Yellow alert for six Kerala districts on November 18

BPCL contract tanker drivers launch flash strike in Kerala

Over 250 fuel tank drivers who have gone on strike demand immediate implementation of favourable terms

Kerala Booth Officers Boycott SIR Work After Colleague Dies By Suicide

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Kerala was affected across the state on Monday as booth-level officers (BLOs) boycotted work following the suicide of an officer allegedly due to work strain.

OTT platforms bet big on regional originals. But is viewership catching up?

Regional Indian language web shows and movies are gaining traction in OTT budgets, with significant viewership for titles like Suzhal and Kerala Crime Files. However, Hindi originals still dominate viewership.

Kerala BLOs stage Statewide protests demanding postponement of SIR by ECI

Police block marches taken out to office of Chief Electoral Officer (Kerala) outside Kerala Legislative Assembly

Amid protests over work pressure, anganwadi teacher on BLO duty collapses during SIR in Kerala

N. Sreeja (45), a BLO in Kanhangad Assembly constituency, reportedly fell ill and collapsed while carrying out SIR work at a house. She was rushed to a private hospital in Konnakkad where she is undergoing treatment

IUML leader P.K. Kunhalikutty alleges unholy haste by ECI in conducting SIR in Kerala

IUML raises various issues, including death of Kannur booth level officer allegedly due to work pressure, as reasons for seeking a halt to SIR in Supreme Court

After DMK, IUML moves SC against SIR

SIR on a collision course with local body polls, says the Kerala-based party

Kannur BLOs death linked to work pressure, claims panchayat president

Kankol-Alappadamba panchayat president M.V. Sunil Kumar says Aneesh George was under extreme pressure adding that he repeatedly told superiors he was unable to cope with the responsibilities assigned

Kerala MVD detects suspected State government-scrapped vehicle re-registration fraud

MVD recently posted details of the fraud on its Facebook page

Congress candidate moves Kerala HC against deletion of her name from voters' list

KOCHI: Vyshna Suresh, the Congress candidate for the Muttada division of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, approached the Kerala High Court on Monday challenging the deletion of her name from the voters list. The court will take up the case today at 1.45 pm. Senior advocate George Poonthottam will appear for the petitioner. According to the petitioner, she and her family were included in the draft voters list published on 29 September. However, she alleged that the Branch Secretary of the CPM raised a baseless objection on 5 November, after her candidature was announced. Pursuant to the objection, the Election Commission issued a notice and conducted a hearing on November 12. At the hearing, she produced all relevant documents proving her residence at Building No. 18/564 (old 3/564). Despite the complainant's absence and without proper recording of proceedings, the Commission, acting arbitrarily and under the influence of the complainant, deleted the names of the petitioner and her parents from the voters list without issuing any order. The final voters list, due to be published on November 12, was not released. However, the petitioner was able to view an online preview showing her deletion, which later disappeared. Consequently, she filed an appeal before the competent authority under Rule 26 of the Kerala Municipalities (Registration of Electors) Rules, 1994. However, she was not able to produce the deletion order as it was allegedly withheld. The SIR enumeration notice received thereafter again showed her residence as 3/564, confirming her rightful inclusion. With the last date for filing nominations being November 21, she has sought a direction to consider her appeal and ensure the inclusion of her name in the voters list of Division 27, Part 5, Muttada. She further stated that the deletion of her name is illegal and politically motivated, violating her statutory and constitutional rights to vote and contest in the upcoming election.

Kerala solar prosumers seek revision of rates fixed for net banked energy

Petitioners say APPC cut to 3.26/unit contradicts KSERCs own calculation of 4.34/unit

Isolated heavy rain forecast for Tamil Nadu as low persists

Upgraded to fairly widespread to widespread rain for Tamil Nadu, Kerala, islands later this week

Woman killed, four injured as cars collide on highway in Keralas Kasaragod

Sabarimala Witnesses Heavy Rush On First Day Of Annual Pilgrimage Season

Sabarimala (Kerala), Nov 17: Hundreds of devotees thronged the famed Lord Ayyappa Temple here early on Monday, the auspicious first day of the Malayalam month of Vrichikam, which marks the beginning of the annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. Dressed in the customary black attire and carrying the irumudikkettu (sacred bundle) on their heads, pilgrims from inside and outside the state queued for hours to offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa. As the newly appointed melsanthi (chief priest) E D Prasad Namboothiri, opened [] The post Sabarimala Witnesses Heavy Rush On First Day Of Annual Pilgrimage Season appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Kerala local body polls: A decade of turmoil and defections for Koothattukulam municipality

Koothattukulam has had six different chairpersons, including two in the just-concluded term, in the 10 years since it was elevated to a municipality. All three fronts are busy finalising their candidates, hoping to bring in some stability

Kerala local body polls: RMP strives to retain Left party tag remaining as UDF associate

Party is planning to field its candidates in more seats in the 2025 local body polls. Political rivals say the number of grama panchayat members belonging to the RMP has been declining in its birthplace, Onchiyam

Kerala local body polls: NCP factions seek to reinvent their roles in State

After the recent split, NCP-SP remains with the LDF; but the NCP, a constituent of the NDA in Maharashtra, is knocking on every door except that of the BJP. In 2021, the unified party notched up a modest 0.99% vote share and the factions are unsure how much of that will follow them into the polling booths this time

Kerala local body polls: JD(S), RJD to have a say in LDF prospects

These parties ability to influence close contests makes their position more than just symbolic for the broader Left alliance. As the elections approach, how CPI(M) manages the demands of smaller allies will be critical to maintaining coalition unity and will be key factors to watch for the LDFs electoral prospects in the 2026 Assembly polls as well

Malayalam actor worked as a school-teacher, police officer before stardom, was never late to sets, even when he had cancer; thousands attended funeral

Sathyan, a pioneer of realistic acting in Malayalam cinema, is celebrated for his versatile performances and dedication. His career, though short, left an extraordinary impact, earning him the first Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor. He continued to work with unwavering commitment even while battling leukemia, leaving a lasting legacy.

Varkala train assault case: Man who took on attacker identified

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police have identified the key witness in the case in which a girl was kicked off a moving train in Varkala . The youth who rescued Archana the friend of the seriously injured Sreekutty and overpowered the attacker, Suresh, a native of Vellarada, was traced on Sunday. The rescuer has been identified as Sankar Paswan, a native of Bihar and an employee with a private firm at the Kochuveli Industrial Estate. His statement has been recorded. The investigation team had earlier obtained his visuals from CCTV. Sankar, who was wearing a red shirt at the time of the incident, had been the subject of a police alert seeking information on his whereabouts. The incident occurred on November 2 near the general compartment door of the Kerala Express. Suresh Kumar allegedly kicked Sreekutty off the train while she was standing with Archana. He then attempted to attack Archana as well. Hearing her cries, Sankar rushed to her aid, rescued her and restrained Suresh. The police identified Sankar during a detailed review of CCTV footage. Though cameras at Kochuveli railway station were examined, he could not be located there. Meanwhile, the investigation team collected evidence from Varkala in the presence of the accused. Suresh re-enacted the act for investigators. Evidence collection was also carried out in Kottayam earlier.

Kerala Lottery Result Today, November 17, 2025 Live: Bhagyathara BT-29 Winning Numbers

Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 17-11-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Bhagyathara BT-29 for Monday, November 17. Check the full list of winning numbers from 3 pm.

Artists, activists in T'Puram join hands for Gazas children

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the sun set in the capital city on Sunday, the names of the children who died in Gaza during the Israel-Palestine war echoed through the walls of the Manaveeyam Veedhi. Over 150 renowned faces from the socio-cultural and political spaces of the state expressed their solidarity for Palestine, as they wore a Palestinian keffiyeh and uttered the names of the children who passed away. Marking an end to the Names of Gaza programme, the event had the Palestinian Ambassador to India, Abdullah Abu Shawesh, as its chief guest. Thanking Kerala and India for their continued support, Abu Shawesh said that the invasion has made Palestinian children feel that death is better than the life they are living. However, sympathy and empathy are not enough for Palestinian children. There should be practical, coordinated policies to ensure that they, too, have a bright future, he said. The ambassador also appreciated the gathering for not turning a blind eye towards the violence. Organised by the Chintha Ravi Foundation with the support of other associations, the programme was held in 13 districts of the state from October 2. The core idea of the programme is to place humanity above everything, said acclaimed writer N S Madhavan, who had journeyed with this programme through over five districts. Noting that youngsters have actively taken part in the event, he also added that the programme had been attended by diverse crowds in all districts. The scenes at the gathering were a testament to his words, where numerous people, including persons with disabilities, gathered in solidarity with Palestinian children. Commenting that the strong participation of people in the programme is a reflection of Keralas social morale, transwoman activist Syama S Prabha said that such programmes are a necessity of this era. The event began with Kazhakoottam MLA Kadakampally Surendran reading out the deceased childrens names.

Poll panel to monitor use of AI in campaigning

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Election Commission has strengthened its vigil against the use of AI in poll campaigns, state election commissioner A Shajahan has informed. Strict steps will be taken against fake pictures and voice messages misusing technology. Candidates and political parties should ensure credibility in campaigning, he said in a statement. The commission has issued clear guidelines in this regard. Provisions of IT Act 2000, IT (Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021, BNS 2023, Model Code of Conduct should be followed during campaigning. There is a strict ban on content with deep fake video and audio, wrong information, content putting women in bad light, and using children for campaigning. Deep fake and synthetic contents can mislead the people and affect the election process, Shahjahan said. All contents using AI or digital enhancements should bear the label AI generated/Digitally Enhanced/Synthetic Content on top of the video screen in at least 10% of the space and the first 10% of time in the audio content. The name of the individual or establishment which made the content should also be displayed in meta data and description. There is a complete ban on changing ones figure, audio and identity in a misleading manner, and without the permission of the person concerned.

