especially since we were shooting in public spaces. With such an experienced team, there were times we were rebuked. But after the shoot, Joju chettan would call us and say, This is my situation I have invested crores in this. Dont worry about it too much, stay focused. That was his way of handling the pressure. Also, he didnt write more scenes for himself in the script, even though he was directing. He stuck to the story and didnt try to make it about him, which Im not sure many people would do in a film like this. When it came to promotions, Joju chettan took everyone along not just the actors, but also the ADs, the chief associate, and the makeup artists. In most films, only the actors go for promotions, but here, everyone who worked on the project was included. After Pani s release, there was some controversy surrounding a reviewer who criticised the film Did the situation rattle you? Ultimately, we were confident in the product we had created. I dont think those kinds of criticisms affected the film much. Of course, Joju chettan may have been upset, as anyone would be. Everyone has the right to share their opinion about a film, and thats fair. However, sometimes comments are taken personally. Some people felt some scenes werent depicted properly. Many others, though, questioned what was wrong with them. Without that scene, how would the story move forward? That content was a key hook point, and it made people feel deeply when they saw it. People wanted to thrash us (the characters). If the scene doesnt have an impact, they wont engage with the film. Thats why the scene was shot that way. When the film was released on OTT, again there were a lot of discussions, but in the end, the film achieved what it set out to do. Violence in real life is increasing, especially among the younger generation. Do you think films influence this? If you take a film like Marco , for example, it is clearly stated as a violent movie right from the beginning. It doesnt make sense watching it and complaining about violence. We should not judge or scrutinise cinema so much, or we wont be able to create good work. Moreover, I believe it is upbringing, parents, teachers that influence one the most. Much like your character, Junaizs role in Pani also garnered attention. What was it like working with him? We spent almost three months together in an acting workshop, and I had known him even before that. Its always more enjoyable working with people you already know. When we were on location for Pani , we were not really allowed to interact much with others. Joju chettan told us not to speak too much with the other actors, as it could affect our characters. Are you saying you stayed in character throughout the shoot, even after the takes? Yes, thats the truth. We had to. It wasnt just about having fun; we were working with a lot of senior professionals, like Venu sir, who is a legendary technician. When you work with someone like him, you have to be on your toes. There were times he didnt like what we did, and we struggled a lot. The chase scenes and the climax shots were indeed difficult. Also, the first scene from the top of the building was particularly challenging for me. I must have called out to God countless times because I was so scared of heights. Even during dubbing, it was tough. But thankfully, everything turned out well in the end. What were the briefings during the three months of the acting workshop? Nijil (Das) sir was the one who really prepared us for acting. Everyone has their own blocks as a performer. We need to identify those blocks and do exercises to break them. By understanding these blocks, we can improvise the scenes more effectively. Often, we learn a lot without even realising it. The key is to understand how to act in a way that allows us to truly become the character in the film. Sometimes, you cant just laugh, cry, or express emotions naturally. Thats when we need to do a lot of exercises, like rhythm exercises and voice modulation. Did you have any reference before taking up this character? Joju chettan told us, We might think that there are no such characters in society, but they do exist. I have seen people like that. He didnt ask us to refer to any particular character or movie from the past. Instead, he took us to the local market and the slums to help us learn the slang. We had plenty of time to immerse ourselves in the character. Were there any opportunities for improvisation? No way! Even if I suggested, Joju chettan would jokingly say that I could do that when I make a film myself. He is a perfectionist, and had a grip on every minute aspect of the film. He even taught me the modulation of Don calling Giri ettan in a unique style. I had to attempt it countless times, both on location and while dubbing. Do you fear being typecast into negative roles? After the film, many people around me warned me that I would start receiving only villain roles. But in my case, it was the opposite. The films I have committed to and the roles I have been offered are humorous, family-oriented, and romantic. What was the reaction of those around you after Pani , especially since the character was so repulsive? The acceptance and the way people reacted to my role its honestly a dream come true. My mother never got to see me on the big screen. I had only one goal: to lead a good life and take care of my family. I went through a phase where I would take up media offers that paid me as little as Rs 500. My family never opposed my decisions, even the decision to pursue a career in fims despite having completed my MTech. They watched my journey through Thatteem Mutteem, Upacharapoorvam Gunda Jayan, Kuruthi, Kappa, Kasaragold, Jana Gana Mana, Jo and Jo but even then, I wasnt really going anywhere. However, with the release of Pani when my family watched the film, I could see from their faces that they were now satisfied, knowing their son had reached a decent place. My father runs a stationery shop right opposite to a college, so students would come there and compliment him for the role I played. Thats all I ever dreamed of. What makes me happy is seeing my fathers happiness. We have heard you were very close to your mother? Yes. I believe all my success is because of her. Losing her has been my greatest sorrow. If she were still with us, she would have been the first person I would share my achievements with telling her about the films I signed, the appreciation I received from Raju chettan (Prithviraj), and even the money I earned. Now, my father is with me, but I know he would have expressed his emotions even more if my mother were here. She passed away at the age of 45 due to an illness that had no cure. Talking about her always makes me feel deeply sad. How has the reaction been from the cinema world? After Pani was released, I had to go to Dubai for the films promotion. During that time, Empuraan was being shot there. I went to see Raju chettan, and he was really happy. He said he had heard a lot of positive feedback about Pani . Whenever I get a good opportunity, I make sure to message Raju chettan because he gave me such a big turning point in my life. Since Joju chettan has worked in the Tamil industry, before the film was released, it was watched by Mani Ratnam sir, Suriya sir, Kamal Haasan sir, and Karthik Subbaraj sir. I believe I managed to touch the hearts of many. Pani is a great part of my profile. Aju (Varghese) chettan said that no matter how many years pass by, this character will never be forgotten. Have you ever tried using your inter-state friendships to get opportunities in Tamil cinema? Before Thatteem Mutteem , I had received a visa to Australia. At the time, I had thought of using my leisure hours to polish my acting skills in Australian theatre while working there. I even dreamed of appearing in Hollywood films back then! Now, when I look back, I find it amusing how ambitious my thoughts were (laughs). After Pani , I hoped to receive more opportunities in Tamil cinema since such roles (like Dons) are highly celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Some discussions have taken place, but nothing has been finalised yet. I am praying for them to happen. The roles I am being considered for in Tamil, however, are mostly romantic and fun characters. What kind of roles do you personally prefer? Humour and emotionally engaging roles. I also enjoy taking on roles that require me to learn new skills. Right now, I am in the process of learning and improving my acting. Which are your upcoming projects? I have recently completed Dheeram with Indrettan (Indrajith Sukumaran). Another film with Shine Tom Chacko and Vinayakan titled Perunnal . And another film Prakambanam with Ganapathi. And discussions of some major projects are also happening side by side Team TNIE S Neeraj Krishna, Mahima Anna Jacob, Abdul Nazer M A, Vivek Santhosh, Anuradha L R, Manisha V C S (Video) Pranav V P, Harikrishna B (Photos) T P Sooraj

