Working to repair stranded F-35B jet in Kerala: UK
The aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions.
UK's F-35 Jet Stuck At Kerala Airport, No Takeoff Date Due To Engineering Issues
British F-35B fighter jet has been stranded in Kerala since June 14 and has developed engineering issues, UK High Commission has said.
Closed all 35 cases lodged based on Hema Committee report: SIT to Kerala HC
Kochi: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Wednesday informed the Kerala High Court that it has dropped further action in the 35 cases lodged on the basis of the Justice Hema Committee report, as none of the victims came forward to give their statements. The Justice Hema Committee was established by the Kerala government following 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 .
Couple may have plotted alleged murder
War in West Asia violated all international norms: Kanthapuram
Summit held as part of the centenary celebrations of the Samastha Kerala Jemiyyathul Ulama
Bharat Mata row erupts at Kerala University, Governors presence fuel student clashes
The event, organised by the Sree Padmanabha Seva Samiti at the universitys Senate Hall in Palayam to mark the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, wades into controversy over a Bharat Mata portrait, which has emerged the bone of contention between the State government and Raj Bhavan for nearly a month
EC to begin intensive review of voters list in five more states by year-end
The Election Commission will begin an intensive revision of electoral rolls in five statesAssam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengalbefore 2026 polls. Following Bihars revision, officials will conduct house-to-house verification to ensure error-free voter lists, addressing concerns over alleged manipulation and illegal entries.
Universities instructed to observe Emergency anniversary
Kerala development model had its foundations in land reforms: CM
He speaks after inaugurating national conclave on smart land governance
Emergencys dark days still haunt Attappadys Manappan
Manappans arrest was a direct result of his affiliation with Communism, an ideology that put him in the crosshairs of the authorities. He was arrested from his hamlet along with fellow tribal leader Bhinnan. The 80-year-old recounts his 18-day ordeal in Palakkad District Jail
Study by researchers at K.N. Raj School of Economics of Mahatma Gandhi University.
Pathanamthitta child panel chairman N. Rajeev suspended
Skill development programme gets underway at CET
ICMR increasing mobile lab capacity to enhance Indias outbreak response capabilities
The fully indigenous and sophisticated Mobile BSL-3 laboratory on wheels, first deployed in response to the Nipah virus outbreak in Kerala in 2023, will strengthen public health delivery, especially in remote and inaccessible areas
Calicut varsity Senate nod for revision of FYUGP clause on minor courses
Consumer panel orders car dealer to refund booking amount
Public awareness committees reconstituted to mitigate human-wildlife conflict in Kannur
Five leptospirosis deaths in Ernakulam since June 1
The district has recorded over 65 suspected and confirmed cases of leptospirosis
Revision committee of CBFC likely to decide on Janaki vs State of Kerala on June 26
Producer firm tells HC that films worldwide release is on June 27 and further delay in issuing censor certificate will cause irreparable loss
Kerala Automobiles Limited launches electric icecream carts for Milma
Ten electric carts each will be provided to the regional cooperative milk producers units in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode
RSS did not oppose Emergency all the time, says LDF convener
Wayanad landslides: Cabinet nod to remove debris accumulated in the Punnapuzha river
Flash floods in the Punnappuzha trigger panic in Chooralmala
State Disaster Management Authority rules out occurrence of landslides in forest
Government to inform Raj Bhavan about the use of non-national symbols at State functions
Sivagiri Madhom head says Modi embodies traits of Mahatma Gandhi
Govt. Nursing College students in Pathanamthitta renew protest
36 Malayalis evacuated from Israel
Angamaly Urban Cooperative Society Scam: two more arrested
The latest arrests have taken the total number of accused in the case to nine
Will resist if Kerala Governor tries to implement RSS agenda, says SFI
Governors should keep in mind the limitations of their powers and realise that they are not democratically elected to the office, say SFI national president and general secretary
Idukki district administration issues warning as water level in Mullaperiyar rises to 133 ft
Collector declares holidayfor educational institutions in view of the heavy rainfall prediction for district on Thursday
Early monsoon posing a threat to cardamom sector in Idukki
Experts indicate that excess rainfall in June is the primary cause for the spread of the capsule rot and clump rot diseases
Mammootty joins fight against drug menace
Over 150 calls were received in the very first hour after the launch of the project
Enforcement squad seizes 103 kg of banned plastic
Works on ParippuThollayiram road to resume after decades of delay
After Nilambur win, talks heat up over Kerala Congress (M)s return to UDF
Amit Shah and memories of a Gujarat Andolan that inspired JP's campaign against the Emergency
The Navanirman Andolan, launched by the students and middle-class in Gujarat towards the end of 1973, pulled down the state government in a matter of months. The success of that agitation would go on to spur the successful movement against Emergency that was declared 50 years ago to this day on June 25, 1975. Two key leaders involved in the agitation reshaped national politics during the period. The first was Jayaprakash (JP) Narayan, the Lok Nayak who led the people's movement against then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the Emergency. The other important figure was Morarji Desai, the leader of Congress (Organisation), which had split from the mother party when Congress (I) was formed. Morarji went on to become the leader of the Janata Party government that came to power in 1977 after Indira was ousted. JP came to Gujarat in 1974 after the students approached him to lead the Navnirman Andolan. The Andolan had begun with protests, among other things, against the high food fees at the mess in the Morbi Engineering College. But then it spread and began to be directed against the government of Chimanbhai Patel, the then Chief Minister. Chimanbhai was forced by the pressure mounted by the Andolan and its popularity to resign by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on February 9, 1974. The movement would inspire JP, who had been wrestling with the problem of how he could mount a serious challenge against the corruption he saw in his home state of Bihar during this period. For years I was groping to find a way out. In fact while my objectives have never changed, I have all along been searching for the right way to achieve it. I wasted two years trying to bring about a politics of consensus. It came to nothing... Then I saw students in Gujarat bring about a political change with the backing of the people...and knew that this was the way out, he wrote in Everyman's Weekly that came out on August 3, 1974. The Bihar movement that JP launched, inspired by the Navnirman Andolan, later transformed into the Sampoorna Kranti that forced Indira Gandhi out of power. Three days after Emergency was revoked, on 24 March 1977, Morarji Desai was sworn in as Prime Minister at the ripe old age of 81 the oldest leader to hold the office till date. Among those who heard stories of those highly-charged days was an 11-year-old Balsevak going by the name of Amitbhai Anilchandra Shah. On June 25, 2025 the 50th anniversary of the announcement of Emergency the now Home Minister shared his memories on X. I was a Bal Swayamsevak of RSS then and heard firsthand the excesses and injustices during the dark days of Emergency. The memories of that time, though faded as I was very young then the suppression, the torture, the blatant assault on democratic values are still vivid in my memories, Amit Shah recounted. He also expressed his immense pride in having been associated with a movement that stood up against this tyranny, and with a leader who fearlessly raised his voice to protect Bharat's democracy and its Constitution (Jayaprakash Narayan), he added. Shah slammed the Emergency imposed 50 years ago, by a despotic ruler, whose sole aim was to preserve her dynastic rule. It was one of the darkest chapters in India's history, the Home Minister underlined. Emergency, imposed 50 years ago, by a despotic ruler, whose sole aim was to preserve her dynastic rule, was one of the darkest chapters in Indias history. I was a Bal Swayamsevak of RSS then and heard firsthand the excesses and injustices during the dark days of Emergency. The Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 25, 2025 50 years of Emergency: The Kerala story When Pinarayi could no longer get up
Smart clusters for tuber crops on the anvil in four districts
Ujarulvar village goes fully digital in land transactions, sets national benchmark
Landmark achieved through Ente Bhoomi portal developed jointly by the Revenue, Survey and Registration departments
On stage, a one-man mission against drug abuse
Social activist Ratheesh Varavoor uses mono act as a tool to tackle the growing menace. June 26 is International Day against drug abuse
Kerala Cabinet clears framework for the conservation and management of river basins
The apex committee, the Kerala River Basin Conservation and Management Authority, will be chaired by the Chief Minister. It is aimed at the overall improvement of water resources management in the State
Dolphins and whales continue to wash ashore on Alappuzha coast
Palakkad school faces heat over students suicide as family alleges mental harassment
PALAKKAD: The tragic suicide of 14-year-old Ashirnanda, a Class 9 student of St. Dominic's Convent English Medium School, Sreekrishnapuram, has triggered public outrage, as family members, school students, and local organisations alleged that the school mentally harassed the student. Protests erupted in front of the school on Wednesday morning, demanding justice and accountability. According to the family, Ashirnanda, daughter Thachanattukara native C Prashanth, was asked not only relocate to a different seat in class due to low marks, but was also forced to write and sign a declarationin the presence of her parentsstating that if she continued to underperform, she would agree to repeat Class 8. The parents allege that this public humiliation deeply affected her mental health. On Tuesday evening, the girl was found hanging in a room on the upper floor of her home in Thachanattukara. She had returned from school, played briefly with her younger sister, and was later found missing when a neighbours child arrived for tuition. A search led to the devastating discovery. The incident has drawn the attention of the district administration. Authorities said the Palakkad District Collector has demanded an immediate report, and officials from the District Education Department have visited the school and collected preliminary evidence. According to media reports, the school principal has denied all allegations of harassment, while the school management admitted that the student had been shifted to another class due to poor performance in mathematics, which they claim was part of an academic support strategy, not punishment. They insist that no harassment took place. However, the family and local protestors see this as a clear case of emotional pressure and inappropriate treatment of a minor. Agitators have called for a detailed inquiry and psychological audits in schools to prevent such incidents in the future. Nattukal police are continuing their investigation, and the final course of action will be determined after the postmortem and detailed inquiry. The school has yet to release an official public statement. Repeated efforts to contact the principal and the school management proved futile.
