Ramesh Chennithala: The lesser-known face of Congress veteran champions Dalit rights

Veteran Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, a towering figure in Kerala's politics, is widely recognised for his contributions to the party. However, a lesser-known facet of his work is his long-standing commitment to Dalit and Adivasi upliftment.

Kerala man booked after minor son driving car goes viral on social media

In Kerala's Kozhikode, a man named Naushad was booked after a video of his 13-year-old driving a Toyota Innova went viral. The video, uploaded last October, showed the minor driving on public roads. Police acted when the video surfaced recently, charging Naushad under traffic violation laws. Earlier, Naushad was seen driving with his son on the car's roof.

Man arrested in Kochi with meth, ganja

Arrest was part of intensified action by Kochi City police as part of D-Hunt, Kerala Polices ongoing special drive against drugs

BJP spokesperson Rachna Reddy slams Kerala CM over delimitation

BJP spokesperson Rachna Reddy criticized Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan for his stance on delimitation, accusing him of spreading fear and following Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin's lead. Vijayan argued that states with successful population control measures should not lose parliamentary seats, but Reddy dismissed his concerns as politically motivated.

Kerala Lottery Results LIVE: Karunya KR-697 Winners For March 15, 2025 Soon; First Prize Rs 80 Lakh!

Kerala Lottery Result Guessing Numbers: Check the Live Updates and full list of winning numbers for Karunya KR-697 lucky draw for Saturday, March 15, 2025 here from 3 pm.

Kerala cop caught red-handed while taking bribe for passport verification

KOCHI: Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) on Friday arrested a civil police officer (CPO) for accepting bribe as part of passport verification at Varapuzha. The arrested is Eldho Paul, CPO of Varapuzha police station. He was caught accepting Rs 500 as a bribe. According to S Sasidharan, SP, VACB Ernakulam, Eldho was under surveillance for the past several months. Numerous persons had passed on information to us that Eldho demanded bribe from them for completing passport verification. Many of them could not file a complaint as they travelled abroad. However, recently, the complainant in the case told us that Eldho had contacted him over the phone and directed him to meet him at Chettibagham market in Varapuzha. Eldho also sought a bribe of Rs 500 for the passport verification, Sasidharan said. Based on the information, VACB laid a trap and caught Eldho while he was accepting Rs 500 as a bribe from the complainant at Chettibagham. After the arrest, Eldho was shifted to the VACB office. He will be produced before the court on Saturday as part of the remand procedure. VACB has found that the Eldho took amounts ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 from passport applicants. He took Rs 1,000 from people who were in urgent requirement of a passport for going abroad. We have come to know that Eldho was transferred to Varapuzha police station as part of a disciplinary action. We will check his service record as part of the probe, Sasidharan said.

Anganwadi workers to stage protest from March 17, demanding wage revision

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following the path of ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers have announced an indefinite day-and-night protest in front of the Secretariat starting March 17. Led by the Indian National Anganwadi Employees Federation (INAEF), affiliated with INTUC, the protest will press for 10 key demands, including wage revision and improved service benefits. Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan will inaugurate the protest. The demands align with those of ASHA workers, focusing on the regularisation of employment, an increase in monthly wages to Rs 21,000, retirement benefits of Rs 5 lakh, and the clearance of pending honorarium dues without conditions. Other demands include ensuring the quality of food for children, increasing festive benefits to Rs 5,000, providing better smartphones for the Poshan Tracker app, extending ESI benefits, improving the welfare boards functioning, and disbursing wages in a single installment. Anganwadi workers have expressed frustration over the lack of improvement in their service benefits despite a sharp rise in workload over the past eight years. Currently, they earn Rs 12,500 per month, while helpers get Rs 8,750. The last honorarium revision was in 2016, and although the 2021 budget proposed a Rs 1,000 hike for workers and Rs 500 for helpers, INAEF claims the hike was never implemented. The government expects workers and helpers to manage Anganwadi operations from their own meagre wages. Many workers return home empty-handed, said Mary John, a state representative of INAEF.

Let teachers carry cane in educational institutions: Kerala High Court

KOCHI: Justifying teachers carrying cane in educational institutions, the Kerala High Court has held that a preliminary inquiry is necessary before registering any criminal case against a teacher in connection with their actions in a school or college to maintain discipline, good behaviour of students. The court also asked the state police chief to issue a circular in this regard and added that such a direction is necessary in the present-day scenario of news reports about students using weapons inside educational institutions and taking drugs and alcohol. Let the teachers carry a cane while they are in educational institutions, if they intend to do so. It need not be used always, but the mere presence of a cane with teachers will create a psychological effect in the student community by discouraging them from doing any social evils, said Justice P V Kunhikrishnan. The court observed that for minor punishments by teachers in schools, without any malice, while imparting education or in connection with the discipline and behaviour of a student, the teachers should be protected from criminal prosecution. The court said the measure is only to strengthen the education system and to protect the interests of the student community, who are the future of the nation. No teacher should suffer because he advised a student or gave minor punishments for indiscipline and bad behaviour, the court observed. No step should be taken to diminish morale of teachers: High Court Of course, a section of parents and students will come with complaints again. Then, the parents will come with a police complaint saying that the teachers pinched, stared, beat, poked, etc. If such complaints are received, police authorities should conduct a preliminary inquiry with notice to the teacher concerned and the aggrieved party, if necessary. In such a stage, no teacher should be arrested, the court observed. The police authorities must find the grain from the chaff during the preliminary inquiry. There are people in our society who are interested only in initiating litigation for minor acts, which is to be neglected, it observed. The court issued the order while granting bail to Sibin S V of Neyyattinkara, a school teacher and an accused in a case for allegedly assaulting a class-6 standard student. The court said teachers are the unsung heroes of our society. They shape the minds, hearts, and souls of our future generation. No steps should be taken to diminish the morale of the teachers community because they are the backbone of our future generation. Nowadays, criminal cases are registered against the teachers based on the complaints of students or their parents alleging misbehavior, assault, etc. There may be rare cases in which some teachers might have committed some offences. But, for that reason, the entire teaching community cannot be blamed, said the court.

Congress Young Turks urge high command to tap potential

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Many of the Young Turks in the state Congress have reportedly approached the high command seeking a more proactive role in decision making. They have also apprised the national leadership of their displeasure with the situation in the state leadership. Their sentiments were relayed at a meeting earlier this week with the Congress general secretary in charge of the state Deepa Dasmunsi. Confirming the meeting, both Deepa and the young leaders told TNIE that state politics and organisational subjects figured in the discussion. According to sources, MLAs raised concerns over their potential not being put to use, though the party has a good crop of young leaders. This is in contrast with the CPMs policy of promoting its second rung of leaders, they stressed. The senior leadership is not taking young leaders and MLAs into confidence in the decision-making process, they said. The young guns are also unhappy with the way leadership issues are handled. In such situations, they stress on maturity to keep us quiet, a young MLA said on the condition of anonymity. A K Antony became KPCC president and chief minister in his 30s. There was no question of maturity then, he said. At the meeting with Deepa, the group emphasised that though local-body and assembly elections are round the corner, key decisions are yet to be announced. The meeting was held at Indira Bhavan. However, MLAs Chandy Oommen and C R Mahesh were not among those invited. No one informed me about such a meeting, Chandy said. Leaders told TNIE that the state party is moving ahead with its Mission 2025. There will be a large meeting of ward committees of the state unit soon, with party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi participating. The date will be finalised after Ramadan, a senior leader said. The call for a more prominent role has coincided with a new line of thinking. Some of the junior legislators are now advocating the role of non-career politicians. According to them, it is time to distinguish between professional and political work. Mathew Kuzhalnadan, Rahul Mamkootathil and Shafi Parambil are among the young politicians who have had success in making the distinction. I have decided not to touch the salary I get as MLA as it is a service to the people. Over the last four years, the amount has accumulated to `25 lakh, Kuzhalnadan said. He recently set up a non-governmental organisation, Sparsam, to oversee utilisation of the money for the welfare of the needy people in the constituency. Interestingly, Kuzhalnadan has invited Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda to launch the NGO.

