Inspired By Goa's 'Feni', Kerala Can Soon Say Cheers With Native Cashew Liquor
This native alcoholic beverage from Kerala's Kannur district will be distilled from fresh cashews in the district and is set to make its debut in January 2026
Caste-based insults will not be tolerated in Kerala: Sivankutty
The Vembanad Lake ecosystem and clam fishery are facing an unprecedented crisis. The deteriorating water quality and plummeting clam production have hit the lives of a large number of people who once survived on clam fishery. Hiran Unnikrishnan and Sam Paul A. find out what is worrying the ecologists as well as fishers of the region
Anvar continues tirade against Satheesan
Kerala Governor Defends Bharat Mata Portrait Amid Ministerial Boycott
We respect Bhart Mata. But we do not approve of the portrait of Bhart Mata carrying RSS saffron flag, say CPI state secretary Benoy Viswam
Youth drowns in Mullaperiyar tunnel
Vote splitters set to play spoilsports as LDF, UDF clash in Nilambur byelection
The contest between UDFs Aryadan Shoukath and LDFs M. Swaraj has garnered special attention due to the presence of three other key players: All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) State convener P.V. Anvar, who is contesting as and Independent; BJPs Mohan George; and Social Democratic Party of Indias (SDPI) Sadik Naduthodi. These candidates can potentially siphon off crucial votes, impacting the outcome in a closely contested election.
Greening programmes mark World Environment Day celebrations in Kochi
Holiday for educational institutions on June 6
Kerala Men Avenge Class 4 Fight After 50 Years, Arrested For Assault
The story of this revenge, which unfolded over 50 years later, came to light when the police began their investigation and registered a case: Reports
UDF ramps up attack on State govt. over NH corruption
Ban on adventure tourism lifted in Idukki
Keralite at the helm of the worlds biggest container ship
As the worlds largest container vessel MSC Irina is set to berth at Vizhinjam, its captain, a native of Thrissur, says the international port should have materialised much earlier. He sees the port helping the country achieving an economic leap.
Govt. nod for 643.88-crore organ transplant institute in Kozhikode
The institute is envisaged as an umbrella organisation, which will bring together scientists, researchers and expert clinicians and coordinate all activities related to organ donation and transplant in the State, including treatment and rehabilitation. The institute will come up on 20 acres at Chevayur in Kozhikode
Care home residents in Koyilandy living in fear again
Jayaraj Warrier to receive first S.P. Pillai award
World Environment Day celebrated at Thiruvananthapuram railway division
Kalppakam campaign launched in Kozhikode
World Environment Day celebrated in Alappuzha
Six-year-old launches tree school nursery on World Environment Day
Over 300 families evicted for ICTT continue to wait for eviction cards
The picture of Bharat Math astride a lion at Raj Bhavans central hall, where the World Environment Day inauguration was scheduled to be held, emerged as a sore point between the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government and the Governors office, prompting Agriculture Minister P. Prasad to skip the event.
Govt. slammed for last-minute scrapping of Fridays Bakrid holiday
IUML State general secretary P.M.A. Salam has demanded that the government declare a separate holiday on Saturday rather than scrapping the previously announced holiday on Friday.
Probe on into criminal elements participating in farewell function at Ernakulam district jail
The Hindu wins environment journalism prize
A collection of over 30 environmental stories authored by K.S. Sudhi and published in The Hindu in 2024 won the award.
Industries Department signs MoUs with public sector units
Civil judicial staff launch protest against ban on new appointments
They allege that the smooth functioning of various courts has been hit owing to negligence of the State government
NSS afforestation campaign gets under way
Covid cases in India at 4866, 7 deaths reported
Active cases increased by 564 over the last few hours, with spurts being reported from Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal and Delhi each reporting over 100 cases.
Kerala declares Bakrid holiday on Saturday
Jose K. Mani calls for discussion on Indo-U.S. trade agreement
Over 7 kg of suspected ganja seized in Ernakulam
Greenfield highway project: Uncertainty looms over distribution of compensation
NTPC Kayamkulam celebrates World Environment Day
Trawling ban to come into effect off the coast of Kerala from midnight of June 9
Kannur University withdraws controversial anti-national monitoring committee order
Move after opposition from syndicate members and SFIs protest
Kerala High Court for making public details of shipwreck, impact of cargoes on environment
Vedan Unleashes 'Theruvinte Mon' Music Video, A Raw Tribute To Kerala's Street Life
Malayalam rapper Vedan drops Theruvinte Mon, a powerful music video that captures the grit, struggles, and heart of street life in urban Kerala.
Why Not FIR Filed Over Stampede Near Chinnaswamy Stadium, Questions Karnataka BJP
High Court Chief Justice: Slamming the Congress-led government in Karnataka for not filing an FIR regarding the stampede incident near the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru which resulted in the deaths of at least 11 people, the Karnataka BJP on Thursday demanded a judicial probe into the incident by a sitting High Court judge. The demand was made in the joint press conference by the BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra and the Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka and Chalavadi Narayaswamy, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council. Vijayendra said: An unnatural death case (UDR) has been registered at the Cubbon Park police station, and an investigation has begun regarding the tragedy. Eleven innocent lives were lost due to the government's irresponsibility and thorough investigation is needed. The state government cannot escape accountability. Why the FIR has been not filed yet, he questioned. Vijayendra urged the Chief Minister to order an inquiry by a sitting High Court judge and called for proper decisions from the state government. He further demanded a minimum compensation amount of Rs 50 lakh for the families of the victims. Criticising the magisterial probe order, Vijeyandra charged that an inquiry by a magistrate would be insufficient to investigate the Chief Minister and cabinet members, who are in a position of culpability. He questioned the Chief Minister's decision to order a magisterial inquiry, stating that the government is unwilling to take responsibility for its failures. He stated that a situation has arisen in the state where the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Home Minister should resign. Vijayendra also demanded that RCB owners should provide compensation. He highlighted that when an elephant from Karnataka caused a death by trampling in Kerala, the Karnataka government announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh. Vijayendra further criticised the state government's inhumane conduct as condemnable. He pointed out that even as news channels already reported five or six deaths, the Deputy Chief Minister was celebrating at Chinnaswamy Stadium, and ruling party members continued their selfie spree at Vidhana Soudha. Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka, meanwhile, said: We will not accept an investigation by the District Collector. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is being filed before the High Court Chief Justice. The investigation must be conducted under the supervision of a High Court judge, and an SIT should be formed for this purpose. The report must be submitted directly to the High Court. Justice must be delivered for all these deaths, and those responsible must be punished. How can Deputy Commissioners, who work under the CM and report to him, conduct an impartial investigation? They were responsible for planning the event, finalizing its framework, and making preparations. Its impossible to believe they would honestly investigate the governments lapses and errors. Deceiving the public and causing deaths is bad enoughwhy are they now resorting to self-deception and adding to their sins? Only a judicial probe can deliver justice to innocent lives and their parents. The Congress government must not stoop to such pettiness even in the face of death. Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, questioned: If the police and the government are not responsible, then who is? Narayanaswamy, has asserted that the state government is directly responsible for the deaths. He demanded that the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister take direct responsibility and resign immediately. He questioned why the state government felt the need to organise the celebration, which should have been handled by a cricket body. He condemned the government's announcement of only Rs 10 lakh compensation for those who died in such a tragic incident, calling it unacceptable. Meanwhile, social activist Snehamayi Krishna filed a complaint with the Cubbon Park police on Thursday against CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, office-bearers of the KSCA, and others. In his complaint, Krishna demanded that the police register the case under Section 106 of the BNS Act. He condemned the government's announcement of only Rs 10 lakh compensation for those who died in such a tragic incident, calling it unacceptable. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Article Source: IANS
High-range belt of Kottayam taps into big investments with Rising Poonjar 2K25
Registration for the event will begin at 9 a.m. on Monday
Minister R. Bindu releases Knowledge Systems of Kerala
Hospital renovation row escalates as Veena targets protesters
To facilitate restoration work at Pathanamthitta Taluk General Hospital, some facilities are to be temporarily relocated to Government Medical College Hospital at Konni
Supplyco procures 1.05 lakh tonnes of paddy from Alappuzha
The agency purchases paddy at 28.2 a kg, which includes the minimum support price of 23 provided by the Union government and State governments 5.20 incentive bonus
Covid: Delhi records 2 more deaths; active case count at 562
India's active Covid cases stand at 4,866, with Kerala remaining the most affected state
Trawling ban in Kerala from June 9 midnight
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: (Jun 5) Kerala cabinet on Thursday ratified the trawling ban imposed in the sea off the Kerala coast for 52 days from June 9 midnight to July 31 midnight. The notification regarding the ban was issued on May 29, as part of efforts to protect marine resources during the fish breeding season, an official release here said. The cabinet also decided to lease 10 acres of land to the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-National Institute of Interdisciplinary [] The post Trawling ban in Kerala from June 9 midnight appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kerala Minister boycotts event at Raj Bhavan over picture of Bharat Mata at venue
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A state government-organised programme at the Raj Bhavan here to mark World Environment Day on Thursday courted controversy after Agriculture Minister P Prasad boycotted the event after being informed that a picture of 'Bharat Mata' was kept at the venue. After the Raj Bhavan turned down the government's request to remove the picture, the official programme was shifted to the Durbar Hall at the government secretariat. The Minister later told the media that the venue was shifted to the Durbar Hall as the Raj Bhavan informed that floral tributes would be paid before the picture of Bharat Mata ahead of the programme's inauguration by Governor Rajendra Arlekar. According to Prasad, the picture kept at the Raj Bhavan was usually used by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in its functions. Prasad said the Raj Bhavan should not be turned into a venue for petty politics. He also pointed out that the display of such a picture during various events at the Raj Bhavan began after Arlekar assumed office as Governor. He said people of various religions and political affiliations attend a government programme, and it was not proper to behave in such a narrow-minded manner. The picture had come to the notice of officials of the Agriculture Department who had visited the Raj Bhavan to assess the preparations for the World Environment Day programme. After the Minister was informed of the matter, the government requested that the picture be removed. However, the Raj Bhavan turned down the government's request. Even though the Agriculture Department shifted its Environment Day celebrations to the Secretariat, the planting of saplings by the Governor, which was decided earlier, was held as per schedule at the Raj Bhavan.
