Nipah virus: 425 people under observation as Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode put on high alert
In Palakkad, 61 out of 110 people on the contact list are health workers, while in Kozhikode, all 87 are listed as health workers. Health Minister advises psychological assistance for those on the contact list
Misuse of twin bins continues to worry Kozhikode Corporation
Dumping of household waste, including food and diapers, around the bins is common
Vacancy of senior resident doctors emerges as a concern at Kozhikode MCH
Cardiologists State meet begins in Kozhikode
Nipah strikes again in Kerala: Teen who died tests positive, one critical
PALAKKAD/ KOZHIKODE : Triggering fresh concerns, the deadly Nipah virus has resurfaced in Kerala, claiming the life of an 18-year-old girl from Malappuram. Another person, a 39-year-old woman from Palakkad, is in a critical condition after having contracted the virus. The samples of the two tested positive at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, on Friday. The teenager had died at a private hospital in Kozhikode on July 1, while the woman is under treatment at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna, Malappuram. The fresh Nipah cases have prompted heightened vigil in Kozhikode, Malappuram and Palakkad districts. Health Minister Veena George has directed authorities in the three districts to remain on high alert and initiate coordinated containment and surveillance activities. On June 28, the teenager from Makkaraparamb in Malappuram was taken to Kozhikode from a private hospital in Kottakkal with high fever and severe vomitting. According to doctors, the Plus-II student was brain dead when she was brought to the hospital. As many as 43 healthcare workers who came in contact with the girl have been quarantined. The patient from Palakkad is currently on ventilator support. The woman developed fever nearly 20 days ago and sought treatment at two places a local clinic near her home in Palode and a facility in Karingillathani. Her movement across multiple clinics has expanded the scope of contact tracing and risk assessment, said a senior health officer from Palakkad. According to the health department, 211 people from Malappuram, 91 from Palakkad and 43 from Kozhikode are in the contact list of the two persons. Nipah: High alert in Malappuram, Kozhikode and Palakkad districts Amid concerns of the virus spread, the health minister said any unnatural deaths reported during this period must be thoroughly investigated to rule out possible Nipah links. To strengthen surveillance and containment efforts, 26 rapid response committees have been formed in each of the three districts. Police assistance will also be sought to prepare detailed contact tracing lists. Public announcements have been mandated in all containment zones to inform residents about restrictions and precautions. The district collectors have been directed to lead local containment and monitoring operations. Both state and district-level helplines will be activated for public aid and updates. As a precautionary measure, Kozhikode Collector Snehil Kumar Singh, who is also the chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority, has ordered allocation of a section of a pay ward at the Kozhikode MCH to admit suspected Nipah patients. In Malappuram, a meeting of district programme officers, epidemiologists and related officials was held under the chairmanship of District Medical Officer R Renuka on Friday to assess the situation. A team of healthcare specialists led by District Surveillance Officer Dr C Shubin conducted an inspection at the place where the suspected case was reported. Those included in the contact list of the patient should follow quarantine until the day advised by health workers and should avoid interacting with family members, the public, etc, the DMO said. Health department officials have urged the public to seek help if anyone exhibits symptoms. Confirmed cases A 39-year-old woman from Palakkad is in a critical condition after having contracted the virus. She is currently on ventilator support at a hospital in Perinthalmanna. The samples of a Malappuram girl, who died while under treatment at a private hospital in Kozhikode on July 1, have also tested positive
Nipah control room opened in Kozhikode
Private bus operators in Vadakara go on token strike over poor road conditions
The dawn-to-dusk protest organised by a joint action committee of bus operators disrupted the regular bus services between Kozhikode and Kannur districts on Friday
KOZHIKODE: For nearly four decades, Muhammadali lived with a secret he could no longer bear. On Friday, he walked into a police station at Vengara in Malappuram district and calmly confessed to a crime he says he committed as a teenager in 1986the killing of a man whose name no one ever knew. The incident, he told officers, took place when he was just 14. Muhammadali had been working on the property of a man named Devassya in the quiet village of Koodaranji, which is under Thiruvambady police station limits in Kozhikode district. One day, he said, a man tried to harass him. In self-defence, he kicked the man, who fell into a nearby stream, police said, revealing his confession. Panicked, the teenager fled the scene. Two days later, he returned to find the man's lifeless body still in the water. Fearing the worst, he stayed silent, according to Muhammadali's account to the police. At the time, the police treated the death as natural. Locals then had said the man was known to have epilepsy, and no one came forward to identify the body. With no leads, the case quietly faded into the past. But for Muhammadali, it never truly went away. Now in his fifties, he told police the burden of guilt became too heavy to carryespecially after personal tragedies struck his own family. His elder son died, and his younger son was seriously injured in an accident. It was then, he said, that he realised he had to come clean. He informed the police that he couldn't sleep after the tragedy struck his family. Investigators took his confession seriously. He led them back to the scene and showed them the spot where the body had once lain. Now, a police team led by Thiruvambady Station House Officer K Prajeesh is combing through old files and newspaper reports in a bid to uncover the victim's identity. So far, the only surviving record is a short news report from December 5, 1986. It reads: Koodaranji: Body of a young man found in a small stream behind Mission Hospital. Estimated age: 20. Police have now filed a murder case against Muhammadali, who is in judicial custody.
Kerala on alert after two suspected Nipah cases spark concern in three districts
Kerala health authorities have issued alerts in Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Palakkad districts following the detection of two suspected Nipah virus cases. Samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology for confirmation. Preventive measures are being strengthened, with special teams formed for contact tracing and monitoring, as officials work to contain a potential outbreak.
3 Kerala Districts On Alert After 2 Suspected Nipah Virus Cases Detected
Two suspected Nipah virus cases confirmed in Kerala's Palakkad and Malappuram. Alerts issued in Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Palakkad.
Nipah virus resurfaces in Kerala, two cases reported
18-year-old girl who succumbed to acute encephalitis syndrome in Kozhikode and a 38-year-old woman undergoing treatment in Malappuram test positive for Nipah. National Institute of Virology, Pune, confirms Nipah infection in woman. Final result of girl awaited
Kozhikode MCH authorities pull out all the stops to take in NAJRs
No pubs soon for Kozhikode techies as Cyber Parks focus on green energy, expansion
Wild elephant menace: Settler farmers in Kozhikode gear up for mass protest
Steps sought to address frequent snarl-ups on Kozhikode-Kannur NH
Ambulance operators allege non-compliance with traffic control norms by road construction workers; they also say lane discipline violations by private bus operators worsening the situation
Tourism entrepreneurs in Kozhikode on a sticky wicket
Bad weather conditions, safety concerns and lack of facilities at ecotourism spots badly affect entrepreneurs who run farmstays and homestays; shoddy condition of roads adds to their woes
Muthukad to perform magic in Kozhikode as a tribute to his father
Rape charge cannot stem from failed consensual relationship: Kerala HC
KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has observed that merely because a consensual relationship turns sour at a later stage, it cannot form the basis of a rape allegation. The court further stated that there cannot be a case of deceitfully obtaining consent under a false promise of marriage if the complainant is still in a subsisting marriage. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas made the observation while granting anticipatory bail to a 27-year-old man from Malappuram, who was accused in a rape case registered by the Thamarassery police. According to the prosecution, the accused had raped a third-year student of a private medical college between November 3, and November 4, 2024 at a hotel near Thamarassery. The counsel for the petitioner argued that the allegations were false and that a consensual relationship had been converted into a rape case without any basis, merely because the relationship later deteriorated. The court noted that the complainants statement revealed she is a third-year student at a private medical college and had been married in 2023, a marriage that is still subsisting, though the couple had decided to part ways. The complainant stated that, in the meantime, she became acquainted with the petitioner through Instagram, and their relationship continued through a platform called Snapchat. Later, according to the complainant herself, under the pretext of returning home for study leave, she took a train to Kozhikode, where she was picked up by the petitioner. They then travelled together to Wayanad. En route, they took a room at a hotel near Thamarassery and spent a night there. The next day, they travelled to Tirur and stayed in another hotel, after which she returned to Thiruvananthapuram. The court observed that the statement indicates she went of her own volition to meet the petitioner and also willingly stayed with him in two different hotels. There is nothing prima facie indicative of a rape except for a bald statement that the petitioner had indulged in a forceful sexual relationship with her, said the court. When a married lady, on her own volition, travelled from Thiruvananthapuram to Kozhikode and willingly stayed with the petitioner in different lodges, that too for two nights, it cannot be assumed that the physical relationship between them was without her consent. The court also noted that rape is a heinous crime and such an allegation, if levelled, can mar a young persons life forever. The stigma of such an accusation will follow him even if he is later acquitted, the court stated. Courts cannot be unmindful of the changing social milieu, while considering the applications for bail from youngsters who are accused of the offence of rape after being in a willing relationship, the court added.
IIM Kozhikode Office Attendant Recruitment 2025 - Apply Online
The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM Kozhikode) has released an official notification for the recruitment of Office Attendant posts. Interested and eligible candidates can apply online through the official IIM Kozhikode website. The last date to submit the application form is 09-07-2025.
KEAM 2025 results out: Ernakulam tops engineering, Alappuzha leads in pharmacy
KOZHIKODE: The highly anticipated results of the Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) 2025 entrance examinations were officially declared on Tuesday by the Office of the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations (CEE). The announcement was made by Higher Education Minister R Bindu in Kozhikode. Ernakulam district emerged as a powerhouse in the engineering stream, sweeping the top two ranks, while Alappuzha celebrated its first-place achiever in the pharmacy examination. The computer-based entrance examination for KEAM 2025 was conducted from April 23 to April 29, 2025, across 138 examination centres, including those in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru, as well as Dubai. A total of 86,549 candidates appeared for the Engineering Entrance Examination, with 76,230 successfully qualifying. From these, a comprehensive engineering rank list was prepared for 67,505 candidates who had submitted their marks within the stipulated timeframe. In the Pharmacy Entrance Examination, 33,425 candidates participated, and 27,841 candidates were successfully included in the Pharmacy rank list. Leading the engineering cohort, John Shinoj from Ernakulam secured the coveted first rank, closely followed by Hari Krishnan Baiju, also from Ernakulam, who claimed the second position. Akshay Biju from Kozhikode attained the third rank, with Adl Zayaan, also from Kozhikode, securing the fourth. The fifth and sixth ranks went to Joshua Jacob Thomas and Emil Ipe Sacharia, both from Thiruvananthapuram. Mahir Ali T and Dani Firas Payyanakadavan, both from Kozhikode, took the seventh and eighth positions respectively, while Dhiya Roopa B R from Kollam and Jayyash Muhammed K from Malappuram rounded out the top ten.