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Kannadippaya gets GI tag, anchoring tribal craft on global map

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Kerala Government Launches POSH Act Training To Combat Sexual Harassment In Film Industry

Kerala Health Minister Veena George launched a training program to raise awareness about the POSH Act in the film industry. The program aims to address sexual harassment issues and ensure womens safety during all stages of filmmaking. Watch this video to know more. bollywood news | entertainment news live | latest bollywood news | bollywood | news18 | n18oc_moviesLiked the video? Please press the thumbs up icon and leave a comment. Subscribe to Showsha YouTube channel and never miss a video: https://www.youtube.com/c/SHOWSHAIndiaFollow Showsha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/showsha_/Follow Showsha on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/showshaFollow Showsha on X: https://x.com/news18showshaFollow Showsha on Snapchat: https://snapchat.com/t/6YeotZeyMore entertainment and lifestyle news and updates on:https://www.news18.com/entertainment

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A video showing a bag of garbage being thrown into the waterbody from the house was captured on mobile phone by a tourist four months ago

Muslim organisations in Kerala flay passage of Waqf Bill in Lok Sabha

IUML State president Panakkad Syed Sadikali Shihab Thangal and partys national general secretary P.K. Kunhalikutty say it would be challenged legally

Congress in Kerala rejects BJPs devious attempt to link Munambam land dispute to Waqf Bill

Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan accuses BJP of sowing discord between minorities in Kerala by interpreting Waqf Bill solely through the prism of Munambam land issue

Syro-Malabar Church welcomes passing of Waqf Amendment Bill in Lok Sabha

Church says Parliament has only carried out its Constitutional obligation to the people of India

Linguist, teacher T B Venugopala Panicker passes away at 80 in Kerala

KOZHIKODE: T B Venugopala Panicker, 80, a renowned teacher, linguist, and grammarian, passed away in Kozhikode on Wednesday. A native of Ezhikkara near North Paravoor, he had presented papers at over 100 national and international seminars, including the First International Dravidian Seminar (2003) organised by the University of Cologne in Stuttgart, Germany. A prolific writer, he authored several books and received the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award for his translation of Thoppil Muhammed Meerans Koonan Thoppu. Venugopala is survived by wife P Rajalakshmi (retired professor, Malayalam department, Government Arts College, Meenchanda). Children: Kannan (Onmanorama, Kottayam) and Athira (dancer). Daughter-in-law Sajana and son-in-law Rajesh (software engineer, Thiruvananthapuram). The cremation will be held at Mavoor Road crematorium in Kozhikode at 10am on Thursday.

Kerala's Health Department recognized nationally for conducting highest number of TB molecular tests

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health department has received national recognition for conducting the maximum number of molecular tests as part of the tuberculosis control project. A total of 82% of 87,330 people got tested for TB during the 100-day programme of the Tuberculosis Control Project held from December 7, 2024 to March 7, 2025 with modern molecular tests such as CBNAAT and TrueNAAT. As many as 5,588 tuberculosis patients were identified and provided with follow-up treatment. The state has received national awards in 2022 and 2023 for coordinating tuberculosis prevention activities in the government sector as well as the private sector. In 2024, 138 local self-government bodies were eligible for the Tuberculosis-Free Panchayat Award. More than half of the local self-government bodies in Wayanad and Idukki districts have also been eligible for tuberculosis-free status. Union Health Minister J P Nadda appreciated the tuberculosis prevention activities being carried out by Kerala during the meeting with Health Minister Veena George on Tuesday. The health department organised an extensive campaign as part of the 100-day Karma programme. Through this, the presumptive TB examination rate was increased from 1,500 to 2,201 per lakh population per year.

Trial of Thiruvananthapuram's Peroorkada murder ends, verdict on April 10

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The trial has concluded for the 2022 Peroorkada murder case, in which Vineetha, an employee at a nursery, was murdered. The court will announce its verdict on April 10. The prosecution relied entirely on scientific and circumstantial evidence, as there were no direct eyewitnesses in the case. Of the 118 listed witnesses, 96 were examined. The prosecution submitted CCTV footage stored in 12 pen drives and seven DVDs, along with 222 documents, to establish the movements of the accused. Rajendran, a native of Rajiv Nagar, Thovalai in Kanyakumari, murdered Vineetha on February 6, 2022, around 11.50 am to steal her four-and-a-half sovereign gold chain. He had previously killed Tamil Nadu customs officer Subbayyan, his wife Vasanthi, and their 13-year-old foster daughter Abhishree in a similar manner and stolen their gold and cash. After securing bail in that case, he had moved to Peroorkada and was working as a hotel employee before targeting Vineetha. On the day of the crime, Vineetha was watering plants when Rajendran entered the nursery pretending to be a customer. As she showed him the plants, he grabbed her from behind and fatally stabbed her throat and ensured she could not scream. Rajendran went into hiding at a lodge near Kavalkinaru in Tamil Nadu after the crime. A special police team arrested him on February 11. The stolen gold chain was later recovered from a private financial institution where he had pledged it. The investigation was conducted under the supervision of the then-Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner Sparjan Kumar, alongside officers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The chargesheet was later amended to include unlawful trespass into Vineethas workplace, following an intervention by Special Public Prosecutor M Salahudeen.

