Kerala News
View News by News Source
Decide or well appoint VCs: Supreme Court to Kerala
Pawan Wants Kerala-Type Education In AP Involving Parents
Addressing a large gathering at the Mega Teachers-Parents Meeting (PTM) held at Sarada ZP High School in Chilakaluripet of Palnadu district on Friday, Pawan Kalyan said harmonious relations between parents, teachers and students play a crucial role in shaping a childs positive mindset.
Debutant faces veterans in Ponnurunni East poll battle
LDF candidate Beena Divakaran, though a newcomer, is confident of the dominance of the front in the division where it has not tasted defeat in over four decades; three-time councillor Sunitha Dixon, BJP candidate, and UDFs Jain Gray are her opponents
Development works worth 700 crore implemented in Kannur Corporation, claims UDF
'Name VCs or we step in,' SC tells Kerala govt, governor
The Supreme Court has warned the Kerala Governor and government. If they cannot agree on Vice Chancellor appointments for two universities, the court will make the decisions. A committee had recommended names. The Governor chose two, but the Chief Minister disagrees. The court wants a consensus by Tuesday. Otherwise, judicial intervention is the only option.
Kerala High Court orders KELSA to provide 5 lakh to acid attack survivor
ECI Revises SIR Schedule for Kerala in View of Local Body Polls
Under the revised schedule, the draft electoral roll will be published on December 23 as against the earlier date of December 16.
For the first time after COVID-19, foreign tourist arrivals decline in country
The decline is expected to leave a huge impact on Kerala
ECI Revises SIR Schedule for Kerala in View of Local Dody Polls
The local body polls will be held in the state on December 9 and 11 in two phases.
Temple Money Not to Bail Out Sick Banks: SC
The Kerala High Court had ordered five cooperative banks to close the Devaswoms fixed deposits and refund the entire amount within two months after repeated refusals to release matured deposits
Case registered after CCTV footage of State-run cinemas leaked online
'No means no, only yes means yes': Shashi Tharoor introduces bill to criminalise marital rape
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday introduced three private members bills in the Lok Sabha, including one seeking to criminalise marital rape, asserting that India must move from a no means no framework to only yes means yes. In a post on X, the MP from Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram said criminalising marital rape is an urgent necessity in India's legal framework and introduced his private member's bill to amend the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and remove the marital rape exception, reaffirming that marriage cannot negate a woman's right to grant or deny consent. India must uphold its constitutional values and move from 'No Means No' to 'Only Yes Means Yes'. Every woman deserves the fundamental right to bodily autonomy and dignity within marriage, protections our legal system fails to provide. Marital rape is not about marriage but about violence. The moment for action has arrived, he said. The criminalisation of marital rape is an urgent necessity in Indias legal framework. I introduced my Private Members Bill today to amend the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and remove the marital rape exception, reaffirming that marriage cannot negate the womans right to grant or pic.twitter.com/FLd2OxCvvj Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 5, 2025 The statement of objects and reasons accompanying the bill noted that Section 63 of the BNS, 2023, currently excludes marital rape from punishable offences, allowing men to engage in non-consensual sex with their wives provided they are over 18. This, the statement added, is a colonial-era legal relic rooted in patriarchal notions that treat wives as property, leaving married women legally defenceless and undermining their rights to dignity, safety, and bodily autonomy. Allowing a husband to force sex upon his wife disregards her autonomy and perpetuates a culture of control and gender-based violence. Similarly, factors unrelated to a woman's autonomy, such as her caste, profession, clothing choices, personal beliefs or past sexual conduct, should never be used to presume her consent. Such assumptions not only perpetuate gender-based inequality but also violate her fundamental rights and dignity. They must be unequivocally rejected, the statement said. Tharoors second private members bill seeks to establish a permanent States and Union Territories Reorganisation Commission. According to the bills statement, this body would guide future state and Union territory reorganisation based on objective data, administrative efficiency, economic viability, national unity, and public consent. A pre-planned, consistent study of reorganisation will ensure informed decision-making and stable administrative units rather than knee-jerk reactions, it noted. His third bill proposes amendments to the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, in response to overwork and burnout among Indias workforce. Highlighting that 51% of workers log more than 49 hours a week and 78% report burnout, Tharoor emphasised the need to legally secure the right to disconnect, limit working hours, and establish grievance and mental-health support mechanisms.By focusing on employee well-being, this Bill seeks to create a more sustainable and productive workforce for Indias future, the statement said. Today I introduced a Private Member's Bill to amend the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020. With 51% of Indias workforce clocking over 49 hrs/week and 78% experiencing burnout, tragically exemplified by the death of young Anna Sebastian Perayil, it is pic.twitter.com/9M3UzLS33U Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 5, 2025 Private members bills allow MPs to propose legislation on issues they deem important, though most are withdrawn after government responses. (With inputs from PTI)
Coconut Growers in Andhra Pradesh Seek 20,000 MSP As Prices Crash
Traders were blaming increased exports from Tamil Nadu and Kerala for the price fall in Andhra Pradesh, he said.
Kerala CM Pinarayi tears into UDFs unholy pact with Jamaat-e-Islami ahead of local body polls
KOCHI: With just three days left for the first phase of the local body elections , Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched a blistering attack on the Congress-led UDF, accusing it of striking an unholy alliance with Jamaat-e-Islamis Welfare Party of India . Speaking at a Meet-the-Press organised by the Ernakulam Press Club, the CM said the Congress was risking Keralas peace and harmony for a handful of votes. Pinarayi alleged that Jamaat-e-Islami, which he described as a group that does not recognise the Sunni and Mujahid streams followed by the majority of Keralas Muslims, is fundamentally rooted in the ideology of establishing an Islamic state as envisioned by its founder, Maududi. Just as Hindutva works towards a Hindu nation, Jamaat-e-Islami dreams of an Islamic nation. Political Islam and Hindutva are birds of the same feather, he said. He criticised the Congress for aligning with a group whose ideology, he claimed, is rejected by the vast majority of Muslim voters who traditionally back the UDF. Even many Congress supporters are opposing this tie-up, he said, adding that the Welfare Partys formation in 2011 was the culmination of Jamaat-e-Islamis political ambitions. Pinarayi also targeted the Indian Union Muslim League, saying the party leadership had ignored strong internal objections to the alliance. Despite resistance from within its own ranks, the IUML is supporting this nexus, the CM said. Calling the CPM a common foe of both majority and minority communal forces, Pinarayi accused the UDF of failing to heed warnings from within its own coalition. For a few votes, they are compromising Keralas long-standing secular fabric, he said, framing the alliance as a direct threat to the states social harmony. UDF has tie-ups with Jamaat-e-Islami, RSS and BJP, alleges CPM Ernakulam district secretary
BJP alleges corruption in Corporation, CPI(M) leaders to take legal action
BJP alleges graft in selection of service provider for biocompost kitchen bin project and in tendering of civil works. V.K. Prasanth says a Vigilance inquiry has rejected all the allegations and roadwork rates are fixed as per CPWD rates
Cheating doctor of 1.1 crore: prime accused arrested from Ahmedabad
Party chiefs outline development, welfare projects for Kozhikode
A pre-poll discussion organised by the Calicut Press Club saw three district chiefs of mainstream political parties outlining their visions, priorities, expectations, and manifesto commitments ahead of the three-tier local body elections 2025
Rahul Mamkootathils staff member, driver named accused
Fazal and Alwin allegedly helped the legislator, who has been accused in a sexual abuse case, go absconding
Left rule achieved progress across key sectors: CM
Govindan defends govts stand in Sabarimala case
As IndiGo crisis continues, airlines take advantage charging high fare
The airfares to Kerala from various cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, are jacked up tenfold, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded in various cities
Two youths arrested with 1.5 kg of suspected meth in Kochi
Sabarimala gold theft case: N. Vasu moves Kerala High Court for bail
Former administrative officer of Sabarimala B. Murari Babu too approaches HC seeking bail
Kerala Governor, Chief Minister lock horns over selection of Vice-Chancellors
Pinarayi accuses Arlekar of violating SC directive regarding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors to KTU and digital university by picking a candidate the CM had found ineligible. Lok Bhavan says SC had clearly said that the Chancellor was free to have his reservations about the candidates recommended by the CM
Surendran alleges attempts to protect Rahul Mamkoottathil
The former BJP State president claims that the Kerala government is playing a hide-and-seek game by delaying the arrest of the suspect
97 new recruits join Fire and Rescue Services
DG Nitin Agrawal says the exemplary rescue operations carried out by the force have earned immense public trust and admiration
Part of under-construction highway collapses in Kollam
Grinding stone in the middle of railway track in Kochi triggers panic, probe on
Tourists rescued as houseboat sinks at Kumarakom
Commissioning of EVMsbegins in Kozhikode
The commissioning began in the blocks of Perambra, Vadakara, Kozhikode, Melady, Chelanur, and Koduvally, as well as in the municipalities of Koyilandy and Ramanattukara
Kerala government hints at concessions for small hospitals under KCE Act
Kerala local body polls 2025: municipalities to witness tight contests in Kozhikode
While the Left Democratic Front swept the Kozhikode Corporation and retained control over major rural local bodies, the United Democratic Front gained a narrow edge in the municipalities, winning four of the seven
Under Construction NH Stretch Collapses in Kerala
Multiple vehicles, including a school van carrying 30 students, were trapped in the holes caused by the impact
Former CPI(M) MLA to announce stance on Saturday
Kerala local body polls 2025: open campaigning for Phase 1 to end on December 7
Seven districtsThiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha, and Ernakulamgo to the polls on December 9 in the first phase
Commission to hold online public hearing on proposal to remove 10 paise cap on surcharge on December 23
Kerala government bars non-teaching staff in aided colleges from uploading internal marks colleges
