Kannur districts first Kudumbashree Gender Brigade launched in Azhikode
Isha Gramotsavam 2025 begins in Thiruvananthapuram on August 23
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 17th edition of Isha Gramotsavam, one of the largest rural sports festivals, will kick off in six districts of the state from August 23. Over 700 players from across the state are expected to participate, forming more than 140 teams. Matches will be held in Kasaragod, Kannur, Thrissur, Palakkad, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram districts. The festival unfolds in three stages: cluster level, divisional level, and the grand finale. The cluster-level matches will take place on August 23-24 in Thrissurs Varandarappilly and Ernakulams Ambalamugal. Kasaragods Cheruvathur will host matches on August 28-29, followed by Pothencode in Thiruvananthapuram and Vellachal-Makreri in Kannur on August 30-31. Palakkads Ayiloor will host matches on September 1-2. Nationally, Isha Gramotsavam will span over 35,000 villages across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Puducherry, and, Odisha. More than 50,000 rural participants, including over 5,000 women, are competing this year, forming over 6,000 teams. The grand finale will take place before the iconic Adiyogi at the Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, on September 21. Competing teams stand a chance to win from a prize pool of Rs 67 lakh, with Rs 5 lakh each awarded to the winners in both mens and womens categories.
Fresh legal tussle looms over picking full-time VCs in KTU, Digital varsity
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The appointment of permanent vice-chancellors in APJ Kalam Technological University and Digital University, Kerala, is likely to be further caught up in legal wrangles. Governor Rajendra Arlekar is set to file a modification petition in the Supreme Court against its order constituting a VC search panel without a nominee of the University Grants Commission (UGC). Through the petition, the Raj Bhavan will seek an amendment to the order that constituted a search committee with former SC judge Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia as the chairperson. The governor will primarily object to a reference in the order that says the composition of the search committee has been done with the consent of the parties (Governor and state government). The composition of the panel that the Supreme Court initially suggested had two nominees of the Chancellor (Governor), two of the state government and a UGC nominee to which we agreed. However, in the order, the UGC nominee was omitted without our consent, said a top source in the Raj Bhavan. The governors counsel will also point out at least half a dozen earlier SC judgments that upheld the supremacy of UGC regulations over laws governing individual universities. The UGC regulations lay down that its nominee would be an integral constituent of the VC search committee, said the source. The UGC may also join in the case. The governors counsel will also point out the 2023 SC judgment in the Kannur University VC reappointment case that criticised unwarranted intervention of the state government in the process. The judgment had also underscored that no other person, even the Pro-Chancellor, can interfere with the functioning of the statutory authority (Governor). However, in its recent order, the SC had ruled that the CM shall be entitled to recommend the shortlisted names in order of preference for appointment as VCs. The Raj Bhavan will flag this as an instance of interference in the functioning of the statutory authority. The Chancellors role will be reduced to just following the order of preference of VC probables set by the CM, said a source close to the governors counsel. West Bengal model The Raj Bhavan will also point out the lack of consensus on VC selection in universities in West Bengal despite the SC-appointed search committee, chaired by the former Chief Justice of India U U Lalit, proposing a list of probables. This was owing to the divergent preferences of the Chief Minister and the Chancellor in the state. A section of academicians from West Bengal has questioned the presence of certain members in the selection panel for the appointment of VCs in 15 universities in the state. Besides, the Supreme Court has now said the panel itself can choose the VCs owing to lack of consensus between CM and Chancellor, pointed out a Raj Bhavan source. Chancellors arguments UGC nominee excluded in search panel without Chancellors consent UGC norms that stipulate its nominee in search panel upheld by SC earlier New role for CM an interference in the functioning of statutory authority Similar model in West Bengal failed to reach consensus on VC selection
KSU district secretary castigates MSF in Kannur
Woman dies after being set ablaze by friend in Keralas Kannur
Selective coverage in rubber replanting scheme sparks farmer backlash
KERA Project offers a replanting subsidy of 75,000 in two phases. Eligibility is restricted to growers in Malappuram and Kannur in the north and Ernakulam, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram in the south. Idukki, Kollam, and Thrissur have been left out, prompting discontent among farmers
12 leopards died in Kerala this year; highest in a decade
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state has recorded the highest number of leopard deaths in a decade this year, with 12 fatalities reported till August 2025, according to forest department data. Between July 2015 and August 2025, a total of 92 leopards including adults, sub-adults, and juveniles have died due to natural causes, infighting, snaring, poisoning, hunting, electrocution, and vehicle hits. The toll was spread across almost every district, but the highest losses were in Palakkad with 34 deaths, followed by Wayanad with 20 and Thrissur with eight. Idukki recorded six deaths, Kottayam five, and Ernakulam four. Thiruvananthapuram reported three, the same as Malappuram and Kasaragod, while Kollam and Pathanamthitta had two each. Kozhikode and Kannur recorded one each. The trend shows an alarming spike this year, surpassing the previous peak of 10 deaths each in 2020 and 2024. In 2025 alone, six adult leopards, two sub-adults, three juveniles, and one of unidentified age were lost. Snaring has been a persistent threat, claiming two leopards this year and eight in total since 2018. Trapping accounted for a death this year, while other causes include hunting, poisoning, and electrocution. Vehicle collisions have also been reported, though less frequently. Despite conducting anti-snare drives across the state, incidents of snaring have increased. Conservation can only be done with community participation. Thats the only sustainable way. But there are certain groups among locals that encourage setting up snares in the name of safety, which have become dangerous, a senior forest official told TNIE. Snares are typically set for wild boars or other animals but end up killing non-target species like leopards. Trapping, the official explained, is different. Trapping is when the animals limbs are caught. It could be a cage trap or any other device. That wont trap the animal like snares do. Snares catch the animals entire body, the official said. Wildlife researchers say the danger is not limited to the snare itself. The animals might remain trapped for a long time before they are found. Their desperate efforts to escape can strangle them or tighten the snare around the body, causing internal bleeding. By the time darting and tranquillisation are attempted, the animal may already be in extreme stress and poor health, said Sandeep Das, a research associate with the department of zoology, Calicut University. While natural deaths form a significant portion of the toll, conservationists say that preventable causes like snaring demand urgent attention.