Thiruvananthapurams LED streetlight project faces setback; contractor to be terminated

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The ambitious LED streetlight project implemented by the city corporation has come under severe criticism due to alleged lack of timely maintenance and replacement of faulty LED lights. The civic body has roped in three private agencies for implementing the LED streetlight project in the state capital. However, the agencies are struggling to promptly replace faulty lights, leaving the capital in darkness and raising safety concerns among residents, pedestrians and motorists. Earlier, the streetlights were managed by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and owing to high maintenance cost and electricity bills, the civic body decided to switch over from neon lights to energy-efficient LED lights. Despite strict contractual clauses, the private agencies are struggling to address the complaints related to faulty streetlights. Kowdiar ward councillor Sathi Kumari S said that many of the lights in her ward are lying defunct. KSEB officials used to respond immediately when we reported an issue. These agencies are not capable and the residents have been raising complaints. It would be better if the civic body entrusts this responsibility back to KSEB, said Sathi Kumari, who is one among the many councillors facing similar issues. There are over 1 lakh streetlights altogether in the hundred wards which fall under three KSEB divisions - Thiruvananthapuram, Kazhakoottam and Neyyattinkara. As per the contract, the private agencies are responsible for replacing or maintaining faulty lights within 48 hours. Works standing committee chairman Medayil Vikraman said that the committee has decided to terminate the contractor in charge of Thiruvananthapuram division. He said that the project has been completed in all three divisions and there is over 50 per cent reduction in bills. There are 56 wards under Thiruvananthapuram division and the contractor is unable to fix the lights as per the terms and conditions. We will not be able to give them payment. We have decided to terminate the contractor and invite tenders to find a new agency. We are planning to rope in two contractors to maintain 56 wards, said Medayil Vikraman. He said that the project has been completed in the Kazhakootam division. There are 10 wards in the Neyyattinkara division. Earlier, we used to pay `9 lakh as bills and after introducing LED lights, electricity charges have come down to `3 lakh, he added.

Waqf Bill: In Double Whammy, Congress May Lose Muslim & Christian Support In Kerala, Courtesy BJP

Congresss catch-22 situation in Kerala can largely be attributed to BJPs quiet outreach to the Church in the state where Christians form 18.4 per cent of the states population

Two Nepali citizens arrested for alleged attack on CPO

IRCTC to launch budget flight packages to pilgrim centres from Kerala

KOCHI: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is launching holiday tour packages from Kerala, featuring visits to significant Hindu pilgrimage centres in North India, as well as destinations in Nepal and Sri Lanka. The flight packages will operate from Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. One of the highlights is a 5-day flight package to popular pilgrimage sites in Uttar Pradesh, including Varanasi (Kashi), Ayodhya, and Prayagraj, departing from Kochi on April 15. Additionally, the Chardham flight package encompasses the revered pilgrimage centres of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. This package starts at Rs 40,650 per person and will depart from Thiruvananthapuram on April 21. The Chardham journey covers not only the pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand but also includes visits to Haridwar and Rishikesh. More than just a pilgrimage, this 13-day tour allows travellers to experience the stunning scenery of the Himalayan foothills. The trip, which departs from Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi on June 10, starts at Rs 61,900 per person, covering all expenses, said an IRCTC official. Nepal air travel package A 6-day air travel package that includes visits to pilgrimage sites and tourist attractions in Nepal will depart from Kochi on May 22. The total cost for this package, inclusive of all expenses, is Rs 61,800 per person. Sri Lanka Ramayana tour The 7-day Sri Lanka air travel package combines visits to scenic locations and significant holy places mentioned in the Ramayana. This tour will depart on May 24, with a total price of Rs 63,300 per person.

Kerala University V-C issues directives to combat drug abuse in educational institutions

Anger, feeling of betrayal for Kerala's Munambam residents

KOCHI: Various emotions flicked on the faces of the agitators on the premises of Our Lady of Velankanni Church at Kadappuram as they watched the MPs from different political parties debated the Waqf(Amendment)Bill,2025, in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Hope, disbelief and anger were the most common emotions, as Munambam residents saw and heard the MPs they had elected turn Brutus to their cause. Seated before the 40-inch TV set up before the shed where for the past 172 days the Munambam residents have been agitating as a last-ditch effort to save their land and property, Joseph Rocky, an agitator says, To be stabbed in the heart by the very people we had thought would protect and aid us, is an unexplainable pain. Every Munambam residents heart is bleeding. Even after the Catholic Church organisations like KCBC and CBCI requested the Kerala MPs to vote for the Bill, their speeches said otherwise. But he expressed his firm belief that the Bill would be passed. Our peoples representatives have shown their true colours. The sweet words that they said before us turned into poison in LS. Do they think that things will be hunky-dory after this? This is the start of Congress decline! Congress is done for!!! says Joseph whose family has been the residents of Munambam from his grandfathers time. Speaking to TNIE, Alphonsa Joseph Thayyil says, I am 73 years old. I was born here. Many of us had bought the land and built our houses after selling our jewellery and savings. We had to see our revenue rights being taken away by some people waving the banner of the Waqf Board in our faces. They want to throw us out of our homes. But we wont go out without a fight. She accused the political parties of only caring for their votes. They only want our votes but when the time comes to safeguard our rights they are nowhere to be seen, she adds. BJP Minority Morcha members lighting candles as part of their protest against the UDF MPs who are opposing the Waqf Amendment Bill outside the Munambam protest site on Wednesday | A Sanesh According to Murugan, SNDP Munambam Shaka president, around 70 residents belong to our shaka. The people here are hopeful that once the Bill is passed and the clause in the existing Act that validates the word Waqf in the land documents is removed their properties will be saved. However, there still exist some doubts regarding the new Bill. So we plan to continue with the agitation until the Bill becomes law and is implemented by the Central government, he adds. He too felt that the MPs from Kerala, especially those from Ernakulam district, had dealt the Munambam residents a raw deal. These MPs won riding high on the strength of the strong Christian community in the district. But when the time came for them to stand up for them, they turned their faces away, he added. According to Joseph Benny, convenor of the Munambam Bhoomi Samrakshana Samithi, residents are even planning to burn the MPs in effigy.

UDF, Left MPs oppose Waqf Bill tooth and nail

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Putting aside political differences, UDF and LDF MPs from Kerala ignored the Christian Churchs warning and opposed the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. All the MPs from the state who spoke, barring Union minister Suresh Gopi, questioned the BJP governments intention in bringing in the bill. Invoking German poet Martin Neimollers poem First They Came, CPM MP K Radhakrishnan sought to remind the supporters of the bill that if the BJP government is after the Muslims today, they would definitely come after those who are supporting the bill tomorrow. Radhakrishnan told the House that in 1987, the Hindutva forces had orchestrated a large protest in Kerala by propagating that a Christian was elected to the Devaswom board. However, later it turned out that though his name sounded Christian, he was indeed a Hindu, the CPM member said and drew Suresh Gopis attention to the incident. In reply, Gopi alleged that his name was unnecessarily dragged into the discussion. These people had passed a resolution in the (Kerala) assembly. Tomorrow when the Rajya Sabha passes the bill, that resolution is going to drowned in the Arabian sea. You just wait for that, he said. Countering the claims raised by the Minister for Minority Affairs Kiran Rijiju on the statements of the Kerala Catholic Bishops Council (KCBC) and the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) on the bill, Congress MP K C Venugopal alleged that the Vishwa Hindu Parishad was formed during the Popes visit to India claiming that the Papal visit was related to religious conversion. Now in the new statement, the CBCI has also cautioned that the rights of religious minorities as guaranteed by the Constitution must be safeguarded. A total of 753 churches had been attacked in India, he said. IUML MP E T Muhammad Basheer said that Home Minister Amit Shahs claim that he is the champion and saviour of minorities is the biggest joke of 2025. It is his government which tortured minorities in India physically, mentally, socially and economically. The bill removes Waqf Boards power to inquire and intervene whether its property was encroached upon, he said. Francis George of Kerala Congress and Hibi Eden of Congree also opposed the bill.