John Shinoj tops KEAM engineering entrance, Anakha Anil bags first rank in pharmacy
Hari Kishan Baiju of Cherai in Ernakulam is the second rank holder and B.N. Akshay Biju of Kakkur in Kozhikode is the third rank holder in the engineering stream.
Adarsh Saji elected SFI prez; Telanganas Ateeq, Nagaraju in CEC
By Abinand Prijith Hyderabad: The 18th Students Federation of India All India Conference concluded in Kozhikode, Kerala, with the election of 87 Central Executive Committee (CEC) members, who subsequently elected Adarsh Saji as the all-India president and Srijan Bhattacharya as the all-India general secretary. Among the elected office bearers, Md Ateeq Ahmed of the University 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 .
Vodafone Idea (Vi) Announces Rollout of 5G Services in 23 More Indian CIties
Vi announced that it is rolling out 5G services in 23 more Indian cities, including Ahmedabad, Agra, Aurangabad, Kozhikode, Cochin, Dehradun, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Malappuram, Meerut, Nagpur, Nashik, Pune, Rajkot, Sonepat, Surat, Siliguri, Trivandrum, Vadodara and Vizag. The rollout will happen in phases. Vi 5G network was already available in Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, Chandigarh and Bengaluru.
Global Gateway project takes off at Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village in Kozhikode
A light-and-sound show to be set up in the village on the culture and folklore of Kadathanad is touted to be the biggest in south India. 95.34 crore sanctioned for project which is funded by the Union government as per the recommendations of the State government
Kerala does not approve of National Education Policy, says Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
Addressing a public meeting at SFIs national conference in Kozhikode, Pinarayi Vijayan says NEP will pose a danger to the country by disseminating wrong information to future generations
Five arrested for chasing Kerala Chief Ministers convoy in Kozhikode
The incident took place around 10 p.m. on Sunday when Pinarayi Vijayan was coming from Kannur to Kozhikode Government guesthouse
Body found in Tamil Nadu brought to Kozhikode for DNA test
KOZHIKODE: The decomposed body of Hemachandran, 53, a small-time chit fund operator from Sulthan Bathery who was brutally murdered and buried in Cherambadi, Tamil Nadu, has been brought to Kozhikode for DNA test and identification procedures. The body, recovered from a shallow grave in the Cherambadi forest, was transferred to Kozhikode Medical College, where it will remain until DNA tests confirms the identity. Deputy Commissioner of Police Arun K Pavithran revealed that multiple suspects are involved in the crime, including two women. The prime suspect, Noushad, is currently in Saudi Arabia. A lookout notice has been issued, and efforts are underway to bring him back. Within three days, all persons connected to the crime will be identified, he told reporters on Sunday. Hemachandran, who went missing from his rented house in Mayanad, Kozhikode, on March 20, 2024, was reportedly lured by a female acquaintance and abducted under the guise of a financial deal. His family filed a missing person report on April 1, 2024. At first, police suspected he had gone into hiding due to financial pressure, but further investigation into his transactions revealed deeper foul play. According to police, Hemachandran was taken to an unoccupied house in Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad, owned by a friend of the accused Noushad. He was tortured and ultimately murdered. The accused Jyotish Kumar, 32, and Ajesh B S, 27, both from Sulthan Bathery later buried his body in the dense Cherambadi forest, in the TANTEA plantation area. The suspects claimed the motive was to recover money they had lost in deals with Hemachandran. The breakthrough came after 15 months, when the arrested duo confessed during interrogation. Based on their testimony, the special investigation team - led by ACP A Umesh and Inspector P K Jijeesh -- with support from Tamil Nadu police, revenue and forest departments, exhumed the remains from a four-foot-deep pit on Saturday. The recovery operation lasted over six hours. Postmortem conducted at Ooty Medical College confirmed death due to grievous injuries. DNA analysis will now confirm the identity, ACP Umesh said.The police have identified Noushad, a native of Binachi, Wayanad, as the prime conspirator. He allegedly used his female accomplice to lure Hemachandran to Kozhikode Medical College premises before orchestrating the abduction. DCP Pavithran confirmed that a lookout circular has been issued against Noushad, and repatriation procedures are in progress. He is expected to be brought back to India by the first week of July. Police are also investigating whether vehicle thefts and black money deals are linked to the murder. We suspect a larger network. More arrests will follow, said Jijeesh. Meanwhile, residents near the house in Bathery, where the murder took place, claimed they were unaware of the crime. The house was reportedly handed to Noushad for sale, and people were seen occupying it temporarily. A look back March 20, 2024: Hemachandran goes missing from Mayanad, Kozhikode April 1, 2024: Family files missing person complaint May 24, 2024: A special investigation team is formed June 28, 2025: Body exhumed from Cherambadi forest based on confessions June 29, 2025: Body reaches Kozhikode Medical College morgue for DNA confirmation
Zumba row: Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen strikes a different note
KOZHIKODE: Differences of opinion have emerged within Muslim organisations over the ongoing controversy surrounding zumba sessions in schools, with Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen (KNM) state president T P Abdulla Koya Madani striking a different note. In a veiled reference to the remarks by some leaders of feeder organisations of the Samastha Kerala Jem-Iyyathul Ulama and Wisdom Islamic Organisation (WIO), Madani said religious scholars should have shown more maturity before making public statements. He said the scholars should refrain from making statements that create divisions in society. Those who spark communalism should understand they wont be able to contain it. Instead of resolving real issues plaguing Keralas public and higher education sectors, they are indulging in controversies that distract (people) from basic concerns, Madani said after inaugurating the KNM state workers convention in Kozhikode on Sunday. He said: There should be no attempts to create sectarian divide among children in public schools under the pretext of the zumba controversy. Religious leaders must show greater maturity and avoid the approach that sow divisions in society. WIO general secretary T K Ashraf ignited the controversy by opposing the introduction of zumba in schools. His Facebook post was later taken up by leaders of other Muslim organisations. Meanwhile, Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS) leader Nasar Faizy Koodathai urged the education department to officially clarify that students would not be forced to participate in the zumba sessions. The education ministers assurance that zumba will not be forced on students was welcome, but there should also be a clear directive stating the sessions will not carry grace marks, so that students who opt out are not at a disadvantage. The education department and Minister V Sivankutty should convene a meeting with student unions to discuss the issue, Faizy told TNIE . IUML national general secretary P K Kunhalikutty criticised attempts to vilify Muslim organisations for raising concerns. There was hardly any public discussion before introducing zumba in schools. It is natural there will be doubts. Branding Muslim organisation leaders as terrorists for merely questioning a policy is unacceptable. No group is opposed to fitness programmes in schools, but there should have been discussions beforehand, Kunhalikutty said.
Adarsh M Saji elected SFI All India president, Srijan Bhattacharya general secretary
KOZHIKODE: The Students Federation of India (SFI) has elected Adarsh M Saji as its new all India president and Srijan Bhattacharya as the general secretary at the 18th All India Conference, held at Sitaram Yechury and Nepaldev Bhattacharya Manch in Palestine Solidarity Nagar (Aspin Courtyard), Kozhikode on Sunday. Both leaders were previously serving as all India joint secretaries in the outgoing central committee and bring years of organisational experience and student leadership to their new roles. Adarsh M Saji hails from Chathannur in Kollam. He is currently a final-year LLB student at Janhit Law College and serves as a member of the CPM Kollam District Committee. Prior to this elevation, he held the positions of SFI state vice-president and all India joint secretary. Srijan Bhattacharya, the newly elected general secretary, is a native of Jadavpur in West Bengal. A postgraduate in history, he is also a member of the CPM West Bengal state Committee and previously served as the SFI West Bengal State Secretary. He contested in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections as the CPM candidate from the Jadavpur constituency. The conference, which drew delegates from across India, also elected 87 members to the Central Executive Committee. Kerala marked a significant presence in the newly constituted central leadership. SFI Kerala state secretary P S Sanjeev was elected as an all India joint secretary, while state president M Sivaprasad was named one of the vice-presidents. Ten people from Kerala were selected to the All India Secretariat. The newly formed All India Secretariat includes key national figures such as Subhash Jakar, T Nagaraju, Rohidas Yadav, Satyesh Leyuva, Shilpa Surendran, Pranav Kharji, M Sivaprasad, and C Mridula serving as vice-presidents. The joint secretaries include names like Aishe Ghosh, G Aravinda Sami, Anil Thakur, K Prasannakumar, Debanjan Dev, P S Sanjeev, Sreejan Dev, and Mohammed Atiq Ahmed. Currently, there are two vacancies in the central secretariat and eight in the ventral executive committee. From Kerala, S K Adarsh, Tony Kuriakose, P P Akshara, Bipinraj Payam, P Tajudheen, Sandra Raveendran, Arya Prasad, and E P Gopika were elected to the executive committee.
Wayanads tribal artists look to hit the right note on fellowship of music
KOZHIKODE: Until a few months ago, most of the 17 tribal musicians now part of the Earthlore Fellowship could have never imagined that their centuries-old songs would travel beyond the hills of Wayanad or the forest fringes of Coorg. For many, music was simply a way of life, performed during harvests, births, or rituals with no thought that these oral traditions would one day be showcased on prestigious stages or recorded for a global audience. The idea of receiving structured training, a stipend, mentorship from acclaimed musicians, and national recognition never even crossed their minds. That changed with the launch of the fellowship. Now, these young artists -- from communities such as the Kurichiya, Paniya, and Adiya -- find themselves at the heart of a cultural movement that is giving voice, value, and visibility to indigenous music like never before. A total of 20 fellows, including three non-tribal musicians from different parts of the country, have been selected through a rigorous process to join this pioneering initiative by the Archival and Research Project (ARPO), supported by Tata Trusts and the Samagata Foundation. Launched this April in Mananthavady, Wayanad, the fellowship is more than a training programme in the arts. It is a bridge between heritage and modernity, between forest and festival; tradition and transformation. For the first two months, fellows trained in the scenic Priyadarshini Tea Environs, a unique tea estate managed by a tribal cooperative. Structured 12-day residential workshops immersed them in vocal training with playback singer Sreekanth Hariharan, music arrangement with composer Charu Hariharan, and rhythm sessions with veteran percussionist Viveick Rajagopal. Speaking to TNIE, Sruthin Lal, executive director of ARPO, said, This is the first time such a dedicated initiative has been launched for tribal artists of Wayanad. Our goal is to elevate their status to that of recognised professionals, not just local performers. He added that the transformation is already visible. By October, the fellowships performance phase begins with a national tour. Their performances will not only introduce tribal folk music to new audiences but also assert the artistic legitimacy of voices long confined to the margins.