Following a detailed review, the government concluded that internal marks of students in aided colleges must be uploaded only by the heads of departments or designated teaching staff.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday, in its order, indicated that it would intervene in resolving theongoing impasse over the selectionof vice chancellors for two technical universities in Kerala if CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor-cum-chancellor Rajendra Arlekar do not reach a consensus. The universities in trouble are APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University and the University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology. Amidst the ongoing tussle between the Kerala government and the state Governor, Arlekar, the latter had on September 2 this year moved the Supreme Court seeking the exclusion of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan from the selection process of Vice Chancellors for these two Universities. Duringthe course of the hearing on Friday, a two-judge Bench of the apex court, headed by Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan,asked whether progress could be made by Tuesday (December 9), after noting that the Court-appointed committee had originally recommended four names each. Justice Pardiwala clearly said that If you (State government and Governor) work it out, then it is fine, and if not, we will step in and appoint. As the Attorney General (AG) R Venkataramani, top law officer appearingfor the Governor,submitted to the court about the Chief Ministers position, Justice Pardiwala pointed out the need for consensus, adding that the most meritorious candidates must be appointed. The Bench eventually, after asking both parties to settle, posted the matter for further hearing on Thursday (December 11), and added that the matter would be taken up at the top of the board as a priority one. The Governor in the petition filed in the top court said neither of the universities envisioned any role for the chief minister in the selection process of Vice-Chancellors. Karlekar pointed out in his petition that the university enactments -- the A P J Abdul Kalam Technological University Act and the Kerala Digital University Act -- had no provision for having the minister for higher education or the state government as a part of the selection process for recommendation for appointment of VCs. Therefore, in the humble submission of the application, the role of CM for selection of VCs as mentioned in the order dated August 18, may be modified by this court, the plea of Karlelar added. Earlier, on August 18, the Supreme Court, in its order, appointed Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia (Retired SC judge) as the Chairperson of the Search-cum-Selection Committee to shortlist names of regular Vice-Chancellor appointments in two State Universities and said the CM had a role in their selection. The Bench of the top court had earlier, in one of the hearings, said it was only concerned that students should not suffer, and added that it was hopeful that by appointing Justice Dhulia as Chairperson, the impasse would continue to end. It had also said that, if the State of Kerala and the Governor, in his capacity as Chancellor, failed to reach a consensus on the selection process, then this court would pass an order in this regard. The plea of Karlekar contended the chief ministers involvement would violate the principle against a person judging his own cause, a norm embedded in the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations. The Chief Minister, being the Executive Head of the State, is connected with the number of government colleges, managed by the government and affiliated to the university. Therefore, as per UGC Regulations, he cannot have any role whatsoever in the appointment of Vice Chancellors, the application said. The Governor said the panel of names of selected candidates shall be submitted by the search-cum-selection committee to the Chancellor, with the names arranged in alphabetical order, and the prerogative to select the Vice Chancellor will be with the Chancellor. The Court may direct the inclusion of a nominee of the chairman of the UGC as a member in the search-cum-selection committee for the selection of the Vice Chancellor, which has been constituted by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, it added.
Probe links of international racket in Sabarimala gold loss case, says Congress leader Chennithala
Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala demands a probe into international smuggling links in the Sabarimala gold loss case. He alleges a global racket is involved, with stolen gold potentially worth Rs 500 crore. Chennithala criticizes the state government and CPI(M) for protecting accused leaders.
CM Pinarayi accuses Congress of shielding suspended MLA; flags Governors violation of SC directive
KOCHI: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday sharply criticised the Congress over its handling of allegations against suspended MLA Rahul Mankootathil, accusing the party of having shielded him for long despite being aware of his perverted behaviour. Speaking at a Meet the Press organised by the Ernakulam Press Club, the Chief Minister said the information emerging about the MLA was deeply shocking and unacceptable, and that Congress leaders must introspect instead of projecting their action as a model of political probity. Pinarayi also rejected Leader of Opposition V. D. Satheesans claim that the CPM had not acted against its own leaders in similar situations. How can they call this model action? There are Congress MLAs who have gone to jail. Were they expelled from the party? he asked. Referring to former home minister Ramesh Chennithalas remark that he would have ensured the MLAs arrest within 24 hours, Pinarayi said, Police are doing their job effectively. Some people have taken steps to protect the accused and help him evade the police. At least now, they should stop protecting him, he said. Pinarayi came down strongly on the Congress leadership, saying the nature of the allegations would shock any society. These are not things one can expect in normal life. I dont want to repeat the allegations, but the sexual perversion reported is totally unacceptable, especially from a public representative. The Congress knew about his behaviour from the beginning, yet presented him as an asset with a future. Any party with a legacy would distance itself from such people. They must think about how they allowed this. Rahul Mamkoottathil approaches Kerala HC seeking anticipatory bail in alleged rape case On the Sabarimala gold theft case, in which a CPM district committee member is currently in jail, the Chief Minister declined detailed comment, pointing out that the High Court is supervising the investigation. A comprehensive probe is underway and monitored by the High Court. The CPM has made it very clear that the party will not protect anyone if found guilty, he said. The Chief Minister strongly criticised Governor Rajendra Arlekars decision to forward alternative names to the Supreme Court for appointing Vice Chancellors to APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University and the Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology, ignoring the priority list submitted by the government as mandated by the court. The Centre has taken several steps that undermine the federal structure, and governors are acting in ways that weaken it further. The Supreme Court had directed that if a panel of names comes before the Chief Minister, he must send a priority-ordered list to the Governor, and the Governor should appoint someone from that list. This is a clear directive. How can the Governor openly violate it? Pinarayi asked. He is not even considering the names in the list. This is a blatant violation. On IAS officer B. Ashok moving the court against the appointment of K. Jayakumar as Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) president, Pinarayi said such a move by a serving bureaucrat against the government was inappropriate. The government had appointed Jayakumar, a retired civil servant, citing his proven expertise in Sabarimala-related matters. When Jayakumar was appointed, it received wide public acceptance. Ayyappa devotees welcomed it. The government believes he can make meaningful interventions at Sabarimala. There is no friction between board members and Jayakumar, all have accepted his leadership, the Chief Minister said. Woman IPS officer to lead probe in second rape case against Rahul Mamkootathil
A candidate in pursuit of happiness
Equator Geo wins start-up challenge
NH66 cave-in near Kottiyam halts traffic; school bus among vehicles trapped
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Raising panic in the region, a major portion of the National Highway collapsed in Kollam on Friday. No casualties were reported. A portion of NH 66 and an adjacent service road caved in near Mylakkadu in Chathannur, close to Kottiyam, in the evening. The recently constructed retaining wall and service road collapsed, trapping several vehicles, including a school bus. The sudden cave-in has raised serious concerns about the construction quality of the road. People and children inside the trapped vehicles were evacuated safely. According to onlookers, a major tragedy was averted during the collapse. Traffic flow towards both Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam came to a complete standstill following the incident. Chathannoor MLA G A Jayalal visited the spot. District Collector Devidas is expected to visit the site soon. PWD Minister P A Mohammad Riyas has ordered a detailed probe into the incident. He has directed the PWD Secretary to seek a report from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) immediately. Senior Congress leader K C Venugopal MP came out with serious criticism against NHAI. There are repeated lapses from the part of NHAI, he alleged. Youth Congress too came out with a protest over the incident.
Current situation risks rendering ongoing operations untenable: ISL clubs to AIFF
The 12 ISL clubs are FC Goa, Sporting Club Delhi, NorthEast United FC, Jamshedpur FC, Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, Chennauyin FC, Mumbai City FC, Kerala Blasters, Punjab FC, Odisha FC and Mohammedan Sporting.
Row over construction at Shakthikulangara harbour
Fishers association has drawn fierce opposition against a museum and hall construction project at the harbour
Kalamkaval movie review: Mammootty and Vinaykan elevate this slow-burn thriller
Apart from fine performances from Mammootty and Vinayakan, mind games and character dynamics propel Jithin K Joses slow-burn thriller
Rape allegations: Rahul Mamkootathil, MLA approaches Kerala High Court, seeks anticipatory bail
NEW DELHI:: The Supreme Court on Friday said that money belonging to a temple deity cannot be used to prop up financially distressed cooperative banks. The sharp observations were made by a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi while hearing appeals filed by a few cooperative banks challenging a direction of the Kerala High Court asking them to return the deposits to the Thirunelly Temple Devaswom. You want to use the temple money to save the bank? What is wrong with directing that the temple money, instead of being in a cooperative bank which is breathing with great difficulty, should go to a healthy nationalised bank which can give maximum interest, the CJI asked. Temple money belongs to the deity and hence, the money has to be saved, protected and utilised only for the interests of the temple and it cannot become a source of income or survival for a cooperative bank, the CJI said. The pleas against the high court order were filed by Mananthawady Co-operative Urban Society Ltd and Thirunelly Service Cooperative Bank Ltd. The high court had directed five cooperative banks to close the Devaswom's fixed deposits and refund the entire amount within two months, following repeated refusals by the banks to release the matured deposits. The bench was unconvinced with the submissions of the banks that the abrupt direction of the high court was causing difficulties. The bench said the banks should establish credibility among the people. If you are unable to attract the customers and deposits, that is your problem, it said. The top court refused to entertain the pleas. It, however, permitted the banks to approach the high court for extension of time to comply with the impugned order. The case arose from a plea filed by the Thirunelly Devaswom after several cooperative banks refused to repay the temple's fixed deposits despite repeated requests. The high court had directed Thirunelly Service Cooperative Bank Ltd, Susheela Gopalan Smaraka Vanitha Cooperative Society Ltd, Mananthawady Cooperative Rural Society Ltd, Mananthawady Co-operative Urban Society Ltd, and Wayanad Temple Employees Cooperative Society Ltd to return the funds within two months.