Voters list discrepancies, rebels keep parties on edge in Thiruvananthapuram corporation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Mounting disputes over electoral rolls, spike in rebel candidates, and attempt to suicide are keeping political parties on edge in Thiruvananthapuram corporation, ahead of the local body polls. Fresh allegations have come up in the electoral rolls of the Muttada division after the supplementary list published on Saturday revealed serious discrepancies, including 22 individuals recorded under the same house number. The controversy erupted when CPM Muttada branch member Dhanesh Kumar filed a complaint stating that the house number shown beside Congress candidate Vyshna Sureshs name was incorrect. However, a scrutiny of the list showed that the number listed next to Dhaneshs own name TC 18/2464 had been assigned to 21 other voters from entirely different households. Responding to this, Vyshna said that despite the irregularities being pointed out, the authorities proceeded to remove her name from the voters list, making her ineligible to contest. Im moving ahead legally, she said. Names from houses such as Thoppil Veedu, Marakkal Thoppil Veedu, Shakthi Bhavan, Anupama Marakkal Thoppu, Sekharamangalam, RC Nivas, Akshaya, and Bhargava Prasadam were all clubbed under the same number. The Thiruvananthapuram corporation revenue division rules allow only one number per building, leading to questions on how multiple homes were merged into a single entry. The Congress has alleged that the Election Commissions final window to add or delete names was misused in several wards, leading to mass additions and deletions of voters. Congress leaders said a final decision on Vyshnas candidature is likely on Tuesday. The party is pinning its hopes on the appeal Vyshna has filed before the district collector, seeking a review of the electoral registration officers action. If her candidature is rejected, the question of who will replace her is troubling the Congress. Kottathala Mohan, former president of the State Non-Gazetted Officers Association, and Lalan, who contested the 2023 by-election in Muttada, are under consideration. At the same time, there is an opinion within the party that if Vyshna has to be replaced, representation should be given to young candidates. Congress leaders said such discussions will be held only after the final decision on Vyshna. Meanwhile, in the Ulloor ward, the CPM is facing a rebel candidate. K Sreekantan, a member of the Ulloor local committee and former Deshabhimani Thiruvananthapuram bureau chief, is contesting as an independent. In Chempazhanthy and Vazhuttukonam wards, rebels have started campaigning actively. Sreekantan alleged that the Ulloor seat assured to him was changed without any prior notice and that Kadakampally Surendran was behind the move. He added that the leadership must reign in those who are out to destroy the party. He said he remains in the contest and has no plans to withdraw. Responding to the CPMs rebel candidate in Ulloor, V Sivankutty said that such noises are bound to occur in big political parties. It wont escalate into any major crisis, he said. Rebels have existed since the beginning of democracy. When there are only 101 seats to announce, some who dont get a seat may turn rebellious. But that isnt as damaging as what happens in the BJP, Sivankutty added. The BJP, meanwhile, was caught off guard with the suicide of Anand Thampi. Even as the party rushed to clarify that Anand was not a BJP member, the situation swung sharply against it on Sunday when a prominent woman party worker from Nedumangad attempted suicide over an alleged denial of seat. Fronts in crisis Congress allege the final window to add or delete names was misused in several wards In the Ulloor ward, the CPM is facing a rebel candidate BJP, meanwhile, is caught off guard with the suicide of Anand Thampi

Sabarimala gold theft case: SIT to hold scientific test of idols today

PATHANAMTHITTA: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the disappearance of gold from the Sabarimala temple reached the hill shrine on Sunday to conduct a scientific test, police officials said. The team led by DySP S Sasidharan, the investigation officer, reached Pampa on Sunday morning. The test, suggested by the Kerala High Court, will be carried out after 1pm on Monday, following the Deva Anujna (divine permission) rituals. Apart from the police, forensic experts, including chemical analysts, will join the team for the procedure, officials added. The team will be stationed in Sannidhanam to complete the procedure on Monday itself. Recently, the SIT had approached the court seeking permission to conduct scientific examinations of the dwarapalaka (guardian deity) idols to determine the extent of gold loss reported in 2019. The court then directed the SIT to weigh the dwarapalakas and the side pillar plates. It also instructed the investigators to take a sample of the gold cladding to assess the purity and quality of the plating, measure the surface area of the plates, and collect copper samples from the dwarapalaka plates and door frames. These samples, the court said, should be subjected to scientific analyses, including electrical conductivity, spectroscopic, and microstructure examinations. Though the SIT expected to complete the test on November 15, before the Sabarimala pilgrimage season begins, the thanthri (chief priest) suggested that the scientific examination be conducted after the Deva Anujna rituals.

BJP finds itself on the defensive as woman worker attempts suicide

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The suicide of Anand Kumar Thampi on Saturday caught the BJP leadership off guard, quickly turning into a major political flashpoint. And even as the party rushed to clarify that Anand was not a member, the situation took a turn for the worse on Sunday when a prominent woman activist from Nedumangad attempted suicide over the alleged denial of a seat. The back-to-back incidents provided fresh ammunition for the Congress and the Left to attack the BJP, placing the party on the defensive ahead of the local-body polls. Anand was reportedly upset over not being given a ticket. His death triggered immediate political reactions, forcing the BJP to issue a clarification that Anand was not a party worker and had never been part of its candidate list. According to the party, he was associated with Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena. Addressing the developments, BJP state general secretary S Suresh said the party was saddened by Anands death but condemned what he described as political exploitation of the tragedy. Anand was not a BJP worker, nor was he on our candidate list. Yet the Congress and the Left are using his death as a political weapon. This is cheap politics, he said. On the Nedumangad incident, he confirmed that the woman was indeed a BJP worker and said the party would conduct a detailed inquiry. Congress leader K Muraleedharan criticised the BJP for failing to address grievances within its organisation. The BJP will not get even 20 seats in Thiruvananthapuram. The party has sidelined those who stood with it, and workers have no space to raise complaints, he said. General Education Minister V Sivankutty also lashed out, alleging that the lives of BJP and RSS workers were increasingly at risk due to internal tensions. Recent deaths and allegations from within the BJP point to deep internal strife. Anands suicide note even referred to an alleged BJP-RSS nexus with the sand mafia, he said, while also expressing concern over the Nedumangad suicide attempt. BJP hits back at CPM, Congress Palakkad: With political tensions escalating over the suicide of former RSS worker Anand K Thampi, BJP state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday accused both the CPM and Congress of engaging in vulture politics. Speaking at a BJP election convention in Shoranur, Chandrasekhar said Anands name was never part of the candidate panel forwarded by local BJP committees. He reiterated that preliminary information suggested Anand had later joined the Shiv Sena (UBT), and said attempts to tie the incident to the BJP were politically motivated. KPCC flags series of BJP worker suicides TPuram: KPCC general secretary Manacaud Suresh on Sunday alleged that a series of suicid es involving BJP and RSS workers in the state has raised serious questions about the functioning of the BJP and sought clarification from the BJP state leadership. Suresh pointed out that these incidents show how violence and killings have become a part of the BJPs organisational culture.

Sabarimala temple opened for two-month-long pilgrimage season

SABARIMALA: The hill shrine at Sabarimala was opened on Sunday for the two-month-long annual pilgrimage season. Melsanthi Arunkumar Nampoothiri, whose one-year term ends with the closure of the sreekovil in the evening, opened the temple at 5 pm in the presence of thantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru. The ceremony marking the installation of the new melsanthi E D Prasad Nampoothiri was performed under the leadership of the thantri at 6 pm. He will take charge as the new melsanthi for a one-year term on Monday with the opening of the sreekovil at 3 pm. The ceremony began with conducting kalasabhishekam on the new melsanthi in front of the sreekovil by the thantri, followed by administering moolantram in the ear of the melsanthi. As part of the ongoing practice of the temple, no other ritual was performed at the sreekovil. Travancore Devaswom Board president K Jayakumar, MLA Pramod Narayan and board members P Raju and Santhosh Kumar were present at the ceremony. The entry of devotees was restricted by issuing a total of 39,000 virtual queue passes and another 20,000 spot passes. The Valiyanadapandal was fully-packed, with the queue extending near Saramkuthi. Earlier at Pampa, thousands of devotees thronged Pampa Manappuram and the fly-over even before the devotees were allowed entry. From Monday, a total of 90,000 devotees, including 70, 000 online and 20,000 spot passes, will be allowed for the darshan. For the convenience of devotees, the temple will remain open for 18 hours. As part of the measure, the shrine will function in two phases: Open at 3 am and close at 1 pm, and later open at 3 pm and close at 11 pm. Pilgrimage should go on smoothly: TDB prez Pathanamthitta: Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) which manages Sabarimala temple said all necessary arrangements and preparations have been completed at Sannidhanam to welcome devotees. Facilities have been made to ensure uninterrupted supply of drinking water to pilgrims who trek reach the temple. Former bureaucrat K Jayakumar who took charge as the new president of the TDB said, The pilgrimage should go on smoothly without any difficulties for devotees. He was speaking to reporters ahead of trekking Sabarimala.

An autorickshaw drivers race against odds to feed the hungry in Kochi

KOCHI: For 44-year-old Anaz Panavally, his humble autorickshaw isnt just a means of livelihood. It is the vehicle for a quiet, persistent mission against hunger in Kochi. While he spends his days ferrying passengers, Anaz dedicates his meagre earnings and spare time to buying food packets and distributing them to the citys poor and homeless. This life-altering commitment was sparked by a deeply affecting incident that happened in 2019 at Jose Junction. Anaz, originally hailing from Panavally in Alappuzha district and driving an autorickshaw in Kochi for 18 years, witnessed a distressing sight. Dusk had set in, and suddenly, I was distracted by a squabble, Anaz recalled. Three persons, including a woman, were fighting fiercely over a single plate of rice someone had given them. That was an eye-opener. Until then, I looked at the people living on the streets passively. But this thought came to my mind that they too are humans with all feelings and emotions, he said. The sight of desperation for a basic meal ignited a profound empathy. Since then, he has used whatever savings he can scrape together from his earnings to buy and distribute food. He remembers the immense satisfaction of buying a meal for a six-year-old girl on the roadside in Kundannoor, a feeling that cemented his path. For the past six years, he has been striving to distribute water bottles to traffic police personnel, pedestrians, and school students during hot summer days. Sustaining the goodness Anaz supports a family of five, so finding money for this mission is a daily struggle. Yet, his commitment has drawn the attention of other Good Samaritans. What started with a couple of food packets is now an average distribution of nearly 40 packets a day. Its difficult to find the money... I have to sustain my family as well, he admitted. But word of his selfless acts spread. Some local shops, curious about the man buying so many food packets daily, now offer them to him free of cost. Others who learn about his mission often through his posts on social media contribute money or food, especially on special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. If no one turns up, then I will still be satisfied if I can buy a couple of food packets with the days earnings, he said. Anaz has come across different types of people. An elderly person used to come and sit at the same place at Lisie Junction, waiting for the food packet. One day, I enquired about his family and other details. To my surprise, he said he owns some land and a house at Thammanam. But his family doesnt want him. He told me he finds more comfort in the street than at home, he said. A gifted dubbing artist Anazs altruism is just one facet of his life. He also harbours artistic talent and is a member of FEFKA (Film Employees Federation of Kerala). A chance meeting with Malayalam dubbing artist Praveen Harisree five years ago opened the doors for him to pursue his dream as a film dubbing artist. He has since done small dubbing roles in films like Private and Dasettante Cycle, among others. He has also lent his voice in a small part in the upcoming Mammootty-starrer Kalamkaval. Recently, Anaz and his family moved into a small new house in Chandiroor, moving out of a dilapidated hut prone to waterlogging. He believes this blessing is a reward for his good deeds. A good soul, who I had never met, gave me a certain sum, and I took a bank loan to raise the rest of the amount, he said. Whether distributing food to the hungry or water bottles to traffic police and students in the summer heat, Anazs quiet acts of kindness continue to brighten the streets of Kochi, one meal and a bottle at a time.