Kerala government releases cargo inventory of sunken MSC Elsa 3 off Alappuzha coast
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has released a detailed inventory of the cargo aboard the sunken ship MSC Elsa 3 , which went down 14.6 nautical miles off the Alappuzha coast on May 25. The ship was carrying a total of 643 containers. According to the report, 13 of these containers contained calcium carbide, with five stored on the deck and eight inside the vessel. Four containers were marked as carrying cashew nuts, labelled as cash. Another 46 containers held a mix of coconuts, Brazil nuts, and cashew nuts. Wooden logs were found in 87 containers, while plastic polymers and quicklime were each stored in 60 containers. Cotton was packed in 39 containers. There was one container each carrying green tea, gauze rolls. There were several containers having sandstone, cinnamon, printing paper, art boards, newsprint, and spinning machines. Six containers contained dried leguminous vegetables, and ten held fish body oil. The report also noted that 71 containers were empty. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and assess the potential environmental impact.
Kerala Anganwadis switch to biryani after three-year-old wish goes viral
After a video went viral in January this year, where a little boy asked for biryani and chicken fry instead of upma for his anganwadi meals, his wish was finally granted after Keralas ministry of women and child development rolled out a new menu featuring egg biryani once a week. Three-year-old Sankus video caught the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
India records 564 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours; health officials on alert
India reports 564 new COVID-19 cases and 7 deaths in 24 hours, with Kerala leading in active cases. Health Ministry holds review meetings as authorities urge caution amid the rising trend.
Covid cases in India: Coronavirus cases cross 4,500; Kerala tops chart
India reports 4,866 active Covid-19 cases as of June 5, 2025, with Kerala, Delhi, and West Bengal leading the count. Fatalities highlight vulnerability among those with pre-existing conditions. Globally, China, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United States report the highest cases. Citizens are advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.
KUHS Result 2025 Released at kuhs.ac.in Direct Link to Download UG Courses Result
KUHS Result 2025 is out as the Kerala University of Health Sciences has released the MBBS results on the official website kuhs.ac.in and students can check their results now using the direct link to download the KUHS Marksheet 2025 here.
Man Accused Of Killing First Wife Now Main Suspect In Murder Of Second
A suspected double murder in a quiet residential lane in central Kerala has triggered a police manhunt across districts, after the decomposed bodies of a 74-year-old woman and her 43-year-old daughter were discovered in their rented home in Thrissur.
COVID-19 cases cross 4.3K in India; most cases mild and managed under home care
NEW DELHI: India has reported 4,302 active COVID-19 cases, with an increase of 864 cases in the past 24 hours, official sources said on Wednesday. Officials said that most cases are mild and are being managed under home care. Since January 1, 2025, 44 deaths have been reported, primarily among individuals with pre-existing illnesses, sources added. As cases rise across the country, the Union Health Ministry has held a series of technical review meetings under the chairpersonship of Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), to assess the current COVID-19 situation and preparedness measures. The Union Health Ministry continues to closely monitor the situation and remains committed to ensuring public health safety through timely interventions and effective communication, sources said. A mock drill assessing oxygen supply systems (including PSA plants, LMO tanks, and MGPS lines) was conducted on June 2, and facility-level preparedness mock drills were carried out on June 4. A similar drill is scheduled for June 5, they added. The public is advised to practice hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and avoid crowded places when unwell. Individuals with acute respiratory illness should self-monitor and seek medical care if symptoms worsen, officials said. Officials emphasized the need to rely on trusted sources, such as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website and PIB releases, to avoid misinformation and rumors. The technical review meetings held on June 2 and 3 were attended by representatives from the Disaster Management Cell, Emergency Management Response (EMR) Cell, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), Central Government Hospitals in Delhi, and state and UT representatives. According to Krishna Prasad, a health data analyst, active COVID-19 cases are now being reported from 28 states and Union Territories. Kerala remains the worst-affected state, reporting 1,373 cases and nine deaths. It is followed by Maharashtra, which has recorded 510 active cases and 14 deaths. Other states reporting COVID-19 cases include: Gujarat: 461 cases, 1 death Delhi: 457 cases, 4 deaths West Bengal: 432 cases, 1 death Karnataka: 324 cases, 4 deaths Tamil Nadu: 216 cases, 4 deaths Uttar Pradesh: 201 cases, 2 deaths Officials also reviewed the healthcare preparedness across the country. States have been instructed to ensure the availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines, the sources said. The meetings also included discussions on scaling up the surveillance system. State and district surveillance units under IDSP are closely monitoring Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI). Testing is recommended for all admitted SARI cases and 5% of ILI cases, as per the guidelines. Positive SARI samples are sent for Whole Genome Sequencing through the ICMR VRDL network, they added.
COVID-19 cases cross 4.3K in India; cost cases mild and managed under home care
NEW DELHI: India has reported 4,302 active COVID-19 cases, with an increase of 864 cases in the past 24 hours, official sources said on Wednesday. Officials said that most cases are mild and are being managed under home care. Since January 1, 2025, 44 deaths have been reported, primarily among individuals with pre-existing illnesses, sources added. As cases rise across the country, the Union Health Ministry has held a series of technical review meetings under the chairpersonship of Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), to assess the current COVID-19 situation and preparedness measures. The Union Health Ministry continues to closely monitor the situation and remains committed to ensuring public health safety through timely interventions and effective communication, sources said. A mock drill assessing oxygen supply systems (including PSA plants, LMO tanks, and MGPS lines) was conducted on June 2, and facility-level preparedness mock drills were carried out on June 4. A similar drill is scheduled for June 5, they added. The public is advised to practice hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and avoid crowded places when unwell. Individuals with acute respiratory illness should self-monitor and seek medical care if symptoms worsen, officials said. Officials emphasized the need to rely on trusted sources, such as the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website and PIB releases, to avoid misinformation and rumors. The technical review meetings held on June 2 and 3 were attended by representatives from the Disaster Management Cell, Emergency Management Response (EMR) Cell, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), Central Government Hospitals in Delhi, and state and UT representatives. According to Krishna Prasad, a health data analyst, active COVID-19 cases are now being reported from 28 states and Union Territories. Kerala remains the worst-affected state, reporting 1,373 cases and nine deaths. It is followed by Maharashtra, which has recorded 510 active cases and 14 deaths. Other states reporting COVID-19 cases include: Gujarat: 461 cases, 1 death Delhi: 457 cases, 4 deaths West Bengal: 432 cases, 1 death Karnataka: 324 cases, 4 deaths Tamil Nadu: 216 cases, 4 deaths Uttar Pradesh: 201 cases, 2 deaths Officials also reviewed the healthcare preparedness across the country. States have been instructed to ensure the availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines, the sources said. The meetings also included discussions on scaling up the surveillance system. State and district surveillance units under IDSP are closely monitoring Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI). Testing is recommended for all admitted SARI cases and 5% of ILI cases, as per the guidelines. Positive SARI samples are sent for Whole Genome Sequencing through the ICMR VRDL network, they added.