KCMMF Sales Officer Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online for 18 Posts
The Kerala Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (KCMMF) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 18 Sales Officer posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official KCMMF website. The last date to submit the application form is 09-07-2025.
EC to begin intensive review of voters' list in five more states by year-end
The Election Commission will review voter lists in five states, Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, before the 2026 elections. This follows a similar review in Bihar. The Election Commission will conduct house-to-house verification to ensure accuracy. A new declaration form requires proof of birth and parentage to prevent illegal migrants from registering.
CM takes a dig at Amit Shah for language comment
The Kerala PSC Agriculture Assistant Grade II 2025 results are out. Candidates can check their results on the official Agriculture Assistant Grade II website, keralapsc.gov.in.
KIIFB Resident Engineer Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online for 10 Posts
The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) has released an official notification for the recruitment of 10 Resident Engineer posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official KIIFB website. The last date to submit the application form is 12-07-2025.
Bharat Mata image row: CM Vijayan to write to Governor expressing objections
Bharat Mata image row: CM Vijayan to write to Governor expressing objections Thiruvananthapuram: The standoff between the Kerala government and Raj Bhavan over the use of the Bharat Mata picture in official functions at the Governors residence is likely to deepen as the Vijayan-led cabinet has decided to send an official communique to Governor Rajendra [] The post Bharat Mata image row: CM Vijayan to write to Governor expressing objections appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
India going through undeclared Emergency now, says Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan
Pinarayi says the Sangh Parivar government is trying to do away with the Constitution
Deshabhimani journalist Ragesh Kayalur succumbs to injuries after road accident in Kannur
Accident occurred late Sunday night while Ragesh was returning home after duty. He was hit by a lorry on Mattannur-Irrity road
EC releases index cards for bypolls in under 72 hours
NEW DELHI, June 25: The Election Commission on Wednesday said it has released index cards for the recent assembly bypolls under 72 hours using its latest digital platform. The index card is a non-statutory, post-election statistical reporting which helps various stakeholders understand voting related trends. The poll authority said it operationalised the new digital platform ECINET during the June 19 by-elections to five assembly constituencies in Kerala, Gujarat, Punjab and West Bengal. The results were declared on June 23. [] The post EC releases index cards for bypolls in under 72 hours appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
New Delhi: EC releases index cards for bypolls in under 72 hours
The poll authority said it operationalised the new digital platform ECINET during the June 19 by-elections to five assembly constituencies in Kerala, Gujarat, Punjab and West Bengal. The results were declared on June 23
Former Kerala CM V.S. Achuthanandan remains in ICU for third day, condition stable
His condition is being monitored closely by a medical team consisting of specialists, according to medical bulletin
Kerala rains: Orange alert for four districts on June 25
Hill stations close to high-range areas in north Kerala witness heavy spells, with Meppadi in Wayanad receiving close to 100 mm rains
Kerala Polytechnic Final Rank List and First Allotment 2025: Directorate of Technical Education Kerala 2025 has been released on polyadmission.org. Here is the direct Link to check your Polytechnic Admission Polytechnic Rank List Online.
Cinematographer Bahul Ramesh, writer of Kishkindha Kaandam, is back with the second season of Kerala Crime Files Season 2. Bahul says he prefers not to follow a formula or template
Dangerous flow of mud submerges Attamala road in Keralas Wayanad after heavy rains
Officials rule out landslide. Punnapuzha river experiences drastic rise in water levels, reaching just below the Bailey bridge
Landslip reported in Wayanads Vellarimala following heavy rains, water level rises in Punna river
But no new landslides inside forests uphill of Punchirimattam, confirms Kerala State Disaster Management Authority confirms
blueBriX invests 125 crore in Kerala to propel AI innovations in healthcare
By creating a next-generation platform that orchestrates AI agents, blueBriX seeks to automate complex healthcare processes and enhance operational efficiency.