Kerala farmers enthusiastic over spike in coconut prices
KOCHI: Though the spike in coconut price has strained family budgets, it has a positive impact on the farming sector. The coconut farmers, who stopped tending to their crops long ago complaining of unaffordable labour cost and fertilizer prices, have started taking care of the trees. Though the prices have started declining following rise in production, the farmers have restarted widening the pits, applying manure and clearing the crest by pruning dead leaves apart from maintaining the 45-day harvest cycle. As the coconut prices were low and the labour cost was high, medium and small-scale farmers had stopped employing labourers for manuring and harvesting. They used to collect only the falling coconuts. But with the price of coconut crossing `95 per kg many farmers have restarted taking care of the trees. We have introduced a package for coconut tree care which includes six harvests, two times manuring, spraying pesticides and clearing the pit every month. This has evoked positive response among farmers, said Arunjith, a farmer in Varkala who promotes the Friends of Coconut Tree initiative with the support of the Coconut Development Board. At a time when low procurement rate, diseases and heavy rain have made paddy cultivation unprofitable, the rise in coconut prices has come as a blessing for the farmers. Last month the agents procured coconut from our area at the rate of `62 per kg, which was a record. Four days ago I got `50 per kg. We were getting an average price of `18 per kg less till a couple of years ago. Though the price has started declining we are satisfied with the current procurement rate. This has inspired many farmers to return to coconut farming, said Dinesh Choolanoor, a farmer in Palakkad. Sources at the Coconut Development Board said there has been a spike in demand for coconut seedlings. The board had recently introduced a few incentive schemes like productivity enhancement and expansion of area which have evoked positive response. The spike in coconut price was triggered by a decline in productivity caused by the severe drought in 2024 and adverse effects of climate change. But the state received copious rain from April which has helped improve production. Simultaneously there has been an increase in productivity in Tamil Nadu also. While the retail rate of popular coconut oil brands has shown only a marginal decline, the decision of the state government to provide coconut oil at a subsidised rate of `349 during Onam season is expected to bring down the market rate. The market rate of coconut in Thrissur market was `62 per kg on Monday, while the wholesale rate of coconut oil in Ernakulam market was `370 per litre. The price of coconut oil has started declining with an increase in production. But wholesalers in Tamil Nadu are holding the yield expecting good returns during the Onam season. The desiccated coconut producing units in Kithur in Karnataka procure coconut from Kannur and Kasaragod district. So the oil mills in Kerala are facing a shortage of quality copra, said Cochin Oil Merchants Association office-bearers. Current rates Wholesale coconut oil price on Monday - Rs 370 per litre Price of coconut - Rs 62 per kg
KSU leader alleges bid to sabotage probe against Ms. Divya in connection with alleged corruption and benami property transactions to the tune of crores of rupees
Shifting follows reports of misconduct, including allegations of drinking on Thalassery court premises. A prison department report earlier stated Suni was using mobile phone inside jail and was involved in illegal activities outside
Suicide leading cause of maternal mortality in Kerala, reveals study
KOLLAM: A confidential review of maternal mortality in Kerala from 2020 to 2024 has flagged a disturbing trend: Suicide has become one of the leading causes of such deaths in the state. The study -- carried out by the Kerala Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (KFOG) -- recorded 609 early maternal deaths, of which 62 were suicides, during the four-year period. Among the victims, 37 were aged between 20 and 29. In 2023-24 alone, suicide accounted for 14 of the 120 maternal deaths reported. Of the 54 suicide cases reviewed by the report, most occurred during pregnancy. Thirty-seven were antenatal cases -- suicides committed during pregnancy -- while five were postnatal. In 12 cases, it could not be determined whether the women were pregnant or postpartum due to incomplete records. The stage of pregnancy appears to be a factor. Eight suicides occurred within the first 12 weeks, 13 between 12-24 weeks -- indicating mid-pregnancy as a high-risk period -- and six at 25 weeks or later. Experts warn that this trend points to growing psychological distress among pregnant women in the state. Unlike in western countries, where mental illness is often the primary cause, specialists say family-related pressures play a larger role here. They urge stronger counselling services for expectant mothers and advocate psychological autopsies -- detailed inquiry into the mental state of deceased individuals -- to better understand the challenges faced during pregnancy. The report warns that maternal suicides are poorly investigated, thereby hampering identification