8 authentic Kerala foods every traveller should try
Keralas cuisine is a vibrant mix of spices, coconut, and rice-based delicacies. From coastal seafood to traditional vegetarian fare, here are eight must-try local dishes on your Kerala trip.
India reported nearly 300 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, with Kerala contributing the highest number of fresh infections. Additionally, two more COVID-related deaths were recorded during this period, raising the total death toll for the year to seven, according to official data.
Alappuzha Travel Guide: Exploring The Best Spots In Kerala's Backwater Beauty
From lazy houseboat rides to secret sunset spots, here's everything you need to plan your Alappuzha getaway the right way.
CM Pinarayi Vijayan to launch Oru Thai Nadaam drive
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will launch Oru Thai Nadaam, a statewide campaign to plant 1 crore saplings, on Thursday, marking World Environment Day. Organised by the Haritha Kerala Mission, the campaign aims to expand the Missions Pachathuruth project to more regions. The chief minister will kick off the initiative by planting a sapling at the Cliff House compound at 3.30 pm. Special emphasis will be given to rare and endangered tree species. In other districts, the campaign will be led by ministers, MPs, MLAs, and local representatives. Nava Keralam state coordinator T N Seema will also be present at the launch. Meanwhile, Forest Minister A K Saseendran will inaugurate the World Environment Day state-level observation on Thursday. MLA V K Prasanth will preside over the event to be held at HRD Complex Aranyam Hall at 10 am. The e-governance digital suit on 12 online services will be released at the function. Head of forest force Rajesh Raveendran, Kerala University aquatic biology assistant professor Suvarna Devi, chief wildlife warden Pramod G Krishnan, APCCFs L Chandrasekhar, Justin Mohan, P Pugazhendi, forest conservator D K Vinod Kumar and councillor V G Girikumar will also speak.
Congress leader KC Venugopals remarks on welfare pension are a challenge against people: CPM
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM leadership has come out against senior Congress leader K C Venugopal for his remarks on social welfare pensions. Venugopals statement terming the welfare pensions an election bribe is a challenge towards the common people, said the CPM secretariat in a statement. The CPM urged the Congress leader to withdraw his statement and apologise to the people. In the last nine years, the LDF government has kept aside `72,000 crore for welfare pension distribution alone. In spite of the Union governments denial of Central grants, the state government has been trying to give pension without delay. The state hasnt forgotten the remarks made by certain Congress leaders when the pensions were delayed. When the Centre has been trying to punish the state by denying Central grants and bringing KIIFB under the states borrowing limit, the Congress has remained silent. Despite these restrictions, the LDF government has been trying to give pensions every month, said the CPM in a statement. The CPM alleged that the UDF failed to properly distribute welfare pensions during 2011-16 period. The UDF government had spent around Rs 9,311 crore on pensions for 34.43 lakh people. However, the LDF government disbursed Rs 72,000 crore to 62 lakh beneficiaries. During this governments tenure alone, the Left government spent Rs 40,000 crore on pensions. Naturally the timely delivery of pensions and other development activities will be reflected in the bypoll. Venugopals statement shows that the UDF is worried. Terming the welfare pensions as election bribe cannot be accepted. The people will give a befitting reply to such remarks, said CPM.
Action soon on Pocso case accuseds participation in Kerala school event: Minister V Sivankutty
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government will soon take appropriate action on the basis of the report of the Deputy Director of Education (DDE), Thiruvananthapuram, on the incident in which Pocso case accused vlogger Mukesh M Nair participated as a guest in the reopening ceremony of a government school on June 2, General Education Minister V Sivankutty has said. The inquiry report of the DDE had concluded that the responsibility for the incident lies entirely on the headmaster of the school. It was not right to allow the participation of a Pocso case accused in the event. I would like to clarify that such persons should never be allowed to participate in any school event in the state, the minister told reporters here on Wednesday. The minister said the headmaster had visited him earlier in the day and admitted that allowing the Pocso accused in the event was a mistake on the part of the school. Sivankutty also expressed dissatisfaction over the headmasters explanation that he and the teachers of the school did not know the vloggers background as he was invited by a voluntary organisation that sponsors materials for students during school reopening. Sivankutty also informed that an inquiry has been ordered into the incident in which as many as 14 higher secondary students in Kollam were sent out of school for not cutting their hair. The Regional Deputy Director of Education, Kollam, will conduct an inquiry and the Director of General Education has been told to take appropriate action. Schools should ensure there is no repeat of such incidents, the minister said. The minister also allayed concerns of students who were facing hardship in submission of caste and category details in schools during Plus-I admission owing to the non-availability of SSLC certificates in DigiLocker. The SSLC book is usually made available in DigiLocker after the results of the Save-A-Year exam are published. However, students can produce the transfer certificate to get their caste and category details verified during the Plus-I admission process, Sivankutty said.
Police file chargesheet against Boby Chemmanur for obscene remarks against actor Honey Rose
KOCHI: The police submitted a chargesheet against businessman Boby Chemmanur in a case registered against him for making obscene remarks against Malayalam actor Honey Rose. The probe team submitted the chargesheet before the Ernakulam Magistrate Court. The chargesheet clearly states that Boby repeatedly used sexually suggestive remarks and innuendos with the intent to insult and demean the actress, said a police officer with the Kochi city police. In addition to charges of sexual harassment, the chargesheet also includes offences such as stalking and persistent harassment. Investigators have gathered substantial evidence, including Bobys inappropriate comments made via social media targeting multiple individuals. The police also submitted video clips of interviews, the confidential statement of the actor, and testimonies from key witnesses as crucial evidence supporting the charges, he said.
Kerala gold investment fraud: Proprietors of now defunct jewellery arrested in ten more cases
Their bail applications in ten cases were rejected, and they would be presented before a court in the city on Thursday, June 5, 2025.
Kerala turns to forest restoration amid rising threat from wildlife
KOCHI: As human-wildlife conflict escalates in Keralawith 27 people killed in five monthsthe forest department is undertaking a quiet but crucial shift: restoring degraded plantations into natural forests to address the root cause of these confrontations. So far, 1,700 hectares of forest plantations have been converted into natural forests, and efforts are on in another 5,000 hectares. A top forest official said, We have grown acacia and eucalyptus in 72,000 hectares and these species will be completely replaced. However, the forest department still relies on timber revenue, with 534 hectares of new plantations added in 202324. Critics say this focus, along with invasive species, is degrading habitats and pushing wildlife into human areas. Senna spectabilis now covers 123 sq km in Wayanad, while creepers choke vegetation in Nilambur. Conservationists urge restoring grasslands and converting plantations to reduce conflict. Habitat restoration and rehabilitation of forest dwellers can ease the conflict, said conservationist S Guruvayoorappan. The invasive senna continues to be a point of contention. Activist and lawyer T S Santhosh alleged corruption in the forest departments removal process. The High Court-appointed committee recommended uprooting senna to prevent its regrowth. But the current method only benefits private players like Kerala Paper Products Ltd, which extracts the wood cheaply while leaving roots intact. Refuting the claim, a forest official said, Uprooting 3,000 senna trees per hectare would require heavy machinery that may loosen topsoil and damage natural vegetation. Debarking, with a 6070% success rate, is safer. Around 6,000 metric tonnes of senna have been removed so far. Alex Ozhukayil, chairman of Kerala Independent Farmers Association, said, We cant cultivate near forests anymore. Wild elephants, pigs, and gaurs destroy crops daily. The department must replace non-palatable species with fruit-bearing trees and build barriers.