Kerala Reports Surge In Brain-Eating Amoeba Infections With 170 Cases, 42 Deaths This Year
Kerala has reported 170 cases and 42 deaths due to amoebic meningoencephalitis, commonly known as brain-eating amoeba infection, in 2025, the government informed the Parliament on Friday.
ED Approaches Court Seeking Copies of Documents in Sabarimala Gold Loss Case
The petition sought copies of two FIRs and statements recorded by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the incident, to initiate an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
Temple money belongs to deity, cannot be used to save cooperative banks: SC
NEW DELHI, Dec 5: The Supreme Court on Friday said that money belonging to a temple deity cannot be used to prop up financially distressed cooperative banks. The sharp observations were made by a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi while hearing appeals filed by a few cooperative banks challenging a direction of the Kerala High Court asking them to return the deposits to the Thirunelly Temple Devaswom. You want to use the temple money [] The post Temple money belongs to deity, cannot be used to save cooperative banks: SC appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Reach a consensus on most meritorious names for VCs by December 9: SC to Kerala Governor, CM
If you are unable to do so, the intervention of the court is the only option You would have to work it out or the court will make the appointment, SC said
The Supreme Court earlier had intervened on August 18 to appoint Justice Dhulia to head search-cum-selection committees to recommend names for appointment as Vice-Chancellors of the two varsities
Information revealed in relation to allegations against the PalakkadMLA is shocking and beyond comprehension, says CM
Rahul Mamkoottathil approaches Kerala HC seeking anticipatory bail in alleged rape case
KOCHI: Rahul Mamkoottathil, MLA, has approached the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail in a case registered against him for allegedly raping a woman and forcing her to terminate her pregnancy. According to the petition, the complainant, who claimed to be separated from her husband, developed an intimate relationship with the petitioner. They regularly communicated, met on several occasions, and grew closer over time. The complainant allegedly told the petitioner that after taking a long leave from work, her company asked her to submit a written statement acknowledging her relationship with the petitioner and explaining that differences of opinion had led to her absence. Only then, she claimed, would she be allowed to rejoin. The petition further states that certain voice clips circulated on social media harmed the complainants privacy. It argues that the source of the leaked conversations and chats must be identified. This breach of privacy allegedly created mistrust and disputes between the two, despite their close relationship. The complainant reportedly feared that the petitioner might have leaked the chats. The petition also claims that political motives are influencing the case, particularly with elections approaching. It says the complainant was worried about media propaganda and felt compelled to deny the relationship to protect herself. The petitioner claims to have communication records supporting his version but says he needs time to produce them because he was being pursued by the police before he could approach the court, and the investigation continued without waiting for judicial direction. According to the petition, political influence has affected the investigation, and the complaint was submitted belatedly, directly to the Chief Minister, instead of through the proper channel. The petition states that the petitioner has not been given copies of the FIR and FIS despite applying for them. It cites the lower courts reference to the Lalita Kumari judgment, noting that in delayed complaints, the prosecution is required to conduct a preliminary inquiry. It also argues that the allegations in the FIS do not constitute rape and notes that the claim of miscarriage and forced abortion surfaced later. The petitioner alleges this was an attempt by the investigating agency to distort facts and says he has sufficient documents to establish the truth.
SC rejects plea for prohibiting sale of Arundhati Roy's book whose cover depicts her smoking
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking to prohibit the sale, circulation, and display of Arundhati Roys book, 'Mother Mary Comes to Me', as its cover depicted her smoking a 'bidi' or a cigarette, which is in contravention of the law. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi dismissed the appeal filed by one Rajasimhan against the Kerala High Court order dismissing a PIL on the issue. She is a renowned author. She has not promoted such a thing. There is a warning in the book, and she is a prominent person as well. Why do such a thing for publicity? There is no hoarding in the city with the picture of the book. It is for someone who will take the book and read it. Her picture with it does not portray any such thing, the CJI said. The bench said that the author and the publisher Penguin Hamish Hamilton have not violated Section 5 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003. This provision prohibits the advertisement, promotion, and sponsorship of cigarettes and other tobacco products, anning direct ads, surrogate ads, promoting through media, displays, leaflets, and any activity suggesting tobacco use, with strict penalties. It, however, allows health warnings on packages and some specific retail point displays. We see no reason to interfere with the impugned High Court order, the CJI said. The counsel for the petitioner said, We don't know it's a 'ganja beedi' or a 'normal beedi'. She is herself shown smoking it. He added that the book has a very small disclaimer and does not contain a prominent warning as provided under the law. Book, publisher or author has nothing to do with advertising for cigarettes etc. This is not an advertisement. You may disagree with the views of the author... but that does not mean such a case can lie, the CJI said. The book is a memoir authored by Roy.
SIT to probe second sexual assault case against expelled Kerala MLA Mamkootathil
Thiruvananthapuram: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe a second case of sexual assault against expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, police officials said on Friday. The SIT will be led by G Poonguzhali, Assistant Inspector General at the Police Headquarters. The team also includes a DSP rank officer and sub-inspectors, officials added. 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 .
Telugu devotees attacked at Sabrimala Temple in Kerala
Hyderabad: A few devotees from Telugu states were reportedly attacked at Sabrimala Temple in Kerala on December 2. The incident occurred when a trader attacked two devotees after being questioned about the high price of water bottles. According to reports, an argument ensued between the trader and the devotees. The trader hit one of the 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 .
SC Rejects Plea For Prohibiting Sale Of Arundhati Roys Book Whose Cover Depicts Her Smoking
New Delhi, Dec 5: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking to prohibit the sale, circulation, and display of Arundhati Roys book, Mother Mary Comes to Me, as its cover depicted her smoking a bidi or a cigarette, which is in contravention of the law. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi dismissed the appeal filed by one Rajasimhan against the Kerala High Court order dismissing a PIL on the issue. She is a [] The post SC Rejects Plea For Prohibiting Sale Of Arundhati Roys Book Whose Cover Depicts Her Smoking appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
AIG Poonguzhali to supervise probe in second rape case against Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathil
Officials say the move assumes significance against the backdrop of possibility of more comparable me-too disclosures surfacing in public domain against Mamkootathil. They note that Poonguzhali has considerable experience as nodal officer for victims who testified before Justice Hema Committee
Woman IPS officer to lead probe in second rape case against Rahul Mamkootathil
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police department has appointed a woman IPS officer to head the probe into the second rape case against MLA Rahul Mamkootathil. AIG G Poonkuzhali will lead the team investigating the complaint filed by a 23-year-old woman with the KPCC and forwarded to the State Police Chief. The woman, who is a resident of Bengaluru, had alleged that the MLA raped her at a homestay during a visit to the state and also physically tortured her. The complaint was mailed to the KPCC, which duly forwarded it to the Police Chief. The Bengaluru-based woman alleged that the MLA raped her at a homestay during a visit to the state and also physically tortured her. She emailed her complaint to the KPCC, which then forwarded it to the State Police Chief. Police asked the woman to file an official complaint through the same email used to approach the KPCC. She reportedly agreed, after which a case was registered against Rahul. Her statement will be recorded soon.
IndiGo flight disruptions persist, stranding hundreds at Kerala airports
Indigo has cancelled two inbound flights to Thiruvananthapuram from Pune and Bengaluru, and six flights, including arrivals and departures, remain delayed for hours on Friday
The LDF has a comfortable majority in the Corporation, but in many wards it was a neck and neck fight; of the four municipalities, three are likely to witness three-cornered contests; in the rural belt, both UDF and NDA have intensified campaigns around development lapses and local issues
Enforcement squads struggle as poll campaign materials flood city
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Local body polls are taking a heavy toll on the capital, with illegal flex boards and campaign materials defacing public spaces across Thiruvananthapuram. Medians, footpaths and even electric posts have been taken over by unauthorised campaign displays, despite the green protocol being in force. There are four enforcement squads at the district level and 25 under the city corporation. However, officials say enforcement is proving extremely difficult this time. According to Suchitwa Mission authorities, unlike Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, monitoring violations during local body polls is challenging as elections are held at the ward level. Thiruvananthapuram district has 96 local bodies, including the district panchayat, the corporation, four municipalities, 11 block panchayats and 73 grama panchayats. With thousands of candidates in the fray, enforcement teams are able to carry out only random checks. Adding to the challenges, the entire responsibility for conducting local body elections falls on the Local Self-Government Department. Almost every official in local bodies has election duties as returning officer or assistant returning officer. Enforcement is just one among many responsibilities, making large-scale action difficult, an official said. This year, the green protocol has been integrated into the Model Code of Conduct in a statutory manner. The Suchitwa Mission has also intensified pre-election awareness campaigns, insisting that all campaign materials must be made solely of paper, pure cotton or permissible polyethylene-based materials. So far, enforcement squads have conducted 317 inspections, seized 688kg of banned materials and collected `16,500 in fines till Tuesday. A Suchitwa Mission official said district squads are struggling because an official from the respective local body must be present during enforcement.We have our limitations, and the secretary of the concerned panchayat or local body is responsible for enforcement. We are carrying out random inspections every day, the official said. Squads also face resistance when attempting to seize illegal materials, leading to disputes with candidates and political parties. Flex boards with fake QR codes are being used extensively for campaigning, the official added.