of causes. Most incidents occurred outside hospital settings, where documentation is rare. Most of the cases occurred in communities where documentation of early maternal suicide is rare. Preliminary reports by health workers often lack necessary details, as grieving families often refuse to share details due to fear of legal prosecution; besides, social stigma hinders family members from cooperating with health officials, it noted. The study stresses early detection of suicide-warning signs as critical, recommends trained personnel for psychological autopsies, their integration into suicide-prevention services, and strict confidentiality. A biopsychosocial approach, which addresses pregnancy complications, psychiatric issues and social factors such as domestic abuse, is deemed essential, it said. Dr Pandu R, a Kannur-based gynaecologist, said evolving family structures and lack of knowledge contribute to mental stress and depression after delivery. We now have a nuclear-family system. Earlier, parents were on hand for guidance after delivery. That is now missing. Women are also under pressure due to their jobs... in fact, in some cases, patients are discharged immediately after delivery. That shows lack of knowledge. We need proper guidance and facilities for maternal care. Most importantly, it is key that we identify the early signs of depression. Otherwise, things will not improve, said Dr Pandu. Dr Sashi Kumar, former gynaecologist at the Thiruvananthapuram Women and Children Hospital, said postpartum depression and social stressors such as domestic violence, financial strain and marital disputes are among the key triggers. Maternal suicides point to the deterioration of society. The fact is that the issue has not been properly addressed. There could be many reasons for such societal pressures, including financial status and others. We require detailed studies and intervention to reach to the root of the issue, Dr Sashi said. Key Findings 54 No. of maternal suicide cases* reviewed in KFOG report 37 were antenatal -- suicides during pregnancy and 5 were postnatal 12 were cases where it could not be determined whether the women were pregnant or postpartum due to incomplete records 8 suicides were within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy 13were between 12-24 weeks 6 occurred at 25 weeks or later * Between 2020 and 2024
Six held with MDMA in Kannur lodge raid; Shuhaib murder case accused among arrested
The drugs were recovered from a cupboard in one of the lodge rooms, police said
Heavy rains in Kerala: IMD issues orange alert in 5 districts
Orange alert for Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. Yellow alert for remaining nine districts on Saturday
Kannur declared extreme-poverty free district
Around 15,000 people earlier excluded from the Life Mission housing scheme have been added to the beneficiary list, with construction under way
Kannur gears up to prepare States first district water budget
The budget aims to make citizens water literate by publicly presenting data on water availability and usage at a time when freshwater sources are dwindling amid rising consumption
Clashes break out in Keralas Kannur over raksha bandhan celebration; four injured
Kannur Universitys Partition Horror Day directive sparks protests
African Swine Flu confirmed at Padiyoor in Kannur
Eleven panchayats and three municipalities under surveillance
Deviant children emerging as a social concern in Kerala schools
Functionaries of the Higher Secondary School Teachers Association (HSSTA), an organisation of teachers in government higher secondary schools, claim that such incidents have recently been reported from Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod, and other districts in the State as well.
Body of KAAPA case accused who jumped into river in Keralas Kannur during vehicle inspection found
South Western Railway notifies changes in train services to Bengaluru from Kerala
The South Western Railway has notified changes in train services due to the suspension of Pit Line-3 and Stabling Line-5 at KSR Bengaluru yard for 153 days from Aug. 15, 2025 to Jan. 15, 2026 in order to facilitate various engineering works. Accordingly, a few of the trains operated to Bengaluru from Kerala will be terminated at alternate terminals of the city. Train No 12678 Ernakulam Junction KSR Bengaluru Intercity Superfast Express will be diverted to run via Karmelaram and Baiyyappanahalli and terminated at SMVT Bengaluru. The train service will skip its scheduled stoppages at Bengaluru Cantonment and KSR Bengaluru. Train No 16512 Kannur KSR Bengaluru Express will be diverted to run via Yasvantpur Junction, Hebbal and Banaswadi and terminated at SMVT Bengaluru. The train service will skip its scheduled stoppage at KSR Bengaluru. Train No 12677 KSR Bengaluru - Ernakulam Junction Intercity Superfast Express start from SMVT Bengaluru at 6.10 a.m. between Aug. 15 and Jan. 15, 2026. This train service will skip its scheduled stoppages at Bengaluru Cantonment and KSR Bengaluru. Train No 16512 KSR Bengaluru - Kannur Express from KSR Bengaluru will be originating its journey from SMVT Bengaluru at 7.45 a.m. The train service will skip its scheduled stoppage at KSR Bengaluru, said a statement from the zonal railway.