Bill will affect not only Muslims, but also all minorities: IUML

KOZHIKODE: IUML has asserted that the Waqf Bill will affect not only Muslims but all the minorities in the country. The constituents of the INDIA bloc are against the Bill precisely because of the reason, said IUML state president Panakkad Syed Sadik Ali Shihab Thangal . IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty told reporters n Malappuram on Wednesday that certain vested interests are connecting the Bill to some other issues. The Bill is an intrusion into the rights of all religious minorities in the country., he said. The Munambam issue can be settled amicably in Kerala but some political groups have linked it with the Waqf Bill, Kunhalikutty said. The IUML leaders added that the party would approach the court against the Bill. Meanwhile, KNM Markazudawa has said that the organisation will isolate those who support the Bill or abstain from the voting. In a statement, the organisation said that true secularists are against the Bill. The parties like the JD (U) and the TDP have supported the Bill but the people of the states will certainly show their place. The release also came out strongly against the Christian organisations that supported the Bill. Jamaat-e-Islami amir P Mujaeeb Rehman said that the Bill is an affront to the constitutional rights of Muslims. The move to allow the government to freely handle waqf properties is a violation of the spirit of the Constitution, he said. Samatha Kerala Jem-Iyyathulm Ulama president Syed Muhammad Jiffiri Muthukoya Thangal said that vested interests are trying to reap political benefits from the controversy. In a statement he said the proceedings in Parliament over the issue are making the Muslims in the country anxious. He expected secular forces to act judiciously in Parliament. Wisdom Islamic Organisation said the intervention of secular forces in the issue should be vigilant. There should not be an emotional response to the issue, said T K Ashraf, the general secretary of the organisation.

Sabarimala fest begins with kodiyettu

SABARIMALA: The 10-day annual festival at Sabarimala temple began on Wednesday with kodiyettu. The ceremony was performed under the leadership of thantri Kandararu Rajivaru in the presence of thantri Kandararu Brahmadathan and the melsanthi at 9.56 am.The ceremony began with the thantri performing pooja on the temple flag at the mandapam and later at the sreekovil. The thantri hoisted the flag at golden flag mast after the procession carrying the flag circumambulated the sreekovil.Ashtabhishekam and pushpabhishekam were the important rituals conducted on the first day of the festival. Utsavabali, one of the important rituals as part of the annual festival, will be held for eight days from the second day of the festival on Thursday to the ninth day of the festival on April 10. The four-day vilakkinezhunnellippu beginning on the fifth day of the festival till the ninth day and pallivetta on the ninth day of the festival on April 10 will be the other important events of the festival.The annual festival will conclude with aarattu ceremony to be held at the arattu kadavu on the side of the Pampa at 11.30 am on April 11 under the leadership of the thantri.

Idukkis rich history coming alive at Settlement Memorial Museum; opening soon, says DTPC

IDUKKI: In the 20th century, Idukki witnessed a large-scale migration of settler farmers from various parts of the state. Braving the climatic conditions and the threat of wild animals, the settlers made a living high up the hills and valleys. Many faced evictions, resulting in massive protests and hunger strikes in later years. This rich history of migration in Idukkis high ranges and the life of the people there are finding a realistic depiction in the Settlement Memorial Museum being set up by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) near the Idukki arch dam. With the first phase of work -- which began in 2019 -- completed at an estimated cost of Rs 3 crore, the tourism village will be opened to visitors soon, a DTPC official said. Installations and sculptures have been arranged at seven different locations in the tourism village. The statue of a farmer wearing an areca leaf cap is sculpted at the entrance to the tourism village. The sculpture stands 36.5-feet high on a cement base, the official said. The installations also feature the struggles of migrant farmers and the protests led by A K Gopalan (AKG) and Father Vadakkan in Idukki. The residents battle with wild animals and natural calamities, like landslides, which have taken a toll on the peaceful life of the local communities, too find resonance in the installation themes, the official said. The life-sized sculptures of humans and animals are the most remarkable feature of all the artistic creations in the museum. The final installation is that of a picturesque village where the dwellers go about their daily chores. The story told through the sculptures thus ends on a happy note. Visitors can enjoy the art works placed in the open through a two-kilometre walk along a laterite stone pathway. The Settlement Memorial Museum, which provides for a deep understanding of Idukkis rich history, will be a novel experience for visitors to the famed arch dam. A garden and a park for children will be built in the second phase of the project, the DTPC official said.

Aerial ladder to give fire force a leg-up to combat highrise blaze in Kerala

KOCHI: After more than a decade of waiting, the fire and rescue services department is set to acquire a mechanised aerial ladder, significantly enhancing its ability to combat fire in highrises. While the department has yet to finalise its deployment location, Kochi is the likely choice due to its higher concentration of skyscrapers. Last year, the department issued a global tender for the procurement of aerial ladders, with Brijbasi Fire Safety Systems, representing Finnish firm Bronto Skylift, emerging as the lowest bidder. Following this, the fire and rescue services director sought the state governments approval for the purchase. The green light was granted on March 18. This is one of the most crucial procurements for the department. We have been requesting an aerial ladder since 2014, as we currently lack adequate firefighting capabilities for highrises, an official said. Mounted on a heavy-duty truck, the aerial ladder can extend up to 60m, reaching the equivalent of a 25-storey building. It features 360-degree rotation, allowing firefighters to access upper floors efficiently. The ladder is also equipped with a spiral rescue chute for evacuating people from high elevations, advanced sensors and interlocks for safe operation, and high-volume foam spraying capabilities. While neighbouring states already have aerial firefighting ladders, the one we are acquiring will be among the tallest in the country. The supplier will begin fabrication once the order is placed and the ladder is expected to be delivered in six months, the official said.

Kerala University Time Table 2025 Declared @ keralauniversity.ac.in Details Here

The officials of Kerala University have released the Kerala University Time Table 2025 for B.Tech and M.Sc. Students are advised to check the timetable to prepare for their exams.