Kerala aiming to achieve net zero emission target by 2050: CM Pinarayi Vijayan
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While India aims to achieve the target of net zero emission by 2070, Kerala is planning to achieve the objective by 2050 itself thanks to its ongoing campaign named Net Zero Carbon Keralam Janangalioode, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said. In an article on the occasion of World Environment Day on June 5, Pinarayi said efforts to achieve the goal of Carbon Neutral Kerala or net zero emission were being carried out with peoples participation. He said a total of 10 institutions have already achieved the target. He reminded that for the sustenance of the ecosystem, forests and its flora and fauna should be protected. The disappearance of green cover in Kerala that is undergoing rapid urbanisation is a matter of concern, Pinarayi said. He added that June 5 would mark the launch of the project named Oru Thai Nadaam by the state to plant one crore saplings. People from a wide cross-section of society will participate in the campaign that will end on September 30. Pinarayi exhorted people of the state to adopt an environment- friendly lifestyle to create a better tomorrow for the future generation. He reminded that the message of environmental politics should reach political, social and cultural organisations in the state. Pinarayi also stressed the importance of incorporating environment studies as an integral part of value-based education. He said the LDF government proposes a development model that sees man as a part of nature. The environment budget, passed by the state government, is aimed at assessing the harmful effects of development on nature and correcting them. The chief minister reminded that the focus of this years World Environment Day message was to address plastic pollution. Our forest, land and sea are facing the threat of plastic pollution. We need to limit the use of plastic only for essential purposes, he said. Pinarayi said various campaigns launched by the Haritha Keralam Mission have helped clean natural watercourses spanning 92,429 km besides rivers spread over an area of 412 km.
Kerala: Congress striving hard to brand CPM anti-Muslim
MALAPPURAM: After a brief lull, in the wake of M Swarajs dramatic entry into the Nilambur by-election fray and the overwhelming reception he received in the constituency, the Congress has hit the campaign trail with renewed vigour. The grand old party first tried to brand the CPM as anti-Muslim. But with P V Anwar also positioning himself along similar lines, Congress leaders have upped the ante, attacking the CPM for denigrating Malappuram district by branding it a hub of anti-social activities. The tone was set by AICC general secretary K C Venugopal during the UDF election convention. On Wednesday, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan turned on the heat saying that CPM leaders have been consistently targeting Malappuram. The PR agency of the chief minister issued a press release to a national daily in Delhi which said that extremist activities and gold smuggling are thriving in Malappuram. This is the narrative built by the Sangh parivar, he said. The CPM leader assigned to lead the LDF campaign in Nilambur is the party politburo member A Vijayaraghavan. There have been at least a dozen statements from himinsulting the people of Malappuram, Satheesan said. LDFs M Swaraj greets voters at Modapoika Vijayaraghavan had stated that Congress candidate Priyanka Gandhi won the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat with the help of extremists, Satheesan said. She got more than 95,000 votes from the Nilambur assembly segment. We want to know whether the CPM leader will stick to his earlier stand. Satheesan said that all the statements of Vijayaraghavan on Malappuram and IUML leaders were in bad taste. He has also said that those who staged agitation against the highway development in Malappuram were extremists, he said. The BJP was reluctant to field a candidate in Nilambur, but later named a non-entity. This shows the clandestine deal between the CPM and the BJP, he said. The CPM has been cautious in dealing with allegations of its anti-Muslim stance. Swaraj reminded that it was the Congress which had joined hands with BJPs precursor Jan Sangh, in opposing the formation of Malappuram district. Congress had taken out a march from Chandakunnu against the formation of the district, he said. AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi is expected to campaign for Aryadan Shoukath by addressing a few meetings on June 9 or 10.
Rs 6,700 crore boost for road development in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Union government has approved road development projects worth Rs 6,700 crore submitted by Kerala, following a meeting between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Wednesday. The clearance covers 14 projects proposed by the state. Gadkari also assured that the 380-m-long stretch in the Malappuram-Kooriyad section that got damaged during NH 66 construction will be rebuilt as a viaduct at the contractors expense. Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas, who was part of the CM-led delegation, said the independent engineer, contractor and design consultant involved with the project have been removed and the NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) project director suspended. The meeting also reviewed the progress of NH works under way in Kerala. Recognising minor delays in some stretches, the Union minister suggested corrective steps. All highway construction will be completed by December 2025, Riyas said. He also confirmed that the state will receive `151 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) scheme this week. Riyas said the Centre would give final approval for the Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road and the Palakkad-Kozhikode Greenfield Highway, likely by the end of July. Several projects that were pending for over eight years have now received clearance. The Ernakulam Bypass project has received in-principle approval, and the remaining formalities are expected to be completed within five months. Of the seven NHs currently under development through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways fund, five have received approval, while nod for the other two is expected within two months. Riyas said the Kollam-Senkotta Greenfield (NH 744) project would be approved within three months. Approval for the proposed Mysuru-Malappuram Economic Corridor would be considered after a detailed study. Riyas also confirmed that in-principle approval had been granted for the Willingdon Island-Kundannur Greenfield Corridor and the Azhikkal Port Connectivity Project. Approval has been granted for implementing the Kothamangalam-Muvattupuzha bypass as a single stretch. The long-pending Punalur bypass project has also been approved, and the NHAI has been directed to submit a detailed project report. A directive has also been issued to prepare a DPR for the construction of a road linking NH 66 to the Kozhikode airport. Kerala governments special representative in Delhi K V Thomas, Chief Secretary A Jayathilak and PWD secretary K Biju were present at the meeting.
Rice, food vanish from homes along Sabarimala forest fringe
PATHANAMTHITTA: Imagine returning home after a long day out to find there has been a break-in. However, instead of money, jewellery, or appliances, the thieves have decamped with your rice and other food items! This grocery heist has been unsettling villages of Seethathode panchayat in Pathanamthitta, bordering the forests of Sabarimala and the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The mysterious thefts of cooked food and edible items have been a regular affair in Angamoozhi, Valooppara, Kochu Koikkal and Gurunathan Mannu during the monsoon season for the last two years, says panchayat president P R Pramod. This year, a little over a week after the monsoon onset on May 24, one theft has been reported. Many residents suspected the hand of Maoists due to the areas proximity to the jungle and the fact that food items were being stolen. However, both the police and the forest departments have denied this. There are no reports of Maoists in the area. In places where they are active, they usually make their presence known to local people. Maoists stealing food items is unheard of, said Goodrickal range officer Ashok A S. Speculation of armed hunter gangs venturing out into the vast forest lands spanning three districts has also been repudiated. Thief likely a local: Cop Despite staff shortage, forest officials monitor the area regularly, owing to the strategic importance of Sabarimala and its border with Tamil Nadu. Nothing unusual has been observed during our patrols, Ashok said. The range officer also pointed out that the thief only targets homes whose residents have stepped out. This shows someone who knows the area is behind the act, Ashok said. Chittar inspector D Rajagopal said, Neither Maoists nor hunters are responsible (for the thefts). We believe its a local individual who has been living alone in the forest for years, estranged from his family, he said. He shelters in caves inside the forests. I met him several years ago while serving at the local station. Though he is not a criminal, he was involved in stealing food from several houses in the area, he said. The panchayat president, too, said the thefts may not be the work of a group but a lone individual. In the latest incident, a resident whose food items were stolen claimed he also lost around Rs 10,000 in cash. However, the inspector dismissed the claim.