Amit Shahs Malayalam Letter To MP Brittas Adds Linguistic Twist To Keralas Election Politics

The first instance of a Home Minister replying in Malayalam adds political resonance as Kerala enters election season.

Ammonia-laced fish a worry? Fret no more!

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The recent sinking of a cargo ship off the Kerala coast came as a further blow to Malayalis already being fed with headlines about seizures of formalin- and ammonia-laced marine products. Now, hope is at hand, as a product to remove all such adulterants in your favourite seafood is in the works. Having recently won funding at the FFS YIP Protothon event conducted by the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) and the Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC), a team of researchers, students, and teachers of Muvattupuzha Nirmala College is developing a lipid-based powder, which could be the next pathbreaking innovation in the field. The project, which took three years to prepare, was initially focused on detection of adulteration, said Dr Jijo VJ, assistant professor in the chemistry department. Later, the students and researchers suggested that adulteration removal could have higher market demand, so we integrated that aspect as well. This makes our project different from current products on the market, which only detect toxic substances, he added. All one has to do is mix the powder in water and wash the fish in it. The powder is food-grade, so even if it is present in the fish after washing, there wont be any health implications, Jijo claimed. Ten grams of powder in a sachet worth Rs 20 would be enough to clean one kilogram of fish, he added. Speaking about the challenges they faced in the journey, research assistant Anirudhan S said that they had to take additional effort for the practical application of theoretical concepts and research. Moreover, funding was a key issue; even testing a sample at a recognised lab would go beyond our budget, he said. However, his teammates, Ann Rose Baby, Arathi Bhadran, Ardhra Benny, and Anto Joseph, and students and alumni of Nirmala College, explored every possible opportunity to realise the product. The team is in the process of filing for a patent, with the hope to turning the project into a startup. However, a few more steps are pending before the product can be declared industry-ready. This includes the approval of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), stating its non-toxicity and food-grade nature, and efficacy test by the Marine Products Exports Development Authority (MPEDA), Anirudhan said. We are trying new combinations, proportions, and methods to improve the product, which could bring in revolutionary change in this area, he said.

Panchavadi Palam still holds a mirror to corruption, nepotism and publicity craze

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It has been 41 years since the release of Panchavadi Palam, arguably among the best political satires in Malayalam cinema. As Kerala braces up for another election, many believe the timeless classic which took a dig at corruption and nepotism in politics still holds relevance. Written and directed by K G George, the film is based on a novel by Veloor Krishnankutty. The dialogues were written by cartoonist Yesudasan. Set in an imaginary panchayat named Iravathakuzhi, the story is about corrupt politicians pulling down a bridge that was in good condition. However, the poorly constructed new bridge collapsed on the inaugural day. Seasoned artists who gave life to the main characters were Bharat Gopy, Nedumudi Venu, Thilakan, K P Ummer, Sreevidya, Sukumari, Jagathy Sreekumar, Innocent, Sreenivasan, Venu Nagavally and Kalpana. Most of the crew, except Sreenivasan and Jagathy, are no more. The role of Dussasana Kurup, the dim-witted panchayat president, was played by Gopy. The story went: There was no election in the panchayat for 12 years and the opposition led by Ishak Tharakan, a role played by Thilakan, unsuccessfully tries to topple Kurup through a no-confidence motion. Sikhandi Pillai, a panchayat committee member and strategist in the ruling front, mooted the idea of building a new bridge. This character was played by Venu. The story then progresses through incidents which in fact present a commentary on the many evils in politics like corruption, nepotism, politician-contractor nexus, and the publicity craze of those in power. For years, people used Panchavadi Palam as a moniker to describe badly built public constructions. It was in the news in 2019 when the Kerala High Court compared the Palarivattom flyover with Panchavadi Palam. The flyover had to be closed 30 months after its inauguration and the courts reference hinted at the nexus between bureaucrats, politicians, and the contractor. Challenging climax shoot Venu later revealed the challenges behind the climax scene shot in the Kumarakom backwaters. Five cameras were used to capture the scene of the collapse from different angles. However, the temporary bridge was strong. The director wanted it to have a natural collapse when the inaugural procession passed through. The art directors yanking technique didnt work. Finally, the bridge was cut to shoot the visual. Situation not as cynical now Writer and script writer Unni R feels that local self-governments in Kerala changed for good following the increased representation of women. Corruption reduced to a large extent with the rise in the number of women representatives. The situation is not as cynical as it was during the period of Panchavadi Palam. Beyond party politics, women in power are seen to take a common stand on issues like gender equality, he told TNIE.

Ponmundam politics boils over as Congress alleges IUML-BJP nexus

MALAPPURAM: The political conflict in Ponmundam has flared into an unprecedented confrontation, with Congress openly accusing Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) of forging ties with the BJP. Declaring that Congress will maintain a hard line against any form of cooperation with IUML, the partys local leadership has intensified both ground-level and online campaigns, turning the feud into a street-level battle. If we form an alliance, it will be only with a secular formation, said Ponmundam Block Congress president R Komukutty, asserting that the party had indeed joined hands with CPM at various junctures but never compromised its ideological position. What we hear in Ponmundam is that IUML is holding discussions with the BJP. We cannot tolerate this, he said. Addressing ongoing attempts by senior leaders to broker peace, Komukutty was categorical that Ponmundams political identity cannot be altered to suit electoral alliances. The panchayat was formed in 1955, and since then Congress here has had no connection with the IUML. We never aligned with their political or ideological views, he said. The state leaders might not understand our feelings, he said. The conflict has spilled into social media, where Youth Congress and KSU workers have launched aggressive campaigns targeting the IUML. Taking the fight to the streets, the Congress organised a day-long protest march on Saturday under the banner Navaponmundam Nirmithi Yatra, alleging large-scale mismanagement by IUML-led Panchayat Administrative Committee. The IUML has countered the allegations sharply, accusing Congress-CPM of running a Sambar Munnani in Ponmundam since the 1960s. It is well known that Congress and CPM have been in a pact since the 60s. After V Abdurahiman left Congress and joined CPM, this only strengthened, said IUML Ponmundam vice-president Subair Elayodath. In Tanur assembly constituency, even when we contest as part of UDF, Congress workers do not vote for us. After all this betrayal, why should we form an alliance with Congress, he said. As things stand, the Congress will contest 11 of the 18 wards, the CPM will field candidates in 5, and Team Ponmundam will take 2. The IUML has decided to contest all wards independently, setting the stage for a no-holds-barred showdown in the local body elections.

Kollam corporation braces for fierce triangular battle

KOLLAM: Kollam corporation is expected to witness one of the fiercest battles in the upcoming local body elections with all three major fronts claiming an upper hand. The LDF, which has ruled the corporation for more than two decades, is treating the election as a test, while both the UDF and BJP insist that anti-incumbency and shifting demographics will favour them this time. Kollam Block Congress Committee president D Geetha Krishnan said the UDF has a clear advantage. We readied our candidates much earlier.They have gone door to door, listened to peoples issues such as water scarcity, waste management, road work and disease prevention and assured them of solutions. Our volunteers also ensured all UDF supporters were enrolled in voters list, he said. Such a painstaking process was never taken up by Congress, Krishnan said. He said under the leadership of RSP leader N K Premachandran, the UDF has compiled instances of alleged corruption under the LDF rule and highlighted them through meetings and marches. The BJP believes Kollam is one of the few corporations where it can significantly improve its presence. People have lost faith in the LDF and UDF. Forget waste management or development, not a single meaningful project has happened here under the LDF. This time, voters want change, and that is why the BJP will gain, said a senior party leader. A CPM source said LDFs long rule shows public trust. Kollam corporation has been a Left bastion for more than 20 years. That confidence remains. However, post delimitation, certain areas in town and coastal regions may swing to UDF, said the source. Mayor Honey Benjamin said the LDF tackled major civic issues that have affected residents. The biggest issue is waste management, and we have almost resolved it. We introduced agro bins, and the new recycling project is in the pipeline. It will be completed within six months of the new council taking charge. People have recognised our work, and they will not desert LDF, Honey said. Voting in Kollam district will be held on December 9.

In a patriarchal political order, women remain an afterthought in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 50% reservation in local bodies in the statewhich came into force in 2009gave voice to a wider section of women in society, enabling them to break their silence in politics. But, how far has this representation translated into true political emancipation? Ministers R Bindu and Veena George, Thiruvananthapuram mayor Arya Rajendran, former minister K K Shailaja, and leaders like Nabeesa Ummal, M Kamalam, M T Padma, Maleth Saraladevi, Rachel Mathai, Padmaja Venugopal and Sobha Surendran are among the women actively involved in Keralas political arena. Yet, compared to their male counterparts, the presence of women in positions of real power remains limited. Between 1951 and 2024, only 173 women have contested Lok Sabha elections, with just 10 tasting success. This includes Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the only woman MP from Kerala in 2024, who made it through the by-election to Wayanad, which her brother Rahul Gandhi vacated. Barring 1996 and 2021, fewer than 10 women have made it to the assembly in the 64-year period from 1957 to 2021. Political commentator J Prabhash said this is alarmingly poor for a state that reserves half of its local-body seats for women. Where there is power, women are absent because they are denied access to it. Parties must have internal democracy to ensure womens participation. Unless reservation is introduced in higher tiers, the patriarchal nature of politics will continue, Prabhash said. Former minister P K Sreemathi Patriarchy is so entrenched that women in power often have to display typical male traits to be accepted, he added. Speaking to TNIE in 2015, at the end of her tenure as Thiruvananthapuram mayor, K Chandrika said the 53 women in her council took more effort in executing policy, which they viewed as hitting closer to home. She said if such a council could win several laurels for the corporation, more women should come forward. Ten years on, she still holds the view. There are many women who perform better than men, but they do not always get equal opportunities, even when they prove their ability. Men never give up power, Chandrika said. In a state with more women voters, it is a drawback that women do not have a bigger political role, former minister P K Sreemathi said. We have seen change, especially within the LDF, but without reservation in the assembly and Parliament, it will be difficult for women to rise, she said. For Congress leader Bindu Krishna, who has been involved in several battles over allocation of seats, little has changed since 1987. I remember Leela Damodara Menon strongly speaking for womens reservation in 1987, on a stage filled with veteran leaders. Those who spoke after her assured their support. I believed this was a sign of change. But the reality is that we are still fighting for it in 2025, she said. J Chandra, the first woman Thiruvananthapuram mayor, said party membership itself is male-dominated and that women are fielded according to convenience. Having entered politics after retirement, she said, Women dont indulge in self-promotion as men do. As the Womens Reservation Bill granting a 33% quota for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies moves closer to implementation, experts hope it will transform the political sphere. But they emphasised that without a shift in societal mindset, the goal will remain incomplete.