Nail driven deeper in coffin of Indian democracy: JP's 'Prison Diary' poignant account of Emergency
NEW DELHI: Every nail driven deeper into the coffin of Indian democracy is like a nail driven into my heart, wrote firebrand socialist leader Jayaprakash Narayan in his diary while being interned as a political prisoner during the height of the Emergency imposed on this very day 50 years ago. Close to midnight of June 25, 1975, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed proclaimed the Emergency citing internal disturbance. On that fateful day, Narayan, popularly known as JP and a fierce critic of the then Indira Gandhi government, addressed a massive gathering at the Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. There, he had famously thundered 'Sinhasan Khali Karo ki Janta Aati Hai', (Vacate the throne as the public comes)' quoting an epic line from Ramdhari Singh Dinkar's poem 'Jantantra ka Janm'. Narayan, then 72-years-old, Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani, and other opposition leaders were soon arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). A few days later, JP was taken to PGI-Chandigarh and lodged there for a few months starting July 1 as a political prisoner replete with police security and away from public gaze. Narayan's 'Prison Diary', whose first edition came out during the course of the Emergency itself, opens with a poignant July 21, 1975, account written during his internment. My world lies in a shambles all around me. I am afraid I shall not see it put together in my lifetime, he wrote. The introduction to the first edition of JP's 'Prison Diary' reads that it is more than the musings of a Prometheus in chains. In his July 25 account of 1975, he wrote in the diary about his feelings about a country under Emergency. Did not feel like writing the last two days. Every nail driven deeper into the coffin of Indian democracy is like a nail driven into my heart. I have searched my heart and I can say truly that even if I were to die now, I would not mind it. No Indian will ever forget how spirit of Constitution was violated: PM Modi on Emergency S K Jindal in his 2015 book 'Medical Encounters: True Stories of Patients Memoirs of a Physician', also wrote about the internment of this VIP guest at PGI-Chandigarh. I had the honour of looking after JP as a medical officer during the days of his political internment and subsequent hospitalisation at our Institute at Chandigarh, he writes in the chapter 'JP - The Quintessential Leader of 1975'. JP's speech at Ramlila Maidan on June 25 that year, is now part of the annals of political history, delivered hours before the Emergency was clamped. The President has proclaimed Emergency. There is nothing to panic about. These words of Prime Minister Gandhi in an All India Radio broadcast in the early hours of June 26 are also now frozen in history. However, this unforgettable event, considered one of the darkest chapters in Indian history, was precipitated by a series of tumultuous events in the early 1970s that spanned from Gujarat to Bihar. According to official archival documents of the period, the student uprising against the Chimanbhai Patel government in Gujarat had inspired Narayan's 'Bihar Movement' during the turbulent 70s that eventually led to the Emergency. Censorship, arrests and merger of news agencies tools to control media during 1975 Emergency In the youth of Gujarat, JP saw the energy and the sparks for igniting a revolution in the eastern state that ultimately swept most of the nation. A speech by the then Home Minister Brahmananda Reddi in Rajya Sabha on July 21, 1975, on the resolution for approval of the Proclamation of Emergency, establishes the chronological link between the two states and shows how JP found an impetus from the student movement in the western state. Reddi quotes JP by invoking his statement in 'Everyman's Weekly' of August 3, 1974, in which the socialist leader had said, For years I was groping to find a way out. In fact, while my objectives have never changed, I have all along been searching for the right way to achieve them. I wasted two years trying to bring about a politics of consensus. It came to nothing. Then I saw students in Gujarat bring about a political change with the backing of the people. And knew that this was the way out. The speech, among other reports, is part of the Emergency-era documents housed at the National Archives of India here. One of the documents, a seven-chapter report dated July 11, 1975, that bears the Intelligence Bureau label on the top cover, points to the Gujarat agitation, its implication on the 'Bihar Movement' and how the latter became a precursor to the Emergency. Under the firebrand JP, the agitation in Bihar took the shape of a 'Total Revolution' (Sampoorna Kranti) and the initial demand for resignation of the then Ghafoor ministry in Bihar ultimately turned into a larger demand for dismissal of the Indira Gandhi government. Statues of JP, whose legacy is celebrated by his proteges and socialist followers, today dot public places and roundabouts in Patna and elsewhere in Bihar, and his name was affixed to multiple institutions and landmarks from Patna to Delhi, after the 21-month emergency was lifted on March 21, 1977. 50 years of Emergency: The Kerala story When Pinarayi could no longer get up
CPI accuses CPM of lack of coordination during Nilambur bypoll
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPI state leadership accuses the CPM of a lack of coordination between the LDF partner parties during the Nilambur by-election campaign. In the state executive held on Tuesday, the leaders also said that CPM was simply implementing the decision taken by CPM state secretary MV Govindan and A Vijayaraghavan without even consulting the front partners. The CPI has decided to raise this in the next LDF state committee meeting. The district leadership also reported that the CPI workers had worked meticulously. Our minister, K Rajan and GR Anil campaigned for the LDF candidate. However, as the CPM had not assigned any public programmes to the CPI ministers, they had only participated in the programmes organized by the local party units, the leadership told the committee. The leaders also accused that no roles were assigned for the other LDF parties in Nilambur. Since CPI has its own party machinery, we have worked as much as we can. In the Wayanad parliament by-election in which a CPI candidate had contested, we provided vehicles and looked after the workers. However, in Nilambur, the CPM didn't even ask us whether we need any of it, the leaders said. How Satheesan and Team UDF scripted stunning Nilambur bypoll victory in Kerala The executive asked the state secretary to raise the issue before the LDF. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam has told the meeting that the leadership would definitely raise the issue. Meanwhile, in the editorial published in its mouthpiece Janayugam on Tuesday, the CPI has called upon the LDF to prepare for retrospection and corrective measures. It also said that the Nilambur by-election result could not be viewed as an evaluation of the government's performance. However, the front leadership must evaluate factually the governance of LDF government, and many issues which are yet to be sorted out, such as the policy approach towards different sections of the people, the threat faced by the high range farmers and Scheduled Tribes from the wild animals in view of the Nilambur result. An introspection should be made whether the influence of the front partners was duly used. It is decisive for the continuing work. If the front can learn lessons and take corrective measures from the defeat of the Nilambur by-election, the LDF can overcome all the adverse conditions, it said.
HSCAP Kerala Plus One Supplementary Allotment Result 2025: Directorate of Government Education Kerala Result 2025 has been released on hscap.kerala.gov.in. Here is the direct Link to check your Plus One Plus One Supplementary Results Online.
Kerala Lottery Result Today Live Updates: Dhanalekshmi DL-7 Winners List June 25, 2025
Kerala Lottery Results Today Live Updates: Heres Guessing Numbers for Dhanalekshmi DL-7 for Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Check the full list of winning numbers here from 3 pm.
Disruption of flight services leaves passengers stranded at Kochi airport
Services to Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Ras al-Khaimah, Bahrain, Dammam, and Kuwait from Kochi airport cancelled; passengers asked to stay updated and check flight status regularly
Niramaya health insurance restored
Constitution a shield against oppression: CM Pinarayi Vijayan
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Stressing the importance of Constitutional awareness, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said ordinary citizens fall prey to subjugation due to the lack of awareness of rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The Constitution is the biggest shield a citizen can use to resist oppression, he reminded while releasing the Malayalam translation of Constituent Assembly debates, brought out by the state legislature, by handing over a copy to Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan. Only those who have knowledge of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution can use it effectively when those rights are denied, he said. Sastheesan said the Constitution was part of Indias legacy and it was the duty of each and every citizen to protect the constitutional values and morality. Speaker A N Shamseer presided over the function.
Old rivals meet, recall tales of golden days at assembly reunion in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As senior leaders started walking into the Sankaranarayanan Thampi Hall of the assembly, ex-MLA PC George shook hands with Speaker A N Shamseer and had a light conversation with CPM leader P K Sreemathy. Politics took a back seat when politicians met their contemporaries to make way for a delightful event, the Peythozhiyunna Ormakal programme in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday. Over 146 ex-MLAs participated in the event that honoured them, along with other MLAs who completed 25 years in the assembly, former assembly secretaries, senior journalists and retired employees of the assembly. Inaugurating the function, Shamseer said that the ceremony is similar to alumni meetings held on campuses, drawing parallels between the legislative assembly and a university. Even though the MLAs have heated debates inside the assembly hall, we do not have any issue with each other outside. That is the beauty of democracy, the Speaker hailed the democratic values followed by politicians in Kerala. Mentioning that the state assembly has a rich legacy on its own, he also added that a Kerala model can be considered not just in health and education sectors, but also in the effective organisation of assembly sessions. It is indeed a delight to see the senior leaders who have worked alongside us, senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan told TNIE. Stating that many of them have made risky moves and made sharp decisions at the right time, he mentioned that he respectfully admires these leaders. I was also part of the 24-hour-long assembly session in which K R Gowri Amma passed the Anti-corruption Bill, ex-minister J Mercykutty Amma told TNIE, as she walked down memory lane. Relatively a fresher, Congress Chandy Oommen too expressed his happiness of seeing seasoned politicians who worked as his fathers contemporaries to shape Kerala. I met a former legislator, who got appreciated after his first speech in the assembly, he said, adding that he has come here mainly to know more about the leaders experiences, directly from them. He also agreed with the view of using the rich experience of former legislators for the welfare of the state, which was mentioned by former speaker M Vijayakumar in the meeting. Ex-speaker N Sakthan appreciated the efforts taken by the senior politicians to attend the programme, despite their poor health, with some even coming in wheelchairs. The sight of politicians shaking hands with people they have had heated arguments within the same assembly building was the reflection of camaraderie, a reflection of democratic etiquette. The function was attended by deputy speaker Chittayam Gopakumar, ex-minister Pandalam Sudhakaran, assembly secretary N Krishna Kumar, among others.