Body found in river in Keralas Kannur suspected to be that of man accused of killing his sisters
According to the police, Pramod (63), who had been living with his elderly sisters in a rented house for three years, allegedly strangled them as they were ailing and he could no longer care for them
From CPM backer to astrologer of high & mighty, Guruji Madhava Pothuval has seen it all
KANNUR: In the swirl of controversy over CPM state secretary M V Govindans recent visit to an astrologer, one fact is often overlooked: A V Madhava Pothuval is no ordinary soothsayer. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to industrialist Gautam Adani and Supreme Court judges, Pothuvals clientele reads like the whos who of Indias political and business elite. Guruji to his north Indian clients, Pothuvals links to the corridors of power began more than a decade ago. In 2010, when Amit Shah was embroiled in a legal fight in connection with the Sohrabuddin Sheikh encounter case, three acquaintances of Shah approached the Payyanur astrologer with his horoscope. I didnt know Amit Shah at the time, Pothuval recalls. My relative, Sudha Menon, recommended me to his family. They had to wait three hours at my home, but I predicted the exact date when he will be relieved from the case. When it came true, it sparked a relationship of trust that has endured to this day. The following year, Shah visited him in Payyanur. Pothuval took him to the Payyanur Subramanya Swami temple and the Thaliparamba Rajarajeshwara temple, suggesting offerings such as the swarna kuda pooja and swarna vel. He performed all of them wholeheartedly, Pothuval said. From then on, we met several times in Payyanur, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gujarat. Even last month, during his Kerala visit, he came to see me here. Astrologer A Madhava Pothuval along with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during their visit to Sri Rajarajeshwara temple. In 2012, Pothuval met Narendra Modi, then the Gujarat chief minister. On examining his horoscope, he told Modi it contained a rare chakravarthi yogam - an emperor alignment. Within two years, he became prime minister, Pothuval said. That meeting began a respectful connection that continues today. His chakravarthi yogam will last for many more years, he points out. If Shah was the political bridge, Adani became a personal friend. The industrialist visited Payyanur in 2021 for a family horoscope reading -- a trip that drew political controversy after Congress leader Mullappally Ramachandran alleged that Adani secretly met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan the same day. The media claimed I arranged the meeting, Pothuval said. Its all lies. I was with Adani from the moment he landed until he left. We visited the Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple, he ate at my home, and we discussed astrology and family matters. He still seeks my advice before major projects. Pothuvals reputation rests on a more than a century-old family legacy. His uncle, V P K Pothuval, founded Jyothi Sadanam in 1915, shaping it into one of Indias most respected Vedic astrology centres. He earned the title jyotisha chakravarti from the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. His sons Narayana Pothuval, Jagadheesh Pothuval, P Madhava Pothuval along with A V Madhava Pothuval took over Jyothi Sadanam in 2018. Then it was already an address known to politicians, film stars and industrialists across India. I once saw Jayalalithaas horoscope before she entered politics, he said. It was given to me by Swaraswathy amma, mother of the Travancore Sisters: Lalitha, Padmini and Ragini. Though adept at predicting the national political scene, Pothuval kept his silence when it came to Kerala. Hailing from a town better known for communist banners than crystal balls, he admits that he was once a staunch CPM supporter. Our village was a CPM stronghold. Over time, I became familiar with Congress and BJP leaders. Now, I have friends in all parties. Many of them have approached me to have their horoscopes examined. I dont follow any particular party, but when I vote, I have a clear choice. His discretion has been key to his reputation -- though controversies such as Adanis 2021 visit and now Govindans meeting have occasionally thrust him into the spotlight. The latest uproar began when Govindan visited Pothuval at his Payyanur home a few days ago, prompting questions about why a leader of a party known for its scepticism of superstition would seek out an astrologer. Pothuval shrugs off the speculation: It was a friendly, personal visit. No politics, no predictions.
Alert systems revamped post-Wayanad
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A year after facing widespread criticism over the lack of timely warnings before the deadly landslide in Wayanad, central agencies such as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Geological Survey of India (GSI) have initiated major overhauls in their alert mechanisms. In a significant move to improve weather forecasting and disaster preparedness in Keralas high ranges, the IMD is establishing its first radar station in Wayanad. The new X-band Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) is expected to enhance real-time monitoring, especially in areas where expanding ground-based observatories is difficult. Radar data is especially useful for rainfall analysis. It provides an indirect yet effective ground-level assessment, said Neetha K Gopal, Director, IMD Kerala. Once operational, the radar will monitor rainfall within a 100-km radius, covering Wayanad and nearby regions in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Though initial plans considered Kozhikode or Kannur, the radar location was shifted to Wayanad after the landslide that struck the district on July 30 last year. Increasing the number of ground observatories in forested, hilly terrain remains a logistical challenge. IMD is currently calibrating existing stations. However, improved inter-agency coordination is also shaping the new approach. We now share data more frequently among agencies, though its still an informal mechanism, Neetha added. The IMD had come under fire for failing to issue a red alert ahead of the disaster. The landslide occurred in the early hours of July 30, but the red alert-indicating a severe risk to life-was issued only around 6 am, hours after the event. The Geological Survey of India too had been criticised for downplaying the threat. However, Dr V Ambili, Deputy Director General of the GSI Kerala unit, said the agency has since refined its alert system based on more robust data collection. We have moved from broad map-based bulletins to taluk-level alerts in Wayanad and Idukki. The warning categories-green, yellow, orange, and red-are now issued for specific regions, she said.