CWRDM proposes immediate steps to face monsoon crisis in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the southwest monsoon arriving earlier than usual and bringing unusually heavy rain, the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) has issued urgent recommendations to tackle potential flooding and landslides in Kerala. The state witnessed one of its earliest monsoon onsets in recent years. According to CWRDM, this years patternmarked by intense rainfall in short bursts followed by dry spellshighlights the growing need for improved disaster preparedness and smarter water management. In just one week, from May 24 to 31, Kozhikode recorded 620 mm of rainfallnearly 28% of the regions average monsoon total. Daily rainfall during this period crossed 60 mm, sparking fears of flash floods, waterlogging, and landslides, especially in hilly regions. Traditionally, Keralas monsoon sets in around June 1. But since 1970, nearly half of the monsoons have begun in late May, said CWRDM executive director Manoj P Samuel. This years early onset is among the earliest eversecond only to May 18, 1990, he said. Experts link this shift to warming sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea, stronger cross-equatorial winds, and global atmospheric changes such as the Madden-Julian Oscillation. Though total rainfall remains fairly consistent, its distribution has become erratic, raising the risk of extreme weather events and putting pressure on infrastructure, agriculture, and public health. To reduce the immediate impact of intense rainfall, CWRDM has urged local bodies and disaster management agencies to clear natural drains and first-order streams to prevent waterlogging. Intelligent dam operation systems should be used to regulate water release, especially avoiding excessive storage in upper catchments that could worsen downstream flooding. Other steps include geo-tagging flood-prone areas like schools and low-lying roads, implementing soil conservation in landslide-prone zones, and issuing health advisories for boiling drinking water in flood-affected areas. These evolving trends demand both short- and long-term strategies, Manoj said. Strengthening early warning systems, real-time monitoring, and integrating climate projections into development planning will be crucial for building resilience, he added. Immediate preparedness measures Clear first-order streams and natural drains to avoid waterlogging Use intelligent systems for controlled water release from dams and check-dams Limit storage of large water volumes in upper catchments to reduce downstream flood risks Enforce soil conservation in hilly and landslide-prone zones Geo-tag vulnerable areas such as schools and low-lying roads Test water quality and issue public advisories to boil drinking water in flood-affected regions Maintain close coordination with IMD and local disaster response teams for swift action Long-term strategies Develop real-time weather forecasting and nowcasting tools Strengthen communication systems to ensure timely public alerts Involve communities in rain and river level monitoring Train localised disaster response teams for quick evacuation Map safe zones and run public education campaigns on emergency protocols Use high-resolution rainfall data to adapt crop schedules and promote climate-smart agriculture
Air India enters into four new interline partnerships
KOCHI: Air India has entered into interline partnerships with four major airlines from emerging markets, significantly enhancing connectivity to Europe, particularly the Baltic region and parts of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The partnerships will provide Air India guests seamless travel options to 16 more destinations across six countries in these regions. Conversely, Air India will provide convenient access to more than 30 Indian cities, including Kochi, to the customers of its four partner airlines. Air India signed the interline agreements with airBaltic, Bulgaria Air, Cyprus Airways, and Uzbekistan Airways, on the sidelines of the ongoing 81st IATA AGM in New Delhi. The new partnerships enable a passenger to travel across continents with a single-ticket itinerary that combines Air India flights with those of its partner airlines as well as coordinated baggage allowance & handling. Convenient one-stop connectivity through the four partner airlines: -- airBaltic: Provides access to Riga (Latvia), Tallinn (Estonia), and Vilnius (Lithuania) via Air Indias European gateways at Amsterdam, Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, London Gatwick, Milan-Malpensa, Vienna, Zurich, or Dubai. -- Bulgaria Air: Provides access to Sofia via Air Indias gateways at London Heathrow, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Milan, Zurich, and Tel Aviv, supporting travel to the vibrant Eastern European city. Air India guests can also take further onward connections from Sofia to other Bulgarian cities of Varna and Burgas. -- Cyprus Airways: Provides access to Larnaca (Cyprus) via Air Indias European gateways at Paris, Milan, and Dubai, opening one of the Mediterraneans key cultural and economic hubs for Indian travellers. -- Uzbekistan Airways: Provides access to Tashkent from Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa-Mopa (GOX), as well as further onward connections from Tashkent to Bukhara, Qarshi, Nukus, Urgench, Termez, Samarkand, Fergana, and Namangan. Conversely, Air India will provide convenient access to more than 30 Indian cities to the customers of its four partner airlines, including Kochi, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, and Goa. These four new interline partnerships significantly enhance Air Indias global reach and open seamless pathways to vibrant cities across some of the most important emerging markets of today, said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India. Bookings will progressively open for these interline connections through Air Indias website (www.airindia.com), mobile app, or via travel agents worldwide. The Air India group consisting of full-service global airline Air India and low-cost regional carrier Air India Express employs more than 30,000 people, operates over 300 aircraft and carries customers to 55 domestic and 48 international destinations across five continents.
Kerala: Panchayat cancels decision to appoint BJP supporter as High Court standing counsel
MALAPPURAM: The Vazhikkadavu panchayat has cancelled the decision to appoint Sangh Parivar supporter R Krishnaraj as its standing counsel in the High Court after the decision became a big embarrassment for the IUML. Panchayat president Thankamma N K issued an order stating that Krishnaraj will not appear for the local body in the future. The decision has stirred a hornets nest as it was alleged that Krishnaraj has been very critical of the Muslim community. His post against IUML state president Panakkad Syed Sadiq Ali Shihab Thangal resurfaced on Facebook amid the controversy. The CPM had alleged that the incident exposed the nexus between the UDF and the BJP, and that Krishnaraj was the mediator in the deal between the two parties. IUML had earlier claimed that it was the panchayat secretary, who is the husband of a CPM leader in Malappuram, who selected the advocate. But later the minutes of the decision taken by the panchayat board surfaced in public domain. The panchayat president said she didnt know that Krishnaraj was a BJP activist. An advocate was representing the panchayat in the court. The UDF leadership later appointed another person as standing counsel. Krishnaraj was appointed after the person voluntarily opted out, she said. Thankamma added that it was the panchayat secretary and the vice-president who suggested to the board to appoint Krishnaraj. No one on the board objected to the decision at that time, she said. The responsibility of handling the case is with the secretary. We only ratified the agenda when it was presented in the board meeting, the president said. IUML MLA Najeeb Kanthapuram said the party is taking the issue seriously and would take necessary action. It cannot be considered as merely the fault of the officials, he said. There are seven IUML members and six Congress members on the panchayat board. CPM has seven members and CPI one. Congress Reji Joseph is the vice-president of the panchayat.
Kerala police chief selection: UPSC likely to finalise shortlist by June third week
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With about four weeks remaining for Shaik Darvesh Saheb to step down, all eyes will be on the UPSC meeting, likely to be held by the third week of June, for a shortlist of three officers who could replace him. There are six officers DGPs Nitin Agrawal, Ravada A Chandrasekhar, Yogesh Gupta and Manoj Abraham, and ADGPs S Suresh and M R Ajith Kumar in the running to replace the incumbent state police chief. As per protocol, the UPSCs screening meeting will be attended by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, UPSC chairman Ajay Mohan, Shaik Darvesh, Chief Secretary Dr A Jayathilak and a head of the Armed Police Forces. The state government had sent the list of six names to the UPSC for its consideration. The Union Public Service Commission usually shortlists officers based on seniority, track record and experience. If that is the criteria that the commission takes into account, then Nitin, Ravada and Yogesh would make it to the shortlist. Nitin, a 1990 batch IPS officer, is the senior-most of the lot. He was BSF director general before being repatriated to the state. Currently the road safety commissioner, he is set to retire by June 2026. Ravada is the special director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB). The 1991 batch officer will also retire by June next year. Having been with a premier institution, Ravada had expressed his willingness to rejoin Kerala Police in case he is selected. If he gets the call, then the promotion of ADGP M R Ajith Kumar to DGP rank will hit a roadblock as the state can only have only four officers of the rank of DGP. The state government had asked the Centre to create an additional cadre post of DGP, but the request has not been entertained. The tenure of Yogesh, director general of the Fire and Rescue Services, will run till 2030. He was recently moved out of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau over differences with the state government. Its to be seen whether that perceived rift will affect his prospects. Manoj is the presently the Vigilance director. The 1994 batch officers service will last till 2031. Suresh, of the 1995 batch, is currently an additional director with the Special Protection Group (SPG), which provides security to the prime minister. Also of the 1995 batch, Ajith Kumar is ADGP of the Armed Police Battalion. He will retire on December 31, 2028.