Tamil Nadu, centre failed to eliminate whitefly menace: AIADMK MLA

CHENNAI: Pollachi V Jayaraman (AIADMK) on Wednesday lamented that the scientists with the state and central governments have failed to invent pesticides to eliminate the whiteflies that destroy coconut trees. Participating in the Assembly discussion on the demands for grants for the agriculture department on Wednesday, Jayaraman said the coconut growers have been advised to adopt unusual techniques such as applying maida, salt and neem cake mixture to coconut trees to control whiteflies. Is this the way to protect coconut cultivation, he asked. Intervening, Agriculture Minister M R K Panneerselvam said research is currently going on to find a pesticide to eliminate whiteflies. Research, in such cases, will take three to four years. The 10-year AIADMK rule failed to conduct this research. Scientists from the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, officials from the Horticulture department and agriculture students have conducted field inspections in Pollachi and Tiruppur where the whitefly attacks are widespread, and are implementing a solution for this, he said. To this, Pollachi Jayaraman said the government has made financial allocation for old methods to eliminate whiteflies. When the disease is new, a new medicine should be invented, he said. If the government fails to eliminate whiteflies now, coconut cultivation will be ruined totally. It is a now-or-never situation since coconut cultivation is being carried out across 16 lakh acres, he added. Agri S S Krishnamurthy (AIADMK) said the agriculture budget for 2021-22 stated that the cultivation area in Tamil Nadu would be increased from 60% to 75%. But contrary to this, the cultivation area which stood at 47.2% in 2020-21 came down to 46.90% in 2023-24, he said. Similarly, the paddy yield which stood at 79.06 lakh tonnes in 2021-22 came down to 70.48 lakh metric tonnes in 2023-24. He also pointed out that the number of farmers receiving the PM Kisan assistance in Tamil Nadu has been very low compared to the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha and Kerala. He said the government should study why eligible farmers are still unable to get this fund. C Saraswathi (BJP) urged the state government to release a white paper on how many water resource desilting works have been carried out. She urged the government to provide free inputs on organic farming to farmers. V P Nagai Maali (CPM) said at present Rs 2,430 per quintal is being given for paddy and since the DMKs electoral promise was to give Rs 2,500 per quintal, just by increasing the procurement price by Rs 70, the ruling party could fulfil its poll promise. Similarly, the DMK promised `4,000 per metric tonne of sugarcane and at present Rs 3,500 is being given. By hiking this by Rs 500 per MT, the DMK could fulfil this promise also, he said. Poondi S Kalaivanan and K P Shankar (DMK) and Rama Karumanickam (Congress) also took part.

Varkala prepares for the second edition of International Surfing Festival starting on April 10

The three-day international festival aims to promote the coastal town as a global destination for the watersport

Vayanavasantham on wheels; Library Council to bring books at doorstep

KANNUR: The Kerala Library Council is rolling out an ambitious initiative to foster reading habits among households. Building on its existing mobile library services, which primarily cater to women and the elderly, the council has now introduced a home delivery service for books. Titled 'Vayanavasantham', the project will be implemented through 3,000 libraries across the state. With the tagline A Book to the Home, the initiative aims to encourage family reading and further cement Keralas reputation as a knowledge-driven society. Participating libraries, each with a collection of at least 3,000 books, will serve as distribution hubs. Households can subscribe to the service for a nominal monthly fee of `20. In todays digital age, people have access to e-books, but busy lifestyles have made visits to libraries less frequent. Through Vayanavasantham, we aim to bring books directly to households, said P K Vijayan, Secretary of the Kerala Library Councils Kannur district branch. The project will be implemented through A+, A, B, and C grade libraries. Librarians will visit homes with books six days a month, and a sub-committee will be formed in each library to oversee the programme. Kerala boasts a strong reading network, with an average of one library for every 3,000 people. The initiative seeks to expand readership in proportion to this infrastructure. Our mission is to promote knowledge for social change. Instead of readers coming to books, books should go to readers, Vijayan told TNIE. Currently, 630 libraries in Kerala operate mobile library services. Under the Vayanavasantham project, the library council will deliver books to at least 100 homes once or twice a month. In its initial phase, the programme aims to reach 3,00,000 households, with a long-term goal of expanding to one million homes over the next four years. To ensure the smooth execution of the initiative, participating librarians will receive an additional Rs 600 per month.

Bandh opposing e-pass in Nilgiris: Over 25,000 shops down shutters

NILGIRIS: The 24-hour bandh (12 am Wednesday to 12 am Thursday) called by the Nilgiris District All Association Joint Committee opposing e-pass system and restricting the number of private vehicles into the district evoked a good response with over 25,000 shops, including bakeries, grocery stores, hotels, etc., across the district remaining closed. Tourist cars and autos were also not operated. Since the tourist season has yet to begin, the crowd was less in Ooty, Coonoor and Kotagiri. As hotels and roadside eateries remained closed, the sparse crowd of tourists thronged Amma Unavagam for breakfast and lunch. K Mohammed Farooq, district president of Tamil Nadu Vanigar Sangakalin Peramaippu said 60 associations, including small-scale tea farmers, took part in the bandh. We are observing the bandh to convey our anger to authorities that due to the implementation of the e-pass, lakhs of people who depend upon the tourism industry are hit hard. We want the authorities not to restrict the entry of vehicles and remove the e-pass system. Mohammed Farooq also expressed displeasure over the Madras High Court order which restricted entry to 6,000 on weekdays and 8,000 during weekends. A large number of people from Karnataka visit tourist places in Kerala via Nilgiris. These vehicles will also be added to the daily numbers under the e-pass system. We have relatives across Tamil Nadu. If any there is auspicious function or death in the family, how will they reach here if the daily limit of vehicles is reached, he asked. Their other demands include alternative steps for plastic ban and early approval for building construction.

Communication between parents, children on sexuality low: Study

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Just three among 262 teenagers interviewed as part of a research study had good knowledge on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) matters. The research paper Parental communication on sexual and reproductive health: An adolescent perspective in Kerala by Prof Sijimol Mathew of Mar Sleeva College of Nursing, Palai, was published in the Asian Journal of Pregnancy and Childbirth recently. Only 44% of teenagers ever had a discussion with their parents on such matters. Among them, 57.4% said such conversations occurred rarely. Pubertal changes and menarche were the most reported topics of discussion. Only a quarter of the parents talked to their children about sexual abuse, 16.5% on sexually transmitted diseases like HIV and 10.4% on contraceptives. Unlike many other states, Kerala is yet to have a curriculum-based SRH education. Most of the parents are reluctant to discuss sexuality matters with children, making the situation worse, opined Dr Namitha Subrahmanyam, vice-principal of Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church College of Nursing who guided the research. When the parents or schools fail to support children, they may depend on their peers, incompetent adults or the internet. This may result in misleading information. There are cases in which children who search for information on internet getting addicted to pornographic content, she adds. 56.1% of the teenagers did not discuss SRH matters with parents and the most frequently reported reasons for lack of communication were shame, 26%, followed by fear, 7.3% and feeling knowledgeable than their parents, 5%. Some others felt their parents lacked knowledge and communication ability. Other reasons were the adolescents inability to initiate the conversation and discouragement by parents etc. The study reveals the need for a change in parenting practice. We need to ensure open and honest communication between parents and their adolescent children on SRH. School and community-level programmes should be conducted for parents to equip them to have discussions on SRH matters with children. Also, curriculum-based sexuality information should be given to children, Sijimol said.