Kerala CM Vijayan urges Centre to decide delimitation based on consensus

Kerala CM Vijayan urges Centre to decide delimitation based on consensus Thiruvananthapuram,: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday in a statement issued here said the Union government should take a decision on the issue of delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies on the basis of a consensus. The delimitation should be carried out without reducing [] The post Kerala CM Vijayan urges Centre to decide delimitation based on consensus appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Breakfast diplomacy works, Centre sanctioned additional borrowing of Rs 5,990 crore to Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala governments measured move to involve the governor in its parleys with the Centre appears to have paid off with the Union finance ministry sanctioning an additional borrowing of Rs 5,990 crore to the cash-strapped state. The approval is based on the state governments request for additional borrowing space on account of different factors, including the Centres miscalculation of the states public account accruals. The state finance department received the communication on supplementary borrowing on Thursday evening, a day after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hosted a breakfast meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. In an unprecedented move, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar had joined Pinarayi in an attempt to convince Sitharaman of Keralas financial requirements. The permission has come as a big relief for the state, which is facing a tough time managing the substantial financial year-end payments. With this, Keralas borrowings in the current financial year will cross Rs 42,000 crore. The state had requested additional borrowing space for power-sector reforms and to rectify the error in miscalculation of public accounts. In 2022-23, the Union government adopted a new methodology to calculate the net borrowing ceiling (NBC) on states for market borrowings. Accordingly, the three-year average of the net accrual in public accounts of a state was considered to calculate the eligible amount. This average amount was deducted from NBC. The method adversely affected Keralas borrowing space as the state had higher accumulations in public accounts in the preceding years. Kerala had urged Centre to do away with new system Kerala had urged the Union government to dispense with the new system and to consider the previous years actual in the public accounts. The Centre accepted this and informed the state that the previous years particulars from the AG will be considered for estimating public account accruals. Accordingly, the AGs figures were submitted to the Union government. The state government requires about Rs 30,000 crore to meet the outgo at the end of the year. Pinarayi raised the state's concerns at the meeting with Sitharaman. Kerala had raised the issue of miscalculation of NBC at the pre-budget consultation convened by Sitharaman. The issue also figured in Keralas petition questioning the Centres restrictions on the borrowing power of state governments.

Kerala shore says ahoy to olive ridley turtles

The cycle begins anew. Olive ridley sea turtles have returned to Thiruvananthapuram, their fragile future resting in the hands of those who care for nature. And the tiny tracks have started etching the sand once more. For the past two years, the January-to-April period has brought an interesting activity to the beaches of Thiruvananthapuram. A group of marine ecology enthusiasts have been playing kind hosts to visiting turtles, whose nesting season falls during this time. These beaches have historically been part of the turtles nesting circuit. However, strangely, they were hardly spotted for a decade until last year. They are among the smallest migratory sea turtles, which are spotted mostly in Odisha. In Kerala, the northern beaches have recorded many sightings, and even large-scale conservation programmes are run by ecology groups, says Sajan John, a turtle ecologist and head of marine projects at the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI). Towards the south, there are intermittent nesting grounds in Kochi, Alappuzha, and Kollam, where conservation efforts are ongoing. But in Thiruvananthapuram, sightings have been rare. We spotted some last year. The last one before that was somewhere in 2014. This year, about 100 eggs hatched on Shankhumukham beach a few days ago. More eggs are being cared for by a group of local nature enthusiasts led by fisherman Ajith Shanghumugham, who coordinates WTIs project to save sharks. It was Ajith who chanced upon the turtle eggs last year. We tried to save them. But it was too late. By then, the rains had begun. So all our efforts failed, with the sand turning damp and spoiling the eggs, he says. Ajith and his team had relocated the eggs from the beach to a safe spot, protecting them from dampness using plastic sheets and other methods. We kept watch in turns, sometimes overnight, he says. Often, what happens is that the eggs are stolen, eaten, or simply destroyed. Thats probably why we never even saw the ridleys in Thiruvananthapuram until now. Last year, we were helped by the team that takes care of the turtles on Alappuzha beach. Inspired by their work, we decided to take care of the eggs. It was a 45-to-60-day countdown the time the eggs take to hatch. But as the days passed, they were disheartened to find the eggs getting spoiled one by one as rainwater seeped into the sand, making the nurseries damp. In the end, we lost them all, says Ajith. Ajith Shanghumugham, a fisherman who has been coordinating nature-conservation efforts This year, however, armed with the lessons learned, the team began their watch early. That was probably our mistake last year we started late. Moreover, the local people were earlier unaware of conservation efforts, says Ajith. This year, even children have been informing us whenever they spot eggs. Such is the awareness created by last years experience. Also, the weather has been dry and warm, making it ideal for nesting and hatching. The group has set up two conservation nurseries after spotting a wild nursery under a fishing net, containing about 100 eggs. The hatchlings were released into the sea, and the other eggs were shifted to safe spots in Veli and Shankhumukham. There are 126 eggs. We are keeping a close watch, says Ajith. The forest department is also monitoring the process. We are also closely watching the activities, as these turtles fall under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, says Range Officer Harindra Kumar. According to marine ecologists, the turtles that came to lay eggs here were likely born on these very beaches. They follow a natural pattern called natal homing, where hatchlings return as adults to lay eggs in the same place they were born. However, the survival rate of these turtles is extremely low. Even though thousands of eggs hatch across Indias coastline, only a handful of the hatchlings make it to adulthood. This low survival rate is one of the reasons why this migratory species is vulnerable, with a 30 per cent population decline over the past 20 years. Other factors also contribute to the decline of sea turtles, says Prof. A Biju Kumar, head of aquatic biology department at Kerala University. Poaching, unscientific fishing activities which, for example, led to the deaths of several turtles last month on the Tamil Nadu coast marine debris, and so on, he explains. Thanks to increased awareness, youths in coastal areas have been safeguarding turtle nesting sites, and ensuring safe release of hatchlings The unscientific construction of curbs along beaches also reduces the slope, preventing turtles from reaching the shore to nest. Most often, poaching occurs because coastal communities are unaware that marine turtles are protected by wildlife laws, notes WTIs Sajan. We cannot ensure their protection once they leave our waters, as regulations vary by country. However, here in India, we can create awareness, fostering empathy for marine life and coastal ecology, he says. This will ultimately benefit the people themselves in the long run. The efforts in Odisha are yielding results, and so are the baby steps being taken in Kerala by groups such as Thanal, Green Roots, and Theeram. The turtle can thus serve as a symbolic species for promoting marine and coastal conservation. The baby turtles born on Thiruvananthapurams beaches will likely return as adults after years spent in the ocean years when they are rarely seen, and their journeys remain largely uncharted. These young turtles receive no parental care, navigating the vast unknown alone. But when they do return, if the Shankhumukham or Veli beaches where they were born have eroded or disappeared, they will face an ecological conundrum. Our effort is to preserve their homes and ours in the process, says Ajith. Once they hatch, we will make it a celebration so that people of Thiruvananthapuram realise the rare richness of nature at their doorstep, he says. Hatchling released recently on Shakhumukham beach