Kerala has set a model for the country in Ayurveda treatment, says Health Minister
Veena George inaugurates newly constructed womens hostel building and open-air stage at Government Ayurveda College, Pariyaram, Kannur
Kerala Doctor Duped Of Rs 4.43 Crore In Online Trading Fraud; 2 Arrested
The Kerala Police's cyber crime unit arrested two men from Chennai in connection with a sophisticated online trading fraud that defrauded a doctor in Kannur of Rs 4.43 crore, officials said on Monday.
Kannur City cyber crime team arrests two for cheating doctor of Rs 4.4 crore in online scam
KANNUR: In a major breakthrough, the Kannur City cyber crime investigation team nabbed two Chennai natives accused of being involved in an online scam that swindled a Mattanur-based doctor out of a staggering Rs 4.43 crore. The elaborate fraud unfolded over WhatsApp, with the victim being lured with promises of high returns through online share trading. The accused, identified as Mahabubash Farooq, 39, and Rijas, 41, both hailing from Sayed Sadiq Nagar, Mangadu, Chennai, were tracked down and arrested by the team. The two accused are agents who sold bank accounts to cyber fraudsters. They were tracked down following an investigation that focused on account numbers, phone calls and IMEI numbers. The accused was taken into custody from Chennai. An officer with the Kannur cybercrime police station said, The two accused acted as agents who sold accounts to cyber cheaters. The swindled money was routed through these accounts. Typically, these agents befriend individuals and convince them to open bank accounts in their name, which the agents later purchase by offering a small payment without transferring the ownership and other personal details. Usually, these agents target people who dont have much idea about cyber fraud. In this case, a bank account sold by these agents received around Rs 40 lakh of the doctors money. We were able to track them using bank details and phone details.
Three youths arrested under POCSO Act in Kannur
Three mobile phones seized in raid at Kannur Central Jail
CM to inaugurate super-speciality block at Kannur district hospital
From Kannur looms to Prime Ministers wardrobe: handwoven Onakkodi heads to Delhi
This is the third time Loknath Weavers is making Onakkodi for the Prime Minister. They will make nine unique kurta patterns for him and seven Union Ministers. The fabric is crafted in twill weave, a technique that demands much patience
Weavers sit idle in Kannurs heritage village as handloom industry struggles
Of over 10,000 weavers and workers earlier, only 2,800 are working now, most of them women. Besides wage arrears is an issue in the sector
Great Hornbill sighted on Kerala's sandy coastal stretch in rare phenomenon
TRISSUR: In a rare and striking sighting, the Great Hornbill, also known as Malamuzhakki Vezhambal, the state bird of Kerala, usually found in hilly terrains, was allegedly spotted in the sandy coastal belt between Kodungallur and Kaipamangalam by researchers Amitha Bachan K H and Aswin Krishna. The team confirmed the sighting and photographed the bird feeding on a large false asoka tree, just 200 metres away from the beach. The Western Ghats Hornbill Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, has been monitoring and protecting Great Hornbills and their nesting trees in the Vazhachal forests with the involvement of the local Kadar indigenous community since 2005. According to Dr Amitha, a member of the IUCN Hornbill Specialist Group and founder of the Hornbill Foundation, Similar movements of adult males of the species during the post-breeding and pre-nesting period of July to November have occurred before. It was also sighted once in the coastal region of Thiruvananthapuram a decade ago. Both of the earlier sightings were in lateritic hillock regions near the coast, where there are large vegetation tracts similar to small patches of forest. However, this particular sighting was on a sandy coastal beach, on an isolated tree. He added that such sightings of the Great Hornbills were unusual. However, a similar report also came from Kannur in July, where the bird was allegedly spotted near the Ezhimala Naval Academy campus. Experts noted that the bird is generally not afraid of humans. However, it remains vigilant and forages among large native fruiting tree species. This is the first time a sighting is recorded from Kerala where the location is at sea level. The larger hornbill species sometimes travel more than 100200 km. The nearest Great Hornbill populations here are at Vazhachal, VellikulangaraAnapantham, Peechi, and Nelliyampathi, which are about 3550 km away from the spotted location, he added. The hornbills visit occurred near the house of Ms Sabira, a staff member of MES Asmabi College, Kodungallur, where the Hornbill Foundations Research Extension Centre is functioning. Her familiarity with the work helped the team. Her young boys, Irfan and Sinan, also assisted. We witnessed the unique feeding behaviour of the Great Hornbill, where the bird plucks fruits with the tip of its beak, tosses them in the air between its upper and lower beaks, and then swallows it, Aswin shared. According to the experts, the sighting in the coastal belt could allegedly signal three possibilities: As conservation efforts become robust in a core population area and population size increases, an increased number of such movements of the hornbills can be seen in the non-nesting season. This can be regarded as a success indicator of the long-term conservation efforts of these birds in the Vazhachal to Nelliyampathi forest belts. It can be linked to changes in animalbird behaviour, where the intensity of interaction between humans and wildlife increases with more exposure in forest areas. This could mean that the birds are no longer afraid of humans and are becoming more familiar with them. The sighting could have a relationship with changes in the climate, especially since this years rain started early, and there is still mist and cloud movement above the ground, along with increased vegetation growth. All these factors need further, in-depth study, Amitha added.