In an attempt to contain the political damage caused to the partys poll prospects, the Congress has expelled the Palakkad MLA, who is facing allegations of rape, coerced termination of pregnancy, from the organisation
Kerala local body polls 2025: Mamkootathils expulsion dominates political debate in poll-bound State
In an attempt to contain the political damage caused to the partys poll prospects, the Congress has expelled the Palakkad MLA, who is facing allegations of rape, coerced termination of pregnancy, from the organisation
Guv-govt tussle on cards over VC selection
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Signalling a fresh showdown with the state government, Governor Rajendra Arlekar has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court rejecting Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans recommendation to appoint two academics of his choice as Vice Chancellors of APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) and Digital University, Kerala (DUK). As directed by the Supreme Court, two separate search-cum-selection committees headed by Justice (Retd) Sudhanshu Dhulia had shortlisted VC probables for both universities. On the basis of the panels reports, the chief minister had recommended to the governor that C Sathish Kumar and Saji Gopinath be chosen as VCs of KTU and DUK respectively. However, the governor in his affidavit said he recommends the appointment of Ciza Thomas for KTU and Priya Chandran for DUK. The governor contented that the academics were shortlisted by both search panels, further validating their exemplary merit. Arlekar also pointed out that no documents were provided to him relating to credentials of VC probables shortlisted by the CM. The governor has also taken exception to the chief ministers remarks in the recommendation that Ciza was not suitable for appointment to the VC post. The governor stated that the reasons cited by the chief minister to reject Cizas candidature were based on certain news reports.
200 take part in sports meet for children with disabilities
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Nearly 200 children with disabilities took part in a special sports meet organised by the Trivandrum Physiatrists Club to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025. The event aimed to foster inclusion, confidence, and sporting excellence was held at the Sports Authority of Indias Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education (LNCPE), Kariavattom. The programme was inaugurated by Dr Selvan P, president of IAPMR Kerala. In his keynote address, Dr Roy R Chandran, state secretary of IMA Kerala, lauded the childrens spirited performances, remarking that they represent the promise of the nations future. The gathering was also attended by Dr Padma Prasad, president of IMA Chirayinkeezhu, and Dr Najeeb A, district programme coordinator of Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK), along with leading physiatrists in the state. Sessions on sports medicine and rehabilitation were led by Dr Harsha P S (sports medicine consultant, SAI-LNCPE), Dr Neena T V (sports medicine consultant, Rajiv Gandhi Sports Centre), and Dr Sindhuja N S (PMR specialist). Their talks highlighted the expanding role of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PMR) in sports, disability care, and inclusive community health.
Kerala Lottery Result Today, December 5, 2025 Live: Suvarna Keralam SK-30 Winning Numbers
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 5-12-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Suvarna Keralam SK-30 for Friday, December 5. Check the full list of winning numbers from 3 pm.
Celebrity leaders fall leaves Congress scrambling
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress partys decision to expel Rahul B R, popularly known as Rahul Mamkootathil, marked a dramatic fall for the young Palakkad MLA who once enjoyed widespread popularity across Kerala. A Youth Congress president with a massive fan following at a time, Rahuls meteoric rise ended in ignominy after mounting sexual assault allegations forced the party to take the ultimate action. Until August 21, Rahul was a political superstar, commanding blind loyalty from supporters who even targeted senior party leaders critical of him. His influence, rivalled only by his mentor, Vadakara MP Shafi Parambil, made him Keralas first celebrity leader. With his fall, the Congress faces political and moral fallout merely a week away from the local body elections. A senior leader said, He got what he asked for. It would now be a herculean task for the Congress to bring itself back on the campaign trail. There is also relief. However, though the leadership terms the decision timely, Congress insiders argue that acting even a day earlier could have handed the party a moral advantage. Now, everyone realises we were waiting for the courts decision. Had anticipatory bail been granted, the party might have acted differently, said a KPCC office-bearer. Political commentator Sreekumar Manayil noted that the delay had another consequence. Congress failed to highlight the LDF governments shortcomings as its leadership was occupied with the Rahul episode. The party lost valuable campaign time. Both Congress and CPM now face a mixed political scenario, he said. The leaders noted that the delayed decision to expel the MLA had a direct link to the support Rahul continued to enjoy even after he was suspended. Still, despite the controversy, the leaders insisted that local voters remain primarily concerned with ward-level concerns. However, it is uncertain whether issues like the Sabarimala gold theft case or CPM MP John Brittas involvement in the PM SHRI project will influence voters. Who benefits from the Sabarimala controversy is up for debate as BJP is also seeking a share of the spoils. Chances are, it is unlikely to become a major factor in the local body elections, said the Congress leader. Rahuls ouster is also expected to tone down the all-out attacks he and Shafi had mounted against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPM, an aggressive style of politics that netted them fans. N Sreekumar, former resident editor of Veekshanam Daily, said, The intensity of their attacks grew after Rahul became the Youth Congress president, and peaked during the Nilambur by-election. With Shafi now under scrutiny for mentoring Rahul, that aggressive approach is likely to diminish. While supporters of Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan had hoped to reap political benefits from the Rahul row, sources say the overall power equation within Congress remains largely unchanged. Satheesans role in the local body polls is at par with other leaders. If the UDF sweeps the polls, it will benefit the leadership. The axis between KPCC president Sunny Joseph, working presidents A P Anil Kumar, P C Vishnunadh and Shafi Parambil, and UDF convenor Adoor Prakash is intact and retains influence with backing of AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, a senior leader noted.
The one who removed me is now removed: Shahanas hails Rahul Mamkootathils expulsion
KOZHIKODE: KPCC Samskara Sahithi general secretary M A Shahanas has welcomed Congress decision to expel MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, stating that the party has taken a strong and proud stand in support of women. Shahanas, who had earlier revealed that she was removed from a cultural WhatsApp group by Rahul Mamkootathil, noted that the same person has now been expelled from the party. The person who removed me from the WhatsApp group has now been removed himself. Even at this moment, I remain within the Congress. The partys firm stand with women makes me proud, she wrote on Facebook. Shahanas had earlier disclosed that even women as old as her mother had bad experiences with Rahul within the Mahila Congress. She stated that when she raised complaints, the silence of Shafi felt disappointing and sarcastic. She added that if Shafi claimed her allegations were false, she would release evidence. According to Shahanas, Rahul had behaved inappropriately with her as well. After returning from participating in the farmers protest in New Delhi, she allegedly received an improper message from him suggesting they could have travelled together. She said she had informed Shafi Parambil about the incident. Shahanas stated that had her complaint been taken seriously earlier, the present situation could have been avoided. People like Rahul are the ones who tarnish the image of the party, she remarked.
Ex-army officer under Houthi captivity set free after five months
ALAPPUZHA: A retired Indian Army officer from Kayamkulam, who was taken captive by Houthi rebels in war-torn Yemen, was released after five months on Wednesday. Anilkumar Raveendran, 52, of Sreejalayam, Pathiyoor, Kayamkulam, was held by the security forces under the Houthi-controlled Yemeni government since July 7. He was serving as a security officer on board the Liberian-flagged cargo vessel MV Eternity C, which was attacked and later sunk in the Red Sea. Anilkumar told TNIE after arriving from Yemen on Thursday that the rebels did not physically torture him. However, the five-month captivity in a room, somewhere in Sanaa, was a mental torture. He and 10 others were in captivity, including nine Filipinos and one Greek national were released. On Wednesday night, he arrived in Oman and reached Nedumbassery on Thursday noon. In July, the cargo vessel was on its way to the Israeli port of Eilat when it came under attack. Houthi militants, who have intensified strikes on international shipping amid the Israel-Gaza conflict, seized the vessel and later destroyed it. At the time, the ship carried crew from India, the Philippines, Russia, and Greece. Four crew members were killed in the assault, while six, including Augustin from Parassala, Thiruvananthapuram, were rescued by the European Union Naval Force and repatriated within a week. However, 11 others, including Anilkumar, remained in captivity. Anilkumar joined the shipping company five years ago through Ocean Group Overseas Consultancy, Palakkad. A former soldier, he retired after 19 years of service. His wife is Sreeja, son Anuj, a BSc Emergency Medicine student, and daughter Anugha, a Plus-I student.
IUML cant compromise with Jamaat ideology
KOZHIKODE: Striking a different note on the UDF-Welfare Party election understanding, IUML leader M K Muneer, MLA, said his party can never compromise with the ideology of the Jamaat-e-Islami, the parent organisation of the Welfare Party. Speaking to a Malayalam TV channel, Muneer said he has no hesitation in declaring even in the time of election campaign that there are fundamental differences with the Jamaat. We have spoken and written against the Jamaat and we or they (the Jamaat) do not denounce what we said, he said. It may be recalled that the UDF has struck local-level understanding with the Welfare Party in the ensuing local body elections. IUML state president Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal himself has attested the understanding with the Welfare Party. Muneer said the Welfare Party is supporting the UDF in certain places and that it cannot be construed as a political alliance. The CPM, which accepted the support of the Jamaat, is indulging in a campaign completely forgetting the past, he said. The UDF didnt do anything that the CPM did in the past. We have a strong approach to the Jamaat, he said. Muneers remarks came at a time when the IUML-Jamaat relationship developed into a full-fledged alliance at least in some constituencies.