Kerala forest department to launch tree banking scheme to reduce carbon emissions
KOTTAYAM: Taking a cue from the successful tree banking project implemented by Wayanads Meenangadi grama panchayat under the previous LDF government, Kerala forest department has come up with an enhanced tree banking scheme. The scheme, aimed at expanding tree cover beyond traditional forest areas in the state, will provide financial assistance to farmers to plant trees on their land. The objective of incentivising the planting of trees on private lands is to offset carbon emissions and thereby promote environmental sustainability, said officials. Additionally, the scheme seeks to bolster the supply of timber in the local market. The initiative being implemented through the Social Forestry wing of the forest department, starting this financial year intends to provide financial assistance for the planting of various tree species, including teak, rosewood, sandalwood, jackfruit, wild jack, Hopea parviflora (Thambakam), Terminalia tomentosa (Karimaruth), Gmelina arborea (Kumbil), and Lagerstroemia lanceolata (Venthekk). The project will be implemented in phases, with sandalwood receiving financial assistance in the first year. T he forest department will supply the saplings priced at `55 and `23 based on their size free of cost. As a prelude to its formal launch by Forest Minister A K Saseendran in July, the department has invited applications from the public to join the scheme. Those who own land or have leased land for at least 15 years can register for this scheme at their respective Social Forestry Range Office with the land-related documents. Individuals who plant and cultivate tree saplings as per the scheme will receive financial assistance for up to 15 years. According to K B Subhash, assistant conservator of forest, Kottayam, the department has received an overwhelming response from the public for the scheme. The advantage of the project is that people will get an incentive from Rs 10 to Rs 30 per tree every year, depending on the number of trees planted. The incentives start from the third year and will continue until the 15th year, he said. After the completion of 15 years, the landowner can cut the trees for his own use or sell them with the permission of the Social Forestry Divisional Office. Those who become members of the scheme must enter into an agreement with the forest department. Under this scheme, farmers can receive financial assistance for planting a minimum of 10 saplings to a maximum of 1,000 trees. Farmers will receive Rs 30 per tree for up to 100 saplings, Rs 25 per tree for 101 to 250 saplings, etc, up to Rs 10 per tree for planting up to 1,000 saplings. The total fund allocated for the current financial year is Rs 70 lakh, with Rs 5 lakh for each district. The scheme intends to mitigate global warming and climate change, envisaging a substantial improvement in forest cover in the state. Green Push The scheme encourages tree planting on private lands to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability. In the first phase, financial assistance will be provided for sandalwood cultivation The Forest Department will supply saplings free of cost, which are therwise priced at Rs 55 and Rs 23 based on their size
Sree Chitra to explore link between indoor air pollution, heart health
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Over the next year, 200 heart patients in Kerala will sleep with a drum-sized cylindrical air purifier beside their beds. This is part of a major study being undertaken by the Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) to explore the link between indoor air pollution and heart health. The air purifiers -- supplied by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi -- will continuously monitor indoor air quality even as clinicians track each patients heart condition. The goal: to understand whether cleaner indoor air can reduce complications in people suffering from heart failure. The Kerala-based project is part of a larger multi-centre research initiative involving AIIMS, New Delhi, and the Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana, in Punjab -- regions known for far worse air quality than Kerala. Funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the study is significant as cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in India. Air pollution is not just a city or traffic issue. Indoor air, where people spend a majority of their time, can be just as hazardous, especially for those with heart failure, Dr Harikrishnan S, principal investigator and professor of cardiology at SCTIMST, told TNIE. This study asks a crucial question: can reducing indoor air pollution improve outcomes for patients with heart failure? Each home will be equipped with one of two types of purifiers, distributed randomly. One has a basic bacterial filter while the other comes with both bacterial and dust filters. The devices will measure pollutants from environmental sources and household practices such as cooking. Patients will return for clinical review every three months, during which doctors will assess changes in their heart function, specifically the hearts pumping efficiency, Dr Harikrishnan said. A baseline reading from a central monitor installed at SCTIMST will help interpret the data collected by the homebased machines. So far, ten air purifiers have been installed in homes across Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, from where the participants -- regular SCTIMST patients -- have been selected. The remaining 190 installations will follow shortly. Joining Dr Harikrishnan on the study team are co-principal investigators Dr Jeemon Panniyammakal, Dr Sanjay and Dr Jyothi Vijay. The research is being carried out under the Indo- US collaborative agreement on environmental and occupational health. Evidence linking fine particle pollution (PM2.5) to cardiovascular risks is growing. A recent AIIMS Delhi study revealed that even a slight rise in PM2.5 levels can elevate the risk of heart attacks the same day. In India, the burden is stark: an estimated 70 deaths per 100,000 people in 2019 were attributed to PM2.5 exposure, amounting to 9,79,682 deaths nationwide, with 22% caused by ischemic heart disease, according to UNEP. India also faces earlier onset of heart disease. Heart conditions begin 10 to 12 years earlier in India compared to the United States, Dr Harikrishnan pointed out.
Passengers miss connection train; Southern Railway to pay Rs 10k compensation
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Southern Railway has been directed to pay Rs 10,000 compensation each to five Mookambika-bound travellers who missed the connection train from Mangalore due to the delayed arrival of the first train. The Thiruvananthapuram District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission also asked the railways to pay Rs 2,500 as costs. The complainants had booked tickets in the Maveli Express from Trivandrum Central Railway Station to Mangalore Central Railway Station to visit the Kollur Mookambika Temple. The scheduled boarding date was 10.08.2017 and arrival time at 8.05 hours next day. They also booked tickets on the Mangalore-Karwar Express to travel to Byndoor Station (Mookambika Road). The second train was scheduled to depart from Mangalore station on 11.08.2017 at 9 hours. According to the complainants, the Maveli Express reached the Mangalore Central Railway Stations outer at 8.20 hrs but was stopped there till the connection train in which they had to travel to Byndoor railway station left the central station. The complainants alleged that the train was halted in the outer though the central station had vacant platforms. Due to deficiency in service by the railways, the complainants said, they had to catch a bus for further journey resulting in monetary loss and mental agony. The railways submitted that the Maveli Express reached Mangalore station at 9.08 hrs. The allegation that Mangalore- Karwar Express is a connection train for Maveli Express is factually incorrect. Hence, the latter cannot be detained at the station until the arrival of Maveli Express. The Mangalore- Karwar Express left station at scheduled time of 9 hrs. The case was considered by a commission bench comprising its president P V Jayarajan, members Preetha G Nair and Viju V R. Advocate Ravikrishnan N R, who was among the travellers, represented the complainants. The commission refused to accept the railways argument that Mangalore-Karwar Express was not a connection train because the tickets issued to the complainants were from Trivandrum to Mookambika Road. Even if the train from Mangalore Central to Mookambika is not a connection train, the complainants were not able to board the second train due to the delay in arrival of the first train. The commission observed that the railways did not produce any evidence to explain the trains delayed arrival at 9.08 hrs against the scheduled time of 8.05 hrs. If the public transportation has to survive and compete with private parties, it has to improve the system and working culture , the order said.
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Heartwrenching scenes at hospital following Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede
BENGALURU: Just a day before his death, Poorna Chandra, 32, a civil engineer, went to Mandyas Pandavapura to see the girl whom he was supposed to marry soon. But he breathed his last on Wednesday at the stampede outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. His uncle Doresha, was seen searching for Chandras body at Bowring Hospital but later found him at Vydehi Hospital. Ashwini, mother of 14-year-old Divyanshi, was inconsolable and unable to digest the death of her daughter. She was seen crying and requesting the medicos at Bowring Hospital not to cut open the skull and body of her daughter for postmortem. The little RCB fan, who was overwhelmed with her favourite cricket teams victory, was dead for no fault of hers. The mother of 22-year-old Shravan K T, a student of Dr Ambedkar Medical and Dental College, who wished to see her son as a doctor in the hospital, fell unconscious after she saw him dead. In all. Bowring Hospital recorded six deaths, with 18 injured getting treated with complaints like bone fracture, head injury, and spine injury, among others. At Manipal Hospital (formerly Vikram Hospital) on Millers Road, 18-year-old student Chinmayi was said to have died while two more were getting treatment. The wailing sirens of the ambulances filled the 1-km road stretch between M Chinnaswamy Stadium and Bowring Hospital. Good Samaritans prevented more deaths There were many good Samaritans who didnt mind risking their lives to save others and helped prevent more deaths. People carried the injured and those gasping for breath on their shoulders. An unknown youth rushed a girl, who was gasping for breath, on his two-wheeler to Bowring Hospital. Film artiste Mahesh KR said that while the crowd was getting overwhelming, with people falling on each other, he attempted to resist the pressure despite getting injured, ensuring that people next to him didnt fall on others. In the absence of any ambulance, it was Hoysala patrol vehicles that did the job. Namma Karnataka Sene leader Suresh Naik said he, along with the police, shifted the injured from Gate number 8 to 12, and from there, ambulances shifted the injured. The 11 victims Bhuvik, (20) engineering student Sahana (19), engineering student, KGF Poorna Chandra (32), civil engineer Chinmayi (19), student Divyanshi (13), student Shravan KT (20), dental student, Chintamani Devi (29), Andhra Pradesh Shivling (17), Kannur, Kerala Manoj (33) Akshatha, Mangaluru One victim is yet to be identified
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Greener side of Bastar as forest cover increases
RAIPUR: Chhattisgarhs Bastar region, in recent years, has been making headlines for Maoist-related campaigns involving security forces. At the same time, the extensive area has also witnessed the Chhattisgarh forest departments diligent engagement in achieving a remarkable feat of improving the forest cover density, reinforcing the regions reputation as a thriving green landscape. The India State of Forest Report (ISFR), published by the Forest Survey of India in Dehradun, reflects the results of these consistent efforts, including the utilisation of a satellite-based sensor with a spatial resolution of 23.5 metres. The report highlighted a significant enhancement in forest cover across multiple regions of the Bastar zonean area larger than the state of Kerala and boasting several tourist attractions and sightseeing spots. With the acknowledged commitment to sustainable forest management and associated conservation initiatives in recent years, the forest department has undertaken various measures to enhance forest cover, thereby strengthening the green footprint. The progress in forest cover density is attributed to multiple factors, including continuous monitoring by the forest department, an effective soil and water conservation programme, removal of invasive weed species and community-led afforestation initiatives, as well as the deep-rooted environmental ethos of Bastars tribal communities. The inspired vision of the Chhattisgarh government gave a boost to the state forest departments proactive and scientific approach that yielded impressive conservation results. The ISFR 2023 data reaffirms the states commitment to sustainable forest where strategic interventions and active community participation has yielded a major boost on augmenting the forest cover, V Sreenivasa Rao, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, told this newspaper. Several areas in Bastar have shown an upward transition in forest classification. Notable improvements are seen in Jagdalpur Circle covering forest divisions of Bastar, Bijapur, Sukma and Dantewada and Kanker Circle that includes Keshkal, Bhanupratapur, south Kondagaon and Narayanpur forest divisions, a senior officer elucidated quoting the ISFR report. The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis confirmed that approximately 152 sq km of forest area have transitioned from Moderate Dense Forest to Very Dense Forest. Additionally, 93 sq km of land have improved from non-forest to open forest, while 156 sq km have progressed from open forest to moderate dense forest.