[RECIPES] 'Chill' food to beat the Summer heat

Kerala is under the grip of a scorching sun. Daily, the temperature is intensifying, and its now even dangerous to step out into the heat. Though the government advises staying indoors during the peak hours, for many, its simply not feasible. So, everyone arms themselves with umbrellas, shawls to cover their faces, sunscreen, and shades. While these items provide relief, the overall functioning of the body largely depends on what we consume. The intense summer also affects the bodys essential functions, including metabolism, digestion, and fluid balance. Therefore, the food choices we make during this time directly impact how well we can stay cool, or conversely, how heat can make us feel sluggish and unproductive. Keralas traditional food habits were once shaped to suit the regions moderate rainfall andnot-so-harshsummers. However, over time, the increasingly erratic climate has impacted these age-old practices, altering the food habits. In earlier times, Keralas food culture alsoplaced particular importance on dishes that helped beat the heat and kept the body cool, which is now largely overlooked. Moderation is key M R Vasudevan Namboothiri, the retired director of Ayurveda Medical Education, explains that in ayurveda, the summer season is known as greeshma ritu, one of the six seasons. During this period, two factors rooksham (dryness) and ushnam (heat) areon the rise. As these two elements increase, it becomes essential to focus on maintaining sheetha (coolness) andsnigdha(moisture). So it is important to prioritise foods that contribute these qualities. According to Vasudevan, foods that support these cooling and hydrating qualities include milk, ghee, coconut chutney with ginger, vegetables with high water content, and summer fruits such as mango and jackfruit. During this season, our digestive system tends to be weaker, so its key to opt for lighter foods. However, its also important not to compromise on protein intake. One of the best-balanced meal options is kanji (carbohydrate) mixed withcherupayar(protein), along with a spoon of ghee (healthy fat). As the body feels exhausted in summer, Vasudevan also recommends buttermilk mixed with turmeric and a pinch of black pepper. Its important to reduce the consumption of spices and salt, as they overheat the body. So, moderation is the key. Among spices, black pepper is the best choice during this season. Instead of regular drinking water,expertsrecommend choosing karingali vellam,sambharam, and lime juice.As we tend to sweat a lot, its important to avoid carbonated drinks. Cooling the body during this season is essential, as diseases like conjunctivitis, chickenpox, and viral fevers are quite common, says Vasudevan. Across regions and religions Deepa G, an assistant professor of history at CAS College Madayi in Kannur, highlights how food preferences during the summer varied regionally. In many parts of Kerala, summer beverages are as diverse as the foods. A popular drink in Malabar is Avil vellam, a sweetened drink made with jaggery, and sometimes coconut is added. It has a loose consistency and is especially enjoyed during celebrations. She also explains drinksthat were introduced to Kerala, like lime juice brought by Arabs to the coast and Sarbath through Mughal traditions. In Keralas hilly regions, the availability of honey has led to honey-infused drinks becoming popular. Then vellam or honey water is one such drink. It is primarily made to serve guests and acts as a natural cooling agent, she adds. Among the Muslim community, thari kanji, made with rava, milk, and shallots, is quite popular, she adds. And in Christian households, particularly among Latin Catholics and Syrian Christians, squash made from bilimbi fruit is a constant favourite, along with wine. In both Christian and Hindu homes, gooseberries are preserved in salt for years, and the juice made from them is highly popular, says Deepa. In central Kerala, one notable summer dish is ettadangazhi. Yam, colocasia, lesser yam, Chinese potato, plantain,nanakizhangu, purple yam, andmarachembu are all roasted. After roasting, they are crushed into small pieces. Then, beans, chickpeas, and muthira are also roasted and powdered. Then add grated jaggery and coconut, ghee, ripe plantains, and palm sugar, which are then mixed withpowderedyams and beans. This is the preparation of ettadangazhi, says Deepa. Padmini Antharjanam, author of the cookbook,Namboothiri Paachakam, emphasises the importance of cooling drinks during the summer. Malli Kaapi mixed with jaggery used to be a popular choice during summer. Another refreshing drink is made fromvazha kaambu or unni thandu. After dicing it, press and extract juice, she says. Padmini also highlights the benefits of dishes made from leafy vegetables. These cool down the body. She also notes another lesser-known summer dish: an appam made fromthavidu. Its a great source of Vitamin B. To make it, mixthavidu with rice, then add banana, water, ghee, and jaggery. Here, lets delve into a few modern and traditional summer recipes. Mohabbat Ka Sharbat Ingredients * Rooh Afza syrup - 1 tbsp * Watermelon small pieces- 1 cup * Cold Milk- 1 cup * Soaked chia seeds- 1 teaspoon * Milkmaid- 3 tablespoon Method In a glass, bowl put thewatermelon pieces and smash them well using a spoon. Pour cold milk and Rooh Afza syrup and then addmilkmaid, soaked chia seeds. Mix everything well. Coconut-Snap Melon smoothie By Chef Shaji, Trivandrum Ingredients * Snapmelon: 500g (without seeds and skin) * Coconut milk: 300ml * Sugar (Jaggery): 80g Method Mix all the ingredients in a mixer jar and blend it. Serve it chilled Brazilian lemonade Ingredients *Limes: 5 * Cold water: 3 1/4 cups * Ice: 3 cups * Sweetened condensed milk: 1 can (400ml) Method Wash and scrub the skin of the limes with your hand. Slice off the edges and cut the lime into small wedges. In a blender take water and lime and blend until they combine (for a minute). Strain the mix through a fine sieve and remove the chunky pieces. Clean the blender and add the mixture back to it. Add ice and condensed milk. Blend everything into a smooth mix (1 minute). Serve. EAT SMART Summer is when people consume a slew of fruits for their cooling and hydration properties. However, not all fruits have a cooling effect. Rajiv Ambat, founder of NuvoVivo Center for Obesity, Lifestyle Disorders & Research, highlights the concept of the thermic effect of food (TEF), which is the energy the body uses to process food. Protein has a higher TEF than carbohydrates and fats. In fruits like papaya and pineapple, enzymes such as papain and bromelain aid in protein digestion. These enzymes speed up the process leading to increased body heat. Similarly, mangoes contain bioactive compounds like mangiferin, which can raise body temperature and even trigger skin breakouts in some people. However, that being said, anything in moderation is key, he says. Rajiv also points out that certain foods, such as spicy dishes, can raise body heat. Capsaicin, found in spicy foods, activates receptors that sense heat, creating the sensation of heat, he says. To stay cool in summer, he recommends consuming fruits and vegetables with high water content. This includes cucumbers, watermelon, and citrus fruits, along with electrolyte-rich options like coconut water and buttermilk. Since fruit consumption increases in summer, Rajiv advises being mindful of pesticide residues. Grapes, guavas, and apples often have high pesticide levels. Pesticide residues can be harmful, especially for those with kidney issues or high creatinine levels, he says.

In pics: Vibrant hues of Holi celebration in Kochi

It is called the Festival of Colours for many reasons. First, as spring fades away, making way for heat and humidity, the vibrant hues remind people to keep life as colourful as nature itself. There are also philosophical aspects to the celebration chief among them, the victory of good over evil. On the eve of the festival, the ritual of Holika Dahan takes place, where a pyre is lit to commemorate the legend of Prahlad, a devout child who miraculously emerges unscathed from the fire into which he was led by his scheming aunt, Holika. Holika, instead, perishes in the flames. Old-timers in north India recall that Holi was once solely about Holika Dahan, with colours introduced later. The colourful twist to the festival is attributed to Lord Krishna, who, displeased with his dark complexion in contrast to the fair-skinned Gopis, sought advice from his mother, Yashoda. She suggested playing with colours to erase all distinctions. Thus, Holi serves as a reminder that the joy of colours transcends social barriers, fostering unity. In Kerala, Holi was historically celebrated by Gujaratis and Marwaris who had settled there long ago, and in defence settlements. Today, with the rise of IT parks and increasing migration, Holi is rapidly becoming another occasion for festivity. And Kochi, being a melting pot of cultures, always brims with celebratory spirit. These visuals testify.

State government sanctions 352.50 crore more for paddy procurement

Two Kerala students petition Karnataka Examinations Authority seeking rescheduling of CET

Common Entrance Test is scheduled to be held from April 16 to 18; they say the dates clash with Christian religious ceremonies

Operation clean slate: drugs worth 1.9 crore seized in Kerala

Operation Clean Slate extended by a week

Kerala woman arrested under Pocso Act for sexual exploitation of minor girl

Kerala woman arrested under Pocso Act for sexual exploitation of minor girl Kannur (Kerala): A 23-year-old woman was arrested at Taliparambu in Keralas Kannur on Friday under the POCSO Act for allegedly sexually exploiting a 12-year-old schoolgirl. The arrested woman, identified as Sneha Merlin, had been in the news recently for attacking a CPI leader [] The post Kerala woman arrested under Pocso Act for sexual exploitation of minor girl appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Kerala CM urges Centre to evolve consensus on constituency delimitation

Dont punish states that have effectively implemented population control measures

Malankara Church discord widens further

Orthodox Syrian Church comes out against a call by Jacobite faction for coexistence like sister churches

Man stabbed to death over unpaid debt

ED summons to Radhakrishnan signals resumption of ED-right wing media misinformation campaign against LDF: CPI(M)

CPI(M) State Secretary M V Govindan says the agency has again borrowed a page from its tried and tested fake news playbook in a desperate bid to sway public opinion against the second Pinarayi Vijayan government in the politically sensitive run-up to the local body polls and the Assembly elections in 2026

3 held for honey-trapping, robbing astrologer in Palakkad

Demolition of Tagore Hall begins

Book on Pournamikavu temple released

The book written by former ISRO chairperson G. Madhavan Nair brought out by The Hindu

Woman arrested under Pocso Act in Kannur

Dalit Progress Conclave in city on March 23

KTU Syndicate meet called off due to lack of quorum

The meeting assumed relevance as it came two months after the previous one ended in chaos with the Vice-Chancellor walking out midway

Three tribal children found in makeshift hut moved to care home

Meet on edtech in STEAM education

Smart summer strategies vital for sustaining milk production, says expert

Proper ventilation in cattle sheds, high-quality feed with fibre content, access to quality drinking water, and installing cooling mechanisms will ensure cattles health and improve yield, says T.P. Sethumadhavan, former director, KVASU

NSS to organise special campaign against drug abuse in Kerala

NSS units will organise awareness sessions at 1,000 centres in the State as part of the Life is Beautiful campaign,says Bindu

Employers should ensure seats for security guards: Minister

Security guards should be provided with umbrellas to protect from weather, drinking water

Kochi Corporation to set up permanent adalat offering free legal service to public

The main office of the Corporation and its six zonal offices would be part of the adalat being set up in coordination with the Kerala State Legal Services Authority and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA)

Police to resume probe into old hit-and-run cases

Portable garden a hit with farming enthusiasts

85 units of the Horticulture Missions Arka Vertical Gardens were sold in Thiruvananthapuram

Ration committee report trigger backlash; ration dealers reject recommendations

The panel recommends the closure of nearly 4,000 ration outlets as a means to increase dealers commissions. It calls for ensuring that each shop serves at least 800 ration cardholders and merging of multiple outlets operated by the same licensees.

Maruthongara panchayat forms quick response team to combat drug abuse

Kerala Police Seize 2 kg Ganja from Polytechnic Hostel, 3 Students Arrested

The suspended students will be allowed to appear for their examinations.