Rights panel seeks report on police officers attack on motorcycle rider
Case to be considered at the commissions next sitting in Kozhikode on July 29
Migrant labourer dies as land caves in at construction site in Kozhikode
Two other labourers who sustained grave injuries in the incident were admitted to Kozhikode Medical College Hospital
Kerala government firm on zumba sessions in schools, says Minister Sivankutty
KOZHIKODE: Expressing the state governments resolve not to be cowed down by opposition from various Muslim organisations to the introduction of zumba sessions in schools , General Education Minister V Sivankutty said controversy over the initiative will only help grow of communalism and sectarianism. Addressing a press conference in Kozhikode on Saturday, the minister said the exercise was introduced to combat drug menace among the youth. The stand of those opposing it will spread poison in society that is more dangerous than drugs, he said. Reacting to the criticism that immodest dresses are made mandatory for zumba in schools, Sivankutty said students practise it in school uniforms. It is mandatory for students to participate in the study exercises that are stipulated under the Right to Education Act. Parents have no choice in that and teachers are duty-bound to follow those things under conduct rules, he said. There were veiled comments from some corners that the government may make a climbdown on the issue in the face of objections raised by some Muslim organisations as it happened in the case of PSC appointments in the Waqf Board and in the issue of gender-neutral uniform. The Kanthapuram factions of Sunnis have also come up against the governments decision. But CPM leaders have intensified their attacks against the organisations which oppose mzumba sessions in schools. DYFI state secretary V K Sanoj extended all support to the government to go ahead with the decision. Zumba row: Settle issues through discussion, says Satheesan Sanoj said there are reasons to believe that the controversy is part of an attempt to denigrate the public education system in Kerala. Sivankutty said in the press conference that the progressive forces in the country had upheld the high democratic values during the controversy over hijab. But some organisations are now adopting a policy that is beneficial for the majority communalism, he said. Physical exercises will help develop positive thinking in students and maintain a cheerful mentality, the minister said. Sivankutty said health and physical exercise are components in the general education system in Kerala. These things will help check diseases and reduce stress and anxiety among students. Walking, jogging, running, cycling and dancing are generally the exercises that are usually suggested. Aerobic dance, zumba and free style dance belong to the dance category, he said. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said the government should have held discussions with all stakeholders who have raised concern over the issue. It should not be imposed on anyone, he said. Satheesan said there are people who are waiting for an opportunity to capitalise on the issue. We should not give an opportunity to those elements. The issues should be settled through discussions, he said. Youth Congress state president Rahul Mankoottathil said there is no need to create a row over the issue. The opinion of the Youth Congress is that there is nothing controversial in the issue. There are other major issues in the education sector like paucity of Plus-I seats that warrant immediate attention, he said.
15 months on, missing mans body found buried in forest near Kerala-Tamil Nadu border
KOZHIKODE: Fifteen months after a man went missing from Kozhikode, police said they have recovered his decomposed body from a forest area near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. He was reportedly murdered over a financial dispute. The remains, suspected to be that of Hemachandran, 53, a native of Sultan Bathery in Wayanad, were found buried in Coffee Kadu, which comes under the TANTEA plantation, at Cherambadi in TN on Saturday. Hemachandran reportedly went missing from his rented residence in Mayanad near Kozhikode Medical College on March 20, 2024. On April 1, his family filed a missing person complaint at the Kozhikode Medical College police station. During the course of the investigation, police learned that Hemachandran, a small-time chit fund operator, had extensive financial dealings with several individuals. Officers initially suspected that he might have gone into hiding to evade lenders to whom he owed money. A detailed probe into his financial transactions revealed several irregularities, prompting the Kozhikode city commissioner to form a special investigation team on May 24, 2024. During the inquiry, we discovered that Hemachandran was lured out of his house by a female acquaintance and subsequently abducted in connection with a financial dispute, a police officer said. Prime accused remains at large Following this, a case was registered against three persons. Two of them, Jyotish Kumar and Ajesh B S, both natives of Sulthan Bathery, were later taken into custody. During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to murdering Hemachandran and burying his body in the Cherambadi forest. Acting on their information, a search operation was launched leading to the recovery of the body in the presence of Medical College ACP A Umesh. The body was found in a 4ft-deep pit, face-down and partially decomposed. Exhuming works started at 10 am and continued till 4 pm on Saturday. The body was identified as that of Hemachandran based on preliminary examination. It has been sent to Nilgiris Medical College, Ooty, for conducting postmortem examination, after which it will be handed over to his relatives, police said. Officials from the Tamil Nadu revenue department, police, and forest authorities were present during the recovery procedures. Meanwhile, the prime accused in the case remains at large, with investigators suspecting that he may have fled the country.
Police put several spas under scanner in Kozhikode
Flash inspections are under consideration in the wake of the rising number of complaints hinting at the illegal appointment of untrained non-Kerala women as skilled therapists
KOZHIKODE: Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Saturday strongly criticised Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar for displaying Bharat Mata portrait during official functions at Raj Bhavan and labelled the act a latant violation of constitutional norms. The minister also termed the portrait, depicting a woman holding a saffron flag, as a eligious image. A person holding a constitutional post worshipping such an image during official events is antamount to subverting the basic principles of the Constitution, he said at a press conference here. Sivankutty's statement comes against the backdrop of intense war of words and street protests in Kerala over the Raj Bhavan's decision to display the Bharat Mata portrait at functions there. Minister Sivankutty violated protocol, Governor Arlekar tells CM Pinarayi Vijayan In response to a question, he emphasised that the Preamble of the country declares it a secular democratic republic. Citing various Articles of the Constitution, he said the promotion of any religious practice is prohibited in government programmes by those holding constitutional positions. These Articles mandate the state's neutrality in religious matters. So, this action by the Governor is a blatant attack on the secular nature of the Indian Constitution. This is not only a violation of protocol, but also an act that undermines the secular values guaranteed by the Constitution, Sivankutty said. The minister also justified his recent decision to boycott an official function held at Raj Bhavan over the display of the portrait. Minister Sivankutty alleges Raj Bhavan behind ABVP protests; BJP accuses CPI(M) of 'violence' I walked out because I could not bear witness to such constitutional violations. I was only fulfilling my responsibility to uphold the Constitution. I am committed to go to any length to protect the secular nature of the Constitution. Coming down heavily on the Governor, the state minister further said by paying floral tributes before the portrait, the Governor is insulting the secular nature of the Constitution. Displaying and worshipping the image of Bharatamba at an official function would antamount to officially endorsing a particular religious symbol, contrary to the secular nature of the country, he alleged. Row over Bharat Mata concept unfortunate: Governor Rajendra Arlekar It is for these reasons, Sivankutty explained, why the image of Bharat Mata is viewed as a religious symbol and its display at official functions is criticised as being opposed to constitutional, secular and democratic values. The southern state has been witnessing a tussle between Arlekar and the Marxist party-led LDF government over the display of the Bharat Mata portrait during official events at the Raj Bhavan here. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has reportedly conveyed to the Governor about the government's dissent in using anything other than national symbols during official functions, sources said. Minister Sivankuttys visit to Kozhikode marred by black flag protests
More Muslim groups come out against Zumba sessions in Kerala schools
KOZHIKODE: The education departments decision to introduce zumba sessions in school curriculum to fight drug menace is now at the centre of controversy, with more Muslim organisations coming out opposing the move. After Wisdom Islamic Organisation, the Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS) has also criticised the decision, alleging that it violates moral norms. However, opposition to the initiative intended to promote the physical and mental well-being of students and teachers has invited sharp criticism from various corners. Such opposition will take society backwards, social activists said. The first objection was raised by Wisdom Islamic Organisation general secretary T K Ashraf in a Facebook post on Thursday. Ashraf, a school teacher from Palakkad, told TNIE that neither he nor his children took part in the zumba sessions arranged at the school as part of International Day against Drug Abuse. I send my child to a public school for quality education not to promote a culture where boys and girls mingle, wear short clothes, and dance to music, he said. By Friday, more leaders echoed similar sentiments. Abdussamad Pookkottur, state secretary of Sunni Yuvajana Sangham (SYS), the youth organisation of the Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama, labelled zumba harmful to moral values and urged parents to respond critically. Another SYS leader, Nazar Faizy Koodathai, also argued that group dancing in vulgar attire is objectionable, especially in the case of older students. Zumba goes against Indian moral values. From what I understand, it involves students wearing tight clothes and dancing together. This cannot be tolerated. The government should have consulted student organisations before taking such a decision, he told TNIE. However, the criticism was swiftly countered by social activists and LDF leaders. Progressive Womens Forum president V P Zuhra accused leaders of Muslim organisations of trying to steer Kerala towards Taliban-style conservatism. How can a teacher like Ashraf say boys and girls should not be together? Their aim is to pull the youth backwards. The youth must resist this, Suhara said. Whats wrong with Zumba, asks Bindu Social activist and advocate C Shukkur also condemned the objections, pointing out the dangers of religious fanaticism. Both religious extremism and drug abuse are harmful to society. Allowing children aged five to 15 to mingle and play together can address many issues, including drug abuse. Fanaticism is more dangerous than drugs,he told TNIE. Responding to the controversy, CPM state secretary M V Govindan clarified that the Zumba programme was merely a warm-up exercise and will not be imposed on students. The education department will try to convince those who oppose it, he said. Higher Education Minister R Bindu also defended the initiative. What is wrong with Zumba? It brings both mental and physical happiness to children. We are living in the 21st century. Everyone should be prepared to change their thinking with the times, she said. Meanwhile, General Education Minister V Sivankutty shared the reel of a Zumba practice session on his Facebook page with the comment, Let the children grow healthy by enjoying and playing.
Poykayil Appachan, a symbol of anti-war sentiment in Kerala
KOZHIKODE: The Iran-Israel conflict and subsequent developments in West Asia have forced pacifists across the world to take to the streets to remind all of the unspeakable horrors of wars. The global media, too, is abuzz with images of anti-war protesters yelling an emphatic NO to all sorts of conflicts. However, not many remember a similar situation in a remote place in Kerala over a century ago, when people gathered for a peace rally during World War I. Not many remember Poykayil Appachan. While the First World War was brewing in Europe, a man named Poykayil Appachan, hailing from a section Kerala society deemed untouchable, led a peace rally in Travancore. At the time, untouchables were not even allowed to walk on public roads or temple roads. However, much before the Vaikom struggle for the right to enter temple roads, a leader of the socially excluded people of Kerala pioneered a peaceful protest against the World War, said Ajay Sekhar, associate professor of English at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady. This historic episode of Keralas enlightenment struggles is worth recalling in the totalitarian and oligarchic times of pseudo-majoritarian cultural nationalism, linguistic parochialisms and fascism, he said. The peace procession led by Poykayil Appachan or Sree Kumara Guru was probably the first anti-war protest in modern Kerala history. The event took place near Kulathoor in Pathanamthitta in 1914, but the exact date and month are not available, said V V Swami, who wrote a book on Appachan. The 86th death anniversary of Appachan will be observed at Eraviperoor in Pathanamthitta on June 29.