Indefinite traffic ban on Kerala's key interstate highway

KOCHI: Traffic movement will be completely banned on the crucial interstate Anamala Road (SH 21) from Vazhachal to Malakkapara from Monday. The restriction is necessitated by the perilous condition of a culvert along the road. The closure would last for months as the public works department (PWD) is struggling to secure a contractor for the repair work in the deep forest region. The culvert, located approximately 17km from Vazhachal in the forest area, is in a dangerous condition and can collapse at any time, said Rakesh C, executive engineer, Road Division, Thrissur. A portion of the culvert has already collapsed, and cracks have reappeared even after the repair work. The engineer emphasised the gravity of the situation, noting that its complete failure would sever connectivity between the two regions. Despite securing an administrative sanction of Rs 40 lakh for the repair work, the PWD is still unable to find a contractor. A significant hurdle is the culverts location in the forest area with a high threat from wildlife, specifically from elephants. We couldnt get a contractor there despite our best efforts, the official said. The bans duration remains uncertain. The PWD has written to the forest department seeking permission to build a temporary road nearby, which would allow single-vehicle passage and help restore some traffic flow. If we get the nod, well construct a temporary road so that the traffic could be restored. However, we are yet to get the permission from the forest department, said Rakesh, adding that failure in securing the permission would mean that the traffic may not be restored until the completion of the entirely new culvert, a process that may take three months. The PWD is now preparing to float new tenders for demolishing the existing structure and constructing a new culvert. To expedite this, the department has written to the district collector seeking a relaxation from the election norms currently in place. Meanwhile, the ban would result in bus services between Chalakudy and Malakkapara, operated by both the KSRTC and private operators, getting cancelled. The PWD is yet to inform us. We have four services to Malakkapara from Chalakudy, besides the budget tourism trips. With the traffic ban in place, they will be cancelled indefinitely, said a senior KSRTC official. The Anamala Road (SH 21), also known as the Chalakudy-Malakkappara Road, is a vital 86-km-long route known for passing through the picturesque rainforests and linking Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Munambam agitation enters day 400 with no solution in sight

KOCHI: Four hundred days and counting! The indefinite relay hunger strike on the premises of Velankanni Matha Church, in Munambam, may have hit a milestone, but the fate of the over 600 local families remains in suspended animation. Even after the Kerala High Court ruled that their land is not waqf, the state government has not initiated any steps towards restoring their revenue rights. On Sunday, residents gave vent to their frustration by burning copies of their property documents and taking out a protest march. We live each day in the expectation of a lasting solution. We never ever thought the agitation would extend to the 400th day, said Joseph Benny, convenor of the Munambam Land Protection Council. The agitation venue has been seeing a continuous parade of political leaders, he said, adding, However, when it comes to the question of restoring our revenue rights, nobody has an answer! According to Fr Antony Xavier Tharayil, vicar of the parish, the hearings slotted in the High Court and the Waqf Tribunal this week are a beacon of hope. On November 19, the HC will pass its ruling, while the tribunal will give its judgment on November 21. Everything hinges on the statement that will be given by the advocate general, representing the state government. Political leaders have been visiting us from time to time. But they need to understand that its time for action -- not promises, he said, addressing agitators. He highlighted how nothing had materialised from the meeting with minister P Rajeeve. Fr Antony said residents are done with excuses and promises. We have seen days turn to weeks and weeks into months. We want the issue solved before the elections, he added. With local-body elections at their doorstep, residents are not too keen to participate. Whom do we vote for? This is the big question that voters here face. Every political party has failed to keep its promise! said Joseph Rockey Palackal, council member. BJP state vice president Shone George said the ball now lies in the court of the state government, and it is delaying measures to restore the revenue rights of residents. The HC has said the land is not waqf! Now what is stopping the state government from restoring the revenue rights of residents? Since the case filed by the IUML is still in the Supreme Court, the formulation of rules that the central government had promised cannot be initiated. However, we had formed a committee comprising top lawyers to draft rules to reinstate their revenue rights. The committee prepared a proposal, and this has been submitted to the central government, he told TNIE.

Congress calls meeting on SIR after electoral rout in Bihar

NEW DELHI: Weeks after the Election Commission launched the second phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in 12 states and UTs, including poll-bound Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, and Puducherry, the Congress has called a review meeting of party functionaries from all regions where the revision process is underway. A senior party leader said the meeting, involving AICC in-charges, Pradesh Congress Committee chiefs, Congress Legislature Party leaders, and secretaries of the 12 States and UTs, will be held at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi on Tuesday. The meeting is expected to assess ground reports submitted by state units and prepare a unified response to SIR. On October 27, the ECI rolled out the second phase of the SIR, expected to cover nearly 51 crore voters across 12 states and UTs. The initiative has sparked political unease in opposition-ruled states. Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala have escalated their objections to the move, with some even exploring legal options. As reported by this paper, despite being the primary opposition party, the Congress had not convened a joint meeting or crafted a coordinated strategy with its alliance partners on SIR. The Congresss renewed push comes in the aftermath of the Bihar debacle. The move also signals its intent to step up the vote theft pitch as the Bihar rout has intensified concerns within the ranks over organisational shortcomings and voter-list issues, and alliance coordination. The November 18 meeting is expected to review discrepancies flagged by state units, evaluate PCCs preparedness to monitor SIR rollout, and explore coordination mechanisms with other INDIA bloc partners. State concerns The Nov 18 meeting is expected to review concerns flagged by state units, evaluate preparedness of PCCs to monitor SIR rollout, and explore coordination mechanisms Uneasy Opposition The SIR initiative has sparked political unease in Opposition-ruled states. Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala have escalated their objections to the move, with some even exploring legal options.

Zahara of Ladakh wins Gold at 69th NSG U-19 Girls Taekwondo Cship

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Nov 16: Zahara Batool of Ladakh showcased exceptional skill and composure to clinch the Gold medal in the U-19 Girls -55 KG category at ongoing 69th National School Games U-19 Girls Taekwondo Championship, held at the Indoor Sports Complex, Bhagwati Nagar. Jayanti Muvel of Madhya Pradesh secured Silver, while the Bronze medals went to Avanthika V of Kerala and Nikita Dilip Pawar of Maharashtra. The championship is organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, [] The post Zahara of Ladakh wins Gold at 69th NSG U-19 Girls Taekwondo Cship appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Preliminary probe into BLOs death finds no evidence of work pressure: Collector

During a review of his responsibilities in the Special Intensive Revision process, officials noted that George had distributed most enumeration forms and showed no signs of work-related pressure.

NDA used state machinery, vote manipulation, money to win Bihar polls: CPI-M

NEW DELHI: After its dismal performance in the Bihar Assembly elections, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), a key ally of the opposition Mahagathbandhan, on Sunday raised serious allegations against the ruling NDA coalition that swept the polls with over 200 seats. The CPI-M alleged that the JD(U)-led NDA had utilised state machinery, resorted to various manipulations, and deployed large sums of money along with large numbers of cadres brought in from outside the state. In a press statement, the party also said that the coalition benefited from the polarising communal and casteist rhetoric of its leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. This rhetoric, amplified by a compliant corporate media, drowned out the peoples issues raised by the INDIA bloc, it added. A record 67 percent of voters participated in the Bihar Assembly electionsan increase of 9.6 percent compared to the previous election. Notably, 71.6 percent of women voted, marking a significant rise in female political participation. As the vote share data shows, though the NDA did not gain much in terms of votes compared to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it was able to increase its tally in the legislative assembly, read the statement issued after the Polit Bureau meeting that concluded on Friday. The CPI-M further said that the Bihar elections show that to defeat the BJP, opposition parties must make a more concerted effort, leading joint struggles against its anti-people policies. The CPI-M will examine in detail the partisan attitude of the Election Commission of India (ECI), the abrupt initiation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and all other factors, if any, behind these results. The Polit Bureau of the CPI-M thanks the people of Bihar who voted for its candidates and those of the other opposition parties, the statement read. The party contested in four seats but won just one. Referring to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the Polit Bureau said that the move, targeting 12 states, is a calculated political project by the BJP-RSS combined, operationalised through a pliant Election Commission of India (ECI). This is intended to systematically disenfranchise millions of voters, the party said. Modeled on the controversial Bihar process, the SIR deliberately employs onerous documentation requirements and an archaic 2002 baseline to effectively function as a backdoor National Register of Citizens (NRC). Its primary objective is to alter the electoral demography to favour the ruling party and undermine the very foundations of universal adult suffrage, representing the most significant assault on electoral democracy, the CPI-M statement added. Congress's 'vote theft' claims without proof only to pave way for its further poll defeats: Maharashtra CM The party said it would campaign extensively against the ECIs attempt to usurp the right to determine citizenship and ensure that no eligible voter is removed from the voters list. It also called upon people to remain vigilant and ensure that bogus voters are not enrolled in the voters list through the connivance of the BJP and the EC machinery. On the recent bomb blast that killed 13 people in Delhi, the CPI-M said that the incident revealed the involvement of a widespread network in carrying out the attack. It also criticised the Centre for the terror attack. The failure of the government to provide security to the people and prevent such terrorist attacks is once again exposed by this incident. Following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, the government had claimed that Operation Sindoor had eliminated terrorist infrastructure, particularly as it targeted the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters. However, the Delhi blast punctures these claims, as the government itself has attributed the latest attack to Jaish. The government must act swiftly to uncover the terror networks responsible and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice. Efforts to polarise society on communal lines using this incident should be firmly dealt with, the statement said. The party also said that the RSS's centenary commemoration, which started with a series of lectures by its leaders, is being used to extensively spread its communal and divisive ideology. The Sanghs hatred towards Marxism is made amply clear by its leaders, who also made disparaging comments on Kerala, calling it a disturbed state, the statement added. The RSS is using its control over various levers of the State to push for the realisation of its objective of establishing a Hindu Rashtra, the party said. The Polit Bureau also denounced the government for pushing the country deeper into the US embrace, which it said is proving detrimental to Indias interests. Congress made strategic mistake by demanding over 50 seats in Bihar, should undergo serious introspection: Tariq Anwar

SIR claims a life in Kerala? 44-year-old BLO dies by suicide, family alleges...

A 44-year-old Booth Level Officer (BLO) in Kerala's Kannur district was found dead at his home, allegedly due to mental pressure from Special Intensive Revision (SIR) duties.