UV index touches 10 in Kollam, alert issued

While a UV index of 6 to 7 indicates a need for precautions, 8 to 10 requires extreme vigilance, and above 11 is considered high risk

High-level meet chalks out Thrissur Pooram plans

Pooram will be conducted in all its grandeur with ample focus on safety, says Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan

Attappady child dies

Snehitha extension centres to begin operations in police stations

Kollam cyber fraud case: main suspect arrested

After Attukal Pongala, 345 tonnes of waste generated

While the segregated plastic waste was taken to the material collection facilities, biodegradable waste had to be taken to dumping sites as the quantity was much more than the decentralised facilities like aerobic bins could handle

Kozhikode police arrest two Tanzanian nationals in Punjab for alleged drug trafficking

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan expresses solidarity with Tamil Nadu governments movement against delimitation

Study on impact of Poshaka Balyam to be conducted

Women and Child Development department plans to provide milk and eggs three days a week in anganwadis

Stalin Invites Pinarayi for Chennai Meet on Delimitation

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin invites Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and other leaders to a Chennai conference opposing Lok Sabha seat delimitation

Writer K.P. Sudheera wins Thakazhi Literary Award

LSGD issues guidelines to standardise handling of fish waste

Local bodies asked to facilitate agreements between fish stalls, processing units and fish waste collection agencies empanelled with Suchitwa Mission

Tushar Gandhi Criticises RSS-BJP, Faces Backlash

Tushar Gandhi reiterates criticism of RSS-BJP; BJP demands his arrest as Kerala CM condemns protests against him in Neyyattinkara

Nava Keralam document rejects all communist ideals: Ramesh Chennithala

Policy certifies that the CPI(M) has embraced neo-liberal ideas and crony capitalism, contradicting its own long-standing policies and programmes, says the senior Congress leader

Paddy procurement woes continue in Kuttanad

Paddy procurement in Kuttanad faces hiccups due to quality issues, discounts demanded by agents, and delays in harvesting.

NAM Kerala Multipurpose Worker Recruitment 2025 Walk in

National AYUSH Mission Kerala (NAM Kerala) Recruitment 2025 for posts of Multipurpose Worker. Candidates with GNM, ANM Can attend the walkin.The Walk-in Interview on 20-03-2025. For detailed information please visit NAM Kerala official website, nam.kerala.gov.in/.

Kerala: Two kg of ganja seized from Polytechnic hostel in Kochi

Two of the students were released on station bail, while Akash, 21, a native of Kulathupuzha, Kollam, was booked under a separate FIR after authorities recovered 1.909 kg of ganja from his room

CM Vijayan supports Stalins March 22 delimitation meeting

CM Vijayan supports Stalins March 22 delimitation meeting Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday accepted the invitation of his Tamil Nadu counterpart, M.K. Stalin, to attend the March 22 meeting on the delimitation issue. The meeting, to be chaired by DMK chief Stalin in Chennai, will focus on the issue of delimitation and [] The post CM Vijayan supports Stalins March 22 delimitation meeting appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Kochis vibrant birding community shares its experiences and favourite avian hotspots

Birders in Ernakulam offer an insight into the avian diversity in and around the district and some popular birding hotspots

BJP, RSS demand arrest of Mahatma Gandhi's great-grandson after he calls them dangerous and insidious

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, on Friday said that he will neither retract his recent statements against the RSS and BJP nor will he apologise for them, while the two saffron outfits demanded that he be arrested for his remarks. Gandhi, during the recent unveiling of a statue of the late Gandhian P Gopinathan Nair at Neyyattinkara in Thiruvananthapuram, had referred to the BJP and RSS as dangerous and insidious enemies who have entered Kerala. He had also termed the RSS as poison, following which BJP-RSS workers shouted slogans and blocked his car. On Friday, speaking at an event in Aluva near Kochi, Gandhi said that once he said hose things, he does not believe in retracting them or apologising for them. What this incident has done is strengthen my resolve to continue to expose the traitors. This is a fight which is even more essential than the freedom fight. We have a common enemy now, the Sangh. They must be exposed, he said. He also said that he was worried that he descendants of my great grandfather's murderers will go to Mahatma Gandhi's statue and fire bullets at it as they are habituated to do. The BJP hit back at him by saying that he is just someone who was y default born as a descendant of Mahatma Gandhi and has been trying to monetise his great grandfather's name. Former Union Minister of State and BJP leader V Muraleedharan alleged that Tushar Gandhi has been for several years trying to monetise Mahatma Gandhi's name. Case against five RSS-BJP workers for obstructing Tushar Gandhi Muraleedharan, speaking at a BJP protest against Tushar Gandhi at Neyyattinkara, further said that those who invited him for the statue unveiling probably were not aware of his background. He further said that just because Tushar has the Gandhi name, it does not entitle him to the same respect or honour reserved for the Father of the Nation. He demanded that Tushar Gandhi be arrested for his statements based on the BJP's complaint. The BJP leader also criticised the Pinarayi Vijayan government for arresting five RSS-BJP workers a day ago for raising slogans against Mahatma Gandhi's grandson. A case was registered against the five people under Sections 189(2), 191(2), 190, and 126(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on charges of unlawful assembly, rioting, and wrongful restraint. According to the police, a small group of people, allegedly linked to the Sangh Parivar, raised slogans against Tushar Gandhi at the end of a function he attended at Neyyattinkara on Wednesday evening. Vijayan had strongly condemned the alleged Sangh Parivar attack on Tushar Gandhi, stating that actions that suppress freedom of expression cannot be allowed in a democratic society.

House Beneath a Jackfruit Tree in Kerala features interconnected spaces, jaali work

With raw-textured walls and open spaces, this home in Kerala has an ancient jackfruit tree as its focal point

Migrant Worker from Assam Arrested with 30 Grams of Heroin in Kerala

HT Digital GUWAHATI, Mar 14: As part of a major drive against drug trafficking, Kerala police arrested an Assam migrant worker with 30 grams of heroin in Perumbavoor near Kochi. The suspect, 35-year-old Abdul Rauf of Nagaon, Assam, was apprehended during a joint operation conducted by the Perumbavoor ASP Sakthi Singh Aryas Special Investigation Team []

K. Sudhakaran slams Kerala government for inaction on drug menace

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president accuses government of facilitating spread of narcotics

Kerala has highest inflation in India, nearly double the national average; Telangana has lowest: Govt data

Kerala recorded the highest inflation rate among states in February, while Telangana had the lowest. The data, released by the National Statistical Office, showed retail inflation across India fell to a 7-month low of 3.6% in February. Food prices mainly drove this decrease. Urban and rural inflation rates vary significantly across different states.

Fire engulfs home appliances store at Balussery in Keralas Kozhikode

No casualties as shop was not occupied at the time. Cause of fire unknown

Chander Kunj Army Towers in Kochi safe to be demolished, may take about 10 months, says expert team

Kerala High Court has ordered the demolition and reconstruction of towers B and C of Chander Kunj Army Towers developed by Army Welfare Housing Organisation citing serious structural problems

SFI student leader among others arrested from Kerala polytechnic hostel for possessing ganja

Acting on a tip-off received by the Kochi DCP, a team of Kerala Police officials was shocked when they reached the men's hostel at the Kalamassery Government Polytechnic College late on Thursday night and recovered two kilograms of ganja.

Central agencies being used to subdue political opponents: CPI(M) MP Radhakrishnan

The ED has summoned the Alathur MP for questioning in a money laundering case linked to alleged irregularities in Karuvannur Service Cooperative Bank

Two migrant workers arrested with banned tobacco products near school premises at Kodakara in Kerala

Inspections as part of Operation D Hunt

'Nobody Has Right To Criticise My Dance'

This is the story of a man who fought racism and casteism throughout his life to become a professor of Bharata Natyam at the premier centre for performing arts in India, the Kerala Kalamandalam.

Men's association offers Pongala to change feminist mindset, end ASHA workers' protest

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sticking to its practice for the last two editions of Attukal Pongala, All Kerala Mens Association (AKMA), a collective that claims to be fighting for the rights of oppressed men, offered pongala. Association president Vattiyoorkavu Ajith Kumar and two other members offered pongala in front of the Secretariat seeking divine blessings to change the mindset of feminists, who are destroying society, and to end the ongoing protest of the ASHA workers in an amicable manner. The association, which boasts of having 10,000 active members on board, has been riding on the plank of championing the cause of men oppressed by the feminists since its formation. Ajith accused the feminists of sending a wrong message to society and claimed that a lot of innocent men were getting persecuted because of their actions. I am praying that they open their eyes and mend their ways, he said. Many women devotees were amused to see the men lighting the hearths at the Attukal Pongala, which is predominantly a womens affair.

Maldivian national treated for serious injuries at Kochi hospital

Kerala Lottery Results LIVE: Nirmal NR-423 Winners For March 14, 2025 Soon; First Prize Rs 70 Lakh!

The Kerala State Lottery Department will announce the Nirmal NR-423 results on March 14, 2025, at 3 PM in Thiruvananthapuram. The first prize is Rs 70 lakh.