Kerala's AI cameras catch 98 lakh offenders, MVD collects Rs 400 crores in fines since June 2023

KOCHI: The Kerala governments decision to install Artificial Intelligence (AI) cameras across highways to crack down on traffic offences, a move that had stirred up controversy over its huge cost, is paying dividends. The latest figures reveal that 98 lakh offenders were caught and the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) issued fines amounting to Rs 631 crore since the AI cameras were installed in June 2023. Of this, around Rs 400 crore has been collected. In the fiscal that ended March 31, 2025, fines to the tune of Rs 273 crore were imposed through e-challans for traffic violations detected by the camera. Of this, around Rs 150 crore has been collected by the department so far. The remaining amount will be collected over the next few months. Since the cameras installation, the MVD has collected over Rs 400 crore in fines for various offences, officials told TNIE. There is definitely a significant positive impact. Now, people are more conscious about the fact that they are under surveillance and try to follow rules more diligently, said Transport Commissioner Nagaraju Chakilam. Riding without helmets most detected violation The transport commissioner said at least 10% more AI cameras should be installed for maximum coverage in the state. Nagaraju said more cameras would be installed on the new stretch of NH66 and state highways. The fully automated traffic enforcement system was brought in by the MVD as part of Safe Kerala project. A total of 726 cameras were installed across major traffic hotspots in the state at a cost of Rs 230 crore. The project includes 675 AI cameras, four speed cameras, four mobile speed cameras, 18 red light cameras and 25 parking cameras. Barring 4-5% of the cameras that are under maintenance, the rest are live 24 hours, Nagaraju said. Riding without helmet is the most detected violation. Driving without fastening seat belts and triple riding on two-wheelers are next. While the MVD is collecting a significant amount as fines, the question whether AI cameras have helped in reducing road accidents remains. From the numbers, we understand that enforcement has been tightened, yet the final debate should be on its impact on road accidents; how much the changes have helped reduce the deaths, said D Dhanuraj, chairman of Centre for Public Policy Research, a Kochi-based thinktank.

Tribometer by CET scholars in Kerala bags patent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Researchers at the College of Engineering Trivandrum (CET) have invented a tribometer that could pave the way for enhancing the efficiency and durability of automobile engines and a slew of other machines having reciprocating-sliding motion. A tribometer is a scientific instrument used to measure mainly friction, wear and lubricity between contacting surfaces under controlled conditions. The invention, Pin-on Reciprocating Plate Tribometer With Provision for Changing Stroke Length, has won the CET researchers a patent from the Union government. It measures friction and wear-loss in metallic materials having relative reciprocating motion with larger stroke length. It was developed under the guidance of Prof Rajeev V R of CETs mechanical engineering department. The team included research scholars Harish T V and Premkumar J along with Unnikrishnan G, lab instructor of CET. The tribometer is capable of providing stroke lengths ranging from 50 mm to 200 mm for tribotesting, explained Rajeev, who guided the project. Team came up with invention in a yr Depending on the stroke length, the tribometer can test specimens at a maximum average speed of 3m/sec, Rajeev said. According to him, induced vibration is a major issue faced during friction and wear testing with reciprocating tribometers. However, CETs tribometer has a provision to assess the induced vibrations as well in real-time. By accurately assessing the wear and coefficient of friction of the interacting materials, manufacturers could come up with new materials that could decrease these two factors and make engines and machines more durable and efficient, Rajeev said.Also, CETs tribometer is unique as it accurately assesses the wear and vibration through real-time simulation, he said. Specimens made from all types of metals, alloys and composites can be tested in the newly developed tribometer. It took a year for the research team to come up with the invention using funds from the Centre for Engineering Research and Development (CERD) under the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University. Though the patent application was filed in May 2020, it was awarded in March 2025, making it the 12th patent for CET.

IMD Issues Weather Alerts: Thunderstorms in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana; Heatwave in Gujarat, Rajasthan & North

Weather Today and Tomorrow: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Telangana predicting thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and hailstorm on April 3. A heatwave warning is also in place for Gujarat. Heavy rainfall is expected in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karnataka until April 5, and in Kerala until April 6.

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Flashback to an op to capture the cobra of south Indian hash oil mafia