Amit Shah Replies To Kerala MP In Malayalam Amid 'Hindi Imposition' Debate

For a party often accused in the south of pushing Hindi at the cost of regional languages, the Union Home Ministry's latest communication stood out. Amit Shah has replied to CPI(M) MP John Brittas in Malayalam.

Ranji Trophy - Gritty Aparajith holds Keralas batting together against Madhya Pradesh

He remains unbeaten on 81 at stumps on the first day; Abhijith chips in with a vital fifty after early strikes from Arshad and Saransh peg the visitors back

Sivankutty lauds teachers for humanitarian role

Nellore Set for Grand 41-day Mandala Puja Celebrations at Vedayapalem Ayyappa Temple

The temple, a significant centre of Ayyappa tradition for decades, traces its spiritual legacy to 8 February 1987, when the consecration of Lord Ayyappas idol and the sacred Kumbhabhishekam were performed under the revered guidance of Kerala Tantri, Vadakedathu Perumbadappa Mana Keshavan Namboodri.

98% of water supply reinstated, claims KWA a week after storage tank collapsein Kochi

The drinking water supply to 30% of areas within the Kochi Corporation and nearby local bodies was affected after the sidewall of one of the chambers of the twin-chambered storage tank of the KWA collapsed

Kochi City police register 49 NDPS cases during weekend drive

Kalpathy festival wraps up with chariot convergence

The chariots of four temples the Sree VisalakshiSametaViswanathaSwamy temple at Kalpathy, the MandakkaraiSreeMahaGanapathy temple at NewKalpathy, the SreeLakshmiNarayanaPerumal temple at OldKalpathy, and the SreePrasannaMahaGanapathy temple at Chathapuram meet at Therumutty

Aluvas Opposition leader is a surprise pick in ruling Congress candidates list

Ghiles Devassy Payyappilly, who won as a CPI(M)-backed independent in 2020, will be the Congress candidate in Thottakkattukara (ward 24)

Rapid spread of consumerism swallowing folklore culture

Sreenarayanaguru Open University Zonal Kalotsavam concludes

Names of Gaza echo through the State capitals cultural corridor

Fort Kochi cries for upkeep despite Kochi being listed among the top 10 global trending destinations

Multiple schemes announced by the State government in recent years to restore the Fort Kochi beach, which once saw the footprints of traders from across the world and three colonial powers, remain non-starters

P.V. Anvar scrambles for alliance as local body polls near

Amid Anvars efforts to negotiate seat-sharing arrangements, his partys leadership criticises his approach and threatens to distance itself from both the UDF and LDF. Anvar warns the IUML of exposing sensitive information if attacks on him persist.

Cong. announces 37 candidates in Thrikkakara; CPI(M) rebel comes as a surprise

The party has announced candidates in all but two of the 39 wards it is contesting while nine seats have been left to its key ally Indian Union Muslim League

Work on Vallakadavu bridge yet to kick off

Annual pilgrimage season at Sabarimala begins

Pilgrims who had begun gathering at Pampa since Saturday were allowed to trek to the hilltop from Sunday afternoon. Arrangements have been made to accommodate over 80 lakh visitors for the two-month season

Thrissur Revenue District School arts festival from Nov 18 to 21 in Irinjalakuda

Ernakulam records two leptospirosis deaths in November

The district has recorded over 47 suspected and confirmed cases of leptospirosis since November 1

Kerala BLO's suicide triggers unrest: Unions call statewide boycott; family blames SIR-related job stress

Kerala's electoral roll revision faces a boycott by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) on Monday following the death of one in Kannur, allegedly due to intense work pressure. Trade unions claim unrealistic targets for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and upcoming local body polls are pushing BLOs to the brink. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the BLO's death.

Sabarimala season: Sathram traditional route to open on Monday

Pilgrims from Sathram will be able to access the traditional forest path from 7 a.m.; entry is allowed from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m

PM Modi urges creation of Blue Book of learnings during visit to Bullet Train project in Gujarat

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the under-construction Bullet Train Station in Surat, Gujarat, where he reviewed the progress of the MumbaiAhmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor. During the visit, he interacted with the team working on Indias first Bullet Train project and enquired about the pace of work, including adherence to speed and timetable targets. Workers allegedly assured him that the project was progressing smoothly without any difficulties. An engineer from Kerala shared her experience of working at the Noise Barrier Factory in Navsari, Gujarat, where robotic units are being deployed to weld rebar cages. Modi asked her how she personally perceived the experience of building Indias first Bullet Train, and what the team shared with their families about this historic achievement. She expressed pride in contributing to the nations first Bullet Train, describing it as a dream project and a proud moment for her family. Reflecting on the spirit of national service, the Prime Minister emphasised that when the feeling arises of working for the nation and contributing something new, it becomes a source of immense motivation. He drew a parallel with Indias space journey, recalling how the scientists who launched the countrys first satellite must have felt, and how today hundreds of satellites are being launched. Another employee, Shruti from Bengaluru, serving as Lead Engineering Manager, explained the rigorous design and engineering control processes. She highlighted that at every stage of execution, her team evaluates pros and cons, identifies solutions, and explores alternatives to ensure flawless implementation. Prime Minister Modi remarked that if the experiences gained here are recorded and compiled like a Blue Book, the country can move decisively towards large-scale implementation of Bullet Trains. He emphasised that India must avoid repeated experimentation and instead replicate the learnings from existing models. The Prime Minister highlighted that replication will only be meaningful if there is a clear understanding of why certain actions were taken; otherwise, he cautioned, replication may occur without purpose or direction. He suggested that maintaining such records could benefit future students and contribute to nation-building. We will dedicate our lives here and leave behind something valuable for the country, the Prime Minister affirmed. During an interaction, an employee expressed his commitment in heartfelt words through a poem, to which the Prime Minister lauded his dedication and responded with appreciation. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was present during the visit. The Prime Minister visited the Surat station to review the progress of the MumbaiAhmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR), one of Indias most ambitious infrastructure projects symbolising the nations leap into high-speed connectivity. The MAHSR spans approximately 508 kilometres, covering 352 km in Gujarat and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and 156 km in Maharashtra. The corridor will connect major cities including Sabarmati, Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodara, Bharuch, Surat, Bilimora, Vapi, Boisar, Virar, Thane and Mumbai, marking a transformative step in Indias transport infrastructure. Built with advanced engineering techniques on a par with international standards, the project features 465 km, about 85% of the route, on viaducts, ensuring minimal land disturbance and enhanced safety. So far, 326 km of viaduct work has been completed, and 17 out of 25 river bridges have already been constructed. Upon completion, the Bullet Train will reduce travel time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad to nearly two hours, revolutionising inter-city travel by making it faster, easier and more comfortable. The project is expected to boost business, tourism and economic activity along the entire corridor, catalysing regional development. The SuratBilimora section, covering around 47 km, is in an advanced stage of completion, with civil works and track-bed laying fully completed. The design of the Surat station draws inspiration from the citys world-renowned diamond industry, reflecting both elegance and functionality. The station has been designed with a strong focus on passenger comfort, featuring spacious waiting lounges, restrooms and retail outlets. It will also offer seamless multi-modal connectivity with the Surat Metro, city buses and the Indian Railways network.

Special Intensive Revision: booth-level officers in Kerala to strike work on Monday after BLOs death

They say BLOs are facing tremendous pressure due to the operational overlap of the SIR and the local body elections and are given targets that are impossible to meet

Chancellor seems determined to go ahead with V-C selection for Calicut University

With a case filed by the govt. coming up for hearing on Monday, Chancellors nominee in search-cum-selection committee replaced.

Egg procurement price reaches 6 in Namakkal amid rising demand

The States of Tamil Nadu and Kerala usually see higher egg consumption during winter leading to higher procurementprices

Palalthayi POCSO verdict to be challenged in Supreme Court: BJP leader N. Haridas

The Thalassery Special Court sentenced Padmarajan to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting a Class IV student, but Haridas claims that both local police and the Crime Branch found no concrete evidence to support the allegations.

Youth arrested with MDMA

Police, MVD to launch intensified enforcement drive to curb road accidents

BLO dies by suicide in Kannur; family blames pressure from SIR work

KANNUR: A sense of shock spread through Ettukudukka in the KankolAlappadamba panchayat near Payyannur after 41-year-old Aneesh George was found dead at his home on Sunday, in what is suspected to be a case of suicide. Aneesh, a school attendant who was also serving as a booth-level officer (BLO), had been actively involved in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the states electoral roll. According to his family and neighbours, he had been struggling under immense pressure related to the task. Shyju V K, a neighbour of Aneesh, said, He took his family to church in the morning and returned home, and it was after that he ended his life. Although he faced some difficulty understanding a few houses during his BLO work, he managed by asking others for help. We never imagined he would take such a step. He leaves behind his wife and two children. Following the incident, Peringome police registered a case of unnatural death under BNSS 194 on November 16. According to the police report, he hanged himself from a hook in the hall on the upper floor of his house. Kannur District Collector Arun K. Vijayan, IAS said, Our preliminary inquiry shows no signs of work-related pressure. Aneesh had been performing well as a BLO. In the first phase of the SIR processdistributing enumeration forms to householdshe had already completed 77% of the work in his ward under the Payyannur Assembly constituency. The Chief Electoral Officer has asked for a detailed report on his death. After combining the findings from the ERO and the police, a consolidated report will be sent to the CEO. (If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)

Butterfly that mimics dry leaf may become Madhya Pradeshs next 'state butterfly'

pBHOPAL: A tropical Asian butterfly, famed for its extraordinary ability to camouflage itself as a dry or dead leaf, may soon be declared tiger-cheetah state Madhya Pradeshs state butterfly. The countrys tiger-cheetah-leopard-wolf and gharial state Madhya Pradesh may soon notify the Orange Oakleaf variety as its state butterfly. If the state forest departments proposal to declare Kallima inachus as the states butterfly materialises, the Orange Oakleaf will become the central Indian states official state butterfly. Confirming that a proposal has been sent recently to the state government, MPs Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF-Wildlife), Subhranjan Sen, said once the proposal is cleared, MP will join the select league of states which already have their state butterflies. The Orange Oakleaf butterfly is particularly found in the dense forests of the Satpura Mountain Range. Its declaration as the states butterfly will render momentum to focussed efforts on butterfly conservation, Sen told TNIE on Sunday. At least ten states and Union Territories in the country have granted state butterfly status to unique genres of butterflies. These states include Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura and Uttarakhand, which notified their state butterflies between 2016 and 2023. Once MP notifies the Orange Oakleaf as its state butterfly, it will become perhaps the first state in central India to do so. The Orange Oakleaf butterfly flies in the Himalayas at low elevations, from Jammu and Kashmir to Garhwal and Kumaon, and across West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and other northeastern states. It is also found in central and peninsular India, including Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It flies along the central Indian highlands to Pachmarhi and Amarkantak in the Satpura Mountain Range in Madhya Pradesh. Its wings are shaped like a leaf when in a closed position. When the wings are closed, only the cryptic underside markings are visible. The resemblance to a dried leafa masqueradeis extremely realistic and gives the genus its common names, the oakleaf or dead leaf. Butterflies occupy a key position in ecosystem stability by acting as pollinators, helping plants reproduce and being a critical part of the food web or chain also, rendering a food source for predators like birds and bats. They are also vital environmental indicators, as their sensitivity to changes in their habitat signals the overall health of an ecosystem, the PCCF-Wildlife said. Notification of a state butterfly by the forest- and wildlife-rich state will also promote focussed research on various butterflies in MP, which is already considered home to 150 to 175 butterfly varieties.