Kerala Mosques advocate healthy iftar this Ramadan

KOZHIKODE: As the holy month of Ramadan progresses, religious scholars and community leaders have begun addressing concerns over excessive consumption of oily and unhealthy food items during Iftar. Mosques across different regions have taken up the responsibility of educating their communities about the importance of clean eating after breaking the fast. During Ramadan, many people tend to indulge in deep-fried snacks, sugary beverages, and calorie-dense meals immediately after fasting for long hours. This often leads to digestive discomfort, sluggishness, and, in some cases, even health complications such as acidity, bloating, and an increased risk of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension. For years, the tradition of breaking fast with calorie-laden, oil-heavy foods has been deeply ingrained in Ramadan celebrations. Recognising the surge in lifestyle diseases, mosques across Kozhikode have started integrating health-conscious messages into their sermons. Our food culture during Ramadan is slowly harming our bodies. Eateries focus on taste rather than health and we have fallen into the trap of indulgence, says Ansar Nanmanda, a religious scholar known for his Friday sermons. Sixty percent of the patients crowding medical colleges today are suffering from kidney-related diseases and other health complications due to unhealthy diets. Even medical experts warn against the excessive consumption of food additives like ajinomoto, especially among children and pregnant women, yet we continue to ignore these dangers, says Ansar Nanmanda. Kozhikode warms up to healthy iftars The push for healthier eating is not just a response to medical concerns, it is deeply rooted in religious teachings. Shoukat Ali, a well-known advocate for clean eating, highlights the significance of Quranic verses that emphasise the importance of consuming only what is halal (lawful) and tayyib (pure and wholesome). In Surah An-Nahl (16:114), Allah instructs us to eat from what is good and pure. This Ramadan, we are taking this command seriously by promoting healthier eating habits. Im grateful that even religious communities are joining in this effort to shift our focus from indulgence to nourishment, he says. People are now thinking twice before indulging in unhealthy food. The change is happening, and its heartening to see, Ali adds. Spurred by these discussions, a growing number of people are seeking healthier alternatives for their Iftar meals. Restaurants, home-based catering services, and community kitchens in Kozhikode have responded by introducing nutritious options, making it easier for families to make the shift. Local eateries now offer grilled meat, lentil-based dishes, whole grains, and fresh fruit juices in place of traditional deep-fried items. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with more residents opting for balanced meals that sustain energy without causing digestive distress. Health experts and nutritionists have welcomed this transformation, stating that a well-balanced Iftar meal can help maintain energy levels, prevent fatigue, and improve overall well-being.

503 new bus routes to boost first, last mile connectivity across Kerala

KOCHI: Soon, mini buses will operate on a majority of 503 new routes identified across the state, providing first and last mile connectivity especially in rural areas. The motor vehicle department (MVD) identified these virgin routes during the route rationalisation exercise it carried out in recent months. We carried out the route rationalisation exercise by conducting Janakeeya Sadas across the state with the help of MLAs. From the numerous suggestions, we finalised 503 new bus routes. The move is mainly intended to help people in rural areas and on the citys outskirts avail adequate transportation facilities, said Transport Minister K B Ganesh Kumar. A minimum of two buses will be given the licence to conduct services on each of the identified routes. Both KSRTC and private carriers will conduct the services. The KSRTC will mainly conduct services on routes having overlap -- where some stretches pass through nationalised routes. Once fixed, no additional permits will be given. This is to avoid competition and ensure that the operators find the routes viable. We will basically give the permits to small buses, those that cost maximum `25 lakh and do not require heavy vehicle licence. The move will also provide job opportunities to at least 2,000 people, including women, Ganesh Kumar said at a function held to flag off direct city services from the Goshree region in Kochi. The minister also said that KSRTC will start rolling out new buses from April. The new additions to the fleet include 36 luxury sleeper AC buses, which will be deployed on interstate routes, and also mini buses, he said. KSRTC travel will be entirely different experience Travelling in KSRTC buses will offer a different experience altogether, Ganesh Kumar promised. The corporation will focus on providing a comfortable journey to commuters by rolling out more AC buses. Even local buses will soon have facilities like music systems. The aim is to woo more commuters and discourage them from using two-wheelers and cars, he said. The new superfast premium buses recently introduced on the Palakkad-Kottayam-Thiruvananthapuram route have been a success, as has the Royal View double decker bus started in Munnar. While the 10 superfast premium buses register an average daily profit of Rs 10,000, the double decker service in Munnar brought a revenue of Rs 13.3 lakh in one month, a daily profit of `40,000, Ganesh Kumar said. mini buses hold key Mini buses will operate on a majority of 503 new routes A minimum of two buses will be given the licence to conduct services on each of the routes Both the KSRTC and private buses will conduct the services Once fixed, no additional permits will be given

Soaring devotion amid scorching heat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Sumithra Chetri, a resident of Assam, was so captivated by the Attukal Pongala festival that this year she decided to participate and offer her first-ever pongala. Having worked in a star hotel for the past four years in the capital, the grand annual pongala ritual had caught her attention since she arrived here. I was amazed by the spectacle. Hundreds of women coming together on a particular day and participating in such a grandeur. I was curious and this year I decided to take part and I feel really good and blessed, says Sumitra Chethri, who was seen offering pongala near Bakery Jn - Thampanoor Road. Men participating in pongala ritual is not common and 29-year-old Vishnu Binu has broken this norm by offering pongala in 101 pots at Thampanoor. Vishnu, a Kayamkulam resident came all the way from Dubai to participate in the pongala this year. I came with my mother and brother to offer pongala and I am performing the ritual because my marriage got fixed. I had prayed and offered this pongala hoping that my marriage would happen. My mother and brother came to help me, says Vishnu. The sweltering heat and temperature alerts failed to deter the festive spirit of devotees as they turned up in large numbers to take part in the annual Attukal Pongala ritual, which began at 10.15 am on Thursday. Owing to the high daytime temperature, the pongala chain was broken and scattered and people in large groups were seen offering pongala under tree shades and where there were shades to take rest. East Fort, Thampanoor and the entire MG Road stretch were taken over by devotees. Devotees offering pongala at Thampanoor in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, as part of the Attukal Pongala festival Leela Kumari, from Kollam, who was seen resting, complained about the distribution of drinking water. I have been offering pongala for the past 25 years and they are distributing water but if we ask for more they are hesitant. Usually its not like that. I felt it was hotter than in previous years, says Leela. The pongala concluded with sprinkling of holy water at 1.15 pm. Rathi V, another devotee from Kollam, who offered pongala at Fort, was seen resting under the shade of a tree. The weather was so good yesterday. It was cloudy and today its just the opposite. Yesterday, because of good weather, we could roam around all day, says Rathi. As many as 30 wards in the city corporation were declared festival zones for pongala. However, the pongala spread, though broken, was offered even in areas bordering the capital. The capital witnessed heavy traffic for hours, even after pongala as devotees started leaving in large numbers. Transgender community members participating in the ritual at Pulimood Junction

Kerala University hosts unique bird sanctuary with 120 species

KOCHI: A bird sanctuary inside a university? Kerala has that too. In what would be a first for an educational institution in the country, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit has a sprawling bird sanctuary located inside its campus in Kalady. Located on three acres of the varsitys 67-acre land, the Poorna Bird Sanctuary established in 2013 is home and host to around 120 species of birds, besides a variety of insects and plants. Manoj Painungal, the library assistant, says the proposal to set up the bird sanctuary was made by Sukrithi Forest Club and prepared by Dr Dilip K G, former head of the universitys sociology department in 2013. The initial aim was to secure the habitat of the black-crowned night herons which are endemic to the area, he says. A five-acre portion, housing a patch of trees and a pond, was earmarked, Manoj recalls. A study had revealed that the Black-crowned night herons began roosting in the area about a decade ago. From just a few birds, their number has increased to more than 200, says Manoj. The sanctuary lies on the left side (west) of the road from the university entrance gate to the basketball court. It has native riparian trees like neermaruthu (Arjun tree), manimaruthu (Pride of India) and venga (Indian Kino tree). Manoj says birds like the pond heron, purple heron, chestnut bittern, white-breasted waterhen, purple moorhen, lesser whistling teal, cotton teal, little cormorant, open-billed stork and woolly-necked stork besides migrant species like the pied crested cuckoo, spotted sandpiper, common sandpiper and black-winged stilt can be spotted in the sanctuary. Taiga flycatcher, a rare migratory bird, was sighted at the Poorna Bird Sanctuary The forest department helped Sukrithi Forest Club identify and plant trees suitable for the terrain. Since there are marshy areas, riparian trees were planted. The forest department also took care of the trees until they grew and then handed the area over to the club, he says. Since then, students and faculty members have been keeping track of the birds and other animal species that have made the sanctuary their home. The forest club, under the leadership of convenors Adarsh and Aiswarya, has been keeping a checklist of the bird species roosting in the sanctuary with the help of the ebird mobile app. Anyone on the campus can click a photograph of the birds and upload it on the app, Manoj says. Students, birders and other staff of the university are also mapping the biodiversity of the campus, says Manoj. It is very heartening to see that communal roosting at night, it is an indicator of the birds making the sanctuary their safe haven, he says.

Man hurt in barracuda attack during fishing expedition airlifted from Maldives, treated in Kochi

KOCHI: A Maldivian national, who suffered critical injuries in an attack by a barracuda fish during a fishing expedition in his home nation, was airlifted to Kochi and successfully treated by Amrita Hospital. The 32-year-old was was collecting sea cucumbers from the ocean floor at night in the Maldives when he was attacked by the barracuda fish. Its powerful bite caused severe injuries to his spinal cord and vertebrae at the back of his neck. Initially, he was rushed to a hospital in the Maldives, where doctors assessed the severity of his condition. In view of the critical nature of his injuries, he was immediately airlifted to Amrita Hospital in Kochi for advanced treatment. Medical experts discovered that the barracudas sharp teeth had deeply penetrated his spinal cord, leading to paralysis of his left arm and leg. Further tests revealed that more than 10 fragments of the fishs teeth were embedded in his spinal cord. A highly-complex surgery was performed by a team of doctors led by Dr Sajesh Menon and Dr Dalwin Thomas from the neurosurgery department to remove the embedded teeth and repair the damage. Following the successful procedure, the patient was moved to the ward for recovery. Doctors described the spinal surgery as extremely rare and challenging. Barracuda attacks have been reported in the Maldives before, with several victims succumbing to injuries due to lack of specialised medical care. Speaking about the ordeal, the patients brother said the family was deeply worried about his survival due to the severity of the injuries. He also expressed immense gratitude towards the doctors at Amrita Hospital.