Amid clashes, SFI retains Kannur university for 26th time
KANNUR: On a day marked by intense clashes and heightened tensions, the Students Federation of India (SFI) secured a resounding victory in the Kannur University union elections. By registering its 26th consecutive win, the SFI reaffirmed its long-standing dominance of the universitys student politics. The left student body secured victory in all five general seats, along with the Kannur executive seat. The United Democratic Students Front (UDSF), an alliance of the Kerala Students Union (KSU) and the Muslim Students Federation, secured the executive seat in Wayanad through a toss of the coin after a tie of three votes and also emerged victorious in the Kasaragod executive seat, which SFI lost by a vote. SFI members Nandaj Babu and Kavitha Krishnan were elected chairperson and secretary respectively of the university union. Both of them secured victory by a 37-vote margin, from the total 117 votes. Two votes were declared invalid in the election of the chairperson. Violence erupted on the Thavakkara campus of the university between members of the UDSF and the SFI, which prompted police intervention. It was triggered when UDSF members alleged that SFI activists had abducted one of the university union convenors (UUC) from Kasaragod. Tensions intensified after KSU and MSF activists claimed that a female SFI candidate had forcibly snatched a ballot paper during the election process. Contradicting UDSF allegations, the UUC who was reportedly kidnapped later released a video stating that he was not abducted and had gone to Karnataka for personal reasons.
Maa Care Stores to offer healthy snacks in schools in Kerala
KOCHI: Nutritious snacks, drinks, stationery, and sanitary napkins all within easy reach of schoolchildren are now a reality with the Kudumbashrees Maa Care Store project, which is being rolled out across schools in the state. First launched in Kasaragod and Kannur, the initiative was implemented in Ernakulam district, with its constituency-level inauguration held at the Kuttampuzha Government Higher Secondary School in Kothamangalam on Wednesday. The event was inaugurated by MLA Antony John. The Maa Care stores, set up within school premises, are aimed at helping children access healthy food and essential items without having to step out of campus. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the general education department. Apart from improving student welfare, it also opens up livelihood opportunities for Kudumbashree members, who run and manage the kiosks. The initiative is designed to reduce the chances of students interacting with strangers or consuming unhealthy snacks and substances from outside. With positive feedback from Kasaragod and Kannur, the project is now being extended to schools in districts like Idukki, Pathanamthitta, and Malappuram. The kiosks are either set up in school compounds or inside unused classrooms. Both students and teachers can buy items from these kiosks at affordable prices. Women from neighbourhood groups have been trained to run the kiosks. They can also avail themselves of financial help through Kudumbashree schemes like the community enterprise fund, linkage loans, and panchayat project funds.
SFI wins Kannur University union polls for 26th year in a row
SFI accuses rivals of rigging and illegal entry; KSUMSF blames SFI for abducting a university union councillor
Kannur airport to host North Malabar Travel Bazaar in November
Over 100 tourism-related businesses, including hotels, resorts, homestays, houseboats, Ayurvedic institutions, travel agencies, hospital and destination management companies, will showcase their services
Kerala rains: IMD downgrades red alert to orange for Kannur, Kasaragod as rainfall weakens
Yellow alert for Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Wayanad districts on Wednesday where isolated heavy rain is likely
Red alert for Kannur, Kasaragod on Wednesday
Khadi Onam Mela kicks off in Kannur
One more mobile phone seized from Kannur Central Jail
Call to strengthen Kannur-Mangaluru rail connectivity gains momentum
Kerala: Kannur's beloved 'two-rupee doctor' Rairu Gopal passes away at 80
Dr. Rairu Gopal, Kerala's beloved 'Two Rupee Doctor,' passed away at 80, leaving behind a legacy of accessible healthcare. Renowned for charging a nominal fee, often just two rupees, he served over 1.8 million patients. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan lauded him as he people's doctor for his dedication to serving the poor, providing comfort and care for half a century.