SFI delegates laud hospitality of Kozhikode
Participants from outside Kerala have especially appreciated the warmth of Kozhikode, finding it conducive to sharing their cultural experiences and building connections across regional boundaries
'Raktharakshas Reloaded' seeks to 'terrify' Kerala!
As a plane touches down and the passengers alight on the stage, we feel like we know whats coming up. But as the scenes shift and the first lightning strikes, accompanied by the roar of a thunderstorm, its difficult not to tremble. As the lights dim and large demonic hands creep onto the stage, the audience is immersed in what some might call the peak horror experience. Shes everywhere. We feel it in the innards. The legendary Raktharakshas, staged by Aries Kalanilayam, makes us feel everything on a cellular level, thanks to a wonderfully crafted stage and bold technical vision. Theatre transforms into an experience. Raktharakshas is one of the defining plays of Kalanilayam. It had made a mark on generations of theatre enthusiasts. So, as we decided to make a comeback, we could not think of a better story, says Anandapadmanabhan, son of Kalanilayam Krishnan Nair, the founder and director of Kalanilayam. A scene from the play Raktharakshas, written by the late dramatist Jagathy N K Achary, was first staged in 1974. The tale follows Lakshmi, who lives deep in the forest with her father, the renowned Kadan Vaidyan. Using wild herbs, he concocts several miracle medicines. Our heroine, however, turns into the raktharakshas (vampire) after an experimental beauty treatment goes horribly wrong. Five decades have passed, but the story remains fresh. And the production is top-notch. As the creative and managing director of Kalanilayam, Anandapadmanabhan is indeed on a mission to transform the commercial theatre scene one play at a time. Its the amazing technical, art, and stage crew along with artists that make our play stand out, he says. Perhaps no one else in India has used technology in theatre quite like Kalanilayam. Probably. It takes just seconds for the grand props and scenes to change from an airport to a deep forest, to a Buddha temple, and then to a grand bungalow in the city. The story shifts locations as one blinks. The original stage was designed by the late Tripunithura Kumaran Nair and my father, who had developed the original technology Kalanilayam was known for in its heyday, says Anandapadmanabhan. Now, we have added hydraulics, new sound systems, and other technologies to make theatre an experience for the new age. He highlights that a Dolby 7.1 surround sound system, usually found at the cinemas, has been used for the play. The live dialogues, music, sounds and effects everything is simultaneously mixed together. Overall, he adds, about 120 crew members work on and off stage during a show. Thats how the magic happens. This is why the tagline is Come and experience the perfect theatre. This is an experience. However, he would not reveal anything more. If we start explaining everything, the charm will diminish. Thats why we dont let anyone take photos of the play, he adds. Even in its early avtar, Kalanilayam was known for path-breaking inclusion of technology. It all began in 1952 when legendary thespian Krishnan Nair founded the troupe. His vision was to create a permanent stage, which he later realised at Putharikandam Maithanam in Thiruvananthapuram. The stage became home to months-long performances. He incorporated elaborate sets and realistic effects such as rain, thunderstorms, oceans, and ships into his productions. The idea of a Raktharakshas wasnt new, the experience was. And there was a twist: there are no supernatural vampires here. Its all a side effect of a medical procedure, smiles Anandapadmanabhan, who has directed the new version. Audiences loved the horror story. Just like our other popular productions like Kayamkulam Kochunni and Kadamattathu Kathanar. Malayalis wholeheartedly embraced Kalanilayam for its visionary approach in terms of production. Its the same approach that guided Aries Kalanilayam as it repackaged and relaunched its classic dramas. In 2003, when Anandapadmanabhan first revived Kalanilayam after a long hiatus, he started off, again, with Raktharakshas. People thronged the venues then too, he recalls. But two setbacks made him pause. Actor Jagathy Sreekumar, son of N K Achary, was a major force behind the revival of Kalanilayam. But, as you know, he met with a tragic accident in 2012. The next year, I had to pause following the death of my mother, Kodungaloor Ammini Amma [who was also a thespian]. By the time Anandapadmanabhan again considered a comeback, Covid struck. However, soon under a partnership with Aries Group of Companies, the theatre group returned. That's when it changed its name to Aries Kalanilayam. Sohan Roy, founder and chairman of the business group, became a supporter and 50 per cent partner of the theatre company. And finally, we reintroduced Raktharakshas last year. The same old story, with some tweaks to suit the tastes of a new generation, Anandapadmanabhan says. Thus was born Raktharakshas: Chapter 1, which has been successfully staged in many districts and is currently playing in Tripunithura. People are coming even from Chennai and Bengaluru to watch the play. Many share nostalgic stories, says Anandapadmanabhan. One woman brought her daughter to recreate her childhood experience of watching Raktharakshas with her father. Another audience member recalled being so terrified after watching the play decades ago that he spent the night after the show at a bus stand instead of going home. Soon, we will travel to Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Kottayam. Raktharakshas will have her sway in every district, Anandapadmanabhan smiles. The only challenge, he adds, is transporting the elaborate props and stage. It takes time to dismantle the stage and rebuild it. At least a month, he says. And when will Chapter II arrive? I am writing it as we speak, Anandapadmanabhan says. Chapter II will have a new script. It will take at least a year for everything to come together. After that, we will start staging the iconic Kadamattathu Kathanar. Exciting years ahead.
Kerala rains: Many rural schools remain closed in Kozhikode district
Shutters of Kakkayam dam in Kozhikode and Banasura Sagar dam in Wayanad opened following heavy inflow from catchment areas
SFI national conference begins on Kozhikode Beach
KOZHIKODE: The 18th All-India conference of the Students Federation of India (SFI) began at Kozhikode Beach with the flag-hoisting ceremony. Hundreds of delegates, torchbearers, and leaders gathered near the beach at the specially named Palestine Solidarity Nagar (Aspin Courtyard), where the main venueSitaram Yechury and Nepaldev Bhattacharya Manchhas been set up. The flags and torches were brought in from places of historic significance in the student movement, symbolising sacrifices and continuity of struggle. The flagpole from the K V Sudheesh Memorial in Koothuparamba was received by treasurer M Mehboob. The flag from the Dheeraj Rajendran Memorial in Painavu was received by All India president V P Sanu, and the torch from the Somu-Sempu Memorial in Madurai was received by secretary Mayukh Biswas. Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas, who is also chairman of the reception committee, hoisted the conference flag, officially marking the beginning of the four-day event. The formal inauguration of the delegates conference is scheduled for Friday at 10 am, when V P Sanu will hoist the flag once again at the main stage at Palestine Solidarity Nagar. The conference will be inaugurated by journalist Sasikumar and renowned theatre personality M K Raina. On Saturday at 4 pm, a special gathering of former leaders will take place, featuring senior leaders such as M A Baby, Prakash Karat, Biman Basu, and A Vijayaraghavan, who will share insights and experiences from their time in the organisation. On the evening of June 29, the national leadership of SFI will elect its new set of office-bearers. The conference will conclude on a high note with a massive student rally on Monday morning, starting from Malabar Christian College premises. The final public meeting, expected to be attended by thousands, will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at 11 am at K V Sudheesh Nagar on the Kozhikode beach.
SFI national conference to begin in Kozhikode today
As many as 517 delegates from across the country are expected to attend the four-day event
Appoint junior resident doctors at Kozhikode MCH, demands medical PG association
The sudden exit of nearly 250 doctors has left a major gap in the system as the next batch was yet to complete their exams
Heavy rain: updated list of residents in landslide-prone areas in Kozhikode sought
The DDMA has drawn up a plan to identify a feasible solution for the speedy relocation of families living in vulnerable areas
Two students held with LSD stamps
The duo was reportedly taken into custody while on their way to Kozhikode railway station after allegedly sourcing the drugs from yet-to-be-identified local peddlers in the city
Kozhikode Zamorin K C Ramachandran Raja passes away at 93
KOZHIKODE: Zamorin of Kozhikode, K C Ramachandran Raja, passed away early on Thursday morning at the age of 93. He breathed his last at a private hospital in Bengaluru, where he was under treatment for age-related ailments. The final rites will be conducted on June 27 (Friday) in Bengaluru, family sources confirmed. Ramachandran Raja had ascended to the ceremonial post of Zamorin in April this year following the demise of his predecessor, K C Unniyanujan Raja, on April 3. However, due to health issues, he could not travel to Kozhikode to personally take charge of the administration of temples and educational institutions under the Zamorins trust. A respected elder from the East Kovilakam branch of the Zamorin dynasty, K C Ramachandran Raja was born on April 27, 1932. His academic journey began at KP School, Kottakkal and Raja's High School, and later continued in Delhi. He earned his BA (Hons) and MA in Economics from the St. Stephens College, Delhi, and pursued higher studies at the London School of Economics. He initially served as a commercial manager at Metal Box before turning to academia. His contributions to management education in India are noteworthy. He served as a faculty member at Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, before becoming the Founder Director of the Garware Institute of Career Education and Development, and later the Director of the SP Jain Institute of Management. Until recently, he was a member of the Governing Council of Vapi University, Gujarat. He was the son of Kalady Mana Jathavedan Namboothiri and Kizhakke Kovilakath Mahadevi Thampuratti. His wife, Indira Raja, hails from the Kottakkal Parappil family. He is survived by his children Narayan Menon (US) and Kalyani R Menon (Bangalore), daughter-in-law Minni Menon (US), and son-in-law Ravi Menon (Bangalore).