Kerala HC directive to take stringent action against illegal flex boards

KOCHI: Kerala High Court on Thursday declared that placing unauthorised hoardings, flags, festoons and other items in public places is illegal. The court held that people, including advertisers and printers, who put up such installations are liable to be fined. Justice Devan Ramachandran made the declaration while disposing of the writ petitions against the installation of flex boards and hoardings in public places and confirming the courts earlier interim orders and the government circulars issued in this regard. The court also ordered that the secretaries of the local self-government institutions will be held responsible for the non-removal of such items. They would be responsible for the collection of fines for each violation of the court orders and government circulars, as well as the registration of FIRs and taking action against the advertisement agencies. The court also directed the state police chief to ensure full compliance with the circular by all the station house officers. In case of violations, necessary action should be taken against the erring officials as per the law. It directed the Election Commission and the State Election Commission to ensure that the court orders and the government circulars in this regard are not violated by political parties during election times. The court also directed them to include these provisions in the model code of conduct.

Health university rolls out palliative care training for faculty, students

KOCHI: In an effort to address the challenges of a growing elderly population and to ensure the well-being of patients with life-limiting illnesses, the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS) and the Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Sciences have rolled out a programme to train the faculty members of government medical colleges in the state in palliative care. In the initial phase of the programme that began last September, as many as 100 faculty members have been trained in palliative care. KUHS vice chancellor Dr Mohanan Kunnummel said the initiative aims to train every medical student passing out in the next few years in palliative care. The faculty members trained in the first phase will train other doctors and MBBS students. The state has a growing ageing population. Thus, in a few years, we need to have doctors trained in palliative care to treat us in a better way, beyond diagnosis and treatment, Dr Mohanan said. In 2016, the KUHS had incorporated the principles of palliative care into the existing undergraduate MBBS curriculum to groom medical students into humane doctors who treat their patients with a person-centred rather than disease-centred approach. Dr Sunil Kumar, director-in-charge of the Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Sciences, said the faculty members -- from different medical colleges -- completed a foundation course in palliative care. Thirty of them were selected for an on-site training at KUHS. A three-day faculty development programme, inclusive of principles of palliative care, was conducted to empower them. They will be train the others at different medical colleges, Dr Sunil said, adding that the 30-hour session covers the basics of palliative care. Dr Mohanan stressed on the need to focus on pain relief alongside diagnosis and treatment. There is a proposal to expand the project to government nursing colleges to train nursing tutors and students as well, Dr Sunil added.

Orthodox church protests government's support for Catholicos installation in Lebanon

KOTTAYAM: After a brief hiatus, the disputes between Jacobite and Orthodox factions in the Malankara church resurfaced with the state governments decision to send official representatives to Lebanon for the installation of Joseph Mor Gregorios, Malankara Metropolitan of the Jacobite Syrian Christian Church, as Catholicos. Addressing mediapersons at the Orthodox Church headquarters at Devalokam in Kottayam on Thursday, functionaries of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (MOSC) expressed their strong protest against the state government for supporting the installation ceremony. According to them, the alleged alternative installation ceremony in Lebanon would disrupt peace within the Malankara Church. The Orthodox faction also pointed to a Supreme Court ruling that upheld the 1934 Constitution of the Malankara Church and explicitly rejected any attempt to create a parallel management system under the pretext of the spiritual supremacy of the Patriarch. Seven people, including the Law Minister, are travelling abroad at government expense to endorse this parallel administration. This is nothing short of an affront to democratic values. Those who came to power by swearing allegiance to the Constitution are now disregarding the law of the land. It is deeply concerning that the states law minister himself is complicit in this violation, said Yuhanon Mar Dioscoros Metropolitan, head of the MOSC media wing. Condemning the move as an act of political appeasement, the Church also reminded the political leaders that Kerala is made up of 13 districts beyond Ernakulam. The Orthodox Church also questioned the stance of the Opposition, asking why representatives were being sent abroad at the governments expense to participate in a private event. The opposition in Kerala consistently criticises the state government for its wasteful spending. If so, what is the Oppositions stand on sending representatives abroad at governments expense to participate in an illegal event by taking money from the public treasury? Is it not over the heads of ASHA workers, who are protesting under the scorching sun, that these representatives including UDF members are flying out to a private event? The Church wants to know whether the Opposition also supports the use of peoples tax money for this purpose, they said. Reaffirming its political neutrality, the Orthodox Church also reminded the LDF government that its stance should not be mistaken for weakness.

Sangh parivar attack on Tushar is attack on secularism: Kerala CM Pinarayi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly condemned the recent Sangh parivar attack on Tushar Gandhi, calling it an attack on Indias secularism and democracy. The state of mind of these people (attackers) is similar to that of those who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi. Such actions that violate the freedom of expression cannot be allowed, the CM said in a statement, while warning of legal and democratic action against such tendencies. Tushar, while speaking at an event held in Thiruvananthapuram to mark the 100th anniversary of Sree Narayana Gurus meeting with Mahatma Gandhi, had called the RSS a cancer spreading through the countrys soul. On Wednesday, BJP-RSS workers allegedly gheraoed him at Neyyattinkara, triggering widespread outcry and drawing condemnation from the ruling LDF and Opposition UDF. The CM said the attack on Tushar occurred at a time when the commemoration of the historic meet between Mahatma Gandhi and Sree Narayana Guru was being held. He said Tushar was sharing his concern on the cancer of communalism affecting the countrys soul. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said, Fascists blocked Tushar Gandhi on the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhis meeting with Sree Narayana Guru. This amounts to insulting Gandhiji. The state government and police should take strict action. He (Tushar) termed the RSS as a cancer spreading through the soul of India. Whats wrong in it? The country is being ruled via fascism. That its eating into the countrys soul is a political reality. Keralas consciousness will stand with Tushar Gandhi, said Satheesan, who spoke to Tushar over phone on Thursday and offered him all support. Satheesan will share the dais with Tushar during a function organised at UC College in Kochi on Friday to mark Mahatma Gandhis visit to Aluva.

Case against five RSS-BJP workers for obstructing Tushar Gandhi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Neyyattinkara police on Thursday registered a case against five RSS-BJP workers for obstructing Tushar Gandhi, the great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, and raising slogans against him. The police registered the case suo motu against the BJP-RSS workers, who could be identified, after the incident created ripples in socio-political circles. The BJP-RSS workers waylaid Tushar at Neyyattinkara on Wednesday evening while he was returning after delivering a speech during the inauguration of Gandhian late P Gopinathan Nairs statue. Tushar had criticised Sangh Parivar in his speech and that provoked the BJP-RSS workers to block his car and heckle him, the police said. Tushar in his speech had dubbed RSS as cancer-spreading, and accused it of destroying the secular fabric of the country. The protestors raised slogans against Tushar demanding him to retract the statements. The incident invited sharp reactions as CM Pinarayi Vijayan termed the incident as an attack against secularism and democracy. Speaking to the media on Thursday, Tushar Gandhi said he didnt expect such an incident to happen in Kerala. Being at the forefront of the fight against communal forces, I expected these kind of confrontations. I respect everyones right to protest. If something I said hurt them, they have the right to protest, said Tushar Gandhi.

TB campaign screens over 53 lakh, identifies nearly 5k new patients

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 100-day tuberculosis prevention programme has identified close to 5,000 TB patients from screening 53 lakh people, according to Dr K J Reena, director of health services. The campaign, which began on December 7, aims to identify those who are at high risk of tuberculosis and have symptoms of the disease from screening and testing as many people as possible. The programme identified 68,180 people who are susceptible to the disease. On further screening, as many as 4,924 people were identified with tuberculosis. The campaign will conclude on March 17. The state TB officer, Dr K K Rajaram, said that 80% of screening was conducted using molecular testing. He pointed out that the government has started providing food kits to patients as nutritional deficiency is one of the major deciding factors for treatment outcome. Besides, several companies, agencies, organisations and individuals have come forward to become members of Nikshay Mitra, which provides monthly nutrition kits to each patient. WHO consultant Dr Aparna Mohan pointed out that 35% of TB patients are diabetic. The state tested 5.44 lakh samples to identify 21,582 new TB patients in 2023. Over 2,000 people die every year from the disease. Kerala recorded the highest number of registrations of TB patients from the private sector on the Nikshay portal. The number of registrations rose from 4,615 in 2019 to 6,542 in 2023. The state has 355 System for TB Elimination in Private Sector (STEP) centres. These connect people requiring TB treatment at private hospitals with the public health system. Kerala is the first state in the country to adopt preventive treatment for people closely involved with TB patients. The test-and-treat policy aims to prevent spread of the infection. According to health experts, stigma continues to be a major hindrance for effective intervention strategies. The LSG department recently issued an order allowing local bodies to provide food kits worth `1,500 to each patient. Early detection The campaign aims to identify those who are at high risk of tuberculosis and have symptoms of the disease from screening and testing as many people as possible. Kerala is the first state in the country to adopt preventive treatment for people closely involved with TB patients The test-and-treat policy aims to prevent spread of the infection. The LSG department recently issued an order allowing local bodies to provide food kits worth Rs 1,500 to each patient.