Kumarakom to host TiEcon Kerala 2025 on Nov 21-22

Mahila Morcha Activist in Kerala Attempts Suicide Fearing Denial of Election Ticket

The incident came soon after RSS activist Anand K Thampi (39) committed suicide on Saturday, alleging that he was denied a seat in the Thrikkannapuram ward of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation

Orange, Yellow Alerts In Tamil Nadu: IMD Warns Of Intense Rainfall; Check Latest Forecast

IMD forecasts heavy rain in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala from a low near Sri Lanka. Orange alert for three districts. Udhayanidhi Stalin inspects Chennai.

State Election Commission publishes final list, Kerala has a little over 2.86 crore voters

The number shows an increase of 2,15,950 from the electoral rolls published on October 25, which was taken as the draft list for a two-day enrollment held on November 4 and November 5

Kerala local body polls: The rise and fall of a peoples collective in Chellanam

In 2020, eight Independents who contested under the banner of Chellanam Twenty20 on the plank of corruption-free governance emerged victorious, making them the second-largest bloc in the 21-member hung panchayat. By the end of the term, two of its members defected to LDF and the collective disintegrated, merging with Twenty20 of Kizhakkambalam

Kerala local body polls: UDF, NDA hopeful of dethroning LDF in Anthoor

The Left front is ruling the municipality since its formation in 2015. Opponents say their activities are being stymied by the ruling coalition. CPI(M) highlights the development projects and the regions deep ties with communism

Kerala local body polls: No name on voters list makes UDFs youngest candidate ineligible to contest in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation

An error in providing the address has resulted in the removal of her name from the electoral roll, leading to removal from voters list

Kerala Lottery Result Today, November 16, 2025 Live: Samrudhi SM-29 Winning Numbers

Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates, 16-11-2025: Heres Guessing Numbers for Samrudhi SM-29 for Sunday, November 16. Check the full list of winning numbers from 3 pm.

Ramachandra Guha slams Project Cheetah as disaster; says scientific expertise ignored

BENGALURU: Renowned historian Ramachandra Guha has criticised the reintroduction of cheetahs in India under Project Cheetah, particularly the initiative underway in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. It is a disaster. It is a financial scandal and a highly risky project. It was the 70th birthday gift of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to himself. Experts had advised that the money instead be utilised for strengthening and relocating the Asiatic Lion, but that was not done, he said. He added that the Delhi government is unable to control the air pollution, and the Karnataka government is keen on the tunnel road project. While leading energy and transport experts from ace institutions in Bengaluru have not been consulted. Guha said that he was of the view that caste and political issues had led to a loss of faith in India among its neighbours and countries across the world. He was speaking on the first day of the two-day-long Nature inFocus Festival and Awards 2025, The Wild in not apart, but a part- Blurring Boundaries. The country has many ecological and economic scientific experts in the various educational universities who can take India to a better path, but they are not consulted, he noted. Guha said Madhav Gadgil prepared a report on Western Ghats, but it was trashed by Left in Kerala, DMK in TN, Congress in Karnataka and BJP in Mrashtra and Goa. Its not just the politicians; it is also the IAS officers who have contempt for specialists because they cleared and topped exams around 20 years back. Former-PM Indira Gandhi had two scientific experts in her cabinet, but now they are looked down upon. Not just Western Ghats but the Eastern Ghats and Himalayas are headed for disaster. Earlier, silent protest marches were held on Bengaluru City roads. Now everyone is sent to Freedom Park. The government should rename the place to Freedom Locked Away Path instead, he added.

Irrigation department spruces up Shankhumukham for Navy Day fete

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With just two weeks remaining for the Navy Day celebrations, the irrigation department has completed all preparatory works at Shankhumukham beach, the venue of the high profile event which will be attended by the prime minister on December 4. The authorities have already started setting up German hangers large, temporary structures used for events. The authorities are planning to set up 13 German hangers at the beach for hosting the event. A tourism department official said that around 15 per cent of the work, part of the project worth `15 crore has been completed. We have halted the rest of the work and have handed over the venue to the Navy for other preparations. We provided 26 platforms for erecting the German hangers that are pre-fab structures. We have fulfilled all the requirements specifically demanded by the Navy, said the official. As part of the preparatory works, the irrigation department completed the construction of a 180 m seawall. The beach was in total ruin, and we filled the area using excavated beach sand to prepare the venue, an official said. The team worked intensively for 13 days to complete the necessary arrangements. The ongoing project will resume immediately after the event. Once the celebrations conclude, the department plans to expose the newly constructed wall by removing the sand and continue with the remaining portion of the proposed 370 m seawall. In addition to the seawall, the irrigation department is planning to construct a six-step gallery to enhance public facilities along the beach. The gallery, featuring steps with a width of 18 cm and a height of 50 cm, is designed to provide comfortable seating for visitors. It will be built parallel to the walkway constructed by the tourism department. We will be able to complete the rest of the project within two months. The area will be beautified and we hope to give the old Shankhumukham back to the public. This project was under the consideration of the government. The government expedited the project because of the Navy Day celebrations, the official added. Naval ships, submarines and other defence equipment will be showcased at the location. Naval aircraft will conduct practice flights in the days leading up to December 4.

UDFs Vyshna Suresh ineligible to contest in local body election in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress faced a setback in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections after its youngest candidate in the Muttada ward, Vyshna Suresh, was removed from the voters list. The Election Commission took the decision after verifying a CPM complaint that the address she submitted for inclusion in the voters list was incorrect. The final voters list published on Saturday did not include Vyshnas name. The CPMs Muttada branch committee member Dhanesh Kumar had complained that the building number she provided, belongs to another family . The house owner, Raheem Shah, reportedly informed the officials that he does not know Vyshna and has not rented out the house to her. Officials confirmed that the address issue flagged in the complaint was valid. They noted that Vyshna, who presently lives in a rented house in Ambalamukku, did not produce supporting documents to prove that the disputed address was her residence.

CPM member denied seat for liking anti-CM post, to contest as independent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM has denied a party ticket to its member B Sreekantan Nair, who represents a ward in Pullampara grama panchayat, after he came under the partys radar during the Lok Sabha election time, for liking a social media post that criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. After the issue resurfaced before the partys higher-ups recently, Sreekantan Nair was instructed not to participate in the local polls this time. However, Nair resigned from the party on November 11 and decided to contest from the Muthipara ward of the panchayat as an independent. I had provided a proper explanation to the party on the issue at that time itself. Apparently, somebody from the party wrote to the state committee about my candidature, causing a string of incidents, he said. Sreekantan Nair, who was elected from the Muthipara ward in the 2015-20 polls, expressed confidence about his chances in the election. A party member from the Pullampara area, however, said that discussions were active to not consider members who had won two consecutive times, and Sreekantan Nair could not be considered owing to this.

Sabarimala to open on November 16 for annual pilgrimage season

SABARIMALA: The hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa here will be opened on Sunday for the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season. Melsanthi Arunkumar Nampoothiri, whose one-year tenure ends on Sunday, will open the sreekovil of the temple at 4.30 pm in the presence of thantri Kandararu Mahesh Mohanaru. The installation ceremony of new Sabarimala melsanthi E D Prasad will be held after opening the temple at 6 pm. As part of the ceremony, the thantri will perform kalasabhishekam on the new melsanthi in front of the sreekovil. On conclusion of the abhishekam, the thantri will lead the new melsanthi to the sreekovil and administer the moolamantram of the deity in the ears. Similar installation ceremony will be held at Malikappuram Devi temple for new melsanthi Manu Nampoothiri in front of the Devi temple at 7 pm under the leadership of the thantri. The new Sabarimala melsanthis one-year tenure will begin with opening of the sreekovil of the temple at 4 am on Monday, marking the beginning of the 41-day long Mandala pooja season in the presence of the thantri. On the first day of the annual pilgrimage season on Monday, the devaswom authorities issued a total of 70,000 virtual queue passes for the devotees for darshan.

Bihar poll results spark CPM-Congress blame game in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A fierce blame game has erupted between the CPM and Congress, both partners in the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, following the poll drubbing suffered by the front in the Bihar assembly election. CPM state secretary M V Govindan launched a scathing attack on AICC general secretary (organisation) K C Venugopal alleging that he failed to fulfil his responsibility in Bihar. Instead of fulfilling his responsibility of strengthening the broad anti -BJP front in Bihar, Venugopal, who is the number two leader in Congress, was in Kerala consolidating his power in the state Congress unit, Govindan alleged. If the Congress had fulfilled its responsibility as a leading party in the front, the result would have been different. Congress rebels had contested in several seats. In four seats allotted to CPI, Congress rebels were present. In one seat, the total votes received by the CPI and Congress rebel candidates were larger than the winning candidates votes. Congress failed to fulfil its responsibility of forming a broad anti- BJP front, he added. Govindan called upon secular political parties to introspect on Bihar results. The main reason for the setback was the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process by which around 65 lakh votes were removed from the voters list. And the Election Commission allowed the Bihar government to announce Rs 10,000 financial aid to women even after the code of conduct was announced, he said. Reacting sharply, KPCC president Sunny Joseph accused Govindan of echoing the BJP stance while it celebrates its Bihar victory. The attack on Venugopal stems from the same mentality. The Congress did everything necessary in Bihar. Meanwhile, the Kerala Chief Minister, who is also a CPM PB member, did not travel to Bihar for campaigning. The general secretary of CPM, M A Baby, was also in Kerala during most of the campaign period in Bihar. The CPM leadership has no moral authority to criticise Congress role in Bihar, he said.