Smart City plans monthly pass to ensure max use of Palayam MLCP
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In an effort to reduce waiting time, provide hassle-free parking, and offer cost-effective solutions for regular users, Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd (SCTL) is set to introduce a monthly pass system for the multi-level car parking (MLCP) facility at Palayam. Currently, users are charged Rs 15 per hour for parking at the MLCP. The monthly pass initiative is being introduced to address low patronage at the Palayam MLCP and to cater to growing demand from local residents and business owners who require long-term parking. There are people in the locality who lack space to park their vehicles at their homes and resort to roadside parking. Concerns about vehicle safety have prompted many to approach us with requests for a more feasible long-term parking solution, said an SCTL official. According to the official, monthly pass holders will be able to park for extended periods - even three to four days at a stretch - without paying the cumulative hourly fee. Users opting for the monthly pass can save up to 40% compared to the current hour-based charges. The proposal is under the Smart City Boards consideration and is likely to be taken up in the upcoming meeting, the official added. SCTL has initiated a study to identify vacant slots at the Palayam MLCP that can be reserved for monthly pass users. Meanwhile, two more MLCPs - one at East Fort and another at the Medical College Hospital (MCH) - are nearing completion. According to sources, the MCH facility is expected to be completed within the next two weeks, with trial runs scheduled to begin soon. In addition, the Rs 20-crore MLCP at Putharikandam is expected to be ready by next month. We have also received a request from the Railways for dedicated parking lots at the Putharikandam MLCP for railway commuters. The proposal is currently under review, the official said. Fee benefits Pass holders will be able to park for extended periods - even 3 to 4 days at a stretch - without paying cumulative hourly fee Users can save up to 40% as compared to the current hourly charges
IUML has no links with Jamaat-e-Islami: Muneer
KOZHIKODE: IUML senior leader and MLA M K Muneer has refuted allegations of any alliance or understanding with the Jamaat-e-Islami or its political wing, the Welfare Party of India (WPI), asserting that ideological rifts prevent any such association. Speaking to reporters in the wake of Aryadan Shoukaths win in Nilambur, Muneer emphasised that the IUML and Jamaat-e-Islami stand on opposite ends of the ideological spectrum and therefore have no scope for collaboration. The IUML has never invited or accepted support from the Welfare Party, he stated, stressing that neither joint platforms nor coordinated campaigns had taken place. The comments follow a charged campaign led by the ruling LDF, which attempted to highlight purported support from the WPI as a blot on the UDFs secular credentials. Countering it, Muneer accused the CPM of hypocrisy, recalling past instances where the Left had embraced Jamaat-e-Islami without hesitation. The CPMs criticism of the Jamaat-e-Islami now seems deeply opportunistic. When it served their interests, they didnt hesitate to accept support from the very same ideological quarters they now denounce, Muneer said, adding that the IUMLs stand has remained consistent over the years. In a political twist, Muneer also credited CPM state secretary M V Govindan for inadvertently aiding the UDFs campaign. Govindans controversial remark admitting past electoral support from the RSS, according to Muneer, weakened the Lefts credibility and helped galvanise UDF voters.
Kerala government says not enacting black magic law, HC asks if it endorses practice
KOCHI: The state government told the Kerala High Court on Tuesday that it has decided not to enact a legislation banning evil practices, including sorcery and black magic, prompting the court to ask whether it endorsed such practices. In an affidavit filed before the HC, the government said the state cabinet had considered the Kerala Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices, Sorcery and Black Magic Bill in 2023, but a decision was made not to enact it. It was a policy decision and might not be interfered with by the court, the affidavit said, adding that a writ of mandamus will not lie against the legislature directing it to legislate on a particular subject. Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking enactment of a law against evil practices on Tuesday, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji observed orally, Is the state endorsing these evil practices? There may not be enactment, but that does not mean the government should do nothing. Assuming there is no legislation, how does the state proceed against such practices? The court said the government did not mention in the affidavit that it endorsed such practices and does not wish to eradicate them. We expect a more detailed affidavit, the bench said, urging the state to clarify its position and efforts in curbing such harmful practices despite the absence of specific legislation. The Kerala Yukthivadi Sangham, Thrissur, had sought a directive to the state government to take a decision on the recommendation of the Law Reforms Commission report, 2019, submitted by Justice K T Thomas on the Bills enactment. The plea filed in the wake of the murder of two women as part of human sacrifice in Pathanamthittas Elanthoor village in 2022, alleged that the government was reluctant to take steps to enact such laws despite the reporting of several such incidents.
Pullad bids emotional adieu to Ahmedabad plane crash victim Ranjitha
PATHANAMTHITTA: The air was thick with grief as the last rites of Ranjitha Gopakumaran Nair, one of the victims of the June 12 Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, were performed in her hometown, Pullad, Pathanamthitta, on Tuesday. Ranjitha, 39, a nurse, died while preparing to return to work in the UK after a brief leave. Her body, identified through DNA testing, arrived at Thiruvananthapuram airport at 7.15 am and was received by Ministers V Sivankutty and G R Anil, who paid homage on behalf of the state government. The body was accompanied by Ranjithas brother, Ratheesh G Nair, and uncle, Unnikrishnan, as it was taken to her native place. Upon arrival at Pullad, a public viewing was held at Sri Vivekananda HS at 10 am. Political and administrative dignitaries joined the grieving public, offering their condolences. Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan, CPM general secretary M A Baby, MLA Mathew T Thomas and former Mizoram Governor Kummanam Rajasekharan were among those present. MP Anto Antony and MLA Pramod Narayan, also paid their respects alongside District Collector S Prem Krishnan and District Police Chief V Ajith. Ranjithas body was later taken to her under-construction home adjacent to her ancestral house in Pullad. The house was a dream she had long cherished, symbolising her aspirations to settle back with her family. The hearse paused at the site, as her loved ones reflected on the life she had planned but could not live.After a brief time, on the house premises, her son Induchudan, along with her nephews Kashinath and Sriram, lit the funeral pyre. Due to severe burns, DNA testing was the only reliable method to identify her remains. While her brother, Ratheesh G Nair provided a sample, it did not match. This led to samples being collected from her mother and two children three days ago at their home in Pullad, making Ranjithas final journey possible.
Pooram row: Kerala government awaits crime branch report to take a call on Ajith Kumar
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After State Police Chief Shaik Darvesh Saheb filed his report on former Law and Order ADGP M R Ajith Kumars alleged lapses during the 2024 Thrissur Pooram, all eyes are now on the outcome of the crime branch investigation on the conspiracy behind the Pooram fiasco. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had announced a three-tier probe -- one by Shaik, one by the crime branch headed by ADGP H Venkatesh and another by DGP Manoj Abraham -- after the high-level team headed by Shaik had reported lapses from the part of Ajith in Pooram handling. Manoj, who probed the lapses of officials from various departments fielded for Pooram duty, had earlier filed a report with the government. The crime branch investigation, sources said, is nearing completion and a report is expected soon. The State Police Chiefs report filed with the government on Monday reportedly carried critical remarks on Ajith acknowledging lapses from him. Despite being in Thrissur, he did not attend the calls of minister K Rajan when the pooram was disrupted. The officer was not present during the night when the untoward incidents unfurled and the report mentioned that the officer did not perform his responsibility. The state government, its been learnt, will decide on further course of action against Ajith only after perusing the crime branch report. The UDF has been pushing the allegation that the Pooram was sabotaged to give electoral mileage to NDA Thrissur Lok Sabha constituency candidate Suresh Gopi. That the fiasco occurred only days prior to the Lok Sabha poll and Sureshs comfortable win lend further weight to the allegation. Ajith, who was in Thrissur when the unsavoury episode unravelled, was accused of turning a blind eye to the incident.