Enforcement agencies have intensified their crackdown on narco mafias following a surge in drug-fuelled crimes. This full-blooded pushback revives memories of a high-profile arrest made by the excise department last year. Back then, the arrest of Adimali resident Shajimon, aka Moorkhan (cobra) Shaji, from Madurai crippled an international racket that specialised in smuggling hashish oil. Shaji entered the scene in the 1990s when Idukki became infamous for cannabis sourced from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. He took over the reins after the mysterious death of Kambilikandam Thomas, who inspired the character Kambilikandam Jose in the Mammootty-starrer Roudram . Though the driving force behind a drug cartel spanning the country with international links, Shaji remained low-key, determined not to leave his imprint behind. He was caught in the mid-2000s in an Abkari case, but his drug connections were overlooked. It took enforcement agencies nearly 15 years to arrest him in a drug-related case. By then, he had built an empire through subterfuge, cunning, cold-blooded viciousness, and meticulous planning. After securing bail in a 2018 hashish oil seizure case, Shaji went into hiding. The agencies launched a manhunt after the Supreme Court cancelled his bail and issued an arrest warrant. Sources say Shaji leveraged the connections he had forged over the past decade to evade capture. He found safe havens in Delhi, Bihar, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and several other states. He forged documents and even used the identity cards of relatives and acquaintances to mislead the agencies for years, says an officer. However, while he outmanoeuvred law enforcement, he could not escape the 'sketching' of a rival drug gang. This group eventually tracked him down in Srirangam. They kidnapped him, confined him to a hotel room, and beat him to a pulp, demanding a ransom of Rs 1 crore from one of Shajis contacts. A senior excise official tells TNIE that Shajis shrewdness helped him escape this dire situation. It seemed to be the end of the road for Shaji. But he clawed back to life in his own inimitable manner. He threw himself against the glass panel of the hotel room where he was held hostage and landed on the ground, he says. When local residents called the police, Shaji feigned a drunken brawl with friends and complained of chest pain. The police took him to a nearby hospital. Unaware of his true identity, they maintained lax security. Shaji seized the opportunity. He asked the policeman accompanying him to fetch a towel. When the guy returned, Shaji was long gone, the excise officer says. Though the agencies repeatedly came close to nabbing him, his use of multiple aliases confounded them. Moreover, he had a knack for networking. Apart from forging camaraderie with criminal elements in remote Indian states, he cultivated well-wishers within the force as well. While conducting a background study of Shaji, we found that even the record of his first criminal case was missing, says the officer. Despite being on the run, he continued to oversee drug consignments trafficked to distant countries through various south Indian ports. His luck finally ran out in October 2024, when excise officials received a tip-off about his presence near Madurai. They scanned hotels in the area, but found no trace of him. Just as they began to believe he had yet again slipped through their fingers, they spotted a man exiting a nearby hotel via the rear door, his face covered to avoid detection. Excise Inspector G Krishnakumar, who now heads a special enforcement squad, recounts the moment they captured him: On seeing us, he fled and darted into thorny bushes nearby. We followed him and, after a prolonged search during which we sustained injuries from the thorns we finally managed to nab him. Another team member recalls Shaji playing smooth and smart during interrogation. He knew the grilling game. Eventually, however, he divulged crucial information about his network, he says. We can easily call him a kingpin of narco trade in south India. Following his arrest, there was indeed a dip in hash oil smuggling.

Hearty beats: Swaying to the timeless rhythm of Kerala's melam

The heat in April and May is intense, but even stronger is the fervour of festivals in Kerala during this season. And they are never complete without the pulsating beats of percussion. Instruments such as the chenda , thimila , madhalam , idakka , ilathalam , kuzhal , and kombu come together to create a rhythmic intensity that is intoxicating. Despite a generation more exposed to western and now oriental influences, when percussion takes centre stage at Keralas festivals, everything else takes a backseat. I have been to a lot of EDM and rave parties. None gives an exhilaration like our melam (percussion ensemble), says Vinod Ambady, a wildlife explorer. I left the corporate world to take sanctuary in the woods. The only thing that still draws me back to city life are grand melams. After a point, they become addictive even the noise made by ceiling fans will sound rhythmic. Management professional Bijeesh S also gushes as he speaks about melam. Its a fiesta. And yet, people go searching for rhythm elsewhere, he says. Its not just the beats its the entire atmosphere that captivates me. I go hyphy as the percussion crescendo peaks. Even my 10-year-old son now joins me in my pooram outings. This excitement spills onto social media, too, where numerous groups celebrate Keralas percussion traditions Panchari melam, Pandi melam, Shinkari melam, Panchavadyam, Thayambaka , etc. Online groups keep enthusiasts updated on festival schedules and the leading performers. There are also WhatsApp groups where fans organise regular sessions to revel in the beats, says Udayan Namboothiri, a popular Thayambaka artist. The history of melam can be traced back to the 15th century. Before that, they were primarily part of temple rituals, says Manoj Kuroor, a writer and researcher in Keralas ritual art history. The richness of Keralas tala (rhythm) schemes makes it distinct from the rest of south Indias beat system. It was originally a part of the tantric worship system in temples. However, after the 15th century, the artform took on an entertainment aspect. Initially, percussion arts were restricted to specific communities permitted inside temples. But when they moved to open fields, they became an inclusive spectacle where everyone, regardless of caste or creed, could gather and enjoy the thrill of the beats. Over time, different schools of percussion evolved, with certain regions becoming renowned for their signature styles. Peruvanam village, for instance, produced some of the greatest percussion legends. Alongside, the Kathakali percussion tradition also flourished. Even today, the doyen of Thayambaka , Mattannur Sankarankutty Asan, is celebrated for his expertise in Kathakali percussion. This vibrant tradition thrived until the 1970s, when interest waned, and the artform entered a period of decline. Many percussion artists faced financial struggles, and temple-related activities diminished. According to Thiyyadi Raman Nambiar, an artist credited with reviving the near-extinct Ayyappan Theeyaattu, the slump, which lasted until the mid-1990s, was largely due to socio-economic changes following land reforms. By the 1970s, many artists were embarrassed to carry the chenda . It was no longer seen as a mark of talent or respect, he says. Keralas workforce was shifting away from its agrarian roots, and many temples struggled financially. However, things began changing by the 1990s as temples found ways to sustain themselves. This led to a revival of ritual arts, with percussion benefitting the most, as its popularity resonated with the younger generation. Raman adds that he was elated seeing a young girl playing the kuzhal during the Meena Bharani festival at a small temple near his house in Ernakulam just a day ago. It is heartening to see todays younger generation returning to traditional artforms, he says. Social media has certainly played a huge role in this revival. Today, Thayambaka classes are being conducted for students in the US. The difficult years of the 1970s meant that many talented artists remained obscure. Peruvanam Kuttan Marar is now a globally recognised name, but he hails from a lineage of artistes, most of whom never gained the fame he did. The dark times held back many artists. But as interest was rekindled, figures like Peruvanam and Mattannur became household, inspiring younger generations, says Raman. Today, numerous institutions across Kerala exclusively teach percussion arts. There are several Devaswom-run such centres like the Guruvayur Vadya Kala Vidyalayam and Vaikom Kshetra Kalapeetham. Most districts also have private institutions catering to students, including professionals and expatriates, says Udayan. Among them is Shilpa Sreekumar, a UAE-based engineer from Chovvallur, who made headlines in 2022 when she entered her wedding stage playing the chenda. A member of Singari melam teams in Dubai, she was later joined by her groom on the cymbals and her father on the chenda a moment that went viral online. The evolution of melam has also contributed to its growing appeal, says Udayan. For instance, the differences between the Thayambaka schools Malamakkavu, known for its structured progression, and Palakkad, which emphasises imagination and improvisation are fading as regional styles merge, he says. Additionally, with improved facilities, melam has become a pan-Kerala affair, with southern regions enthusiastically embracing northern forms. Even in Keralas south, where Tamil rhythms once dominated, classical elements of the art are being increasingly incorporated. For Bengaluru-based Malayali investor Shankar Gopalakrishnan, such technicalities are secondary. For me, its time to visit home when melams are in full swing. I have been a regular at Peruvanam and Thrissur Poorams. This year, I missed the Arattupuzha and Uthralikkavu poorams. But I will be attending Peruvanam pooram on April 6, and Thrissur pooram in May. I set aside all other work for the poorams, he says, checking the melam calendar on an Instagram group. This love for the melam is innate for every Malayali, says poet and lyricist R K Damodaran. Songs can only be sung in three kaalams (speeds), but Pandi melam can reach four, and Panchari, five. This rhythm is ingrained in Keralites. Which is why there was a musician from here who could sing in six kaalams, and hence was praised by Thyagaraja Swami as a great. He was Shadkala Govinda Marar, from the community of temple percussionists and brought up in the mela padhathi (foundation) of Kerala. Due to this, he could easily improvise the speed. Beats, unlike tunes, are elemental. It is there in your heart beat. Generations will still sway to it, says Damodaran, on his way to attend the Nemnara Vela festival.