KSEB issues surge alert for river banks as power production resumes at Moolamattom
KOCHI: The trial run for electricity production has successfully resumed at the Moolamattom Power House on Thursday, following the completion of critical maintenance work on the facilitys penstock. The KSEB has issued an urgent warning regarding a potential sudden and significant surge in water level in the canal stretching from Moolamattom to Malankara. The residents on both banks of the river and anyone entering the water should exercise extreme caution as there is a possibility of sudden surge in the water level, KSEB deputy chief engineer said in a statement. The Moolamattom power house, a vital component of Keralas power grid, was completely shut down on November 12, ceasing all power generation for essential repairs. The shutdown, approved by the chief minister, was deemed necessary by the electricity minister as the most suitable time with continuous rain ensuring sufficient water storage, mitigating the water shortage concerns. The minister also highlighted the increasing danger posed by a leak in the spherical valve, which was becoming uncontrollable. He said that an emergency, unscheduled shutdown later could have resulted in more serious complications. While initial permission was granted for a 30-day closure, the KSEB successfully completed the extensive repair work within the targeted 25-day period.
Keralas new local bodies face mounting waste crisis as key projects stall
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When the new councils take charge in Keralas different local bodies later this month, most will have a common problem on their hands waste management. Kerala generates over 10,000 tonnes of solid waste every day. However, despite the state having systems in place to manage it, it still leaves a lot to be desired. Nearly 1,200 local bodies struggle manage the widening gap between waste generation and available infrastructure to handle it. Lack of land, stiff local resistance and several failed centralised waste management projects continue to hold the state back. Take for example the Rs 2,400-crore World Bank-funded project launched in 2021 to improve solid waste management in 93 urban local bodies. The initiative has come to a grinding halt due to the state governments inability to set up sanitary landfills essential for scientific waste processing. Over the past four years, the Kerala Solid Waste Management Project (KSWMP) tried establishing regional waste management facilities in Kasaragod, Palakkad, Thrissur, Kollam and Ernakulam, but failed. And, officials admit that without setting up regional sanitary landfills, the state cannot utilise the World Bank grant. Local bodies, ward members, residents and even MLAs are opposing waste management projects. Our repeated attempts to set up regional facilities, mandatory for utilising the World Bank grant, have failed. At Ambalamedu in Ernakulam, the local body refused approval to build a landfill due to strong local resistance. We had even prepared a `600-crore project benefiting around 22 surrounding local bodies, a senior government official said. The massive fire at the Brahmapuram waste plant in March 2023 that left Kochi and its suburbs choking for days, served as a turning point, pushing waste management to the top of the governments priority list. To strengthen the system, 38,312 Haritha Karma Sena members were deployed for door-to-door collection of non-biodegradable waste. Last year, they collected 1.5 lakh tonnes of such waste from households and establishments for safe disposal. Kerala generates 7,660 tonnes of biodegradable waste and 2,416 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste daily. However, despite efforts to promote decentralised processing at source, managing biodegradable waste remains a critical concern for most local bodies. Currently, many of them rely on pig farms. While source-level management systems exist in several areas, the department is adopting a hybrid strategy, introducing community-level waste treatment facilities to bridge gaps. To encourage residents to set up source-level systems, the government has announced a 5% exemption in property tax. A statewide survey is on to assess the status of source-level waste management facilities. Its findings will help identify gaps, understand operational realities and plan necessary interventions. Only households with functional waste management systems will be eligible for the exemption. Those unable or unwilling to set these up will be provided waste collection as a paid service, with user fees applicable, an official said. With only a few months left for its term to end, the Local Self-Government Department (LSGD) is gearing up to roll out a slew of initiatives aimed at achieving a garbage-free Kerala under its Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam 2.0 mission. LSGD Minister M B Rajesh told TNIE that the state has overcome the toughest phase of its waste management crisis and is now on a clear path forward. He also said Kerala will become a dumpsite-free state within the next two years. We took the Brahmapuram fire disaster as an opportunity to transform Kerala into a garbage-free state. We have achieved a lot. Now, we have a clear roadmap to move ahead sustainably. Four regional sanitary waste management facilities will become operational by April or May. Compressed biogas (CBG) plants in Palakkad are nearing completion, and work on the Kozhikode CBG plant will begin immediately, Rajesh said. Growing waste burden Kerala generates nearly four million tonnes of solid waste every year, with urban centres accounting for a major share. While biodegradable waste dominates the mix, the strain on waste management systems continues to grow. The figures below capture the scale of the challenge and the infrastructure in place to manage it
Farmer outfits seek written assurance from candidates
KOCHI: With the campaigning for local body elections entering the final stage, farmers organisations have demanded written assurance from candidates on safeguarding the rights of farmers to defend themselves from wild animal attacks. The Kerala Independent Farmers Association (KIFA) and the Catholic Congress have given a call to farmers in the high ranges to get the assurance duly signed by candidates in a prescribed format. The form has been distributed among farmers in the forest fringe areas of Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram. The form states that I (the candidate) and my party assure that we will support any farmer who takes defensive measures to stop wild animals entering farmlands outside the forest as per the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act 11 (2), and will oppose any move to book criminal cases against them. We will take earnest efforts to make the government accept this stand. Initially some political parties had refused to sign the form. But the farmers declared that they will boycott the election if the candidates refuse to sign the form. Now candidates are willingly signing it and some candidates have taken the printouts on their own and and delivered them to the farmers. Our stand is that we will support only candidates who stand for the farmers cause. Besides we are putting up flex boards in all wards of forest fringe areas. The flex board carries the message that No vote for those who stand for wild animals, said KIFA chairman Alex Ozhukayil. The Catholic Congress has issued a statement urging farmers to demand candidates to declare their stand on issues affecting the farmers. We will respond to political parties who ignore the woes of farmers. The plan is to expose politicians who failed to implement the assurance on ensuring fair price to rubber and paddy farmers. Politicians are circulating spicy narratives to divert attention from the core issues. We will demand candidates to give a written assurance on ensuring protection under Section 11 (2) of Wildlife Protection act to farmers who defend themselves from wild animals raiding crops, said Catholic Congress global director Fr Philip Kaviyil. As many as 32 people were killed by wild elephants in 2025 while three others were mauled by tigers. The farmers are unable to cultivate crops due to increasing wild animal attacks. We want political parties to take a proactive stand to save farmers from wild animals, he said. Meanwhile, a senior forest official said some people are circulating exaggerated figures of deaths in wild animal attacks. Only 15 deaths have occurred in wild elephant attacks in 2025-26, which is lower that the previous years. The total number of deaths in wild animal conflicts this year is 21 and two of the victims were killed by tigers. There were four deaths in wild pig attacks. We have succeeded in bringing down the deaths due to snakebites which is 13 this year compared to 34 in the previous year, he said.
A royal tribute to spirit of political inclusiveness
ALAPPUZHA: It has been common practice, in the recent past, for government-owned buildings and educational institutions to be used as polling stations. However, a specially designated polling station for leprosy patients at the Leprosy Sanatorium in Nooranad holds a unique place in the states electoral history. The building, constructed in 1934 by the maharaja of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, continues to serve as the polling station for the sanatoriums inmates. According to Muthukrishnan, a 74-year-old inmate who has lived in the sanatorium for over 50 years, the facility was specifically built by the king to ensure the voting rights of patients. Over 2,400 inmates lived here during the early decades. The sanatorium was established by Balarama Varma at a time when the Sree Moolam Praja Sabha (SMPS) functioned as the elected legislative body of Travancore. Sree Moolam Thirunal, who ruled from 1885 to 1924, established the Travancore Legislative Council, the first of its kind in any princely state in the country. Later, it was reorganised as SMPS, he said. The king constructed the polling station along with the sanatorium on the 155-acre premises. Inmates got to use the polling station for the first time in 1937. After Independence and the reorganisation of princely states, the building continued to serve as a polling station. The institution was also known as a stronghold of communist activities, with leaders such as Thoppil Bhasi using it as a hideout. Prominent political leaders, including E M S Namboodiripad, C Achutha Menon, K R Gouri, and K Karunakaran, and many others have visited the sanatorium for election campaigning, Muthukrishnan recounts. Today, the polling station has 55 registered voters, most of them inmates. A few are former patients who continue to live nearby. Over the years, the campus shrunk to less than 100 acres, and the number of inmates dropped to 80. However, its historic polling station remains a testament to an era when voting rights were extended with a spirit of inclusiveness, rarely seen in princely India.
Will there be Suresh Gopi effect in Thrissur corporation?