PM Modi: Gurudevan-Gandhiji meeting remains inspirational even today
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The meeting between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi, which took place hundred years ago, remains inspirational and relevant even today, and serves as a powerful source of energy for social harmony and collective goals of a developed India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said. The prime minister was inaugurating the centenary celebration of the historic meeting between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi, at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday. He said even today when he takes major decisions for the betterment of these communities, he remembers Gurudev. The ideals of Sree Narayana Guru are a great asset to humanity. For those committed to the service of the country and society, Sree Narayana Guru serves as a guiding light. Sree Narayana Guru was undeterred by opposition and unafraid of challenges. Varkala has long been referred to as the Kashi of the South. Whether Kashi is in the north or the south, for me, every Kashi is my own, he said. During the 2013 natural disaster in Kedarnath, in which many from Sivagiri Mutt were stranded, the Mutt approached me, as I was then the chief minister of Gujarat. In times of crisis, ones attention first turns to those they consider their own, those they feel a sense of belonging and responsibility toward. There can be no greater spiritual satisfaction for him than the sense of kinship and trust shown by the saints of Sivagiri Mutt. When foreign ideologies attempted to undermine Indias civilisation, culture, and philosophy, Sree Narayana Guru made us realise the fault did not lie in our original traditions, but needed to truly internalise our spirituality, the PM said.
Priorities change, Kerala couples delay parenthood
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Parenthood is generally viewed as a deeply fulfilling experience, but it is not on the priority list of a good number of people in Kerala! In a curious trend that may not go down well with the older generation, newly married couples in the state are increasingly postponing parenthood, presumably influenced by factors such as career aspirations and financial stability. Between 2019 and 2023, the percentage of couples who had their first child within four years of marriage came down from 90.29% to 86.19%, showed data with the economics and statistics department. Of the total 3.93 lakh children born in 2023, 1.70 lakh were firstborns, of whom 86.19% were born within four years of marriage. The year 2019 saw 4.80 lakh child births in the state, including 2.17 lakh firstborns. Of the first children, 90.29% were born in the first four years of marriage. Couples who had their first child in 5-9 years of marriage rose from 7.59% in 2019 to 10.57% in 2023. First-time parents in the 10-14 year category too increased from 1.41% to 2.17%. Women are increasingly prioritising education and career over early motherhood. This shift towards higher education and career aspirations is leading to delayed marriages and parenthood. Also, urbanisation has brought about increased exposure to modern ideas, career opportunities and financial independence, causing couples to delay parenthood, said Sandhya R S, professor and Head of the Sociology Department of Kerala University (KU). More and more men are giving importance to their partners career goals and bodily autonomy, opined Bushra Beegom R K, assistant professor at Kerala university and president of the Kerala Sociological Society. A range of factors, from globalisation to social media, has widened the horizon for youths. Many women are focused and have a plan for the future. Childbearing would not be on top of their bucket list, she said. Dip in first-time mothers aged 2024 The data showed a decline in first-time mothers in the 20-24 age group from 47.46% in 2019 to 41.75% in 2023. Those who embraced motherhood in the 25-29 age group rose from 32.34% to 37.90%, and in the 30-34 age group from 8.24% to 11.35%. Deferment of first pregnancy allows couples to establish a strong foundation in their relationship before adding a child to the mix, said Dr Reji Mohan, associate professor in the department of reproductive medicine at SAT Hospital under the Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. Easy availability of contraception and abortion facilities is helping couples in better family planning. As age advances women become more mentally and physically mature to accept the natural process of delivering normally, he said. While many women successfully conceive and deliver healthy babies in their 30s, its important to be aware of the potential risks. They include declining fertility, chances of miscarriage, increased risk for complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia and chromosomal anomalies, he added. First-time mothers (in %) Mothers age 2019 2023 15-19 9.45 5.38 20-24 47.46 41.75 25-29 32.34 37.90 30-34 8.24 11.35 35-39 1.96 2.70
NIA recovers PFIs hit lists with over 950 names from Kerala
KOCHI: National Investigation Agency (NIA) which is probing the anti-national activities of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) has recovered multiple hit lists containing names of over 950 persons in Kerala from the accused persons. This was submitted by the national agency in the NIA Court while considering the bail petitions of Palakkad natives Muhammad Bilal, Riyasudheen, Ansar K P and Saheer K V recently. It was in May 2022 that the NIA registered a case against PFI following the direction of the Central government claiming that the group was engaged in anti-national activities. Later, NIA took over a probe into the murder of RSS leader Sreenivasan, of Palakkad, in December 2022. The murder case was later merged with the PFI case. According to NIA, the Reporter Wing of PFI did a recce of leaders of other communities who are a threat to PFI. Later, its Service Wing/hit teams work to eliminate adversaries. It also has a Physical and Arms Training Wing that trains its cadres. Objecting to the bail petitions filed by four PFI activists, NIA submitted that eight documents seized from 51st accused Sirajudheen contain a list of 240 people from other communities. Following a search held at Periyar Valley Campus at Aluva, NIA recovered details of five targeted persons from the wallet of 15th accused Abdul Wahad who is currently absconding. This list also contained the name of a former district judge. A document seized from one accused, who turned approver later, contained the hit list with the names of 232 people. Similarly, a search held at the residence of 69th accused Ayoob T A resulted in the recovery of a hit list containing the names of about 500 people. NIA maintained that the Periyar Valley campus in Aluva was an arms training centre of PFI which has been attached under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act declaring it as proceeds of terrorism. Another contention of NIA is that its New Delhi unit probed a case against PFI that was first registered at Phulwari Sherif Police Station, Bihar in 2022. During the investigation, the agency recovered a six-page document titled India 2047 from Muhammed Jamaludheen, an accused in that case. NIA maintained that PFIs India 2047 agenda is to establish Islamic rule in India and the murder of Sreenivasan was part of this larger conspiracy. NIA also claimed that it has voice clips and witness statements that revealed that audio clips about the India 2047 plan circulated through audio clips. However, all four petitioners rebutted the allegation against them. They claimed that the allegations against them were fabricated and they were innocent. They have been in custody for over three years and the investigation is over. Since the trial procedure would take time to complete, they may be granted bail in the case. After hearing both sides and going through the documents produced before it, the court observed that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the accusation against the petitioners is prima facie true. The allegations against the petitioner are serious in nature. The final report is already filed and the case is ripe for trial, The proviso to Section 43D(5) of UAPA is applicable in this case and the petitioner is not entitled to be released on bail at this stage. Hence the petition is only to be dismissed, the court ordered. CASE FILE It was in May 2022 that the NIA registered a case against PFI following the direction of the Central government claiming that the group was engaged in anti-national activities. Later, NIA took over a probe into the murder of RSS leader Sreenivasan, of Palakkad, in December 2022.
Skill-entrepreneurship university in pipeline in Kerala
KOCHI: For a state with a huge talent pool, skills gap often plays spoilsport in Kerala students getting placed in top companies. That, however, could become a thing of the past as the state government is planning to set up a Skill and Entrepreneurship University. Chances are the university will become a reality this financial year. We are studying the models being followed by various skill universities in the country, Industries Minister P Rajeeve told TNIE. In the case of the Skill University in Telangana, the institution comes under the industries department. We are yet to make a decision in this regard. He said the university is being planned in the Public Private Participation (PPP) model. It may have a governing board comprising leading industrialists and technocrats. They are the ones who know what the industries need, the minister said. As to who will lead the governing body, and where the university will come up, the decision is yet to be arrived at. In Telangana, the institution is headed by the chief minister, he pointed out. We are studying the skill universities in Gujarat, Maharashtra and some other states, Rajeeve said. According to the university concept, companies will formulate course modules. Each industry needs skills of its own. So, it is apt that the courses be developed by them as per their requirement. Once the students get trained in these skills, provisions will also be there for them to be placed with these companies, the minister said. And it is just not skills the institution will develop. Entrepreneurship will also be promoted at the university. Once students have the requisite skills, they can easily start a venture of their own and provide employment to others, Rajeeve said. Welcoming the development, Group of Technology Companies (GTech) secretary Sreekumar V said, This is the need of the hour. It is something that we have been demanding for a long time. We want students to acquire hands-on training. Many agencies are conducting courses. However, those are just classroom training. Thats not what the industries want. They want proof of work. Something which shows them that their prospective employee has learnt the skill and has it too.