Fake disability certificates: Health department on alert, doctors under scrutiny in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health department is taking steps to streamline the process for issuing disability medical certificates following allegations of a scam involving fake certificates. The department intends to oversee the issuance of certificates by medical boards at the taluk, district and medical college levels. The decision follows an order from the Chief Ministers Office directing the state police chief to launch a statewide investigation into the fraudulent certificates. Certificates are typically reviewed only when a specific complaint is filed. However, we are working on implementing a more transparent and efficient system without causing delays, a department source said. The scam was exposed after the Society for Educating and Empowering Differently Abled filed a complaint with the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau regarding a teacher appointment in Kannur. It was revealed that the medical certificate had exaggerated the applicants disability to secure a job intended for individuals with disabilities. As many as thirty fake certificates were created in Kuttiyadi, Kozhikode, alone. There should be action against the doctors involved in this racket, said Kulathur Jaisingh, a High Court lawyer and public activist who appealed to the Chief Ministers Office for an expanded investigation. Disability certificates are essential for individuals with disabilities (PWD) to access educational opportunities, employment, insurance benefits, and travel services. It can take at least three months to obtain a certificate through the Swabalamban portal. These certificates are issued for 21 different disabilities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. The Kerala Social Security Mission, the Health Department, and local self-government bodies also hold camps to issue certificates and Unique Disability Identity cards.
Kerala NGO breathes fresh life into Koyilandy hookah
KOZHIKODE: In Koyilandy, tucked away in Keralas Malabar coast, time once stood still with the hiss of hot metal, the scent of molten wax, and the clang of hammer on brass. For over 300 years, this sleepy town has helped shape an extraordinary symbol of cross-cultural legacy, royal indulgence, and skilled craftsmanship passed down like a sacred chant through generations. And, after a period in obscurity and neglect, the Malabar hookah also known as the Koyilandy hookah is now seeing a revival, with interest from both domestic and international buyers. These are no ordinary hookahs. Forged by the Mooshari community and finished with oversize coconut shells and ornamental brass work, they were once treasured in the Arabian Peninsula. They graced Bedouin tents and palaces alike, and were carried across the sea by Yemeni traders, who settled in Malabar centuries ago. But history, like smoke, often fades. And so nearly did this craft, until a chance documentary project by The Archival and Research Project (ARPO), a Kerala-based non-profit, unearthed not just an artifact, but a spark of revival. It turned into a mission to rescue a dying art. We were documenting the last of the hookah-makers, says Sruthin Lal, ARPOs executive director. But once we saw the beauty of the process and the heartbreak behind its decline, we knew we couldnt walk away. Rather than lament the loss, the team chose to act. ARPO created a digital presence for the Koyilandy hookah, and offered online promotions, featured it in niche design and heritage media and, more importantly, rebranded it as a luxury collectible steeped in history. This has been good news for 72-year-old Hashim, a long-time exporter who had been sitting on unsold stock after Covid closed international borders. I had given up, he says. I thought no one would ever want these again. Within months, however, Hashim sold dozens of hookahs. Buyers ranged from industrialists and authors to an ambassador and a Padma Bhushan awardee. The Malabar hookah was back not as a mass product, but as a timeless heirloom. Unlike modern glass hookahs, the Koyilandy version uses massive coconut shells as internal water chambers. The shell acts as a natural filter, explains artisan Chandrashekaran Mooshari. They still use wax, clay, and wood to make the brass moulds by hand. Its labour intensive, but worth it. The intricate patterns etched on the hookahs including floral patterns and Arabic calligraphy tell stories of cultural confluence: Involving Chinese metal traders, Arab merchants, and Mooshari skill. Today, only a few families continue the tradition. But, ARPO is expanding its efforts: Documenting the process in detail and exploring online marketplaces to take the product global again. Hashim, for his part, is hopeful. These hookahs built homes, married off daughters, and put food on the table. I thought that chapter was closed. But maybe it was just waiting to be rewritten. Shamil Ibrahim, one of the key members behind the Malabar hookah initiative, says, While weve managed to create a platform for artisans to sell their craft, the real challenge lies in the dwindling number of skilled makers. However, we are making every effort to generate strong demand for the product, hoping this will encourage more people to take up the craft or inspire families who once proudly practised hookah-making to return to it. The hookahs are available in three standard sizes: 16, 18, and 20 inches. When someone buys a Koyilandy hookah, theyre not just purchasing a beautiful artifact, theyre helping to preserve a piece of world heritage and revive a centuries-old tradition from this region, Shamil adds. Tracing history Known as Malabar hookah, once popular in the Arabian Peninsula 300 years of craftsmanship Originated in Koyilandy, a coastal town in Malabar Crafted by the Mooshari community, renowned brass artisans Symbol of royalty, heritage, and skilled labour passed across generations Traded by Yemeni settlers, embraced by Bedouins and royals alike Carried through maritime trade routes by Arab and Chinese merchants Oversized coconut shells used as natural water chambers Crafted using traditional materials: Wax, wood, clay and hand-beaten brass Each piece etched with Arabic and floral motifs, telling stories of cultural confluence
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
Kozhikode passport office bags award
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.
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.
Airlines resume Middle East operations after temporary shutdown
NEW DELHI: With tensions easing in the Middle East and Qatari airspace reopening, airlines operating to and from India have begun cautiously resuming services from Tuesday, following a temporary shutdown on Monday. While some flights may still face delays due to rerouting, most major carriers are gradually restoring operations. Air India Express, Indias largest carrier in the Gulf region, operates around 900 flights weekly between Indian cities and 13 Middle Eastern destinations. In a statement, the airline said, Air India Express is progressively resuming its operations to the Middle East from today, 24th June, as airspaces in the region reopen. Our first flight today will be on the DelhiMuscat route, followed by services on the MumbaiMuscat, KozhikodeMuscat, KozhikodeRiyadh, and JaipurJeddah routes. Flights to and from key UAE cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, and Ras Al Khaimah are scheduled to resume from Wednesday (25th June), the airline added. Air India also confirmed the resumption of flights to the Middle East from Tuesday. A spokesperson said, As airspaces gradually reopen in certain parts of the Middle East, Air India will progressively resume flights to the region starting today, with most operations resuming from June 25. Flights to and from Europe, previously cancelled, are also being reinstated. Services to the East Coast of the U.S. and Canada will resume at the earliest opportunity. The airline noted that some flights may still experience delays or cancellations due to rerouted paths and longer flight times. We are committed to minimising disruptions and restoring our schedule integrity, it said. Air India also emphasised that it would avoid any airspaces assessed as unsafe, reiterating that the safety and security of our passengers, staff, and aircraft remain our top priority. SpiceJet, which operates 12 daily flights between Indian cities and Dubai, also resumed operations on all routes from Tuesday. A spokesperson stated, We had to cancel some routes on Monday evening but have now resumed full services. IndiGo confirmed stabilised operations across Gulf countries, though noted that flights might face extended durations. As Iranian airspace remains restricted, some routes may be longer. Passengers are advised to monitor their flight status for the latest updates, the airline said. Qatar Airways announced that it is in the process of restoring its global network of over 170 destinations and is assisting affected passengers with rebooking and support. Emirates, which rerouted flights via Dubai on Monday, said it would continue using routes well away from conflict zones. Some delays may occur due to longer flight paths or airspace congestion, the airline stated.
Pledge against substance abuse in Kozhikode on June 26
West-Asia tensions: 10 flight services from Kozhikode in Kerala cancelled
Airport authorities and airlines have urged passengers to verify flight status before travelling
New day train connecting Kozhikode, Palakkad begins trial run
Ancient Arabic manuscripts from Malabar being digitised to preserve cultural heritage
KOZHIKODE: Hidden in ancient mosques, dusty library shelves, and the private collections of old Malabar households lie centuries-old Arabic manuscripts delicate testaments to a forgotten era of scholarship, trade, and cultural exchange between south India and the Arab world. Now, these fragile pieces of history are being brought back to life in digital form. The Malaibar Foundation for Research and Development (MFRD), in partnership with the renowned Hill Museum and Manuscript Library (HMML) in Minnesota, has launched an ambitious project to digitise rare and endangered Arabic manuscripts from across India. The initiative, which began in 2024, aims to preserve manuscripts, lithographs, and rare photographs many tucked away in mosques, libraries, institutions, and private homes by converting them into digital archives accessible to scholars and researchers worldwide. This preservation project focuses primarily on south Indian regions including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman Islands with rich historical ties to Arab cultures. By employing advanced imaging technology, the initiative seeks to protect fragile manuscripts from the threats of decay and loss. In its initial phase alone, the foundation successfully collected over 4,000 manuscripts from Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod. The digitisation of centuries-old manuscripts requires immense patience and highly specialised skills, said Malaibar Foundation executive director Noorudeen Musthafa Nurani. Despite gathering more than 4,000 manuscripts, we have so far managed to digitise only around 20%. The process following strict scientific protocols is intricate and time-consuming. Manuscripts are carefully sourced from private individuals, mosques, and libraries. Many are unique, irreplaceable pieces of history. Each document is meticulously cleaned and photographed page by page before being sent to the HMML labs in Minnesota for digital processing. Once digitised, these invaluable records will be freely accessible to the global academic community via a dedicated online platform. The original manuscripts are then returned to their rightful owners. Highlighting the cultural significance of the project, Noorudeen said, Kerala and other southern states have had deep-rooted historical and cultural connections with Arab nations. Numerous scholars from this region have authored important works in Arabic, Persian, Arabi-Malayalam, and Arabi-Tamil. These texts are rare and irreplaceable and preserving them is vital for safeguarding our regions intellectual and cultural heritage. The foundation had been exploring the idea of such a project since 2021, identifying over 70 potential locations where valuable manuscripts could be recovered. In addition to digitising existing collections, the initiative actively encourages individuals with private manuscript holdings to come forward. From our experience, there are often more valuable manuscripts in personal collections than in public institutions. Owners are welcome to approach the Malaibar Manuscript Department for assistance in preserving these artifacts. Beyond safeguarding them, this initiative will share their knowledge freely with the worlds scholars and students, Noorudeen said. Looking ahead, the Malaibar Foundation also plans to establish a world-class manuscript centre as part of the upcoming library and research complex at Markaz Knowledge Citys cultural precinct. This facility will serve as a hub for the preservation, study, and promotion of ancient manuscripts, further enriching academic research and public understanding of the regions historical legacy. Recognising its significant contributions to heritage preservation, the Malaibar Foundation was recently honoured with the Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage, a testament to its commitment to conserving the cultural treasures of Malabar and beyond.