Eight-month-old critical after pharmacy's medication error

KANNUR: An eight-month-old baby boy is in critical condition after being given the wrong medication by a pharmacy at Pazhayangadi. Muhammed, son of Sameer, a local resident, suffered severe health complications due to an alleged overdose resulting from the pharmacys mistake. According to the complaint, the pharmacy staff provided medication in drop form instead of the prescribed syrup for fever. Unaware of the substitution, the parents administered the drops in the same dosage as the syrup, unintentionally giving the baby an excessive amount. Medical reports indicate that the incorrect medication severely affected the function of the infants liver. Soon after taking the medicine, the childs health deteriorated. Alarmed by the sudden change in his condition, the parents contacted the doctor who had prescribed the medicine. It was only then that they realised the medication had been switched. Following the doctors advice, the child was rushed to Kannur Aster MIMS Hospital. Hospital authorities confirmed that while the babys condition remains critical, there has been slight improvement. When the baby was brought here, his condition was at its worst. However, there has been a slight improvement. We are currently trying to stabilise his liver function with medication. However, we cannot be certain that Muhammed will continue to respond to the treatment. If he does not, the only remaining option will be a liver transplant, said Dr Nandhakumar of Kannur Aster MIMS. The childs relatives claim they received a hostile response from the medical store employee when they questioned them about the medication error. According to them, when they confronted the pharmacy, the employee dismissed their concerns and told them to go ahead and file a case instead of addressing the issue. Following the formal complaint, the Pazhayangadi police have registered a case against Khadija Medicals, the pharmacy responsible for dispensing the wrong medication, and have launched a probe. Pazhayangadi police confirmed that the pharmacy did, in fact, provide the wrong medication to Sameers child. It is clear that the pharmacy staff gave a different medicine than what was prescribed. We have initiated a formal investigation, said a police officer.

K K Kochu, who carved a niche in the cultural landscape of Kerala

KOTTAYAM: The strength of Dalit writer and thinker K K Kochu, 76, who passed away here on Thursday, stemmed from his life experiences. Through his profound knowledge and understanding of the Dalit community, Kochu carved out a niche in the cultural landscape of Kerala. A devoted social activist, he dedicated his life to championing the rights of the Dalit community. His contributions to Keralas Dalit advancement movement as a writer, thinker, and orator solidified his position as a prominent figure in Dalit politics in Kerala. According to P Sanal Mohan, former history professor at the Mahatma Gandhi University, Kochu was an organic intellect, who bridged his academic pursuits with practical politics. In the realm of practical politics, Kochu delved into the study of Kerala society, drawing from his readings and thoughts to analyse the development and transformation of Kerala society. He developed cultural critique from this point of view, he said. By intertwining caste issues with the potential of Left politics, Kochu brought a unique perspective to the table. His Marxist approach is evident in all his analyses. We can see significant observations in his biography Dalithan. In this work, he has made insightful observations on the concept of everyday violence in caste society, Sanal said. Participating in several struggles and movements such as the Chengara land struggle and agricultural labourers movements, Kochu was directly involved in practical politics alongside his knowledge-based interventions. He believed that social and cultural activism should be rooted in knowledge, a principle he upheld throughout his life. His writings in the SEEDIAN publication showcased a blend of criticism and intellectual inquiry, highlighting the complexities of social issues within the Dalit community, said Sunny M Kapicadu, a Dalit writer and activist. According to Sunny, Kochu highlighted that Dalit question was not merely an experiential matter but a historical issue. He believed that Dalith question was not an isolated wave, which can be placed only by questioning the knowledge system in Kerala society, he said. Since 1990, he has been active in struggles for protecting the rights of Dalits and Adivasis, human rights and the environment. His autobiography Dalithan is regarded as a landmark work. He also authored notable books, including The Distance to Buddha (Buddhanilekkulla Dooram), A History Lesson for Nationalism, Kerala History and Social Formation, The Time Without the Left, and Riot and Culture. Kochu was under treatment for cancer at Government Medical College Hospital in Kottayam. A prominent figure in Keralas Dalit advancement movement, K K Kochu made significant contributions as a writer, thinker, and orator. His impact on society was widely recognised and he was a recipient of several awards. In 2021, he was honoured with the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for his comprehensive body of work. Even as child he was involved in political activism and was imprisoned for 16 days during the Emergency and later went underground for six months. He played a major role in the creation of organisations like the Communist Youth Forum, the Peoples Workers Union, the Human Rights Committee, and so on. Kochu joined KSRTC as a clerk in 1977 and retired as a senior assistant in 2001. He was deeply involved in activism, leading the Communist Yuvajana Vedi, the Peoples Workers Union, and Manushyavakasha Samithi (Human Rights Committee).

UV radiation levels spike in Palakkad, Malappuram districts

PALAKKAD: With the state recording high ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels on Thursday, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has cautioned people against direct exposure to the sun between 11am and 3pm. A red alert has been issued for Palakkad and Malappuram districts where the UV index rose to 11. Kollam and Idukki districts recorded a level of 10, while Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam posted 9 on the index. The index is recorded on a scale from 1 to 11+ that indicates the intensity of UV rays from the sun at a particular time and place. Experts say the ozone layer and cloud cover act as protective shields from UV radiation. Changes in the amount of ozone in the atmosphere and cloud cover determine the UV radiation reaching the earths surface. When the sky is clear the intensity of UV radiation will be high. During summer, when the sun moves to the northern hemisphere and comes directly over the region, which leads to the intensity of heat. The UV level will be high for a couple of weeks from March 20 due to variations in radiation intensity. Direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours can cause sunburn, said S Abhilash, director of the Advanced Centre for Atmospheric Radar Research at Cusat. According to reports, the UV index in Palakkad district touched 11 at 12.26pm, a level that poses serious health risks to people working under direct sunlight. UV metres installed in Thrithala and Ponnani have been monitoring radiation levels in Palakkad and Malappuram districts. Prolonged exposure to intense UV rays can lead to sunburn, skin diseases, eye disorders, and other health complications, district health officials said. Independent weather researcher Vijith Hamza, who last year co-authored the study, Assessment of UV Index in Kerala, along with Ninu Krishnan, of the Research Institute for Sustainable Environment, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, told TNIE that Kerala has been experiencing increasing levels of UV radiation over the past two decades. The study analysed 6,574 UV index readings recorded in the state between 2004 and 2022. Changes in climate, moisture levels, movement of clouds, thickness and patterns of rainfall influence UV radiation levels. The index will be highest where there is direct sunlight, the skies are clear, and elevation is high. The absence of thick and scattered clouds that actually filter ultraviolet rays increases the UV index, Vijith said. Safety measures To stay safe from high UV radiation, individuals should wear hats, use umbrellas, and wear sunglasses while stepping outside. It is advisable to choose light cotton dresses that cover the body to minimise exposure. Extra caution is necessary in hilly regions, tropical areas, and open landscapes, as these locations typically experience higher UV radiation levels.

Adopt innovative measures to counter security challenges: Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh draws attention towards the hybrid nature of future warfare where the conflict is likely to be spread across multiple domains

It's shakalaka blue bloom @ 'Kumbalangi Nights'