Qatar Malayalis recount horrifying moments of Iran missile attack
KOZHIKODE: For the large Malayali population in Qatar, many of whom are blue-collar workers, nurses, teachers, and technicians, Monday night after Iran launched missiles targeting the Al-Udeid Air Base located near Doha was a grim reminder of their vulnerability far from home. WhatsApp groups flooded with videos of the explosions, frantic voice messages, and calls for updates. Several people were too scared to sleep. When Habeeb K, a Kozhikode native living in Lusail, stepped out of his apartment after a thunderous blast shook his building, he wasnt prepared for what he saw: his parked car partially engulfed in flames, hit by falling missile debris. It felt like the world was ending, Habeeb, still shaken, told TNIE over the phone. My car was burning just a few feet away from where children usually play. It could have been us. While Qatars defence systems managed to shoot down the threats, fragments from the explosions rained down over residential neighbourhoods, some of them heavily populated by Malayali expats from Kerala. According to eyewitnesses, several missiles lit up the sky shortly after 11 pm, followed by thunderous explosions. This was a turning point, said Faisal M, a social worker who assists new people from Kerala. People came here for a better life. Now they are afraid to step outside. Some are even talking about returning to Kerala for good. On Tuesday, a majority of the people took leave and decided to stay at their houses and apartments. Nazeera T, a nurse from Kannur, recalled: I was feeding my baby when I saw a flash outside the window. Then came the sound, like something had exploded just above our heads. My hands were trembling. I didnt know whether to grab my phone or run. Entire apartment buildings in Doha, Al Wakrah, and Lusail emptied into stairwells. Families huddled together. Videos shared in Malayali WhatsApp groups captured the raw fear on peoples faces, with some even reciting prayers aloud as they waited in corridors. Weve survived the Gulf War, the blockade, even Covid. But this is different. This time, people truly feel unsafe, as if war has come to our doorstep, said Faisal, a long-time Doha resident.
How Kakkayam became Keralas Emergency-era house of horror
KOZHIKODE: he infamous Kakkayam concentration camp and the disappearance of P Rajan remain some of the darkest and most disturbing episodes from the Emergency period in Kerala, and perhaps the entire country. The relentless legal battle waged by Rajans father, T V Eachara Warrier, not only sought to trace his missing son but also exposed a chilling record of police torture and human rights violations inflicted on naxalites and their sympathisers at the camp. The chain of events that led to the Kakkayam horror began with a naxalite attack on the Kayanna (Koorachundu) police station on February 28, 1976. A group of naxalites M M Somasekharan, Murali Kannampally, C H Achuthan, Sugathan, Bhargavan, and K Vasu stormed the station and escaped with a firearm. In retaliation, the police launched a large-scale crackdown the very next day, targeting young men from nearby areas including Kayanna, Koorachundu, and Kakkayam. Dozens were picked up and taken to a makeshift detention centre at the KSEB quarters in Kakkayam, where they were subjected to brutal torture. The inquiry team, headed by the then crime branch deputy inspector general, Jayaram Padikkal, is alleged to have employed severe torture techniques, the most notorious being uruttal the practice of rolling a heavy wooden log over a prisoners thighs to force confessions and extract information. On March 1, 1976, the police arrived at the Regional Engineering College in Chathamangalam to arrest Rajan and several others on suspicion of involvement in the attack. Somasekharan, the prime accused in the police station attack, later recalled witnessing Rajan being taken away. I saw the van taking Rajan and others, Somasekharan recounted. At the time, I didnt realise it was him. I was running for my life. But within days, I too was captured. The first thing I heard after arriving at the camp was that someone had been killed. A police officer casually told me, Ones dead, youll be next. It was only the next day that I learnt it was Rajan. Somasekharan described the harrowing torture he endured at the camp, particularly uruttal, from the very first day. All of us went through the same procedure. We were tied down to a wooden bench and a heavy wooden rod was rolled down with force between our waist and knee. We all withstood it on the first day. On the second day, it was like tearing off flesh from our thighs. On the third day, the skin became dark blue in colour. Padikkals strategy was very scientific, the brutality will never kill us. But we desire for death. When they stuffed cloth into my mouth to silence my screams, a senior officer warned them to be careful. I suspect Rajan may have suffocated to death in a similar way, and they didnt want that happening again, he said. To this day, debate continues over whether Rajan was an active naxalite. Somasekharan maintains that while Rajan may not have been a militant, he was a sympathiser. We held meetings in his hostel room at the engineering college. Later, after we were released from jail, we made inquiries to find out what happened to his body. Some claimed his body was burnt with sugar, others said it was dumped into the Urakkuzhi waterfalls. I once visited Urakkuzhi and spoke to the guard there. The fear in his eyes made it clear to me that theres a good chance Rajans body was disposed there, he said. Today, little remains at Kakkayam to mark the grim history, except a memorial statue of Rajan. The old KSEB building, which served as the camp, was demolished to make way for a canal as part of the Kakkayam mini-hydro project. Even today, visitors to the Urakkuzhi waterfalls hear from the forest guards the infamous story of Rajans body being dumped there a grim reminder of a time when voices of dissent were silenced through force.
Why did CPM not protest Pinarayis detention during Emergency, asks Goa Governor
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Goa Governor P S Sreedharan Pillai severely criticised the CPM for not protesting against the arrest and detention of Pinarayi Vijayan during Emergency. Pinarayi Vijayan was beaten up and detained in his innerwear. I wonder why was there no protest by the CPM in its stronghold Kannur against this. It was fear, he said. Pillai was speaking at the release of his two books here on Tuesday. The function was attended by Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar and Andhra Pradesh Governor Syed Abdul Nazeer. Pillai said his book on Emergency gives due credit to Pinarayis fight because justice should be done. My publisher has uploaded 10 pages of my book on Rediff. In that Pinarayi is featured in his innerwear and it reached the world over. The biggest beneficiary of my book is Pinarayi, he said. Pillai said the only organisation which took to the streets against Emergency was the Lok Sangharsh Samiti which had the backing of RSS. Around 8,000 people under the Samitis banner protested without fearing arrest or jail. Still, it is not mentioned in Emergency-related articles by mainstream media, he said. All media succumbed to the pressure of Indira Gandhi fearing arrest. Only Ramnath Goenka was an exception. He was a fighter, Pillai said. Pillai criticised Pinarayi for misinterpreting facts in his media address recently. Constitutional supremacy is a cornerstone of modern democratic governance, said Syed Abdul Nazeer. Constitutional supremacy ensures that the Constitution remains the highest source of law and that all other laws and governmental decisions are subject to its authority, he said. 50 years of Emergency: The Kerala story When Pinarayi could no longer get up
Tamil Nadu has made its mark as a hub for producing chess greats as young as 14 years old. But now in cue sports too, children, who are barely into their teens, are grandly displaying their talent. A few days back, 14-year-old Rahul Williams (CDBSA) from Coimbatore outsmarted seasoned player Freddy (MRC) by 4-1 in the best-of-7 final of the Chandrasekar and S Magesh Memorial Non-Ranking Snooker Championship held at Chennai. Rahul, a class 8 student of Elango Metric school, Coimbatore, was inspired by his father and coach Jehan Wills, to take up the sport. Jehan is a former junior Kerala state player who won the state junior championship for two consecutive years. He has also been Tamil Nadu No. 3 in the state rankings. So it was natural for Rahul to lean towards snooker. Rahul started his snooker career at the age of 10 in 2022. In 2023, he participated in the state ranking, achieved fourth position, and participated in nationals. In 2024, he won a gold medal in Tamil Nadu state junior snooker and in billiards, got a silver. He also excelled in the sub-juniors bagging silver in billiards and snooker, said Jehan. In the same year, he participated in the national snooker championship and secured 5th position. Rahul was selected to represent India for the Under-21 & 17 World Snooker Championship held at Bangalore, and he was in the top six of the world U21 championship, additionally, he is the only player to reach the top eight at the age of 13. In the last two years, Rahul has been promising, and this has prompted Jehan to allow the youngster to pursue cue sports as a career. Rahul won the state junior title in 2024. The passion he had towards the game made me decide to make him a professional player and compete in the world events, said Jehan. Rahul aims to become a professional player in the international circuit and draws inspiration from current world champion Xhao Xingtong. He has also beaten several high-ranking players. Playing against S Chang from Hong Kong in the U-21 World Championship 2024 event was a tough one. But Rahul managed to take the final frame and win the match, said Jehan. He is mentally strong, not intimidated by seniors, and can improve with every tournament. In 2025, he upset the senior-most player and former state No. 2 Loganathan at an All India Open tournament held at Chennai. One of his best performances was when he made an 83 break against Vijaya Shankar at the Towers Club All India Open tournament. Then, he made a shirt foul and wasnt able to continue the break. In non-medalist tournaments, he played against a lot of senior players, learned a lot, and handled the pressure in a good manner, pointed out Jehan. Rahul is currently a snooker player focussing on events pertaining to the game. He is also practicing billiards, and Jehan is confident that with more exposure and experience, Rahul could be a better billiards player too.