For over 50 years, Dr. Rairu Gopal stood as a beacon of hope for the common people, charging just 2 for a consultation and often providing free medicine to those in financial distress
Protests over continued incarceration of nuns in Chhattisgarh rock Kerala
Archbishop Pamplany seeks immediate intervention of the Union government. Protests held in Kannur, Kollam, Kozhikode, and Malappuram
Keralas Green Moves: Glass Bottles For Liquor Priced Above Rs 800, Rs 20 Return Refund
In collaboration with the Clean Kerala Company, a pilot project will take place in September in Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur
Parole of Kodi Suni, convict in T.P. Chandrasekharan murder case, cancelled for bail violation
Police say as per parole conditions, Suni should have stayed within Meenangadi police station limits. But after reporting once, he was found staying in a resort within Kenichira police limits, bordering Kannur and Wayanad
Fisherman dies after boat capsizes in Chootad estuary in Kannur
Abdul Islam, alias Ali, from Assam died after he falls into the sea after his fibre boat hits a sandbar
Country-made gun, ammunition seized from house in Kannur
Complainant says disruption violated National Food Security Act 2013 and Mid-Day Meal Rules 2015 that guarantee a free cooked meal to children up to Class 6 on all school working days
Body of missing fisherman found four days after boat capsize in Kannur
Kannur DCC general secretary resigns after audio leak
Dead fences and crumbling walls, Keralas prisons vulnerable to more breaches
The escape of life convict Govindachamy from Kannur Central Prison has exposed lapses in Keralas prison security system, where outdated infrastructure and administrative inertia have long gone unaddressed. Chronic underfunding and poor interdepartmental coordination have been cited as key reasons delaying much-needed security upgrades of prison facilities
Keralite nuns arrests in Chhattisgarh: bipartisan protests roil Kerala for third consecutive day
The demonstrations over the arrest of sisters Preeta Mary and Vandana Francis of the Assisi Sisters of Mary Immaculate order, hailing from Kannur and Angamaly respectively, also radiated out to Chhattisgarh
Two kg of suspected ganja seized in Kannur
Kerala: IMD issues Orange alert for Kannur, Kasargod districts
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued weather alerts for several regions. An orange alert is in effect for Kannur, Kasargod, and Idukki districts in Kerala, while a yellow alert covers other districts. High wave alerts are also in place for coastal areas.
Yellow alert in Kerala districts as IMD warns of heavy rains
Thiruvananthapuram: A yellow alert has been issued in nine districts of Kerala Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod as the state continues to face intense rainfall and strong surface winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the heavy downpour is likely to continue until July 30 due 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 .
In Kannur, Kerala, a group of 28 women from the Haritha Karma Sena are spearheading a green revolution by upcycling waste into valuable products. They transform old clothes into bags and decor, repair LED bulbs, and replace single-use plastics, significantly boosting their income from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 monthly.
Govindachamy alleges drug, liquor trade inside Kannur Central Jail
He says he got no help in the jailbreak, admits to smoking ganja-laced beedi on the eve of the escape
Notorious murder convict who broke out of Kannur jail shifted to Viyyur prison
Govindachamy, the convict in the 2011 Soumya murder case, was moved to Viyyur Central Jail. This followed his escape from Kannur prison. He was caught within city limits. Three prison officers were suspended. Allegations of inside help surfaced. The Congress criticized the government. They demanded a CBI probe. Soumya was raped and murdered in 2011 while on a train.
Cyclone havoc in Kannur: Elderly man killed, fisherman missing
The deceased has been identified as Eniyadan Chandran of Peruva Thettumal. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. when strong winds uprooted a tree that crashed onto his residence.
Govindachamy escapes from Kannur Central jail, arrested after four-hour search
The police came to know about the escape upon finding a makeshift rope dangling over the jail wall. Tip-offs from two local people enable police to trace the convict to a well in compound 3 km from the jail.
Soumya Murder Case Back In Limelight After Convict Escapes From Kerala Prison, Arrested
Govindachamy, convicted in the 2011 Soumya murder case, tried to escape from Kannur Central Jail but was caught within hours, raising concerns about Kerala prison security.
2011 Soumya case convict Govindachamy captured after escaping from Kannur central jail
Rape-Murder Convict Serving Life Escapes From Kannur Jail By Scaling Wall, Re-Arrested | Video
Govindachamy escaped from Kannur Central Jail in the early hours of Friday, prompting a statewide manhunt. He was re-arrested later.
Police Catch Murder Case Convict Govindachamy, Who Escaped Kannur Central Jail
The convict, who does not have a left hand, was caught from near a derelict building at Thalap within the Kannur city limits
Convict in Soumya Rape-Murder Case Escapes From Kannur Central Jail
Jail authorities launched an immediate search operation in and around the prison premises, but the inmate was nowhere to be found.
Govindachamy escapes from jail: Convict Govindachamy, serving a life sentence for the 2011 rape and murder of a young saleswoman, escaped from Kannur Central Jail in Kerala early Friday. A statewide manhunt is underway to recapture Govindachamy, also known as Charley Thomas. Authorities have launched an internal investigation into the prison break, which raises serious concerns about jail security.