THRISSUR: Cultural capital of Kerala. Land of Pooram and festivals. A city designed and built by Cochin King Sakthan Thampuran. The states gold hub. Thrissur is many things. For the BJP, it is also the constituency that gave it its first MP in the state. Understandably, as local body elections near just a week to go all eyes are on Thrissur corporation. Will there be a Suresh Gopi effect? As of now, with the campaigning intensifying, the pulse in the civic body suggests a tight three-way contest in all 56 divisions. Thrissur corporation is also the only local body in the state that supplies electricity and drinking water by itself, while the KSEB and KWA handle the responsibilities in the rest of the state. Hence, winning the corporation gains importance. While the ruling Left front is banking on development projects like the IM Vijayan International Stadium and Sports Complex at Lalur in Vanchikkulam, and concreting of Kuruppam Road, along with the governments welfare schemes to win public support, UDF has adopted the strategy of highlighting the corruption and drawbacks in the implementation of projects by the LDF-led council. For the NDA, the mileage BJP gained in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections seems to be its driving force. BJP got clear lead in 36 divisions in the Lok Sabha elections. In the Thrissur corporation elections, we are working towards maintaining this lead to come to power, said K R Hari, BJP district general secretary. He said the party has fielded its best candidates and that the public mandate will be favourable. Rejecting allegations surrounding the change in candidate in the Kuttankulangara division, he disclosed that V Athira, the Poonkunnam councillor, backed out due to personal inconvenience. Rajan Pallan, the leader of opposition in the council and Congress in-charge of election campaign in the corporation, said people are seeking a change as they are dissatisfied and done with the LDF governance in the corporation and the state. We have been preparing for the local body elections in advance and that will be reflected in the results. Though 28 of the 56 divisions are reserved for women, UDF has fielded 32 women candidates. Of them, 12 are young, aged below 35. This shows the efforts we have taken to ensure victory in the corporation, he said. Anoop Davis Kada, CPM councillor in-charge of the partys election campaign in the corporation, said Thrissur witnessed huge transformation in the 10 years of LDF governance. Our projects will speak for us and people seek a continuation of the same, he said. The Aam Admi Party has also fielded candidates in some divisions. In the last term, since no party got a clear majority, independent candidates proved decisive. This time too, since there is a three-cornered fight, it seems the split in votes will be crucial and the presence of independent candidates among the winners will be decisive, said a political analyst. Elections in Thrissur will be held on December 11.
Hub of miscreants to tourist haven, Pathiramanal all set for new dawn
ALAPPUZHA: After years of neglect, the picturesque Pathiramanal Island in Vembanad Lake is receiving a new lease of life. Muhamma panchayat has launched efforts to develop the island, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, into an international tourist destination. A major obstacle to tourism development had been the absence of electricity on the isle. This has now been resolved with the installation of a solar power unit at a cost of Rs 10 lakh. According to panchayat president Swapna Shabu, the battery-operated solar power system was set up with the support of the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (Anert). Solar lights, toilets, waiting areas, cafeterias and other facilities were installed, making the island accessible even at night. Three security guards have been appointed round the clock for the protection of the island. Kudumbashree members run the cafeteria, Haritha Karma Sena workers handle sanitation. This is a huge relief for visitors, she said. This year, around 35,000 tourists have so far visited the island. Ticket sales have generated a revenue of Rs 2.25 lakh, with each visitor paying an entry fee of Rs 50. The State Water Transport Departments two cruise services, Vega and Sea Kuttanad, have significantly boosted tourist footfall. In addition, private boats and speedboats operate from the Kayippuram and Muhamma jetties, providing transportation to the island, Swapna added. An aerial view of Pathiramanal Island Once a haven for antisocial elements and illegal sand miners, the island is now a safe tourist spot. The island used to be a hideout for drunkards and drug users. With the deployment of security staff, the island has become safe for all visitors. The efforts of the panchayat and the tourism department have greatly improved facilities, said Shaji Arangu, a resident of Muhamma. The panchayat emphasises eco-friendly development, ensuring that every construction activity is aligned with nature. Pathiramanal Fests held in 2023 and 2024 attracted large crowds and paved the way for the islands revival. A mini park costing Rs 25 lakh, forest pathways, and other facilities have been developed, Swapna said. A survey conducted in 2014 recorded around 50 varieties of migratory birds, 91 species of local birds, and about 50 species of spiders. More than 100 varieties of plants have also been identified on the island. Victim of human excess Unregulated sand mining remains a major threat to the ecological balance of the Vembanad. Pathiramanal has shrunk from 91 hectares to just 60 hectares due to excessive sand extraction from its periphery. Plastic and waste dumped by illegal visitors have also contributed to pollution. The island was purchased by A C M Anthraper of Cherthala from the Bheemji Devaji Trust of Kochi in 1960. Following the enactment of the Land Reforms Act, the government took over the island as surplus land in 1979. At the time, around 14 families lived on the island. They were later rehabilitated to Kayippuram, in Muhamma panchayat. With several government plans to revive the island having failed over the years, the new initiative by Muhamma panchayat offers renewed hope for this ecologically fragile destination.
2017 Kerala actor abduction case: No more, no less... only the truth
KOCHI: On February 17, 2017, she was in a pleasant mood when she left her home in Patturaikkal, near Thrissur, for a film shoot in Kochi. She boarded the SUV -- arranged by the production company Lal Creations -- at 7 pm, and was headed to Panampilly Nagar, according to the first information report (FIR). In one and a half hours, her whole world was to turn upside down. It all started when a gang of reportedly three hired gangsters who had been pursuing the actor in the van bearing the name of a catering firm rammed their vehicle into the SUV around 8:30 pm near Nedumbassery airport junction to create the scene of an accident. They had tracked her based on information provided by the SUVs driver, Martin. Two of the gangsters barged into the vehicle and covered her mouth with their palms. They threatened her and grabbed the actors mobile. When the vehicle reached Palarivattom, Martin and two gang members stepped out to make way for first accused N S Sunil aka Pulsar Suni, who had initially masked his face with a towel, and two other accomplices -- who entered the vehicle en route and held down the victim. With Suni at the wheel, Martin joined the gang in their van. Having made his way to Kakkanad, Suni stopped the vehicle near an isolated bridge. He then moved to the back seat and forced the actor to sit on his lap. Despite her protestations and appeals, he overpowered and sexually assaulted her from 8:30pm to 11pm. Suni also recorded visuals of the abuse on his cell phone. Final hearing in 2017 Kerala actor abduction case on May 21 According to the FIR, Suni threatened her, saying: If you cooperate for a two-to three-minute video, I will let you go wherever you want. If not, I will take you to the DD Retreat flat where many are waiting. I cant say what they will do once they get their hands on you. The ordeal ended when she was abandoned at Padamugal, near Kakkanad, the report said. After the brutal abuse, the actor proceeded to seek shelter at the house of Lal, who runs Lal Creations and was directing the movie she was working on. She reached the nearby residence completely terrified, collapsed into Lals arms, and began sobbing uncontrollably. Though Lal and his wife tried to console her after hearing about the incident, she was shattered and spent the night there. Meanwhile, Lal called late Congress MLA P T Thomas and movie producer Anto Joseph. They became instrumental in safeguarding her and initiating immediate action. They also encouraged her to file the complaint. Soon after, police officers arrived, and an FIR was registered. On February 20, members of the film industry assembled at Durbar Hall in Kochi to declare their solidarity with the actor. Masculinity is not something that should be imposed on women, veteran actor Mammootty said, pledging his support to ensure justice for the survivor. The abduction and assault are part of a criminal conspiracy, actor Manju Warrier said, addressing the gathering. In the days that followed, the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) emerged as a powerful voice, standing firmly with the actor. Kerala HC dismisses actor Dileep's request to transfer investigation to CBI Recounting Thomas intervention, his wife and MLA Uma Thomas said, That night, PT was preparing to go to bed after a late night when the phone rang. He hurried to go out again. Normally, he kept me in the loop, but this time he didnt say anything. He returned only at dawn, looking extremely distressed. He had remained awake throughout the night and seemed troubled, as if something had happened to his own daughter. She said based on the behaviour of the driver, Thomas grew suspicious and sensed a deeper conspiracy behind the assault. Uma said Thomas, who was witness number 10, was pressured from several quarters against giving a statement. But, he remained resolute, telling those who approached him that he would speak no more, no less... only the truth, she told TNIE. (to be continued) How can accused demand CBI probe, Kerala HC asks actor Dileep
Couple nabbed for smuggling 11 exotic birds worth crores
KOCHI: A couple was nabbed for smuggling 11 exotic birds, worth crores, at Cochin International Airport, on Thursday. The suspects, from Malappuram, and their seven-year-old child were intercepted by the air intelligence unit (AIU) of customs officials. The suspects had arrived from Thailand via Kuala Lumpur, customs sources said. Based on specific intelligence, officers intercepted the suspects at the exit gate and detailed examination of their check-in baggages resulted in the recovery of 11 live birds, classified under appendix I (most endangered species) and appendix II (species with strictly regulated trade) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The birds were seized under mahazar, the source said. As per CITES regulations, the seized birds will be deported to Thailand, their country of origin. customs officials said the couple and the birds have been handed over to the forest department for further investigation. This year alone, three attempts to smuggle exotic species have been foiled at Kochi airport.