Wayanad to get first weather radar, boosting disaster readiness in high ranges
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ending a long wait, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is setting up its first radar station in Wayanad, a move expected to significantly enhance weather forecasting and disaster preparedness in the high ranges. The X-band doppler weather radar system will be installed on land provided by the Pazhassiraja College in Pulpally. A 30-year lease agreement was signed on Wednesday between IMD, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority and college authorities. Given Wayanads vulnerability to landslides, the installation is being hailed as a game changer. The radar will monitor rainfall within a 100km radius, covering Wayanad and adjoining areas in Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, said IMD Kerala director Neetha K Gopal. The demand for a radar station in the region dates to 2010. Though the project was marked high-priority, identifying suitable land proved difficult. Locations in Kozhikode and Kannur were also considered before zeroing in on Wayanad. Official clearance came this April. Until now, Wayanad was not adequately covered by the Kochi radar, which hampered weather alerts and early warnings. Last year, a series of major landslides in Meppadi panchayat left nearly 300 people died. Minor mudslides have been reported this year in forested areas. Neetha clarified that while the radar itself does not predict landslides, it provides crucial rainfall data that supports forecasts by other central agencies. Landslides are impacts. The radar gives us better rainfall input, which feeds into impact-based forecasting, she explained. The MoU marks a critical step toward setting up the facility. Weve discussed electricity and internet connectivity. Once the land agreement is signed, we can proceed with the rest, Neetha said. The radar system is being supplied by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) at a cost of Rs 6 crore.
Migrant students reshape Kozhikodes government school classrooms
KOZHIKODE: Walk into the Byraikulam Government Lower Primary School in the heart of Kozhikode city, and you might hear more Hindi than Malayalam in its corridors. What was once a small neighbourhood school for local children has over the years transformed into a vibrant classroom filled with the voices of migrant students from across northern India. Ive been teaching here for around 10 years. When I joined, there were around 10 students, a mix of Malayali and migrant children. Now, nearly all our students are children of migrant workers, Geo Jaison, a teacher at the school, told TNIE. The rising number of migrant labourers in Kerala from states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal has brought a parallel rise in students enrolling in local government schools. Whether its a restaurant, a construction site, or a barber shop, workers from the northern states are everywhere. And now, so are their children, Jaison said. This year, for the first time in years, three Malayali students joined the school. They mingle well. The Malayali children pick up bits of Hindi, while the others learn Malayalam, said Byraikulam school headmistress Deepthi K P. The teachers have adapted too, often blending Malayalam and Hindi while teaching and communicating with parents. At PTA meetings, we mostly speak in Hindi because many parents dont understand Malayalam, Deepthi said. Families who send their children to local schools are typically those who have settled down with their families. Some parents run small businesses and are doing okay, while others are street vendors from very poor backgrounds, said Sumi S, headmistress of the Achuthan Girls LP School, Chalapuram, where around 30 students are children of migrant workers. Despite the challenges, many of these children quickly become fluent in Malayalam. Some are even acting as translators for their parents during school calls. They can read, write, and speak like native speakers by the time they complete primary school, Sumi noted. To support them, the government introduced the Meethi Malayalam programme, in which teachers of schools with a high migrant student population are trained to make Malayalam learning easier, helping the students to integrate more smoothly into the local environment. While many children continue their studies beyond lower primary, some families leave abruptly. Sometimes, a student stops coming to school. When we finally get in touch, were told theyve gone back home, Deepthi said. Yet, for those who stay, Kerala is becoming a second home. Theres work here and there are good schools for my children. Thats why I like it here, said Raju, a labourer from Mathura now living in Chalapuram. As more migrant families put down roots in Kerala, schools like Byraikulam GLPS and Achuthan Girls LPS are quietly becoming places of connection and change, bridging the gap between cultures. It is not always easy, and some families leave as suddenly as they arrive. But for those who stay, Kerala offers not just work but a chance at belonging, and for their children, a future written in both Hindi and Malayalam.
Crackdown on unregistered houseboats in Kozhikode
Minister Sivankutty alleges Raj Bhavan behind ABVP protests; BJP accuses CPI(M) of 'violence'
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Sunday claimed that the protests by the BJP's youth and student groups against him , over the 'Bharat Mata' controversy, were aimed at causing riots in the state and were allegedly held on instructions of the Raj Bhavan. Hitting back at the CPI(M), BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar accused the Left party of trying to suppress protests by resorting to violence against the protestors. He warned that if the Left government uses force to suppress protests, it will face retaliation in the same manner. Earlier in the day, Sivankutty told reporters that he has been attacked and his travels obstructed during the last couple of days after he walked out of a programme at the Raj Bhavan where a portrait of 'Bharat Mata' -- as seen in RSS events -- was displayed. He said that as a minister, MLA and a citizen, he has the right to protest against the actions of the Governor at the Raj Bhavan and that is what he did. The Governor has said that he will continue with it (the portrait) and we have not responded to that, he added. Bharat Mata and the protocol of dignity: A Kerala Raj Bhavan perspective Subsequently, the BJP youth wing Yuva Morcha and student organisation -- Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) -- attacked him and obstructed his vehicle at various places in the state during the last two day, the minister claimed. Meanwhile, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, in an interview given to BJP mouthpiece Janmabhumi, said that the concept of 'Bharat Mata' became more clear to him when he was jailed during the emergency period in the country. He said that during that time he saw the concept of Bharat Mata as being above ideology and politics. I got a strong urge to work more for Bharat Mata. The inspiration to become a 'sangh pracharak' also became stronger during that time, he said in the interview. Sivankutty, during his press conference in the morning, also alleged that at one such protest, ABVP activists tore apart the national flag while some acted as suicide squads and jumped in front of his moving vehicle., a claim reportedly denied by the student organisation. The minister also alleged that the protests and attacks against him were being carried out on the instructions of the Raj Bhavan, ut they were unable to gather enough youth for the same. ABVP and Yuva Morcha activists had waved black flags at the minister's vehicle in Kozhikode on Saturday and also burned his effigy in protest against his walkout from the Raj Bhavan event. Sivankutty said that ABVP and Yuva Morcha should realise that showing support to the Governor, who is allegedly acting contrary to the Constitution, will turn people against them. He also claimed that two hardcore RSS activists in the Raj Bhavan were advising the Governor to act in this manner. The minister said that he will not name them, but everyone knows them very well. The Congress too spoke out against the Governor's recent actions and said the Raj Bhavan should not be turned into a venue for political activities. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief Sunny Joseph also said that protests against the Governor's actions need not be taken to the streets. Later in the day, Chandrasekhar, in a statement, claimed that it was the CPI(M) which was behind the violence against the ABVP and Yuva Morcha protestors because the BJP exposed the Left party's anti-nationalism and appeasement politics. He also accused the Left parties of being intolerant towards protests against them. Unacceptable to make Governors residence a venue for RSS agenda: Kerala CM on Bharat Mata portrait row The BJP leader said that protests against the Governor by the Students Federation of India and the Democratic Youth Federation of India -- the student and youth wings of the CPI(M), respectively -- were acceptable, but agitations against a Left minister were not. This is an authoritarian style of communist parties, he claimed. He warned that if attacks on BJP and related organisations' workers are not stopped, the Left parties and their leaders will have to pay a heavy price. If the CPI(M) is trying to suppress the protesters by taking the law into its own hands, and if the police decide to help them by standing by, then the national movements, including the BJP, will take to the streets, the BJP leader said. He also said that criticising and insulting the 'Bharat Mata', a sentimental concept for the country, was not acceptable and whosoever dares to do so will face a strong protest in a democratic manner. Chandrasekhar further warned that if the Left government's decision was to suppress the protests by force, there were those on the other side who were capable of retaliating in the same manner. The southern state has been witnessing a tussle between Arlekar and the Marxist party-led LDF government over the display of 'Bharat Mata portrait' during official events at the Raj Bhavan here.
NEW DELHI: As the probe continues into the fatal Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, former Director General of Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) Group Captain Aurobindo Handa (Retd) spoke exclusively to PTI on the investigation process. Handa said going by the visuals of the crash, the aircraft has been very badly damaged by fire and stitching together the evidence would be a tedious process. In all probability and in fairness, the investigation is likely to be a long-drawn process, he told PTI. Handa is also the former Chairman Accident Investigation Group (AIG) of the ICAO-APAC Region. During Handa's stewardship, AAIB had closed over 100 investigations, including the fatal crash of the Air India Express plane, which happened in August 2020 at Kozhikode, Kerala. Following is the detailed interview Air India plane crash: Wreckage being shifted to airport premises in Ahmedabad Q. How much time do you envisage that the investigation into the Air India plane crash Ahmedabad would take? Annexe 13 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as well as AAIB Rules mandate that any investigation should preferably be completed in less than a year. Our investigators' endeavour to complete an investigation as quickly as possible so that remedial actions are instituted quickly through DGCA to avoid any recurrence. However, going by the visuals of this accident, you would appreciate that this aircraft has been very badly damaged by fire. Therefore, corroborating and stitching together the evidences would be a tedious process. In all probability and in fairness, the investigation is likely to be a long-drawn process. Q. How are the probable causes zeroed in during an aircraft accident investigation? Deep and detailed examination of meaningful evidences is a time-consuming process. After analysing the data from the recorders, the investigators narrow down to the most probable systems and/or sub-systems that could have malfunctioned and/or contributed in a malfunction. Step by step, each of the suspected causes for the accident are examined deeply and the unlikely causes are ruled out which is a rigorous process. Basically, the process is driven by the 'method of elimination'. It is akin to a physician going through pathological reports, X-Ray/MRI or other test reports before coming to a conclusion. Q.What is the main aim of an aircraft crash investigation? As per Annex 13 of ICAO and AAIB Rules 2012 (as amended from time to time), the aim of the investigation is to find out the most probable root cause but not to apportion blame or liability. Q. What are the broad steps involved in an investigation? The ICAO had come out with 'DOC 9756' or the Manual of Accident Investigation. Globally, the investigators follow this manual, which outlines detailed procedures to arrive at the most probable cause of an aircraft accident. In addition, based on 'DOC 9756' and its own experiences, AAIB has prepared a document known as 'Procedure Manual' which contains the investigation process/procedures to be followed in India. Q.What are the priorities for AAIB investigators after reaching the aircraft accident site? Obviously, when any unfortunate aircraft accident happens, the immediate focus of the 'first responders' such as airport staff, security personnel which includes CISF, NDRF and local police is to save lives. AAIB takes charge of the activities as soon as its team arrives at the crash site and starts coordinating with the 'first responders' for the remaining work. After cordoning off the general area, AAIB controls and regulates any movement at the crash site in order to make sure that the evidence is not lost inadvertently or tampered with deliberately. AAIB's priorities are to look for survivors and/or save lives at the crash site, retrieve recorders, sift through the debris for any meaningful examination at a later date, and shift these meaningful debris to a safe and secure place. AAIB investigators get divided into sub-groups and start segregating the debris into sub-groups such as flight recorders, airframe, propulsion, avionics and controls, among other elements. The first and foremost task is the retrieval of recorders i.e. Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR). Once the retrieval is affected, the next step is 'milking of raw data' from these recorders. The raw data is then converted into actionable and workable 'engineering parameters'. Then, these engineering parameters are converted into graphs and charts for deriving meaningful and credible interpretations. Q. How strong are India's capabilities in analysing the data during an aircraft accident investigation? India as a sovereign nation is quite well equipped to analyse recorders. AAIB, DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) and airlines also have their recorder labs in place. In case, there is a need, AAIB can seek help from NAL (National Aerospace Laboratories), Bengaluru, HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd), Korwa, and LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Project as they have excellent infrastructure and enough domain experts of international repute who can be co-opted to assist the aircraft accident investigations and render advice. Also, if there is an iota of doubt that the milking of raw data from the recorders could result in erosion of data, the chief investigator under the guidance from the DG, AAIB can decide to take the recorders to their Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Aircraft manufacturers do not manufacture recorders and these are outsourced from other companies like Honeywell.