KITE deploys 2,161 robotic kits in schools in Keralas Kannur to boost practical learning in robotics
As part of revised ICT curriculum, a chapter in Class 10 textbook introduces students to robotics concepts through practical activities such as circuit construction, the use of sensors and actuators and controlling devices via computer programming
Rape and murder convict Govindachamy escapes from Keralas Kannur Central Jail; High alert issued
This incident has raised major concerns about surveillance lapses at one of Keralas most secure prisons; Police have heightened security at checkpoints, transport hubs, and border areas
Class VIII student from Kannur makes working car from scrap, dreams of becoming an engineer
13-year-old student pieced together the vehicle from scrap metals, parts salvaged from old engines, and materials collected from local hardware and scrap shops
School Cafe project gains ground in schools in Keralas Kannur with low-cost meals and study support
Following the success of the first Scoofe at Kannadiparmba Government Higher Secondary School, the initiative is being expanded to all schools in Kannur
International air travel sees 5 per cent surge in May 2025; Domestic traffic also grow
NEW DELHI: Air passenger traffic in the country continues its growth trajectory month-on-month, with a 3 per cent increase in overall passengers in May 2025 compared to May 2024. Data released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) reveals a higher demand for international travel, with a 5% increase recorded during the same period. The Air Traffic Report for May, made public by AAI, reveals that 6.76 million passengers flew abroad compared to 6.44 million last year. They form part of the 35.38 million who travelled in May 2025, compared to 34.34 million in May 2024. Air Traffic Movements (flight arrivals and departures) recorded a 5.9 per cent increase, with 2.78 crore movements in May this year compared to 2.63 crore in May last year. A total of 67,62,343 people opted to fly abroad in May 2025, versus 64,41,392 during the same month last year. Relatively smaller airports, compared to the top five, are showing a significant surge in demand for international travel. Goa recorded a nearly 300 per cent surge in international flyers, with 26,211 passengers in May 2025 compared to May 2024. In terms of percentage, Pune followed with a high growth of 85 per cent (34,388 flyers) during the same period. Coimbatore Airport, with 28,809 flyers, registered a 48.4 per cent increase in patronage over the previous year. Mangaluru and Surat saw a 35.1 per cent increase, with 62,159 and 18,790 flyers respectively in May this year. Similarly, Kannur Airport, with 1,00,993 international flyers, and Nagpur, with 10,471 flyers, each recorded a 20.7 per cent increase over their previous figures. The boom in international travel from Bengalurus Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) continued, with 6,05,742 flyers in May this year, up by a significant 25 per cent over the same month last year. In comparison, other major airports like Mumbai (13,42,584 flyers) and Delhi (17,04,549 flyers) recorded single-digit growths of 2.6 per cent and 1.2 per cent, respectively, over their May 2024 figures. Hyderabad recorded a healthy 11.2 per cent increase with 4,52,243 flyers. Domestic front data On the domestic front as well, relatively smaller airports showed strong growth in May 2025 over May 2024. Jharsuguda recorded 40,808 flyers (a 92.2% increase), Jabalpur 46,924 flyers (90.3%), Gorakhpur 1,00,404 flyers (87.5%), Shivamogga 14,104 flyers (80.6%), Agra 22,521 flyers (77.2%), Kanpur 35,720 flyers (58%), Tirupati 1,06,200 flyers (a 53.7% increase), Rajahmundry 54,963 flyers (50.5%), Tiruchirappalli 74,343 flyers (46.5%), Kannur 46,923 flyers (49.6%), Patna 4,07,993 flyers (34.6%), and Bhuj 18,861 flyers (30.8%).
Man arrested for alleged bid to smuggle sandalwood in Kannur
Indian expat doctor found dead in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi: Dhanalakshmi, a 54-year-old Indian expat doctor was found dead at her apartment in Abu Dhabi in the early hours of Tuesday, July 22. Originally from Talappu in Keralas Kannur district, Dr Dhanalakshmi was working as a general dentist at Lifecare Hospital in Mussafah. Also ReadEmirates launches massive hiring drive According to multiple media 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 .
MDMA smuggling case: efforts on to extradite Kannur man from Oman
Four die in separate accidents across Kannur district
Search on for missing toddler after mother jumps into river in Kannur
In his complaint, A. A. Muhammad Hashim had stated that he had seen TV visuals of Suresh Gopi wearing the ornament at two functions, one in Thrissur and another in Kannur
Election fever will not grip Mattannur municipality in 2025 also
Mattannur municipality in Kannur will sit out as the rest of Kerala faces the local body elections later this year. This is because the five-year term of the council does not coincide with that of the other 1,199 panchayats, municipalities, and corporations in Kerala. The council has two more years left in its term before it faces elections
IMD declares orange alert in nine districts in Kerala on July 20
The IMD issued orange alert for Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargode.
Kerala rains: IMD warns of heavy rainfall and gusty winds; red alert for five districts
Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod are on red alert on Saturday, while Thrissur, Palakkad, Ernakulam and Idukki are on orange alert
In a letter to the Minister on July 18, Capt. Chowta said that demand for a direct train to Ayodhya from the people of coastal and Malnad regions of Karnataka is growing
Kerala rains: Moderate rainfall in northern parts of State, red alert in 4 districts
Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad and Kozhikode put under red alert on Saturday
Four arrested with 98 kg of wild boar meat at Taliparamba in Keralas Kannur
Weapons and tools used for processing the meat also seized
Two arrested with MDMA, hashish oil and cannabis in hotel raid in Keralas Kannur
Holiday for schools in Kannur, Kasaragod on Thursday
Farmers in Keralas Kannur to stage protest against fertilizer price hike, subsidy cuts
Demonstrations, including marches and dharnas, are scheduled in front of Central government offices across 18 centres in the district
Tipplers can soon return used liquor bottles to Bevcos bottle bins
The pilot project will be launched in Thiruvananthapuram city and Kannur rural. In the first phase, only plastic bottles, which comprise almost 75% of the liquor bottles sold by Bevco, will be collected. Collection of glass will be in later phases.
Outrage over foot worship at schools in Kasaragod, Kannur
Education Minister, child rights panel seek reports. Minister calls for report from Director of General Education and condemns the practice as undemocratic and against the spirit of modern education