Bekal to host Mani Ratnam, Manisha Koirala for Bombay anniversery
KASARAGOD: Bekal, one of the best-preserved forts of Kerala, has appeared in more than 50 films. Yet, it was Tamil song Uyire Tu Hi Re in Hindi from the Mani Ratnam-directorial Bombay (1995) that put it on the tourism map of the cine world. So, it is only fitting that Bekal host the 30th anniversary reunion of the acclaimed Tamil flick. The Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC) is organising the geet-together at Bekal Beach on December 20. The films director Mani Ratnam, lead actor Manisha Koirala and cinematographer Rajiv Menon, who captured the forts beauty in the monsoon, would participate in the event. Bombay was the first movie to popularise Bekal in a grand manner. We are conducting Bombay Reunion to reintroduce Bekal as the centre of cinema tourism, said BRDC MD Shijin Parambath. The decision to invite Mani Ratnam to Bekal was taken at the BRDC board meeting in August. Interestingly, this year also marks the 30th anniversary of BRDC. The 17th century fort gained prominence after the Union government in 1992 identified Bekal as one of the five Special Tourism Zones in the country to be developed for beach-based tourism. Puri in Odisha, Sindudurg in Maharashtra, Daman and Diu Islands and Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu were others. The state government formed BRDC to promote to develop tourism in and around Bekal. The corporation managed to develop three 5-star resorts out of the six proposed in the area while improving the tourism infrastructure around the fort. Bekal Fort was constructed by Keladi Nayakas, the feudal chieftains who ruled from Keladi (present day Shivamogga) in 1650. Hyder Ali took over when he invaded the Malabar region and his son Tipu Sultan fortified it with a watch tower. The fort faded into obscurity during the British Raj and remained one of the many ruined forts of Kasaragod district till the 1990s. Bombay features an inter-faith couple who are caught in the Bombay riots that followed the Babri Masjid demolition.
Sanju Samson, KM Asif help Kerala stun champs Mumbai by 15 runs
The star-studded Mumbai side, led by India pacer Shardul Thakur and having the likes of national T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube in their ranks, crumbled to 163 all out in 19.4 overs while chasing 179.
Malayali women's Kashmir adventure fuelled by teen love for thump
It was something they had dreamt of since they were teenagers. A dream that sprouted from a shared fascination for motorcycles, and the thump. They wanted to be riders. For Shyni C V, that passion has now become as essential as breathing. For Uma Mahesh, the enduring love has slowly turned into a realisation. And for Nishi Khan, it felt like finally coming home. The three women, all in their 40s, recently completed a Kanniyakumari-to-Kashmir ride. That teenage dream has now evolved into a lifestyle for the trio. Uma, who heads a business in Kochi, knew how to ride a motorcycle by 18. But she mustered the confidence to get one for herself only last year. When I was a young woman, people looked at me differently for riding a motorcycle, she recalls. Stare I got meant I had to stop. And I was given a gender-appropriate two-wheeler instead. But the call of the thump persisted. After years spent building a career and family, she finally decided to go full throttle. I met Shyni, who is an ace rider. She had done five all-India trips, Uma says. Nishi Khan, Shyni C V and Uma Mahesh pose in front of the CRPF camp in Jammu Nishi, too, received her licence as soon as she turned 18. But I was never able to buy a motorcycle for myself, she rues. It was during the lockdown that I rekindled my dream, thanks in part to social media reels. Soon, she bought her dream machine. She also came to know of Shyni during a Womens Day celebration. Quite poetic, isnt it? The trio soon decided to embark on an adventure: a Kanniyakumari-to-Kashmir ride with a cause Say No To Drugs. Among riders in India, Shyni is a familiar figure. Her driving school in Thiruvananthapuram trains women to ride motorcycles. And taking Nishi and Uma on their maiden long-distance ride is something she was always happy to do. The trio set off from Kanniyakumari. But as we started crossing geographies, things became difficult, recalls Uma. What kept us on the road was that thrill, that excitement of reaching a new place. They reached Delhi amid a flood. Our planned schedule drowned in the waters and we were stuck there for a week, Nishi says. Rain followed them all the way to Kashmir. There were floods. All the roads were damaged. It was pouring everywhere, says Uma. The trio at Kanniyakumari It took the trio 20 days to cover over 3,400km from Kanniyakumari to Kashmir. After spending a few days there, Uma returned to Kochi via Goa and Nishi took a detour from Chandigarh with another biker group headed to Ladakh, before returning to Thiruvananthapuram. Shyni, who accompanied Uma till Goa, headed back to Rajasthan for another impromptu all-India ride. Called the first woman Iron Butt of India, she is on her sixth cross-country trip. I reached Guwahati from Patna today. And after speaking at a school to students about the dark side of drugs and addiction, I will ride on first to the ongoing Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, and then to Arunachal Pradesh, Shyni says over phone. Inspired, Uma and Nishir are dreaming of even more journeys.
Santa Cruz Basilica: The 'Sistine Chapel' of Fort Kochi
David Lawrence does not consider himself the ideal Christian. Yet every morning, he slips quietly into the Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi his parish church and spends thirty unhurried minutes there. This is how I begin my day. This is my ritual, my anchor - and has been for many years now. It is essential. To quieten the mind, to reflect, to lift my thoughts, he says. This reverence, David adds, is stirred in part by the intricate frescoes that stretch across the churchs ceiling. They are luminous and deepen my sense of devotion. Indeed. Step into the Basilica and your gaze is immediately drawn skyward, to the long nave, where the ceiling frescoes unfold like a series of story panels, each scene guiding the eye onward, until it rests at the main altar at the far end. I have been to Rome to see the Sistine Chapel. Many famous murals adorn that chapel. Yet, I feel the ones here at Santa Cruz are no less magical, no less stirring, he adds. The altar of Santa Cruz Basilica Though unfamiliar with the finer points of the art world, Davids nod to the Sistine Chapel is fitting. The frescoes at Santa Cruz Basilica were done by an Italian Jesuit brother and painter named Antonio Moscheni, along with his disciple De Gama, says Rakhi Mariam Johnson, an architect and researcher who has done extensive studies on church architecture of Kerala. Accounts on Antonio reveal that the artist had spent his youth in Rome, studying the masterpieces in the Vatican. Apparently, it is there that he developed an interest in fresco painting. Several of his works can be found in the churches of Italys Bergamo province, and, as his talent attracted attention, in places as far as Croatia and Albania. In 1898, Antonio was assigned work in India to paint the chapel of St Aloysius College in Mangaluru, which was then recently founded by Italian Jesuits, reads a note shared by the college. Over the course of two years, Antonio covered walls, ceiling and pillars with framed, vivid tableaux on the life of St Aloysius Gonzaga, the colleges patron saint, and on the mysteries of the Christian faith. Because paints were not available locally and Europe was too far, Antonio prepared the paints using vegetable dyes, the note further reads. The frescoes that adorn the chapel of St Aloysius College in Mangaluru Though Antonio was to return to Europe after completing the college work, his fame had by then spread in India, and requests came from all quarters for similar works. The chapel of the Kankanady Hospital (Father Muller Hospital), the Mangaluru seminary, the Church of Most Holy Saviour in Bantwal (Karnataka), and the Cathedral of the Holy Name in Bombay (Mumbai) were some of the immediate beneficiaries. Then, in 1905, came the request from the then-bishop of Cochin for work on the newly constructed cathedral in Fort Kochi. Now, as equally enchanting as Antonios masterpiece in Mangaluru was the storied history of the Cochin cathedral, rendering it impossible for an artist then to overlook a chance to work here. The cathedral was built on the site where a church had stood for centuries, says Rakhi. The original church, built in 1505 during the Portuguese period, was repurposed into an arms storehouse when the Dutch had foothold in Cochin, and was later destroyed when the British took over in 1806. The frescoes that adorn the chapel of St Aloysius College in Mangaluru The present cathedrals construction, she says, began in 1887 and was completed in 1905, a period when the Neo-Gothic style was popular worldwide. The Indo-Gothic architecture twin towers, pointed arches, ribbed vaults and decorative elements must have been a departure from the Kerala-style, Baroque-influenced facades common in Kerala then, she observes. Therefore, Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the rare churches in Kerala, Rakhi adds. Add to this amalgamation the mastery of Antonios artworks, and what you have is indeed a wonder. Sadly, it is not adequately preserved, the parishioners point out. The frescoes that adorn Santa Cruz Basilica in Fort Kochi And no one feels the pain more profoundly than young Lynell de Rozario, whose brother describes her as deeply religious. I have been part of Santa Cruz Basilica my entire life. I have seen the gradual deterioration of the murals and ceiling paintings up close, says Lynell, even amidst a flurry of work tending to the upcoming consecration of a new bishop in Fort Kochi after 25 years. What used to be vibrant and full of detail is now faded, with visible moisture damage and fragile patches that can no longer be ignored. Agnes* (name changed), another parishioner, feels the same. They have done some restorations. But it has come at the cost of these works not looking like historic paintings anymore. They likely painted on top of the original, she says. Unsound and unscientific restoration work taken on the instigation of those who are clearly not experts in the field has been the bane of built heritage in Kerala, points out Biley Menon, co-convenor of the local chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). David concurs. Recently, he and several others had to step in to dissuade a move to redo the cathedrals altar. Finally, it was paused so as not to create needless disturbances during the tourism season. As you know, scores of tourists come to see this church, which has a huge historical and cultural significance, he says. Santa Cruz Basilica; A self-portrait of Antonio Moscheni One of the likely reasons why the frescoes here have remained largely intact for this long despite being so close to the sea and the erratic restoration attempts lies in a secret technique employed by Antonio, reveals Nilabh Sinha, the principal director of INTACH New Delhi and an expert on murals. Apparently, there are two types of fresco work: buono (true fresco) and secco. Secco is the method most commonly used in India. It involved applying dry plaster to the wall and then painting on it with pigments, says Nilabh. Antonios works were done in the true fresco or buono style. The other place you see this kind of work is the Sistine Chapel. Here, the artist prepares a lime-based plaster and paints on it while its still wet. The pigment fuses into the plaster as it dries, forming a permanent bond. Over time, carbonation occurs, creating a protective film over the painting, Nilabh says. This, he adds, ensures the painting remains intact unless the plaster or wall itself is damaged. Antonios work in Mangalurus St Aloysius College was done in the buono method, and given that the Kochi cathedral was also done by him, it is safe to assume that it is a similar method. However, to be sure and a conservation treatment to be designed, a technical study has to be made, Nilabh concludes. The silhouette of Santa Cruz Basilica This is also what a section of the parishioners suggests: regular checks and a complete scientific study. After all, these are not just paintings. They are part of Kochis heritage and cultural landscape, points out a church member. A careful, well-guided restoration, he insists, is essential. Antonio was a man of God. His paintings not only draw the admiration of all who see them, but also raise their hearts and minds to God, says an official of the chapel at St Aloysius College. For Antonio, who now rests in an unmarked grave somewhere in Kochi (sadly, he died four days before the consecration of the church in 1905), what better tribute than to see his final work restored to their due glory. Perhaps when Monsignor Antony Kattiparambil takes charge as the 36th bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cochin on December 7, could his first set of orders also include this?