It is that time of year when glittering blues make the waters off Kochis coastal villages shimmer under the dark cloak of night. The ripples off areas such as Kumbalangi, Chellanam and Puthuvype exude an ethereal charm. For common eyes, its nothing short of magic. Visitors from far and wide have been heading to Kumbalangi, where aquatic microorganisms sprinkle their radiant sorcery. The vibe is almost like Munnar when blanketed by neelakurinji bloom season. All thanks to the film Kumbalangi Nights , laughs Midon P G, who runs Luminescence Water Sports in Kumbalangi. Before that, foreign tourists who came to Kumbalangi used to enjoy this phenomenon bioluminescence, or ' kavaru ' in local parlance. They would play in our waters, enjoy the nights here, take photos, and experience the facilities. But locals and those from outside these areas came to know about kavaru through the film and subsequent social media buzz. Since 2019, after the films release, Kumbalangi has indeed seen an exponential rise in visitors during the summer kavaru season. Its mainly night tourism, says Midon. The ripples off areas such as Kumbalangi, Chellanam and Puthuvype exude an ethereal charm. To the common eye, its nothing short of magic Kavaru has become the hallmark of this quaint little village. While, a few years ago, local residents complained about sleepless nights and damaged pisciculture farms, they have now started exploring the tourism potential of the kavaru season. Midon says the phenomenon is not exclusive to Kumbalangi. Usually, kavaru appears first in the nearby waters of Kandakkadavu. Chellanam, Kadamakudi, and even the coastal villages along the Alappuzha-Kochi border experience bioluminescence every year, he explains. However, theres no denying that kavaru has truly transformed the tourism potential of Kumbalangi. Restaurants stay open late, homestays are thriving, and activities like water sports and night boating are booming. The local community acknowledges that business is flourishing, even if the surge in tourism also brings challenges especially for the pisciculture farms, where the saline waters provide a perfect home for the shimmering algae. Edwin Joseph, who runs Kayakify Kochi, a watersports service in Kumbalangi, started night boating last year. After Kumbalangi Nights , thousands of people started coming here at night to witness the blue waters, he gushes. But this effect is only visible when the water ripples. So people started throwing stones and even jumping into the prawn farms, causing damage to the natural ecosystem. Thats why I thought of starting night kayaking at designated spots. 'Kavaru' has truly transformed the tourism potential of Kumbalangi. Restaurants stay open late, homestays are thriving, and activities like water sports and night boating are booming. Edwin explains that paddling helps the fish grow by increasing oxygen levels in the water. We request guests to play only in designated spots. Just dont jump into all the farms, he adds. Coracles have also apparently become a favourite among visitors. When gently shaken, they create a mesmerising view of the kavaru. According to Edwin, the kavaru season is when Kumbalangis tourism prospects peak. Homestays, resorts and restaurants are doing brisk business. Some local residents have also set up ice cream stalls and refreshment kiosks to cash in on the mojo. Kavaru certainly boosts the local economy, says Edwin, who also runs Kampify Kochi, under which there is a resort, hostel, and farmhouse service. Local residents hope the kavaru season will continue till May. It arrived a bit early this time. The bloom usually lasts three months, Edwin says. Its a good time for the hospitality business, which otherwise sees a downturn in summer. Some local residents have also set up ice cream stalls and refreshment kiosks to cash in on the bioluminescence fervour Night boating and kayaking have picked up in Kumbalangi Need for a proper tourism plan But not everything is bright and blue here. Satheesan V R, who runs Kumbalangi Nights restaurant, points to the accumulating waste along the coastal road. Yes, its great that visitors are thronging here, enjoying our food, and spending time in the village. But after they leave, we residents are left to clean up the roads, he says. Satheesan and other local residents have been raising concerns about the mounting garbage problem for the past few years. The garbage issue is ever-present but worsens during the kavaru season, he adds. What we need is a well-structured tourism programme involving local bodies. This will also help visitors track the spots where they can witness bioluminescence, as these spots change daily. Satheesan suggests that the District Tourism Promotion Council and the local administration collaborate to create a proper seasonal tourism plan for Kumbalangi. To preserve the natural bounty, we all need to work together, he says. We cannot ask visitors to avoid eating or drinking bottled water, but we can provide bins for proper waste disposal. If needed, authorities could charge a nominal fee of, say, Rs 20 from each visitor for the Haritha Karma Sena. Satheesan adds that the local community should also feel a similar thrill as the tourists. Its nice to see people admiring our village. But for this to continue in a healthy, sustainable manner, the government has to play a proactive role, he says. The algae responsible for the bioluminescence off Kochi has been identified as Gonyaulax spinifera What is kavaru ? In simple terms, its natures magic. However, as per science, the magical glow is due to microorganisms and algae. This phenomenon occurs when the salinity of water increases, explains Shelton Padua, senior scientist at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute. These blooms typically appear in Kerala during March and April. When disturbed, these microorganisms emit light, creating the sparkling blue glow seen in the water. Shelton and his team have been studying water samples from the area for the past two years. Last year, and in the recent samples we collected, the algae responsible for the bioluminescence was identified as Gonyaulax spinifera, he says. On concerns regarding toxicity of the algae, Shelton says, In our research, we didnt find any harmful toxins. Bioluminescence in Kochi waters is not a new phenomenon, he adds. I remember marvelling at kavaru in coastal villages in my childhood, he says.

Nishagandhi collective celebrates pongala in signature style

As the city streets filled with women preparing their Pongala on Thursday, about 100 volunteers skimmed through the crowd, their walkie-talkies constantly cackling. They were guiding devotees, assisting those struggling in the heat, distributing water, administering first aid, and coordinating with ambulance services. Their work did not end when the Pongala flames died down. Once the devotees returned home, these volunteers stayed back, cleaning the streets, doing their bit in restoring the city to normalcy. These volunteers are members of an NGO named Signature of Nishagandhi. A camaraderie forged between volunteers at a relief collection point during the 2018 floods is what has blossomed into this social movement. During the devastating Kerala floods, people from all walks of life had come together to help those in need. Relief camps and collection points were set up across the state, including a major volunteer-driven campaign at Nishagandhi auditorium. The groups journey of service began there. What started as an urgent relief effort soon grew into something more a collective dedicated to helping people long after the floodwaters receded. Since then, Signature of Nishagandhi has worked behind the scenes, stepping in whenever the city needed them. During the floods, our camp ran for nearly three weeks. We managed everything in an organised manner back then. When it was time to wrap up, there was a feeling that we shouldnt stop there. After all, there was so much more to be done for the city, says Abhiraj Unni, the founder of the organisation. Thats how the NGO Signature of Nishagandhi was formed. Even after six years, the fact that we still have over 100 active volunteers says a lot about our success. The group, which includes doctors, nurses, students, techies, and people from different walks of life, stays active throughout the year. Whether its collecting surplus food from weddings, parties, and events to distribute among the homeless, arranging urgent blood donations through their dedicated network, or organising monthly cleaning drives and awareness programmes, they are just a call away. For this years Pongala, volunteers were deployed across four zones within a two-kilometre radius around SMV Govt Model Higher Secondary School. With six years of experience in volunteering, we worked on addressing previous shortcomings and found better ways to manage things efficiently, says Abhiraj. We introduced walkie-talkies to improve communication. From guiding devotees on waste disposal and toilet locations to distributing drinking water and fruits, we ensured support at every step. Even after that, we remained on hand to assist devotees in reaching bus stops or arranging transportation. In several instances, we were able to step in and help even before the police arrived. It was success driven by teamwork. This years volunteering programme Ananthapuri Pongala 2025 was launched by Thiruvananthapuram sub-collector Alfred O V on Wednesday, Abhiraj adds. In a cost-effective manner and with the right use of human resources, we have been able to make a difference in society. And thats the biggest reward for us, he smiles.

[IN PICS] Attukal Pongala: When devotion flows over

Thiruvananthapuram considers Attukal Pongala its cultural landmark. True to tradition, this years festival was as grand as ever. The festivities began 10 days ago at the temple, with crowds until 1am on most days. The legend of the temple is contested, with some believing the deity to be Kannagi, the fiery Tamil heroine who brought down the Pandya kingdom. Others contend that the deity is Bhadrakali. The Thottampaattu, sung throughout 10 days of the festival, is considered an authentic source of the temples legend. And researchers believe the story of Bhadrakali was later adopted by Sangam litterateur Ilango Adigal. Attukal has undergone several changes over time, largely due to the influence of social reformers such as Chattambi Swami, who brought an end to animal sacrifice at the temple. It is also said that during his student days, poet Changampuzha Krishna Pillai visited the temple then a simple shrine nestled amidst natures bounty. According to historian M G Sashibooshan, the tranquil setting is said to have awakened the poet in him. Attukal Pongala in Thiruvananthapuram A flourishing art scene The festival also features a vibrant art scene that attracts artists from beyond the local community. One of the highlights this year was a Carnatic concert by Additional Director General of Police S Sreejith. It is heartening to see the growth of the temple space as an art hub, says Latha Balachandran, who has been running the Gayatri School of Dance in the capital for 36 years. Even people from abroad want to perform here, she says. The festival also sees singers and composers releasing albums during this period. It was a long-standing wish of mine to do an album on the goddess as an offering, says G K Venugopal, who produced the album Amme Devi. Attukal Pongala Scenes from the city on Attukal Pongala The city transformed On the day, the city transformed into a carnival space, with hearths stacked together, creating a fiery celebratory spirit. Even women from across the state took part in the event. I am from Kozhikode. Its my first time here. Its a surreal experience, says Sajitha N, a school teacher. For local women, it is a familiar tradition. I have been offering Pongala since I was a little girl, smiles Pattom resident Sreekala Sasidharan. Those from the suburbs arrived days in advance to reserve spaces near the temple. However, those living in the city limits, but farther from the temple, now prefer to offer Pongala at their doorsteps. With Attukal and its precincts bursting at the seams, local temples doubled up as divine stops, offering Pongala facilities for devotees. Organisations such as the Sathya Sai Seva Samiti, Vattiyoorkavu, assisted participants in the community ritual. Local clubs and residents associations organise mass lunches and drinking water facilities. Shops, vendors groups, and autorickshaw drivers also played their bits. This years consecration took place at 1.15pm, after which the women left their spaces. Once here, you will be back again, remarked a woman as she stacked earthen pots to return home. Aparna Nair