Bouquets and brickbats for Arya Rajendran

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In December 2020, when Arya Rajendran assumed charge as mayor of Thiruvananthapuram, at the age of 21, she captured national and global attention. Her elevation as the youngest mayor in the country was hailed as a bold political experiment that captured the generational and ideological shift in Keralas political landscape. Half a decade later, as the state heads for another round of local-body elections, questions abound over whether the LDF has succeeded in capitalising on its decision and whether Aryas tenure lived up to expectations. Aryas early days in office were widely celebrated. But, controversy soon caught up. The 2022 backdoor-appointment row, over an alleged letter sent to the CPM seeking a list of party workers to be named to vacancies in the corporation, raised serious ethical concerns. In 2024, her altercation with a KSRTC driver drew further rebuke, with Arya facing accusations of misuse of power and insensitivity. Public sentiment turned against her. She started courting mounting criticism from both opposition parties and citizen groups. Several elected representatives complained about how she was inaccessible over phone. Apart from public appearances at events, she failed to handle the media like her predecessors. Residents associations and civic groups alleged that despite the long list of accolades, the corporation under her leadership failed to connect with the concerns of the public. Yet, the Left front has defended Aryas record in office. Arya was able to perform well under pressure, said senior CPM leader and former Rajya Sabha member T N Seema. It was a remarkable decision by the LDF to bring youngsters to the fore. As the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram is a city with major development projects. Governance is a team effort of the council and the administration. It cannot be assessed through the lens of an individual. Arya faced prejudice from the start. When we chose a 21-year-old mayor, many mocked us. But young leaders are willing to learn and adapt. Senior politicians have a lot to learn from them, too, she stressed. Despite challenges, the corporation under the leadership of Arya fared well, especially in waste management. But those who mocked us are now fielding young candidates and following the trend set by us, she added. However, the UDF believes the decision to choose the young mayor has backfired on the LDF. Congress leader Bindu Krishna said Aryas tenure failed to match the hype. Irrespective of party affiliation, people welcomed the idea of appointing the youngest mayor. Youngsters in Kerala are generally seen as honest and energetic. But her behaviour with ordinary people, the backdoor-appointment controversy, and the incident involving the KSRTC driver contradicted peoples expectations. Compared to other mayors, her individual performance has been poor, said Bindu. Moreover, the Left decision to zero in on Arya cost several deserving and hardworking women in the LDF their opportunities, argued Bindu. Despite having strong political backing and visibility, she failed to prove herself or implement anything innovative. Many young leaders across the state are doing exceptionally well, but she lacked vision. Except for her age, there was nothing remarkable. She became a celebrity, but, beyond that she institutionalised corruption. The KSRTC episode is a classic example of misuse of power, she added. Former councillor and BJP leader Maheswaran Nair said Arya did not meet the expectations of young voters. For the first six months, she was more of a puppet. Later, arrogance crept in. She disappointed many youngsters who looked up to her. She couldnt deliver what was expected from someone of her generation. This is definitely going to reflect in the local body elections, he said. Irrespective of the criticism, its a fact that her appointment as mayor was perceived by many as one of the brightest decisions by a political party in recent times. It gave hope to many people not just women to pursue politics.

INTERVIEW| Kerala matches west in treatment, but cancer mortality rate higher

Dr Moni Abraham Kuriakose co-founder, medical director, and CEO of Karkinos Kerala is a leading surgical oncologist and former director of the Cochin Cancer Research Centre and Narayana Health City, Bengaluru. A pioneer in technology-led, integrated cancer care, he leads Karkinos nationwide network of 85 community cancer clinics aimed at linking primary healthcare with oncology. He believes this model bringing diagnosis and support closer to the community can significantly improve Keralas persistently high cancer mortality. Excerpts from his interaction with TNIE You studied in Bristol and Ireland and worked in the US, yet returned to Kerala. What drew you back? My path changed when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer during dental school at Manipal. That experience drew me to oncology. A Rotary scholarship took me to England, where oral cancer surgeries are done by maxillofacial surgeons, so I trained in that field. After 10 years in the UK, and 10 in the US, I still felt I should return homethough it wasnt planned. In 2003, after hearing Mata Amritanandamayi speak about establishing a voluntary cancer institute, I took a years leave from my tenured post at New York University to join Amrita. That one year became permanent. The cancer rates reported in Kerala are among the highest in the country. Why? Kerala has 134 cases per lakh, second only to Mizoram (140). The national average is 74. As far as Kerala is concerned, high life expectancy (77 years), westernised lifestyles, strong health-seeking behaviour, and better diagnostics all contribute. As people live longer and undergo more tests, more cancers are detected. What lifestyle factors matter most? About 30% of cancers are linked to tobacco and alcohol, and another 30% to obesity and related inflammation. Poor diets, refined foods, and sedentary lifestyles add to the risk. Previous generations walked kilometres daily; that culture is fading. How good is the cancer treatment in Kerala compared to advanced countries? Kerala has expanded from three cancer centres in the 1980s to 26 specialised centres today. Technologies and medicines are on par with Western countries. Yet mortality remains around 50%, compared to 30% in the US, mainly because 70% of the cases are diagnosed late. Thats where our system falls short. Why do outcomes remain poor despite better facilities? In other countries, primary healthcare doctors are an integral part of cancer care. In Kerala, however, the rest of the health system is not linked to cancer care. For heart disease and diabetes, primary doctors are involved. In the case of cancer, patients bypass the system and go straight to major centres. Early warning signs are missed. To bridge this gap, we launched Karkinos, which links cancer care to the broader healthcare system through community cancer clinics. These centres help people seek evaluation at the first symptom. We now have 85 clinics across India. Are we lacking in medicines and equipment, or in approach? Almost all advanced drugs and technologies available in developed countries are available here. Whats missing is process- and protocol-driven care. Patients often go doctor shopping, breaking continuity and lowering compliancebreast cancer guideline adherence can be as low as 60%. Doctors too sometimes work in silos instead of tumour boards. Unlike heart attacks, cancer isnt an immediate emergency, but fear often pushes patients to large centres and disrupts coordinated care. These systemic gapspoor continuity, low adherence, lack of integrationare why our outcomes lag. Should patients approach tumour boards themselves? No. The oncologist should take the lead. But every cancer case must be discussed by a tumour board. Once a plan is set, parts of the treatment like radiotherapy can be done in smaller centres. In Wales, which has a population similar to Keralas, there are only two major cancer centres, yet district hospitals deliver most treatments. Their outcomes are better because they rigorously follow protocols and nurse-led oncology care. That system of discipline is what we need. Do we have such protocols in Kerala? Yes. Kerala framed guidelines in 2000 and follows the National Cancer Grid. Under KASP insurance, tumour board review is mandatory. But adherence is poor, especially in the private sector. The guidelines exist largely on paper. What happens when a hospital lacks radiotherapy? Without tumour boards, hospitals treat patients with whatever they have... this is harmful. In our (Karkinos) Kattappana centre, tumour boards decide the plan and patients needing radiotherapy are referred to Kottayam. Thats how coordinated cancer care should work. Patients and families should insist on tumour board evaluation before starting treatment. How much of cancer is preventable? About 30% can be prevented and another 30% detected early. Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, obesity, low-fibre diets, and inactivity significantly reduces risk. Despite health awareness, why are cancer cases still increasing? Thats because diagnostics have become too sensitive. Thyroid cancer increased 100-fold in the US and South Korea when ultrasound began to be used widely, but deaths did not rise. We see the same pattern in Kerala. Guidelines say nodules under 1 cm shouldnt be treated as cancer, but fear pushes patients and doctors toward unnecessary surgery. Are small thyroid cancers dangerous? Not always. Japan has shown that thousands of such cases can be safely observed. In Bengaluru, weve followed patients for 15 years without surgery. Postmortem studies show up to 60% of elderly people have thyroid cancer without knowing it. Some cancers need monitoring, not aggressive treatment. But any symptom should be evaluated by a doctor. Which cancers should be feared? Anaplastic thyroid cancer is one of the few cancers that must be truly feared because it progresses extremely fast and survival can be as short as three months. Pancreatic and liver cancers are also very aggressive, mostly diagnosed late, and therefore have very low cure rates. Why is colon cancer increasing? Is it lifestyle-linked? In most casesnearly 80 to 90%colon cancer is connected to lifestyle, with only a small proportion being hereditary. The biggest factor is a low-roughage diet... theres no harm in eating meat, but people must balance it with fruits and vegetables. The good thing is that colon cancer is easy to detect through simple tests like FIT (faecal immunochemical test) but people must take the initiative to get screened. People say diet guidelines keep changing. What should we follow? The governments ideal plate remains the simplest and most reliable guide: half the plate should be fruits and vegetables, one quarter carbohydrates and the rest proteins. If people follow this, they wont have to chase every new diet trend. How was your experience working in the government sector? Only the government can create large-scale changeprogrammes like the Ernakulam District Cancer Control Programme are possible only through the public systembut the pace is extremely slow and heavily bureaucratic, which makes it difficult to meet timelines. Thats why I eventually stepped down after three years. The private sector offers advanced treatment, but it lacks the structure needed for organised, population-level cancer control. Why do bureaucratic delays persist? How can we fix them? Change will happen only when the public pushes for it because we are part of the system and elect those who run it. The problem is that we are illness-conscious, not wellness-conscious. When we launched an early detection package costing just Rs 2,000, hardly anyone came forward, though early diagnosis saves lives. Until people demand services and actively participate, delays will continue. How effective are cancer vaccines? The cervical cancer vaccine is extremely effective and has contributed to a clear drop in cases, which are now around 11 per lakh. It should be given at 12 to 14 years of age, but many people still hesitate because the benefits have not been communicated well enough. Why are younger people in Kerala getting cancer? We cannot pinpoint a single reason, but we know that breast cancer appears almost 10 years earlier in Kerala than in many other places, and oral cancer also occurs at younger ages, likely because habits like nicotine and gutka use begin early. National studies exist, but we still need Kerala-specific research to understand the trend better. What major differences do you see between healthcare in Kerala and the US? The US system follows strict guideline-based processes and patients willingly join clinical trials, which often leads to better outcomes. In Kerala, trials still carry a negative image, and that lack of participation slows innovation and limits access to the newest treatments. What role should centres like Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, and Cochin Cancer Centre play? These institutions should become hubs of innovation and research rather than being judged only on the number of patients treated. Kerala needs its own protocols and technological advancements. Because of Dr Krishnan Nairs legacy, people still rush first to RCC, but what we need now is a decentralised model where PHCs do screening, taluk hospitals do biopsies, and district hospitals handle chemotherapy, with only rare and complex cases going to RCC or CCC. Are all cancers curable? If a cancer does not return within five years, most patients can be considered cured, although some cancers like breast cancer may recur later and need longer follow-up. There is no vaccine that prevents recurrence; early detection and proper treatment are what matter. How much does heredity contribute to cancer? Only about 5 to 10% of cancers are hereditary, mostly breast, colon, and ovarian cancers. The vast majority are not related to family history. Is cancer still a stigma? Yes, especially for younger patients. Many people still believe cancer is something to hide or fear though many cancers today are completely curable when detected early. What cancers are common among children? Childhood cancers are usually blood cancers and brain cancers, which are genomic rather than lifestyle-related. The good news is that treatment outcomes have improved dramatically, with cure rates now at 85 to 90% using chemotherapy and targeted therapy instead of older radiation-heavy approaches. Do men and women cope with cancer differently? Men often hide their emotions and carry the burden silently, while women tend to express themselves more and get more support. Understanding these differences helps doctors prepare patients mentally for the treatment journey, which is as important as the physical treatment. The US government rolled out the Cancer Moonshot. What was your experience with it? I had the opportunity to go to the White House as part of that. They wanted to tie up with India during the Moonshot programme implementation. That initiative began many years ago, and in the second phase, they wanted to broaden it to the rest of the world. We visited the White House and presented Indias agenda. The basic idea was that there is a huge amount of data availableclinical details, pathology, genomics, treatment response, personality traitsall of which, if collated and analysed using data science, can drive innovation. But thats difficult to do in America because data sharing across hospitals is highly regulated. That was what Biden was trying to change through the Moonshot, but it couldnt be fully implemented. In India, however, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission has created a legal framework for data sharing for innovation, and if implemented well, it can transform healthcare. You have spoken about willpower. Does belief in God make a difference? Belief acts like an anchor. Cancer brings physical, emotional, and financial burdens, and faith helps many people cope without falling apart. In India, most people grow up with some sense of God, which offers comfort. I have seen patients who, despite very poor odds, remained calm and convinced they would get betterand sometimes the disease simply melted away. I cannot prove belief caused it, but I have no doubt that faith and mental strength influence how patients endure treatment. What are your thoughts on integrating ayurveda with modern medicine? Ayurveda is a strong medical system, but its problem is a lack of structured clinical trials. It works but success often depends on the individual doctor. Modern medicine became reliable because processes were standardised and tested. Why must we shift from a curative model to a preventive one? People must realise that health is their responsibility. Cancer need not be feared if detected early. It is fundamentally a genomic disease that grows more aggressive as it progresses, but early-stage disease is manageable. Immunotherapy and advanced treatments help only when the disease is caught in time. Prevention and early detection will always outperform late treatment. How important is genomics in cancer treatment today? Genomics drives almost everything we do nowfrom identifying driver mutations to detecting recurrence through circulating tumour DNA. Earlier, we didnt have the tools to target specific mutations; now most innovation is built on cancer genomics. Are there regional variations in cancer across Kerala? Kerala doesnt have a statewide registry, but the registries in Thiruvananthapuram, Karunagappally and Malabar show mild variations. Some areas show more colon or breast cancer but, overall, Kerala is uniform. Across India, however, the differences are largesouth India has more breast cancer, north India more oral cancer, and the Gangetic belt more gallbladder cancer. Are breast cancer cases rising? Should women marry earlier? Breast cancer cases are rising, and one in four women today is at risk. Lifestyle factors and delayed pregnancies play a role, but I dont recommend early marriage. What I strongly recommend is regular screening and breast self-examination from a young age. Why is early detection so important? Early detection makes cancer completely curable. The problem is that people usually get tested only after symptoms begin. Self-examination and timely testing can save lives. How transformative can Ayushman Bharat be? If implemented fully, it can revolutionise healthcare. Like the banking system that lets us access money anywhere, a unified health data system will allow continuity of care, without compromising privacy. How advanced is China in this field? Are they relying on traditional systems? I worked for six months at the Beijing Cancer Center, and the transformation I saw between my first visit years ago and my recent visit three years back is remarkable. They are technologically far ahead... they conduct genomic testing for almost all tumours, funded by the government, and they have multiple robotic systems and well-trained surgeons. They also have traditional medicine, but they keep it separate rather than integrating it with modern treatment. Can AI reduce healthcare costs? Yes. In our work, smartphone-based imaging combined with AI reached almost the same accuracy as specialists. With larger datasets, AI will become even more precise. It democratises expertise and allows health workers to detect disease early at very low cost. How do you assess Keralas health-seeking behaviour? Keralas people seek care promptly, which is good, but they rush to large hospitals even for minor issues. We must build trust in local doctors for routine care and reserve tertiary centres for complex cases. What should an ideal cancer care system look like? Cancer care should be engineered like diabetes care. Every GP or ENT doctor must know how to screen common cancers and refer for biopsy. A virtual tumour board should decide treatment and routine therapies should be available locally. Only rare, complex cases should go to specialised centres. How do you approach terminal cases? I remind patients that none of us live forever. My role is to tell the truth with compassion and ensure they are cared for. Keralas palliative network is excellent and helps people die with dignity at home rather than in ICUs. Giving chemotherapy till the last day is easy; guiding families through the final phase is the real responsibility. Why are hospital deaths so high? Its partly culturalfamilies still rush to hospitals even when the end is near. We must educate people that dying at home, surrounded by loved ones, can be much more peaceful and reduces catastrophic medical expenses. Are we short of oncologists? Yes. Kerala needs far more medical oncologists, and training must expand beyond major centres. Diploma-type programmes across more hospitals could help. TNIE team: Kiran Prakash, Cithara Paul, Rajesh Abraham, Rajesh Ravi, Anna Jose Harikrishna B A Sanesh (photos) Pranav V P (video)