Interview: Music ace Justin Varghese on his trip from 'Thanneer Mathan' days to 'Thetti' drift
Nineteen films in seven years. This might seem like an unusually low number for a music director who has hardly missed a beat. But Justin Varghese, like his music, seems to prefer longevity. Right from his memorable debut in Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela to his latest soundtrack in Painkili, Justin has focused on delivering music that elevates storytelling without ever diluting the films core emotions. With tracks like Jaathikka thottam , Olluleru and the recent Thetti , the Angamaly native has established himself as an ace at churning out viral hits. Another highlight of Justins impressive discography is his versatility in handling a wide array of genres. This year alone, his credits include a rousing war film ( Sky Force ), a gritty social drama ( Ponman ), a boxing-based actioner ( Daveed ), and a quirky rom-com ( Painkili ). TNIE catches up with the reclusive two-time Kerala State award-winning ('Joji' & 'Chaaver') music director to discuss his journey so far. Excerpts from an interaction: You made your debut as a music director with Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela and later gained acclaim for Thanneer Mathan Dinangal . Could you tell us about those early days in the industry? I began my journey as a music producer under [music director] Bijibal sir, and eventually got a break with Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela . After that, for nearly two years, nothing truly interesting came along. During that interim period, I continued working with Bijibal sir. Then Thanneer Mathan Dinangal happened. I had known (director/actor) Althaf Salim from earlier times. He asked me to do the music for his film. Thanneer... gave me more space to explore and express myself. The song Nanavere thannittum from Njandukalude was beautiful. Looking back, do you feel the track helped you establish your identity as a composer? Well, its a song that resonated only with a niche audience. Althaf liked it when I first shared it with him, but a close friend of mine didnt even after I made him listen three times! It didnt get the kind of reach the team had hoped for. However, now I have even been asked to create something similar for an upcoming film. Your next film Odum Kuthira marks a reunion with Althaf. What has it been like to work with him again after all these years? We havent started the work yet. Collaborating with Althaf is always easy because of the rapport we share. Hes calm and grounded, which makes the creative process peaceful. While his previous films have leaned towards feel-good stories, Odum Kuthira is louder, and the music will reflect that shift, in sound and lyrics. Justin with Dileesh Pothan and Syam Pushkaran Your score for Dileesh Pothans Joji , which was inspired by Macbeth , had become a talking point at that time. Could you recall the creative process for crafting that soundscape? Dileesh Pothan specifically asked for a western orchestral sound for Joji . I took that as a cue to research and explore the genre. That influence runs across the background score and the main theme song. All the orchestral instrumentation was performed by musicians from Bulgaria. The aim was to maintain that tone consistently throughout the film. Another talking point was your work in Chaaver . The music complemented the films intensity well I had worked with Tinu Pappachan earlier in Ajagajantharam , so we already had a good working rhythm. For Chaaver , we wanted something that felt entirely different. Since the film references Theyyam, I incorporated its elements into the score. Our goal was to induce a sense of fear, or unease. Even the films title contains chaavu (death), so I stayed true to that theme. Every track in the OST ends with of death Siren of Death , Shadow of Death , and so on to underscore that dark, haunting tone. As you mentioned Ajagajantharam , the track Ollulleru from the film recently crossed 200 million streams Its because the track is rooted in folk music. Ollulleru is actually a folk song in Thekkan Tulu, and we treated it in a way that preserved that authenticity. Folk songs organically connect with listeners. They have the energy and familiarity of the land itself. Kalabhavan Mani is a prime example. His folk songs continue to resonate deeply with people. Your track Thetti from Painkili has gone viral. Did you expect it? What are your thoughts on the trend of reel-ready music? Honestly, it was unexpected. Thetti was my favourite track from the film, but it initially went unnoticed. Other songs like Heart attack and Baby baby were initially getting more views on YouTube. I was, in fact, upset that Thetti wasnt getting the attention I felt it deserved. Then it suddenly went viral, thanks to Instagram reels. In Thetti s case, we had come up with the idea of using mathematical terms in Malayalam to represent how all calculations of the protagonist had gone wrong. Vinayak [Sasikumar] did a great job with the lyrics. We presented the vocals [Neeraj Remesh] like chanting slokas . It was an experiment one that thankfully paid off. Reels are unpredictable, but I must say they have helped some of my songs get discovered. Even The Shadow of Death from Chaaver reached a broader even international audience, thanks to social media. Several of your songs like Jathikathottam ( Thanneer Mathan Dinangal ), Ashubha managalakari (Super Sharanya ), and Thetti and Vazhkai ( Painkili ) have quirky lyrics. How much do you involve in the writing process? I always collaborate closely with the director and lyricist. We look at where the song fits into the script. If its a montage or a light moment without dialogue, thats when we can experiment with humour and quirkiness. Not every genre allows such freedom, especially something serious like a thriller. Its much easier to explore this in lighter genres with room for humour. Ashubha managalakari was born when Suhail (Koya), the lyricist, was writing about a character whose actions always backfire. He asked me about the opposite of shubha mangalakari, and we built on that. For Painkili , there were discussions about making a similar track, but I opted to go another way, and thats how Baby baby based on the character Sheeba Baby came to life. Tracks like The Shadow of Death ( Chaaver ) and Braidaathi ( Ponman ) show an offbeat side of your music. How do you approach experimental pieces? I alway try to create music that stands apart from the mainstream. Braidaathi isnt much experimental musically, but the title word itself, written by Suhail, was unique. Thats what gave the song its identity. For The Shadow of Death , we used only one live instrument a violin. Everything else was programmed using samples. Experimental work is where I feel most at home creatively. The space allows me to explore new textures and moods. I have realised that though experimental songs may not always be widely heard, they are the ones I feel most excited about. There are no rules you create what feels right. In contrast, when I try to make something mainstream, there is always the risk of sounding like something that already exists, or complaints that the melody lacks depth. Kerala music directors making a mark in Bollywood is still relatively rare. How did you break into that space? Many people have asked me how in the world I reached there. The answer is simple: via Instagram. Joji was the turning point. Amar Kaushik, the director of Stree , messaged me on Instagram after hearing the score and asked for my number. I had watched Stree just two weeks before that, and loved it. Then suddenly I get a message from its director! I didnt even reply immediately; I responded after two days. We still laugh about how random it was. I have received more offers from Bollywood, but due to my commitments in Malayalam, I couldnt take them up at the time. So far, I have done three films with Maddock Films, and my next project is also with them. With successful Bollywood scores like Stree 2 , Munjya , and Sky Force , how do you balance your south Indian musical roots with the demands of a pan-Indian audience? Even when I worked on Joji , the music wasnt rooted in our traditional sound. I listen to music from all over the world. Its not just a means of enjoyment, but also a form of study. I dont separate my approach based on language. I focus on the genre and the style the director envisions. Sometimes directors dont have a clear idea initially, so I suggest ideas. And I dont think about making my music pan-Indian only when working on Bollywood projects; I have the same mindset for Malayalam soundtracks as well. You recently won the Pinkvilla award for best background score for Stree 2 . Do you think the recognition will boost your prospects? I dont let awards affect how I compose. What truly influences me is the reception of my music by the audience. Sometimes, songs I expect to be popular go unnoticed, which makes me reflect: was it a mistake on my part, or was the marketing lacking? On the other hand, songs I make in a jiffy might become hits. I avoid repeating myself by sticking to one genre. I like exploring new genres, even if directors ask for music similar to those produced by some artists I havent even heard of. Its inspiring when directors introduce me to new music; that drives me more than awards. Ultimately, its the reach, audience feedback, and opinions of fellow musicians that influence me. Theres always a balance because musicians and audiences might respond differently. Theres a lot of emphasis on the importance of background scores in storytelling today. This is something you have excelled at You can only create a great background score for a good film. When a film comes to me without