Political spat over Bharat Mata image spills over into streets
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With tensions escalating between the LDF government and the governor over the image of Bharat Mata with a saffron flag, the political spat spilled over into streets with CPM and BJP workers crossing swords across the state. Close on the heels of Education Minister Sivankutty walking out of a function at Raj Bhavan on Thursday in protest against Governor Rajendra Arlekar paying floral tributes to the image, the Left and BJP leaderships engaged in a war of words over the past two days. A day after a march taken out by SFI activists to the Raj Bhavan turned violent in the state capital, BJP-Yuva Morcha activists staged protests against Sivankutty in Kozhikode on Saturday. Tensions flared during the minsters visit as the protesters who waved black flags at him were stopped by SFI activists, triggering a clash between them. In Thiruvananthapuram, BJP activists from Pappanamcode took out a march to Sivankuttys MLA office in the evening. Following this, CPM took out another march against the governor, leading to minor clashes between CPM and BJP workers. ABVP is controlled by RSS-ruled Raj Bhavan Later in the night, fresh clashes erupted between BJP and CPM workers near the Thiruvananthapuram railway station. BJP workers gathered at the railway station to protest against Sivankutty who was arriving by Vande Bharat Express. As protests intensified, CPM and DYFI members too reached the spot, leading to heated exchanges and confrontation between the two groups. Earlier in the day, the BJP district leadership organised a protest meet in front of the Secretariat. During the meet, which was led by senior leader V Muraleedharan, party workers offered floral tributes to the portrait of Bharatamba. Meanwhile, Sivankutty alleged that ABVPs black flag protest against him was staged on the orders from the Raj Bhavan. The ABVP workers who protested in Thiruvananthapuram tore the national flag placed in front of my vehicle. This is an insult to the national flag. ABVP is controlled by the RSS-ruled Raj Bhavan, said Sivankutty. While both the CPM and CPI leaderships came down heavily on the governor for not adhering to constitutional values, the BJP shot back saying only those who have loyalty towards China would hesitate to offer floral tributes to the portrait. Those who have loyalty towards the country would garland the Bharatamba image, said Muraleedharan. The Congress leadership, however, chose to put the blame on the ruling Left, saying it had already warned about Raj Bhavans saffron turn. Terming the new developments mere drama, the Congress also hinted at a hidden nexus between the CPM and BJP leaderships. In another development, the Raj Bhavan rejected media reports that in the wake of protests, it proposes to seek central forces protection for the governor. There has been no such move or plan by the Raj Bhavan, it said, adding that the governor has total faith in the commitment and efficiency of the Kerala Police. They have been performing their duty extremely well and to the best of the Raj Bhavans satisfaction, said a statement from Raj Bhavan, strongly ruling out any threat, direct or indirect, to the governor.
Minister Sivankuttys visit to Kozhikode marred by black flag protests
KOZHIKODE: Tension flared up in Kozhikode on Saturday during the visit of General Education Minister V Sivankutty as the Yuva Morcha - BJP workers protested over the Bharat Mata row. Yuva Morcha workers who staged a black flag protest against the minister were stopped by SFI workers which resulted in a clash. On Saturday, when the minister arrived at Jubilee Hall in Tali to attend a programme related to the SFI national conference, Yuva Morcha workers waved black flags at the minister. The protesters were stopped by SFI workers leading to a clash between both outfits. Following this, the police intervened and took the workers into custody. Soon after, when Fraternity workers also came to protest there in connection with the Plus-I seat crisis in the Malabar region, SFI workers stopped them too and a clash broke out again. Police intervened in this too and took members of both groups into custody. Protesting the incident of SFI workers attacking Yuva Morcha workers, BJP members burnt the minister in effigy. BJP leaders alleged that police were helping SFI members to attack Yuva Morcha workers. Our workers were beaten up by CPM workers and the police. If the police do not arrest the criminals, we will retaliate, said BJP Kozhikode district president K P Prakash Babu. Meanwhile, Sivankutty said, Scouts and Guides is a secular, non-political association. Secularism is important in the approach to students. Recently he had walked out of Raj Bhavan during an official function in protest against the display of an image of Bharat Mata. When I reached Raj Bhavan, I was welcomed by a portrait of a woman holding a saffron flag. I left because I am loyal to the Constitution, said Sivankutty. He also claimed the ABVPs black flag protest was staged on orders from RSS-ruling Raj Bhavan. Earlier in the day, when the minister was leaving Kozhikode Guest House to attend the SFI programme, a black flag protest was held under the leadership of the KSU district committee, led by district president V T Suraj, over the Plus-I seat issue. KSU workers jumped in front of the ministers vehicle, but police arrested them and shifted them. SFI national president and CPM state committee member V P Sanu said, The minister was attending a private event, not an official function. Yuva Morcha doesnt know what democracy is.
Minister Sivankutty: 30 per cent marks must in year-end exams from Class V to IX
KOZHIKODE: Amid allegations that the quality of general education is declining, a high-level meeting of the General Education Department has decided to implement minimum marks scheme from Class V to IX. This was informed by Education Minister V Sivankutty at a press conference in Kozhikode on Saturday. It was earlier decided that students should obtain at least 30 per cent marks in the year-end exams in Class VIII, subject-wise, and that students who do not achieve this should be promoted to the next class by providing additional study support during the vacation. This suggestion drew a lot of social attention. Students, teachers and parents realised the importance of the study support. Along with this, we also realised the importance of achieving the learning objectives in each class. This is not an activity that should be done only after the end-of-year examination, the minister said. In Classes V to IX, 30 per cent marks will be mandatory for written examinations on a subject-wise basis. The minister said that this is not to limit or filter out the excellence of children to 30 per cent, but to raise all children to the desirable level set by the curriculum. Education department-level monitoring will be strengthened to ensure the implementation of the project. Deputy Directors of Education, DEOs, AEOs, DIET Principals, Vidyakiranam District Coordinators, and Samagra Shiksha Keralam District Project Coordinators will be trained in these matters at the state level. The respective education officers will provide training to the head teachers of schools in their jurisdiction. The training of head teachers of all public schools in Kerala will be completed by July 15. It has also been decided to conduct cluster training on July 19 with the participation of all teachers in school-level activities of the comprehensive quality education programme, timely detection of the learning status of students, and providing necessary learning support. Revised textbooks for Special Schools This year, for the first time in the history of education in the state, it has been decided to prepare and provide special textbooks for the children of special deaf schools. The books have been prepared under the leadership of SCERT considering the special abilities of these children. The release and distribution of these books will be held on June 30 at Government Vocational Higher Secondary School for the Deaf, Jagathy, Thiruvananthapuram. HEAD TEACHERS SHOULD HANDLE MID-DAY MEAL SCHEME Meanwhile, the minister reiterated that head teachers should also bear the responsibility of the controversial changed menu of the mid-day meals scheme such as vegetable fried rice, lemon rice and vegetable biryani. The schools can take financial support from the CSR fund, NGOs and individuals to run the project. The headmaster has to manage these roles and theyre salaried for this. Buying commodities on credit and paying them later is a usual thing. No head teacher will land in debt for feeding students, said the minister, in response to head teachers complaint regarding lack of enough government financial support to run the midday meals scheme. PTAs in schools to be strengthened The government is seriously considering strengthening the Parent Teacher Associations in public schools academically. As part of the curriculum reform, it has been decided to prepare books for parents and provide orientation based on this. The Department of General Education is planning to organise district-level, state-level art and sports competitions for PTAs this year to enable parents to actively participate in school activities. Minister Sivankutty also criticised the Union Government in connection with the fund crisis in Samagra Shiksha Keralam projects. If the interventions/activities being carried out by Samagra Shiksha Keralam are not carried out, a situation will arise in which a large number of children from marginalised sections will not be able to enter school. Samagra Shiksha Keralam is implementing a centrally sponsored scheme. Although Kerala is providing funds for this, the Centre has stopped the funding saying that the state has not agreed to the PM SHRI scheme. The students of common people and marginalised groups will be affected by this, said Sivankutty.
Land identified in Kozhikode most suitable for AIIMS, says Kerala government
KOCHI: At a time when Union minister Suresh Gopi has cast doubts on Kozhikode being selected to host the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kerala, the state government has reaffirmed its decision in an affidavit, filed with the High Court, stating that the land in Kinaloor is most suitable for the premier institution. The government also said that the allegation that Kasaragod and other districts have been neglected in considering the site has no standing. The affidavit was filed in response to petitions challenging the decision. One of the petitioners AIIMS Kasaragod Janakeeya Koottayma sought a directive to resubmit a list to include Kasaragod as a potential site for the establishment of the medical institution, while Greater Piravom Development Forum, Ernakulam, sought to explore the feasibility of proposing land owned by the state government -- the first respondent -- at Mevalloor Newsprint Nagar at Velloor as an alternative. Opposing the pleas, the deputy secretary of the health department said the state has chosen Kinaloor as the most suitable location for establishing the AIIMS, considering various factors. Moreover, the government has taken all possible steps to develop medical facilities across the state, without discrimination. Action is being taken for establishing a medical college in Kasaragod district. The application has been submitted to the National Medical Commission and the government plans to enrol 50 students in the 2025-26 academic year itself, the official said. Last year, secretary of the central ministry of health and family welfare was requested to depute a team to study feasibility of the land earmarked in Kerala. Further, in a letter of the minister of health, the Union finance ministry was requested to give its in principle approval for the AIIMS in Kerala and to include the same in the next phase of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). Project updates The Union govt directed Kerala to identify 3-4 locations for AIIMS, stating that nearly 200 acres of land was needed for the premier super-specialty hospital and college The state should undertake to provide, free of cost, land and other required infrastructure, including suitable road connectivity, water supply, electricity, etc., while the centre would bear construction cost under PMSSY 4 spots identified by Kerala were Kinaloor, belonging to KSIDC, land near the open jail in Nettukaltheri, Neyyattinkara, land belonging to Kottayam Medical College, and a property owned by HMT in Ernakulam
SFI, Yuva Morcha clash in Kozhikode over Bharat Mata controversy
KOZHIKODE: The Yuva Morcha workers who staged a black flag protest against General Education Minister V Sivankutty in Kozhikode over the Bharat Mata controversy were stopped by the SFI workers and ended in a clash. On Saturday morning, Yuva Morcha workers showed black flags when the minister arrived at the Jubilee Hall in Tali to attend a programme related to the SFI national conference. However, in the meantime, SFI workers who were present there clashed with Yuva Morcha activists. Following this, the police intervened and detained the workers. Later, when Fraternity workers came to protest there in connection with the Plus One seat crisis, the SFI workers stopped them, and a clash broke out. The police intervened and took both groups away. Protesting the incident of SFI workers attacking the Yuva Morcha workers, BJP members burnt the effigy of Minister Sivankutty at the spot. BJP leaders alleged that the police were helping SFI members to attack Yuva Morcha workers. Our workers were beaten up by CPM workers and the police. If the police do not arrest the criminals, we will retaliate. The BJP knows what to do if the police do not take necessary action, said BJP Kozhikode district president KP Prakash Babu.