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Centre cuts Naxal-hit districts to 18, halts funds for four states

Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh have been removed from the Naxal-affected states list, ending their SRE support from the Centre. The government has reduced the number of districts facing Left wing extremism from 38 to 18, following a review by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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Shah dismisses Opposition claim that Waqf bill is a '4D assault' on Constitution; vote expected tonight

The Centre introduced the Waqf (Amendment) Bill , 2024, in Parliament on Wednesday, triggering a heated clash between the Modi-led government and the Oppositions INDIA bloc. While the government is keen to pass the bill, the Opposition strongly opposed it, calling it unconstitutional. With 293 MPs, the NDA comfortably exceeds the required simple majority of 272 votes. The vote on the bill is expected later tonight. Ahead of the bills introduction, both the ruling BJP and the Congress party issued whips to ensure the presence of their MPs during the crucial debate and vote in the Lok Sabha. Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal (United), Shiv Sena and LJP (Ram Vilas) - the four biggest constituents of the NDA after the BJP - also issued whips to their MPs asking them to support the government stand. Though BJP allies like the TDP, JD(U) and Chirag Paswan-led LJP (Ram Vilas) had expressed reservations over some aspects of the bill, they have become more agreeable after the parliamentary committee adopted a few of their suggestions, official sources have said. The contentious bill was first introduced in Parliament last year amid uproar from the Opposition and was subsequently sent to a Joint Committee of Parliament, headed by BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, for scrutiny. The panel accepted 14 changes suggested by NDA MPs but rejected all 44 proposed by the Opposition members. On February 13, the House panel submitted its report, which was approved by the Union Cabinet on February 19. However, Opposition MPs in the panel raised concerns over their proposed amendments being dismissed and claimed their dissent notes were removed from the report without their knowledge. Political Debate in Lok Sabha Union Home Minister Amit Shah , defending the bill, asserted that fear is being spread that the Waqf bill interferes in religious matters, calling it a false narrative driven by vote bank politics. He emphasised that non-Muslims in Waqf councils and boards are included purely for administrative purposes, ensuring properties are managed according to their stated aims. Shah also underlined that Waqf is a charitable institution where a person donates property for social, religious, or public welfare purposes without the right to reclaim it. Participating in the debate, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the bill was aimed at polarisation and would damage Indias secular image. He alleged that the BJP introduced the bill to manage its diminishing vote bank and warned that it could backfire on the party. Yadav further claimed that the bill was a diversion tactic to shift focus from land capture by China. Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Budget session of Parliament, in New Delhi, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi reiterated that the INDIA bloc would oppose the bill, calling it an attack on the Constitutions basic structure . Launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday after the bill was tabled, Gogoi accused the government of attempting to defame and disenfranchise minorities and staging what he described as a 4D assault on the Constitution - diluting the Constitution, defaming minorities, disenfranchising them, and dividing Indian society. He accused the government of attempting to dilute Waqf provisions, disenfranchise minorities, and divide Indian society. Initiating the debate, Gogoi also accused the government of misleading Parliament by referencing past discussions on the matter. Hitting back, former Union minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad defended the bill, arguing that numerous Waqf properties were being looted and misused. He insisted that the government had the authority to regulate Waqf matters and claimed that Gogoi failed to present a complete picture of constitutional provisions on the subject. BJP MP Jagadambika Pal, who chaired the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the bill, stated that the amendments would benefit poor and Pasmanda (backward) Muslims. Meanwhile, the CPI(M) announced its opposition to the bill and confirmed that its MPs would vote against it. The partys stance comes amid protests from the Catholic Church, which criticised Kerala MPs for their position on the bill. Easy for family parties, we have 13 crore members: Amit Shah hits back at Akhilesh's BJP president election jibe What is the Waqf (Amendment) Bill? The government argues that the bill aims to address inefficiencies in the existing Waqf Act by introducing administrative reforms and technology-driven improvements. A statement issued by the government in September 2024 highlighted key changes, including updating the definition of Waqf, streamlining the property registration process, and increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records. These reforms, the government claims, will modernise the Waqf system and improve governance and transparency. However, since its introduction, the bill has faced widespread criticism, particularly from Muslim organisations. Religious and legal experts told TNIE that the bill targets Muslims and fuels Islamophobia. They argue that amendments, including the removal of the 'Waqf by user' provision, undermine the essence of Waqf. SQR Ilyas, spokesperson for the AIMPLB, criticised the lack of consultation with community leaders or stakeholders, calling it a major shift in law without proper engagement. Professor G Mohan Gopal, former director of the National Judicial Academy, described the bill as a violation of minority rights, saying it weakens the Muslim community and promotes Islamophobia. People stage a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, in Ajmer, Rajasthan, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Key controversial provisions One of the most debated provisions in the bill is the proposal to allow a non-Muslim to become the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a Waqf board. This has raised concerns among Muslim leaders, who argue that it could interfere with the religious and cultural integrity of Waqf management. Additionally, the bill mandates that at least two non-Muslim members be appointed to each states Waqf board by the respective state governments. Another contentious change grants the District Collector the power to determine whether a disputed property is Waqf or government-owned. The Opposition and Muslim organisations warn that this could lead to arbitrary decisions and misappropriation of Waqf properties. The bill also seeks to abolish the Waqf by user concept, which allows properties used as Waqf to retain their status even if not formally registered. Critics argue that this change could leave many Waqf properties vulnerable to legal challenges. Perhaps the most significant and controversial measure is the requirement that all Waqf properties be registered in a central database within six months of the laws commencement. (With inputs from Agencies) HIGHLIGHTS | Waqf Bill debate in LS: Claim that bill interferes in Muslim affairs is fear-mongering for vote bank : Shah

Kerala permeates discussions at CPI(M) party congress

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