LuLu's SmartCity Twin Towers set to offer a palatial space for IT biggies
Kochi, no doubt, is fast-emerging as a major IT powerhouse of the country. And the latest addition to its tech ecosystem is quite towering. The Lulu IT Twin Towers, set to be inaugurated on June 28, are redefining the citys commercial skyline and ambition. Located in SmartCity in Kakkanad, and built at a cost of 1,500 crore, these towers spread across 12.74 acres offer 35 lakh sq.ft of premium office space for the IT sector. Touted as south Indias tallest twin IT towers, the 152m-high structures are not only an architectural statement but also a state-of-the-art tech ecosystem designed for the future. Officials are confident that with 10 per cent of the space already taken up by four companies and negotiations underway with several more firms, the twin towers will become a vibrant business hub. As we step inside for a preview of whats in store, the scale and vision of this project come into full view from cutting-edge sustainability features and the worlds largest robotic parking system to expansive recreational spaces and a massive food court, this is indeed a point where infrastructure meets innovation. There are 33 floors, including three levels of car parking, explains Lulu IT Parks director and CEO Abhilash Valiyavalappil as he welcomes us. In a way, the twin towers are an IT park by themselves. One with grandeur at its best. Rightly so. From the main entrance to the topmost level, the towers exude luxe vibes. It will be like working in a big palace instead of an office, Abhilash smiles. This is the single largest commercial space in Kerala. The floor space has been designed in such a way it suits the top-most players in the industry. The facility can accommodate around 25,000 to 30,000 employees and meets stringent sustainability criteria, earning it the LEED Platinum Pre-Certification the highest level in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system. Everything about Lulu IT Twin Towers is sustainable, Abhilash highlights. Robotic car parking A highlight of the Twin Towers is its robotic car parking system said to be the largest in the world. Designed to maximise space and efficiency, the facility has both conventional and robotic parking zones. While the conventional car parking can accommodate 1,300 vehicles, about 3,200 cars can be parked at the robotic parking space, which utilises automated machinery to park and retrieve vehicles. This provides maximum space efficiency and reduces the time spent searching for parking spots, says Abhilash. At the entrance kiosk, the system reads the drivers card and opens the sliding door. After aligning the car on the lift ramp with the help of sensors, the driver exits the vehicle. Once the space is cleared, the lift takes the car down. A robotic slide equipped with a ramp and wheels then picks up the vehicle and parks it. The process reverses when the driver wishes to retrieve their car. Sounds cool, doesnt it? Spacious food court To address a long-standing issue among tech professionals the absence of proper dining options within IT parks the towers include a lavish food court that can seat 2,500 people. It will offer a wide variety of cuisines and is ideal for meals, informal meetings, and social interactions. The food stalls will be similar in style to those in Lulu Mall, says Abhilash. There is also an area that has been set aside for those who bring food from their homes. Auditorium The auditorium, reminiscent of the LuLu Bolgatty Convention Centre (albeit on a smaller scale), can seat 600 people. It features collapsible partitions, allowing it to be divided into three separate halls. Amenity Block Situated between the Twin Towers, this block is dedicated to enhancing employee wellbeing. It includes: * Outdoor gym * Cricket and football turfs * Skateboard arena * Fully landscaped external podium for breaks * Refreshment outlets Creche Understanding modern workplace demands, the Twin Towers also feature a creche for employees children. We are in discussions with several service providers to run the facility, says the CEO. Green energy initiatives In line with its sustainable design, the towers integrate solar panels alongside conventional energy sources. They also feature: * Rainwater harvesting * Wastewater recycling systems for restrooms and garden usage Lifts, escalators & viewpoints The towers are equipped with 67 lifts and 12 escalators, and offer 5 entry and exit points. A glass escalator offers spectacular views. The terrace, of course, provides a panoramic view of the city. Flexible floor space The towers, which took nearly six years to complete, consist of 29 floors of office space. Each floor spans between 37,000 and 45,000 sq.ft. Many companies have shown interest in taking up entire floors. We are also primarily eyeing such firms, says Abhilash. That does not mean smaller or emerging firms are being ignored. We have plug-and-play spaces available for them too. Moreover, a floor has been earmarked for startups, he says.
Rental Rap @ Karikku Tuned rhymes in solidarity with singles struggling for a place to stay
It all began with a packed suitcase and nowhere to go. A young man had just locked in a house for rent in Kochi. The bags were zipped, the cartons sealed, the mind half-moved in. And then, just hours before shifting, the house-owners son called and said, We just found out youre a bachelor. Sorry, we cant give you the house. Vinayak S. Kumar Vikaas, known for editing trailers that carry more emotion than noise, like those for Jallikattu, Puzhu, and Dear Friend, says he has also been exploring music on the side. Parkaan Idamille is his fifth music composition, and the one closest to heart. Josbin Paul A single camera was placed discreetly in public spaces, and scenes were shot without calling attention. No ready, action! moments. Even the credits are written into the frame. Its like the city telling the story. Vikaas Alphonse Within days of release, the comment sections blew up. Many have been sharing their own rejection stories. One writes: Finally, someone said it out loud.