any background score, its raw, and I can often predict its fate after the first watch. For instance, when I saw Stree 2 without scores, I was sure it would be a hit. The emotional and comic scenes were well-crafted. So, scoring it was just another step in making it great. With Joji, even if my score wasnt there, the film would still succeed because the film itself was strong. Dileesh Pothan, in fact, told me that the film didnt need my score to lift it. That kind of confidence from a director reflects the films strength. The music supports the film, but isnt the sole reason for its success. If a film isnt good, no matter how much effort I put into the score, the result wont satisfy me or the director. Justin Varghese Some critics opine that contemporary film songs lack the longevity of classic melodies. Whats your take on that? This argument is as old as time every generation feels music from the previous era was better. Some say Gen Zs music isnt great. I might not enjoy every genre I work with, but songs are made for current trends and the audiences tastes. When I started, people said the same about us. Composers before me heard similar criticisms. I believe many composers today like Jakes Bejoy, Sushin Shyam, Vishnu Vijay make brilliant music. The quality also depends on the films themselves. Independent tracks nowadays are also incredible. See, some people criticised Lajjavathiye when it was released. It was written by Kaithapram, and you know what a great lyricist he is. It was composed by Jassie Gift, who has composed several melodies. Criticism will come and go. The cycle of critique will always exist. You have shown that music can be both accessible and artistically daring. Whats your core musical philosophy? What anchors your sound? I dont have a fixed philosophy. When I see a new space that I havent explored yet, I try to work with that. When a film reaches me, I focus on its genre, story, key moments, and the mood it should evoke. I align my work with the films philosophy. For example, if the protagonist is a psycho killer or if the film is violent, I shape the music to match that tone. I never impose my own philosophy on a project. My music always serves the films narrative and atmosphere. The director usually decides the mood. Sometimes, its a mutual discussion; other times, the director lets me choose. When given creative freedom, I like to explore, experiment. For example, I used phonk for Christopher , though initially, I was doubtful since phonk tracks can sound similar due to signature instruments like the cowbell. The crew was unsure at first, but I explained that its the nature of the genre. Not every film allows the genre I want to experiment with, so I present a few options to directors, who approve what fits best. Ultimately, its their call. Justin shares a close bond with music director Bijibal Which musicians have inspired you most over the years? Any all-time favourites whose works you keep going back to? It is very difficult for me to name any artist in that context, because when I mention someone, I might have forgotten about some other artist who has influenced me greatly. That would make me feel bad. Every musician influences me. Even artists who arent very popular. You see, there are songs that people heavily criticise, but become hits. We might like the song, but might be too embarrassed to admit it, and agree with the mass opinion. We would then listen to those songs in private. Even in those songs, there is some kind of magic that the music director has hidden. I try to find that out when I listen to it. The most amount of songs that I have cried listening to and loved listening to would probably be those by Vidyasagar, Ouseppachan, Johnson Master, S P Venkatesh, etc. I love so many songs of S P Venkatesh. Most of the hit tracks at one time were his. But when I make music, it is not their songs that inspire me the most. I listen to a lot of songs, and it is a mix of all these that influence me when I make something new. I have worked the most with Bijibal. Sometimes when I make some new songs, it would sound similar to what he had given me to program for me long before. I would then tell him about it. I try not to get inspired by my contemporaries. But I listen to and enjoy everyones songs. I would call or text them in appreciation. I think all the music directors in the industry right now have a great rapport. It's really nice. Sushin had called me the other day. He quipped thetti the moment I picked up the call! Similarly, I had texted Jakes when Thudarum was released. When Alappuzha Gymkhana was released, I contacted Vishnu. He had called me on learning that K S Chithra sang for my track in Ponman . There are so many instances like these. At a global level, again, I have been inspired by so many artists. I dont even remember the first phonk track I listened to. I have listened to hundreds of phonk tracks by various artists. I have been influenced by so many people. If you look at the playlist I am listening to right now, I might not even have the faintest idea of who these artists are. I follow many random artists because I like their work, and I think that is how you get exposed to new music, and that is how you get new ideas as well. There was a Bhojpuri track that was recently a hit. I was inspired by it. I had incorporated elements of that in Haydole ( Painkili ). I did that song in 10 minutes. I sang some gibberish too (laughs). Basically, I am inspired by all things music. Not copying a piece of music just as it is. But drawing ideas. There is a base pattern that Ilayaraaja used for Thumbi vaa . It is still being discussed. It is an idea for generations. I aspire to create music like that. I am an average musician who is still exploring, trying to learn.
KCA completes U-15 trials; State Cricket Academy to come up in Thodupuzha
Centre Gives Assurance, Construction Of NH-66 To Be Completed By Dec: Kerala Minister
The state government would continue to extend all support to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to complete the much-awaited infrastructure project in a time-bound manner, Riyas told reporters in Delhi after taking part in the meeting attended by Gadkari and Vijayan.
NCCR joins pollution watch on south TN coast after ship sinks off Kerala
SCTIMST launches multi-centric study on air pollution and heart health
Other than SCTIMST, the study is being carried out at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and Dayanand Medical College, Ludhiana
Bakrid to be celebrated in State on Saturday
Thiruvananthapuram airport gasps for breath as terminal capacity utilisation crosses 100%
While international terminal utilised over 100% terminal capacity in the just-concluded fiscal, the capacity utilisation of domestic terminal was about 200% last year
Covid-19 cases in India surge to 4,302 in last 24 hours
NEW DELHI: India has reported 4,302 active COVID-19 cases, with an increase of 864 cases in the past 24 hours, official sources said Wednesday. Kerala continues to be the worst-affected with 1,373 cases and nine deaths, followed by Maharashtra, where 510 active cases and 14 deaths have been recorded. The other states reporting COVID cases are Gujarat (461 cases and 1 death), Delhi (457 cases and four deaths), West Bengal (432 cases and 1 death, Karnataka (324 cases and 4 deaths), Tamil Nadu (216 cases and four deaths), and Uttar Pradesh (201 cases and two deaths). Officials said that most cases are mild and can be managed under home care. Since January 1, 2025, 44 deaths have been reported, primarily among individuals with pre-existing illnesses. According to health department sources, states have been directed to ensure the availability of oxygen , isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines. State and district surveillance units under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) are closely monitoring Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI). As per guidelines, all hospitalised SARI cases and 5% of ILI cases are to be tested, with positive SARI samples being sent for whole genome sequencing through the ICMRs Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) network. As cases spiked in the country, the Union Health Ministry, under the chairpersonship of Dr Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) held a series of technical review meetings and evaluated the current COVID-19 situation in the country. Officials said a mock drill to assess oxygen supply systems including PSA plants, LMO tanks, and MGPS lines was conducted on June 2. Facility-level preparedness drills were also carried out on June 4. A similar mock drill is scheduled for June 5 as well, they added. The public is advised to practice hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and avoid crowded places when unwell. Individuals with acute respiratory illness should self-monitor and seek medical care if symptoms worsen, officials said. Union Health Ministry said people should rely on trusted sources such as the ministry of health and family welfare ministrys website and PIB releases to avoid misinformation and rumors. The technical review meetings on June 2 and 3 were attended by representatives from the Disaster Management Cell, Emergency Management Response (EMR) Cell, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), Central Government Hospitals in Delhi, and health authorities from all states and Union Territories. FDA approves Modernas next-generation COVID-19 vaccine: Here's what makes it different
Dishing out tasty treats made of milk
Final-year BTech (Dairy Technology) students of College of Dairy Science and Technology at Kaimanam run food stalls in the city selling value-added products from milk
Congress demands CBI probe into NH 66 damage in Kerala