Kerala: HC denies Cong MLA bail in sex assault case; party expels him
They say a wedding is the most important day of your life. But we believe the life you build together is an important journey, a newly-wed couple wrote on social media recently, explaining why they skipped the banquet halls, the stage lights, the glittering gold, and chose a court marriage and a trip across continents. It was a small post, just a few paragraphs about how they traded an eight-hour performance for something that felt more like themselves. In the comments that followed, young people from across the country chimed in with their own takes on exhaustion, anxiety, social pressure, emotional blackmail, and a shared desire to break free from orchestrated wedding events. Amid the responses was a detailed account from a young man who laid out every reason traditional ceremonies unsettle him: the sea of unfamiliar faces, the rehearsed small talk repeated for days, rituals that feel intrusive, the parade of photo poses, and the cost of feeding and entertaining a thousand people. I want to get registered, have dinner with the people I actually love, and then spend the night dancing with my wife in a dimly lit room, he writes. Another commenter shares that his wedding a week-long celebration that he never wanted drained a years worth of savings and left him wondering who the whole event was really for. Put together, these voices form a chorus that is getting louder these years. A generation asking: What if the point of a wedding is not to impress, but to just breathe together? What if doing it right means doing it small? And in Kerala, this tribe is growing. Youngsters some in simple sari and mundu, some even in jeans and work shirts walking in with a handful of friends and family members, signing a set of papers, exchanging shy smiles, and stepping back into the sun as husband and wife. No theatrics. No loud music. No jostle for the feast. No drama. Often not even colour-coded outfits. Just a phone props up on someones palm recording the moment. And a small, unpolished video that may later find its way to social media, where it will sit among a growing wave of simple weddings capturing the internets soft spot. Rosline and Anand However, in many homes, parents are still trying to fathom why their children are walking away from the elaborate ceremonies. Family and societal pressure is real, says Noel George, a lawyer who recently married his partner, Amala, through registration. The couple wanted a small, intimate ceremony, but eventually held a function because of pressure from society. There is always a misconception around register/court marriages. People think something is wrong or something is being hidden. Even my colleagues asked why we were choosing to keep it small if everything was happy and straightforward, he smiles. Once we agreed to a simple function, the invitees list ballooned. At one point, I felt frustrated. But I understand where the pressure comes from. Socio-cultural conditioning is a factor, cant blame our folks. Sharing his views on the minimalist trend, Noel outlines three reasons he has observed behind the rise in register marriages. The first is cost. Many couples want to use that money more sensibly savings, travel, contribute to something good, or simply avoid debt for their families, he says. The second is that younger people are more detached from societal expectations. They dont see marriage as a grand event anymore. And the third is the ambiguity around relationships today. There isnt the same certainty as before, and that makes people reconsider making a big spectacle of weddings. Noel adds that neither simple weddings nor grand ones need to be glorified or criticised. A small wedding works for some. On the other hand, there are many who would want to make their special day a grand, memorable one. Both have their own place and charm, he says. Noel and Amala Artists Ajay Jishnu Sudheyan and Chemm Parvathy, who also opted for a modest wedding, say such micro-events can also be fun-filled and memorable. We were the first in our families to marry this way. My partners parents were fine with it; my parents had some concerns, but we convinced them slowly, says Ajay. On the wedding day, it felt like a real celebration with the people who mattered most. Everyone sang and danced at the registrars office. It made the space feel warm. Even our parents were eventually in a jolly-good mood. While some choose a registered marriage to cut the cost and pomp, others see it as a way to keep the moment secular and intimate. Rosline C U and Anand P chose this path. We didnt want any religious ceremony attached to our wedding day, says Rosline. Our wedding took place in a small hall with just a few people. We brought the registrar there. No decorations, nothing extravagant we simply served food to the small gathering. Clifath Ismail and Karuna Unnikrishnan, an inter-religious couple who recently had an arranged wedding under the Special Marriage Act, say convenience was their biggest deciding factor. The process was simple, says Clifath. We applied online, submitted a few attested documents, waited for the 30-day notice period, and brought two witnesses. About 20 people close to us attended. It was simple but wholesome. Karuna adds that they had a smooth experience. We have heard of official hiccups and people facing trouble getting documents attested because its a court marriage under the Special Marriage Act. We, however, didnt face any issues, she says. Noel, too, notes that the official procedures have become simpler. Earlier, we often heard that some officers created difficulties. Now the attitude is different. Most officials are supportive, and they guide couples through the process like family, he says. P K Sajan Kumar, joint inspector-general of registration, has watched this shift unfold up close. When I joined the service in 1998, our society was far more rigid, he says. People did face a lot of resistance when they came for these kinds of registrations. But that has changed. Moreover, todays youth are more confident about choosing what they want, and online procedures have made everything much easier. Sajan notes that while Special Marriage Act registrations usually hovered around 10,000 a year, the numbers have shot up over 13,000 in recent times. The figure is likely to go up this year, he adds. Meanwhile, the big-fat celebrations with the sangeet, haldi, parties, feasts, and photo-shoots are all still very much in trend. And there is absolutely nothing wrong in grand celebrations as long as the couple enjoys them. But alongside, there clearly is a minimalist shift that is being celebrated silently. A reimagining of weddings, where the aesthetics is not about big, booming activity but about choosing what feels simply beautiful. Special Marriage Act registrations in Kerala 202223: 12,467 202324: 13,392 202425: 13,892 202526: 9,858 (up to November 2025; fiscal ends in March 2026)
An evening for voices and stories of women, children in Kochi
KOCHI is set to host an evening of poetry, short film screenings, exhibitions, and conversation, all centred on womens voices, perspectives, and creativity. The event is organised by Thambu Womens Theatre Collective, a Dalit women-led group founded in 2020 by theatre artist Athira Nikathil. The collective took shape during the lockdown, when three other membersAhalya Praveen, Krishnapriya Thilakan, and Neethu Chandranjoined Athira, and they staged a play together. The experience made them realise the need for a space where their stories and struggles could be expressed on their own terms. Much of Thambus work centers around women and children in suburban and rural areas, whom they engage with through plays, community events, and workshops. With Immini Neram Thambadikkam, Thambu (which means tent) aims to bring an array of interesting events for the audience, with its evening of carefully curated short films being one of the highlights. Seven films by women directors will be screened. Two of them are made by 14-year-olds. Among the selections is Safe Dose by Chinese filmmaker Faye Shu, a 14-minute short that has travelled to international festivals, including the Seoul International Womens Film Festival. The film, said to be a mirror reflecting everyones assumptions, examines perception, judgment, and the silent expectations that shape human behaviour. Half of Everything by Lekshmi Mohan explores the concept of memory loss with tenderness. The film invites viewers into the intimate world of a person becoming the keeper of moments that slowly fade, capturing the courage that accompanies grief and remembrance. One of the most exciting films comes from 14-year-old Hrithika Sreenijin, The Weight We Carry , a powerful debut that delves into the pressures of gender expectations and the sanctuaries that children create for themselves. Also in the line-up is Between Words and Silence by Aiswarya Pullat, which offers a subtle examination of the emotional terrains women navigate daily. The film encourages viewers to pause and consider the weight of what is often left unspoken. The other three short films that will be screened are Poovu , directed by Sneha; At Home ( Veettil ) by Niwee Kathani; and Fault Lines , directed by another 14-year-old, Ameya Millu. For Athira, the event is not merely a showcase but a gathering. It will be a space where people can meet, share, discuss, and connect, she says. Alongside the film screenings, a poetry reading session titled Where life turns into lines will be held by poet Shilpa Chandran, aka Kisa. The event will also feature a small section where sustainable, handcrafted products created by women will be available for sale. Beginning at 3 pm on December 7 at Thudippu Dance Foundation in Vennala, Immini Neram Thambadikkam promises to be an intimate and thoughtful evening. We wish to amplify womens narratives and create visibility for marginalised voices. Anyone can attend the event, regardless of their gender, says Athira. For details: 7594987 928
SIR essential to ensure sanctity of future elections: Suresh Gopi