Hooghly CSL to construct two luxury cruise vessels
Couple arrested for alleged murder in Kochi
Madras High Court refuses to order defreezing of bank account held by cryptocurrency trader
Justice P. Velmurugan dismisses his plea after HDFC Bank says it had received requests from police in Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat and New Delhi
KMRL announces new students pass scheme from July 1
How Satheesan and Team UDF scripted stunning Nilambur bypoll victory in Kerala
The mood in the state Congress and UDF has been celebratory ever since the comfortable victory in the LDF-held seat of Nilambur. Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan, termed Captain by his followers following the stunning victory of the party in the Thrikkakara, Puthupally and Palakkad byelections earlier, is no longer the sole focal point within the alliance, which he himself has realised. Following the UDF's victory in the three seats in 2022, the credit went to Satheesan, as he often called the shots unilaterally. In Puthupally, the open tussle between Satheesan and the then KPCC president K Sudhakaran at a press conference over who would talk first had destroyed the glow of the victory. Organisationally, too, Satheesan was accused of being arrogant to leaders. However, Nilambur has shown that a collective effort was behind the UDF's victory this time round. It was evident in the way Satheesan himself gave credit to 'Team UDF' in his press conference and corrected the media for giving him sole credit. No 'Satheesanism' in Congress What led to the scenario was the strong undercurrents in the Congress and UDF during the campaign, culminating in statements by senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, KPCC president Sunny Joseph and Muslim League supremo Panakkad Sadique Ali Thangal, all of whom cleared the air of confusion, saying that PV Anvar is not a closed chapter. Going one step further, Ramesh declared that there is no 'Satheesanism' in Congress, a term now largely used to denote the opposition leader's unilateral style of functioning. This has come at a crucial time, as the Congress and UDF are gearing up for the 2026 assembly election with many contenders in line for the CM post. There was criticism among UDF leaders and in the Congress against Satheesan calling the shots unilaterally for some time, a senior Congress leader told The New Indian Express . Before the poll date, leaders from both the Congress and UDF conveyed to Satheesan that he should be careful while making statements and taking decisions. Satheesan's declaration that Anvar is a closed chapter for the UDF without considering the opinion of senior leaders has not gone well within the UDF. We were anguished that his controversial response when asked about whether the failure of Aryadan Shoukath to visit former Congress candidate VV Prakash's house would cause a setback. And many youth leaders across group politics also came out against certain MLAs who are part of the opposition leaders inner ring for making reels. The loose talk of Youth Congress president Rahul Mamkootathil, who is close to Satheeshan, and the way in which he intervened in many issues was the last nail in the patience of leaders, he said. The League was upset with Satheesan after he allegedly derailed IUML general secretary PK Kunhalikuttys attempts to reach a settlement with PV Anvar. When Kunhalikutty was minister, Satheesan was nowhere in the political landscape of Kerala, a senior League leader told The New Indian Express on condition of anonymity. Though we are of the opinion that the candidate of a political party should not be determined by people from outside, on a larger political sphere, there were numerous ways to tackle the issue and neutralise the threat. On many occasions, the League and Kunhalikutty have carried out this task for the Congress and UDF, he added. The Priyanka Gandhi factor Aryadan Shoukath's victory against all odds has proved that in Nilambur, the League comes first with Congress in second place. Unlike the last three byelections, in Nilambur several leaders pitched in during various stages of the campaign -- selecting the candidate, keeping it secret till the last moment, setting the campaign agenda and social engineering. It was KPCC working president AP Anil Kumar, who was also in charge of the bypoll, who successfully resolved the candidate issue by taking along DCC president VS Joy and kept the candidate's name a secret till the day Congress announced it. Anil also undertook many tasks, including registering 8,000 new voters and holding around 400 house meetings. He was the brain behind implementing public meetings at each Congress's mandalam committee. However, the election agenda for the byelection was set by AICC organisational general secretary KC Venugopal, who attacked Pinarayi Vijayan, alleging that the CM had defamed Malappuram in an earlier interview. Incidentally, the AICC also wanted a comfortable victory margin as Nilambur falls in Priyanka Gandhi's Wayanad parliament constituency. Venugopal's statement that Anvar's issues would be addressed was made taking into account AICC's decisions. However, the unexpected objection raised by Satheesan came as a surprise to the high command. AICC has taken a decision not to intervene in the state leadership's decisions to avoid a controversy. KC Venugopals decision not to meet PV Anvar though the latter had requested to meet him in Kozhikode was in sync with this position. UDF's social engineering The Muslim League, which faced criticism at first after family members from the Panakkad family were missing from the UDF convention, went on a firefighting mode with its rank and file taking part in campaigning and door-to-door visits. League president Panakkad Sadique Ali Thangal participated in house meetings at Pothukal panchayat, the native place of CPM candidate. The League ensured that not a single vote would go to the rival side. It was PK Kunhalikutty who intervened whenever the ego clash between Satheesan and Anvar intensified. League leaders PK Basheer, PMA Salam coordinated all the campaign work. It was Basheer who had taken steps to resolve the existing issues with the candidate and League workers. The Nilambur election also witnessed the complete dominance of the UDF in social engineering by taking all community groups with them, a strategy the CPM had previously implemented successfully. When Shoukath's candidature was decided, he was quite unpopular in the constituency. It was Satheesan and KPCC secretary KP Noushad Ali who sorted out these issues by holding marathon meetings with different community groups and organisations. There are three Mujahideen sections in Nilambur. Anvar, being a Mujahideen, has a strong influence in the community. Hence, Satheesan held discussions with Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen, Wisdom and Markus Dava leadership separately. The two leaders also met the new group that emerged from the EK Sunni section, as they have an affiliation with the CPM. The leaders were also successful in taking AP Sunni sections which are traditionally close to CPM - into confidence. To resolve the issues the merchants in Nilambur had with Shoukath, the opposition leader held discussions with the state general secretary of the powerful Vyapari Vyavasay Ekopana Samithi at its office at Nilambur for almost two hours. Anvar left with less bargaining power Meanwhile, since the BDJS, as part of the NDA, decided not to contest the election, it was UDF convener Adoor Prakash who canvassed for votes from the community in favour of the UDF. KPCC president Sunny Joseph and Roji M John made sure that the Christian community's votes remained intact. Besides youth leaders Chandy Oommen, who had covered 3,000 houses, CR Mahesh, M Liju and Mathew Kuzhlnadan, who were in charge of panchayats, worked hard to coordinate the campaigns. The outcome of the Nilambur byelection will have an impact on the state Congress in the coming days, said a KPCC leader. Though Satheesan has objected to an association with Anvar, the 19,690 votes he garnered are enough for the UDF to reconsider their earlier stand. However, Anvar himself now knows that he has less bargaining power. He has already declared that he will be contesting the 2026 assembly election from Beypore in Kozhikode against PA Mohammad Riyaz, son-in-law of CM Pinarayi. However, the Congress will have to consider many factors, and hence accommodating him will be a matter of discussion within the Congress and the UDF in the coming days. Interesting times lie ahead. Nilambur loss a warning for LDF as anti-Pinarayi sentiment gains ground in Kerala UDFs Nilambur win might cement V D Satheesans rise as Congress state leader
Cochin Shipyard to build two luxury cruise vessels for Brahmaputra river
KOCHI: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has signed a contract with Heritage River Journeys Pvt Ltd for the construction of two luxury river cruise vessels to be operated on the Brahmaputra River. The vessels will be built at CSLs Hooghly unit in West Bengal. The Hooghly unit, formerly known as Hooghly Dock and Port Engineers Limited (HDPEL), was acquired by CSL in October 2017. Established in 1819, HDPEL has a long and distinguished legacy in shipbuilding on Indias eastern coast. The new vessels will be operated by Heritage River Journeys under the brand name Antara River Cruisesone of Indias leading luxury river cruise operators. Antara is renowned for its bespoke voyages along the Ganga, Padma, and Brahmaputra rivers. Its flagship vessel, Ganga Vilas , is celebrated as the worlds longest river cruise, spanning more than 3,200 km and traversing 27 rivers, including the Gangetic plains, the Sundarbans, and the Brahmaputra Valley. The agreement for the construction of the first vessel and a Letter of Intent (LOI) for the second were signed by Hooghly CSL CEO Sanil Peter and Antara River Cruises Chairman Raj Singh, in the presence of CSL Chairman and Managing Director Madhu S. Nair.
From a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel to Kerala rolling back its proposed anti-sorcery law, heres your roundup of the days top global and national headlines.
'She Dreamt Of Coming Home She Built': Tearful Adieu To Kerala Nurse Killed In Air Plane Crash
Ranjitha Gopakumaran, 42, a native of Pullad, was working at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, England