IUML seat stirs concerns over change in UDFs communal equations in Kottayam

KOTTAYAM: By granting IUML a seat in the Kottayam district panchayat, the UDF has found itself in a spot amid the local body election heat. The front fears it could lose ground in Central Travancore due to the seat allocation to IUML and its alliance with Welfare Party of India. The Congress conceded to the IUMLs demand after days of discussions. With this, the IUML will be contesting in the district panchayat after a 25-year gap. It contested for the first time from the Erumeli division in 2000, but lost. Though IUML consistently requested a seat every election afterwards, the Congress did not yield. This time, however, the IUML remained firm in its demand during negotiations led by senior Congress leaders Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and K C Joseph. Finally, in discussions that concluded on Friday night, the Congress agreed to allocate the party a seat. The final decision regarding the specific division to be offered to IUML will be announced within two days. Meanwhile, Congress wants IUML to contest as a UDF independent and refrain from using its ladder symbol. The seat will however be counted in the IUMLs account. Congress fears that IUML contesting under its own symbol in the Christian-dominated Kottayam district could negatively impact the UDF. IUML, meanwhile, has agreed to the proposal of fielding an independent candidate. Even if we cannot contest under our symbol, securing a seat in our account strengthens our claim for future negotiations, said an IUML leader. But Congress has refused IUMLs initial request for either the Mundakkayam or Erumeli divisions. There are indications that the League may be offered Thalanad to counter pressure from the Kerala Congress, which has been demanding the division along with seven other seats. Dismissing concerns about a possible setback, IUML district president Aziz Badayil said, Concerns over communal equations are futile. There was no Muslim candidate in the previous election, but the UDF encountered one of its worst setbacks here. The UDF has accepted our demands and it will reflect in the results. The move to allocate seats in the Erattupetta municipality and Kanjirappally panchayat to the Welfare Party has also heightened concerns. A local Congress leader has come out against the move to allocate the sitting Kanjirappally seat to the Welfare Party. To counter setbacks, the UDF has advised the candidate to contest as a UDF independent.

Only 11.4 per cent of deaths in Kerala medically certified in 2023

KOLLAM: How many know that a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) is legally required when a person dies under the care of a doctor, whether in a government hospital, private hospital, or at home? Despite Keralas reputation as a public health model, the state shows a serious gap in the medical certification of deaths. Only 11.4% of the deaths registered in the state in 2023 were medically certified, according to the latest MCCD report of the department of economics and statistics. Out of 30.4 lakh deaths registered, just 34,705 had a doctors certificate recording the cause of death. That despite MCCD being mandatory under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act when a doctor attended the patient during the last illness. The report points to limited implementation, with the MCCD scheme functioning only in five urban local bodies Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Kozhikode and Alappuzha covering just 150 hospitals across both public and private sectors. Among the medically certified deaths, circulatory diseases such as heart attacks and strokes account for 26.4%. Diabetes-related deaths have doubled over the past decade, rising from 10% in 2014 to 19% in 2023. However, the report notes that these figures likely represent only a small portion of Keralas actual disease burden. The report also says that when preparing MCCD, doctors must note the underlying cause the root disease or condition that initiated the chain of events leading to death along with the immediate cause of death. Accurate documentation helps the government understand mortality trends and plan health interventions, particularly in managing chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. A senior health department official tells TNIE that many government hospitals are not consistently following MCCD norms. Most hospitals skip issuing MCCD The cause of death is always a sensitive issue. Hospitals often record only the final event, like heart attack or multi-organ failure, without noting the underlying condition. Most hospitals skip issuing MCCD, and the details remain only in the patients case summary. Relatives are also not aware of the requirement, so they rarely demand it, the official said. Another official with the health department says families usually seek the certificate only when faced with insurance claims, pension benefits, inheritance procedures or legal disputes. Most families are not interested in MCCD unless they run into a legal or financial issue. When the cause of death is not certified, they may face delays or denial of benefits. Hospitals also avoid the process because the government is not pushing for it. A simple circular could make hospitals comply, he said.

No ballot buzz in Mattannur, where polls come two years late

KANNUR: Even as the announcement of local body elections brought political buzz and excitement across the state, with other municipalities gearing up for campaigns, banners, and strategies, Mattannur stood quietly apart. The municipality will have to wait until 2027 for its turn as its administrative committee still has nearly two years left in its current term. Mattannur panchayat was established in 1962 through the merger of the Pazhassi, Kolari, and Porora villages. The region was elevated to a municipality in 1991 by the E K Nayanar-led LDF government. However, after the UDF came to power the same year, the status was reverted to a panchayat. The LDF later approached the High Court, which reinstated Mattannur as a municipality in 1992. Despite this, the municipality did not function for several years due to a shortage of staff and was administered by a special officer. Regular municipal elections were eventually conducted in 1997, and since then, Mattannurs elections have been held on a different schedule from other local self-government bodies. Though the Mattannur municipal election is still far away, political activities among party workers are gaining momentum. To stay active and contribute to the campaign efforts, party members from Mattannur are being assigned responsibilities in neighbouring panchayats for the upcoming local body elections. This move ensures that political engagement continues, though their own municipality wont be going to the polls anytime soon. Mattannur municipal chairperson N Shajith said, I have personally decided to review all pending files and plan new developmental projects for the municipality. Meanwhile, party workers from all political backgrounds will be assigned duties from their party in nearby panchayats and wards to assist with election-related activities. The municipality currently has a 35-member administrative committee, with the LDF holding 21 wards, the UDF 13, and the NDA 1. The present LDF-led council, headed by chairperson Shajith and deputy chairperson O Preetha, marks the sixth administrative committee since the formation of the municipality.