Study links microplastics to rise in gallbladder cancer
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While plastic pollution along Keralas coast continues to spark concerns, a new study by cancer researchers from the states medical colleges has set alarm bells ringing about a possible link between microplastics and gallbladder cancer (GBC). The research, published in the Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, draws a connection between GBC and microplastics found in the Ganges, one of the most polluted rivers in India. The study suggests that the potential carcinogenic effects of microplastics in such water bodies could help explain the rising incidence of GBC, including in regions like Kerala. While earlier studies have explored the link between environmental pollutants and GBC, the latest research focuses specifically on the role of microplastics tiny plastic fragments less than 5mm in size in triggering the disease. Though the full impact of microplastics on human health is still being studied, researchers point to mounting evidence that the particles can cause harmful effects, including immune system activation, inflammation, oxidative stress (damage caused by unstable molecules), disruption of gut microbiota and interference with fat metabolism, all of which may contribute to cancer development. The study also notes that elevated rates of GBC are not confined to the Gangetic belt alone, but are also seen in other regions with high levels of riverine microplastic pollution. With an estimated 21,000 new GBC cases reported in India per year, the findings are crucial for regions like Kerala, where plastic contamination is on the rise. Gallbladder cancer rates in Kerala remain relatively low compared to other parts of the country. However, oncologists have observed a steady increase in cases, said Dr Aju Mathew of the department of oncology, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Medical College, Kolenchery, one of the authors of the study. If pollution in our water bodies continues to grow, it could trigger a major health crisis, with cancer being one of the long-term consequences, he said, while emphasising the importance of pollution control, noting that the findings should serve as a warning. This study suggests polluted water bodies could increase the risk of gallbladder cancer. As a society, we must act to mitigate the health hazards posed by environmental pollution, he said. The study was co-authored by Dr Jeffrey Mathew Boby from the Department of medicine, Kozhikode Government Medical College. India generates around 15 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, of which only about 25% is recycled, according to a UNDP report (2018-24). The rest often ends up in the environment, where it breaks down into microplastics and even smaller nanoplastics (less than 100 nanometres in size). Several studies have shown how these particles enter the food chain through marine life, posing long-term risks to human health.
THRISSUR: In the last decade, around 10,000 people have been part of the Kerala Bird Monitoring Programme and uploaded seven lakh checklists (of birds observed during a 15-minute walk) -- spotting, identifying and documenting common and rare birds in Kerala. So far, 559 species have been recorded in the state, thanks to 34 NGOs and their coordinators, who became part of the initiative out of a sheer interest for birds and nature. It was in 2015 that the Kerala Agriculture University (KAU), backed by Bird Count India and other organisations, including the state forest department, launched the programme, primarily to publish a Bird Atlas -- the first such initiative in the country. Overcoming the challenges thrown up by the 2018 floods and the Covid lockdown, the atlas was published in 2021, in addition to the district atlases for Thrissur, Alappuzha, and Kozhikode. While consistent bird monitoring has been happening in Kerala since the 1990s, the advancement of technology and platforms like E-bird made it more convenient, says P O Nameer, dean of KAUs College of Climate Change and Environmental Science and an ornithologist. The citizen science-based bird monitoring programme enabled ecological conservation in more than one way. We were able to come up with a bird species chart for 1,000 panchayats in Kerala, while no other taxa has such a chart. We also have habitat-wise data from across the state, including on species that inhabit the coastline, those that live in forests, wetlands, etc. This data, collected over the years, can be used to understand ecologically important locations aka hotspots and help local bodies to chalk out development projects protecting such areas, Nameer points out. The participants of Kerala Bird Monitoring Programme Over the years, the documentation by individuals and groups of birdwatchers has played a major role in understanding the ecological value of locations across Kerala. By monitoring and studying the habitats of various species, the citizen science project has played a crucial role in ecological conservation. According to Manoj Karingamadathil, a birder and citizen scientist, To have a community of like-minded people and coordinate its activities is definitely a herculean task. The achievements of the surveys and programmes conducted under the citizen science project in birding are a result of this successful coordination. Through these projects, people from various strata of society became a part of a long-term process of monitoring birds, thereby understanding the changes in the biodiversity of their respective areas. Such communities not only monitor birds, but also invest their time in observing butterflies, dragonflies and fish, embracing nature, Manoj added. Activities under Bird Monitoring Programme Heronries survey: Documenting nesting sites of herons Wetland monitoring: Continuous survey of birds in wetlands, including Ramsar sites like Kole Wetlands and Vembanad Lake Seabird survey: Counting and studying seabirds in the sea Beach combing: Monitoring birds along the coastline Raptor monitoring: Survey of raptors like vultures and eagles Forest survey: Annual count of birds that inhabit major forest regions Redlisting: Process of understanding rare and endangered species
K-SOTTO to draw guidelines to promote swap-kidney transplant
KOCHI: As the number of patients awaiting donor kidneys and those undergoing dialysis treatment keep rising in the state, the Kerala State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (K-SOTTO) has adopted a significant step to promote swap-kidney transplants. As part of its efforts, the government body will prepare standardised guidelines and networks for such transplants and create public awareness. Even in cases where we have family members willing to donate the organ, transplantation may not be possible due to blood group incompatibility and immunological mismatch. In such a case, swap-kidney transplant is an option. We may have donors and recipients facing the same problem in other hospitals or cities. We communicate with them, check compatibility and move forward with transplant surgery, said Dr Noble Gracious, executive director of K-SOTTO. Around 30% of patients are on the list awaiting donors because of incompatibility. They have donors, but there is a mismatch. Swap-kidney transplants can help such patients. If we develop a mechanism, we can save many patients. By working out combinations, the possibilities of transplant will increase. Swap-kidney transplants with the right donor, and recipients can reduce the chances of infection and rejection risk and will reduce the cost of treatment, said Dr Feroz Azeez, consultant nephrologist at IQRAA and Aster MIMS Hospital, Kozhikode. In 2021, the Kerala High Court allowed swap-kidney transplants between non-relatives. There are risk factors involved. We need to convince the families about the benefits. Networking of patients and hospitals is possible with the registry and software available with K-SOTTO. What is more important is to educate the public, Dr Noble said, adding that proper guidelines standardising the process can help make the procedure transparent and accessible for the public. We have more than 2,000 patients waiting for a kidney transplant in the state. A swap transplant will be beneficial at least for some of them. Moreover, it helps reduce the number of patients undergoing dialysis treatment. If transplant surgery is conducted at an early stage after identifying a condition, the quality of life can be improved, Dr Noble added. The process requires coordination between hospitals, logistics services, and the willingness of the families of the parties. There should be coordination between surgeons and hospitals on sharing details of patients and willing donors. Logistics is another concern. Transplant centres should cooperate to promote swap-kidney transplants. Government monitoring can make the procedure more transparent, Dr Noble said, adding that changes in the legal framework can also contribute to bringing change.
Use of banned food colours: safety squads intensify checks in Kozhikode
5 regional squads are part of inspections, which will cover food-based ventures near schools, colleges, and other educational institutions
Two more cases registered against couple under POCSO Act in Kozhikode
Police to record statements of more teenagers who were allegedly drugged and sexually exploited by the two
Already plagued by staff shortage, transfer of senior doctors could hit Kozhikode MCH
Plus One seat shortage: KSU activists picket DDEs office in Kozhikode
Wayanad tunnel project gets Union Ministry nod
It enables the State government to officially start the construction work of the 2,134-crore twin tube unidirectional four-lane tunnel road between Kozhikode and Wayanad districts. The tendering process has already been completed for the project, which will be implemented by Bhopal-based Dilip Buildcon Limited and Kolkata-based Royal Infrastructure.
UDF councillors suspension triggers chaos in Kozhikode Corpn. meeting
Heavy rain, wind continue to cause widespread damage in Kozhikode
The India Meteorological Department forecasts rains with thunderstorms for Delhi, Noida, and other NCR areas on June 17. Kerala is expected to receive widespread heavy rainfall until June 18. A red alert is in effect for Malappuram and Kozhikode. An orange alert has been issued for several other districts.
KMRL enters eighth year with plans for tramway, metro expansion
In-principle approval granted for feasibility study of proposed elevated tramway from High Court to Thevara; metro system planned for Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, with Water Metro model set to expand to 21 locations nationwide
Change in leadership likely at SFI all-India meet in Kozhikode
Identity cards made mandatory for migrant fishers in Kozhikode
Heavy rain, gusty winds lash Kozhikode district of Kerala
Kozhikode on red alert. District Collector has declared a holiday for all educational institutions for Monday
Squads remain alert as water level rises in rivers in Kozhikode
Entry to water tourism destinations in the district to be restricted
Rain relentless in Kerala, holiday declared for educational institutions in nine districts on Monday
Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Malappuram on red alert on Monday. Mining operations banned in Kottayam till June 17
Two-day CME conference begins at Kozhikode medical college
Heavy rain: Ban imposed on quarrying in Kozhikode district
Entry of tourists to be restricted to all water tourism spots until further notice
It's Deja Vu for Kozhikode, Mangaluru plane crash survivors
Air India Boeing 787-8 crash in Ahmedabad has brought back all traumatic memories.
